I went on my first solo cruise to Europe on a mega ship in June on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas for seven nights around the Western Mediterranean.

I booked a 7-night Mediterranean cruise, sailing round-trip from Barcelona, Spain to Palma de Mallorca, Florence, Rome, and Naples, Italy.

Sailing on such a thrilling ship with exotic destinations was the perfect opportunity to choose a cheaper cabin, so I booked an interior guarantee stateroom. 

The total cost of the cruise was $2070.02 (including pre-paid gratuities). 

Since I cruised solo, the price came out to $295 per night.

A few weeks before my cruise, I saw that I'd been assigned room 7452, a windowless inside cabin located far forward on deck 7.

Read more: Should I book a guarantee stateroom on a cruise?

Guarantee staterooms are usually located in less-desirable spots onboard since Royal Caribbean assigns the leftover, unpurchased cabins before the cruise.

However, I ended up loving the position of this cabin.

It was conveniently close to the forward elevators, and being on deck 7, rather than a lower floor, helped me not feel seasick inside.

Royal Caribbean's deck plans indicate that the cabin measures 149 square feet in total.

When I first walked in, I was surprised to discover that the room felt quite spacious. 

To the right of the door was a large couch, which could seat at least three people or expand into a double sofa bed. 

Since I was traveling alone, I left it as a couch, and it made for a great place to leave my bags or clothes for the next day. 

Thanks to the sofa bed, the cabin could sleep four guests in total, so it was a lot of space for one person.

Next to the couch was a large closet, complete with seven shelves, the stateroom's safe, and a large amount of hanging space and hangers.

I loved this space—especially since it was all in one area, making it convenient for me to keep all my clothes and swimsuits in one spot.

It was large enough to hold all my clothes and luggage. I also liked that the hanging space had a sliding door, so I could close it to hide my luggage and dirty laundry. 

To the left of the front door, I found the vanity/desk of the stateroom.

The left side had a set of shelves and a large mirror complete with a ring light.

The right side held the cabin's TV, which displayed over 20 free channels.

Below the TV were a set of three drawers and a mini-fridge, which kept my food so cold that I regretted leaving brownies in there.

The only thing I found inconvenient about the desk area was that there wasn't a chair in front, and the couch was too far away to use it to sit at the desk.

If I wanted to do my makeup at the vanity or otherwise use the desk, I had to stand up.

Past the desk and the couch, I faced the large Royal King bed.

Above the bed were decorations and paintings, and two bedside tables sat on each side.

Each table had an adjustable night light, and the left side held the stateroom's telephone, which I could use to call any services onboard.

The bed was so huge for one person, and I found it very comfortable.

Read more: Everything you wanted to know about Oasis of the Seas

Back to the front of the room, I found the door to the bathroom.

Though it was small, the space was well-organized, and I didn't have any problem using it for all my needs.

I was also very happy to see that the shower had a real door and tube encasing it, instead of a plastic curtain.

While the water pressure and temperature were great, the water spout got easily tangled, and I often had to wrangle it around my body to get the right flow.

The only provided toiletries in the bathroom were a bar of hand soap and a two-in-one hair and body wash. 

While I used the hand soap and had no problem with it, I stayed far away from the body wash, finding it drying and too strongly perfumed.

A cute blue backsplash under the wide mirror continued the Royal Caribbean ocean theme.

Under the sink were a series of shelves, as well as extra towels and toilet paper.

Although the counter was narrow, it ended up being long enough that I had space to store anything I needed.

Above the counter, there were also more shelves. Again, they were a weird shape, running deep rather than wide. I felt like I had to reach my arm far in to grab my products.

Additionally, they each had a small metal bar in front, perhaps to prevent items from falling if the ship rocked.

Despite the strange shapes, I found that the bathroom had plenty of shelves and hooks for all my items.

Even though she's the oldest Oasis Class ship, Oasis of the Seas doesn't feel 15 years old.

The only aspect of the room that felt more aged was the lighting, which seemed dimmer than in other Oasis Class ships I've been on.

However, I was dissatisfied with the cleanliness of the cabin. I found items that I shouldn't have if the room had been thoroughly cleaned, such as tape on the walls and old earrings on the floor.

Altogether, the cabin was great and had more than enough space for me to store all the items I needed for 7 days of travel.

Since the itinerary was very port-heavy and the ship had so many amenities to explore, I didn't spend much time in the cabin.

In fact, there was so much to see that I barely slept at all!

If you are planning a cruise onboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, there are some staterooms you should avoid booking. 

Oasis of the Seas is the namesake ship of the Oasis Class. Until 2024, these ships were the largest in the world, holding the record for over one decade— until Icon of the Seas officially joined the fleet. 

While not the largest ship in the world anymore, Oasis of the Seas is not small. She measures 1,187 feet long and 225,282 gross registered tons. 

In 2019, she received a $165 million amplification to help modernize the ship. This added new dining and bar venues, as well as a revamped pool deck, updated youth programming, and new activities. 

While everyone's cabin preferences vary, we can assume that nobody wants to be woken up by screeching pool chairs in the early morning hours. Likewise, if you are someone who enjoys retiring early, you probably won't want to hear the thumping of the nightclub into the late hours of the night.  

With nearly 2,800 staterooms onboard that can accommodate roughly 7,000 guests, there are certainly a few that you will want to avoid on Oasis of the Seas. 

Cabins underneath Deck 4 venues

Deck 4 is home to Entertainment Place. This is where you will find tons of entertainment venues including Studio B, Casino Royale, and the lower level of the Royal Theater. 

If you book an ocean view or interior cabin on Deck 3, you will likely be kept awake by the excitement above, whether it is an ice show, thumping of the Blaze nightclub, or cheers of someone winning a late-night casino jackpot. 

