Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas arrives in Spain for industry’s largest refit project ever

The cruise industry’s largest ever refit and refurbishment has officially begun with the arrival of Oasis of the Seas at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain.

The lead ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class will undergo a US $165-million refurbishment that will touch almost all public spaces and staterooms.

Oasis of the Seas will spend the next two months in dry-dock undergoing a transformation aimed at bringing her up to spec with the newer ships in her class, such as Symphony of the Seas, and the new ship in the Quantum-class, Spectrum of the Seas.

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Additions include the tallest slide at sea – Ultimate Abyss; The Perfect Storm trio of waterslides, a reimagined, Caribbean pool deck; and new kids and teens spaces.

Debuting alongside this lineup is the cruise line’s first dedicated karaoke venue Spotlight Karaoke and barbecue concept, Portside BBQ. The new Portside BBQ, will offer an authentic, meat-packed menu inspired by the best-in-class barbecue, Royal Caribbean said in a prior press release.

Other new dining concepts will include Mexican grab-and-go fare at El Loco Fresh, serving up made-to-order tacos and burritos, quesadillas, mini salads and salsas galore.

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.

Then there’s Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade on the Boardwalk. 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.

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The refurbishment on Oasis of the Seas is part of the Royal Amplified project, a fleet renewal project worth more than US $1-billion that will modernize ten ships across the fleet.

“Decked out with the latest hardware and technology, Royal Amplified ships are the most technologically advanced cruise ships and sail from many different ports to destinations all over the world,” says Royal Caribbean.

“Whether you crave an intimate couple’s getaway on a smaller ship, or an island-hopping excursion with the whole family on one of the world’s largest ships, the Royal Caribbean fleet offers plenty of Amplified options to choose from.”

Each newly renovated cruise ship also has VOOM, the fastest internet at sea, so you can stay connected as you sail from one shore to another.