Monday, January 16, 2017

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas

Looking down at the Boardwalk area
Yesterday I did a travel agent tour on board Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas.  I have sailed on Allure of the Seas (about 5 years ago) and I absolutely loved it.  I have been wanting to get back on an Oasis Class ship, but schedules have not permitted me to do so.  You can imagine how thrilled I was when Royal Caribbean announced that Oasis would be home ported in Port Canaveral, Florida … I live about 10 minutes from Port Canaveral.  So this summer, I have two adjoining balconies for my family (myself, hubby and four kids).  I am beyond excited!  It was such a tease to do the tour yesterday.  I so badly just wanted to stay on board and sail away!

I wanted to share my excitement about this ship and some photos.  For those that are thinking of cruising on an Oasis Class ship, this is a good place to be to see what it is all about.  So, here we go …

This ship is HUGE!  It comes in at 1,188 feet long and weighs 225,282 tons.  To put that in perspective, it is longer than three football fields!  This ship carries 5,402 guests at double occupancy and has 2,394 crew members on board to make sure that your vacation experience is fantastic.  I have to say though, even though the ship is massive, you don’t feel like you are vacationing with over 5,000 people.  The ship has so many areas and options.  The only time I felt like it was crowded was on Day 1, when everyone has just boarded, staterooms are not quite ready yet, and everyone is roaming around.  The other time is when the Dreamworks parade is going on.  Other than that, no crowd issues.

Part of the balcony of the Royal Loft Suite
When doing a travel agent tour, we get to see multiple staterooms, most at the suite level.  This is one of my favorite parts.  We saw the Royal Family Suite, a 2 Bedroom AquaTheater Suite, a Crown Loft Suite and a Grand Suite.  I wish I could have taken more pictures, but honestly, I think I was in awe and completely forgot about taking pictures.  The Oasis Class has its suites broken down into three levels:

Star Class, which is the new definition of VIP.  There are so many inclusions, it would take me forever to list them.  The best one is the Royal Genie and Concierge Services.  Be warned, once you cruise in Star Class you will not be able to cruise any other way.

Sky Class, this also has many inclusions and Concierge Services.

Sea Class, not as inclusive, spacious rooms.

Bedroom of Royal Loft Suite


Looking down from top level of Royal Loft Suite

Sky Loft Suite

The public spaces on this ship are overwhelmingly beautiful.  Central Park and Boardwalk are my favorite.  Central Park is a beautiful area lined with real trees and plants.  Take note … those birds chirping are in fact real, live birds.  They live in Central Park and travel to the Caribbean with you.  Boardwalk is amazing with its working carousel, arcade, and places to eat.  At the end of Boardwalk is the AquaTheater where you can catch amazing acrobatic shows at sea.

Central Park

Central Park

Hungry?  There are three complimentary restaurants, the Windjammer buffet, other casual dining such as Johnny Rockets and Sorrentos Pizza.   There are delectable specialty restaurants that are well worth the cost, such as Sabor Taqueria and Tequila Bar for a fresh take on Mexican favorites; Japanese specialties and hand rolled sushi at Izumi; 150 Central Park; Chops Grille for hand cut steaks and Coastal Kitchen for Suite Guests and Pinnacle members.  There are many more food options to find around Oasis of the Seas.


Promenade View

 There is so much to do on board.  Boredom?  Not here!   You will find bars and hang out spots throughout.  The shows are incredible as well.  Oasis of the Seas has the full production of Broadway’s hit musical, CATS (shown 4 times on a 7 night cruise).  Other shows include Blue Planet and the shows in the AquaTheater.  You can also find Jazz, Comedy, Latin music, visit Vintages for wine and tapas, spend some time on the Rising Tide bar, or relax in the Champagne bar.

If shopping is your thing, you certainly will not be disappointed!  Stroll down Central Park and you will find Coach and Tiffany and Co.  Down the Promenade, you will find Michael Kors, kate spade new york, and other merchants.  How about sitting in on the art auction?  I always find them fascinating and educational.  And, you can always try your luck in the 18,000 square foot Casino Royal!

 The Oasis of the Seas is the perfect ship for your family vacation as well.  There is no shortage of family activities, or things for the older kids to do.   Up on Deck 15, you will find the sports court (basketball), ping pong, arcade, mini golf, pools and rock climbing.  Deck 16 has the two FlowRider surf simulators and a zip line that is nine decks in the air and 82 feet across.  Did I mention there is also an ice skating rink on Deck 3 where you can rent ice skates?  Kinda have to remind yourself that you are on a cruise ship huh!

Rock Climbing Wall and balconies
of Aquatheater Suites
Boardwalk




















Kids Splash Zone

Boardwalk


Mini Golf
I cannot wait to set sail on Oasis with my kids!  Having sailed other cruise lines with them, this will be their first time on an Oasis Class ship.  They are going to be amazed.  The down side is that I might not see them too often with all of the activities and the programming in the kids clubs.  But, that gives mom and dad some opportunity to hang out in Solarium, the adults only retreat, or maybe even a visit to the spa!

Adult Only Solarium

Adult Only Solarium

In the spa

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