Those who like to go to bed early will want to avoid Deck 3. You must prioritize your rest, especially on a ship as large as Oasis. You will not want to waste any time trying to catch up on your sleep in the morning because you were kept awake. 

Staterooms above the Royal Theater

Speaking of noise bleed, the Royal Theater hosts numerous different events throughout the cruise, whether it's an original production show or a game show featuring other guests. 

While the lower level of the Royal Theater is located on Deck 4, the upper level is on Deck 5, meaning that certain cabins on Deck 6 should be avoided. These include those located closest to the Vitality Fitness Center:

• 6130 - 6164
• 6530 - 6564

Cabins above the Royal Theater are ocean view balconies and interior rooms. 

Connecting staterooms

Unless you're traveling with family members staying in the adjoining room, booking a connecting cabin will not do you any good. 

Families, of course, will benefit from the extra living space and two bathrooms, and parents will not have to worry about children being located down the hall or on a different deck. 

Connecting staterooms have a door that adjoins them, so you do not have to leave one cabin to enter the other. The issue, however, is that the adjoining door isn't as insulated as a standard wall, meaning you could be subject to noise bleed, depending on how noisy your neighbors are. 

An example of connecting rooms on Oasis of the Seas' deck plan (above) are rooms 10270 and 10272, 10282 and 10284, 10294 and 10296, 10310 and 10312, 10299 and 10301, 10311 and 10313, 10670 and 10672, 10682 and 10684, 10692 and 10696, and 10710 and 10712. 

If you're a family looking to increase the amount of living space you have while cruising on Oasis, that's great! There is no need to worry about booking connecting cabins. If, however, you're going to be sharing that adjoining door with a stranger, it is best to avoid these cabins. 

Boardwalk view cabins if you're sensitive to light

When launched, Oasis of the Seas was the first cruise ship in the world to feature interior-facing balcony cabins. For a cheaper price, you can enjoy a private verandah that overlooks either Central Park or the Boardwalk. Of course, you'll have less privacy than you would if you splurged on an ocean view room. 

The Boardwalk is a livelier neighborhood than Central Park, with AquaTheater shows often going on late at night. Playmakers is located on the Boardwalk, too, so it's not uncommon for patrons to get noisy during a sports game. 

Those looking to book an interior-facing balcony but who also want some peace and quiet should consider Central Park instead. Plus, these cabins are located mid-ship, whereas Boardwalk balconies are located in the aft (or back), meaning you won't have to walk as far to reach the Main Dining Room or Royal Theater.  

Read more: Royal Caribbean's Boardwalk: Everything you need to know

Staterooms underneath the pool deck

With three pools, a kid splash zone, and two whirlpools located on Deck 15, there's no denying that the pool deck on Oasis of the Seas is expansive. On sea days, it's a hub of activity. 

While people will stagger in after breakfast, crew members use the early morning to arrange the deck chairs. This means that if you book a cabin underneath the pool deck, you will hear the crew dragging chairs around to get them ready for guests to use. 

Those staying in a balcony won't be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of their personal verandah during the day, either. Noise bleed from children running around and live bands playing will interrupt any hope of a relaxing nap! 

Read more: How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship

Cabins towards the front of the ship if you're prone to motion sickness

Cabins in the front of the ship are more likely to feel the motion of the waves than rooms in the middle of the vessel. Nobody wants to feel ill in their cabin, especially when they're trying to rest after a long day ashore! 

Of course, everyone has a different tolerance for motion. If you decide to book a stateroom in the middle of the vessel, there aren't any guarantees that you will avoid getting seasick. 

Cabins in the front (or bow) of the ship should be approached with caution if you're worried about getting motion sick, though. 

Read more: How to beat seasickness on a cruise ship

Obstructed view staterooms

Even if you think that an obstructed view will not bother you, there's a chance that the bright yellow lifeboat or bulky piece of machinery will get in the way of any aesthetic ocean views that you're hoping for.  

Although they're cheaper than unobstructed cabins, it is not worth thinking you can deal with them just to save money. Ocean view rooms at the front of the ship, for instance, will be obstructed by the ship's bow. 

While you'll be able to watch Oasis pull into port, you will have to deal with the helipad in your view for the duration of your cruise. 

Additionally, Central Park balconies on Deck 14 have the chance of being obstructed by the bulky walkway that connects the port and starboard sides of the pool deck above. These cabins include 14207 - 14217, 14607 - 14617, 14229 - 14235, and 14629 - 14635. 

Finally, if you are staying in a Boardwalk balcony, you shouldn't expect to get a clear view of the ocean, as the Ultimate Abyss causes the majority of these cabins to have an obstructed view of the ship's aft. 

Guarantee staterooms 

If you have a specific location you want your stateroom to be (i.e., by Adventure Ocean or near the aft elevators for easier access to the Main Dining Room), you won't want to let Royal Caribbean assign your cabin to you. 

Guarantee staterooms are cheaper cabin options that Royal Caribbean offers in exchange for allowing them the right to choose your exact room closer to the sail date. This means you trade the option to select your stateroom for a cheaper fare.

While you might think that you won't care where your balcony cabin is located (you're onboard the ship regardless, right?), you might be displeased if you get one that's located at the back of the ship since you will have to walk further to the entertainment venues. 

Read more: 6 reasons to refuse to upgrade your cruise ship cabin

Two different Royal Caribbean cruise ships have reported having an issue with their propulsion systems.

Over the past few days, cruise fans have reported being notified of a propulsion issue on Oasis of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas.

Here's what we know about each ship's situation.

Anthem of the Seas

Customers with upcoming cruises on Anthem of the Seas have gotten emails from Royal Caribbean to inform them of itinerary changes because the ship must travel slower.

