Dec 16 2009

Royal Caribbean Cruise Review - Oasis of the Seas

Guest Capacity: 5,400 double occupancy

Gross Tonnage: 222,900

Staterooms: 2,700

Decks: 16 high

Length: 1,184 feet

Max Beam: 154 feet

Draft: 30 feet

Cruising Speed: 22 knots

Ship's Registry: Bahamas

Currently sailing to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral 

For the past year or so, there had been a lot of buzz going around in the cruise industry concerning the birth of what Royal Caribbean referred to as their "new baby," the Oasis of the Seas, claiming to be the "largest passenger" cruise ship in the world. I could not wait! I was not sure if I would get invited to "inspect" the ship due to it being on the Florida coast and me being in Los Angeles. Well the opportunity did come for me to not only see the ship, but to experience it as well. I sailed on the Oasis of the Seas for 2 nights to nowhere this past November. For weeks before I could not get information about the Oasis of the Seas, and finally my date to board arrived. 

The Ship holds 5,400 passengers with over 220,000 tons of pure entertainment. There are 18 decks on this ship, 7 different neighborhoods to explore while on board and 37 different stateroom types, from the Loft Suites to some of the largest inside staterooms that I have seen aboard a Royal Caribbean ship. It has over 17 different dining venues, including everything from small, intimate, upscale dining (150 Central Park, Chops Grille, and Giovanni's Table) to coffee, champagne bars, Johnny Rockets and Seafood shack. I was totally impressed with the Wipe out Cafe, located in the Teen's Club.

Oasis also has several different entertainment venues from Studio B with Ice Skating shows to die for, to Jazz on the 4, comedy, and Broadway type shows unlike anything that I have ever seen on any cruise line, including other Royal Caribbean ships. Everywhere you look there's something amazing. On the Oasis there are full size mannequins having a ball. Just when you think that you have seen it all, you'll look around the corner and see something else so amazing; a lizard coming out of the pothole on the floor, or the jazz band figurines outside Jazz on 4. You'll never miss a game because there is a sports bar. How about a live band at Dazzles? It is an excellent location for groups and incentive travel. You have to win in the Casino, there's no losing aboard Oasis of the Seas.

Let's get started. I wanted to scream with excitement when I boarded the ship. The check in process in the new Port Canaveral was very organized and did not take long at all for checking in. As soon as you board the ship, you are boarding on the Royal Promenade (Deck 5). I did not even want to go to my stateroom; I immediately wanted to go through each and every shop on Deck 5. This is also the deck where you would find Guests Services, located directly across from the Rising Tide, the bar where you "float" from deck to deck while enjoying your favorite beverage. There are the usual cruise gift shops where you can find all your duty free gift items, but also some upscale shopping venues for those that want that upscale shopping experience. I was totally impressed with "On Air Club". I felt like I was on 42nd Street in Manhattan, and could not wait for karaoke where I could sing all the songs that I practiced throughout the year. You also have Boleros. Think salsa. I am telling you, later that night when the parties began, Boleros was the place to be. I thought that I was in South Beach with the music and the band. I was young again, wanting to party the night away. The Champagne Bar offers several different selections of champagne, but never would you imagine such an elegant venue. Let's put it this way, each venue had its own personality, its own vibe.

The Royal Promenade used to be the place where you would find all the major entertainment, however on the Oasis, everywhere on board offers you something. Let's go to Central Park (Deck 8). All this time I imagined that Central Park would be tailored to a "replica" of New York's Central Park. Boy was I ever wrong. This is Royal's Central Park. It is to my understanding that there are hundred's of plants from all over that were planted in Central Park. There are trees and exotic plants along the "pathway" and if I had not known better, I would have never imagined that I was aboard a mega cruise ship. You have several alfresco dining options to choose from. Each being slow and intimate, seating clearly under 100 guests in each venue. For breakfast we went to Park Cafe where you can "create your own bagel". Or perhaps you would like to have an English muffin with fresh fruit. This is also where you can purchase your favorite coffee drinks. The Rising Tide also stops here in Central Park. I loved Central Park because if I wanted to get away from it all, it was just one of many escapes while sailing on the Oasis of the Seas. I even heard crickets at night and which made me just sit back and say “wow, Royal has done it again”. I think, in my opinion, Central Park would be a great location for a wedding or if you prefer the Pinnacle Chapel for your wedding, Central Park would be excellent for your reception.

