Oasis Of The Seas

The 2009-built Oasis of the Seas cruise ship is the first Oasis-class Royal Caribbean liner, with sisterships Allure OTS (2010) and the larger (currently the world’s largest passenger liners) Harmony OTS (2016), Symphony OTS (2018), Wonder OTS (2022) and Utopia OTS (2024).

The vessel (IMO number 9383936) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311020600) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is a US passenger shipping company, trademarked travel brand, and subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group (RCG/shipowner). RCI was established in 1968 and currently accounts for over one-fifth of the global cruise market. It also operates RCG’s largest fleet by both number of vessels and total GT tonnage (ship size and capacity).

All RCI liners have names ending with “of the Seas”.

The 5600-passenger ship Oasis OTS is one of the largest cruise liners in the world. She was the most anticipated newbuild since Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. Her innovations, such as the first-ever Boardwalk and Central Park at sea, are already legendary. These advancements are not limited to passenger-oriented features, as Royal Caribbean also introduced numerous technical and environmental solutions to improve efficiency and environmental performance.

This unique “floating island” features a foliage-filled Central Park (with 12,175 plants), two-deck Loft Suites, and 20 dining venues.

A total of 24 elevators (12 forward and 12 aft) provide access up to Deck 16, while Decks 17 and 18 are served by six additional lifts.

Decks and Cabins

Oasis Of The Seas staterooms (2796 total, in 38 categories) include 176 Suites, 1320 Balcony, 201 Oceanview, and 533 Inside cabins, as well as 475 Boardwalk/Central Park Balcony, 78 Boardwalk/Central Park Interior, 18 Promenade View, and 722 adjoining cabins. Most staterooms are sized 150-180 ft2 (14-17 m2), with most balconies measuring 55 ft2 (5 m2). The largest accommodation is the Royal Loft Suite (1530 ft2 / 142 m2 plus an 850 ft2 / 79 m2 terrace with Jacuzzi). A total of 46 cabins are wheelchair-accessible.

The ship has 17 decks, of which 16 are passenger-accessible and 11 contain staterooms.

The new “Royal Suite Class” booking category (suite accommodations only) provides the line’s highest-paying guests with Royal Caribbean’s ultimate all-inclusive cruise experience. Benefits include exclusive Coastal Kitchen access, 24-hour personal butler service, included gratuities, all-inclusive beverages, complimentary Internet, and unlimited access to the thermal suite.

During the 2019 drydock, the ship received the new UPS cabin category (Ultimate Panoramic Suite), with two such staterooms added forward on Deck 14 (portside and starboard, both adjacent to and above the Navigation Bridge).

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The cruise liner features dining venues that were new to Royal Caribbean at the time of her debut (25 onboard options in total, 14 of which are complimentary, including room service). Offerings range from spa cuisine to elaborately staged meals with wine pairings. Guests will not be disappointed by the complimentary dining venues, where service, quality, and variety are particularly strong in the main dining rooms. The American Icon Grill offers a la carte open-seating breakfast and lunch, a “Brasserie 30” menu, two assigned dinner seatings, and a dedicated Private Dining area. The 58-seat Cafe Promenade is a 24-hour venue on the Royal Promenade, serving cookies, brownies, small sandwiches, and coffee, including complimentary Seattle’s Best Coffee.

Follows the complete list of Oasis of the Seas restaurants and food bars.

• American Icon Grill (3056-seat a la carte restaurant; open-seating breakfast and lunch, “Brasserie 30” menu, two assigned dinner seatings, and Private Dining area)
• The Grande (DreamWorks-themed breakfast, two fixed dinner seatings, and “My Time Dining”)
• Johnny Rockets (128-seat fast-food restaurant, complimentary)
• 150 Central Park (76-seat specialty restaurant, dinner only)
• Windjammer Marketplace buffet restaurant (719-seat; Early Breakfast from 6:30 a.m., Breakfast 7:00-11:30 a.m., Lunch 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Dinner 6:30-9:00 p.m.)
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen (96-seat specialty restaurant, reservations recommended)
• Chops Grille (steakhouse and seafood)
• Sorrento’s (66-seat Italian restaurant)
• Izumi (73-seat Asian/Japanese restaurant)
• The Silk (Asian cuisine)
• Coastal Kitchen (55-seat, suite guests only)
• El Loco Fresh (56-seat fast-food bar serving made-to-order tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, and salsas)
• Boardwalk Dog House (complimentary)
• Portside BBQ (menu), the fleet’s first a la carte priced barbecue restaurant (aft on Pool Deck 15), serving authentic American favorites, traditional sauces, classic sides, and homemade desserts

