oasis of the seas, royal caribbean cruises

Oasis of the Seas, Ft. Laudderdale

We've just left the Ft. Lauderdale airport and I'm anxiously peering through the tree tops hoping for my first glimpse of her.  The airport is a very short drive to Port Everglades, so assuming that Captain Bill hasn't taken her out for a joy-ride, she should be berthed at the new Terminal 18 pier.  There are a few quick sightings as we top the highway overpasses.  But, the best view comes from the top of the 17th Street causeway.  First impression:  she's HUGE!  Tall, wide and of course long, as long as 3 football fields.  Looking in at the Aqua-Theater, aft end - you can easily tell how different this ship is - it's hollow!  Designed around 7 neighborhoods, one of which is the open-to-the-sky Boardwalk which is easily visible. 

After an overnight at the Hyatt Pier 66 and a very short taxi trip to Port Everglades, we're standing at the check-in desk.  A few ID checks, the pictures for our onboard "keys" and an H1N1 questionnaire we're headed up the escalator for the gang way. One of the main designs behind the expansion of Terminal 18 is to whisk you from curb to gang way in 15 minutes or less. We *would* have been very close to this - but - at the "welcome aboard" scanner, there's something wrong with our keys.  Our pictures come up on the monitor, but somehow the card doesn't contain our names.  After a delay of about 20 minutes getting new cards created, we're onboard!  Entering by two separate gangways, all guests arrive onboard in the Royal Promenade on Deck Five.  The Promenade has existed on the last two classes (Freedom & Voyager) of Royal Caribbean ships.  But, on Oasis the Promenade is of course wider, longer and taller.  In fact, the Oasis Royal Promenade boasts a mezzanine level with the Schooner Bar and the top level of Focus, the photo shop.  The Promenade has familiar offerings such as the Globe & Atlas an authentic English Pub (but without authentic English beer), the Latin flare Bolero's, the Champagne Bar and Cafe Promenade.  Guest Services is also located on the Promenade.  A completely new concept on Oasis Promenade is the Rising Tide Bar  - a moving bar that ascends from the Royal Promenade into Central Park 3 decks above. 

Before we move to Central Park, another of the 7 neighborhoods - a bit of ship logistics might be in order - starting from the Royal Promenade on Deck Five. On each end of the Promenade is a bank of 12 elevators.  These forward and aft elevators make up the boundaries for many of the public spaces onboard Oasis.  In typical cruise ship style, the area all the way forward is the main theatre. On Oasis, the Opal Theatre occupies space forward on decks Three, Four & Five  And, like other ships, the spa and fitness center on Oasis is above the main theatre.  However, unlike other ships - where the spa and fitness center is very near the top of the ship, on Oasis there are 8 additional decks above the spa - 1 deck for the children's area (Deck Fourteen), 6 decks of staterooms and 2 decks for the Solarium.  In another departure from traditional ship design, there is not a large observation lounge at the forward/top position.  Instead the adults-only Solarium, the Solarium Bistro and large sunning areas with hot tubs occupy this prime real estate.  Many categories of staterooms are found in this forward area from Ocean view Balconies to Family Ocean view to Inside staterooms.

Focusing on the space *between* the forward and aft elevators, again from Deck Five, the Royal Promenade.  One deck below is Entertainment Place - another of the 7 neighbors containing the Comedy Club, Jazz on 4, Blaze nightclub, Studio B Ice Skating rink and the Casino. Deck Three contains staterooms (most of the very rare ocean view staterooms) and the conference center. Above the Promenade on Deck Six are Ocean view staterooms with balconies and the Promenade mezzanine level.  Deck Seven contains Ocean view balconies and Promenade view staterooms (no balconies). On Deck Eight is Central Park, open to the sky above.  Except for a few scattered inside staterooms, decks above Central Park contain Central Park view staterooms (no balconies) and balcony staterooms - with either an Ocean view or a Central Park view.  Exclusive accommodations such as the Royal Suites, are located in this mid-ship area on decks Eight through Fourteen.

Again in somewhat typical ship design, the main dining room is located aft - in the case of Oasis, aft of the rear elevators.  Moving through the elevator lobby next to the Royal Promenade will lead you to the top level of this grand 3 level area, the Opus Dining Room.  Above the main dining room is the impressive Boardwalk area, open to the sky above and encompassing all of Deck Six aft.  Above and around the Boardwalk, similar to Central Park, most staterooms are balconies, either with an Ocean view or a Boardwalk view.  The Aqua Theatre comprises the space all the way aft at the Boardwalk level.  To each side of the Aqua Theatre are some of the most impressive accommodations onboard, 6 Aqua Theatre suites, each accommodating up to 8 guests and all with huge,  wrap-around balcony with Boardwalk, Aqua Theatre and Ocean views. 

Moving all the way to the top decks,  positioned aft you'll find not 1 but 2 of Royal Caribbean's signature Flowriders.  In front of the Flowriders and directly above the Boardwalk is the Zip Line - an attraction unique to Oasis.  Two rock climbing walls extend from Deck Seven.  One side of the open area above the Boardwalk is a sports court with a miniature golf course on the opposite site.  Moving forward to the mid-ship area and flanking the open area above Central Park are 4 pool areas including the H2O Zone, a water playground for kids, a sports pool, the main pool and a beach pool.  There are also numerous Hot Tubs located in this area.

In Royal Caribbean tradition, the  Viking Crown sits atop the ship occupying Decks Sixteen, Seventeen and Eighteen and accessible via the aft elevators.  Literally straddling Central Park and the Boardwalk, this area contains the Windjammer Marketplace, the newly designed buffet restaurant, the beautiful Viking Crown Lounge and the very unique, very exclusive  Loft Suites.  Designed following urban living styles, these 2 level suites ranging from over 500 square feet to over 1500 square feet occupy each side and rear of the Viking Crown - many with amazing views of The Boardwalk, the Aqua Theatre and the sports areas.

More about restaurants, staterooms, onboard entertainment and specifics of each neighborhood coming up...