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Two crew members with coronavirus evacuated from Oasis of the Seas

In:
06 Apr 2020

Two crew members from Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas were evacuated off Oasis of the Seas in Port Everglades on Sunday evening.

The Miami Herald reports the two crew members were "showing COVID-19 symptoms."  The evacuations were made possible with the assistance of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Oasis of the Seas is not conducting cruises with guests onboard.  Royal Caribbean has been shutdown since mid-March, but their ships remain sailing until the industry is ready to resume service.

At least 14 crew members on board have tested positive for COVID-19 on Oasis of the Seas.

On March 30, one Oasis of the Seas crew member and one Symphony of the Seas crew member were evacuated with respiratory problems. On April 2, two more Oasis crew members were evacuated to Broward Health hospitals.

Positive cases of Coronavirus reported on Oasis of the Seas among the crew

In:
29 Mar 2020

Approximately 14 crew members on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas have tested positive for coronavirus.

The Miami Herald is reporting a recording by the ship's Captain confirms the presence of COVID-19 onboard.

Oasis of the Seas has no guests onboard. Royal Caribbean suspended operations for at least 60 days beginning in mid-March.

Crew-Center.com reports the crew that have tested positive will remain onboard, and other enhanced measures will take place to prevent the spread of the virus.

Royal Caribbean said in a statement: “The health and well-being of our crew is our foremost priority. Crewmembers who exhibited symptoms were evaluated by our medical staff and remain under close supervision. In accordance with our health and safety protocols, our crew have been asked to self-isolate in cabins while we await confirmation of initial results from public health authorities.”

Oasis of the Seas is currently sailing around The Bahamas.

Everything you wanted to know about Oasis of the Seas

In:
18 Feb 2020

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas was revolutionary when she debuted in 2009, and more than 10 years later, she is still one of the most beloved ships in the fleet among cruisers.

Her $165 million transformation in 2019 added a thrilling combination of new Royal Caribbean experiences for guests to enjoy.

With so much to like about this ship, here is a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about Oasis of the Seas.

Where does Oasis of the Seas depart from?

Oasis will offer 7-night Bahamas cruises from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, starting Sept. 5; and 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami, beginning November.

While sailing from PortMiami, Oasis of the Seas sails from Terminal 1.

When was Oasis of the Seas refurbished?

Oasis of the Seas underwent a refurbishment in 2019 as part of the Royal Amplified program, that added a number of changes, including , including the cruise line’s first barbecue restaurant, Portside BBQ; and guest favorites, from the tallest slide at sea–the Ultimate Abyss–to popular live music venue Music Hall, and a reimagined, Caribbean pool deck. 

There were quite a few changes made, but here are the most noteworthy ones:

  • Caribbean-style pool deck makeover, complete with Lime & Coconut signature bar. New day beds, casitas and variety of seating were added.
  • Ultimate Abyss slide (dry slide)
  • The Perfect Storm water slides
  • Splashaway Bay aqua park
  • Portside BBQ specialty restaurant
  • El Loco Fresh complimentary Mexican restaurant
  • Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
  • Sugar Beach candy shop
  • Spotlight Karaoke venue
  • Music Hall venue
  • Bionic Bar
  • Revamped Adventure Ocean
  • Mission Control: Apollo 18 escape room

In short, the 2019 upgrades to Oasis enhanced the ship to bring it in line with any new cruise ship available to sail on today. These additions are aimed to keep the ship just as relevant and intriguing as any new Royal Caribbean ship.

How much does it cost to go on Oasis of the Seas?

The price for a cruise on Oasis of the Seas will depend on a variety of factors, so pricing can really run the gamut of options.

Many first timers are curious how much does a cruise cost. The total cost is a combination of the cruise fare, transportation, gratuities, beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions, internet, photos and more.

How much a Royal Caribbean costs depends so much on the choices you make before and during the cruise. Many of the extra costs are optional, but then again you are on vacation and indulging is what makes vacation so fun.

