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Oasis of the Seas

Cruise Review

STATEROOM, ENTERTAINMENT and DINING OPTIONS

Each month we feature a cruise line and highlight useful information for first-time cruisers.

Follow the links for more detailed information.

 

Ask The Experts : About Royal Caribbean Cruises Oasis of the Seas

Raye & Marty Trencher, Cruise Traveler Magazine


 


 
Featured Story of the Month

THIS MONTH'S FEATURED CRUISE SHIP                         

Each month we feature a different cruise ship. Perhaps the latest, greatest, biggest one afloat or a more intimate new yacht-like vessel. If your interested in sailing on the latest cruise ships you came to the right place.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. Cruise Review Stateroom, Entertainment and Dining Options.

The World's largest cruise ship! Read on. Then, let us know what you think. We value your opinion.

Editor's Notebook : As you can see from the photo above, Oasis of the Seas "open in the middle" superstructure features a sixty foot wide, open-air center. The ship’s upper 10 decks feature inside balcony staterooms overlooking Central park. These separate port and starboard sides separate this ship from any you have ever seen!.

Oasis of the Seas has zones or separate areas for different activities. This helps spread out as many as 6.000 guests, so the the ship seems smaller than it really is. These zones, “neighborhoods.”  as they are know onboard, include Boardwalk and Central Park — are the most interesting. There, you will find  a  variety of accommodations, activities, shops and restaurants. There is also a Youth Zone (children and teen areas) and the Pool and Sports Zone.

Think family vacation -- on steroids.


Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is The World's Largest Ocean Liner.

Spanning 16 decks, 2,700 staterooms including 28 duplex "New York-style loft" suites and registered at 220,000 tons, Oasis carries 5,400 passengers and has seven distinct neighborhoods .

 

It has a rock climbing wall, ice-skating rink, Flow rider surf simulators , a zip line suspended 9 decks high and an aqua theater.  Showcasing seven entire neighborhoods, including a Central Park and a Coney Island-style Boardwalk.

By The Numbers: Oasis of the Seas

Staterooms: 2,706

Passenger capacity: 6,296

Number of employees: 2,165

Restaurants/snack bars: 24

Cost to build: $1.4 billion

Starting price cost for a seven-night Caribbean cruise in March: $1,250, plus taxes, for an interior stateroom.


Departure Port : Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Along with the world's largest cruise ship, you need the world’s largest cruise terminal.

The new $75 million Port Everglades terminal in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was expanded to more than three times its original size, big enough so arriving and departing passengers can go through processing procedures quickly. 90 check-in counters were built to speed passengers through the check-in process in 15 minutes or less.
TiP:  It could take as long as four hours for your luggage to reach your stateroom. So be sure to take what you need in a carry-on, or you might find yourself with out the proper change of clothes for dinner. Remember with over 6,000 guests it could be as much as 15,000 pieces of luggage to deliver. No doubt, it is the biggest collection of luggage ever at sea.


225,282 GRT ● 1,187 feet (360 meters) long ● 208 feet (64meters) wide

213 feet (65 meters) high from the water line ● 30 feet (9.1 meters) draft ● 22.6 knots cruising speed

16 passenger decks ● 24 passenger elevators ● 4 bow thrusters with 7,500 horse power each

5,400 guests (double occupancy) ● 6,296 guests total ● 2,165 crew (From over 71 countries)

The ship's population of 8,461, which comprises all those passengers,

plus 2,165 crew, is bigger than some small towns in America!


OASIS of the SEAS

Cruise Review

STATEROOM, ENTERTAINMENT and DINING OPTIONS


 

STATEROOM OPTIONS

Stateroom costs will run 15-20 percent more to sail on the Oasis compared to other Royal Caribbean ships. Interior cabins starting at $729 per person, $979 for balcony staterooms.

Mini Suites, Suites and Loft Staterooms will cost you much, much more.