In the email, Royal Caribbean informed guests Anthem must sail at a reduced speed because of an issue with one of the ship's engines, "one of the ship's four engines requires maintenance which impacts our speed."

"While this impacts our ability to deliver on the original itinerary, we're confident that it will still be an exceptional cruise vacation."

Depending on the itinerary, scheduled stops in Port Canaveral, Florida or Nassau, Bahamas have been dropped from the itinerary. 

The October 30 and November 5 sailings are confirmed to have had changes to their itineraries.

Royal Caribbean apologized for the change in itinerary, "We're very sorry about this change to your itinerary. We look forward to seeing you onboard."

For at least one sailing, guests received a one-day cruise fare refund in the form of an onboard credit. 

Anthem of the Seas is currently sailing from Southampton, wrapping up her 2023 European cruise season.

Oasis of the Seas

Guests on the current sailing of Oasis of the Seas received a letter in their cabin to inform them of an issue with one of the ship's propulsion pods.

The ship's captain made an announcement and a letter was sent to reconfirm the details, "As our Captain announced, an electrical component in one of our three propulsion pods needs replacing. Our crew is currently working through the repairs as we speak."

"While everything else is functioning at 100%, as a precaution we've lowered our speed, which means we'll arrive in Orlando (Port Canaveral) Florida a little later than planned."

The reduced speed has had a minimal impact on the ship's itinerary, with a delay coming into Port Canaveral by about an hour.

The letter went on to apologize for the change, "We're terribly sorry for the impact to your cruise. Please know, your safety and comfort, along with that of our crew, remain our top priorities."

Oasis of the Seas is currently homeported in Cape Liberty, New Jersey.

In a Facebook group for Oasis of the Seas, a number of cruisers confirmed the issue, but also reported everything seems fine for them.

Tanya Stark-Beakes is on Oasis of the Seas on the current sailing and said the issue doesn't seem to have much of an impact, "It’s very minor. We’ll just be a little late to Port Canaveral (it initially started with having to deliver a patient to Virginia and having to go full speed after that). We’re still moving at a good pace."

Margaret Tricarico also confirmed nothing has changed much for them, "Yes, the Captain made an announcement around 8:30 last night. It’s fine. We’re motoring along and we can see the sun starting to rise on the horizon"

Cruise ships have redundant engines for this situation

Cruise ships encountering a propulsion issue is not unheard of by any means.

Cruise ships have multiple engines, and often not all engines are running even when there are no issues. This allows the ship to give engines a break, and have backups when a situation like this arises.

In most cases, the ship is able to continue operating safely, albeit at a reduced speed.

Last month, Radiance of the Seas had a propulsion issue that required Royal Caribbean to cancel two sailings so that repairs could take place. Cancelling cruises for a propulsion issue is quite rare and indicative of an acute problem that necessitated a more prompt response.

Historically, ships with propulsion problems have been able to sail and either make repairs along the way, or hold off until a scheduled upcoming dry dock.

Oasis of the Seas was a record-breaking ship when she launched in 2009, and she remains one of Royal Caribbean’s most impressive cruise ships today.

Oasis of the Seas sets the bar high when it comes to cruise ships; she has a nearly endless selection of entertainment, dining options, cabin categories, and thrilling activities to do onboard. And although you can visit a variety of destinations on Oasis of the Seas–from the Bahamas to Europe–the ship is a destination within itself.

If you’re considering a cruise on Oasis of the Seas, be sure to read through this planning guide so you know everything to expect once onboard. Let’s jump in!

Oasis of the Seas overview

Oasis of the Seas was the first ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class. With a capacity of nearly 7,000 passengers, length of 1,187 feet, and gross tonnage of 225,282, she was the world’s largest cruise ship when she launched and remains one of biggest cruise ships in the world today.

In 2019, Oasis of the Seas received a $165 million amplification to modernize the ship. New dining and bar venues, a revamped pool deck, updated kids programming, and new activities were just some of the changes made to the ship. Due to the amplification, Oasis of the Seas feels new and refreshed despite being almost 14 years old.

Oasis of the Seas neighborhoods

Oasis of the Seas was the first Royal Caribbean ship to be split into distinct neighborhoods. These neighborhoods range from outdoor parks to indoor entertainment centers; each aims to help manage crowds throughout the ship while providing unique experiences in each location.

These are the neighborhoods on Oasis of the Seas:

• The Boardwalk, an outdoor neighborhood meant to evoke nostalgia for seaside towns. It features a carousel, candy shop, hot dog stand, sports bar, Johnny Rockets, shops, and the AquaTheater.
• Pool & Sports Zone, the top decks of Oasis of the Seas with pools, hot tubs, Splashaway Bay, and sports activities
• Central Park, an open air oasis in the middle of Oasis of the Seas with restaurants, retail, and lush greenery
• The Royal Promenade, the main thoroughfare of Oasis of the Seas with bars, lounges, casual eateries, and shopping
• Entertainment Place, the entertainment hub onboard with a comedy club, theater, jazz club, nightclub, and casino
• Youth Zone, home to Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean kids programming
• Vitality Spa & Fitness, where guests can enjoy a spa, salon, and fitness center

Oasis of the Seas dining & beverage

There is an abundance of food to enjoy on any Royal Caribbean cruise ship, but especially on an Oasis Class ship. Oasis of the Seas boasts over 20 locations to grab a bite to eat, from burritos at El Loco Fresh to upscale dining at 150 Central Park.

Like other ships, Oasis of the Seas has both complimentary dining venues and specialty restaurants. While there’s no need to spend extra to dine at specialty restaurants, many guests prefer the ambiance and cuisine offered at these venues. However, there are more than enough complimentary options to keep you satisfied throughout any Oasis of the Seas cruise.

