Oasis of the Seas: Royal Caribbean's Giant Ship After Its Big Makeover

When Oasis of the Seas launched in 2009, it changed cruising: the first ship big enough to be divided into "neighbourhoods", with a real park growing in the middle of the ship. In 2019 Royal Caribbean gave it a major "Amplified" makeover with new slides, bars and a Caribbean-style pool deck. Here's what the ship is like today, what to do on board and who it suits.

Oasis of the Seas at a glance

Quick facts
Cruise line	Royal Caribbean International
Class	Oasis class (sisters include Allure, Harmony, Symphony, Wonder and Utopia of the Seas)
In service	Since 2009; amplified in 2019
Size	Around 225,000 gross tons
Guests	5,400+ at double occupancy
Best for	Families, groups, first-time cruisers who want lots to do

The neighbourhoods

1. Central Park

An open-air garden with thousands of real plants and trees runs through the middle of the ship, lined with restaurants and cafés. It's the calmest place on board in the evening.

2. The Boardwalk

Inspired by seaside piers, the Boardwalk at the stern has a hand-carved carousel, casual food, the zip line overhead and the AquaTheater, an outdoor amphitheatre for high-diving shows.

3. The Royal Promenade

The ship's "main street" has bars, shops, cafés and parades – a lively place to meet friends.

4. Pool and Sports Zone

The top decks have pools and hot tubs, the FlowRider surf simulators, sports courts, mini-golf and the waterslides.

What the makeover added

5. Ultimate Abyss and Perfect Storm

The Ultimate Abyss is a dry slide that drops guests ten decks down to the Boardwalk, and the Perfect Storm trio of waterslides adds racing and drop slides. There's also a Caribbean-themed pool deck with a new bar, an escape room and a sports bar with arcade games.

Food and drink

6. Included and speciality dining

Included options are the main dining room, the Windjammer buffet, Park Café and several casual spots. Speciality restaurants such as Chops Grille steakhouse, 150 Central Park and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen cost extra. A dining package can save money if you plan to try several. For drinks, read our cruise drinks guide.

Cabins

7. Choosing a cabin

Beyond inside, ocean-view and balcony cabins, Oasis has unusual Central Park and Boardwalk balcony cabins that look into the ship rather than out to sea – quieter and cheaper than ocean balconies. Families should look at connecting cabins or family suites.

Where it sails

8. Itineraries

Oasis-class ships mostly sail the Caribbean and Bahamas from US ports, often including a day at Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, with seasonal European sailings on some ships. Itineraries change – always check the latest schedule.

Tips

• Book shows and activities in the app before you sail – popular shows fill up.
• Use the app to check queues for the slides and FlowRider.
• Choose your neighbourhood: Central Park cabins are quiet; Boardwalk cabins have a view of the AquaTheater shows.
• First cruise? Read our 21 tips for your first cruise and our cruise dress code guide.