Total: 2,706 ● Balcony: 1,956 ●Outside: 254 ● Interior: 496

Staterooms with additional berths: 683 · Wheelchair accessible staterooms: 46

Royal Caribbean Brings Urban Living Concept to Sea with Cruise Industry’s First Lofts

The evolution of cruise ship hardware has been mindboggling over the past few decades, especially in the realm of accommodations. Inspired by urban living ideals, Royal Caribbean International has broken the mold yet again with the introduction of the industry’s first two-level loft suites. Think funky city apartment, only this one floats and happens to have incredible sea views from double-height windows.

Dramatically redefining cruise ship accommodations, the lofts are the highest accommodations at sea and offer spectacular views of the ocean with floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuring the view will be enjoyed from every corner of the space. Other features among these coveted 28 lofts include a unique modern design accented with abstract, modern art pieces, spacious living areas on the lower level with contemporary detailing, and a private balcony with sun chairs and stunning views to help guests unwind.

“We have 28 loft suites and when I first saw them, I immediately wished we had built more,” said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

TiP: Oasis of the Seas has 2,706 staterooms, ranging from a 149-square-foot interior cabin to the luxurious Royal Loft Suite that can accommodate six. 
On most ships all balconies face the ocean, but on Oasis, they not only face the ocean, some are interior balconies overlooking the open-air Boardwalk and Central Park neighborhoods. Families should consider staterooms in the Boardwalk neighborhood, while the more upscale Central Park area is best for couples.
   

Fresh, chic and super functional, each loft measures 545 square feet (51 square meters) and larger. The impressive design includes an upper-level bedroom that overlooks the living area below. The downstairs sitting area has a couch, chaise lounge, LCD television, guest bathroom, 17-foot windows and balcony that opens up to sweeping sea views. Up top, the loft bed floats like a dream behind transparent panels for open views through the floor-to-ceiling windows -- wake up and soak up the scenery without even hopping out of bed. The upstairs master bathroom features his and her shower heads, fog-free mirrors, and limestone mosaic tile detailing. Beds are outfitted with white, luxurious duvets complemented by tropical blue and green accents that tie in to the loft’s natural surroundings. The signature lofts rounds out a new portfolio of 37 categories of accommodation options, many with views unique to Oasis of the Seas.

Following is a breakdown of the various accommodation types and the latest ground-breaking features that will bring them to life:

Loft Suites
• Royal Loft Suite: In addition to the 25 Crown Loft Suites onboard Oasis of the Seas, the exclusive Royal Loft Suite accommodates groups of six and is the largest of all lofts onboard Oasis of the Seas. Spanning 1,524 sq. ft. (141 sq. m.), it features its own Baby Grand piano, indoor and outdoor dining rooms that seat eight, private wet bar, a library and extended 843-square-foot (78.3-square-meter) balcony with its own LCD television, entertainment area and Jacuzzi. The Royal Loft Suite can be connected to a Crown Loft Suite to accommodate a total of ten guests, providing a whopping 2,069 sq. ft. (192 sq. m.) of space.

Oasis of the Seas’ Suite Accommodations

• Sky Loft Suite: The Sky Loft Suites are larger than the standard lofts and though they stand as singular units, these staterooms can be connected together to satisfy larger groups and families. The Sky Loft Suites, identified as Corner A (722 sq. ft./67 sq. m.) and Corner B (770 sq. ft./71 sq. m.), feature more living room space, separate dining rooms that seat four, spacious balconies with sun loungers, and dining tables that seat four.

• Crown Accessible Loft Suite: The Crown Accessible Loft features the same amenities as the standard Crown Loft Suites, but measures slightly larger, at 737 sq. ft. (68 sq. m.), and offers an elevator for the convenience of guests with special needs.

In addition to the loft suite accommodations, Oasis of the Seas offers a variety of suites that appeal to guests looking for extra space and even more amenities and services than offered at the standard stateroom level. While each suite varies in scope, all of the following suites provide guests with private balconies, LCD televisions and more.

