Symphony of the Seas vs Allure of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas vs Allure of the Seas: Which Ship Should You Choose?

Picking between these two Royal Caribbean giants isn't as simple as you might think. Both ships belong to the impressive Oasis Class fleet, but they each have their own personality and strengths that could make or break your cruise experience.

Ship Specifications and Size

Symphony of the Seas launched in 2018 as one of the newest additions to Royal Caribbean's fleet. She stretches 1,188 feet long and weighs in at 228,081 gross tons. Her passenger capacity hits 5,518 in double occupancy, though she can squeeze in up to 6,680 guests when fully loaded.

Allure of the Seas, the older sister, set sail back in 2010. She's nearly identical in size at 1,187 feet long with around 225,000 gross tons. Her passenger numbers are remarkably similar – about 5,484 guests in double occupancy, maxing out at 6,780.

The size difference between these ships is practically negligible. You won't feel cramped on either one, thanks to their clever neighborhood-style layout that spreads crowds across multiple decks and zones.

Recent Updates and Renovations

Here's where things get interesting. Symphony arrived with all the latest bells and whistles already built in – think of her as the iPhone 12 of cruise ships. Everything was designed with 2018 technology and guest preferences in mind.

Allure took a different path. She underwent a massive $100 million "amplification" renovation that wrapped up in 2025. This wasn't just a fresh coat of paint – Royal Caribbean completely transformed sections of the ship. New water slides, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues appeared seemingly overnight.

The renovation added the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, Splashaway Bay water park, laser tag facilities, and southern-themed dining at The Mason Jar. They even threw in a Playmakers Sports Bar for good measure.

Onboard Activities and Entertainment

Symphony boasts an impressive lineup of activities right out of the gate. You'll find extensive water slides, a full-size carousel, the famous Central Park with real plants, surfing simulators, and spectacular aqua theater shows. The ship feels like a floating resort with something happening around every corner.

Allure's post-renovation entertainment scene now rivals Symphony's offerings. The ship features the Broadway hit "Mamma Mia!" and the Aqua80Too spectacular. Those new water slides and the laser tag arena give families plenty of reasons to stay busy.

Both ships offer similar core experiences – rock climbing walls, mini golf, multiple pools, and the signature Central Park promenade. The difference often comes down to newer versus newly renovated amenities.

Dining and Culinary Options

Symphony's dining scene reflects modern cruise trends with innovative restaurant concepts and diverse international cuisines. The ship's newer design allowed Royal Caribbean to incorporate popular dining venues from the start.

Allure's recent amplification brought her dining game up to current standards. The addition of The Mason Jar gives the ship a unique southern flair you won't find on Symphony. Combined with existing favorites and the new Playmakers Sports Bar, Allure now offers compelling dining variety.

Space and Crowding

This is where the numbers tell an interesting story. Symphony actually has a slightly lower space ratio – meaning less space per passenger compared to Allure. However, both ships use the neighborhood concept so effectively that crowding rarely feels like an issue.

Symphony accommodates 5,518 guests across her 228,081 tons, while Allure spreads 5,484 guests across similar tonnage. The difference is minimal, but Allure might feel just a touch more spacious in public areas.

Cost and Value Considerations

Symphony typically commands higher prices for similar itineraries. She's the newer ship, and Royal Caribbean prices her accordingly. If budget flexibility isn't a concern and you want the latest everything, Symphony delivers.

Allure often presents better value, especially considering her recent amplification. You're getting newly renovated facilities and modern amenities at prices that reflect her 2010 launch date rather than her 2025 upgrades. For budget-conscious cruisers, this creates an attractive opportunity.

Itinerary Differences

Your destination preferences might make this decision for you. Symphony tends to sail routes that include Perfect Day at CocoCay and Mexican ports. Allure often heads to different Caribbean destinations, sometimes including Aruba.

Check the specific itineraries for your travel dates – you might find one ship visits places you've been dreaming about while the other doesn't.

Which Ship Wins for Different Travelers

Choose Symphony if:

• You prefer the newest available amenities
• Budget isn't your primary concern
• You like the idea of sailing on a ship designed with current standards
• The specific itinerary appeals to you

Choose Allure if:

• Value matters and you want recently upgraded features at lower prices
• You're excited about unique additions like The Mason Jar restaurant
• You prefer ships with some character and history (even with modern updates)
• Her itinerary matches your destination wishlist

The Bottom Line

Both ships deliver exceptional cruise experiences that will leave you planning your next voyage before you even dock. Symphony gives you that "newest ship" feeling with everything designed for modern cruising. Allure offers the charm of experience combined with fresh, contemporary upgrades.

The choice often comes down to personal priorities – do you want the latest and greatest regardless of cost, or do you prefer getting maximum value with newly enhanced amenities? Either way, you're choosing between two of the most impressive ships sailing today.