My last trip took me with the Oasis of the Seas through the beautiful Caribbean. We started in Orlando and visited Labadee (Haiti), Falmouth (Jamaica) and the island of Cozumel (Mexico) during the week-long cruise. I will gladly report on the individual destinations in separate articles. Today we pay all our attention to this colossus in the Caribbean Sea.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International was founded in 1968 as Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Ltd (RCCL) by the Norwegian shipping companies Anders Wilhelmsen & Company, I.M. Skauge & Company and Gotaas-Larsen. Two years later, the first cruise ship, the Song of Norway, set sail. In the following years the company did a lot of work and expanded the fleet.
A successful business attracts potential buyers. In 1972 the takeover by Carnival Cruise Lines could be fended off at the last moment, although Skauge and Gotass-Larsen wanted to accept the offer. Wilhelmsen has undermined the Carnival offer together with the Hyatt hotel group and are now the only owners of the RCCL. The merger with Admiral Cruise in 1988 led to a short name change (Royal Admiral Cruises), which was quickly changed back to RCCL. The growing market share encouraged RCCL to go public in 1993, with success. In the years that followed, the company’s growth continued at a rapid pace. A contract for 130,000 new GT vessels was signed with Aker Yards in 1996. One year later, RCCL acquired Celebrity Cruises and changed its name to Royal Caribbean International (RCI), which still exists today. In the following year, RCI was named the most modern cruise company. Since then, the company has attracted media attention with new ships, which are particularly impressive because of their size. The distinguishing feature of RCI ships are the climbing walls at the back of the ships.
Oasis of the Seas
The Oasis of Seas with its sister ships Allure of the Seas, Harmony of Seas and the new Symphony of the Seas is one of the largest and most expensive cruise ships ever built. On a total of 16 decks, 5400 passengers will find not only space, but almost everything their heart desires.
Themes (Neighbourhoods)
The concept of the ship includes seven different themes which can be found on different decks. As a result, guests have a variety of entertainment options at their disposal, making the cruise an unforgettable experience.
Entertainment place
Part of Deck 4 is modeled after a big city nightlife and offers a wide range of entertainment.
Blaze: The place to be for all those who like to turn night into day. The night club has a bar, various seats and a dance floor. Admission from 18 years
Casino Royale: Worth a visit for all casino fans! The casino was furnished in the style of casinos on the Côte d’Azur and offers everything that belongs in a casino, from slot machines and poker tables to roulette. Admission from 18 years
Comedy Live: In the evening, well-known comedians perform who unconsciously make the abdominal muscles glow with their show.
Dazzle: In the evening you can dance in a lounge atmosphere with a view to the board walk and Aqua-Theater.
Jazz on 4: A cosy and authentic jazz club in the look of the 1920s
Studio B: Ice skating shows are performed here in the evening. During the day you can put on your skates and let off steam on the ice.
Vitality At Sea Spa & Fitness Centre (Decks 5 & 6)
This place forms the wellness area on the ship. For those who want to do some sports during their holidays, there is a fully equipped fitness centre including a racecourse, which is located outside and runs around the whole ship.
The spa offers everything from classic massage, manicure & pedicure to acupuncture treatments to help you relax during your holiday. Workshops on various topics in the field of Health & Beauty take place almost daily. During the cruise there are always special offers for various treatments.
Royal Promenade (Deck 5)
The Royal Promenade forms the heart of the ship. Here you will find new restaurants and bars as well as eight shops and islands with daily changing special offers. In the evening, entertainment for the whole family is offered on the extendable stage at a height of three metres.
Bordwalk (Deck 6)
The Bordwalk reminds me personally of a fair. This is located at the stern of the ship and offers an open view of the amphitheatre, also known as the Aqua Theatre. It has 735 seats and is used as a cinema or as a venue for the water acrobatics show. In this part there are 235 cabins, 6 of which are Aqua Theater Suites with a direct view of the Aqua Theater. The pool has a depth of 5.4 meters and is therefore the deepest pool on a cruise ship. The carousel with hand-carved wooden figures makes every child’s heart beat faster. The two climbing walls, which are the ship’s trademark, can also be reached from the ship’s walkway.
Central Park (deck 8)
Central Park resembles a city park stretching across the entire ship on deck 8. The park with its seven open-air restaurants invites you to a cosy cup of coffee or a romantic dinner. Also who would like to enjoy a walk in the nature is here exactly correct. 12,175 plants and trees have been planted in the park, some of which are over seven metres high.
Youth Zone
Just like the adults, children and young people have areas that are equipped according to their needs and provide age-appropriate entertainment. The Youth Zone offers a selection of different themed playgrounds and specially trained staff who take care of the well-being of the young guests.
The Pool and Sports Zone (decks 15 and 16)
The pool area and the Sports Zone cover the entire length of the ship on decks 15 and 16. In addition to the classic pools, there is also the so-called H2O zone, which is especially designed for children and has a pool with a sandy beach. Those who prefer to do sports will find a 9-hole mini-golf course, a volleyball and basketball court, a 25-metre-long Zip Lind or the FlowRider (surf simulator) in the back of the ship. The front part of the Pool and Sports Zone (solarium) has six whirlpools and is reserved for adults.
Restaurants
The ship also offers a wide range of culinary delights. Here is an overview:
Main restaurant
The multi-storey restaurant, which can be found on all Royal Caribbean ships (except Quantum Class), serves international dishes. You can expect multi-course menus that can be put together individually. Food and *drinks are included in the price.