• Royal Suite: The only of its kind on Oasis of the Seas , this spacious suite sleeps four and features one bedroom, two baths, a separate living area with its own Baby Grand piano, plush seating, a full bar, and a 52” LCD television. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors lead to the suite’s large outdoor balcony with woven chaise lounges. The private master suite offers an alternative sitting area with large windows facing the sea and a large jetted tub to help guests unwind after an action-packed day.

• Presidential Family Suite: Another one-of-a-kind accommodation onboard Oasis of the Seas., it can sleep 14. With a total of four bedrooms and four baths, the space is similar to the Presidential Family Suite onboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom-class ships. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows face the ocean and a spacious balcony provides enough room for the entire group to enjoy the outdoor dining area, large LCD screen, and private jetted tub.

• AquaTheater Suite: All six of the AquaTheater Suites available onboard Oasis of the Seas feature private wrap-around balconies overlooking the Boardwalk, the AquaTheater, and the ocean, offering outdoor ocean-front dining areas for six, and an outdoor bar ideal for entertaining. These new family suites accommodate up to eight guests and have two bedrooms and two full baths.

• Owner’s Suite: Each of the 10 owner’s suites accommodates four guests and is designed with one bedroom, living room and bath. Guests are pampered with a private balcony, outdoor dining table for four and an interior sitting area with a convertible queen sleeper sofa for two.

• Royal Family Suite: Sleeping eight, Oasis of the Seas’ Family Suites with balcony feature a master bedroom and bath and a guest room with private bath. All four suites also offer a private balcony with outdoor dining and lounge area that seats four.

• Grand Suite: The Grand Suites with balconies are the most abundant suite accommodations available on Oasis of the Seas. The 30 suites feature one bedroom, full bath, and a separate living area outfitted in contemporary décor, with stonework used throughout the entry and bathrooms. Private balconies boast not only great views, but comfy woven chaise lounge chairs and a whirlpool tub for two.

Those interested in reserving a standard stateroom aboard Oasis of the Seas – interior or oceanview, with or without balconies – enjoy the same level of stateroom innovations found in the suite and loft suite categories onboard. In particular, the bedroom area of all staterooms feature additional under-bed storage, shelf units, expansive closets that include retractable clothing and shoe shelves, and flip up bedside tables to provide more space and functionality as needed. The bathrooms feature a fresh design concept, providing an open space feel with clear glass shower enclosure, and additional shelves and ledges throughout.

ENTERTAINMENT and DINING OPTIONS

Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are Royal Caribbean International’s® newest, most revolutionary ships - 16-deck architectural marvels with 2,700 staterooms carrying 5,400 guests at double occupancy.

They are the first ships to feature seven themed neighborhoods: Central Park, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and the Youth Zone.

The AquaTheater - a pool by day, theater by night - offers spectacular sea-side entertainment in a venue so technologically advanced it will amaze your eyes and your senses. Plus, with two Rock-Climbing Walls, a thrilling Zip Line suspended across the Boardwalk, loft suites and a two-story, adults-only solarium - there’s only one word to describe these ships - incredible! >>

When she arrived in Ft. Lauderdale in November 2009, Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Oasis of the Seas, introduced the most unique and varied collection of entertainment and activities ever offered for guests of the global cruise line. From Broadway shows and heart-pounding diving and acrobatic exhibitions, to comedy acts and popular theme nights and parades, the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship will truly offer something to entertain all ages, interests and personalities.

Opal Theater

As the cruise line’s most dramatic and spectacular theater yet, the Opal Theater features a thrust stage and a proscenium extending into the audience to create a more interactive environment. Seating 1,350 guests, the Opal Theater will present three different shows, each performed several times throughout each sailing. : The eight time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical will no doubt be one of the star attractions onboard Oasis of the Seas. Licensed exclusively to Royal Caribbean, the show is set in 1962 and follows the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big aspirations who wins a spot on the local TV dance program, “The Corny Collins” show, and finds herself transformed into an overnight teen sensation.

