3-night Allure of the Seas cruise review

·30 min·3 clips

Host Matt Hochberg reviews his first three-day cruise on an Oasis-class ship, questioning if Royal Caribbean's new short-cruise strategy is worth it.

In episode 518 of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast, host Matt Hochberg shares a detailed review of his three-night cruise on Allure of the Seas. This marks Royal Caribbean's new strategy of offering regular short cruises on Oasis-class ships, which traditionally did seven-night itineraries. Matt explains this shift aims to attract new markets and utilize the growing Oasis-class fleet, with Utopia of the Seas set to follow suit. He booked the Royal Loft Suite, a two-level Star Class room with a jacuzzi balcony, for $7,000 total for his family of four, considering it a good deal compared to longer sailings. Matt frames three-night cruises as a way for experienced cruisers to 'scratch the itch' between longer trips, not for first-timers. He addresses common concerns about not having time to experience everything on a large ship by comparing it to visiting a city like New York or Disney World, where you enjoy highlights without doing it all. The review covers suite amenities, including a piano, large balcony, and bathroom with a partially see-through shower window, plus quirks like limited outlets. Matt discusses the Royal Genie service, noting inconsistencies and learning curves on short cruises, such as restrictions on ordering from multiple specialty restaurants for room service. He highlights shows like Mamma Mia and the new ice skating show 'Blades', emphasizing that you can see key performances with planning. The episode includes listener emails: John asks about the Royal Caribbean app and kids' activities, with Matt recommending Adventure Ocean; Dottie compares cruise pricing, prompting Matt to note variables like departure port and season; Bill inquires about COVID-19 protocols, which Matt confirms are no longer required. Matt concludes that three-night Oasis-class cruises are worth it with the right mindset, and he has booked future similar sailings.

As heard by us

A grounded look at whether Allure of the Seas makes a three-night cruise feel worthwhile.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast treats a three-night Allure of the Seas sailing as a practical test: can an Oasis-class ship, long tied to seven-night vacations, make a quick getaway feel worth it?

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a quick Royal Caribbean test drive: three nights on Allure of the Seas, with the big-ship question and suite quirks left in.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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