The Oasis of the Sea / Travel News / Travel / Home

SEARCH ARTICLES

TRAVEL NEWS
The Oasis of the Sea

What weighs 225,282 gross tons, carries 5,400 passengers, has a carousel, an ice rink and 21 swimming pools?

If you’re up on your latest travel news, you know the answer is Royal Caribbean International’s new ship, Oasis of the Seas – the largest cruise ship on the seas.

By Ed Boitano, Travel Editor

The Oasis of the Seas By Ed Boitano, Travel Editor What weighs 225,282 gross tons, carries 5,400 passengers, has a carousel, an ice rink and 21 swimming pools? If you’re up on your latest travel news, you know the answer is Royal Caribbean International’s new ship, Oasis of the Seas – the largest cruise ship on the seas. I was intrigued to see this floating pleasure palace up close and personal so when I received an invitation for a preview sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale, I jumped at the chance. Arriving at the Oasis’ homeport, I gazed up in wonder at the 16 deck, 1,187 feet long vessel. As I ventured inside I was pleased to find that the Royal Promenade served as the entry point for all guests, rather than the traditional lower decks, making it easy to get oriented. Glass-arched skylights sent a flow of light along the 339 ft-long promenade, lined with shops, sidewalk cafes and bars. I was so dazzled I didn’t want to leave, but knew that the quest to find my cabin was the next thing in order. It was a snap. The glass elevator was fast and efficient, and there was a touch information screen with a room finder on the wall. Once in my room I was surprised to find it to be an inside cabin rather than one with balcony looking out at the sea. As I pulled open the cabin’s curtain, I expected to see a painting on the wall, but instead there was a balcony overlooking Central Park – That’s right! Central Park! Lush, tropical grounds with pathways, flower gardens and canopy trees spanned the length of a football field below my balcony. Passengers sat at quiet nooks, reading books and relaxing, surrounded by elegant shops and dining venues, with the sky above. Then I got it – the brainstorm behind the Oasis – it really was a whole new concept in cruising. The ship was literally a destination unto itself – where your attention is focused inward, rather than out. The Oasis of the Seas is divided into seven themed neighborhoods and zones, giving passengers not only an endless array of entertainment options, but also making it an intimate experience of their choice. I couldn’t wait to explore the vessel and when I did, here’s what I found:. THE BOARDWALK Inspired by Coney Island, the open-air boardwalk neighborhood has a carnival-like atmosphere, ideal for all ages. Attractions include a nostalgic carousel, casual eateries like Johnny Rockets, shops and games. At the stern of the ship is the 735-seat AquaTheater, which serves as a pool by day and an ocean-front showplace at night. THE ROYAL PROMENADE The centerpiece of the before mentioned Royal Promenade is the Rising Tide Bar. The first moving bar at sea, it spans three decks, allowing passengers to enjoy beverages as they slowly move between Central Park and the Royal Promenade. THE POOL AND SPORTS ZONE Stretching the length of the ship, this zone features two rock climbing walls, two FlowRider surf simulators, a number of pools, miniature golf, plus sports court for basketball and volleyball. The lines were too long to try the zip trek line, but it was exhilarating to watch guests travel across the open-air atrium, suspended nine decks high above the Boardwalk. AT SEA SPA AND FITNESS CENTER A RCCL fixture, the beautiful, spacious Center encompasses amenities that support healthy lifestyles and body wellness. ENTERTAINMENT PLACE Another new RCCL innovation, the after-dark entertainment place is modeled after a contemporary nightclub district, complete with jazz, stand-up comedy, salsa dancing, karaoke and more. THE YOUTH ZONE A haven for children and teens. THE SOLARIUM My favorite of the zones, this adults-only, open-air solarium, features a two-deck high, glass-paneled enclave, with six whirlpools, tranquil swimming pool and bistro. Plush lounge chairs are arranged on “islands,” surrounded by water, where guests enjoy the sensation of floating on air. A two-day cruise was clearly not enough time to experience everything on the Oasis, but I was there long enough to know that I will return again. And by the way, when you are in South Florida for a cruise, Ft. Lauderdale highly rates a 24-hour stay. Dubbed the “Venice of America” due to its extensive canel system, the city is a pleasant alternative to the glitterati of Miami’s South Beach. While low-key and unpretentious it still offers world class beaches, an historic downtown, riverwalk and promenade, plus resort hotels, restaurants and clubs. You can purchase an all-day $13 water taxi pass, which features an overview of the city. My pick for accommodations is the renovated four-diamond Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Tucked away on 16 oceanfront acres, it, like the Oasis, is a destination unto itself. For further information log on to: OasisoftheSeas.com, Sunny.org and MarriottHarborBeach.com.

	WI-FI – A DEMAND OF THE ROAD
	YOUR PASSPORT TO SAN DIEGO
	AUTUMN COLORS
	CHATEAU HOTEL DE LA MESSARDIERE REOPENS WITH NEW SPA
	Vacation With A Purpose
	Biloxi Motel 6 Rises Like a Phoenix
	Alaska’s Annual Stikine River Garnet Festival
	CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY IN BUDAPEST
	Hotel Pays Tribute to Edmonton Eskimos

Blogs
See what members are writing