More than your average giant ship, Oasis of the Seas has impressed us in many ways. But is it worth the extra effort? (2023)

In fact, the Allure is 2 inches longer than the Oasis, but let's not complain here: the Oasis of the Seas is a mega ship personified. With a weight of 225,062 tons, Oasis and Allure are 45% larger than the second largest cruise ship (Norwegian Epic). The additional tonnage allows for a variety of innovative features not found on any other ship, along with more pools, more restaurants and more bars. The abundance of activity and distraction was instrumental in establishing Oasis and Allure as must-see ships in their early years at sea, allowing Royal Caribbean to charge a premium on itineraries virtually identical to those of other cruise lines. These heavyweights have been so successful that a third, slightly larger, Oasis-class ship is being built to arrive in summer 2016 (there's also an option for a potential fourth ship).

Currently, Oasis and Allure alternate seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Each route calls at three destinations, ports that have had to be adapted to accommodate these gigantic ships. We board the Oasis of the Seas to get a taste of what it's like to walk on this floating resort.

editor's note: In October 2014, Oasis of the Seas underwent its first dry dock to resolve normal maintenance issues, but also to make significant changes to its dining, retail and entertainment offerings. The Tony Award-winning musical Cats replaced Hairspray at the Opal Theatre. Cupcake Cupboard, Willow, and Pinwheels retail options were replaced by Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Britto, respectively. The library on Deck 11 will be replaced by a new restaurant. Several staterooms have been added at different locations on the ship and Wi-Fi bandwidth has been improved. Changes to meals aboard Oasis of the Seas are discussed on page 3 of this report.

About our cruise

It's not hard to arrive on a cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas without expectations. For example, the boarding process on a ship with 5,412 passengers (double occupancy) cannot do without crowding and queues. In fact, the boarding process was seamless: our wait time to check in at the Fort Lauderdale Customs Terminal was no more than 2 minutes, and less than 10 minutes after check-in, our numbered group was called to board.

We thought we might struggle with directions for the first few days, but there are great interactive displays in each elevator/staircase, and Royal Caribbean has divided the ship into four color-coded quadrants: port/forward, port/stern, starboard/forward, and starboard/stern. There are only two rows of elevators, but they seemed to be handling demand well.

Best of all was Central Park, a lush garden with 12,000 plants, vines, flowers, and trees—yes, living trees.

Another assumption was that such a large ship would have all the elegance of a floating apartment complex. But as we explored the Oasis that first day, we discovered "neighborhoods," designed to help divide this mega-ship into distinct experiences that appeal to a wide range of audiences, tastes, and moods. There was the Royal Promenade, an indoor mall that occupies a three-story atrium inside the ship (a feature that will be familiar to those who have sailed on Royal Caribbean's Freedom and Voyager-class ships). A floating pole rose and fell in the atrium like a space-age hovercraft. More revolutionary was the Boardwalk area, an open-air space at the rear of Deck 6 flanked by walls of eight-story cabanas rising on either side. There was a traditional wooden carousel, ice cream and donut shops, and a toy store that exuded the Coney Island vibe. But best of all was Central Park, a lush garden with 12,000 plants, vines, flowers, and trees—yes, living trees—on Deck 8. The park was almost the size of a football field and had winding paths, benches, several restaurant...and drinking options and somehow managed to convey the feeling that we were somewhere other than on the sea. Amazing.

Royal Caribbean's split hull design makes these and other innovative features possible on Oasis of the Seas. In the process, some cruise ship design conventions were thrown out: the ship's spa and gym are on decks 5 and 6, forward of the main showroom, rather than directly on the bridge, maximizing space." dead" around the bow and even valuable property. release on top cover. Even the upstairs pools and terraces were large and attractive. (See the Smithsonian documentary on Oasison here.)

All things to all people

The ship's entertainment is as good as it is at sea, including the shorter but admirably close Broadway production of the musical Hairspray. The outdoor aquatic theater is home to diving extravaganzas that we rank among the coolest things in the ocean. Most of the Oasis is family-friendly, but there are plenty of activities for kids and teens, filled with DreamWorks characters like Shrek.

Oasis is an excellent option for families. The ship's unusual array of cabin sizes (many accommodate up to six) is a boon for multi-generational large families and other groups looking for a single ship to suit a variety of budgets and schedules. From ziplining to surfing to ice skating to wine tasting, there's something for everyone (keep an eye on the daily newsletter to stay on top of everything that's going on).

Not everything was plus size. Our stateroom was fairly conventional in scope and equipment, although there are exciting suites available for those looking to splurge. We were surprised to see that the ship's main buffet, the Windjammer Café, was significantly smaller than similar places on smaller ships. The comedy club was so small that we never got a reservation for a show. But while certain areas of the ship appear to be limited in capacity, there's no denying the variety of dining and entertainment options available.

Don't expect your cruise fare to cover the cost of your entire vacation.

By our count, the Oasis of the Seas offers 17 restaurants and cafes. Not all are included in the cruise fare: Nine require an additional cost of a few dollars up to $95 for an evening at the chef's table with wine pairing. This is a ship where your cruise fare is just the start of shopping and inflating spending on food, drinks, groceries, shore excursions and more; You can even buy ads in the daily newsletter to celebrate the anniversary or a special occasion. We didn't like sitting on the boardwalk area to enjoy the fresh, still air, only to be interrupted by the ship's purchasing manager, who yelled through the loudspeakers to tell us to come to a morning conference. To be honest, the increase in spending is exaggerated. The compromise was that most of the flashy activities and entertainment were included. However, don't expect your cruise fare to cover the cost of your entire vacation.

bigger is better?

You can't get away from the sheer size of the Oasis of the Seas, but what surprised us was that throughout the cruise, the only thing that overwhelmed us was looking at the daily schedule and trying to navigate the many and varied activities and entertainment options. Crowds were well managed at ports. Both the design team and the cruise management team deserve credit for putting a lot of thought into allowing traffic to flow smoothly for the most part.

The ship's Vintages wine bar was usually deserted, and the tapas menu here was a nice alternative to crowded restaurants.

However, there is a crowd. The four main pools, each with a different theme, were often overcrowded, along with the sun loungers on either side. For the big shows "Hairspray" and "Aqua Theater" people came early to get the best seats. However, for every place that was occupied, other places were surprisingly empty. The solarium terrace usually had free loungers (and the pool here was rarely busy). The ship's Vintages wine bar was usually deserted, and the tapas menu here, at extra cost, was a nice alternative to crowded restaurants. And Central Park, well we can't say enough about how cool this place was. On a rainy afternoon, we were delighted to discover a barrel full of umbrellas parked at the park entrance.

Make no mistake: The Oasis of the Seas is far from an intimate cruise experience, and anyone looking for a quiet break from the homely pace should consider a much smaller ship. There are those who would argue that megaships are like thattoo big to sail(At full capacity, Oasis carries nearly 6,300 passengers and a crew of 2,400.) But we were impressed that, given its size, the Oasis ran like a well-polished machine without the kind of bottling we'd expect.

Conclution

In the first two years after their debut, Oasis and Allure of the Seas achieved record prices. They were ships that had to be seen to be believed. To compare value for money, we review advertised cruise fares for these ships' Eastern Caribbean itineraries three and six months in advance. For these eight voyages, we found that average rates for Oasis and Allure staterooms were still between 18% and more than double the rates for nearly identical seven-day itineraries from South Florida aboard Norwegian Getaway.true princess, zcelebrity reflection, all ships newer than Oasis and Allure. Is it worth the high price?

For multi-generational family vacations, these boats are hard to beat.

We found the dining options included aboard Oasis of the Seas to be strictly average. While there were many additional restaurants for an additional fee, most were not significantly better. The accommodations were comfortable, but also somewhat average for the newer mass market boats. However, the abundance of activities (most of which were free) was overwhelming at virtually any hour of the day; we often had to choose. And the entertainment was first class and varied. For multi-generational family vacations, these boats are hard to beat.

The differentiating factor is really the size, and the Oasis of the Seas is an architectural and engineering marvel. Die-hard cruise fans owe it to themselves to check it out. But the ports we visited seemed like just a sideshow to the ingenious resources on board. This isn't uncommon on larger ships, but an Oasis cruise is about the ship, not exploring the Caribbean.

Eye-opening as this first cruise was, would we ever sail an Oasis-class ship again? Probably not. We love to admire the conceptual and engineering feats that have created the Oasis of the Seas, but the cabins are more expensive than those on Norwegian's newest ships, Princess and Celebrity. If we wanted rides, we would go to Orlando. For dazzling shows, it doesn't get much better than Las Vegas. And if we want to see the Caribbean, we expect a smaller ship that won't block the view.

Cabin Overview

There are an impressive 24 different cabin types to choose from on Oasis of the Seas, including some unusual cabin styles you won't find anywhere else at sea. Given the wide range of prices, you may want to take some time to look at the options.

Let's start with the four basic categories.InternalStaterooms range from "smaller" interior cabins (150 square feet) to family-friendly interior units that span 274 square feet and sleep six, a good option for families who would otherwise book adjacent units. Non-view units make up 18% of the ship's total accommodation, but there are also Promenade Staterooms, which have a curved window overlooking the Royal Promenade, the ship's commercial hub.ForCabins include the typical ocean-view cabins, but also units overlooking the fun-themed Boardwalk or the wooded areas of Central Park inside the ship (we suspect the difference with the Boardwalk units is that they offer natural light). There are four different types ofbalconyCabins, from the Superior Ocean View with Balcony (which we stayed in) to the balconies overlooking the Boardwalk and Central Park neighborhoods and the Family Ocean View with Balcony. Most of them are also available as accessible units that offer more space and wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

osuitesit's where Oasis of the Seas really goes to town. There are Junior Suites, which span 287 square feet and have an 80-square-foot balcony, along with Grand and Royal Family Suites. We hope to experience the loft suites on a future cruise, two-story staterooms on decks 17 and 18 with two-story windows (note that some of them face the sports field, the sea is in the background). Also intriguing are the AquaTheater Suites, located in the "wings" overlooking the pool, where acrobatic shows take place most nights. There's a Presidential Family Suite that can accommodate up to 14 people, while the Royal and Royal Loft Suites are even larger.

