Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas Set to Resume Cruise Service

After a 17-month pause, the Oasis of the Seas is back in cruise service for Royal Caribbean International.

Sailing on its first post-pandemic commercial cruise later today, the first Oasis-Class vessel is launching service from Bayonne, in the New York region.

Based in New York the first time, the vessel is now offering a series of seven-night voyages to the Bahamas.

Through the end of October, Oasis is making weekly visits to Nassau, Port Canaveral and Perfect Day at CocoCay – Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.

Home to North America’s tallest waterslides, the popular port of call features unique attractions and saw a $250 million transformation in 2019.

After the New York program, the Oasis is repositioning to Miami for the winter season. Through December, the vessel is sailing alternate itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including stops in Mexico, Honduras, St. Maarten and Puerto Rico.

One of the world’s largest cruise ships, the 2009-built Oasis of the Seas has a capacity for over 5,400 guests.

Built-in Finland, the vessel introduced a groundbreaking design that is highlighted by features such as Central Park, a park with real plants, surrounded by shops and restaurants. 

The vessel also has its public areas divided into seven different zones, known as neighbourhoods. Each one of them has a different appeal, with unique attractions. The BoardWalk, for instance, reproduces a seaside pier, with a carousel, carnival games, retail outlets and eateries.

The Oasis of the Seas was also the first ship to feature a dancing-waters theatre, a zip-line and a moving bar.

In 2019, the vessel underwent a $165 million refurbishment in Spain as part of the Royal Amplification program.

After a two months period in drydock, the ship emerged with new additions, such as the tallest slide at sea – Ultimate Abyss; The Perfect Storm trio of waterslides; a reimagined Caribbean pool deck; and new kids and teens spaces.

The Oasis of the Seas is the 14th Royal Caribbean ship to resume service since the COVID-19 pandemic operational pause.

The ship is also the tenth to return to service for the operator in the United States after the Freedom of the Seas became the first ship to do so in July.

With a 25-ship fleet, Royal Caribbean plans to have 21 vessels in service by the end of the year.   

Royal Caribbean criticised over Harmony construction work

Royal Caribbean criticised over Harmony construction work

Royal Caribbean International faces accusations from passengers that construction work was still taking place on board the world's largest cruise ship during its first sailing.

Harmony of the Seas left Southampton for Rotterdam on a four-night cruise on Sunday, but the first paying passengers complained about closed attractions and ongoing work, the BBC reported.

One was reported as describing the vessel as a "construction site and a serious risk to all passengers". Passenger Georgina Davie described "queues of complaining guests and distressed families".

"Ninety percent of the kids attractions that it was marketed for have been shut for the whole cruise and are still being worked on," she said. She also claimed drilling went on near cabins through the night.

Royal Caribbean admitted "final finishing touches" were being made after pictures of work being carried out during the sailing were posted on social media.

A spokeswoman told Travel Weekly: “We are excited to welcome our first guests onboard Harmony of the Seas for her pre-inaugural sailings this week, ahead of her official maiden voyage on Sunday, 29th May.

“Whilst the ship is cleared for operations and many of its features are already being enjoyed by thousands of guests, as with any new build, we are still finalising some finishing touches, and thank guests for their patience as we complete these.

“As always, Royal Caribbean's highest priority is to ensure the safety of all its guests and crew members and any final maintenance is being carried out in accordance with strict safety guidelines.

“These early sailings were made possible due to the early delivery of the ship and we hope this has been reflected in the great value offering guests secured for their holiday.”

Harmony of the Seas left Southampton again for a three-night cruise to Cherbourg yesterday, before finally departing for its summer base of Barcelona on Sunday.

The ship can carry 6,780 passengers. It has 20 restaurants, 23 swimming pools and took more than two-and-a-half years to construct.

World's largest cruise ship arrives in Southampton

World's largest cruise ship arrives in Southampton

Royal Caribbean International’s $1 billion new mega ship, Harmony of the Seas, arrives in Southampton today ahead of being showcased to agents attending the 10th annual Clia Conference.

Heralded as the world’s largest cruise ship, the third Oasis-class vessel will be shown off to agents at the event on Friday.

New features include the Ultimate Abyss, claimed to be the tallest slide on a ship with a 10-storey drop, and The Perfect Storm – three waterslides

The ship combines the seven neighbourhood concept that the line's Oasis class ships are known for, with the top technological features from its Quantum class ships, such as the robot-powered Bionic Bar.

Entertainment ranges from hit musical Grease through to aquatic performances at the AquaTheatre and ice shows.

The 5,497-passenger ship's 20 dining include Jamie's Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and a Wonderland restaurant.

The ship is running two short preview sailings from Southampton before relocating to the Mediterranean for summer sailings from Barcelona and Civitavecchia, the port of Rome, and seven-night winter itineraries in the Caribbean from Port Everglades in Florida.

Construction on the fourth ship in the series started at the St Nazaire ship yard in France last autumn with the as-yet unnamed vessel due to enter service in spring 2018.