Windjammer Buffet Restaurant
In the windjammer you can enjoy your meal in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. At the rich buffet you have the choice between salads, pasta, various main dishes, soups, sandwiches, fruit and desserts. Gluten and lactose free food is also available especially for allergy sufferers. Food and *drinks are included in the price.
Costal Kitchen
This restaurant is exclusively available for suite guests. The cuisine combines California’s light cuisine with Mediterranean influences from the South. For example, sea bass ceviche, serrano ham from Spain or creamy goat’s cheese from France are served. Wines from Tuscany or Napa Valley complete the offer. Food and beverages are included in the price.
Johnny Rockets
Fancy a good burger and fries again? Furnished in the style of the 1950s, the restaurant offers a selection of rich American dishes.
Cost: USD 6.95 per person
Park Café, Vitality Café or Solarium Café
Who would like to enjoy a good coffee or light snacks will find it here. Choose between paninis, sandwiches, delicious salads and small sweets for a snack in between. Food and beverages are included in the price.
Sorrento’s Pizza
In the authentic New York Pizzeria you can enjoy daily changing pizza creations and salads. From my own experience I can say: The pizzas really taste “buono”. Food and beverages are included in the price.
Chops Cricket
In this speciality restaurant you can enjoy the finest steaks and seafood roasted according to your wishes. Delicious side dishes and a selection of desserts round off the offer.
Price: USD 29 per person
Izumi
Those who cannot do without unusual sushi creations during their holidays should definitely pay a visit to the speciality restaurant Izumi. While the traditional Asian dishes keep the palate on its toes, the service personnel ensure fun, entertainment and an unforgettable dining experience. The courts are calculated individually.
Giovanni’s Table
Italian food is eaten all over the world. And of course on the Oasis of the Seas. This Italian trattoria offers authentic, rustic Italian cuisine in a family atmosphere.
Price: Lunch USD 15 per person
Dinner USD 20 per person
150 Central Park
You would like to try unusual creations of top chefs? In this gourmet restaurant exceptional 7-course menus are composed of the best and finest ingredients from award-winning chefs such as Michael Schwartz or Molly Brandt.
Price: USD 40 per person
Besides the restaurants presented here, there are other restaurants on the ship:
Boardwalk Dog House, Café Latte-tudes & Café Promenade, Starbucks®, Cafe 270°, Seaplex Doghouse, Devinly at Solarium Bistro, Seafood Shack and Cupcake Cupboard.
*In every restaurant the house drinks like ice water, iced tea, filter coffee or in-house lemonade are included in the travel price. Coffee specialities (cappuccino, latte macchiato etc.), soft drinks (coke, fanta etc.), bottled water and cocktails (with and without alcohol) can be ordered separately for an extra charge. If you have booked a package of drinks, some of them are already included. More information about the beverage packages below.
Tip:
Personally I recommend to book a drinks package for the cruise and not to pay for every single drink separately. An expensive surprise could await you at the end of the cruise! The following selection is currently available:
Classic Beverage Package
Who likes classic soft drinks like Coca-Cola, Ginger Ale, Sprite, Fanta etc., is well served with this package.
Price: USD 8.50 per day
Refreshment beverage package
This package includes the following:
Coffee and tea specialities (cappuccino, latte macchiato etc.)
bottled water
Freshly squeezed juices
Non-alcoholic cocktails
soft drinks
Price: USD 26 per day
Deluxe Beverage Package
With this package you enjoy the best selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages worth up to USD 12 per glass. Buy a wine bottle up to USD 100 and save 40% and 20% when buying a wine bottle from USD 100, including the following beverages:
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails
Beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages
soft drinks
bottled water
Coffee and tea specialities
Freshly squeezed juices
Price: USD 55 per day
Café Select Card
With the Café Select card you can enjoy up to 15 different coffee specialities, premium tea or hot chocolate and save up to 50% compared to the unit price.
Price: USD 31 per card
Water package
If you book a water package, 12 or 24 bottles of Evian water will be brought into the cabin on the first day of the cruise.
Price: 12 bottles USD 39
24 bottles USD 69
In addition to the indicated package price, a service fee of 18% will be charged. Please note that the package cannot be shared with another guest. The package is issued to one person who must pick up the drinks at the bar and present the card.
There are always promotions with up to 30% discount on the package price. Keep your eyes open before booking and benefit from the discounts.
Data and Facts
In pictures the ships often look very impressive, but if you have never stood in front of them, you can’t necessarily imagine the actual size. Here are some very impressive facts about the Oasis of the Seas:
Length: 362 meters
Width: 60.5 Meter
Draught: 9.1 metres
Gross tonnage: 225,282 tons
Speed: 22 knots (40.744 km/h)
Construction costs: USD 900 million
Length of laid pipelines: 241 km
Length of electrical lines laid: 5’310 km
Paint required for painting: 600’000 litres
Length of the jogging track: 692 meters (longest jogging track at sea)
The Oasis of the Seas operates in the Caribbean. During the 2019/2020 cruise season, it will once again be cruising the seas of Europe. You can already book cruises with the Oasis of the Seas from Barcelona for the summer of 2019/2020. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this ship in its full glory.
If you have questions about booking or simply want tips on cruises, write a message. I am happy to share my knowledge and experience with you.
In that sense: ahoy!
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