Refit Review: Oasis of the Seas

By Shaun Ebelthite on May 21, 2019 • ( 1 Comment )

Oasis of the Seas, the ship that revolutionised the cruise industry, will undergo a larger-than-ever, US $165 million refit and refurbishment this year as part of Royal Caribbean’s amplification program across the fleet.

The first cruise ship to introduce the unique seven-neighborhood concept and one-of-a-kind AquaTheater entertainment venue will set a new standard for family vacations with first-to-brand experiences and the latest Royal Caribbean hits, the cruise line said in a statement.

Guest favorites making their way to Oasis as part of the 63-day modernisation include a reimagined, Caribbean-inspired pool deck that will feature a Splashaway Bay kids aquapark and The Lime & Coconut signature bar; famed Quantum Class staple, Music Hall; the Perfect Storm trio of waterslides, and the Ultimate Abyss – the tallest slide at sea.

Ultimate-Abyss-Boardwalk-kids-family-Oasis-Royal-Caribbean

The Ultimate Abyss runs from the pool deck all the way down to the promenade

Debuting alongside this lineup is the cruise line’s first barbecue concept, Portside BBQ, and dedicated karaoke venue Spotlight Karaoke.

“We’ve gone all-in with our biggest and boldest amplification yet. Oasis will turn heads when she arrives to Miami this November and the Northeast in May 2020,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

So here’s what’s being changed and introduced aboard Oasis of the Seas in 2019.

Up on the pool deck

On the reimagined Pool and Sports Zone, Royal Caribbean says passengers will enjoy Caribbean vibes and new ways to “relax, celebrate and plunge into adventure”, with waterslides and bars joining the popular twin FlowRider surf simulators, nine-deck-high zip line and twin rock-climbing walls.

Lime & Coconut (recently introduced aboard Navigator of the Seas as pictured here) will be added to Oasis of the Seas’ pool deck

The new waterslides are the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea at 10-stories; and The Perfect Storm, an action-packed trio of multistory waterslides known as Typhoon, Cyclone and Supercell.

For the youngest, the thrilling Splashaway Bay at sea will be added, with a Splash Pad for tots, three waterslides, water cannons, fountains, pools and the first-ever twin drench buckets.

At the center is the new Caribbean-style pool deck with The Lime & Coconut. The signature bar will be one of the liveliest spots on board, day and night, with poolside cocktails, DJs and live music across two locations.

Oasis of the Seas will also deliver a larger variety of seating and shade, including comfy casitas, daybeds, hammocks and swing seats, new whirlpools on the top deck, and a refreshed Solarium for the adults.

New dining options

The largest Royal Amplified refurbishment to-date will introduce various new dining venues that will further diversify Oasis’ 23 specialty and complimentary options.

Royal Caribbean’s latest culinary creation and first-ever barbecue restaurant, Portside BBQ, will offer an authentic, meat-packed menu inspired by the best-in-class barbecue across the United States.

Royal Caribbean’s first-ever barbecue restaurant, Portside BBQ, will debut on the pool deck

From smoked marbled brisket, pulled pork and chicken, to beef ribs and burnt ends, the casual eatery on the pool deck will tie it all together with classic sides.

This include mac and cheese, homestyle cornbread, baked beans and coleslaw – and desserts such as the Banana Dream and a brownie cookie mashup.

On the starboard side, guests can find Mexican grab-and-go fare at El Loco Fresh, serving up made-to-order tacos and burritos, quesadillas, mini salads and salsas.

El Loco Fresh

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade will anchor the lineup in the signature Boardwalk neighborhood. With 80 big-screen TVs, tabletop games, arcade classics, tournaments, an Owner’s Box VIP room, bar fare and ice-cold brews, Playmakers is where everyone in the family wins.

Sugar Beach, with more than 220 types of candy, will debut on the Boardwalk

Sugar Beach, with more than 220 types of candy and a new walkup ice cream window, will round out the line-up, which also includes Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table and Izumi.

New entertainment

Nights out will take on a whole new meaning on board the newly amplified Oasis. The new Spotlight Karaoke on the Royal Promenade is where budding singers can rock out to their favourite tunes at the dedicated karaoke venue’s main stage or one of two private rooms.

Spotlight Karaoke will be introduced aboard Oasis of the Seas

First introduced on Quantum of the Seas, live music venue Music Hall will make its Oasis Class debut. A roster of live cover bands, a huge dance floor, pool tables and intimate loungers across two levels give guests ample room to end the night on a high note.

The hugely popular Music Hall, which debuted aboard the Quantum class cruise ships, will be added to Oasis of the Seas

Rounding out the list of go-to hot spots is the dynamic duo of robotic bartenders that will mix, muddle, stir and shake cocktails nonstop at the Bionic Bar.

The new venues join popular nightlife spots on board, including Boleros, Schooner Bar, Blaze Nightclub & Comedy and English pub Atlas & Globe.

Reimagined family fun

Oasis will feature a bold new combination of programming that brings families together while also providing ways for everyone – from parents, to kids and grandparents – to enjoy time on their own.

Babies, kids and teens will get upgraded spaces, enhanced from top to bottom and amplified with technology to offer interactive, personalised and unexpected experiences.

Adventure Ocean will receive a total makeover, with newly designed areas organised by activity type and created to fully immerse kids and their families in the adventures they choose based on their interests.

Returning offerings include a nursery for the youngest of travelers, and a specialised area with programming for kids 3 to 5 years old.

Teens can rejoice in their more off-the-grid hangout. With exclusive features like a “hidden” entrance, gaming lounge, movies, music, and a new, laidback outdoor deck, teens are free to engage however and whenever without interruption.

Adding to the variety of activities, featuring ice skating and mini-golf, Oasis will challenge friends and foes with a new glow-in-the-dark laser tag game, Clash for the Crystal City. Two clans, the Yetis and Snowshifters, must go head-to-head to claim the crystal city and defeat impending extinction.

At the new Royal Escape Room – Mission Control: Apollo 18, the year is 1973 and travelers must come together to launch Apollo 18 to the moon by solving every mind-bending puzzle before time runs out.

Oasis of the Seas is the class leader in the eponymous Oasis Class – the world’s largest cruise ships. She is the oldest and ten years, and the first to be modernised as part of the Royal Amplified fleet refit effort.

Royal Caribbean’s investment of more than US $1 billion in the program spans 10 ships in four years and touches every facet of the guest experience to bring new thrills and signature experiences designed to appeal to every generation.