A Week of Oasis

Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas. One of the biggest cruise ships in the world. A great floating resort at sea.

I had the pleasure of sailing on board this wonderful ship last year for seven days visiting Western Caribbean port of Labadee, Haiti; Falmouth, Jamaica and Cozumel, Mexico. This ship is everything you can imagine and more. My first day started with boarding this ship. As big as this ship is and as many passenger that sail on her, the boarding process was a breeze. We didn't have to wait long at all to get to the check in counter, get checked in and board. I was very impressed with the amount of time that it took to get boarded, probably 5 minutes at most.

Deck 5, the Royal Promenade Deck: We boarded on Deck 5, the Royal Promenade Deck. I have to say honestly my jaw dropped once I boarded. The Promenade Deck looks like you just walked into a high end hotel/mall. The deck was immaculate. People walking everywhere, taking pictures and exploring. The promenade deck carries the Rising Tide Bar. This bar rises from Deck 5 all the way up to Deck 8, and back down to Deck 5. Hydraulic pistons slowly raise and lower this bar ever so gently so you don't spill your drink. This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. Promenade Deck is really the central hot spot of this ship, a lot of entertaining events takes place on this deck that you have to see. Having seen the Promenade Deck and some of the things it has to offer, I couldn't wait to explore the other decks.

Deck 8, Central Park: Yes you read right, Central Park. Oasis of the Seas has a neighbourhood called the Central Park, just like the one in New York. This is a tranquil environment where you can sit down under the sun and just relax and enjoy a cold drink or even breakfast and lunch at one of the few restaurants, or you can shop at some of the high end stores located on this deck. At night, Central Park is a great place to come and enjoy some of the specialty dining venues that this ship has to offer. I suggest you try Chops Grill, I've had one of the best stakes of my life in this restaurant. Only a $25 surcharge gets you into this restaurant, and trust me when I tell you, you will have a great 3 course meal that will leave you wanting more (if you have the space for it that is!!!).

Deck 8, Aft, Boardwalk & Aqua Theatre: Another great neighbourhood on board the Oasis of the Seas is the Boardwalk which also includes the Aqua Theatre. Your probably asking me what is the Boardwalk? Well Boardwalk is a neighbourhood dedicated to family fun and nostalgia. It carries the first ever carousels at sea and the exclusive Aqua Theatre which will amaze you at night with acrobatic show that you have to see to believe.

When you visit the Boardwalk, you will also be surrounded by casual restaurants, including Johnny Rockets, Rita's Cantina and the Boardwalk Dog House, plus an ice cream and donut shop, bars, candy shop and more.

A great neighbourhood for kids and kids at heart.
                                                   

 

Deck 15, Pool & Sports Deck, including Flow Riders and Zip Line: Yes a zip line. At sea. Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to have a zip line. Located on Deck 15 you will find four pools to choose from: the H2O Zone, where kids can enjoy a giant octopus with its water-spraying tentacles and a separate wadding pool for infants and toddlers; the sports pool, dedicated for laps and water-sports; or the new beach pool, with a slopped entry that simulates wadding into the ocean. Or lounge by the traditional pool, with more sun loungers than any other ship afloat. And when you've worked up a thirst from taking laps in the pool,  you can stop by one of four bars, or retreat to cool off in the grandest Solarium yet. Surrounded by glass and standing two decks high, this is the perfect place for adults to relax. Hungry? The new Solarium Bistro offers sit-down dining areas with healthy entrees, and at night transforms into an amazing Brazilian Steakhouse.

 

Entertainment Place: Entertainment Place is a neighbourhood 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. 

Feeling lucky? Play a game of chance at the elegant Casino Royale which rivals any land based casino in style and sophistication.

Did you know that Oasis of the Seas brought the first Ice Rink to the sea? That's right. You can enjoy a one of a kind ice show on board the Oasis of the Seas. 

Are you a fan of musicals? Well you can enjoy the hit Broadway show "Hairspray" at the Opal Theatre. 

Feeling groovy? (yes I did say groovy!!!) Then you can head down to Blaze Night Club, the hottest night club at sea. You can find this hot night club located on Deck 4. Or you can visit Dazzles, where you can experience spectacular music with themes ranging from Big Band to Disco. You can find Dazzles on Decks 8,9 & 10. 

Spending one week on this ship truly was not enough. On the last day I really didn't want to get off. I wanted to stay on and continue sailing and experiencing more. There was so much that I didn't get to experience that I can't wait to get back and experience them. Oasis of the Seas does both Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries out of Fort Lauderdale Florida all year round. Don't wait. Sail on her and experience everything that I mentioned here and more. My week on board the Oasis of the Seas was truly A Week of Oasis.