TiP: Be sure to check out the online reservations system for shows, spa and specialty restaurants and the photo gallery. When you make a reservation online for the shows, it goes on your seapass card. When you get to the show, the crew is waiting with handheld scanners - they scan your card and see that you have a reservation and you're in.  "walk-ins" are not seated until everyone with reservations is seated. Also on the sea pass card is a photo gallery #. This coordinates with folders in the photo gallery. Each time your picture is taken onboard, your card is scanned and the picture ends up in your folder. So, by the end of the cruise, all pictures are in one place and all you have to do is go find your folder.

Boasting an incredible cast of talented performers, who were selected during a four city audition tour in London, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, this fabulous 90-minute show will be performed four times throughout each cruise and will thrill audiences with original costumes, sets, lighting designs and the hottest, high-energy numbers of the Broadway version produced with Royal Caribbean’s unique stamp.

• Come Fly With Me: Guests will be taken on a journey of soaring heights, interactive video and powerful singing and dancing during this spectacular 45-minute show, which will be performed four times during each cruise. Bringing the Opal Theater to life, this visually stunning show combines the unique aerial, dance, gymnastic and vocal talents of Royal Caribbean’s incredible cast, coupled with the immense talent of the cruise line’s award winning costume, video and scenic designers.

• Headliner Showtime: Offered three times throughout each cruise, guests will be delighted by the fabulous acts taking the stage at the Opal Theater, including world classsingers, musicians, and magic and juggling acts. Check out a behind-the-scenes videos of the auditions and rehearsals.

Studio B

The popular Studio B ice-skating rink will continue to awe guests with spectacular and vibrant ice shows and serve as the locale for a variety of themed events.

TiP: Check out the new tech features such as the touch screen touch-screen panels near each elevator bank - you can type in your cabin number and it gives you directions or you can pull up the daily activity sheet or dining options.

• Frozen in Time: Marking the 11th ice show Royal Caribbean has produced for this unique venue, Frozen in Time will bring to life the works of Hans Christian Andersen, the acclaimed author most notable for his children’s stories. Classic tales such as “The Snow Queen,” “The Red Shoes,” “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Little Mermaid” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes” will take to the ice during a breathtaking show of spectacular choreography, theatrics, costumes and music. Performed by The Oasis of the Seas International Ice Cast, which features top-rated figure skaters from around the world, this not-to-be-missed ice show will be available seven times during each cruise.

AquaTheater

As the first theater of its kind, this dazzling oceanfront amphitheater-style venue will be home to the most incredible, jaw-dropping shows ever seen at sea. Seating 600 guests and boasting the largest and deepest pool at sea, AquaTheater will host a variety of entertainment, including live music, fun themed events, fountain shows and cabarets, with the most anticipated attractions being two elaborate dive shows that will take place each day and night.

• Oasis of Dreams: Set against the backdrop of the ocean beneath the twinkling nighttime sky, this breathtaking dive show will leave audiences wowed after every performance. Themost professional and talented cast of Olympic and NCAA champion athletes from around the world have been selected for this show, including divers, synchronized swimmers and gymnasts. Set to an original soundtrack and synchronized with fountain shows, lighting and special effects, the all-star cast will perform a heart-pounding, dramatic spectacular, making this majestic venue come alive and bringing guests to their feet.

• Splish Splash: Performed five times each cruise, this light-hearted and humorous dive show provides fun and surprises the whole family will enjoy. The AquaTheater’s cast of divers will showcase their comedic sides, combining crazy poolside antics with exhibition Olympic-style diving, all performed to an upbeat and dramatic soundtrack.