Oasis of the Seas complimentary dining options:

• Main Dining Room
• Windjammer Cafe
• Solarium Bistro
• Park Cafe
• Cafe Promenade
• Sorrento’s Pizza
• Boardwalk Dog House
• El Loco Fresh
• Vitality Cafe
• Coastal Kitchen (suites only)
• Johnny Rockets (breakfast only)

Oasis of the Seas specialty dining options:

• 150 Central Park
• Chef’s Table
• Chops Grille
• Giovanni’s Table
• Izumi Sushi & Hibachi
• Johnny Rockets (lunch and dinner)
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• Portside BBQ
• Vintages Wine Bar
• Starbucks
• Sugar Beach

If you are interested in dining at specialty restaurants on Oasis of the Seas, you may want to consider purchasing a dining package. Royal Caribbean offers several specialty dining packages, including an Unlimited Dining Package, which allow you to dine at several specialty restaurants for a lower cost than booking each restaurant individually.

For more information on Royal Caribbean’s dining packages, read our Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean’s Unlimited Dining Package.

Oasis of the Seas Bars & Lounges

Just like dining, there are plenty of options when it comes to grabbing a drink onboard Oasis of the Seas. Everything from wine bars to pool bars–and even a bar run by robot bartenders–can be found onboard.

During her 2019 amplification, The Lime & Coconut was added to the pool deck of Oasis of the Seas. This tropical-themed bar offers signature cocktails that will transport you directly to paradise, including the signature Lime & Coconut, made with Malibu Coconut Rum, coconut milk, coconut syrup, guava syrup, and lime juice.

Related: Top 10 Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas hidden secrets

While there are standalone bars on Oasis of the Seas, many are found in lounges throughout the ship where guests can enjoy a drink with live music and other entertainment. A pub, Latin bar, jazz club, and other venues can be found throughout the ship.

Other bars and lounges on Oasis of the Seas include:

• Casino bar
• Jazz on 4
• Blaze Comedy
• Diamond Club
• Spotlight Karaoke
• Boleros
• Globe & Atlas Pub
• Rising Tide Bar
• Bionic Bar
• Schooner Bar
• Playmakers
• Trellis Bar
• Vintages Wine Bar
• Music Hall
• Solarium Bar
• Wipeout Bar

Like dining packages, Royal Caribbean also offers drink packages. Three main packages are available: the Deluxe Beverage Package (alcoholic drinks), Refreshment Package (non-alcoholic drinks), and Classic Soda Package.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a drink package for your upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise, these guides should help you decide if it’s the right choice for you:

• Royal Caribbean Drink Package Info, Tips, Pros & Cons
• Royal Caribbean drink package rules overview
• Guide to Royal Caribbean’s coffee card package

Oasis of the Seas Shows & Entertainment

All production shows on Oasis of the Seas are included in your cruise fare. Depending on the show, reservations may be required. We recommend opening the Royal Caribbean app as soon as you board the ship on embarkation day to make show reservations for the cruise.

There are three main entertainment venues on Oasis of the Seas: the Royal Theater, the AquaTheater, and the Studio B ice-skating rink.

In the Royal Theater is CATS, the ship’s Broadway musical, telling the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles. Other than the Broadway production, the Royal Theater hosts comedians, game shows, and guest performers during any Oasis of the Seas sailing.

In the AquaTheater is Aqua80, a thrilling show of high diving, acrobatics, and aeralists performing to the best tunes of the 80’s.

Over in Studio B, you’ll find Frozen in Time, a dazzling ice-skating performance based on the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen.

Outside of signature production shows on Oasis of the Seas you can find:

• Live acoustic guitar music at the Globe & Atlas Pub
• Live Latin music at Boleros
• Live piano tunes at Schooner Bar
• Live Jazz band at Jazz on 4
• Live bands at Dazzles
• DJs
• Game shows

Simply put, there’s a huge variety of entertainment on Oasis of the Seas, and you’ll find several options to choose from every night of the cruise.

Oasis of the Seas Pool deck

During the 2019 amplification of Oasis of the Seas, she received a Caribbean-resort style pool deck, bringing a tropical feel to the ship’s highest decks.

There are four distinct pool areas on the Oasis of the Seas pool deck. You’ll find three main pools and one Splashaway Bay area for kids, which has small slides, water sprayers, and climbing areas.

In addition, there are three waterslides on the pool deck available to guests of all ages. First are the Perfect Storm waterslides, a pair of twisting and turning racing slides. The other slide, the Supercell, first sends riders twisting and turning downhill before being emptied into a bowl, where they spin several times in a circle before sliding into a hole at the bottom.

Also on the pool deck is unlimited, complimentary soft-serve ice cream, the Lime & Coconut pool bar, private cabanas (must be reserved), and plenty of pool chairs.

Solarium

In addition to the main pool deck, which is accessible to guests of all ages, is an adults-only Solarium for guests 16 and older.

The Oasis of the Seas Solarium features comfortable seating, several jacuzzis, a shallow wading pool, a bar, and a large outdoor sun deck. The Solarium offers a more relaxing atmosphere compared to the main pool deck, and it’s one of the best places to spend a sea day onboard Oasis of the Seas.

The Solarium Bistro is also located inside the Solarium. This complimentary venue is available to guests of all ages and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Signature activities on Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas is packed with family-friendly activities. Here are the main signature activities you’ll find onboard–all of which are included in your cruise fare:

• A zipline, soaring 8 decks over the Boardwalk neighborhood
• The Ultimate Abyss, a dry slide from the Sports Deck to the Boardwalk neighborhood
• Oasis Dunes mini golf
• Sports Court for activities like soccer, basketball, and pickleball
• Ping pong tables
• Ice skating in Studio B
• Carousel
• Laser tag

Outside of signature activities, there are even more activities listed each day in the Cruise Compass, such as family scavenger hunts, kids karaoke, family craft time at Adventure Ocean, etc.

