Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas just completed a 63-day dry dock in Cadiz, Spain, resulting in some game-changing amplifications. A $165 million transformation has occurred, leading to an absolutely stunning, near-to-new ship. If you liked Oasis of the Seas before, just wait until you take an Oasis of the Seas cruise now.
This Oasis-class curse ship was first rolled out in 2009, following two years of construction. In 2009, Oasis of the Seas was already a complete game changer on the market, so it’s no surprise that she’s making waves once again.
The first Oasis-class ship, followed by Allure of the Seas in 2010, Harmony of the Seas in 2016 and Symphony of the Seas in 2018, Oasis of the Seas set a capacity record for cruise ships with a capacity for more than 6,000 travelers. Of course, now, Oasis of the Seas has been surprised by both Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas, but that still doesn’t make Oasis of the Seas anything to scoff at.
Also Read: 27 Things to Do on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas
With an original cost of $1.4 billion in 2006, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas clocks in at a 226,838 GT; length of more than 1,186 feet; height of 236 feet above the water line; 16 passenger decks; and 18 total decks.
This latest $165 million transformation isn’t the ship’s only bout of refurbishments. Oasis of the Seas also had some minor changes just two years after her maiden voyage, in 2011. She additionally had a dry dock in 2014 with some changes made to the dining offerings. This last summer 2019 dry dock has been her largest yet, before positioning her in Miami for the winter season and Caribbean cruises, ahead of a Big Apple debut in 2020.
The ship, in addition to being known for her size, is also known for the wealth of entertainment that she offers. During an Oasis of the Seas cruise, travelers can experience all kinds of adventures that they would (or maybe even couldn’t) find during a vacation on land. Activities include zip lining, ice skating, surfing, amphitheater shows, gambling and more. There’s something for every age, from nursery age on up.
Thinking of taking an Oasis of the Seas cruise in the near future? Then get ready. There’s plenty to do, see and experience over the course of your itinerary. Here’s everything you need to know about this mammoth cruise ship and the acclaimed Oasis-class service, before you head out on your adventure.
1. The new Top Deck experience is top-notch
Now, on the ship’s Top Deck, you can find amazing entertainment for those who want to sit by the pool, play in the water, just get some sun or have some high thrills. There’s The Ultimate Abyss slide, 10 stories of fright and fun, as this fun slide is the tallest slide at sea, with twists and turns and thrills galore.
Then there’s the new The Perfect Storm — not one, not two, but three waterslides, named Typhoon, Cyclone and Supercell. (In other words, it really is the perfect storm for fun.) And then there’s the new, reimagined, Caribbean pool deck, with a kids aqua park, poolside bar, live music, hammocks, casitas, in-pool loungers and more. You’ll think you’re at a classy resort in the Caribbean, rather than on a cruise ship!
2. New dining serves up big fun
New dining options came about as a result of the recent remodels, too. There’s now the Portside BBQ restaurant, which just so happens to be Royal Caribbean’s very first barbecue restaurant. You can find all your favorite styles of barbecue, all authentic and delicious.
Other new eateries include Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, with nearly 100 televisions in every direction you look, tabletop games, arcade games, a VIP area, beer and more. There’s also Bionic Bar, where you can get a cocktail made by a robot. Sugar Beach serves up more than 200 different kinds of candy and ice cream; it’s a sweet tooth’s dream.
And lastly, among the new dining options, there’s El Loco Fresh, where you’ll go loco for the amazing Mexican street fare and to-go options, including tacos, burritos and quesadillas.
3. Extra entertainment options never fail
Of course, along with the ship’s new Top Deck and dining options, there are also several great new entertainment hot spots and shows. The new Aqua80 show takes place at the amazing Oasis-class AquaTheater. It’s an aqua show unlike anything you’ve ever seen, with high diving and 80s classic tunes. It’s really a can’t-miss while you’re on an Oasis of the Seas cruise.
There’s also One Sky, a new, full-scale production in the Royal Theater, for music and choreography that explores human connections. Spotlight Karaoke is a new spot for you to get your inner rock star on, and Music Hall is a new live music venue debuting with live cover bands and a huge dance floor.
4. Extra family fun is a plus
The new entertainment options continue with extra family fun made possible thanks to the ship’s refurbishments. An all-new Adventure Ocean program gives little guests better experiences as they choose their own cruising adventures. The new Social298 space is a teen lounge with cool gaming consoles, music, movies and even an outdoor deck, so they can kick it in the sun.
Glow-in-the-dark laser tag gives families the chance to battle it out in a fantastical ice city. And, lastly, in the Royal Escape Room, families use their wits to attempt to launch Apollo 18 within a replica of the original Apollo Mission Control Room.
5. Tech makes travel easy
As Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas sets sail with all its new attractions, it also sets sail with the help of the Royal Caribbean International mobile app.
The amenity for guests makes your travel a whole lot easier, as it allows you to check in from your phone, use your phone as a digital stateroom key and plan activities for your day, including making reservations for shore excursions and shows.