With a few exceptions, Oasis of the Seas typically offers 7-night cruises with prices that are budget friendly, as well as more extravagant suite options for those that want to splurge.

Is Oasis of the Seas a good ship?

It is very common to be curious if Oasis is a "good ship", especially among new cruisers.

Oasis of the Seas is not only a great ship, she is among the best ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet in terms of the amenities and activities it offers, quality service onboard, and the latest innovations.

The ship is one of the largest ships in the world, with plenty of space to offer things to do onboard for guests of all ages. Water slides, specialty dining, an escape room, pools, ice skating, a Broadway show and more await you on this ship.

Does Oasis of the Seas have formal nights?

Yes, on a 7-night sailing, Oasis of the Seas will offer two formal nights. 

Formal night will be held on Day 2 and 5 on Western itineraries and Day 2 and 6 on Eastern itineraries. 

What times are the shows on Oasis of the Seas?

Exact times of shows and activities will vary from sailing to sailing.

To get a ballpark idea of what shows, activities and times are on Oasis, consult a past Cruise Compass. Copies of a recent Cruise Compass are a great way to learn about what your ship offers, as well as get an idea of what to expect in terms of show times.

Royal Caribbean does allow guests to pre-book shows on Oasis of the Seas via the Cruise Planner site.  Around 45-60 days prior to sailing, entertainment for Oasis of the Seas becomes available to book. Reserving a show time has no additional cost, and assures you of a spot in a specific performance.

If you are unable to book a show in advance, there is always a standby line available to wait in, which means closer to show time, any open seats will be available on a first-come, first reserved basis.

What restaurants are free on the Oasis of the Seas?

  • Windjammer
  • Park Cafe
  • Boardwalk Dog House
  • Solarium Bistro
  • El Loco Fresh
  • Sorrento's
  • Cafe Promenade
  • Main Dining Room
  • Johnny Rockets (breakfast only)

How many pools does Oasis of the Seas have?

There are four primary pools on Oasis of the Seas, along with a series of whirlpools, and Splashaway Bay aqua park.

The pools are not heated. The Beach Pool is saltwater, and the other pools are fresh water filtered pools.

The pools are located on deck 15 and 16.

What shows are playing on Oasis of the Seas?

Among the many things to do on Oasis of the Seas are the signature shows. This includes:

  • Cats, the Broadway musical, in the Royal Theater
  • One Sky in the Royal Theater
  • Aqua80s in the AquaTheater
  • Frozen in Time in Studio B

There is no additional cost to see these shows

Is Oasis of the Seas the largest cruise ship in the world?

While Oasis of the Seas used to be the largest cruise ship in the world, she no longer holds that title.

Oasis is the fourth largest cruise ship, having been surpassed by sister vessels Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas.

Video: Royal Caribbean debuts its first Barbecue Restaurant on Oasis of the Seas

In:
29 Jan 2020

Royal Caribbean International’s first barbecue restaurant, Portside BBQ, debuts on the newly amplified Oasis of the Seas with an authentic, meat-packed menu inspired by the best-in-class barbecue across the United States. Offering a variety of options, from smoked marbled brisket, pulled pork and turkey legs, to beef ribs and burnt ends, the casual eatery on the pool deck ties it all together with classic sides – think mac and cheese, homestyle cornbread, baked beans and coleslaw – and down-home desserts like the Banana Dream and a brownie-cookie mashup known as the Brookie.

Man on Oasis of the Seas apparently jumps from cruise ship while docked in San Juan

In:
23 Jan 2020

A man from Naples, Florida was found dead after the Coast Guard found his body underwater while Oasis of the Seas was docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

CBS News reports a spokesperson for the Coast Guard in San Juan said surveillance footage showed what appeared to be a "clean jump" from about 177 feet up.