There are, however, a few activities not included in your cruise fare on Oasis of the Seas:

• The Apollo 18 escape room, where you can work as a team with other passengers to solve clues and “escape” from the room before time runs out. This activity costs around $20 per guest.
• There are two arcades on Oasis of the Seas, and these come at an extra cost.

Adventure Ocean

Like all Royal Caribbean cruise ships, Oasis of the Seas provides complimentary childcare programming through the ship’s Adventure Ocean program. As a plus, Oasis of the Seas has the updated version of Adventure Ocean, which gives more flexibility in activities and enhanced play spaces for passengers 6 months to 17 years old.

Adventure Ocean on Oasis of the Seas is broken into the following age groups:

• AO Babies: 0-36 months (comes at an hourly cost)
• AO Juniors: 3-5 years
• AO Kids: 6-12 years
• Teen spaces: 13-17 years

Each age group has their own room in Adventure Ocean that features age-appropriate programming and activities.

AO Kids, for example, has its own “Workshop” station where kids can do crafts and science experiments. They also have video games, dodgeball, foosball tables, and other games.

In addition to the structured programming, there’s also a Play Place, which features toys and climbing structures where kids can run around and burn their energy. Kids must be supervised at the Play Place. You’ll also find AO Theater in Adventure Ocean, which plays movies and hosts activities throughout the sailing.

Teens on Oasis of the Seas will love Social 298, an exclusive space just for teenagers. This hangout space features comfortable seating, video games, foosball tables, interactive electronic tablets, and an outdoor patio.

Oasis of the Seas staterooms

On Oasis of the Seas you’ll find interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins, as well as a wide selection of suites.

Interior cabins are best for those on a budget or those who would prefer to allocate extra money toward add-ons like a drink package, shore excursions, and specialty dining instead of an upgraded cabin.

Although they do not have a window, interior staterooms on Oasis of the Seas are a cozy place to relax and unwind after a busy day onboard.

Related: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

Oceanview and balcony cabins can provide an excellent value, as many guests prefer being able to see the ocean from their stateroom. Plus, having a private balcony can be a peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle found elsewhere onboard, so this stateroom category is among the most popular on Oasis of the Seas.

Oasis of the Seas is one of the best Royal Caribbean ships for those planning to book a suite. As an Oasis Class ship, Oasis of the Seas features the Royal Suite Class, which provides an enhanced onboard experience for suite guests.

Benefits of the Royal Suite Class include private suite sun deck access, meals at the suites-only restaurant Coastal Kitchen, a suite concierge, Suite Lounge access, and priority boarding, among others.

Oasis of the Seas itineraries

Oasis of the Seas sails from Cape Liberty, New Jersey from May to October 2023, offering 7-night cruises to Port Canaveral, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Nassau.

During the winter months, she sails from Miami, Florida on Western and Eastern Caribbean cruise itineraries, visiting destinations such as San Juan, Cozumel, Labadee, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

For the summer 2024 season, Oasis of the Seas will head to Europe to offer 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises. These sailings start in either Barcelona or Rome and visit Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, Florence/Pisa, and Naples.

Considering a cruise on Oasis of the Seas? Here’s our best advice and tips for planning your cruise vacation:

• 15 reasons to book a cruise on Oasis of the Seas
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?

Ready to catch up on Royal Caribbean news from this week?

There's always things happening you should know about in Royal Caribbean beyond just the big headlines, so here's a quick look at what's new lately.

Oasis of the Seas becomes largest cruise ship to ever visit Halifax

The residents of Nova Scotia, Canada welcomed the largest cruise ship to ever enter their waters this week.

Oasis of the Seas arrived in Halifax on Tuesday morning.

About 175 vessel calls are expected during the cruise ship season in Halifax, which peaks in the fall.

Credit to the Port of Halifax for sharing these great photos!

Sneak peek at new show on Wonder of the Seas

It's no secret that Royal Caribbean will be adding a new show to Wonder of the Seas this summer.

"Effectors 2" is the sequel to the Effectors show first seen on Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas. It's a show based on Royal Caribbean's own team of super heroes that use sound and music to fight the forces of evil.

Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Entertainment, Nick Weir, tweeted a video update with a look at the show.

Creating exotic new worlds, live on stage… #TheEffectors2, opening this summer, on #WonderoftheSeas pic.twitter.com/tixhFxUMdX

— Nick Weir (@NickWeirShowbiz) June 9, 2022

More sneak peeks ;-) ~When @RackyPlews and @mrtimenglish see these tweets they grumble a bit, lol. ~But hey, one of my most important jobs is to bring the sneak peeks to the people! Right? 🤐 pic.twitter.com/ZVUBs76nvY

— Nick Weir (@NickWeirShowbiz) June 9, 2022

No date yet exactly when Effectors 2 will open on Wonder of the Seas, but it should be sometime this summer.

Spectrum of the Seas will soon start sailing to Malaysia

Cruises from Singapore that sail to no ports are about to change.

Beginning on June 30, Spectrum of the Seas will start offering cruises to port calls in Malaysia.

Royal Caribbean announced the ship will start visiting Kuala Lumpur and Penang with its new three- and four-night itineraries.

"We are thrilled to be the first cruise line in Singapore to reconnect holidaymakers with Asia’s beautiful destinations once again," said Angie Stephen, Royal Caribbean Vice President and Managing Director, Asia-Pacific.

