Even if you aren't familiar with Royal Caribbean or its Oasis Class ships, you've probably seen pictures or commercials of them. These brightly-colored ships, with courtyards and atriums, are striking. They are lots of fun for families, with plenty of activities and amenities to enjoy.
Every time I've sailed on a Royal Caribbean Oasis Class ship, I get a lot of questions. Does it feel too big? Can you possibly do everything there is to do? Here's what you need to know about Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships.
Disclosure: I've sailed at no cost on Allure of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas and paid my own way on Utopia of the Seas. All opinions are my own.
Guide to Royal Caribbean Oasis Class Ships
What is an Oasis Class ship?
Cruise ships are divided into classes within a specific cruise line. While ships within a class may differ (including themes, activities, entertainment, and amenities), their general layout and size are very similar.
Before Royal Caribbean introduced the Icon Class, the Oasis Class ships were the largest in the fleet. They remain some of the largest cruise ships in the world.
Please note that in this post, we are speaking generally about the Oasis Class ships. Not all of these features will be available on every ship, so review the Royal Caribbean website to see the specifics for the ship you are sailing on.
What are the current Oasis Class ships?
Utopia of the Seas is the newest Oasis Class ship.
- Oasis of the Seas
- Allure of the Seas
- Wonder of the Seas
- Symphony of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
- Utopia of the Seas
The Icon of the Seas, the other ship recently introduced, is in a new Icon class.
What is unique about the Oasis Class ships?
These ships have split sections, creating outdoor areas surrounded by staterooms. It makes you feel outdoors on land rather than on a cruise ship.
In addition, these are massive cruise ships, offering loads of family-friendly activities on board. It's nearly impossible to see and do everything on these ships in just one sailing. There is so much to explore.
What are the neighborhoods on the Oasis Class ships?
Royal Caribbean Oasis Class ships are divided into distinct "neighborhoods." While these can vary a bit by ship, they are mostly similar. Neighborhoods include the following:
- The Boardwalk - an open-air area reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century boardwalk with a carousel and the aqua theater. This area also has restaurants, including Johnny Rockets and the Dog House.
- Central Park - my favorite area of this ship is a serene oasis with greenery and small seating areas. Restaurants in Central Park vary by ship but usually include Park Cafe, 150 Central Park, and Chops Grille.
- Royal Promenade is the central hub for activity on the Royal Caribbean Oasis Class ships. It's the area you'll see when you first board, including most shops, Sorrento's, Cafe Promenade, guest services, and some bars.
- Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness—This relaxing spa area on the ship includes a fitness center and salon. Some Vitality spas offer a juice bar.
- Youth Zone: younger guests will likely spend a lot of time in this area, which includes the Adventure Ocean kids' clubs.
- Entertainment Place - the Entertainment Place is located on the 4th floor of the Oasis Class ships. This is where you'll find the casino, artwork for sale, Studio B (home of the ice show), and another club venue.
- Pool and Sports Zone—For most kids (especially teens), this is the most exciting part of the ship. The Pool and Sports Zone include pools, water slides, hot tubs, and activities like the FlowRider, basketball/tennis courts, zipline, mini golf, and more.
What Restaurants are on the Oasis Class Ships?
Restaurants vary on the Oasis Class ships, although some standards are on all ships. Some of these restaurants require an extra charge and reservations, so research options well before sailing.
The Main Dining Room and Windjammer Cafe are available on all ships and are where you'll find most people for most meals.
Here are some of the restaurants you may find:
- Chops Grille
- Giovanni's
- Sorrento's
- Cafe Promenade
- 150 Central Park
- Izumi Hibachi and Sushi
- Wonderland
- Hooked Seafood
- The Solarium Bistro
- El Loco Fresh
- The Mason Jar
- Playmakers
- Sabor
- Samba Grill
- Starbucks
- Coastal Kitchen (exclusive to suite guests)
What Entertainment and Activities are on the Oasis Class Ships?
In addition to the Pool and Sports Zone activities, families can do many things on the Oasis Class ships. Options vary but include escape rooms, laser tag, and ice skating. Check the Royal Caribbean app to see specific options during your sailing.
These ships also offer many entertainment options. From large-scale shows in the Royal Theater to ice shows in Studio B and Aqua Shows in the AquaTheater, you'll have plenty to keep you entertained.
These ships also offer other entertainment, including comedians and tribute bands. Entertainers vary by sailing, so check your app for the schedule.
On some ships, you'll need to reserve the shows in advance. You can typically do this on the first day of the month before the sailing and up to four days before sailing (based on availability).
Many shows were booked up quickly on our sailing on Utopia of the Seas, so I recommend making reservations as soon as they open. Working around dinners can be a little tricky, but it's worth planning out a schedule.
What Types of Staterooms Are on the Oasis Class Ships?
The Oasis Class ships offer the same types of staterooms as other Royal Caribbean ships, including balcony staterooms, oceanview staterooms, interior staterooms, and suites. However, Oasis Class ships offer balcony staterooms facing the Boardwalk and Central Park. While I haven't stayed in one of these rooms, I've always wanted to.
Like other Royal Caribbean ships, you may receive a RoyalUp offer, where you can bid for a higher-class stateroom. This isn't guaranteed, so if you want a specific room, it's best to book it when you reserve your cruise.
When you book your room, consider whether you want a balcony and what you want it to face. Balconies facing the Boardwalk and Central Park offer a very different experience from those facing the ocean.
Location is also important, especially because these are large ships. Consider what is directly above and below the stateroom you choose.
What Are the Kid-Friendly Elements of the Oasis Class Ships?
These large, vibrant ships offer plenty for kids to enjoy. From the waterslides to the fun kids' clubs, sports deck activities, and the shows, kids, especially teens, will have plenty to do.
Why Choose an Oasis Class Ship?
If you are considering different ships for your family cruise vacation, you may wonder why you should book an Oasis Class ship. Here are some of the benefits:
- Countless kid-friendly activities, including sports, thrilling activities, pools, kids' clubs, and more
- Fantastic, world-class entertainment, especially the ice and aqua shows
- Many food options, including food that is included with your cruise and others that are offered for an additional fee
- The general excitement of being on a thrilling, large ship with lots of activities and fun
How to Choose an Oasis Class Ship
If you want to sail on an Oasis class ship but are unsure which one, here's what you should consider:
- Specific activities that you know you'll want to experience
- Cruise destination port and itinerary
- Length of cruise
- Pricing
- Restaurants on board
- Shows on board
Does an Oasis Class ship Feel Too Big?
Many people are concerned that an Oasis Class ship will feel too big. That's a valid concern because these are among the largest cruise ships in the world.
I don't feel that they are too big, but they certainly aren't intimate. Many families like the larger size because that means there are even more things to do. It's difficult to do everything on the ship, even on a seven-day sailing.
If you are on the fence about an Oasis Class sailing, consider a shorter cruise on the Utopia of the Seas. That ship currently offers 3-4 day sailings from Port Canaveral.
Have you been on an Oasis Class ship?
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