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Oasis’ entertainment district offers ice skating, disco, comedy, jazz, and a three-tier theater presenting a 90-minute version of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “Hairspray.” Particularly impressive is the AquaTheater, featuring the deepest pool at sea and serving as a stage for divers and synchronized swimmers. Oasis of the Seas also introduced the DreamWorks Experience, a themed family entertainment program developed in partnership with the Walt Disney Company, featuring movie-themed activities and character meet-and-greets on select RCI ships.

Additional amenities include 28 lounges and bars, complimentary 24-hour room service, supervised youth programs (Voyagers, Explorers, Aquanauts, Royal Babies and Tots), Internet/WiFi access, and laundry services.

Follows the complete list of Oasis of the Seas lounges, clubs, and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Opal Theater (1380-seat venue hosting four major productions per cruise)
• AquaTheatre (three-deck, 735-seat venue with a deep pool)
• Blaze Comedy Club (193-seat nightclub)
• Studio B Lounge (indoor ice-skating rink and multipurpose venue)
• Parkside Gallery; Britto Gallery and Shop; SeaTrek Shop; Central Park Library; Picture This photo studio; Breeze Shop
• Music Hall (222-seat, two-deck lounge with live bands and dance floor)
• Crown Lounge; Suite Lounge with Coastal Kitchen; Boleros; Next Cruise Lounge
• Jazz on 4 Bar & Club; Hall of Odds casino area; Globe and Atlas English Pub; Bionic Bar; Rising Tide Bar; Spotlight Karaoke; Schooner Bar; Sabor Bar; Cups and Scoops; Vintages; Trellis Bar; Park Cafe; Pool Bar; WipeOut Bar
• Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade
• Casino Royale
• Carousel with 20 handcrafted wooden figures
• Sugar Beach; Beach Shop; Pets at Sea
• Cafe Promenade (58-seat, 24-hour venue with snacks, drinks, and Starbucks specialty coffee)
• Cupcake Cupboard Shop (10-seat bakery)
• Royal Promenade Boutiques
• Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center
• The Lime and Coconut (two-deck bar lounge)
• Solarium adults-only complex with pools, sundeck, bars, and 11 jacuzzis
• Royal Escape Room (“Mission Control: Apollo 18”)
• The Back Deck; Fuel Disco; Royal Babies and Tots Nursery; Adventure Ocean; Adventure Science Lab; Imagination Studio; Workshop; Kids Avenue
• Splashaway Bay aqua park
• Sports Court; Jogging Track; two Rock-Climbing Walls; Oasis Dunes Golf Course; two FlowRiders; Zip Line

Central Park is an outdoor relaxation area within the ship’s interior, featuring more than 20,000 live plants, multi-deck metal columns, green walls, walking paths, ambient nature sounds, and detailed signage describing the plant species.

Following the 2019 drydock, Oasis OTS received an enlarged and fully refurbished retail complex (approximately 7000 ft2 / 650 m2) with eight shopping areas across three decks, offering premium-brand watches, jewelry, fashion, beauty products, and Royal Caribbean merchandise.

The Perfect Storm is a three-deck-high waterslide complex, featuring the Cyclone, Typhoon, and Supercell slides.

Ultimate Abyss is a 10-deck-high dry slide, the tallest at sea, offering a high-speed descent from Deck 16 to Deck 6 through a stainless-steel, LED-lit tube.