At long last, an Oasis Class cruise ship calls the New York area home.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas made her official debut when she began sailing from Bayonne, New Jersey on September 5, and is now offering 7-night cruises to The Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean had originally planned to put Oasis of the Seas in Cape Liberty in 2020, but the cruise industry shutdown due to the global health crisis put those plans on hold. Nonetheless, Oasis of the Seas is now cruising from the Northeast for the first time.

Oasis of the Seas will sail from Bayonne through October, and are available immediately to book.

In order to sail on Oasis of the Seas, guests age 12 or older must be fully vaccinated. 

Vaccinated guests must present a negative PCR or antigen test result taken no more than 2 days prior to sailing in order to board. Unvaccinated children ages 2 to 11 must present a negative PCR test result taken no more than 3 days prior to sailing in order to board.

All unvaccinated guests ages 2 to 11 must undergo 2 more Covid-19 tests at the cruise terminal and prior to disembarking.

Read more: Everything you wanted to know about Oasis of the Seas

What makes Oasis of the Seas special?

Oasis of the Seas underwent a massive $165 million renovation in late 2019 that took an already impressive cruise ship and upgraded her with all sorts of new features.

In addition to the features onboard that made Oasis of the Seas a gamechanger when she debuted in 2009, here are some of the major additions:

• Caribbean-style pool deck makeover, complete with Lime & Coconut signature bar. New day beds, casitas and variety of seating were added.
• Ultimate Abyss slide (dry slide)
• The Perfect Storm water slides
• Splashaway Bay aqua park
• Portside BBQ specialty restaurant
• El Loco Fresh complimentary Mexican restaurant
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• Sugar Beach candy shop
• Spotlight Karaoke venue
• Music Hall venue
• Bionic Bar
• Revamped Adventure Ocean
• Mission Control: Apollo 18 escape room

Read more: Top 25 free things you can do on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class cruise ships

In short, the 2019 upgrades to Oasis enhanced the ship to bring it in line with any new cruise ship available to sail on today.

Royal Caribbean is cleared to begin cruises with paying passengers on Oasis of the Seas.

Cruises from the New York City area are a go to begin, as Royal Caribbean reported on Friday it has received approval from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for Oasis of the Seas.

Oasis of the Seas had a 6-night test cruise on August 22, where the crew vetted the new health protocols onboard.

The first revenue sailing with Oasis of the Seas will commence on September 5 from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey. It is a 7-night itinerary to the cruise line’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas.

Oasis is the latest Royal Caribbean cruise ship to get CDC approval to sail, which means she now has her Conditional Sailing Certificate.

In order to sail on Oasis of the Seas, guests age 12 or older must be fully vaccinated. 

Vaccinated guests must present a negative PCR or antigen test result taken no more than 2 days prior to sailing in order to board. Unvaccinated children ages 2 to 11 must present a negative PCR test result taken no more than 3 days prior to sailing in order to board.

All unvaccinated guests ages 2 to 11 must undergo 2 more Covid-19 tests at the cruise terminal and prior to disembarking.

Update: After a successful simulated cruise, #OasisoftheSeas now has the green light from the CDC to sail. @RoyalCaribbean 's first sailing from the New York area departs Sept. 5. 🏙️🚢 | More on Oasis: https://t.co/DKn5xPJ5TA pic.twitter.com/njqbn0C4SR

— Royal Caribbean PR (@RoyalCaribPR) September 3, 2021

Guests under 2 years of age will not be tested.

All crew onboard all ships in the fleet will be fully vaccinated.

Guests who have been vaccinated will have full access to venues onboard, and will not need to wear a face mask at vaccinated-only venues. Here is a list of venues and activities available to vaccinated-only guests, as well as everyone.

Oasis of the Seas is the 14th cruise ship to restart operations in Royal Caribbean's fleet.

Other ships that have restarted sailings include: 

• Quantum of the Seas
• Adventure of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Jewel of the Seas
• Serenade of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas

Oasis will offer 7-night Bahamas cruises from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, starting Sept. 5; and 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami, beginning November

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas sailed away from her new homeport near New York City on Sunday.

Luckily Hurricane Henri shifted enough to the east for the ship to safely depart Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey.

Royal Caribbean shared photos of Oasis sailing away, with the New York City skyline in view.

Oasis of the Seas had her lights on during her evening departure, and sailed past Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

The cruise line's plans to bring Oasis of the Seas to the Northeast was originally planned for 2020, but the global health crisis forced a delay.

The ship is sailing on her 6-night test cruise, where the ship will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas before turning around to come home.

Watch #OasisoftheSeas sail under the Verrazano Bridge pic.twitter.com/cRWIz8UCG7

— Royal Caribbean (@RoyalCaribbean) August 23, 2021

Assuming the test cruise goes well, the test cruise will be what the ship needs to get approval from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) to sail with paying customers.

Oasis of the Seas is scheduled to restart sailings with paying passengers beginning on September 5 from Cape Liberty.

Oasis will offer seven-night sailings from Cape Liberty with stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau in the Bahamas, and Port Canaveral, Florida.

Read more: Top 10 Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas hidden secrets

The original Oasis Class cruise ship has gotten approval to start test cruises.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley confirmed on Tuesday Oasis of the Seas has received permission from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to start test cruises.

Other ships that have gotten approval to conduct test cruises include Freedom of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas.

The CDC's provisional approval for simulated voyages on Oasis of the Seas is August 22-28, 2021.

Mr. Bayley commented later on that the test cruises will sail from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey.

Simulated voyages (also known as test cruises) are when cruise lines can operate ships with volunteer passengers in order to prove their new protocols work.