Oasis of the Seas is currently chartered for an annual cruise that caters to the LGBTQ+ community, known as Atlantis. 

The Coast Guard investigation is ongoing, as they try to determine what motivated the man. 

Update 1:30pm: Royal Caribbean has issued a statement on the incident.

"We are assisting authorities with their investigation of the death of a male guest in San Juan, Puerto Rico, last evening."

"Security footage indicates the man intentionally went overboard from Oasis of the Seas. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

Royal Caribbean unveils enhanced retail offerings on Oasis of the Seas

In:
08 Jan 2020

When Royal Caribbean spent $165 million in upgrades to Oasis of the Seas, along with new water slides, restaurants and activities, the ship debuted a much enhanced and upgraded retail offer.

In coordination with Starboard Cruise Services, eight retail areas on three decks were refurbished and expanded across more than 7,000sq ft. These cover key categories including fine watches & jewellery, fashion jewellery, beauty & fragrance, a destination shop, branded merchandise, apparel and leather, plus a dedicated John Hardy location.

Among the retail highlights is What Goes Around Comes Around, featuring curated luxury brands from around the world, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci.

The destination-inspired Island Market aims to bring “the spirit of the Caribbean” to life. Encouraging discovery, the space’s vibrant props and colourful cards tell the stories of the talents behind brands such as Debbie Katz with coastal-inspired beachwear; Tagua, a colourful modern jewellery line; and Marcela Cofre, known for crafting colourful glass designs and jewellery.

In fine watches, the Swiss timepieces offer includes Hublot, TAG Heuer, Breitling and Longines, among others.

The first dedicated John Hardy shop in the Royal Caribbean fleet features the jeweller’s handcrafted collections inspired by Balinese jewellery-making traditions. Adding an experiential twist, John Hardy’s Sail to Bali is a hands-on workshop where guests learn the eight-step Balinese jewellery-making traditions that John Hardy employs.

Video: Surprising facts about Oasis of the Seas

In:
19 Dec 2019

Oasis of the Seas is not only one of Royal Caribbean's most popular cruise ships and one of the largest ship in the world, it is also a real trailblazer. 

In this video, I have seven surprising facts you may not have known about Oasis of the Seas.

And if you love this video, we have lots of other great cruise videos to watch on our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel!

By the way, have you subscribed yet? Be sure to subscribe to our channel and never miss a single video!

So check out the video and then let us know: Which of these facts was the most interesting or surprising?

Category 2C Ocean View Stateroom with Large Balcony on Oasis of the Seas Photo Tour

In:
07 Dec 2019

We have a look inside one of the most popular stateroom categories available on Oasis of the Seas, the Category 2C - Ocean View Stateroom with Large Balcony. Following the 2019 Amplification, this room received some minor updates as well.

The photos of this room are from cabin 10202 on deck 10. 

Access to all staterooms on Oasis of the Seas are controlled via RFID. This means doors can be opened via a SeaPass card, WOWband or Royal Caribbean app.

Category 2C staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a Royal King, a sitting area with sofa, a full bathroom and private balcony.

This cabin offers 182 square feet of living space, along with a sofa to sit on during the day.

As the category name implies, this room has a larger than normal private balcony, which measures 80 square feet.

Top 10 Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas hidden secrets

In:
02 Dec 2019

Oasis of the Seas is one of the most impressive Royal Caribbean cruise ships, and it is packed with plenty to see, do and enjoy onboard.

Naturally, it is easy to miss something onboard, so we have our list of the best hidden secrets easily overlooked on Oasis of the Seas. This includes the changes Royal Caribbean made to Oasis of the Seas in 2019 as part of her $165 amplification.

10. Solarium sun deck wings

On deck 15, if you venture to the front of the ship and into the Solarium, you will find a vast outdoor sundeck in the very front that offers not only ample seating, but viewing platforms that jet out from the side of the ship to provide a fantastic perfect vantage point.