Comedy Live

Located in the Entertainment Place neighborhood, Comedy Live is one of the signature after-dark venues onboard Oasis of the Seas. The adult comedy club is a fun and intimate space with décor inspired by a New York subway station.

• Comedy Shows: Nightly performances by talented stand-up comics will provide sidesplitting laughs and antics. Two comedians will take the stage each night during one-hour long shows performed two to three times nightly.

Theme Nights and Parades

With a Royal Promenade almost double the width of those found onboard Voyager- and Freedom-class ships, Oasis of the Seas will continue the tradition ofRoyal Caribbean’s signature theme nights and parades, and make them even bigger and better!

• Disco Inferno Street Party: Throughout the Royal Promenade on the Atlas Bridge, Rising Tide Bar and the mezzanine, guests will dance to the music of the 70’s in this Disco-themed street party.

• The Royal Promenade Parade will transform this neighborhood into a fantastical wonderland, with sights and sounds inspired by popular fairy tales. With so many exciting entertainment options and venues to choose from, Royal Caribbean is making it easier than ever for guests to plan accordingly so as not to miss any of the onboard thrills, spills and chills. For the first time show schedules will be available pre-cruise at www.royalcaribbean.com, allowing guests the opportunity to customize their cruise experience by pre-booking all shows in advance of boarding.

Under the Cruise Enhancements page of the Royal Caribbean website, guests can view all show schedules by show name, day and time and make reservations as far out as three months prior to the sail date for shows at venues including the Opal Theater, Studio B ice-skating rink, Comedy Live and the AquaTheater. Utilizing the latest technology, all reservations booked online will be recorded to each guests’ Seapass card, which will be scanned upon arrival to the selected venue at show time and will serve as the show “ticket.” While guests are encouraged to take advantage of this new pre-booking ability, a traditional Box Office and a ticketing system via the in stateroom television also will be available for onboard reservations.


Central park

Central Park is a revolutionary public space combining nature with nautical. Elegant and lively, Central Park's piazza is the ship's town square, which evolves from a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere during the day to a gathering spot for dining, entertainment and street performances in the evening.

Central Park features several al fresco dining options and more than 300 staterooms, which rise six decks to overlook the Park. Quiet reading corners, specimen gardens and other hidden surprises await guests among the winding paths.

Brining the outdoors in, Central Park offers guests a tranquil outdoor space open to the sky like never before.
>>

Royal promenade

The Royal Promenade Neighborhood - the most expansive promenade at sea - continues to be the heart of the ship. Except now, it's better than ever. For the first time, the Royal Promenade will have a mezzanine level that overlooks the space below and adds to the excitement.

The Promenade features Rising Tide, a levitating bar that ascends and descends over three decks, and enough shops and restaurants to entertain even the most traveled of travelers. By morning, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere over coffee and people watching. The ambiance becomes more energetic and vibrant in the afternoon with shopping, lunch or drinks in the pub. In the evening, the energy rises even more with parades, nightlife and entertainment for everyone. It's destination unto itself.

Vitality at sea spa & fitness

A place to soothe mind, body and soul, this state-of-the-art setting designed for the healthy lifestyle, combines the most advanced spa and anti-aging therapies, the latest fitness equipment and healthy dining options.

Enjoy the benefits of a relaxing massage or share the experience in one of our many couples massage suites. Restore your body in our Thermal Suite or rejuvenate with a pampering spa treatment.

If you're looking to energize your body, then head to our fitness center. Try the latest equipment or one of several classes, including: spinning, pilates, yoga and our new Kinesis class: a full-body, no-impact workout.

Hungry? Then stop by the new Vitality Café, where you'll find healthy snacks, juices and smoothes, plus nutritious entrees. The Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness neighborhood is perfect to strengthen your body, soothe your mind and renew your spirit.

Pool & sports zone
 
More option than you can imagine! A fun-filled zone for all ages, taking up an entire deck with multiple pools, rock-climbing walls, miniature golf, ping-pong, two FlowRiders® and a basketball court. All this, plus amazing views of Boardwalk and Central Park below.

