Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas: cabins, dining, entertainment and prices explained

Oasis of the Seas was a game-changer for Royal Caribbean when it was launched in 2009. 

The 5,400-passenger ship was heralded as an architectural marvel thanks to its 16 decks and seven distinct themed areas including the first real garden at sea – Central Park. 

Royal Caribbean now has three Oasis class ships in its fleet of 25 with Allure of the Seas launched in 2010 and Harmony of the Seas in 2016. 

A broad range of onboard facilities and top-class entertainment is typical of Royal Caribbean ships as Oasis passengers will discover when Bonnie Tyler joins American dance-rock band DNCE to sing Total Eclipse Of The Heart for the Total Eclipse cruise. 

STATEROOMS 

Oasis of the Seas introduced the first split-level loft suites to the cruise industry and its suites range from its signature Royal Suite and Owners Suite to not just the Crown Loft but the even more luxurious Royal Loft. 

But most passengers will be opting for something more down to earth starting with Interior cabins with no windows, through ocean Ocean View cabins with picture windows to Balcony cabins with French windows and a balcony either overlooking the sea, the Boardwalk or Central Park. 

There are also mini-suites, which suit families or groups although they don’t come with the same concierge service and free drinks as the other suite categories. 

But all Oasis cabins have double beds or twins and the flat-screen TVs can be used to make reservations for speciality restaurants, excursions, spa treatments and seats in the theatres. 

And they all come with reasonable storage space and bathrooms – although only suites get a full range of toiletries. 

DINING 

There’s a different restaurant for every day of the week even on a two-week cruise onboard Oasis of the Seas and half of them are either completely complimentary or sometimes free. 

The main dining rooms – American Icon Grill, Grande and Silk – have the same menu and two sittings but Grande is the most elegant and Silk is styled like an Asian restaurant. 

Windjammer Marketplace is the popular buffet but there are less congested free dining alternatives such as Park Café in Central Park, Wipe Out Café near the FlowRider on deck 15 for breakfast and lunch, while Solarium Bistro in the adults-only deck 15 pool area is complimentary for breakfast and lunch although there’s a charge for dinner. 

Of the paid-for restaurants two of the best are in Central Park: Vintages, for wine tasting and tapas, and Chops Grille, for steaks, chops, ribs, chicken and tuna. 

ENTERTAINMENT 

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS is the show of the moment in Oasis’s three-deck theatre and it’s easily comparable to the Broadway and West End versions. 

But it’s the spectacular AquaTheatre that is a signature feature of Oasis-class ships with shows by high divers, synchronised swimmers and gymnasts all set to music with lights and fountains. 

There’s also an ice rink on board with shows several times a week but it’s open for passengers the rest of the time – which is pretty amazing considering you’re at sea. 

And there’s a huge array of other onboard entertainment, from the real carousel on the Boardwalk to the choice of pools and splash parks, free children’s clubs, DreamWorks characters on board and 3D films in the theatre plus the fabulous gym, spa and beauty salon.   

FACT BOX 

Oasis of the Seas is based at Port Canaveral in Florida and will be sailing to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda full-time until at least April 2019. 

A typical seven-night Western Caribbean return-trip includes Labadee, a private beach resort in Haiti, Falmouth in Jamaica and the resort island of Cozumel off Mexico, from £594pp, two sharing, cruise only. 

And seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruises take in Philipsburg on St Maarten, San Juan in Puerto Rico and Labadee in Haiti from £748pp, two sharing, cruise only. 

For more information call 0844 417 0257 (7p per minute) or go to royalcaribbean.co.uk.