Launched in 2009, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas is an Oasis-class mega-ship capable of holding 5,400 guests. The vessel currently sails to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida. At the time of its debut, Oasis was the largest cruise ship in the world, though it now holds the third spot behind sister ships Allure of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas. This massive vessel is divided into seven distinct “neighborhoods,” including Central Park that boasts over 12,000 plants, the Pool & Sports Zone with FlowRider surf simulators and rock climbing wall, and the Boardwalk featuring a carousel, ice cream shop, and AquaTheater. With a huge number of dining venues, activities, and entertainment choices, Oasis of the Seas is perfect for travelers looking for endless ways to keep themselves busy.
Cruisers on Oasis of the Seas will enjoy soaring across the zip line that spans across the top of the Boardwalk and trying their best to hang ten on the FlowRider. If surfing or heights aren’t your thing, be sure to check out the ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, or a variety of dance classes. Kids from toddlers to teens will make friends easily in the youth clubs, which are divided up by age. They can meet their favorite DreamWorks characters onboard, such as Alex the Lion and Shrek, and take in a How to Train Your Dragon ice-skating show. High-dive shows in the AquaTheater will get your heart pounding, Broadway at Sea production Cats will have you singing along, and the acrobatic performance Come Fly With Me will leave your jaw on the floor.
This mega-ship is brimming with dining choices, both complementary and specialty. Highlights include Sabor Modern Mexican eatery, Chops Grille steakhouse, casual dining at Park Cafe, and 150 Central Park. For a complimentary meal, everyone will find something to love aboard Oasis of the Seas. Other free dining options include Sorrento’s Pizza, the main dining rooms, the Windjammer buffet, The Dog House located in the SeaPlex active space serving up several kinds of hot dogs, and Park Cafe offering casual deli food. For an elegant evening meal, try Italian restaurant Giovanni’s Table, gourmet farm-to-table cuisine at 150 Central Park, or sushi and other Asian-inspired favorites at Izumi.
When it’s time for an afternoon cocktail, one bar in particular stands above the rest - literally. Rising Tide Bar is like a slow, open-air elevator that serves up beer, wine, and other beverages while moving between Central Park and the Promenade. For a more intimate experience, try Vintages Wine Bar, the ship’s English Pub, and the Schooner piano bar. If you want to move and shake the night away, visit Latin-themed club Boleros.
Oasis of the Seas includes the typical interior, oceanview, and balcony staterooms along with a variety of suites, but also comes with some extra categories due to the ship’s unique architecture. There is a large, open-air space in the center of the ship where Central Park and the Boardwalk reside, and this area is lined with staterooms on either side. When booking an interior, guests have the choice of a true interior with no outside access, or a window room that overlooks the Promenade. When choosing a balcony, there are both oceanside and “interior balconies” to pick from. Suite guests also receive exclusive access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant, free internet, concierge service, priority boarding, and more depending on the category booked.
