Tips for Cruises on the World's Largest Cruise Ships
Published Wednesday, October 7th 2015 - Updated Wednesday, October 21st 2015Known for hosting activity-filled vacations, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) impresses with the world's largest cruise ships in the Oasis class. The flagship of the class, the Oasis of the Seas, can carry more than 6,000 passengers and is longer and more massive than a Nimitz-class supercarriers. Your Professional Cruise Consultants visited the Oasis of the Seas this past weekend and were amazed at the size of the ship. The following are just some of the highlights of the cruise ship:
- Two surf simulators, two four-story high rock-climbing walls, a nine-deck high zip line, a full-sized basketball court, an ice skating rink, and a hand-carved carousel.
- Over 20 dining options ranging from hot dogs to steak dinners, including Johnny Rockets, and over 20 bars and lounges, including Starbucks.
- Health-conscious options including the full-service Vitality Spa with a thermal suite, state-of-the-art fitness center, 10 whirlpools, and four pools including one for the kids.
- Cruising's first open air garden, Central Park is complete with two-story-high trees surrounded by restaurants and galleries. Classical musicians serenade park-goers on most nights.
Despite the ships large passenger population, the city-sized decks don't feel crowded because passengers disperse toward their favorite activities. To get the most out of enjoying this massive ship, follow these tips:
- Secure your cruise reservation as far in advance is possible if you can. The further away you are from your sail date when you reserve, then the lower the price becomes. This also allows you to secure the best cabin in the category you desire.
- Book your shows in advance. A typical seven-day cruise has at least one of a Broadway-style show, water show in the Aqua theater, ice-skating show, and comedy show. Although shows are repeated, your best chance of seeing them is to reserve seats in advance. For most cruises, you can book shows about 90 days before your sail date.
- If you like peace and quiet, check the deck plans above and below your potential stateroom. Expect noise if a bar, restaurant, or dance floor is above or below your cabin. The quietest accommodations are the ones with cabins all around them.
- Plan on not seeing the kids. If you see your trip as a chance for your family members to spend time together, you may be thwarted by the all the children's facilities on-board. Your youngest ones will love Royal Babies & Tots, older children enjoy Adventure Ocean, and teens get their own lounge and discos. Once kids discover these areas, they'll spend all their time there and won't want to go anywhere else.
- If you need to keep in touch with the shore, consider an Internet plan, which is available for one or two devices. The speed is fast enough to support video streaming, even at sea. To save a bit of money, order the one-device service even if you have multiple devices. You can then log off one device and sign on to another one as needed to get on the Internet.
- If you're in a Grande Suite or higher, rely on the complimentary concierge to make your restaurant reservations and book your shore excursions. There's no need to stand in line to enter most shows. Just show your special Gold SeaPass and you can bypass the line. Many shows have special reserved areas just for suite guests.
- If you're planning on eating at the paid specialty restaurants, such as Chops or 150 Central Park, three or more times, pre-book your reservations in advance to get discounts. You can book up to five reservations for the biggest discounts. If you want to just try a specialty restaurant, reserve one on-board for dinner on the first day. Restaurants typically offer 50 percent off first-night dinner reservations.
If you want to know more about cruising on the Oasis of the Seas or are ready to book a vacation, please contact a Professional Travel Consultant at Cruise Planners of Kansas City.
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