Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships are as big as it gets – literally. These 6,000 passenger vessels hold the record for the world’s biggest passenger ships – and that’s not even the most impressive thing about them.
The Oasis Class revolutionized the cruising industry with the debut of Oasis of the Seas in 2009. As the class has grown to include four additional ships (and a sixth one in the works), so, too, has the countless number of entertainment options.
The Oasis Class includes several jaw-droppingly massive vessels, including Allure of the Seas, the recently renovated Oasis of the Seas and the 228,000-ton Symphony of the Seas. The ships all feature seven distinct “neighborhoods” to help even the newest cruisers navigate and enjoy all the ships have to offer.
With sailings from New York beginning in May, now’s your chance to experience these remarkable ships for yourself, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family trip or a besties vacation.
Making Memories
Royal Caribbean boasts that you won’t find another vacation with more adventure packed into each day – and it’s hard to disagree. In each of the seven onboard neighborhoods, you’ll find various activities, dining options and entertainment.
You can start the day shopping and then sip on a cocktail on the Rising Tide bar, which elevates you from the Central Park area (complete with more than 10,000 plants) to the Royal Promenade. After a cupcake-making class, live music or a stop in the casino, you can catch a Broadway show or a spectacular Royal Caribbean original production at the famed AquaTheater or ice skating rink.
If you’re traveling with kids – or if you’re still a kid at heart – there’s no shortage of thrills aboard Oasis Class ships. Zoom down a zip line 10 stories above the Boardwalk (included in your fare with no reservation required). Learn to surf on the FlowRider surf simulator or soak up the fun in the whirlpools located all over the ships.
The newly renovated Oasis of the Seas has Royal Caribbean’s biggest aqua park yet, Splashaway Bay, and a new space-age puzzle in its Royal Escape Room.
New this year to the Harmony of the Seas, the Ultimate Abyss is the world’s tallest slide at sea. Riders plunge 10 stories down in the starlit slide at incredible speeds.
When you’re ready to slow things down, you can lounge on the pool deck with an ocean breeze and a 220-square-foot screen that airs new movies and live sporting events. And if you’re looking for some quiet time with your special someone, the adults-only Solarium has swimming pools and lounge areas with incredible views where you can sip on a cocktail poolside.
And don’t forget to order a drink from the robotic bartenders at the world-famous Bionic Bar – you’ve never experienced anything quite like it.
Lapping Up Luxury
The experiences aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise don’t stop with the activities. Royal Suite Class offers three tiers of accommodations, some of which feature loft suites, balconies and private whirlpools with ocean views.
Available on Oasis Class ships, certain levels of the Royal Suite Class also include access to the Concierge Club, priority boarding and departure, exclusive signature activities and complimentary specialty dining.
For those craving ultimate relaxation, Spa Staterooms are an unrivaled retreat. They’re designed to pamper, with plush bedding, king-size down pillows, a jetted shower head, luxurious robes, cozy slippers and 50% off services at the Vitality Spa.
Whichever room you choose, you can count on Royal Caribbean to deliver something truly special. Even the inside staterooms can be quite large, so look around the deck plans and find the perfect room for you and your travel partners.
If you’re vacationing with a baby, Royal Caribbean will provide a crib to keep your little one comfortable. And if you’re traveling with older children or teenagers, you can choose staterooms that connect to accommodate more guests.
See the World on a Royal Caribbean Oasis Class Ship
Royal Caribbean offers a variety of shore excursions, guided tours and sightseeing packages depending on the port. Your options could include seeing the iconic buildings and statues of a notable city, kicking back on a beach or snorkeling and scuba diving.
You can usually customize your shore excursion to do things on your own or try a restaurant that might not be in the guided tour itinerary. This is great if you like to go where you want, when you want. Guided tours are also available and quite helpful when you’re visiting a historical site or city.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
Perfect Day CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas where you can take on North America’s tallest waterslide, snap a photo from a helium balloon 450 feet in the sky, or simply enjoy a drink at the swim-up bar as you soak up the sun in this private slice of paradise.
For thrill-seekers, there’s a zip line with a splash finish and six multirider slides for the entire family to enjoy.
If you’re looking to burn off some of the delicious food you’re enjoying during your trip, CocoCay features hiking trails galore – you might even run into wild chickens and iguanas!
For those looking to chill and chill hard, the only private overwater beachside cabanas in the Bahamas provide the perfect place for a little R&R. Upgrade to Coco Beach Club for an extra layer of luxury, including access to oceanfront infinity pools, waterfront dining and so much more.
As you can see, Royal Caribbean prides itself on more than being the biggest; it also wants to be the best. And with its desire to push the envelope and introduce new amenities seemingly every year, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships are set to provide the best experiences the cruising industry has to offer.
Have you ever been on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Tell us about your favorite memories in the comments.
Book your Royal Caribbean cruise with AAA Travel.