These are not cruises you can book, but rather, are limited voyages where a cruise line invites certain unpaid volunteers to help go through all the necessary steps and procedures to ensure cruise ships can be run safely.

Each cruise ship needs to be approved by the CDC in order to conduct test cruises.

Royal Caribbean International is pursuing one of two pathways, laid out by the CDC, to get back to cruising. It requires that U.S-based ships conduct
simulation cruises to test health and safety protocols if the cruise line expects to return to sailing with less than 95% fully vaccinated guests or crew.

Royal Caribbean says it is a family brand, which typically sees children under the age of 12 make up 10% of guests on board, and today, they are ineligible for the
vaccine.

"We are committed to continuing to deliver memorable family vacations, and it is why we are conducting simulation cruises."

During these test cruises, Royal Caribbean will go through a variety of scenarios to prove to the CDC that the ship can conduct sailings in a safe manner. Specifically, the new protocols aimed at preventing Covid-19 from getting onboard the ship are at the heart of these dry runs.

According to the CDC, passengers and crew must meet standards during the simulated voyage for hand hygiene, use of face masks, and social distancing for passengers and crew, as well as ship sanitation.

Royal Caribbean must modify meal service and entertainment venues to facilitate social distancing during the simulated voyage.

There is nothing like Royal Caribbean's biggest and most expansive cruise ships, the Oasis Class ships.

There are four Oasis Class ships currently (with Wonder of the Seas joining the fleet in 2022), and they each offer so much for guests to do on vacation.

If you have a cruise booked on one of these incredible cruise ships, here is a list of must-dos that will not cost you anything extra!

Watch a Broadway show

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure.

Every Oasis Class ship has a full length Broadway show onboard that you can see over and over again.

Performances are found in the Royal Theater and unlike seeing a musical in Times Square or at home, there is no extra cost to them.

• Oasis of the Seas: Cats
• Allure of the Seas: Mamma Mia
• Harmony of the Seas: Grease
• Symphony of the Seas: Hairspray

Play Laser Tag

Ships available: Symphony, Oasis.

At special laser tag sessions, Royal Caribbean transforms Studio B into a glow-in-the-dark arena that invites everyone to see if they can conquer the, "Battle for Planet Z".

Guests can put on  special laser tag vests, grab a laser tag gun and head into the arena for a fast-paced team-game that rewards the group that works well together and coordinates their efforts.  Just like laser tag on land, Battle for Planet Z is a high-energy race with bragging rights for the rest of the cruise on the line!

Zip line

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure.

Every Oasis Class ship has a zip line over the Boardwalk neighborhood where you can traverse the 82 foot long distance while looking down on passengers below.

The zip line is set up nine decks above the sea, and it is an exhilarating ride across.  It is also a very quick ride, so if you have never done a zip line before, this is a great primer.

Note that guests have to weigh more than 75 pounds, but less than 275 pounds, as well as be at least 52" tall.

Ultimate Abyss

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis

If you are looking for a great family friendly thrill, check out the Ultimate Abyss slide.

The Ultimate Abyss is a dry slide (no water, you ride down on a mat) and will take you more than 150 feet above sea level as you twist and turn down 10 decks at about 9 miles per hour.

It looks scarier than it is, and worth giving a try.

Watch an AquaTheater show

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure.

One of the classic experiences available only on an Oasis Class ship is the AquaTheater shows.

Known for a combination of theatrics, dance, and high dives, the shows in the AquaTheater are set in an open air amphitheater at the aft of the cruise ship and have become a very popular show to see.

Between the acrobatics, high dives, and music, there is a lot to enjoy during these half hour performances.

Be sure to get tickets (no cost) in advance via the Cruise Planner site because seating is very limited.

Ice skating

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure.

It may sound odd that you can go ice skating on a cruise ship in the middle of the Caribbean, but you can do just that on an Oasis Class ship.

Throughout the cruise, open skate sessions are held in Studio B, where you can rent a pair of skates and safety equipment for no additional cost and take to the ice.

Passengers must wear long pants and must sign a waiver to participate.

Plunge down a water slide

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis.

Water slides are bound to put a smile on just about anyone because it is such a fun cruise ship activity.

The Perfect Storm trio of water slides offer two racer slides and a champagne bowl slide that are included in your cruise fare.  As you slide down any of the slides, you will twist and turn three decks into a splashy finish.

Check out the art

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure.

Every Royal Caribbean ship features a large and varied art collection onboard that you can see throughout your cruise.

Located in hallways, stair cases and everywhere inbetween, each Oasis Class ship has an extensive art collection that you can peruse on your own.  This is a great sea day activity for the whole family, and each ship has a different theme to the art onboard.

Splashaway Bay

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis (Allure of the Seas has H2O Zone, which is somewhat similar)

While older kids and adults may enjoy going down the water slides, younger kids will absolutely love Splashaway Bay aqua park.

Kids will find fountains, buckets, sprays and even slides that will leave them as drenched as enamoured with all the fun.

It is a great spot for kids to cool off, and there is even a Splash Pad for toddlers use.

Ride the carousel

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure.

Your Oasis Class cruise is not complete without enjoying a ride on the carousel in the Boardwalk neighborhood.

Inspired by turn-of-the-century carousels, Royal Caribbean commissioned hand crafted carousels to be made for all of its cruise ships.  These are beautiful rides that are equally as fun to ride as they are to enjoy their beauty.

There is also an ADA-accessible chariot, which means everyone can enjoy it.

Be sure to ride at night as well to enjoy how beautiful the carousel looks when lit up.

Mini-golf

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure.

You must challenge the family to at least one round of putt-putt while on any Oasis Class ship.

You can play on the green as often as you like, while enjoying some beautiful views of the ocean that surrounds you.  No reservations are required, just show up and grab a putter and ball. 

