Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas has reached an important milestone, celebrating 15 years of service since her delivery on October 28, 2010. Over the years, the ship has become one of the most recognisable names in modern cruising.
Built at the STX Europe shipyard in Turku, Finland, Allure of the Seas was designed as a sister ship to Oasis of the Seas. At the time of her debut, she slightly surpassed her sibling to become the world’s largest cruise ship.
The ship entered service with cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, sailing from Royal Caribbean’s then-new terminal in Fort Lauderdale. Her early itineraries focused on seven-night voyages to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
A highlight of those inaugural seasons was a call at Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private destination in Haiti. The stop quickly became a guest favourite and remains a key feature of many itineraries today.
Sailing from Ports Around the World
After several years homeported at Port Everglades, Allure of the Seas expanded her reach. The ship later sailed from Galveston, Port Canaveral, and Miami, introducing the Oasis-class experience to new markets.
In 2015, Allure also made her European debut, offering summer cruises in the Western Mediterranean. Departing from ports in Spain and Italy, the ship brought large-scale cruising to the region.
Plans for another European season in 2020 were interrupted by the global shutdown. However, the ship returned to the Mediterranean this year, marking her second full season in the region.
Major Refurbishment and Modern Updates
Before returning to Europe, Allure of the Seas underwent a major $100 million refurbishment. Completed in April, the project refreshed public spaces and added several new attractions.
New features included The Perfect Storm waterslides, updated dining venues, additional bars, and an upgraded pool deck. Royal Caribbean also added new suites above the bridge and enhanced the Ultimate Abyss slide.
Looking Ahead to 2026
In 2026, Allure of the Seas will continue sailing from multiple homeports. The ship is scheduled to operate cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, and Miami throughout the year.
After starting the year in Florida, the vessel will reposition to Texas in the spring before returning to Florida later in the year. A winter season from Miami is planned for 2026-27.
After 15 years, Allure of the Seas remains a cornerstone of Royal Caribbean’s fleet and a favourite among cruisers worldwide.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Delivered | 2010 |
| Gross Tonnage | ~220,000 |
| Shipyard | STX Europe, Finland |
| Major Refit | $100M refurbishment in 2024 |
| Key Regions | Caribbean, Mediterranean |
| 2026 Homeports | Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, Miami |
