This week I took my 12-year-old niece Justina on her first cruise, on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, one of the world’s largest cruise ships with more than 6,100 guests on board.
The boarding process proceeded relatively quickly (we had completed the advanced check-in online ahead of our travels), and soon we were heading to the ship. We ran into my parents (and Justina’s grandparents), and there were happy smiles all around.
By the time we got on board the Oasis, it was about 12:15 pm, and rooms were not ready until 1pm.
The ship felt crowded during this time, as everyone was saddled down with their carry-on bags and looking for somewhere to eat. The Royal Promenade dining spots on Deck 5 were packed, as was the Park Cafe in Central Park on Deck 8. We headed to the Solarium Bistro on Deck 15, and found comfortable seating and a buffet of healthy food.
After we finished eating, it was 1 pm and we headed to our cabins.
We were in cabin 10425, a large interior on the front end of the 10th deck. The cabin is spacious, but the layout is a bit awkward.
Our booking record clearly stated “twin” beds, but they were put together. Our cabin steward said that was the standard. Then, why, do they include this detail in the booking process? The beds were separated during the evening.
We checked out the closet space, which is in a difficult-to-access location, especially when the beds are separated.
We had better things to worry about than closet space. We dumped our carry-on bags, and headed out to explore the ship.
We headed to Deck 15, where Justina could get her first good views of the ocean.
This is the view from Deck 15 looking to the aft (back end) of the ship.
This is the view of Central Park from Deck 15.
After checking out the surf-board seating with Grandma, it was time for Justina to try some of the ship’s activities.
First stop was the Zip Line. In the photo above, Justina is getting harnessed for her “zip”. We had completed the permission documents online prior to the cruise, which helped reduce the wait time.
One last nervous look before she glided off the ledge.
Here she goes. Weeeeeee…. this is fun! (Just don’t look down.)
Thud. The ride is over. It was brief but fun.
Relatively close to the Zip Line is the Wipe Out Cafe, which serves killer pretzel dogs, French fries and make-your-own frozen yogurt cones free of charge.
After fueling up with a snack, we headed down to Deck 5 to check out the Royal Promenade and the soda machines. Justina and I both bought a fountain soda package that entitles you to unlimited refills at any of our bars or lounges, Windjammer Café, Main Dining Room and Royal Caribbean’s private destinations like Labadee, Haiti. A complimentary Coca-Cola souvenir cup is included, and we got access to the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines on Deck 5 that offer more than 100 options of soda and water drinks from Coke. The cost of a fountain soda package was$6.50 for adults and $4.50 for children under age 18 plus gratuity.
With her Coca-Cola® souvenir cup in hand, Justina relaxed in the unique chair on the Royal Promenade on Deck 5.
Refreshed, we headed to the Boardwalk on Deck 6, specifically to one on the two rock climbing walls at the aft of the Oasis overlooking the AquaTheater.
Before long, Justina was on her way to ringing the bell at the top of one of the more challenging climbs. (While I’ve rock-climbed on prior Royal Caribbean cruises, I’m happy to watch and take photos this time.)
Finally, it’s time for the Oasis to set sail. We head to Deck 15 to witness the sail away. You can see our Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina hotel in the distance (left side of raised bridge) as we set sail. Our morning there seems so long ago.
Then we head to our cabin to see that our luggage has arrived, before we head to dinner in the main dining room. We are seated at a table with the grandparents. Eunice, our dining room server, convinced Justina that she can order multiple courses, and even two desserts, if she so desires.
Back in our cabin, we unpack, before Justina heads off to the “meet and greet” for the Teen Program in the Living Room.
Two hours later, she returns with 2 new friends.
Is it any wonder that she says, “I’ve done so much. I can’t believe it is only the first day.”
What can I say? She’s a smart kid.
Have you sailed on the Oasis of the Seas with kids? Please share what the kids that you traveled with loved about the ship.
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