Our cabin: Superior with ocean view and balcony

Our cabin was 182 square feet and medium in size, but we liked the subtle wood (veneer) and nautical decor. The limited space was used efficiently and there was even room for a proper sofa. Our king-size bed was very comfortable with crisp white linens, but the bedspread was showing its age, with the padding sagging in several places. There were small nightstands on either side of the bed with built in reading lights that provided plenty of light for reading in bed. A small bright red stain stained the carpet next to the bed.

We found storage space for two to be a bit limited. There is a main wardrobe with sliding doors, but there is little space between the bed and the wardrobe. There were enough hangers on two bars, as well as shelves, one of which contained a small safe (not big enough for a laptop). Bathrobes were not provided. Next to the table there is another storage unit with two shelves. The desk itself has three drawers. In general, the storage space in the room is enough for two people, but could be tight for three.

There was a heavy sliding door on the porch that opened and closed easily. On the porch were two chairs and a small table. The sides of the porch are lined with frosted glass doors that can be opened if desired (for example, if your family is in the next room). At only 52 square meters, the balcony is not big enough for sunbathing.

We found the compact bathroom to be a bit more spacious than on some Royal Caribbean ships, but it's still too small for two people to occupy. The shower was cramped but adequate, a pod with rounded sliding doors. The sink was a bit low and there was little space to store travel essentials. We found the shampoo provided in the wall dispenser to be ineffective, but upon request our hostess brought bottles of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and moisturizer - we did not need to worry about it. these were slightly better. The towels provided were thick and fluffy. A full length mirror hung on the wall next to the bathroom.

We don't normally hear much from the hallway, but the sound of the door slamming in the cabin next to ours was quite audible; in fact last night when the bags were being collected we heard all the doors close. Bridge announcements could not be heard in the cabin, but announcements about port supply calls and bingo sessions were clearly audible in the cabin (and throughout the ship).

cabin equipment

Opposite the sofa was a desk/dresser and dresser with three outlets (110 volt) on the dresser and one 220 volt European style outlet. The decent size flat screen TV was interactive, wall mounted and adjustable to face the bed or sofa. The remote didn't communicate well - we had to press the buttons two or three times to change channels. This was particularly frustrating when dealing with our cabin's TV voicemail, which was filled (mostly) with spa sales pitches, shopping, etc. There were nine to clean on the first day alone, a thankless task.

There was one main lighting system for the entire cabin, connected to additional switches on each side of the bed next to the bathroom. There was also lighting on either side of the mirror above the table. We especially liked the fact that there was always a dim light in the bathroom.

We found it unusual that life jackets were not stored in our cabin. The cabin manual said they were kept at the collection stations.

other cabins

We haven't stayed in the other of these staterooms, but we have Royal Caribbean recaps here. Please note that the following photos were provided by the cruise line and not our reviewer.

Smaller interior cabinTwo twin beds that convert to Royal King, 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long, with private bathroom and sitting area. (150 square meters)

internal cabinTwo twin beds that convert to a true king size bed, measuring 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long. Suite bathroom. (172 square meters)

promenadeTwo twin beds that convert to a Royal King 72.5"W x 82"L and a private bathroom. Window overlooking the promenade. (193 square meters)

Family interior cabinsTwo twin beds that convert to a Royal King measuring 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long. Sofa convertible into a double bed, two pullman beds, private bathroom and living room. (274 square meters)

sea ​​view cabinTwo twin beds that convert to Royal King, 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long, with private bathroom and sitting area. (174 square meters)

Central Park View CottageTwo twin beds that convert to a Royal King, measuring 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long, with a sitting area and private bathroom. Bay window overlooking Central Park. (194 square meters)

Cabin overlooking the boardwalkTwo twin beds that convert to a Royal King, measuring 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long, with a sitting area and private bathroom. Window overlooking the promenade. (187 square meters)

Family Cabin with Ocean ViewTwo twin beds that convert to a Royal King measuring 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long. Sofa convertible into a double bed, two pullman beds, private bathroom and living room. (272 square meters)

Central Park View Cabin with BalconyTwo twin beds that convert to a king, 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long, balcony overlooking Central Park, sitting area, and private bathroom. (182 square meters, balcony 50 square meters)

Boardwalk View Cabana with BalconyTwo twin beds that convert to Royal King, 72.5" wide x 82" long, balcony overlooking the boardwalk, sitting area, and private bathroom. (182 square meters, balcony 47 square meters)

Family Cabin with Ocean View and BalconyTwo twin beds that convert to a Royal King measuring 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long. Sofa convertible into a double bed, two pullman beds, private bathroom and living room. (290 m2, balcony 81 m2)

Junior suite with balconyTwo twin beds that convert to a Royal King measuring 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long. Private bathroom with bathtub, living room with table and sofa. (287 square feet, balcony78 square feet)

Large suite with balcony.Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King measuring 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long. Private bathroom with bathtub and double vanity, marble entry, large closets, living room with table and sofa. (371 square meters, balcony 114 square meters)

Royal Family Suite with BalconyTwo bedrooms with two twin beds that convert to a real king size bed, 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long, two pullman beds. Dresser and chair in each bedroom, sitting area with double convertible sofa bed, marble entryway, entertainment center, two bathrooms: main bathroom with bathtub. Own balcony with table and chairs. (575 m2, balcony 246 m2)

Owner's Suite with BalconyTwo twin beds that convert to a Royal King measuring 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long. Private bathroom with bathtub and double vanity, marble entry, large closets, living room with table and sofa. Own balcony with table and chairs. (569 m2, balcony 246 m2)

Suite-Loft CoroaTwo-story cabin with panoramic views. Master bedroom and bathroom on the second floor. The bedroom has two twin beds that convert to a king size bed measuring 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long. The bathroom has a shower for two people. Bath with shower on main level. Private terrace with chairs, dining room with dry bar, table/desk. The sofa in the living room converts into a double bed. (540 square meters, balcony 98 square meters)

AquaTheater Suite with Balcony - Deck 10Two bedrooms with two twin beds that convert to a real king size bed, 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long, two pullman beds. Dressing table with chair in each bedroom, living room with double sofa bed, dining room, marble hall, entertainment center, two bathrooms - main bathroom with bathtub. Large balcony with table and chairs. (659 m2, balcony 648 m2)

AquaTheater Suite with BalconyTwo bedrooms with two twin beds that convert to a real king size bed, 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long, two pullman beds. Dressing table with chair in each bedroom, living room with double sofa bed, dining room, marble hall, entertainment center, two bathrooms - main bathroom with bathtub. Large balcony with table and chairs. Deck 9. (720 sf, balcony 716 sf)

AquaTheater Suite with Balcony - Deck 8Two bedrooms with two twin beds that convert to a real king size bed, 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long, two pullman beds. Dressing table with chair in each bedroom, living room with double sofa bed, dining room, marble hall, entertainment center, two bathrooms - main bathroom with bathtub. Large balcony with table and chairs. (820 sf, balcony 803 sf)

Suite Sky LoftTwo-story cabin with panoramic views. Master bedroom and bathroom on the second floor. The bedroom has two twin beds that convert to a king size bed measuring 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long. The bathroom has a shower for two people. Stairs to the second level. Bath with shower for two on the main level. Private balcony with dining area. Dining room with dry bar. The sofa in the living room converts into a double bed. Closets on each level. (724 square feet, balcony 376 square feet)

Presidential Family Suite with BalconyThe cabin can accommodate up to 14 people, a minimum of 8 people must be booked. Two suites with two twin beds that convert to a Royal King and measure 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long. Two master baths with soaking tubs. Two bedrooms with convertible single beds/Pullman beds, one bedroom with en-suite bathroom with shower. Shared bathroom with shower. Balcony with jacuzzi, dining room and bar Dining room with dry bar. The sofa in the living room converts into a double bed. (1,165 sf, balcony 489 sf)

Royal Suite with BalconyGrand entrance with bell. Master bedroom with double bed and living room. Master bath with tub, shower, double sinks, and bidet. The sofa in the living room converts into a double bed. Guest bathroom with shower, entertainment center, dining room with dry bar, piano. Private balcony with jacuzzi and dining area. (1,284 sf, 345 sf balcony)

Suite Real LoftTwo-story cabin with panoramic views. Master bedroom and bathroom on the second floor. The bathroom has a bath, shower, two sinks and a bidet. Stairs to the second level. Bath with shower on main level. Private balcony with jacuzzi and dining area. Dining room with dry bar. The sofa in the living room converts into a double bed. Closets on each level. The cabin can accommodate up to 6 people. (1,599 square meters, balcony 874 square meters)

dinner summary

As befits a mega ship, Oasis of the Seas offers more dining options than any other cruise option, some included and some at additional cost. Next to the main restaurant and buffet on the ship.opus dining roommiwindjammer market, there were eight table restaurants and nine establishments that offered snacks and light meals, from ice creams and cupcakes to pizzas and tapas; Some of them also came with additional fees, which are listed below.

Among the paid restaurants, there are two outstanding options, starting with150 parque central, the flagship restaurant of the Oasis of the Seas. We found our meal to be excellent, not unreasonable given the not inconsiderable surcharge. Foodies will definitely want to check in as soon as they board. Another possibility is thischef's table, offered in a private dining room on select nights only and costs $95, including paired wines. Both the chef and sommelier discuss food preparation and wine selection as each of the five courses is offered. An intimate dining experience shared by only 14 guests at a time. We didn't have time to enjoy Chef's Table on this cruise, but you can read about a previous experience aboard Radiance of the Season here.

