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Oceania's Allura: It’s all about seagoing refinement

What's included in your fare

Oceania’s “Your World Included” promise bundles in dining at specialty restaurants (with no per-venue cover charges), shipboard gratuities, and unlimited Wi‑Fi — three line items that can add up fast on other cruise lines.

You’ll also find a strong set of everyday inclusions aimed at keeping the experience frictionless: specialty coffees and teas, soft drinks, still and sparkling water, and a range of juices. Oceania also advertises free laundry for all guests, which is especially valuable on longer itineraries or multi-week back-to-back sailings.

What’s typically not included: shore excursions, spa services, premium wines and spirits, and certain special events (for example, ultra-premium tastings or private dining experiences). If you are comparing lines, budget for excursions — Oceania is destination-focused, and the best days on Allura often happen off the ship.

Dining options

On Allura, dining is a central part of the onboard identity rather than a supporting amenity. The Grand Dining Room serves as the everyday anchor with a broad menu and elevated execution, supported by a rotation of regional inspirations and classic dishes associated with Oceania’s culinary leadership.

Four of Oceania’s signature specialty restaurants are included: Toscana (Italian), Polo Grill (classic steakhouse), Red Ginger (pan-Asian), and Jacques (French). In practice, that means you can treat “specialty dining” as your default — especially on longer voyages—without watching your onboard bill grow with every reservation.

Beyond the dinner venues, Allura gives you multiple day-to-day choices: Aquamar Kitchen for wellness-forward breakfasts and lunches, Terrace Café for an expansive buffet with outdoor seating, and poolside fare at Waves Grill. For coffee and small bites, Baristas is a constant hub.

New on Allura is the Crêperie, a dedicated venue for French crêpes and waffles (and related sweets) that operates as a mid-day indulgence stop. For celebratory nights, the intimate Privée private dining room supports curated experiences (including premium Champagne pairings) that typically carry an additional charge.

Activities on board

Allura’s daytime rhythm is built around enrichment, wellness, and “learn something new” programming rather than game show-style competition. Expect talks from guest speakers, port-focused presentations, and small-format activities that complement the destinations rather than compete with them.

Culinary programming is a standout. Oceania’s Culinary Center offers hands-on classes (often themed to regions you’re visiting), and the adjacent Chef’s Studio supports more intimate demonstrations and tastings. These sessions are popular and can sell out, so it pays to plan early.

For wellness, Allura’s Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center pairs a modern fitness space with spa treatments and a dedicated relaxation terrace concept (varies by sailing). You can also expect group classes such as yoga and stretching alongside a straightforward sports deck for light activity and fresh air.

For creative and practical pursuits, venues such as Artist Loft and the LYNC Digital Center support workshops — from art sessions to tech tutorials geared toward photography, smartphones, and social media. It’s a low-pressure way to spend a sea day and leave with a new skill.

Entertainment

Evenings on Allura are designed to feel sophisticated and social rather than theatrical. You’ll find live music in the lounges, polished vocal sets, and production-style shows that fit the ship’s scale. The goal is ambiance: a great soundtrack for a cocktail, conversation, and a nightcap.

The ship’s primary show venue hosts a rotation of performances, while the Grand Lounge and other social spaces act as the ship’s living room after dinner. You can also expect piano music, small ensembles, and themed sets depending on the cruise director’s programming for that sailing.

If you enjoy a bit of gaming, the casino offers a classic cruise-ship mix in an atmosphere that leans more Monte Carlo lounge than flashing arcade. But entertainment is never the loudest thing on board — Allura’s personality stays refined even at peak evening hours.

Staterooms

On Allura, every stateroom has a balcony. Standard staterooms are notably spacious by cruise standards, and the overall design palette reads as modern coastal — clean lines, soft neutrals, and a layout that prioritizes comfort over decorative excess.

Entry categories typically include French Veranda and Veranda staterooms, moving up to Concierge Level Veranda for added perks such as priority services and lounge access. Above that, Penthouse Suites and the higher suite categories add meaningful living space plus butler service, creating a noticeably more residential feel.

Across categories, expect details that matter on longer voyages: quality bedding, a well-designed bathroom with a strong shower, thoughtful storage, and practical tech touches. In-suite dining is available around the clock, which becomes especially appealing on port-intensive itineraries when you may prefer a quieter evening.

Dress code

Oceania’s overall approach is “country club casual.” Daytime attire is relaxed, and the vibe onboard is polished without being stuffy. Think resort wear that can transition from a shore day to a late lunch on deck.

In the evenings, plan on smart casual: collared shirts or dressy tops, tailored pants or dressy jeans, and appropriate footwear. Shorts and T‑shirts are generally reserved for the most casual venues later in the day, and swimwear belongs poolside.

There are no formal nights that require tuxedos or gowns, though some guests enjoy dressing up anyway. The sweet spot is effortless sophistication — comfortable, well-fitting pieces that look intentional without feeling like a costume.

Reality check

Allura delivers a lot in the base fare, but it’s still a premium cruise where extras can add up if you are not paying attention. Excursions, spa treatments, premium beverages, and certain culinary experiences (private dining, top-tier tastings) are where most guests see incremental spend.

Because specialty dining is included, prime reservation times can become competitive on fully booked sailings. If your happiness depends on dining at a particular venue multiple times, make reservations early and stay flexible on dining times.

Finally, Allura is bigger than Oceania’s older R-class ships, so it will not feel like a 600-guest boutique vessel. The trade-off is more dining variety, broader programming, and public spaces that are purpose-built for modern luxury cruising.

Interested in a cruise on this ship?

For pricing, itinerary information and to reserve your spot on Allura, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or by calling 1-877-322-3773.

Cruiseable team
The Cruiseable editorial team consists of award-winning travel writers, cruise bloggers and journalists.

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