6. An Oasis of the Seas cruise includes a stop at CocoCay
CocoCay is a big deal for Royal Caribbean. When it premiered, it was met with rave reviews. It’s basically a private island where families can have even more fun than they can aboard the ship, with all kinds of activities and adventures created by the same great minds behind Royal Caribbean’s best on-board attractions.
Starting in 2020, when Oasis of the Seas sails from New Jersey, families will get to stop at CocoCay during their itinerary, for the “Perfect Day at CocoCay” experience. There, they’ll have access to a zip line, multiple restaurants, thousands of lounge chairs, helium balloon rides, more slides than any other waterpark in the Caribbean, three coves in the lagoon, the tallest water slide in North America, the largest wave pool in the Caribbean, an adventure pool with an obstacle course, overwater cabanas, an infinity pool, paddle boarding, jet skis, volleyball games, soccer, basketball and more.
Now that definitely sounds like a perfect day. More details about the private island can be found here.
7. You’ll find the same Oasis-class luxury you love in the staterooms
There are staterooms and then there are staterooms, and Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas offers some of the best. These staterooms are designed with both style and function in mind, giving you a cruising experience that’s truly a step above the rest. Regardless of the kind of stateroom you choose, you’ll find that each comes with tons of space (both for you and your luggage!) and all the amenities you could need.
There are interior staterooms (still not a bad option, even though these are sometimes the bottom of the barrel on other cruise ships), ocean view staterooms, balcony staterooms and virtual balcony staterooms.
The virtual balcony staterooms are really something special, as they literally feature a virtual balcony. Technology projects a real-time balcony view onto your wall, so even though the view doesn’t actually exist, you still get to enjoy it, right from the comfort of your own bed.
8. Royal Caribbean knows how to treat its VIPs
If you thought all of that luxury was more than enough, well then just wait. There are even more luxury experiences at your disposal if you book the VIP treatment aboard your Oasis of the Seas cruise.
That’s because Royal Caribbean offers something it calls the Royal Suite Class. You get, firstly, the amazing accommodations offered within the big, gorgeous luxury suites that are more akin to something you’d see in a boutique luxury hotel than on a typical cruise ship. Then, there’s everything that goes above and beyond the accommodations.
VIP Royal Suite Class travelers get extra amenities, personalized service and exclusive experiences. Whether you’re on or off the ship, everyone’s treating you like a VIP traveler.
Royal Suite Class can be divided into three different options: Sea Class, Sky Class and Star Class. Sea Class travelers enjoy a dedicated check-in line, priority ship boarding, a coastal kitchen dinner, classic bathrobe, upgraded bathroom amenities and in-room coffee and tea service.
Sky Class passengers get all that, plus concierge service, exclusive activities, suite lounge and concierge club access, priority departure and more. And then Star Class passengers get all that plus complimentary gratuities, specialty dining and deluxe beverages. And that’s just the start!
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9. The Oasis of the Seas ship interior is decorated in high style
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas is special in a number of ways, but there’s one way that it’s special that you might not even notice. Next time you’re aboard the ship, take a look at the murals and artwork on the walls. The famed muralist Clarissa Parish is to credit for the gorgeous murals and tromp l’oeil work found throughout the ship.
In addition to working on Oasis of the Seas, she also worked on Liberty of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas and more — in total more than 15 ships for Royal Caribbean and additionally other ships for both Cunard and Norwegian Cruise Lines.
10. Oasis of the Seas is in good family
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas has not one, not two, but seven godmothers. Who needed that much love? The seven godmothers are meant to represent one of each of the seven neighborhoods aboard the ship.
Godmothers include Gloria Estefan, Michelle Kwan, Dara Torres, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Shawn Johnson, Jane Seymour and Daisy Fuentes. The ship was named and launched, along with help of the godmothers, during a charity sailing for Make-A-Wish.
11. Relaxation is just as much fun as this ship’s…well, fun
We’ve talked a lot about all the fun you can have aboard Oasis of the Seas — what with water slides and laser tag, stops at private islands and more. But what if you find that all to be too much fun? What if your idea of fun is, instead, relaxation?
Well, no worries, because you’ll find that in spades aboard Oasis of the Seas as well. Especially, that is, if you take a trip to the spa. There, you can find amazing classic spa treatments, from massages and wraps to facials and manicures, but you can also find medi-spa treatments for more advanced beauty needs. And, if you just need a quick fix, then pedicures, hair styles, cuts and teeth whitening are all an option, too.
12. The shows are really stellar this season
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas boasts some spectacular shows this season. If you like to catch a few performances while you’re cruising, then you’re in luck going into 2020 if you take an Oasis of the Seas cruise.
For example, catch everyone’s favorite Broadway classic Cats ahead of seeing the new, live-action remake in movie theaters. The musical is one of the most beloved of all time, so even if you’re not familiar with the story, then give it a try. You might be surprised at all the fun you have.