“Small Wonders” refers to 42 miniature telescope-like displays positioned throughout the ship, each showcasing tiny 3D art pieces.

There is a secret bow-facing sundeck on Deck 14, accessible via the forward elevators, as well as two small “secret balconies” near the aft elevators on Deck 9, overlooking Central Park.

Aft on Deck 6 (Boardwalk) is a stern-facing viewing area near the AquaTheater, offering excellent wake views.

Along the Jogging Track on Deck 5 (Promenade) are several small seating areas with all-weather Adirondack chairs.

Itineraries

Oasis of the Seas’ itinerary program is based on seven-day Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Featured destinations include Cozumel, Nassau, St Thomas, St Maarten, Jamaica, and Labadee.

In summer 2019, the ship was homeported in Barcelona for Western Mediterranean roundtrips, visiting Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, Florence, Civitavecchia-Rome, and Naples.

In 2020 (May 6 through October 25), Oasis OTS was scheduled to be homeported in NYC (Port Cape Liberty, Bayonne, New Jersey), with seven-day Florida-Bahamas itineraries and select Canada and New England voyages planned from New York.

Oasis OTS is Royal Caribbean's first Oasis-Class liner, with sisterships Allure, Harmony, Symphony, and Wonder. The Oasis class currently represents the world’s largest passenger ship design; however, Oasis OTS is technically the smallest in the series—just 50 mm (~2 inches) shorter than Allure. A public naming competition was held for both hulls, and the sister ships were officially named during a dual ceremony in May 2008.

The vessel was completed on October 28, 2009, by STX Europe (Finland), a division of the South Korean multinational STX shipbuilding corporation. Upon her arrival in the USA, just before docking at her homeport Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), the ship had to pass under Denmark’s Great Belt Fixed Link bridge. This crossing was challenging because the bridge clearance is 65 m (213 ft) above sea level while the ship’s highest point normally reaches 72 m (236 ft). Oasis OTS successfully passed beneath the bridge due to her telescoping funnels, with only 0.6 m (2 ft) of clearance to spare.

The cruise ship has seven godmothers, each representing one of the vessel’s seven distinct neighborhoods. The naming ceremony was held at Port Everglades on December 5, 2009.

On November 4, 2016, the world’s three largest cruise ships—Harmony, Allure, and Oasis—convened off the coast of Florida. The unique event was officially live-streamed by Royal Caribbean International (RCI), starting at approximately 5 pm EST. The at-sea gathering coincided with Harmony’s arrival at Port Everglades (her US homeport), completing a 13-night transatlantic repositioning cruise from Barcelona to Florida (October 23 – November 5). The following aerial photo shows an Oasis-class ship viewed from above.

Oasis OTS refurbishments review

Below are the ship’s major drydocking projects and resulting changes.

Oasis OTS’ most recent drydocking took place in 2024 (September 29–October 24) at Navantia Cádiz. The project focused on routine maintenance and safety/classification inspections, system and machinery overhauls, hull cleaning and repainting, and minor interior updates and renovations (carpeting, walling, tiling).

Refurbishment 2019 review (Royal Amplified)

The ship’s Royal Amplified drydock was scheduled for 2019 (September 22–November 23) and had a budget of USD 165 million (EUR 150 million).

This 63-day project at Navantia Shipyard in Cádiz, Spain, added many new venues, including several fleet-firsts.

Pool Deck (deck 15) was fully renovated and redesigned, and received “The Lime and Coconut”—a two-level poolside bar first introduced on Navigator OTS. The venue offers beverages (including cocktails), a DJ, and live outdoor music. Sunbathing areas were enhanced with additional shaded seating including daybeds, hammocks, swing seats, and casitas (small wooden cabanas). The adults-only Solarium was refreshed and new whirlpools were added. Aft on Deck 16, the 10-story Ultimate Abyss waterslide (introduced on Harmony OTS) was installed, along with the entrance for “The Perfect Storm” trio of waterslides.