Whether sailing into a port, departing another, or just enjoying the view of the ocean, these sun deck wings are always a good photo opportunity.

9. Central Park viewing overlook

There are a pair of overlooks in Central Park that provide not only additional seating in this popular neighborhood, but a neat vantage point.

They are accessible from the aft elevator banks on 9.

8. Johnny Rockets for breakfast

Everyone knows Johnny Rockets offers some amazing burgers and milk shakes for lunch, dinner and late night but did you also know that Johnny Rockets is open for breakfast?  And it's free!

Usually, Johnny Rockets is open from 7:30am to 10:00am, and it is a great spot to grab breakfast that will not be as crowded as the Windjammer or even the main dining room.  You will have a choice of scrambled eggs, omelettes, pancakes, French Toast and more.

Plus, you get a nice morning walk on the Boardwalk to go along with those eggs!

7. Less crowded lunch spot on embarkation day

When you board Oasis of the Seas on your first day and want somewhere a less crowded for lunch, try the Solarium Cafe.

Located on Deck 15 forward, the Solarium Cafe does not get nearly as crowded as the Windjammer and if you are boarding in the afternoon when everyone wants to grab lunch, try the Solarium Cafe as a good alternative.

The Solarium Cafe also has some beautiful views of the Solarium pool and the ocean too.

6. Quiet spot to relax

Looking for somewhere that is shaded and is quiet and a great spot to sit and relax?  

Head to deck 5 and go all the way to the aft of the ship.  You will find chairs that have a great view of the ocean and are usually devoid of other passengers. You can also access this area by going behind the AquaTheater and going down the stairs.

5. Secret AquaTheater viewing area

If you do not have tickets to a show in the AquaTheater, there is a hidden viewing area most guests are unaware of to see the show.

Walk to the AquaTheater, but go to either the left or right of the theater to find stairs that lead to the rock climbing wall area. There is a large viewing area, that even has a few chairs to enjoy. 

When there is not a show, it is still a great spot to enjoy a view of the ocean going past you.

4. Small wonders

Hidden all over Oasis of the Seas is a series of art displays known as "Small Wonders", where you will find 42 natural wonders positioned all over the ship.

When you find one, there will be something that looks like a periscope or telescope that if you peer into, you will find these tiny three dimensional pieces of art.

This is a fun activity for kids or adults to try to find them all and it is one of those hidden gems many guests simply overlook.

Hint: if you give up and cannot find them all, Guest Services can provide you with a list of them all to help!

3. Virtual reality games

 

Royal Caribbean's smart phone app is free to use onboard the ship, and features a few virtual reality games that you can play in the Boardwalk neighborhood.

Once in the Boardwalk, look for the various game posters near Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.  Launch the app, select the icon that looks like a circus tent and then point your camera towards the poster.

There are a variety of games you can play, and no cost to use it.

2. Teach yourself to play the steel drum

At the Lime & Coconut bars, look for mini-steel drums that you can play and learn a song or two.

The steel drums have their notes labeled, along with sheet music to learn to play some classic bar songs.

1. Secret USB charging spots

When on a Royal Caribbean ship, it seems phone batteries run out even quicker with all the photo opportunities, app options and whatnot.  If you remember to bring a charging cable with you, there are a few spots you can charge up!

These include:

  • Below the bar seating at Lime & Coconut
  • Select napkin dispensers at Portside BBQ
  • USB charging port behind your stateroom television
  • Phone charging station on pool deck near aft elevator bank on starboard side.

Did we miss any Oasis of the Seas secrets? Share them in our comments!

Photos: Oasis of the Seas arrives home to PortMiami

In:
24 Nov 2019

Following a $165 million drydock, Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas arrived to her homeport in PortMiami.

The talented photographer AdamsAway was able to snap these brand new photos of Oasis of the Seas at her new homeport at Terminal A.

Photos by AdamsAway

Beginning today, Oasis of the Seas will offer 7-night sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

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