Oasis of the Seas

As one of the two largest cruise ships ever built and the first to cost more than one billion dollars to construct, Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is bound to be the perfect choice for young families seeking a relaxing and entertaining holiday at sea - one that they'll never forget!

Besides its massive size, $1.2 billion price tag and astonishing passenger capacity of 5,400, the Oasis of the Seas includes a variety of other features that make it special. For example, its twin, side-by-side funnels were the first of their kind and are retractable to allow the ship to pass under bridges that it otherwise wouldn't be able to fit beneath.

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Royal Caribbean International has been providing memorable cruise experiences since 1968 and with so many years of experience, it has become a favourite choice for travellers wanting the very best voyage. Today, the fleet comprises 42 ships and the company controls more than a quarter of the world cruise market.

The Oasis of the Seas was built in Finland and is registered in the Bahamas. Currently, its home port is in Fort Lauderdale in Florida and the ship generally travels on seven-night excursions throughout the Caribbean, with stops in Haiti, Jamaica and Mexico.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 5,400
Year entered service: 2009
Beam (ship width): 154 feet
Draught (ship depth): 30 feet
Length: 1,187 feet
Tonnage: 225,282
Crew: 2,165
Maximum speed: 22.6 knots
Number of passenger decks: 16
Number of lifts: 12
Number of swimming pools: 6
Number of cabins: 2,700

Food, cuisine and dining

Hunger should never be a problem on board the Oasis of the Seas. The Opus restaurant - the main dining room - covers three decks and is decorated in the style of 1920s French Art Deco. Breakfast and lunch are served on an open-seating basis, while there are two main dinner services with alternative meal times available by reservation.

The ship is separated into several themed neighbourhoods, each offering its own unique style - as well as various dining options to suit any tastes.

For example, in the Central Park area of the ship - a neighbourhood inspired by stylish Manhattan - you can choose from the Chops Grille steakhouse, Giovanni's Table for casual Italian or 150 Central Park for the most exclusive on-board dining.

There's also the Park Cafe, the perfect place to grab a small snack or sandwich, as well as the Vintages wine bar - a favourite on other Royal Caribbean ships, the one on the Oasis of the Seas also includes a tapas menu.

In other locations around the ship, you'll also find a variety of other restaurants and snack bars, including:
• Johnny Rockets
• Seafood Shack
• The Boardwalk Bar,
• The Boardwalk Donut Shop, Ice Cream Parlor and Candy Shop
• Vitality Cafe
• Solarium Bistro
• Wipeout Cafe
• Sorrento's
• Cafe Promenade
• Mondo Coffee Bar
• Windjammer Marketplace Buffet
• Izumi
Of course, room service is also available at all hours, so you can also enjoy a meal or snack in the comfort of your stateroom whenever you wish - although there is an extra charge between the hours of midnight and 5:00 am.

In addition, there are plenty of places to grab a drink on the Oasis of the Seas. One of the most popular is the Rising Tides Bar, which carries guests upwards the distance of three decks - from the fifth deck to the Central Park level.

On-board entertainment and activities

While travelling on the Oasis of the Seas, guests will have loads of activities and entertainment options to choose from.

The Entertainment Place neighbourhood features a variety of nightclubs and lounges, offering everything from comedy clubs and jazz bars, through to spots where you can dance the night away.

The Opal Theatre is a 1,380-seat venue that offers different shows every night, ranging from Broadway hit musicals like Hairspray, to aerial acrobatics and concerts.

One of the most popular on-board activities is the DreamWorks Experience, which is an on-going themed part of the cruise that's sure to delight both children and movie buffs alike.

Favourite characters from films like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda can be found on deck for photo opportunities, while 3D films, water shows and other events based on DreamWorks movies take place throughout the week.

In addition, there's Casino Royale, which features slot machines, poker tables and the Museum of Gaming, as well as the Studio B ice skating rink, which plays host to various shows.

Spas and fitness facilities

If you're looking to get pampered during your holiday on-board the Oasis of the Seas, then a visit to the Vitality at Sea Spa is a must. You can relax in the thermal suite, which includes saunas and steam rooms or get a special treatment like a massage, facial or pedicure.

The spa also includes 158 exercise machines - including items for both cardio and resistance workouts. Other exercise options include a rock climbing wall, basketball courts, miniature golf, two surfing pools, six swimming pools and ten whirlpools.

Cabins

With 2,700 cabins, 672 of which include private balconies, there are many different accommodation options available for those travelling on the Oasis of the Seas. In fact, there are 37 different price grades for rooms, each varying by cabin dimensions, location and features.

The most lavish of the rooms are the 28 bi-level loft suites. These generally measure around 545 square feet, while there are three even larger rooms of 1,524 square feet.

The Royal Loft Suite - the most extravagant of them all - has room to sleep four occupants and features two bathrooms. It also includes a huge balcony with dining space both indoors and out, as well as a piano, a private wet bar, a library and a jacuzzi, not to mention complimentary concierge service.

Staterooms offer more basic accommodation and are available with balconies or windows over looking the sea or Central Park in the middle of the ship. Alternatively, interior cabins have no view and are the most budget-friendly option.

Whichever view or balcony option you choose, the staterooms measure around 150 square feet and include two twin beds that can be converted to a queen, as well as a private en-suite bathroom, a seating area and a flat screen television.

Family rooms are also available with additional bunk beds or convertible sofas for sleeping up to six people.