• On Deck 4 (forward), Blaze Lounge was upgraded and redesigned as Blaze Comedy Club, while Comedy Live became Diamond Lounge.
• On Deck 5, “On Air Club” (karaoke and sports bar) was replaced by “Spotlight Karaoke,” a fleet-first venue featuring a stage for singalongs, two private rooms, and themed nights.
• Deck 5 retail changes include Solera’s expansion (absorbing The Shop area), Logo Shop (replacing Prince and Green Shop), Island Market (replacing Kate Spade), The Collection (replacing Regalia), and Fine Watches Regalia (replacing Michael Kors).
• On Deck 6 (Boardwalk), “Cups and Scoops,” “Arcade,” and “Sabor Mexican” were replaced by Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, featuring 80 large TVs, tabletop and arcade games, and gaming tournaments. Playmakers also has a VIP room (Owner’s Box) and serves bar food and draught beer. Ultimate Abyss’s landing area replaced Sabor Bar. Candy Beach (starboard) was replaced by Sugar Beach and Beach Shop, offering ice cream and over 220 candy varieties.
• On Deck 7, two new inside cabins were added.
• On Deck 8, Picture This (portrait studio) was replaced by Central Park Library, and one new inside cabin (9458) was added.
• On Deck 11, The Library was replaced by six new inside cabins. Another cluster of seven inside cabins replaced Diamond Club (level 1 of 2).
• On Deck 12, Diamond Club (level 2 of 2) was replaced by 13 new inside cabins.
• Forward on Deck 14, 22 new staterooms were added (inside and panoramic oceanview), including two Ultimate Panoramic Suites (no balconies, located forward near the Wheelhouse). Adventure Ocean was fully refurbished and redesigned with activity-themed areas, a nursery, a space for children ages 3–5, and a teen-only lounge with games, movies, music, and an outdoor sundeck. Midship-aft, the Card Room was replaced by Royal Escape Room (“Mission Control: Apollo 18”).
• On Deck 15, Solarium Café was renamed Solarium Bistro. Forward-starboard, “The Perfect Storm” waterslides complex was added. Midship, Pool Bar and Sand Bar were replaced by The Lime and Coconut (level 1 of 2). H2O Zone was redesigned as Splashaway Bay with toddler Splash Pad, three waterslides, water features, and the fleet’s first drench buckets. Midship-aft, The Living Room (teen lounge) became Portside BBQ (the fleet’s first BBQ venue). The venue serves smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, classic sides, and homemade desserts. Teen areas (Fuel Disco, The Back Deck) were redesigned, and Wipe Out Café was replaced by El Loco Fresh (tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, salsas).
• On Deck 16 (midship), The Lime and Coconut (level 2 of 2) replaced Sky Bar and Mast Bar, and two whirlpools were added. Aft, Ultimate Abyss was installed where Wipe Out Bar previously stood.

New onboard are Quantum-Class venues “Music Hall” (a two-deck live-music lounge with dance floor, intimate seating, and pool tables) and “Bionic Bar” (with two robotic bartenders). Bionic Bar replaced Champagne Bar (deck 5, starboard). Music Hall replaced Dazzles Disco (deck 9, aft). “Clash for the Crystal City” is a new laser tag game played at Studio B (Ice Rink, deck 3).

Following the 2019 drydock, Oasis OTS features an enlarged (~7000 ft2 / ~650 m2) and fully upgraded retail complex with eight shopping areas across three decks. Premium-brand watches, jewelry (including a John Hardy boutique), fashion, beauty products, perfumes, cosmetics, and RCI merchandise are offered. Brands include Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, John Hardy, Debbie Katz, Tagua, Marcela Cofre, Hennessy, Hublot, Breitling, Longines, and TAG Heuer.

Refurbishment 2014 review

Below are the deckplan changes following the ship’s 2014 drydock.