But other restaurants, which came at extra cost, looked nice without being really special. Some presented food just above what we experienced at the Opus Dining Room, while others didn't even hit that level. There are two restaurants on board the Oasis that are not found on any other ship.solarium bistroAlthough it is available as a breakfast/lunch option on Allure of the Seas, it is open every night on the Oasis and offers a menu of sophisticated dishes with a glass bottom and stars. And on the boardwalk isseafood stall, a fried fish in the open air.

The specialty restaurants, most of which surround Central Park, have a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, and some are a nice change from the Opus. Some of the spots fill up quickly once you've boarded, so it's worth booking early. time on your cruise, especially if you have a larger group or want to dine in prime time around 7:30 AM. It's also worth taking a look at the dining packages that Royal Caribbean offers, each of which saves around 20% on your dining bill at three pre-selected restaurants.

editor's note: In October 2014, the Oasis of the Seas passed through its first dry dock and significant changes were made to the ship's dining options. In addition to Royal Caribbean's "Dynamic Dining" concept, new menus are expected to be introduced in March 2015. Among the changes:

• The three-story main dining room (originally named Opus) now features three separate dining options: American Icon Grill (home cooking), Silk (Pan-Asian), and The Grande (classic dishes and evening wear). As part of Royal Caribbean's dynamic dining plan, there are no longer fixed seating times or a "main dining room."

• Windjammer Marketplace, the ship's packed buffet option, has expanded to occupy the space originally occupied by Izumi on Deck 16. Izumi has moved to Deck 4 and offers a teppanyaki menu.

• Seafood Shack has been converted into Sabor Taqueria & Tequila Bar. The adjacent Boardwalk Bar is now called Sabor Bar.

• The old library has been transformed into a new restaurant, Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine.

• The Viking Crown Lounge on deck 17 has been transformed into the Coastal Kitchen, a California-Mediterranean space reserved for suite guests only.

opus dining room

Spread over three decks, Opus is an impressive space designed to accommodate 2,800 guests at a time. Round tables for six to twelve people are spaced evenly around the room, and against the walls are rectangular tables for two to four people, covered with white linen. It looks elegant between the extended table and the general division of the room. But it's also huge, and with two seats a night, the operation mimics that of a grand banquet hall, with servers running around, plates and glasses clinking.

For dinner, guests can choose between meal times from 6:00 p.m. m. to 8:45 p.m. m. on our cruise, or My Time Dining, where you can be seated anytime between 5:30 p.m. m. and 9:30 p.m. m. each night. We made our reservation about six weeks before departure and the My Time slots were full; We requested a seat change starting at 9:30 am after boarding, but our request was denied. Breakfast was available every day in the main dining room and lunch was served on days at sea.

There's a good selection of breads each night, but like everywhere else on the ship, although meals at the main restaurant are included in your cruise fare, expect an increase in sales of things like bottled water. Filet mignon and lobster are on the menu, but cost more: $14.95 and $29.95, respectively, or $37.50 for the turf and sea combo. Inexplicably, these items also generate a 15% tip, even though guests are already tipping cafeteria staff $6.80 per day.

Our dinners here were decent but nothing spectacular. As well as the six 'classics' that were on the menu each night: salmon fillet, Manhattan steak, linguine pomodoro, etc. Gluten-free or lactose-free options. We had a number of good entrees, including a delicious smoked chicken breast with green apple sauce, walnuts, grapes, and blue cheese; a gorgeous "Roman" salad of artichokes, peas, tomatoes, and prosciutto in a warm bacon-balsamic vinaigrette; and a happy little shrimp, scallop and lobster ceviche. Starters we enjoyed included beef tenderloin, cooked exactly as requested (rare) and, although it arrived disheveled, a fillet of sole with lemon beurre blanc. Less appealing was the chef's "inspiration" another night, a pasta that was overcooked and overloaded with a brittle sauce. Desserts were also hit and miss: a low-fat panna cotta was surprisingly rich and flavorful, but the lemon meringue was disappointingly sweet to our taste buds.

The breakfast menu covers the basics well, and there is an "express breakfast station" with a buffet setup. The menu listed individual fruits on offer, but we asked if a fruit platter was possible - our waiter put together a generous selection from the buffet, all ripe and tasty. We also ordered oatmeal and asked for nuts, raisins, and brown sugar. The waiter went back to the buffet and prepared a plate of pine nuts, walnuts and walnuts - we appreciated the personal service. The coffee was decent and served in a huge mug.

Our lunch here was good. The waiter-staffed salad bar is a great option, and a variety of meat fillings make it easy to create a hearty lunch. The Express Lunch section also includes hot items but they didn't look very good so we ordered a fish enchilada from the menu - it came with guacamole which was doughy and not fresh, the fish tasted fishy. It was not worth ordering. Other lunch items that sounded more appealing were a grilled barramundi fish with harissa, grilled palm sugar chicken on an Asian salad, and a tomato risotto with shrimp and scallops. For dessert, our waiter suggested we try his two favorites: a caramelized banana millefeuille with sea ice cream and a crispy chocolate praline smeared with Nutella. We both found them too sweet and rich to finish.

windjammer market

With a seating capacity of 736, the Windjammer is the second largest restaurant on the ship, but it is smaller than the buffet restaurants aboard Royal Caribbean's (smaller) Freedom Class ships. Although there are more breakfast and lunch options at the Oasis, we felt that this place was not well stocked for the number of people who came in for their first two meals of the day. Although the Windjammer was packed at the times we visited, it was not a circus - there seemed to be a concerted effort to get incoming customers to tables before perusing the buffet. This meant that we spent less time looking for a seat.

The choice of food was not amazing but some of it was decent and we particularly enjoyed some of the international dishes on offer. These included dishes such as Malaysian coconut chicken, cauliflower and pea curry, tandoori chicken salad, pappadams, roast beef, spring rolls, and spinach and Gruyere pie. More conventional lunch and dinner offerings included grilled sea bream, chicken marsala, Guinness beef, teriyaki salmon, and there was a station offering roast beef and other freshly cut meats. Desserts are also displayed on an island, and the options are varied: cheesecake, chocolate cake, mousse, tiramisu, and panna cotta, as well as sugar-free and low-fat dessert options.

For breakfast, the Windjammer offers a variety of egg dishes, French toast, pancakes, bagels, breads, meats, cereals, and fresh fruit. For the Asian guests there were soups and rice noodle dishes. There are several drink stations with juices, water, sodas, and flavored waters, as well as a Coca-Cola vending machine.

Izumi

Right next to the Windjammer on deck 16, Izumi is a casual Japanese-style restaurant decorated with bamboo stereotypes, kimonos, and calligraphy. The menu is open for dinner every night and for lunch on sea days and offers sushi, salads, soups and other Asian specialties. There's a $5 entry charge per guest ($3 at lunch) and all food is a la carte, from $2 for two slices of sushi to $4 for rolls. While individual items are reasonably priced, we recommend budgeting around $25 per person for dinner (not including drinks) and about half that for lunch.

On this cruise we tried Izumi for lunch (you can read about dinner here aboard Radiance of the Seas).on here🇧🇷 The lunch menu is limited to a few rolls, each costing between $4 and $7. After the free appetizers of miso and edamame soup, we enjoyed the salmon roll: salmon and avocado sashimi on top of a crab and asparagus roll. It was light but tasty and we enjoyed joking around with the cheerful Filipino waitresses; a view beyond the sea doesn't hurt.

While you can order a la carte for dinner, there are also some combo plates that save a few bucks off the price of the meal. These included a soup and appetizers and ranged from $15-$23 for a full meal. The dinner menu featured hot stone appetizers, in which diners can grill their own meat, and hot pots (shabu-shabu), a type of soup. They were a good option for those who don't like sushi or sashimi. Izumi runs the ship's standard drink menu, but also offers various sakes that can be ordered by the glass or bottle.

solarium bistro

This location on deck 15 overlooking the solarium is almost two restaurants in one place. During the day, breakfast and lunch are served as a buffet. The selection isn't as extensive as Windjammer Marketplace, but the emphasis is on healthier food. Breakfast had a few hot options like turkey bacon and scrambled eggs, but the focus was on cereal (mostly prepackaged), fruit, and yogurt. For lunch we find several salads, couscous, fruits, soups and some hot and healthy dishes. For dessert, fruit, yogurt and cookies. It was a lovely semi-outdoor environment offering fresh air and sunlight; our only complaint was that the chairs were a bit uncomfortable to get in and out of.

Exclusive to the Oasis of the Seas, the Solarium Bistro converts to an after-dark dining venue for an additional $20 for dinner. As with other meals, the dinner menu promises lighter preparations and leaner protein, and we were looking forward to it. But the dishes we tried were disappointing, lacking in subtlety or finesse. We tried the Mexican shrimp dish with a crustacean buried in tomato sauce; the promised avocado was almost undetectable. The cauliflower and leek soup was a puree topped with toasted almonds; We liked that it wasn't loaded with cream, but instead of letting the fresh vegetable flavors shine through, the soup was too salty. A beetroot and spinach salad was fine, if conventional. Other appetizers on the menu included ratatouille over roasted eggplant, turkey burgers, yellowtail tuna sashimi, chicken minestrone, seafood bouillabaisse, and assorted salads.

For our entree, we found the salmon to be quite decent, crusted with wheat germ and citrus flavors and sitting atop a coulis of parsnip and spinach. Other appetizers included charcoal-roasted pork tenderloin, pepper-roasted bison tenderloin, musky duck breast with lentils, and chipotle-seasoned basa fish fillet. Desserts were presented at the buffet counter and we opted for the sampler plate; none of the desserts we tried stood out as something special.

