This is the life on the ocean wave - Oasis of the Seas

I know I talked about Oasis of the Seas last time, and I’m going to do so again. It’s partly because Oasis of the Seas seems to be one of the most exciting things happening within the world of cruising at the moment, and all thanks to Royal Caribbean. It’s the biggest and most expensive cruise liner ever built, costing more than £800 million, and carrying more than 5,400 passengers, with a crew of more than 2,000. The ship is 360 metres long, which makes it longer than four city blocks.

Not only is the ship impressive in terms of size, but it includes some amazing features, many of which are a first in terms of cruise ship design, with a 750-seat Greek-style amphitheatre, a shopping mall, an ice rink, a 1,300 seat indoor theatre, and the previously mentioned open-air park with real trees and plants.

The best suite available is the Royal Loft Suite which can accommodate a group of six. This suite has 141 square metres of floor space, and has a baby grand piano, indoor and outdoor dining rooms that seat eight, a private wet bar, a library and a 78 square meter balcony with its own LCD television, entertainment area and jacuzzi. The Royal Loft Suite can be connected to a Crown Loft Suite for additional room to accommodate a total of ten guests, providing192 square metres of space!

Talk about pushing the boat out!

Oasis of the Seas has its very own Central Park

There is something lovely about a garden, and even lovelier when you find the garden in an unusual, unexpected place. I remember how impressed I was when I came across my first London roof garden. So I for one was completely amazed and impressed to hear that Royal Caribbean’s soon-to-be-launched Oasis of the Seas will have its very own on board park.

Generally, much as cruise ships are great fun, the one thing they tend to lack is gardens and greenery – until now. This Central Park will be the size of a footie pitch and have flowers, shrubs, bushes, trees, grass and pretty winding pathways. And the lucky inhabitants of 254 rooms will have balconies that overlook the park area.

Oasis of the Seas will embark on her maiden voyage this December, sailing from her home port of Port Everglades, Florida. She has sixteen decks, 2,700 staterooms, of which 28 are new loft suites, and she will be able to carry some 5,400 passengers. Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to use Royal Caribbean’s new neighbourhood concept with seven distinctly themed areas, including Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade.

So if you want to give this new ship a go, you’ll be happy to hear that there are plenty of cruise bargains to be grabbed, and the cost may not be as steep as you think.