Next we have to go to the Boardwalk (Deck 6). The Boardwalk definitely takes you "back down memory lane". It's everything that Royal boosts, starting from the wood plank floors to the deck decor. From that "funny mirror" that changes your body into all kinds of crazy shapes, to the fortune teller that will read futures of many. I really liked the Carousel and Candy Beach Shop (all your favorite childhood candies in bulk 11.95/lb). This is also the deck where the AquaTheater is located. We weren't able to see the actual show (water acrobats) but we were able to see one of the divers in rehearsal. Totally amazing! This is also where Johnny Rockets and the Seafood Shack are located. Johnny Rockets offered hamburgers, while Seafood Shack offered light seafood dishes to choose from. At the Boardwalk Bar, we had corn dogs on the stick. This was also one of my favorite stateroom locations: either categories B1 and B2 (Boardwalk View Stateroom with Balcony) or even better, Categories A1 through A3 (AquaTheater Suites with Balcony). These categories are much better than just the ocean view staterooms. These staterooms not only face the "inside" of the ship but also allow you to have the best of both worlds, with views of the ocean as well as the Boardwalk and AquaTheather. No more of rushing to get the best seats in the house for the AquaTheather, just walk outside on your balcony and enjoy!

Okay where do we go next......mmmmmmmmmmmmm. Let's go to the Youth Zone........THE BEST AT SEA!!!!!!!!!! I am warning all parents.......you won't see your children (did you know that Royal Caribbean has security cameras on all passenger decks, so your children are always safe?) once you take them to the Youth Zone. Yes, Royal did take their Youth programs (aged from 3 to 11). You have the Adventure Science Lab, where our children learn the elements of science; the Imagination Studio, where creatively is learned; and even the Adventure Ocean Theater, where I can only imagine the many productions that will take place. The Teen's area on the Oasis, FORGET IT! Stop worrying if the teens are going to be okay? Will they get bored after a couple of days of the same old thing? I doubt that once your teens have made their home in the Living Room (teen hangout), or the Challenge Arcade, or the Zip line, or 2 Rock Climbing wall, or the Fuel Teen Disco, or the mini-golf course, or the Flowriders, or the Basketball court, or the H20 full Water park (whew), that they will ever want to go back home again.

Now that the kids are being well taken care of, let's go to our hangout…………..The SOLARIUM.........OMG!!! IS THIS MOM"S PARADISE??? You bet your sweet tired “Calgon, take me away moment,” this is the place. There are Cabanas and Whirlpools with flat screen TVs (no children allowed, YES!!). Think of it this way, you have your children on the same deck on one end and you have your own OASIS on the other end. They even have one of those thermal pools to relax those aching muscles. You also have the Solarium Bar and Bistro. I see myself spending lots of hours here. The Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center gives you a sense of calm and relaxation just from walking in. I was truly impressed with the Vitality Cafe, located inside the Spa Neighbor. The Vitality Spa Cafe offers healthy snacks, juices, and smoothies. However, you would never even guess that you were within a fitness center. To the left you have the Salon for both men and women. Need to have your hair done up for formal night, or perhaps you want to get your beard trimmed for the midnight show. It's all there! Surrounded by bamboo plants and other exotic plants, I can see anyone just spending a day to renew spirits.

There's no way to describe how much I loved This Ship!!!! All staterooms from the Loft Suites to the inside staterooms were comfortable and spacious. All staterooms have flat screen televisions, large bathrooms (mainly with showers), large sitting areas and beautiful balconies. If you have connecting balcony staterooms, the side doors on the balconies open so that you can compare balconies without having to walk back and forth between staterooms. I have no complaints other than perhaps Royal Caribbean could do better with their bathroom amenities in all room categories. We like those little bottles of lotion and body wash.

I am a "RAVING FAN" with Royal Caribbean. All dining venues offer great culinary delights (my lobster melted in my mouth). Service on board was always with a smile. You'll never have idle time on board. I can see myself more on a 14 night Caribbean cruise, because 7 nights would never be enough.

Royal Caribbean, I tip my hat to you!!!!!

About Sandra Weaver

I have been a travel planning specialist for the last 14 years, working with All-Travel for 8 of those years. I specialize in all-inclusive vacations to both Mexico and the Caribbean. I am certified as a SuperClubs specialist, offering all inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Panama, and Brazil for singles, families, and adults only. Club Med is also one of my specialties.

I also specialize in creating customized travel experiences to the beautiful islands of Hawaii and Tahiti. In addition to handling land vacations, I have completed agent training with Holland America, Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Disney, Crystal, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Cunard, Norwegian and Carnival cruise lines. I am also a graduate of the Princess and Cunard Cruises’ prestigious training academy and have been awarded a special status as an expert on both Princess and Cunard. I have cruised several times, with my favorite being Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. Once I go, I know! My number one goal with all of my clients is to offer my very best at all times. I use my travel experiences to better address whatever questions or concerns you may have about your vacation. I believe in providing excellent customer service and have won awards to prove it. 

This year I would love to expand my travel experience to more international destinations such as Ireland, London, and Amsterdam. Brazil would be great as well.

One of my greatest passions would have to fall under travel blogging. I love traveling and then coming home to share my experiences by blogging about it.

Here at All-Travel, we are your travel managers. We are always willing to go the extra mile in planning your most memorable vacation!