Surrounded by glass and other hard surfaces, the room offers poor acoustics for an intimate and romantic evening. The uncomfortable chairs were covered with cloth at night, which presumably helps muffle noise, but even though the restaurant was only a quarter full at dinner time, it was noisy.

chop grill

Royal Caribbean's steakhouse has been a bit hit and miss for us on other ships, and on the Oasis our meal at Chops Grille was somewhat satisfying, but the service really missed the boat. There's an extra $30 to dine here, which doesn't seem unreasonable for a quality steak dinner, but remember: you've already paid for a meal at the main restaurant, so the steakhouse should be at least one level up. Was not.

We arrived exactly at 21:00. Reservation time and waited a few minutes for confirmation at the front desk and then waited for a table to be set. It is a cozy space with soft lighting and wooden details, in keeping with the man. After receiving the menu from the host, we decided on our order but waited for more than 10 minutes to be greeted by the waiter. When the happy guy finally arrived, we were greeted at "the best steakhouse on the high seas". Despite the previous slow pace, everything suddenly went into overdrive, as if our distracted waiter was determined to make us work as fast as possible. The dishes arrived in quick succession, the sauces were heavily loaded on the salads (okay, we said "not much"), and there was a push towards the more expensive options on the wine list.

The appetizer list includes the usual steaks, grilled veal chop, mixed grill, herb-crusted jumbo shrimp, Alaskan halibut, and seared steak. We asked the waiter for the steak suggestion and before the words were out of our mouths he recommended the filet mignon we had ordered. He ran into the kitchen and just two minutes later he was back with the appetizer: tomato steak, red onion, and blue cheese. The tomatoes were rich and meaty, the red onion fleeting but satisfying in its simplicity. It didn't take long for this appetizer to be ready, and less than a minute after the plate was cleared, another waiter brought our steak. The filet was a little overcooked, we asked for medium rare, but more importantly the meat was not as tender as the best filet mignon. It was certainly edible, but nothing we would go out of our way for at home. The broccoli that came with it was just right, the stems undercooked and minimal seasoning. When our hearty baked potato arrived, the server finished with the condiments. We asked for "just a bit" of butter but he spilled several tablespoons. His suggestion: "You can pour something."

When it comes to steakhouses, there isn't much competition offshore, but if you want to promise the best, you should at least aim for the quality of Morton's or Fleming's (believe it or not, we think Carnival). is the closest to the mainstream). Our food was adequate but nothing special, the service was rushed and inattentive, we felt our table was the least important in the room. When the waiter brought the bill, he said: “The service is up to you. In fact, the service fell to him; Tipping was at our discretion (Royal Caribbean says the $30 surcharge includes tip); we do not feel obligated to leave anything extra. To be fair our waiter lacked finesse and training. Overall, the restaurant was understaffed for business people, although not all tables were reserved. We don't know if this was an anomaly or not, but our experience at Chops was far from satisfactory.

Mesa do Giovanni

Giovanni's Table, a trattoria-style Italian restaurant on the Oasis of the Seas, is located in leafy Central Park. With tables both inside and outside, the place has a relaxed atmosphere that is popular with many guests. While the food is unremarkable and the service we experienced spotty, overall a satisfying meal that justifies the $20 extra charge. Giovanni's is also open for lunch on embarkation day and at sea, with a menu similar and a $15 entrance fee. In fact, it would be a great place for lunch on the first day.

A delicious presentation of freshly cut prosciutto on its way to our table sets the tone for a menu of pastas and Italian specialties such as grilled sole, filet mignon, osso buco and veal meatballs. Our server brought out a basket of Italian bread and a bowl of olive oil, reduced balsamic, and a platter of fresh, moist Parmesan cheese for dipping the bread.

We ordered the scallops for starters, two served on the half shell and topped with mounds of almond pepper mix. A lentil and root vegetable soup was deliciously robust, almost meaty in flavor. The wild mushroom risotto was served perfectly al dente - the flavor was warm and nourishing. To start we ordered the grilled lamb chops. They weren't large chunks and they arrived a little overcooked, but the dish was reasonably satisfying with the chops layered around a savory vegetable caponata and sautéed spinach. Dessert, however, was a flop - a unique cherry in a heavy cream with jelly. The waiter noticed our disappointment and was willing to replace it, but we were already full.

We found the service to be slow, all the way to lovers eye to eye (or perhaps, like at Chops Grille, we had a different waiter spread out over many tables). Some dishes were only delivered after picking up an empty plate that had been sitting too long; Our wine order was briefly forgotten. But many patrons here seemed to be enjoying themselves, and the outdoor tables are beautifully placed facing the park - a nice relaxed atmosphere.

150 parque central

Overlooking tree-lined Central Park, this is one of the best waterfront restaurants, with a refined menu, attentive and confident service, and an intimate setting perfect for a night out. Seating just 50 guests, it's the smallest dining room aboard Oasis of the Seas, with lavish décor and plush high-backed chairs reminiscent of something from Alice's Wonderland.

There is only a single six-course tasting menu, actually two different menus: one for the first four days of the cruise and the second for the last part. Classes are prepared with great care and attention to detail using produce from small South Florida farms by a dedicated kitchen and chef not shared anywhere else. There is a $40 dinner fee and wines are $75 (there are six glasses, but couples can order to share). Whichever path you choose, we think it's worth the effort.

Dinner began with a bread basket accompanied by a sampling of six sandwiches from around the world, each with its own unique flavor. The first course on the traditional menu was a delicious multicolored carrot salad (from Swank Farms, the advertised menu) with pickled fennel, radishes, olives and microgreens. This was followed by a rich Smoky Tomato Soup (Borek Farms) anchored with a dollop of homemade organic ricotta. The third course was two heavenly scallops over brown rice and a sprinkle of butternut squash, which would make a delicious appetizer. The chicken that followed was excellent, a sliced ​​breast on a dark leg meat ragout, with a trio of lighter-than-air gnocchi browning this succulent dish. Roasted rack of lamb followed, served with chickpeas, lemon marmalade and yoghurt, another dish that was good on its own. The menu ended with a basil panna cotta emerging from a jar of strawberry bouillon with a pistachio biscuit resting on the side.

The food was excellent, adventurous - there was not a single dish that we would have changed. We found the service a bit rushed and we suggest notifying your waiter ahead of time for a quiet night if that's what he prefers. Aside from being a bit understaffed, we also didn't need the huge increase in wine and bottled water sales.

While we had no trouble securing a table once on board, we recommend booking online in advance of your cruise for 150 Central Park (booked several nights later in the week). And while we loved the Heirloom menu, we were tempted to try a second visit to try the Hearth menu, which included items like cauliflower soup, fried pompano, duck confit ravioli, and beef tenderloin. Oh, next time.

johnny rockets

Located right where you'd expect it to be, on the waterfront, Johnny Rockets is familiar territory for anyone who's ever been to a major city mall. The chain offers burgers, hot sandwiches and breakfasts with a touch of vintage charm, and the atmosphere is brought to life by the nickel-plated (non-operable) jukeboxes at each table.

Every day from approximately 12:00 p.m. m. to 0:00 a.m. m., there is an additional charge of USD 4.95 per person for meals, including dessert. Shakes and other drinks cost extra ($3.95 for our Root Beer Float), so we budgeted around $10 per person. We're not sure why anyone would choose to have a meal at a restaurant as ubiquitous as Johnny Rockets, but we have to admit: we sat down to '60s and '70s tunes pulsing softly in the background while our waitress served Brought fries and onion rings. and sprinkling ketchup on a smiley face, we feel lucky to be here. Nothing about the food will blow you away - there are half a dozen burger options along with sandwiches, hot dogs and a chopped salad - but everything was delivered quickly by an absolutely lovely waitress. And the root beer float? Some things just take you back to the best of childhood.

Johnny Rockets is also open daily for breakfast (perhaps to relieve wind pressure) and there is no additional charge for dining. Fried or scrambled eggs with sausage or bacon, omelettes, pancakes, French toast - the selection was not strong. We'd also say the breakfast wasn't as fancy as the standard burger and fries menu, but it wasn't crowded and it was al fresco.

seafood stall

Exclusive to Oasis of the Seas, the Seafood Shack is an open-air fishmonger across from Johnny Rockets. Entirely outdoors, it has a boardwalk feel, which is fitting (given the location), and is adorned with wrecks like buoys and surfboards. The menu is even stamped on a wooden board, with Surfer Lite music playing in the background. There's an a la carte fare for dining here: appetizers are (mostly) $2.50 to $4.95 and entrees (mostly) $4.95 to $11. Alaska Crab, served as an appetizer for $11.95, and Lobster Fest, which includes two 6-ounce grilled lobster tails for $18.

It is rare for mass market vessels to bring unfrozen fish (or meat) on board during transit. The special was Dover Sole, boneless at the table for $11, not a bad price but we did ask our server. "We take him to the frozen ship every week," he said. Hmm. If this was 'fresh', how did the other items get on board?

Chips and salsa arrived with the waiter and we ordered the 'grilled catch of the day' which turned out to be sole served with mashed potatoes, corn and peas, with lemon beurre blanc. It was a strikingly similar concoction to the one we had at Opus Restaurant a few nights later (at no extra cost and with slightly different sides). Served with a bag of Cajun potato wedges. Other entrees included a fried seafood basket with popcorn shrimp, calamari and fish fingers, a grilled Cajun dish and grilled jumbo shrimp; There were a few burgers and ribs on the grill for the non-pescatarians in your group.