Like the carousel, be sure to try out night time mini golf one evening to mix things up.

Drop the kids off at camp

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure.

Adventure Ocean is Royal Caribbean's award winning supervised (and complimentary) children's programming at sea and it is the perfect escape for kids.

Kids will love the array of fun activities onboard and parents will enjoy some time apart from the kiddos!

Flowrider

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure.

Every Oasis Class ship features two Flowrider surf simulators, where you can challenge yourself to master the art of riding a surfboard.

This is a free activity, so all you have to do is show up and wait your turn in line. 

In addition, Royal Caribbean offers private and group lessons for a nominal fee, if you feel the need to learn quicker.

Even if you have no interest in surfing, there is seating available to watch others give it a try.

See an ice show

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure.

Royal Caribbean puts on some must-see shows in Studio B on its ships every sailing.

Each ship offers a different ice show, and they tell a lovely story while showing off some incredible feats of ice skating.  Many of the skaters are former Olympic and national skating competitors.

Enjoy a snack at El Loco Fresh

Ships available: Symphony, Oasis.

If you consider yourself a lover of Mexican food, be sure to grab a few bites at El Loco Fresh.

The grab-and-go Mexican quick service restaurant is conveniently located on the pool deck, and you will have your choice of tacos, burritos and quesadillas. 

There is also a large salsa station where you can add all sorts of toppings to your chips!

Enjoy a walk through Central Park

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure.

An iconic part of any Oasis Class ship is Central Park.

Located in the heart of the ship on deck 8, this is an open air park that features living plants, shrubs and trees, and is a quieter district of an otherwise busy cruise ship.

At night, the park features live music performances, as well as beautiful lighting.  

Central Park is also where you will find specialty restaurants you can dine at for lunch or dinner (extra cost) or Park Cafe (complimentary) for meals and snacks throughout the day.

Free breakfast at Johnny Rockets

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure.

One of my favorite Oasis Class secrets is you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast at Johnny Rockets.

All Oasis-class ships offer this option, but many guests are unaware that breakfast is served here, nor that it is included with your cruise fare (Johnny Rockets has a cover charge for lunch and dinner).

The Johnny Rockets breakfast menu is a traditional American breakfast, with pancakes, omelettes, French toast and the like.  

Johnny Rockets tends to be not very crowded for breakfast, because many guests are unaware of this option, and it also has a large seating capacity (indoor and outdoor seating options).

Sing karaoke

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure.

Whether at the Open Air Club or Spotlight Karaoke (Oasis), you will find a fan-favorite activity on any cruise ship: karaoke.

Guests can pick a song from a library of choices and then take the stage to show off their vocal range (or maybe lack thereof).

Enjoy a parade

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure.

On the Royal Promenade, you can take in a parade during your cruise.  

Royal Caribbean's entertainment staff perform a parade during the cruise that feature colorful and larger-than-life costumes that are a fun diversion from the usual activities.

Be sure to arrive early, as seating is limited along the Royal Promenade path.

Find the Small Wonders

Ships available: Oasis, Allure.

Hidden all over Oasis and Allure of the Seas is a series of art displays known as "Small Wonders", where you will find 42 natural wonders positioned all over the ship.

When you find one, there will be something that looks like a periscope or telescope that if you peer into, you will find these tiny three dimensional pieces of art.

This is a fun activity for kids or adults to try to find them all and it is one of those hidden gems many guests simply overlook.

Hint: if you give up and cannot find them all, Guest Services can provide you with a list of them all to help!

Virtual reality games

Ships available: Oasis, Symphony.

Royal Caribbean's smart phone app is free to use onboard the ship, and features a few virtual reality games that you can play in the Boardwalk neighborhood.

Once in the Boardwalk, look for the various game posters near Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.  Launch the app, select the icon that looks like a circus tent and then point your camera towards the poster.

Watch the ship's wake

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure.

Looking for somewhere that is shaded and is quiet and a great spot to sit and relax?  

Head to deck 5 and go all the way to the aft of the ship.  You will find chairs that have a great view of the ocean and are usually devoid of other passengers. You can also access this area by going behind the AquaTheater and going down the stairs.

Enjoy a drink on the Rising Tide Bar

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure.

There is something undeniably cool about a bar that moves between decks, and on Oasis class ships, the Rising Tide bar does just that.

The Rising Tide Bar continuously moves between the Royal Promenade and Central Park, offering some great views while you enjoy your favorite cocktail.

Order a drink and enjoy the view as the bar moves between decks. Be sure to wave to the people around you as you depart.

See a robot make a drink

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis.

The Bionic Bar is as appealing to watch as it is to enjoy a cocktail crafted here. You will find quite often many guests simply watching the robots in action, although there is usually plenty of folks ordering drinks as well.

The idea is simple: guests place orders via tablets and then can watch the robot bartenders start mixing the cocktails. Bionic Bar combines two big trends, robotics and mixology.

The single armed robot will get the ice, mints and lemon and then squeeze and shake them to make your drink. Eventually, there wont be a limit on what the drinks the robots can make. The customization is what Royal Caribbean is aiming for.

Tackle the rock climbing wall

Ships available: Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, Allure.

One of the signature onboard activities that Royal Caribbean has become well-known for is the rock climbing wall. 

Just like the Flowrider, Oasis Class ships have two rock walls that you can try, including different tracks for different experience levels.

 It is usually open most of the day for kids and adults to enjoy.  Royal Caribbean provides all the safety equipment that you will need, including helmets, harnesses and shoes.  You just need to bring a pair of socks.

Climbers need to be at least 6 years old and sign a waiver.  Climbing the rock wall is free and no reservations are required.