volleyball for 2 hours with a group we have met onboard. They are a fun loving crowd of people who we see throughout the ship. The seas and weather have been fantastic so far. We have been on 4 previous transatlantic crossings and none of them have been as smooth as this crossing so far. You don’t even feel the ship rock. It almost feels like we are still at port if you didn’t look out to see the endless miles of ocean all around us. The temperature has been warm but not hot and over the last couple of days it has gotten a little cooler with some breeze in the air. On past transatlantic cruises you could hardly go outside because the temperatures were so cold and the wind was blowing hard.
In the first few days we went to the concierge lounge every night for some drinks and appetizers but it became so crowded with the large number of “elite” Crown & Anchor members (loyalty club – Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle). The Crown & Anchor members have reached an all-time high for Royal Caribbean with over 3,700 onboard including 34 that are Pinnacle (those that have traveled over 700 cruises). Royal Caribbean just started a program for the Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Crown & Anchor members where you can have up to 3 free drinks per person at any bar on board. This is great that you don’t have to go to the concierge lounge and take advantage of visiting any bar onboard. We have only been to the main dining room 3 times so far due to us having small appetizers set up in the concierge lounge. We have also visited Chops Steakhouse, one of the Specialty Restaurants, on the first evening and also the Seafood Shack a few days ago. One evening we went to Park Café for dinner which has some great salads, Panini sandwiches, soups and roast beef sandwiches. It is nice just doing what we feel like and not being obligated to go to the main dining room every night. Tomorrow we will be arriving at our only port stop in Malaga, Spain before our final destination into Barcelona.
Oasis of the Seas is a huge ship (largest on the seas along with its sister ship the Allure of the Seas). Although the ship holds over 5600 passengers it is amazing how you don’t run into large crowds or waiting in long lines for dinner or shows. The design of the ship consists of Seven Neighborhoods which allow people to go to different areas to enjoy what they want to do. Here is a brief description of these neighborhoods for those who have never been on this class of ship.
Boardwalk – This breathtaking neighborhood was inspired by both the seaside piers that dot
the coast of England and the nostalgic boardwalks such as Coney Island. The Boardwalk provides an interactive experience for the whole family, offering fun food and engaging
entertainment.
Royal Promenade – The Royal Promenade continues to be the heart of the ship, an exciting central area for guests to gather, dine, shop and be entertained.
Vitality at Sea Spa & Fitness – The Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness neighborhood supports your healthy lifestyle, combining the latest in skin treatments, traditional spa services and workout programs.
Youth Zone – The Youth Zone is where kids and teens can have fun, learn something new and make plenty of friends.
Central Park – The innovative Central Park opens to the sky and features lush tropical grounds. Spanning more than the length of a football field you’ll find this neighborhood right at the center of the ship.
Pool & Sports Zone – Set high above the family fun and excitement of the Boardwalk and Central Park. The Pool & Sports Zone offers everyone a place to play a sense of adventure or simply relax
and bask in the sun.
Entertainment Place - With more choices than ever before Entertainment Place is for casino thrills, show-stopping theater, laugh-it-up comedy and much more.
Ship Entertainment Highlights
Aqua Theater – Aqua Theater is an amazing amphitheater-style space at the stern of the ship featuring a back drop of the ocean across the horizon. You can enjoy a full-spectrum of day and night entertainment including professional diving and theatrical performances. The first of its kind and the most technologically advanced areas of the ship.
FlowRider – Two very popular FlowRider surf simulators, one on either side of the elevated
back deck with plenty of spectator seating. Private and group lessons are available.
Beach Pool – The first beach pool at sea has a sloped entry where you can wade into the water
or relax in a colorful beach chairs under an umbrella as the water rolls gently beneath. Two whirlpools located on both either sides of the beach for guests who prefer warmer waters.
H2O Zone – You’ll find family fun in the sun, just look for the giant octopus with water-spraying tentacles and surrounded by fellow water-spouting ocean creatures. You’ll also find separate wading and current pools plus a dedicated infant and toddler pool.
Rock Climbing Wall – Bring a sense of adventure for some fun up and down the Rock Climbing Walls. One-on-one instruction is available.
Ice Skating Rink – You will be awed with spectacular and vibrant ice show and serves as the locale for a variety of themed events. Don’t miss Frozen In Time, a brand-new ice show that’s a magical fairy tale on ice.
Solarium – The adults-only solarium gives the sensation of floating on air from the two-deck high, glass-paneled enclave designed with seating on various “islands” surrounded by water. The Solarium features fresh water pool and 6 whirlpools.
Sports Court – Head to the Sports Court to catch a friendly game of basketball or volleyball.
Carousel – The centerpiece of the Boardwalk – the only one at sea. Hand-crafted from poplar wood especially for Royal Caribbean.
Oasis Dunes Mini Course – Pick up a quick golf game right on the ship. Doesn’t allow for long drives, but it’s a great place to perfect the short game.
If you have any interest in joining our "Group Cruise" on the Oasis of the Seas on November 14, 2015 (next year) for 7 days to the Caribbean, the starting fare is only $689 for an inside cabin and $819 for a balcony cabin. Contact us by December 26 to get this special pricing.
Greg & Sharon Conrad