The Seafood Shack never felt crowded, even just before and after shows at the nearby Aqua Theater. While we found the outdoor seating pleasant, the theater's video screen speakers could be loud.

clean the cafeteria

Serving as a handy relief valve for the little windjammer, the Wipe Out Café is a limited-choice buffet on deck 15 for breakfast and lunch, open until 5:30 p.m. m. diary. It was great for kids worried about having fun on the sports deck, but we mostly avoided it. There are no tables in the cafeteria, but there were limited seats available by the ping pong tables.

At breakfast the limited selection included eggs cooked to order with a short list of toppings for omelets - ham, cheese, pepper and mushroom. Our order took about 4 minutes one morning, but that was just after opening; The wait seemed to lengthen as the morning progressed. Fresh fruit, cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, French toast, hash browns, and deli meats were also available. For lunch the menu has changed to burgers, hot dogs, fries, pizza slices and a small selection of sandwiches and fries.

park cafe

Another outlet for windjammers, we like Park Cafe mainly for its location (Central Park) and a few variations on the usual buffet. Breakfast included a bagel station with a variety of spreads: cream cheese flavored with sundried tomatoes and roasted garlic, with salmon, apricots and raisins, etc. Salads and cold cuts. Packaged cereals, muffins, pastries, whole and sliced ​​fruit and breakfast bagels with scrambled eggs were also available.

At lunchtime there was a salad buffet with various sandwiches, served cold or focaccia with chips. We ordered the 'today's special' - turkey, avocado and cheese, even though the waitress said they served it every day. The dessert counter offered cookies, cheesecake, profiteroles, pastries, and sugar-free options.

The only downside: the Park Cafe was popular all day long and usually lacking tables at the best breakfast and lunch times.

Sorrentines

Located on the Royal Promenade, Sorrento's serves pizza (whole pies and slices) in a clichéd Brooklyn setting with faux brick, garage doors and Sinatra references. We're sure someone felt right at home, and since it's open until 3am every night, this was the place to quench your late-night hunger.

Slice options often included cheese and pepperoni, as well as daily specials like Florentine, Rustic, or Mexican. There was a DIY station set up like a salad bar, where everyone could make their own recipe. The ingredients were a bit limited: ham, chorizo, shrimp, mushrooms, potatoes, olives, sliced ​​tomatoes, and arugula. The pizzas were delivered within 15 minutes. There wasn't a huge seating area here, so most customers took their cakes elsewhere (to-go containers were available).

other food

There are many other restaurants on the Oasis of the Seas, though most cost extra. In itCupcake-CupcakeWe found an array of colorful, frosting-laden creations: flavors like mint chocolate, bubble gum, red velvet, and tortoiseshell. We've had Royal Caribbean cupcakes on other ships and found them far from subtle, though we have to admit they hit the spot for some. The muffins are $2.75 each, they are also available gluten-free and sugar-free (by pre-order only). Cupcake Cupboard offers cupcake decorating classes - we'll try that one day, but charging $22 for an hour class seems exorbitant to us ($15 for kids ages 4-11).

Outside, on the seafront, is theice cream shop, with cups and cones starting at $2 a scoop and a long list of toppings for 25 cents each. Shakes, floats, sundaes and banana splits range from $3.75 to $4.95. before the iceBeautiful beach, where several dozen varieties of candy are distributed, at 75 cents an ounce. Nearby is theDonut-Laden an der Promenade, where very simple frozen donuts are offered for free. We tried one with a sugary glaze oozing from the tip, we couldn't finish it. (We had to ask: why charge for the cupcakes and not the donuts? We were told the cupcakes have so much more frosting and are made fresh on board - the donuts are brought on board in bulk prior to the cruise.)

A few other catering options are worth mentioning at the locations described on the next page. In addition to coffee-based drinksCafé Paseo Marítimohas a deli with light snacks (croissants, nut breads, scones, scones, and small sandwiches) available free of charge day and night. EITHERVital CoffeeAt the entrance to the spa there was a small selection of more nutritious dishes, also free: wraps, sandwiches, fruit plate and yogurt. EITHERwalkableAlso, free sandwiches and salads were prepared, along with $1.50 bags of popcorn (most cruise lines offer free popcorn).

nochampagne barAt cocktail hour toast was served with caviar, sour cream, chopped onions and capers. The best thing was the selection of tapas in thevintages, including Spanish dishes like gazpacho, octopus salad, Serrano ham, and Manchego cheese, with a little more. We could have made a very satisfying meal with these tapas.

dining in the room

While there are plenty of dining options at the Oasis, room service is also available, albeit with a somewhat limited menu. Breakfast can be ordered by leaving a hanger on the door before 3am. m. or by calling room service. Breakfast delivery times are in 30-minute increments between 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. m. and 10:00 a.m. m. There was a choice of four types of packaged muesli, yoghurt, a fruit plate and whole fruit (apple, banana, orange). Hot options were limited to scrambled eggs or scrambled egg shakes, with sides of bacon, sausage or hash browns and roasted tomatoes. Apple or orange drink, coffee, tea and milk were offered, while baked goods included wheat or white toast with butter and jam or pastries. There was also real orange juice, freshly squeezed, Mimosa, Bellini and Bloody Mary for an extra charge.

The standard room service menu was a bit more varied and included a soup of the day, a fruit platter and Chicken Caesar or Mediterranean salads. The sandwiches were baguette with salmon and cream cheese, turkey and swiss panini and a steak sandwich with fries. Appetizers included Honey Fried Chicken, Burger, Spinach Artichoke Dip with Corn Chips, Breaded Halibut Filet and Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza. For dessert, a cheese board, chocolate and pear cake, cheesecake with raspberries or biscuits were offered. For orders placed between midnight and 5 a.m. m. they were charged a nightly service fee of $3.95.

We ordered breakfast for a 8:30-9:00 delivery. A call came to our room at 8:06 am saying breakfast was on the way, there was a knock on the door at 8:25 am. Our fruit plate included kiwi, pineapple, melon, a slice of orange and red grapes - a small portion but beautifully presented, as was the plate of sweets. But we also ordered banana raisin bran and there was no milk (apparently we should put it on the order form); The server offered to get us a box and came back about 10 minutes later. The coffee came in a jug with cream and sugar.

We ordered lunch one afternoon and were told to wait 30-40 minutes for delivery. But there was an attempt to deliver our order about 15 minutes later when we left the room. When we got back we got a call and delivery was again a few minutes later, exactly 35 minutes after ordering. The sandwich was described as a turkey and Swiss cheese panini served on ciabatta bread, but made with crispy French bread, with tomatoes and lettuce, the sandwich was literally taller than it was long. We didn't mind changing the bread, but it was hard to eat as the contents spilled over the sides with each bite. The garnish was pineapple sweetened coleslaw. In a nearby bowl were packets of ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard, along with salt and pepper. They brought out a full glass of ice for our drink; the beverage can was supplied at room temperature.

abstract drinks

We couldn't compete with all the drink options aboard Oasis of the Seas, with an atmosphere and crowd to suit everyone. Including four swim-up bars and three cafes, there were 20 options to choose from, not counting the bars in some of the restaurants. Some of our favorites detailed below were the Latin Dance Clubboleros, the tapas and wine barvintages, or eventrellis barin central park and the audacityflood, a bar that floated above an indoor fountain on the Royal Promenade.

The ship's standard drinks menu included wines from around the world, with an expanded selection at select venues such as Vintages and 150 Central Park. About two dozen wines were available by the glass, from Castle Rock Chardonnay, Peter Lehman Shiraz, and Beringer White Zinfandel for $7 to Clos de Bois Merlot ($9) and Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay ($16). All by the bottle, while the Champagne Bar had a good selection of sparkling wines by the glass or bottle.

The beer list was pretty sketchy, including local regulars like Budweiser and Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, and Miller Lite ($4.25 or $5.25 for 16-ounce aluminum bottles), as well as Blue Moon, Samuel Adams, and Sierra Nevada. ($4.75). to $5.75). all the world). International beers included Beck's, Coronoa, Dos Equis, Heineken Kirin Light, Pilsner Urquell, Red Stripe, and Stella Artois. An extended listing was offered at the Globe & Atlas pub.

There were plenty of mixed drink options, as well as specials at various bars, with prices ranging from $5.75 to $10.25, though fancier cocktails could be made. Various beverage packages can be ordered with the potential for small savings: the soft drink package was $45.50 for seven days ($31.50 for children 17 and under), the beer package was $45 per day, the premium package was $55 per day (including beverages priced at $6.25 or less, excluding bottled water, sodas, and coffee) and bottled water and juice packets were also available.

A 15% gratuity was added to all drink purchases, including drink packages. The drinking age on the ship is 21 years old.

Café Paseo Marítimo

Open 24 hours, this was Java's premier breakfast spot on the Royal Promenade. There was coffee prepared on the boat, as well as coffee-based drinks available at an additional cost. We didn't try this, so we can't compare it to competing Starbucks offerings a few hundred yards away, but the main difference here was the availability of alcoholic beverages. Prices ranged from $3.25 to $3.85 for 12- and 16-ounce cappuccinos, mochas, and chai lattes. Iced coffee drinks were available ($3.75 to $4), as well as additional coffee drinks starting at $6. There was also a fresh-squeezed orange juice machine ($3.95 to $4.95).

Here, a deli box was available throughout the day with a variety of food offerings that mirrored the cold options at other buffet stations. There were sandwiches, brie bagels, croissants, cinnamon rolls, cookies, brownies and scones, all free. There are tables and chairs, but the atmosphere was not as welcoming as in our cafes at home.

café starbucks

Located at the other end of the Royal Promenade, this was the first Starbucks location at sea and we found most of the standard Starbucks coffee drinks on offer. Tazo tea and chai lattes are also available, along with frappuccino drinks; The prices were a bit higher than what we normally pay at Starbucks, starting at $2.85 for a large cappuccino (12 oz), $3.65 for a caramel macchiato, or $3.95 for a frappuccino. The cappuccino we tried was pretty comparable to the Starbucks we enjoy at home.

