Are you ready to embark on the cruise of a lifetime? If you have ever wondered if a mega ship is the right choice for your next vacation, look no further than the awe-inspiring Oasis of the Seas. This magnificent vessel, part of Royal Caribbean’s renowned fleet, promises an unparalleled experience. From its sheer size to its world-class entertainment and endless activities, here are just twelve of the many compelling reasons why cruising on Oasis of the Seas should be at the top of your travel bucket list. Get ready to set sail and discover a new level of adventure and 12 Reasons to Cruise on Oasis of the Seas.
The Original Oasis Class Ship
Known for innovation, Royal Caribbean broke the cruise ship mold when it launched Oasis of the Seas, which sailed its maiden voyage in 2009. First in the Oasis Class of ships establishing the “neighborhood concept” and featuring seven unique neighborhoods onboard.
- Royal Promenade
- Central Park (first at Sea)
- Entertainment Place
- The Boardwalk (first at sea featuring full-size carousel and aqua theatre)
- Sports Zone/Pool
- Spa & Fitness Center
- Youth Zone, including Adventure Ocean
Oasis of the Seas holds 5602 passengers at double capacity and 6771 full capacity with 2100+ international crew. The ship is 1187 feet in length. It received a massive “Royal Amplified” reno with updates and upgrades in November 2019.
There are so many awesome things to love about Oasis of the Seas. It’s truly hard to narrow down. In this post, I’ll share my personal favorites.
Here are my top 12 reasons to book a cruise on Oasis of the Seas.
1. Aqua 80s!
Oasis of the Seas was the first ship to feature the AquaTheater. If you haven’t experienced the AquaTheater you do not know what you are missing!
This show is phenomenal. Get ready to be taken back to the future with this energetic and uniquely talented cast. The music, diving, dancing, and acrobatics will blow your mind. High dive on a cruise ship. Are you kidding?! Ok, in fairness, I’m afraid of heights…and I am better canon-baller than diver but, WOW!
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2. Playmakers Sport Bar
Cheer on your favorite team at Playmakers – located in the heart of the Boardwalk; Playmakers is a great spot to grab a drink, a well-priced snack, and the game of the week!
Truth be told we spent several hours at Playmakers cheering on our beloved Chiefs during the Playoffs. It was a ton of fun. My husband Brian says to order the wings!
3. Carousel on The Boardwalk
The hand carved wooden carousel is absolutely gorgeous. It’s very impressive and remember, you’re seeing it on a cruise ship, out in the ocean. Crazy! Royal Caribbean takes it’s Boardwalk theme seriously. Honestly, a thought this would be a passing thing. However, it’s quite popular. Most times there are a nice sized group of guests enjoying the ride.
4. The Adults (16+) Solarium
While the name is not unique to the Oasis, this adult’s only area is the place to be. Located at the front of the ship, the views are incredible, and the space is generous, wrapping around the bow. The area also features varied seating, a bistro for breakfast and lunch, a bar, a pool, and hot tubs.
We enjoy the solarium most mornings during our cruise. We arrive early and enjoy our coffee and the morning sun, the pass along our seats to the next round of guests when we get hungry for lunch. It is a busy area and chairs can be hard to come by but relax, people tend to lounge in shifts. Have a drink at the bar or a snack from the bistro until something you like opens up.
5. Jogging Track on Oasis Class Ships
-While this is not at the top of everyone’s relaxing vacation list, it’s worth noting. On most ships, the jogging track is located near the pool deck, and dogging lounge chairs and those strolling to the bar are common.
The jogging track on the Oasis of the Sea is located on deck 5 and has a nearly uninterrupted path with peek-a-boo views and plenty of fresh air. If you’re struggling to get your workout in after a few too many cocktails, take note of the motivational signs posted around the track. When you need to catch your breath, you can’t beat this incredible aft view. There’s a seating waiting for you!
6. Take a stroll through Central Park
You’re on a cruise ship, but why not take a stroll through Central Park? How is that even possible? It is, and it’s absolutely stunning. Whether you stroll through during the day, visit in the evening for a specialty dining experience, or a night cap and some entertainment, you will love the time you spend in Central Park.
In fact, grab a drink from the Trellis Bar to sip during your stroll. I highly recommend the Passion Spritz. It’s become my new embarkation day first drink favorite!
7. Park Cafe
This little gem in Central Park is a great go-to spot for morning coffee, lunch, or snacks. If you are used to fighting the crowds in the buffet on embarkation day, try Park Cafe! Who could resits morning coffee and a muffin with this view?
8. Do you like big ships?
No need to worry about having ship envy when you return from port if you’re sailing on Oasis of the Seas.
Do you ever gaze in awe of the ship “parked” beside you in port? You’re not likely to have FOMO as you walk back to board Oasis. Unless one of her sister ships are docked next to her you’re likely walking back to the largest ship at the port.
9. Crowd Management
Some cruisers avoid the Oasis class ships when they learn that it can carry over 6,000 people, and that’s understandable. In fact, my husband was one of them. We first sailed an Oasis Class ship back in 2017 and he was convinced that it was going to be too big and too crowded. Now, it’s one of his favorites.
The magic of the neighborhoods leads to excellent space allocation and crowd management. Yes, there are a lot of people on board but there are also more places for people to gather and suit the varying interests of guests.
10. Alternative Balconies
The neighborhood concept lends itself to some great alternative cabin categories- including Boardwalk and Central Park balcony options that are typically less expensive than ocean-view balconies.
In many cases, a balcony overlooking The Boardwalk can give you an excellent opportunity to people-watch and catch the Aqua show! It’s pretty exciting! While a Central Park balcony offers no ocean views, it has a quieter charm.
11. Better Pricing!
There’s no denying that cruise prices are going up. Demand is high (and so is inflation). However, Oasis of the Seas is no longer the “newest ship” in the class. While it has been recently “amplified,” this OG ship offers more competitively priced sailings than the newer ships in its class, such as Harmony and Wonder.
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12. Broadway Shows
I LOVE musical theater. LOVE it! In fact, one of my favorite parts of cruising is the spectacular entertainment onboard and included in your cruise fare. Oasis of the seas is no exception. While Cats! is not my favorite show, there’s no denying the talent of the amazing cast. Again, I am a bigger fan of Mamma Mia! and Hairspray on Allure and Symphony, but the show is still quite impressive.
You can read more about my personal show opinion here – Cats! on a Cruise Ship
Bonus! So much more!
There is SO much to see and do. In addition to the favorites noted above, the ship also has a bar tended by robotic arms, a jazz club and a bar that travels to different floors, and so much more. You may need to book a back-to-back sailing to experience everything on this ship.
Don’t worry if you are looking for your traditionally loved Royal Caribbean inclusions such as the Flow Rider, ice rink, rock climbing wall, etc. It has all of those favorites as well.
Conclusion: 12 Reasons to Cruise on Oasis of the Seas
There is so much to love about this OG “Oasis Class” ship. You should check it out and consider booking this mega ship if you have the opportunity. There is so much to do onboard from entertainment to the beautiful neighborhoods you are sure to have an amazing cruise vacation.
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