To anyone considering going on a cruise, I highly recommend cruising with Royal Caribbean. This was my first time on Oasis of the Seas, and it was phenomenal. I cannot speak more highly of it. By far my favorite Royal Caribbean ship I’ve been on. Even though the ship is rather large and holds thousands of people, it never did feel crowded to me. I think it because there is so much to do on board everyone was spread out.
Below I share a few tips and tricks for cruising as well as highlighting some my favorite things in this Oasis of the Seas review. Let’s get to it, shall we?!
Oasis of the Seas Review
Like I mentioned above, Oasis of the Seas is a huge ship, but Royal Caribbean did a great job breaking up the ship into several themed areas called “Neighborhoods.” The neighborhoods help with the flow of people making it never feel crowded.
Oasis of the Seas neighborhoods
- Central Park (It’s literally like a mini version of the real Central Park)
- The Pool and Sports Zone
- Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center
- Boardwalk
- Royal Promenade
- Youth Zone
- Entertainment Place
This picture was taken at my favorite pool on the ship, the Solarium.
Shop the Outfit:
Shop the Outfit:
Activities on Oasis of the Seas
Pools
There are 4 different pool areas, all located on deck 15. Complimentary pool towels are provided. Just make sure you return them, or you will be charged.
- Solarium: Adults only (age 16 and over) pool area with two whirlpool hot tubs.
- Sports Pool: This is where all the pool games are played like synchronized swimming and volleyball.
- Beach Pool: Themed area that looks like a beach
- H2O Zone: Interactive kids aqua park, where kids can enjoy geysers, sculpted fountains, and waterfalls.
Shows
There are four main shows. I recommend making reservations for the shows online, a week before you leave.
- Broadway musical, “Cats”, in the Royal Theater.
- Acrobat musical, “Come Fly With Me,” in the Royal Theater.
- Ice skating performance, “Frozen in Time,” in the Studio B ice rink.
- Diving and water show, “Oasis of Dreams,” in the outdoor Aqua Theater
There are also multiple mini shows like the “Love and Marriage game show.” It has always been my dream to be on this and guess what?!! Not only were my husband and I chosen but WE WON!!!! #BudgetListItemComplete
Signature Activities
There are multiple activities on board, and they are all free.
- Two FlowRider surf simulators
- Zip line across 82-foot distance that is nine decks up
- Ice skating rink
- Two 43-foot rock climbing walls
- Mini golf course
- Full-sized basketball court
- 3D movie theater
Dining
One of my favorite things about cruises, there is unlimited amounts of food available all hours of the night! Also, for those indecisive people like me, you can order two or three or four appetizers, entrees and desserts in the main dining for dinner for FREE!!! Holla!!
Complimentary
- Windjammer
- Park Cafe
- Boardwalk Dog House
- Solarium Bistro (breakfast and lunch only)
- Wipeout Cafe
- Sorrento’s
- Cafe Promenade
- Room Service
- Main Dining Room
- Johnny Rockets (breakfast only)
Specialty
- Chops Grille
- 150 Central Park
- Giovanni’s Table
- Johnny Rockets (lunch and dinner)
- Vintages
- Sabor
- Vitality Cafe
- Solarium Bistro (dinner only)
- Izumi
Cruise Tips
Cruise Compass
Make sure to read the Cruise Compass. It documents everything happening during that day including shows, activities and dinner attire. A copy of the Cruise Compass will be delivered to your stateroom every day.
This is at Magens Bay in St. Thomas, it was the perfect beach spot.
Excursions
I HIGHLY suggest doing research and reading reviews for tours available at your stops. You can book most excursions with the cruise line, but it’s a lot more expensive because the cruise adds on an additional charge for arranging it for you. It is a lot cheaper to do it online or when you arrive. If you’re a beach person like me, one of the best things to do is look for day passes at resorts near your port. A lot of guests don’t know about this, so it’s a great place to avoid the crowds.
I went on the 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise with 3 ports: Nassau Bahamas, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. Below I listed the best excursions for each stop.
Nassau, Bahamas:
- Atlantis (Day Pass)
- Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas (Day Pass)
- Snorkeling
- Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day
- Beach Break
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St. Thomas:
- Marriott Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Beach Resort (Day Pass)
- Bolongo Bay Beach Resort (Day Pass)
- Magen Bay Beach
- Snorkeling
- St. John Tour
St. Maarten:
- The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa (Day Pass)
- Sonesta Great Bay All Inclusive Beach Resort (Day Pass)
- Beach at the Port
- Snorkeling
- Sailing
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Fly in Early
DO NOT fly in the day your cruise departs. Fly in the night before to allow for any flight delays or trouble that might come up. The boat will NOT wait for you. If you’re late, they will leave you, and you will not get a refund.
Important Things To Bring
Bring lots of small bills. You will need cash for the tolls and tipping (like the guys that help you with your bags).
Be sure you pack your drivers license and passport. You will need this each time you leave or enter the ship. They WILL NOT let you on the ship without your passport. I have heard so many horror stories of people forgetting their documents and not being able to get on the ship. They also lost all their money cause the cruise will not refund you.
Pack a day bag
Pack a smaller bag that you won’t mind carrying around with you for the first day on board. Most cruises don’t let you in your rooms until late afternoon/evening time. A few things I pack in my day bag include a bathing suit, cover up, sunscreen, book, phone charger, camera, etc. Basically anything you might need for the day.
Heavy Duty Magnetics
Pack some heavy duty magnetics. You can put them on the wall and hang your purses, sweaters, towels, wet swimsuits, etc. There isn’t a lot of storage in the stateroom so these can really be a game changer. One thing to remember, pack them in your checked luggage not your carry on or you will be stopped at security.
Beach Towel Clips
The boat can be very windy sometimes since you’re always moving. Beach towel clips help your towel stay in place and keeps it from flying away. I would recommend two for every person.
Extension Cord
Extension cords are a must unless you don’t like to charge anything haha. There are maybe two outlets in your room and they are located on the complete opposite side of the bed. I packed two extension cords, one for my hair stuff and one by my bed for my phone charger, computer charger, camera charger, etc.
I hope this Oasis of the Seas review and tips have helped any of you potential cruise-goers! Royal Carribean will no doubt give you the best trip of your life! Happy sailing!
Cruise Guide