Vitality Spa Cafeteria

This bright spot at the spa entrance was handy for post-workout comers and offered the same coffee selection as Cafe Promenade - the first spa cafe we've seen where liqueurs can be added to drinks! But there was something here that couldn't be found anywhere else on the ship: smoothies that can be made with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables of your choice, including oranges, apples, carrots, celery, beets, cucumbers, and ginger (4, $25). at $6.25); Muscle builders, fiber, L-glutamine and other powders can also be added.

The seating area was too sterile for our liking and completely lacking in natural light, not a great environment to enjoy what's on offer. But we love our Carrot Orange Ginger Juice and we will bring it to Central Park to enjoy it. A small selection of snacks and fruit are available free of charge.

Wikinger Crown Hall

Now this is a room with a view. Perhaps higher above the sea than any other cruise bar, the Viking Crown Lounge is located on deck 17, directly above the Windjammer buffet. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of the ocean, as well as some of the ship's pool areas. The beautiful lounge has a more sophisticated atmosphere than most of the other bars on the ship, and live entertainment includes soft music and jazz. This place was sometimes deserted (especially during the day when it was a good place to play cards) but when there was 20% off "happy hour" all the tables were taken. The tini we had was crispy and cold, perfect.

Pole bar, sky bar, pool bar, sand bar

These four bars are located poolside, two on deck 15 and two on deck 16. They had the same drinks menu, but the top pair, Mast and Sky, were less crowded and a good meeting place when the sun went down.

cleaning rod

Nestled among the FlowRider surf simulators, the Wipe Out Bar is a good place to watch the brave antics of the aspiring surfers in the parade. To accommodate the fact that many children frequent this area, Wipe Out offers juices and soft drinks in addition to their extensive drink menu.

Bar-Solarium

We like this spot on deck 16 which we found overlooked by many guests. Just above the sun terrace and restaurant were plenty of sun loungers, most of which were shaded from the sun. Frozen drinks were popular here, but the standard ship bar menu was also available.

blind

Located on deck 8, Dazzles is a two-story nightclub with live music that caters to an older crowd. Behind the gazebo there is a large window that overlooks the promenade. With huge black-and-white photos of Hollywood glamor icons, it's a very convenient place to hear a live band (or have a private event). Every night Dazzles has a live band playing music from the '60s to '90s and anyone can jump on the dance floor to show off their moves. But the space felt strangely unused, and unlike Viking & Crown, it wasn't crowded during happy hour (when drinks were 20% off).

Rock and Roll, Bellydance Please note that The Dazzle's upper level is one of two designated smoking areas within the ship.

floodable

Perhaps the boldest bar concept on the seven seas, Rising Tide looks like a hovercraft straight out of a sci-fi movie, and that's before you've even taken off from the Royal Promenade. When the bar is open, the waist-high glass doors on either side of the bar close every 15 minutes and the place rises three stories up to Central Park, where you can disembark or stay on board to slowly descend. . As the bar rises, a fountain appears below the bar, which can be seen from the Royal Promenade.

The Rising Tide also serves drinks (although we noticed many guests just came along for the ride) and offers both the ship's standard drink menu as well as the local specialty: a blue lychee martini. There are "singles" events several times a day, so it's also a good place to find a date.

trellis bar

This charming place is located outdoors in the middle of the lush Central Park. There are only a few high tables and chairs and a few bar stools. Margaritas, martinis, mai tais, and other fancy cocktails are available along with beer and wine.

vintages

A wine bar and tapas dining option, Vintages is located in Central Park and offers seating both inside and outside the park. It's a great place for a glass of wine before dinner. The bar is filled with plush sofas and comfortable cushioned chairs, all surrounded by wines in temperature-controlled coolers. A variety of wines from around the world were offered, in large glasses or smaller portions. Vintages also offers wine seminars, hours, and prices upon request.

What we liked the most were the tapas, which were served every day until 1 am and cost between $2 and $4 each. The Spanish menu ranged from potato omelette, gazpacho, rice croquettes, potatoes, chicken or txangurro, paella, pata negra ham, Iberian sausages, sardines with marinara sauce and half a dozen desserts. Several items were available as part of the combo plate: 5 tapas for $8, 7 for $11, or 8 for $13 plus dessert.

With nice seats in the park, a couple can enjoy a great casual meal with the combo plates. Vintages was overlooked by most of the guests, we thought it was worth finding out.

walkable

This is the outdoor bar located on the seafront between the Carousel and the Aqua Theater. It was little used except before and after theatrical performances. In addition to the standard ship drinks menu, there was some food available for free ("from Johnny Rockets," a sign said, but it didn't appear to be). However, the popcorn was extra - $1.75 a bag.

Schoner-Bar

Overlooking the Royal Promenade, the Schooner Bar will be familiar territory for Royal Caribbean regulars: it's the line's trademark with sailing-themed, nautical décor, glass-topped tables, blue armchairs, and a centerpiece piano. There is a long martini menu, several margaritas, iced tea, wine, and beer. Most of the ship's trivia contests were held here, several daily ones each with a different theme, and live piano music every night.

boleros

The Latin American bar offered fun drinks and a dance floor to match. Decorated in bright shades of orange and red, with comfortable leather armchairs, Boleros would be a wonderful place to stay were it not for one major flaw: Boleros is one of the few places on the ship where smoking is allowed. . In fact, the smell of the boleros was so strong that smokers and non-smokers alike quickly became uncomfortable wearing them. Day and night, the lounge was the meeting place for smokers. We suspect that the ventilation is not sufficient for its use.

With a Latin American focus, Boleros offers many rum and tequila-based drinks, including caipirinhas, mojitos, and local wines. Boleros occasionally features live bands and is a great place to dance, with salsa classes and competitions on select nights.

champagne bar

Guess what was served here? Champagne was available by the bottle and by the glass, along with a short list of cheeky concoctions: Moscow Mule, Gin Basil Smash, Cucumber Fizz, etc. It was a comfortable environment as nothing was as loud as a parade, and a selection was available in the evening served with toast, caviar and garnishes.

are not

This was primarily the ship's sports bar, with TV screens along the walls. We stopped in to take advantage of the nightly happy hour and a trivia contest had just finished - the bar went from full to completely empty in minutes. Other events planned here included the much-needed towel folding demonstration and karaoke sessions, as well as trivia.

globe and atlas

The Old English Pub on the Royal Promenade offers a quieter place for a drink. The living room features dark wood paneling, wooden furniture, nautical accents, and comfortable leather armchairs. The pub has the largest beer menu on the ship and in addition to its selection of international beers, the Bow and Stern also offers cocktails, wines and spirits. Beer prices start at around $4.25, cocktails at $5. Every night the Globe & Atlas hosts a live music act with occasional singing.

Fiesta

Located on deck 4, Blaze is the dance club on the Oasis of the Seas geared primarily to young adults (no people under 18 are allowed, though sessions were advertised on some nights in the daily young adult bulletin). Red leather chairs and high-backed banquettes grace the club, and an oval bar dominates the space. The dance floor is decent and there are plenty of seats if you don't want to get up.

Vitality in the Sea Spa y centro de fitness

Tucked away on deck 6, the Vitality at Sea Spa offers a variety of body treatments. From facials and massages to skin care, salon services and acupuncture, there was something for every cruise ship. There was a thermal suite with heated ceramic loungers, aroma room, sauna, steam room, rain and mist showers.

Run by Steiner Leisure, which now oversees spa facilities on most cruise ships, rates are slightly higher than most mass-market land-based resorts. Prices start at $119 for a 50-minute reflexology or Swedish massage and go up to $199 for a 75-minute bamboo massage. The 50 minute couples massage was $269 (per couple) and the 50 minute couples rasul scrub was $95. the Urban Cleanse Facial for men was $129. There were treatments for children, and the salon offered hair, nail, and waxing services. A seven-day Thermal Suite pass was $99, or $179 per couple. From day one, promotions began to appear, ranging from 15-minute bonuses to discounts on combo packages. A 15% tip was automatically added to the bill for all treatments.

oAcademiait was on deck 6, and a staircase led outside to the jogging track on deck 5. Unlike most cruise ship fitness facilities, there were few windows to let in natural light. In addition to free weights, there were dozens of cardio and resistance machines, but we did find a few machines that needed repair. We rode the bike and the seat wouldn't lock; A second moto was fine, but the revs were down; On a third, the engine dipped a bit. A fourth (!) bike seemed to work fine. We recently tested the "Expresso" bikes, which have a video game-like screen that shows your route and that of other cyclists; The technology did not convince us, but especially when the bike kept pulling to the right (off road) and after about 20 minutes the gears started to slip.

There were plenty of trainers in the gym but they didn't bother to help (personal training is $55 for 40 minutes or $85 for an hour). There were several free classes, including stretching and crunches, as well as "free wellness seminars" like "How to Boost Your Metabolism" and "Detox for Health and Weight Loss" that ended in overpriced product launches. Yoga on the ship's helipad was $12 a class, spin classes were $15, and gravity pool was $30. The gym was open until 1am every night.

pool

Oasis of the Seas has four different pool areas, each with a different theme and all located on deck 15. These are decent sized pools (2,300 ton water weight alone), but when the sun came out and the ship was at sea, they were very full. Each of the pools have hot tubs and rinsing showers.

omain poolis to starboard e. There are plenty of sun loungers and loungers around the pool, and this is the only pool with a transfer chair for those with limited mobility. EITHERpoolIt's designed to resemble a beach, with water lapping up the artificial sand and loungers in the shallows. Umbrellas are evenly distributed throughout the site. On sea days the beach pool was more crowded and the loungers were precious. It offers three routes built in the morning thatlap poolIt is intended for lovers of swimming. But at the end of the day, this pool was just as busy as any. Each of these pools is 4 feet 9 inches deep at its deepest point.