Choose from four pools: the H2O Zone, where kids can enjoy a giant octopus with its water-spraying tentacles and a separate wading pool for infants and toddlers; the sports pool, dedicated for laps and waterspouts; or the new beach pool, with a sloped entry that simulates wading into the ocean. Or bask by the traditional pool, with more sun loungers than any other ship afloat.

When you've worked up a thirst, stop by one of four bars, or retreat to cool off in our grandest Solarium yet. Surrounded by glass and standing two decks high, this is the perfect place for adults to relax. The new Solarium Bistro offers sit-down dining areas with healthy entrees and at night it transforms into a unique specialty restaurant.

And don't miss the ultimate, spine-tingling rush - riding on the Zip Line! There's nothing like zooming over the Boardwalk, a mere nine decks below.

Youth zone


Welcome to the Youth Zone, home to our award- winning Adventure Ocean® youth program, with even more space dedicated to youth activities then ever before. From vibrant teen areas to fun learning environments for our smaller guests, it's easy to make new friends in this neighborhood - and enjoy non-stop action day and night!

Here's where kids can be kids and parents can be worry-free. Activities are in dedicated spaces for age-appropriate groups with professional and caring staff to engage curious young minds.

The Youth Zone takes family vacationing to a whole new level. Kids ages 3 to 11 will love the Adventure Science Lab, the Imagination Studio and the new Adventure Ocean Theater. And teens will enjoy lots of hang out areas just for them.

Guaranteed to be fun-filled, the Youth Zone is the coolest youth space on sea or land!

Entertainment Place


Introducing Entertainment Place, a neighborhood filled with more entertainment options than you can imagine. Here you'll find a mix of large, pulsating spaces and smaller, intimate venues that deliver a variety of entertainment every night.

Play your favorite game of chance at the elegant Casino Royale, which rivals any land-based casino in style and sophistication. Enjoy one-of-a-kind ice shows and a variety of themed events throughout the week at Studio B or take in a show at the main theater, featuring our most dramatic and spectacular stage yet.

If you feel like moving to the latest club music, there's Blaze, the hottest nightclub at sea, or get cozy at Jazz on 4. For late-night laughs, head to Comedy Live.

Then there's Dazzles. From big band to disco, Dazzles offers countless fresh musical experiences - complete with dancing lessons and lively competitions. Now that's entertainment!

Oasis of the Seas’ Offers the Greatest Variety of Dining Options 
Dining
When it comes to Oasis of the Seas one thing is for certain - there's no shortage of delicious dining options. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner setting or an intimate elegant atmosphere, Oasis of the Seas has just the thing. From authentic Italian seafood at the Giovanni’s Table to spectacular steak at Chops Grille, from My Time Dining\and My Family Time Dining your pallet will be pleasantly pleased, and you can enjoy these delicacies at your leisure. Not everything is FREE...

TiP: Almost half of Oasis’ eateries either have a la carte pricing or a cover charge, ranging from $4.95 a person for a burger-and-shake at Johnny Rockets to $35 for an elegant eight-course menu at 150 Central Park.

Onboard dining experiences include - sushi, tapas, an upscale steakhouse. There's also a doughnut shop, ice-cream parlor , even a cupcake boutique. Counting Calories? The Solarium Bistro serves lunch and dinner entrees with less than 500 calories. But on a cruise ship, whose counting!
More About Dining Options

Oasis of the Seas is the pinnacle of an amazing culinary evolution, offering a plethora of choice, both in cuisine and timing, dine where and when you want and with whom. Oasis of the Seas boasts an amazing 24 dining options throughout the ship that ensure there’s something great to eat day and night, 24/7. Stroll over to your favorite neighborhood and sample a different venue for every meal, from sushi to steaks, crepes, seafood and pasta. Guests can enjoy the ambience and the full menus of the main restaurant, but set their seating time with the new My Time Dining program. With no pre-assigned tables, guests can make daily reservations for the time that suits them, or just walk in when the whim hits. Additionally, My Family Time Dining is geared to parents and children ages 3-11 with an expedited 45-minute dining service during early seating only.

