Review of Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas

10/20/2010

On Oct. 16th, I got a chance to tour the biggest cruise ship sailing today. The Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas is a 225,282 ton ship that is 1,187 feet long and 208 feet wide. If sailing full at double occupancy, the number of guests is 5,400. If at total capacity—6,296 guests. It boasts a crew of 2,394 from over 71 countries.
I admit I was not very excited about this ship because of the ship and amount of people it would hold. To be on a ship to most is an intimate vacation with a smaller amount of people and plenty of space for all. After touring it, I have to take back my concerns. Of course we were on when guests were in the embarkation process, so not all passengers were on yet, but there was not as much of a ‘crowded’ feeling as I thought there would be. The size of the ship gives plenty of space for everyone.
There are 7 neighborhoods on the ship with each having a different theme and feel. Some have cabins in the neighborhood and some do not.

BOARDWALK---The main feature here is the AquaTheater. There are 6 AquaTheatre Suites that overlook the main attraction. With a carousel, 2 rock climbing walls, an old time photo booth and candy store, you will be taken back to a carnival era as you walk through this area. Johnny Rockets diner($4.95 pp srv chrg) and the Seafood Shack( $8.95pp, 12 under $4.45) are 2 of the dining venues here along with a Coffee & Donut Shop, Ice Cream Parlor(ala carte pricing) and a casual take out. The Boardwalk View Balcony staterooms and the Boardwalk View staterooms are two new categories of accommodations that are in this neighborhood.

CENTRAL PARK—To see trees and a park like setting in the middle of a ship is strange, but this is a lovely area of themed garden spaces with a variety of tropical foliage. Sit on the park benches and watch as people stroll by. This neighborhood claim to fame is the first Coach store at sea! And the Rising Tide Bar, the first levitating bar at sea is something to see. There are a variety of eating establishments here also. Chops Grille ($25pp), 150 Central Park ($35pp), Giovanni’s Table ($10pp lunch, $15pp dinner) along with the Park Café and Vintages Wine bar give you plenty of dining options. The new categories here are Central Park View Balcony staterooms and Central Park View staterooms.

ROYAL PROMENADE—The heart of the ship, this is a central area for guests to dine, shop and be entertained. The Promenade Bridge is a highlight of this section along with the Mezzanine Level where you can overlook all that is going on. All your main shopping is here along with Guest Services and Explorations Shore and Land Excursions desk. Sorrento’s Pizzeria, Café Promenade, the Coffee Bar and the awesome Cupcake Cupboard(ala carte prices) make up the dining establishments here. The English style Pub is a fun place along with 3 other bars. The Promenade View staterooms allow for you to take in all the action below.

POOL & SPORTS ZONE—This area is made up of 2 decks. My favorite place on this ship is located at the front of the ship on deck 15. The Solarium is an adults only area with plush seating and loungers, a pool and 4 whirlpools. There is also a Bistro there for healthy breakfast and lunch that becomes a specialty restaurant by night($20pp). The Wipe Out Café is the buffet which overlooks the sports court. There are 5 bars over the 2 decks. H2O Zone is a aqua park for kids and families while the Sports pool is for lap swimming and watersports. The Beach pool features a sloped oceanlike entry and the Main pool is perfect for taking a dip to cool off. There are 6 more whirlpools in this area. Up on the Sports deck you can try out your surfing skills on one of 2 FlowRider simulators or be daring and traverse the ship for 9 seconds on the ZipLine 9 decks high. Miniature golf, basketball, volleyball, ping pong and more are sure to keep the sports minded guests busy.

VITALITY AT SEA SPA AND FITNESS—For those who want to renew their body inside and out this is the place to be. Massages and treatments of all kinds can be found here. They even offer Botox. Go on a cruise come back looking years younger. There is a beauty salon and a thermal suite featuring heated tile loungers, saunas and steamrooms. Grab a smoothie or wrap at the health driven Vitality Café. The largest jogging track at sea is partially covered and there are weights and over 150 state of the art cardio and resistance machines to keep you fit.

ENTERTAINMENT PLACE—Choices like you have never had before are here. Besides the Casino and the Main theater, you can witness one of a kind ice skating shows and themed events, go to the late night adult comedy shows, sing karaoke or sing along with the piano player in the Schooner Bar. Jazz on 4 is an intimate jazz and blues lounge with live entertainment and the Blaze nightclub features the latest in dance music with a large dance floor. Dazzles with enteratin you with themes ranging from big band to disco music. And lastly the main attraction is the AquaTheater. Stunning water acrobatics and high diving aerial performances make this 600 seat theater the place to be.

YOUTH ZONE---Walking through this area made me wish I was a kid again. Programs are available for all age groups from 6 months to 17 years. From the large central play area to the Adventure Ocean Theater, the kids will think they are in heaven. There are interactive science projects in the Adventure Science Lab, arts and crafts in Imagination Studio and jewelry making and scrapbooking in The Workshop. Each specific age group has its own playroom and there is also an infant and toddler nursery. Teens have their own disco and Living Room where they can watch movies, play games and just visit.

Another new class of accommodations on this ship is the Loft Suites. They are two level urban lofts offering panoramic views through the floor to ceiling windows. The master bedroom and bath are upstairs with a living area, dining area and guest bath are on the main level. A private balcony with deck chairs make this a cabin to meet your needs. All the cabins I saw were of good size even the standard inside cabins.

Outside of the 24 elevators, there is an interactive screen to help you find your way around the ship. To see as much as we can in a short amount of time, we agents feel like we are running through the ship, but I was surprised at how easy it was to get around and not feel lost. For someone having a week to be on this ship, it should not take them too long to figure out where most things are.

The Oasis of the Seas sails from Ft Lauderdale on alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Eastern ports in Nassau, St Thomas and St Maarten while the Western ports are Labadee, Haiti, Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. If you want to book a cruise on this one of a kind ship give me a call today. 214-478-2150 or email tammy@horizonsunlimitedtravel.com

Stairs to bedroom in loft suite