The one intended for childrenH2O zoneIt has shallow pools for toddlers and toddlers, as well as deeper areas for older kids that are 3 feet 5 inches deep. The interactive sculptured fountains have geysers and sprinklers and look like a lot of fun (we limit jump impulses). One of the pools is a glass-walled hot tub, which was very popular. Baby Splash Zone had a 2-inch deep pool; Swim diapers were required under a bathing suit. Fair warning: the area is almost always loud and crowded, but we love the kids' loungers in this area.

There's also The Solarium, an adults-only lounge with a plunge pool and Jacuzzis (see "Decks" below). Outside the solarium are two large crescent-shaped rooms.swirlscantilevered over the side of the ship. They are built into alcoves that extend 12 feet from deck 15. There are two televisions in these hot tubs showing sporting events, but we found the ocean view much better.

another recreation

Most of the ship's other recreational activities are centered around the sports field, located aft on deck 15, overlooking the waterfront. the originalsports fieldIt is designed for basketball and soccer and is surrounded by a glass wall. The team organizes football and basketball tournaments and everyone is invited to participate. there are six nearbyTable tennisTable tennis and table tennis were popular (and the only pastime protected from the elements).oasis dunesis the ship's miniature golf course with nine holes to play.

The main attraction accessible from this deck is theflow rider, unique surf simulators (at sea) for Royal Caribbean's newest ships. The Oasis of the Seas has two of these wave machines: one for boogie boarding and one for stand up boarding. There is a minimum size of 52 inches for boogie boards and 58 inches for surf boards. For those who have never surfed, finding the right balance is a challenge. Size issue aside, we've seen all ages try it, and everyone takes a few sips before getting used to it (the bar next door isn't called Wipe Out for nothing). As such, Royal Caribbean requires FlowRiders to sign a waiver of liability prior to boarding a hoverboard to indemnify the cruise line for damages resulting from personal injury.

Tip: Enjoy one of the first courses on the FlowRider immediately after boarding. Many cruise lines don't try out the surf simulators until your second or third day at sea, and then the lines can be long. A class speeds up learning, and queuing to travel later on the cruise won't be as frustrating. One hour classes are $60 for a group session of 4-8 people. Or you can rent the FlowRider (with a private instructor) for $480 per hour, a great option for families.

Royal Caribbean was the first to bring itclimbing wallsout to sea, and the Oasis was the first ship to have not just one, but two walls. Below the FlowRider are climbing walls that can be accessed via the boardwalk. On each wall there are several routes with different levels of difficulty. Although one line was firmly in place after the first few days of sailing, we never saw the second (harbor) wall open. Loaner climbing shoes are provided; Socks can be purchased or rented. Royal Caribbean's waiter liability had to be signed here, but cleverly, the waiver deck also covers the FlowRider and Zipline, so we only have to sign once for the entire cruise.

The firstzip linein the sea it extends along the entire Malecón, from one end of the playing field to the other. While it pales in comparison to the speed and length of some of the zip lines we tried in the Caribbean, it's a little scarier than we expected - the first step is silly! Open shoes, cameras or other paraphernalia are not permitted. Definitely worth a try on boarding day while everyone else gets their bearings; there was basically no line that day, but there was almost always a wait afterwards. The queue moves relatively quickly, about one passenger per minute (the entire trip takes only 5 seconds), and we've never seen more than two dozen queues.

Other Entertainment: Behind the Aqua Theater there are twoShuffleboardplaces with equipment. They are not discovered by most guests, so they were not used much during our cruise. In Study B, thetrackit is open to guests when the ice show is not taking place or rehearsing (times are listed in the ship's newsletter). Rental skates are provided; complete, long pants and socks are required.

card games

Due to its size, there are many outdoor areas on the Oasis of the Seas, catering to a variety of interests. With stunning views from the bow of the ship, theSolariumOn decks 15 and 16 it was not closed, as the name suggests, but mostly covered with glass. It was probably the least crowded deck on the ship. No kids under 15 allowed so it got pretty quiet, music was muted. Armchairs and partially shaded upholstered chairs with beanbags are spread over two levels. We always managed to find empty sunbeds even on sea days.

There's a plunge pool here (with a central fountain that was little more than lounging), along with two secluded Jacuzzis nestled between man-made palm trees; everyone saw little traffic during our cruise. On either side of the sundeck entrance are crescent-shaped whirlpools suspended 12 feet from the side of the ship.

Surrounding most of the ship,Deck 5It has the ship's 2,200-foot jogging track - 2.4 laps equals one mile. Most of the track is surrounded by the ship's lifeboats, but the rear of the deck is open to view (located just behind the Aqua Theater, this was a good meeting point). There are motivational signs along the route to inspire you to walk some more, but we found that the narrowness of the route caused congestion where walkers and slower runners are often at odds.

above the solarium,deck 17It's another solarium, but during the day it's only for Royal Caribbean Gold Card members. There are huge beach chairs, loungers and loungers and a bar. It's very quiet, even on sea days. After 6 p.m. m., the area is open to all and is nicknamed Cigars Under the Stars.

die rideit is located aft on deck 6 and represents one of the Oasis districts. The three most popular attractions were the Aqua Theatre, Johnny Rockets and the climbing walls; other aspects made this area feel like a money pit. However, the carousel is free for everyone. on deck 8,parque CentralIt's another open-air neighborhood in Oasis, with around 12,000 plants and a chorus of birds and cricket sounds. Most of the specialty restaurants are clustered around Central Park, along with the art gallery, but you won't find much sun here. The main deck is directly in front of the Oasis, in thedeck 14🇧🇷 There are a couple of sun loungers and two binoculars, plus a nice view of the helipad.deck 16It is the terrace just above the pool areas. Loungers and chairs line this terrace, and two small bars sit in the middle, so no one has to walk far for a drink.

shows and entertainment

Oasis of the Seas offers perhaps the richest entertainment program at sea. That's partly due to the size of the ship -- there are several large venues and live music on different stages virtually every hour of the day -- but Royal Caribbean has done an excellent job accommodating the diversity of guests on board. Deck 4 was designed as the main center for evening entertainment, with the Casino at one end. The main showroom here,Opal-Theater, seats 1394 people in a pleasantly wide sloping arch and offers great views throughout and cup holders at every seat; only the first row of balconies is partially obstructed (by a railing). We found the acoustics at Opal to be fantastic and the sound mix in the performances we saw was excellent without being over the top.

The featured show at the Opal is Hairspray, a 90-minute shortened version of the Tony Award-winning musical. With a cast of 21 singers and dancers and a live band of 5, the show is slightly inferior to Broadway but comparable to the traveling version. It's a fun homage to R&B set in Baltimore, with a subtle undercurrent of racial and sexual politics thrown in for good measure; All in all a refreshing change from the usual Motown tributes that occupy most cruise ship showrooms, and suitable for all ages. Also performing at the Opal Theater was "Come Fly With Me", a 45-minute music review of (slightly) air-related songs. Designed just for Oasis, it's a massive show, with a support plane taking the stage at one point. It has a classy Las Vegas feel to it, with some sensational ones where the staging, performances, and concept are all beautifully done.

editor's note: The Tony Award-winning musical 'Cats' replaced 'Hairspray' at the Opal Theatre.

Keep in mind that with only three performances of "Hairspray" and "Come Fly With Me," there aren't enough seats on Opal if everyone on board wants to attend. We had no trouble getting into any of the shows without a ticket, but advance booking is recommended (free on boarding day).

Exclusive to Oasis (and Allure of the Seas) is theaquatic theater, a 720-seat open-air, rear-facing venue: a pool is the setting with diving boards floating above it. The 35-minute headline is "Oasis of Dreams," a stunning Cirque du Soleil water show starring Esther Williams. She ignores the show's fairy tale plot and enjoys an acrobatic performance by 16 gymnasts, trapeze artists and vaulters, all wearing skimpy swimsuits that show off their toned bodies. During our cruise there were only four performances, at least two of which were standing room only. The armchairs are comfortable, interspersed with some benches; Note that the first three lines are labeled "Welcome Zone".

Another Royal Caribbean specialty isTaller B, an ice rink on Deck 3. The Oasis is open for ice skating sessions at select times (see "Other Fun Activities" above), but has a team of 12 skaters performing "Frozen in Time," a ice show based around the tales of Hans Christian Anderson. The Ugly Duckling, The Little Red Shoes, The Emperor's New Clothes and other stories come to life in a whimsical way and are enthusiastically received by the public. During our cruise there were five performances; The enclosure has a capacity of 775 seats.

Other notable locations includedstandup comedy,for stand-up shows, almost all designed for people over 18 years of age. We were looking forward to seeing the performances (two comedians performing back to back) but were unable to secure advance reservations and were instead required to queue at least 45 minutes before the performance began. Although 15 shows were scheduled during our cruise, the venue only held 120 people, meaning only about a third of the ship's passengers were able to attend all the shows together. On the last night of the cruise, the comedians were transferred to the Opal Theater, still full. Our advice: book before boarding. Another place worth seeing wasjazz on the 4th, which featured a decent singer backed by a three-piece combo. The sound was good, but it didn't appeal to us for some reason.

Casino Royale

With 523 slot machines and 24 table games, Casino Royale is huge and busy. Other than the size, we didn't find much to make it different from other casinos at sea, although we did see a baccarat table that looked rather unusual. The starboard side of the casino is a smoking area, while a low-key area on the port side offers slots in a relatively smoke-free environment.