If your family is more into the latest Frozen movie than Cats, then you might find that your family also likes the cruise line’s ice show, Frozen in Time. The enchanting, dazzling performance, filled with choreography and music, follows several favorite Hans Christian Andersen fairytales.
13. If you find spending (and then winning) a little cash to be therapeutic, you’re set
For those adults who want to spend and then win a little cash aboard their cruise, you’ve got options. First, go shop ’til you drop when you browse the various shopping options, including all your favorite luxury brands and all the best-known labels. Whether you want clothes, perfume, accessories, liquor, wine or jewelry, you’ll find it. And it’s all tax- and duty-free!
Then, go recoup your spendings in the Oasis of the Seas casino, where you can find easy ways to test your luck, whether you’re an avid gambler or someone new to (all) the games. Rookies can get a crash course in popular casino games before the casino opens each day or you can get straight to the action, playing roulette, the slots, dice, blackjack and more.
14. Getting creative (and educational!) with kids is easy
If you’re worried about your kid spending the entire cruise just riding the waterslides over and over again and filling up on sugary drinks and ice cream (which is a perfectly fine vacation experience, don’t get us wrong — some parents just want something more), then you’ve chosen the right cruise line for your vacation.
There are plenty of ways for kids to be entertained, creative and educated all at the same time. They can visit the Adventure Science Lab, for science-based activities, like chemistry experiments. They can get crafty at the Imagination Studio, with all kinds of craft materials available. They can even get on stage and put on some shows for parents, whether they like to act, sing or direct, thanks to the Adventure Ocean Theater.
15. The original Oasis-class dining options are superb
We talked about the new dining options that you can find aboard Oasis of the Seas, but what about the dining options that were already there? What are they like? There are nearly two dozen different dining options, so you’ll never go hungry, for one.
There’s gourmet fare paired with fine wines at the Chef’s Table; deli bites at Park Cafe; Tuscan fare meets California flavors at Coastal Kitchen; steakhouse classics at Chops Grille; sushi and sashimi and even dinner cooked on hot rocks before your very eyes at Izumi Sushi and Hot Rocks; classic Italian delicacies and wine at Giovanni’s; perfectly fresh seafood cooked in a New England style at Hooked Seafood; a menu designed by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver at Jamie’s Italian; Far East flavors at Teppanyaki; inventive and creative dining experiences at Wonderland; classic cruise buffet favorites at Windjammer; and more. This just scratches the surface!
16. You’ll never want to leave the watering holes
No, really. With a bar on every corner, Oasis of the Seas keeps the drinks flowing, with some amazing atmospheres at each bar that will hook you in and keep you coming back for more.
Sit back and relax at the Solarium Bar, with its adults-only restriction that keeps the noise to a minimum. Drink on the go when you take the Rising Tide Bar from Central Park to the Royal Promenade, all on a one-of-a-kind, hybrid elevator.
Experience VIP service in the Diamond Club. Shake it to your favorite salsa beats at Boleros. Drink in the park-like atmosphere (and a cocktail, of course!) at Trellis Bar. Sing along to your favorite piano tunes at Schooner Bar. There are many, many other watering holes dotting this fantastic ship, so make sure to try them all!
17. Whatever your fix, you don’t have to leave it at home
Whether your favorite thing to start your day off right is a cuppa joe or an early morning jog, or anything else, you can find it aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. As for those two things, there is a Starbucks aboard the ship, and there are jogging tracks, so you can get your steps in (or just go to the state-of-the-art fitness center, if you so prefer).
Whatever little creature comfort or amenity you need to make your stay great, from WiFi to dining that fits a specialty diet, Royal Caribbean has you covered during an Oasis of the Seas cruise.
Also Read: 15 Impressive Things About the Symphony of the Seas Cruise Ship
Oasis of the Seas FAQ:
There are currently four Oasis-class ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Oasis of the Seas was the first Oasis-class ship, delivered in 2009 and at the time breaking records for passenger capacity. Allure of the Seas followed in 2010, along with Harmony of the Seas in 2016 and Symphony of the Seas in 2018. Two additional Oasis-class ships are expected to be delivered to Royal Caribbean in 2021 and 2023.
Oasis of the Seas does have multiple waterslides. There’s The Ultimate Abyss waterslide, which is the tallest water slide at sea, at 10 stories high. There’s also The Perfect Storm trio of waterslides, including Typhoon, Cyclone and Supercell.
Standard dining, drinking, activities, shows and family programming are free on Oasis of the Seas. Only additional, premium products are extra, such as dining at select restaurants, drinking at select bars, select shows, shopping and spa treatments.
While Oasis of the Seas is a very large ship, with capacity for more than 6,000 passengers, that doesn’t mean you’ll have to battle 5,999 other passengers to get to dinner. There’s enough space for everyone at all or most times, with the only crowds you’ll see being around shows and occasionally at the family pools.
You can access free WiFi on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas only if you have a select VIP sailing package. Otherwise you can purchase access to Voom, a WiFi service that’s $15 per day, per device.
