Year of construction: 2009

Number of passengers: 5400

Aid personnel: 2219

Deck number: 16

Registration: Bahamas

Oasis of the Seas, one of the largest passenger cruise ships in the world, was launched in 2009. This ship will impress you before you even get on board. Outshine its brethren in the Everglades port, this giant looks more like a building or an office center. On board you will find many shops of various categories: from luxury boutiques of brands such as Michael Kors or Kate Spade and ending with Starbucks.

The Oasis of the Seas (like its larger “big brother” – the liner Allure of the Seas) is one of the most successful ships owned by the steamship company Royal Caribbean. Built in 2009, the ship was a breakthrough in the shipping industry and the world’s first water body to house more than 12,000 living plants. The official capacity of the ship is 5,400 passengers, with Oasis of the Seas regularly having 100% or more load (maximum 6,450 people), despite the fact that tickets for this ship are in the premium price category.There are so many exciting activities on board that 30% of passengers never leave the ship in port.

So what makes Oasis of the Seas more attractive than other big cruise ships? The secret is that it is on board: the liner is divided into several thematic zones and there is absolutely everything, so everyone can find something to their liking.

The sports and entertainment area is made in the style of Coney Island – an amusement park in Brooklyn. Here on the boardwalk are located two rock-beds, carousels, cable car, swing, etc. Climbing a few decks higher, you will find the FlowRider surf simulator, basketball court, mini golf and table tennis. There are also teenager clubs in the area, so if you are traveling with your family, you will probably have to spend a lot of time in this part of the ship.

In front of the ship you will find solariums, a two-storey complex with sun loungers, hot tubs and swimming pools for passengers aged 16 and older. The recreation area descends a few decks below directly to Central Park and ends with a SPA salon and fitness center.Ironically, visiting these parts of the ship is free for children.

In 2014, the Oasis of the Seas was renovated and many interior renovations came as a surprise to regular passengers. Three large, separate dining rooms appeared on board, each with its own name and style. Passengers staying in the suites have the opportunity to visit the private restaurant “Coastal Kitchen” with Mediterranean cuisine, which has its own terrace for sunbathing. Ten more new luxury rooms have been added. The Izumi area, where you can find a variety of options for fried rice dishes - hibachi, has become even larger. On the walking deck opened Mexican cantina "Sabor" along with its own tequila bar. Hot dogs were supplanted by donuts, and the cupcakes moved to "Cups & Scoops." The most visited stores were boutiques "Michael Kors", "Kate Spade" and (in 2015) "Tiffany".

Traveling on a ship of this class requires certain requirements.If you want to get to various shows and performances, you need to book a seat online in advance, as the theaters where performances take place are small and can not accommodate all passengers at once. The same rule applies to popular restaurants (although most establishments keep a certain number of seats free for incoming guests, so many are rarely crowded).

To really have a good time on the ship, you need to plan the hours of visiting certain places. For example, the Windows Marketplace buffet is quite small and often crowded, so it’s best to choose one of the other places for breakfast or lunch at rush hour. In the middle of the day, it is better to use the My Time system so as not to wait for a free table for 20 minutes or more; and if you find an empty chair by the pool on a hot afternoon, consider yourself lucky.

On the liner “Oasis of the Seas” there are many places where you can relax from the crowds and relax, for example, plunge into the cool abyss of hot tubs while the ship is on the dock.Many types of entertainment, such as the cable car and the FlowRider surf simulator, open before the ship leaves port, so there may be a queue here at the beginning of the day. Booking a table in a private restaurant, strolling on closed decks, visiting thermal spas are all ways to feel like Oasis of the Seas is made just for you.

Oasis of the Seas: Passengers

FlowRider and other attractions, H2O Zone water park and walking deck will be incredibly interesting for children, so Oasis of the Seas is an obvious choice for family travel. However, couples and friends from 30 to 50 years old will also find here something to like. Most of the passengers are from North America, and many tourists from Europe and South America (up to 2,000 people in the winter months).

Oasis of the Seas: Dress code.

When embarking on a seven-day cruise, be prepared to wear two nights of strict dressing and five days of casual. However, the official style should be observed only when visiting the three main dining rooms in the evening or at night.There are tuxedo rentals on board, but few men prefer them. Most wear dark business suits or simply pair a jacket and tie, which is also the norm. Women usually wear cocktail dresses, maxi sundresses or evening outfits.

Oasis of the Seas: Service Fee

Each passenger of the liner is charged service fees of $ 13.5 per day ($ 16.5 for those who live in the “luxuries”). The service fee can be paid in advance or paid daily during the journey in cash or from a special passenger account. 18% of the “tipping” is automatically added to the account after visiting bars and spa procedures. The ship is settled in US dollars, and there is a currency exchange office on board.