The casino bar makes any drink you want, but the drinks are not free to players like they are in Las Vegas. But the more you play the slots, the more points you can earn toward various rewards (as small as a key ring or, if you win enough, dinner at Chops Grille).

other places

Oasis of the Seas has a small oneLibrarytucked away on deck 11. Either because the racks weren't full to begin with or because everything was cleared on the first day, we found the racks to be less than half full on the second day of the cruise. Directly above deck 14 and slightly above,seven heartsIt was the games room and also acted as the ship's main Internet station. The self-directed Bridge Game was scheduled for an hour or two on most days of the cruise and there was a small selection of popular board games like Scrabble and Checkers. Located on the seafrontcarouselIt was nice to watch, but there wasn't much action.

Located almost in the center of the Royal Promenade, theexploration tableShore excursions can be booked here. We liked the fact that it was built around a clock tower, and while we expected the layout to make organization and movement difficult, it was an affordable collection of freestanding desks that you assemble as needed. EITHERGuest service deskClose was open, and busy, most of the day. The staff behind the desk worked diligently to keep the line moving, but the lack of supports (ropes) to keep the line in order has been a problem since we've been here.

Several rooms are available for groups, starting with thesummit chapel, an airy and attractive facility on deck 17, accommodating at least 50 guests. Nearby is thePinnacle Salon, another private meeting room (with access to the Viking Crown Lounge next door). a more traditionalconference centerlocated on deck 3: four conference rooms with space for 50 to 120 guests (theater-style seating).

children's programs

Royal Caribbean offers one of the most comprehensive children's programs in the cruise industry, and Oasis of the Seas has all the bells and whistles, broken down by age group. The tweens were accommodated on deck 14 forward, while the teen area was on deck 15 aft. There was even an informal program for 18-20 year olds. The day of departure there was an open day for families.

Starting with recent cruises, theRoyal Babies and Tot's NurseryBabysits children from 6 to 36 months at an hourly rate of USD 8 per child per day until midnight. The nursery has a basic supply of baby care essentials, but parents are required to bring diapers, bottles and milk, food, sippy cups, and one extra item of clothing. A Fisher Price toy lending service was available (great for storing luggage with essentials). Parents were allowed to leave the ship for shore excursions, and in-cabin babysitting services were also available.

Children from 3 to 11 years old will be cared for in theocean of adventureFacility with its own science lab and drama and related activities planned for three subgroups: Aquanauts (3-5 years), Explorers (6-8 years), and Voyagers (9-11 years). Individually, they participate in timed, age-appropriate science games and experiments. Hours of operation vary (facilities are open longer on sea days), but generally activities are scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. m. and 2:00 a.m. m. Night activities (10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.). Children up to 8 years old must be registered by their parents; with parental consent, Voyagers could come and go.

Teens ages 12-17 have their own parent-free area on deck 15, thesala, room with Wii, music studio, reading material and internet points (youth reduced 0.30/minute). Many activities took place around the ship: sports deck, treasure hunt, etc. There was a disco only for teenagers,Gasoline, with Scratch DJ 101 sessions and a different party theme every night (Miami/Latin, Vegas, etc.). Fuel was for kids ages 12-14 from 10:30 p.m. m. to 11:45 p.m. m., and after midnight, the older teens took over. Please note that there is a curfew in all public areas of the ship after 1:00 am. m. every night for guests under 17 years of age, unless accompanied by an adult.

There were two arcades: thePlayroom for childrenno Adventure Ocean e noarcadesIt's next to the living room.

retail trade

Not only is it the largest cruise ship, Oasis is also the largest shopping center at sea. While most of the products on offer were fairly typical of a conventional cruise line, the number of guests on board allowed Royal Caribbean to think a bit more than usual.

The main shopping area ran along the Royal Promenade on deck 5 and began withinsignia, a watch and jewelry store with brands such as Tag Heuer, Tissot, Longines and Sophia Fiori. In itFocusWe found a decent range of consumer cameras from Canon, Pentax and Nikon, including underwater cameras.port merchantscarried an assortment of sundries, drinks, snacks, and ship memorabilia whileprince and greenoffered cosmetics and perfumes, andWeidenbaumclothing offered, mainly women's clothing. Upstairs, in the Champagne Bar, was the photo gallery where we could see the manual work of the team photographers. Eight by Ten was $19.95 each, but several bundles were available, including a 34-image hardcover photo book for $149.95.

Befitting a Park Avenue location (or so we might think), Central Park held both of the ship's high-end stores. there was oneCoachShop, for the first time on any cruise, with leather goods displayed as beautifully as in a mall back home. Next to it is theGallery next to the parkwhich has an above average selection of artwork for sale. Several art auctions took place during our cruise. Its on the sideyou're welcome, a small studio for portrait photography.

In the Malecón area, stores are committed to the whimsical and inclusivevane, with stuffed animals and a montage of Pets at Sea, kind of like Build-a-Bear (stuffed animals were $22 each, or $32 with a set of clothes). beside,more starryHe had sportswear and accessories from Puma, Quiksilver, and Swatch. And of course, in keeping with the Coney Island flavor, there was a Zoltar animatronic seer machine that dished out wise wisdom for a dollar.

Service

In general, we found the service disciplined and pleasant. The Oasis of the Seas is a great machine to operate and the management seems able to consistently provide good service to the crew, particularly in the restaurants. But on some occasions there was tension when serving so many guests.

We wanted to move from an allotted seating time to the main dining room and went to Opus the first afternoon to request a change. One hostess told us that My Time Dinner was full but she would put us on the waitlist for a change and come back later. When we did, a host told us there was no waiting list and wanted to know who told us about one; He then called the hostess and engaged in a verbal debate that led to accusations. On at least two other occasions, we overheard crew conversations that should not have been shared with guests.

We also found that the food at specialty restaurants was sometimes slow, too slow, or (usually) too fast. In any case, we felt that the number of servers on the site was insufficient for the level of business. This was a particular problem at Chops Grille, where an inexperienced server carelessly pushed us through our food.

ship communication

The ship's newsletter, Cruise Compass, delivered to our room each night with detailed information on the next day's schedule. There was so much activity to follow that it was easy to miss some events. On the first day of our cruise, a document called The Planner was available at the "Ticket Office" - a reservation desk set up in Studio B during embarkation - outlining the major shows and events that would take place during the cruise. Picking up at The Planner and making reservations for shows are key first-day tasks to get the most out of an Oasis of the Seas cruise.

The amount of printed marketing material delivered to our stateroom was slightly less than usual, in contrast to the deluge we typically get on a cruise. However, our interactive TV had a 'message' box and a large number of messages flooded our driveway demanding attention - nine messages had to be removed on the first day alone!

internet facilities

Internet access aboard Oasis of the Seas left a lot to be desired. Three Internet stations known as iCafe had a collection of personal computers for Internet browsing. The first two, on decks 7 and 9 forward, seemed like an afterthought: some empty areas near the elevator shafts that weren't big enough for an interior cabin. How claustrophobic and uncomfortable! At least the station on deck 14 aft, in Seven Hearts, the games room, was more open. The base price for Internet access was $0.65 per minute, but there were packages that reduced the price per minute: 60 minutes for $35 ($0.58/minute), 100 minutes for $55 ($0.55/minute), etc. Teen Zone's base rate was 0.30 per minute. minute.

Wi-Fi was available throughout the ship for those who brought their own laptops, but we found the service clumsy: we were charged for a minute, then started at least three times; Our bill showed a charge for an additional 3 minutes even though we purchased a package. When we stopped at the main iCafe to correct our bill, there never seemed to be an agent present, even during scheduled hours (customer service later took care of the overcharges).

It is also possible to access the Internet through the interactive TVs in the cabin, a system we did not test.

editor's note: After our cruise, Royal Caribbean upgraded the WiFi system on the Oasis of the Seas. An unlimited internet package was also available - $179 for the duration of the cruise.

dress codes

There were three recommended, albeit minimally enforced, dress codes. The dress code forcasualThe nights (four nights of our cruise) were dresses or pants and blouses for the women, sports shirts and pants for the men. there was onecoincidentally more elegantcruise night: dresses or pantsuits for women, jackets for men. Two nights were designated asFormaland suggested attire was cocktail attire for women, suit and tie or tuxedo for men (tuxedo rental can be arranged through Royal Caribbean prior to your cruise).

Bare feet, shorts, tank tops, and hats were not allowed in the Opus Dining Room or all specialty restaurants.

Dirty clothes

There is no self-service laundry onboard Oasis of the Seas. Laundry, ironing and dry cleaning services were available at typical hotel rates.

General health and safety

A grouping exercise was conducted prior to boarding and the crew checked the cabins to ensure they were vacant. Access cards were scanned at the entrance of each collection station and the safety briefing was delivered primarily via video presentation, followed by a live demonstration of life jacket use. The lifeboats are on deck five.

clinics

The medical facilities are located on deck 2. The facilities were open from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Diary. Hand sanitizer stations were located at the entrances of most restaurants.

smoking policy

On our cruise, the Oasis of the Seas is designated as a non-smoking area with the exception of certain areas, including stateroom balconies. But Royal Caribbean announced a more restrictive smoking policy effective January 1, 2014. Smoking is no longer allowed on guest balconies. Designated outdoor areas on the port side of the ship are reserved for smokers; Smoking is not permitted on the boardwalk or in the ship's Central Park. E-cigarettes are only allowed in designated smoking areas. Guests who smoke in the cabins will be charged a $250 cleaning fee.

general rules

For information on Royal Caribbean's tipping policy and service charges, seeon here.

For information on Royal Caribbean's alcoholic beverage policy, visiton here.

For information on Royal Caribbean's loyalty program, visiton here.