“Oasis of the Seas offers the greatest variety of dining options in the cruise industry and compared to most hotel resorts in the world as well,” says, Frank Weber, vice president, Food & Beverage Operations, Royal Caribbean International. Weber has worked in the hospitality business for 25 years, the past seven with Royal Caribbean.

The opportunities offered by Oasis of the Seas have allowed Weber and his team to create a multitude of restaurants throughout the ship. Out-of-the-box thinking and an impressive level of efficiency are second nature to Weber and his team, who understand how to offer guests fresh, delicious food of immense variety, while keeping the behind-the-scenes nuts and bolts of the operation running smoothly.

An impressive feat of organizational finesse, there are 20 separate galleys around the ship, plus onboard facilities ranging from a butcher shop to a fish prep room and a commissary kitchen – a Royal Caribbean first – which takes care of all the major prep work for all the galleys of the ship. Nearly 1,100 cooks, waiters, assistant waiters, bartenders, bar servers and cleaners in the food and beverage operations on board Oasis of the Seas, running venues that range from the spectacular three-level Opus dining room, which is divided into three independently-operating 650- to 1,100-seat restaurants, to the most intimate venue, the 14-seat Chef’s Table, an exclusive venue for private parties.

“I could have never imagined I’d be involved in such an amazing and groundbreaking project as Oasis of the Seas,” says Weber. “I am very proud we can offer guests so much choice and such great taste.”

For the most high-end dining experience, head to 150 Central Park, where Chef de Cuisine Keriann von Raesfeld, a talented and award-winning young female chef, is at the helm. Casual venues are plentiful as well for sandwiches, wraps and salads, as well as coffee, donuts and ice-cream sundaes. For the health-conscious, not only has the entire Royal Caribbean fleet been transfat-free for three years, two outlets especially focus on healthy eating – the spa’s Vitality Café and the Solarium Bistro, where each dish is less than 500 calories. Across the board, menus offer more “super foods” such as tomatoes, broccoli and berries, more interesting vegetarian options (such as East Indian dishes), and sensible Tapas-style servings.

Here’s where to find all the palate-pleasing new choices aboard Oasis of the Seas:

THE BOARDWALK
· Seafood Shack: A casual indoor/outdoor family restaurant on the Boardwalk; seafood, over-sized desserts and a vast selection of ‘mocktails’
· Boardwalk Bar: The main bar on the Boardwalk; offering fruit, salads and sandwiches
· Boardwalk Donut Shop: A classic haunt for casual snacks and delicious treats
· Ice Cream Parlor: A variety of ice cream flavors and toppings take center stage against a backdrop of 1950s kitsch
· Johnny Rockets: ‘50’s-style Diner with server-entertainers

CENTRAL PARK
· 150 Central Park: A trendy, upscale and intimate restaurant with a tasting menu with customized wine pairings
· Giovanni's Table: An Italian trattoria with both indoor and alfresco seating featuring Italian classics served family-style
· Park Café: An indoor/outdoor gourmet market featuring salads, sandwiches, soups, pastries and to-die-for fudge
· Vintages: A wine bar with pre-dinner tapas and cheeses along with a robust selection of fine wines
· Chops Grille: Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse with views of Central Park, and premium cuts or quality meats

ROYAL PROMENADE
·
Mondo Café: Open around the clock this café offers coffee, sandwiches and pastries like those found in Italy, Spain and Cuba
· Sorrento's Pizzeria: Featuring New York style pizza, with both made-to-order pies and by the slice
· Café Promenade: Offering Seattle’s Best coffee, fruit shakes, pastries and sandwiches all day
· The Cupcake Cupboard: Featuring fresh-baked gourmet cupcakes as well as parties and design classes

