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Oasis of the Seas to undergo largest refurbishment in Royal Caribbean history

Royal Caribbean are marking the ten-year anniversary of Oasis of the Seas in grand style, with a US $165-million refurbishment project that will be the largest and most expensive ever for the cruise line.

It’s a fitting project for the game-changing cruise ship, which was herself the largest and most expensive ever built at the time of her delivery back in October, 2009. Ten years later, she remains the class-leader in the largest class of cruise ships in the world.

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“When Oasis of the Seas debuted as the world’s largest and most groundbreaking cruise ship a decade ago, the typical cruise vacation as the world knew it was forever changed,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Today, our Oasis Class ships continue to lead the industry and attract vacationers new to cruising.”

“Now with the opportunity to disrupt the industry once again, we’ve gone all-in with our biggest and boldest amplification yet,” he added. “Oasis will turn heads when she arrives to Miami this November and the Northeast in May 2020.”

Her refit and refurbishment, part of the fleetwide Royal Caribbean amplification program, will last 63 days and will see a number of upgrades made to the ship.

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The Ultimate Abyss is the tallest and longest slide at sea

To start with, she’ll get the trio of waterslides, and the Ultimate Abyss – the tallest slide at sea, which debuted aboard Harmony of the Seas, along with Royal Caribbean’s first ever barbecue concept, Portside BBQ, and dedicated karaoke venue Spotlight Karaoke.

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Spotlight Karaoke will be introduced aboard Oasis of the Seas

The Pool and Sports Zone will also be transformed, with “new ways to relax, celebrate or plunge into adventure” according to Royal Caribbean. Namely, the Ultimate Abyss, a 10-story slide (the tallest at sea) will be introduced, along with The Perfect Storm, an action-packed trio of multistory waterslides known as Typhoon, Cyclone and Supercell.

To this neighbourhood, one of seven aboard, the signature Lime & Coconut Bar will also be added. One of the liveliest spots on board, day and night, it will serve poolside cocktails to the sounds of a DJ and live music across two locations.

Oasis of the Seas pool deck will also feature 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.

Oasis-Labadee

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All of this will be in addition to the popular twin FlowRider surf simulators, nine-deck-high zip line and twin rock-climbing walls.

Additionally the new Portside BBQ, will offer an authentic, meat-packed menu inspired by the best-in-class barbecue, Royal Caribbean said.

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 – including mac and cheese, homestyle cornbread, baked beans and coleslaw – and down-home desserts such as the Banana Dream and a brownie cookie mashup.

Across the way, passengers will find Mexican grab-and-go fare at El Loco Fresh, serving up made-to-order tacos and burritos, quesadillas, mini salads and salsas galore.

In the Boardwalk neighbourhood, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade will anchor the lineup with 80 big-screen TVs, tabletop games, arcade classics, tournaments, an Owner’s Box VIP room, bar fare and ice-cold brews.

Sugar Beach, with more than 220 types of candy and a new walkup ice cream window, is the icing on the already-tasty offering on board Oasis, which includes Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table and Izumi.

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

Oasis of the Seas will also feature a whole host of new ways for families to make the most of their cruise holiday with a bold 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.

For a full report on all the changes being made to Oasis of the Seas, see our refit review here.

The amplified Oasis of the Seas will set sail on November 24th, 2019, beginning 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Royal Caribbean’s new, state-of-the-art Terminal A in Miami.

In May 2020 she’ll reposition to New York and become the largest ship to sail from the city that once played host to the mightiest ocean liners on the trans-Atlantic service.

Oasis will homeport at Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, offering 7-night sailings to The Bahamas with visits to Royal Caribbean’s newly transformed private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

3 replies »

    • Thanks for the heads up, you are indeed correct, and I’ve changed that in the article. I don’t know for sure what the plan is for Saba, but it seems they be replacing it with El Loco Fresh?

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