Big changes are coming to Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas, which will mark her 10th anniversary by undergoing a $165 million refurbishment.
What Will Change?
When first introduced a decade ago, the ship introduced numerous new concepts to both Royal Caribbean’s fleet and cruisers in general. Now, the ship will add features which have become popular on ships which followed in her wake as well as new venues.
Given that the pool deck is a hot spot among cruisers of all ages, one of the big areas to be impacted will be a new Caribbean-inspired pool deck which will feature a Splashaway Bay aquapark for kids, featuring a Splash Pad for tots, three mini waterslides, water cannons, fountains and — are you ready for this? — the first-ever twin drench buckets! That’s right, twice as many ways to have enormous amounts of water poured over your head!
Don’t worry, the new pool deck will have something for the adults too… namely the Lime & Coconut Bar. This will be the place for fun in the sun thanks to DJ’s, live music and, of course, poolside cocktails.
Surrounding the pool will be a wide variety of daybeds, hammocks, swing seats and more, in both the sun and the shade, as well as new whirlpools. The adults-only Solarium will also get a bit of a touch-up.
Those looking for a wet and wild thrill will enjoy The Perfect Storm, a trio of waterslides. Even their names will send a chill down the spine of adventurers: Typhoon, Cyclone and Supercell! Although maybe the biggest thrill will come with the addition of the Ultimate Abyss, promising to become the tallest slide at sea upon completion.
As well some a new play area for the little ones.
Ready For Poolside BBQ?
One of the most popular trends to hit cruise food over the past couple of years has been BBQ, and Royal Caribbean will throw their hat into the ring with the new Portside BBQ. It’ll offer everything from smoked marbled brisket to beef ribs and burnt ends, not to mention amazing sides (hello, cornbread!) and desserts like the Banana Dream and a brownie/cookie mashup.
Elsewhere on the pool deck, guests will find Mexican grab-and-go fare at El Loco Fresh (think tacos and burritos). Got a sweet tooth? Wander over to Sugar Beach, home to 220 types of candy. And for those who have a song in their heart (and are willing to share it), Oasis will be adding Spotlight Karaoke to the Royal Promenade.
The Music Hall, which was first introduced on Quantum of the Seas, will also make its way to this ship, offering live cover bands, a large dance floor, pool tables and more to create the ultimate nightlife spot. And finally, if you just can’t deal with human interaction, head to the Bionic Bar and let the robotic bartenders whip you up a cocktail.
After the 63-day dry dock, Oasis of the Seas will debut from New York City in May 2020 as the largest ship to sail from the New York area (she’ll technically be in Bayonne, NJ).