POOL AND SPORTS ZONE
· Solarium Bistro: A health-conscious dining option for lunch and healthful fare and dancing under the stars in the evening
· The Wipe Out Café: A casual self-service buffet with pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches and fresh salads
· Izumi Asian Cuisine: Featuring mouthwatering flavors and a sushi bar with hot-rock cooking

VITALITY AT SEA SPA AND FITNESS CENTER
· The Vitality Café: Offering healthy snacks, sandwiches, wraps, fruit and smoothies.

THE CLASSICS, Royal Caribbean hasn’t forgotten the classics of its fleet:
· Opus Dining Room: The ship’s main restaurant features a three-tier venue with a 1920s Art Deco style; flexible My Time Dining and traditional assigned seatings
· Windjammer Marketplace: A casual buffet fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner
· In-Stateroom Service: Order from the complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, or choose an original Johnny Rockets hamburger or Ghirardelli chocolate cookies from the new Dine In Delights menu


Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, it spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship sails weekly from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Final Thoughts

Are you an active try-anything type personality. Then, this ship is for you!  First, there is the zip line, then not one, but two flow-riders, two rock-climbing walls, 4 swimming pools , the ice rink, and  if you just want to slow down for a few minutes, try the carousel. Show Time. "Frozen In Time" , an ice show is based on the stories of Hans Christian Anderson.  "Hairspray" the Broadway musical at sea is excellent.  Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private beach area has a new pier to accommodate this ship and it works fine.

Is the Oasis of the Seas just too big , with 6000 plus passengers? Royal Caribbean has done an excellent job of creating many quiet and less traveled intimate zones, and neighborhoods, making it feel far less crowded than the number of passengers onboard suggest, and it's quite easy to get around. You can stroll the Royal Promenade and find smaller, intimate venues that deliver a variety of entertainment every night. Or relax at the pool or stroll the landscaped gardens of Central Park. Entertainment options abound. Service is better than on other Royal Caribbean Ships. Multiple dining options. The boarding process takes about 15 minutes once you have checked in at the pier. Getting off the ship about the same.

If you are looking for a more "social" experience with your fellow cruisers, are uncomfortable when in a crowd, or want a more upscale dining experience this ship's not for you. On the other hand, if the adventure of sailing on the world's largest cruise ship, a destination unto itself, intrigues you, then go for it. You will not be disappointed.


More Photo's

We found a great set of pictures ( 25 ) for you to view at The Sacramento BEE Newspaper.

 
Where Can I Go?
Royal Caribbean visits nearly 300 ports of call, in some of the world's most breathtaking locations. From the rugged beauty of Alaska and Canada/New England to the charm of Europe. There's the lush landscapes of Mexico, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. Also, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and South America give you even more amazing exotic spots to choose from. Just pick your dream destination and get ready to set sail! Also, don't forget to check out the Cruise Calendar to see all of the incredible destinations you can visit, ships you can sail on, and sailing dates.

What's special about the ships?

Royal Caribbean's cruise ships are the most innovative and exciting in the travel industry. From rock-climbing walls on every ship, to elegant dining rooms and relaxing spas, your experience onboard is nothing short of incredible. And the service you get will be just as amazing, with their signature Gold Anchor Service on every ship. Check out the ships, itineraries, deck plans, photos and special offers. Click on a link below.

What is available for small or large groups?

Royal Caribbean cruises are a great option for small and large group vacations.

Mini-groups for a few as 3 couples!

Make your next family get-together a Royal Reunion. With something for every member of the family, it's the perfect way for families to relax, have fun, and bond all at the same time.  It's also great for business Incentives trips as well. Treat your employees to our outstanding conference facilities, meeting rooms, and the absolute best ways to relax after a meeting.  Find more Information about group cruise deals

 

 

 


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