Royal Caribbean’s Big Momma!

Well what a special day I had on Wednesday!

For many years I have always admire the sheer feat of engineering that is Oasis of the Seas. at 225k tonnes, and taking over 6,000 passengers she is the biggest cruise ship to bless our seven seas. She really isn’t a cruise ship, she is a mighty floating holiday resort.

After watching countless documentaries on her design and construction, and youtube videos of the typical American family taking a ‘vacation’ with her I would never dream that she would come to the shores of our country, but adding to that, I never thought I would be going on board! Yes ME!? I’m going on board Oasis of the Seas!

I could not sleep the night before, I was like a kid at Christmas with butterflies with HUGE excitement building, yes I am sad!

I raced to Southampton first thing the next morning to ensure I didn’t the sail in, and my oh my, what a sight she was, gliding her way up Southampton water towards the dock she was escorted by a tug spraying two cannons of water high in the air, a fitting welcome for such an anticipated ship.

The clock struck noon and we were cleared to board the ship! Cruise.co.uk were split in to two teams competing against other agents as part of ‘Oasis Mission’.

Throughout the day we were set tasks to complete and compete in, enabling us to really get hands on with the ship leaving no stone un-turned.

The ship is split into 7 different ‘neighbourhoods’ meaning there really is somewhere for everyone to go to. Whether it be a stroll around Central Park, the living gardens on board with REAL resident wildlife, or the Royal Promenade with it’s English Pub, shops, cafe’s, and more importantly the rising tide bar!

I thought I’d give the Rising Tide bar a special mention as for me it was a genuine highlight of the whole ship.

Travelling (yes it moves) between THREE decks this unique little gimic is a platform that travels between Central Park and the Royal Promenade. One minute you’re in the beautiful surroundings of Central Park, with birds chirping and scenic view, the next minute you’re right in the heart of it, slap bang centre of the Royal Promenade! You could actually use it as a lift and just use the travelling time for a quick drink 😉 Absolutely amazing venue.

The ship is HUGE so it really didn’t feel like a cruise ship, you could walk just for hours, no good for my late night strolls! There is also no real atrium, just many large wide open spaces.

The food was exceptional, who wouldn’t love ‘Grey Goose Vodka, creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta’? – to die for!

It’s safe to say this ship brought out the kid in me, I can’t think of a better venue for my 21st, watch this space 😉

Happy Cruising!

Ed x