• (Deck 4) Private Dining Room (portside) became “Izumi.” Private Dining Room (starboard) became “Diamond Club.” Opus Dining Room (aft, level 1) became “American Icon Grill.”
• (Deck 5) Opus Dining Room (level 2) became “Silk.” Cupcake Cupboard became “Kate Spade.” Focus became “Michael Kors.” Guess became “Regalia.”
• (Deck 6) Seafood Shack became “Sabor.” Boardwalk Bar became “Sabor Bar.” Pets at Sea became “Britto.” Ice Cream Parlor was renamed “Cups & Scoops.” Boardwalk Donut Shop was removed and replaced by “Boardwalk Dog House.” Additional inside cabins were added starboard, and four staterooms were added near Dog House. Pinwheels (kids’ playroom) became Video Arcade.
• (Deck 7) Two new inside cabins were added (7279, 7679).
• (Deck 8) Central Park’s restrooms were reduced; new cabins were added forward and near Dazzles (disco level 1).
• (Deck 9) Two new inside rooms (9279, 9679) were added.
• (Deck 10) Three new inside rooms were added (10458, 10279, 10679).
• (Deck 11) Two new inside rooms (11279, 11679) and two Aqua Theater Suites (11330, 11730) were added.
• (Deck 12) Concierge Club was renamed “Concierge Club & Wonderland.” Twelve new staterooms were added, including two Aqua Theater Suites (12330, 12730) and two Interior (12279, 12679). Royal Suite #12240 was replaced with six new balcony cabins. Presidential Suite #12640 was replaced with two new Family Suites.
• (Deck 14) Four new staterooms were added (14279, 14679, 14330, 14730).
• (Deck 16) Izumi restaurant was removed and its space absorbed into the Windjammer buffet.
• (Deck 17) Viking Crown Lounge & Bar became “Suite Lounge” and “Coastal Kitchen.” Pinnacle Lounge (portside) became Owner Loft Suite (#1701). Pinnacle Chapel (starboard) became Grand Loft Suite (#1758).

Oasis OTS ship facts

• Width: 198 ft (60.5 m); waterline width: 154 ft (47 m)
• Draught: 31 ft (9.3 m)
• Depth (below waterline): 74 ft (22.6 m)
• Height above waterline: 236 ft (72 m)
• Deadweight tonnage: 19,750 tons
• Engines/power: three Wärtsilä 12V46D (13,860 kW each) and three Wärtsilä 16V46D (18,480 kW each)
• Diesel-electric propulsion: three ABB Azipod XO units (20.5 MW each) and four Wärtsilä CT3500 bow thrusters (5.5 MW each)

All Royal Caribbean Oasis-class ships are the world’s first passenger vessels awarded the DNV Green Passport, a key component of the Clean Ship Design certification. Although not mandatory, the certification highlights RCI’s environmental commitment. Their hulls are coated with a special non-toxic material that reduces friction and improves fuel efficiency.

• The ship contains 3300 miles (5300 km) of cables—about the width of the USA.
• 110,000 ice cubes are produced daily.
• Central Park features 56 trees and bamboos, 62 vine plants, and 12,500 plants.
• AquaTheater’s pool is 18 ft (5.5 m) deep, one of the deepest pools at sea.
• 2130 tons of freshwater are consumed daily.
• The ship displays approximately 7000 artworks.
• The culinary team includes 20 chefs, 222 cooks, and 102 sanitation/cleaning crew.
• All bread and pastries are freshly prepared onboard; the bakery machine produces up to 4000 rolls per hour.

Weekly consumption statistics: potatoes (18,000 pounds / 8170 kg), chicken (16,000 pounds / 7260 kg), beef (15,600 pounds / 7080 kg), fresh vegetables (62,000 pounds / 28,120 kg), fresh fruit (45,000 pounds / 20,400 kg), eggs (86,400), beer (10,200 bottles), water (3500 bottles), wine (2225 bottles), ice cream (8000 gallons / 30,283 L), pizza (18,000 slices).

In September 2018, Royal Caribbean trademarked the Oasis-Class ships’ smokestack design (located midship on the top deck). The design features a crown-shaped base with two slanted funnels above it. In October 2018, the oblong-shaped stern design was also trademarked, showcasing the AquaTheater Suites with balconies, the dual-lane Ultimate Abyss waterslides, and the RCCL logo.