When the Oasis of the Seas starts cruising with passengers in December 2009, she will be the biggest family cruise ship. Royal Caribbean’s largest ship to date will feature 28,700 square feet of space dedicated to children and teens. Here is what to expect for families cruising with children.
Cruising with Children on Oasis of the Seas
Pool and Sports Zone – In addition to the Main Pool, the Beach Pool has a sloped entry for guests to wade into the water. The H20 Zone water park features a giant octopus with water slides and water-spraying tentacles. There are separate wading pools along with a dedicated pool for infants and toddlers. There are even child-sized lounge chairs.
Unique to the Oasis of the Seas – The whole family can try one of two FlowRider surf simulators or ride the cruise industry’s first zipline. The 82 foot zipline spans nine decks.
Youth Zone Facilities – The Youth Zone features common areas such as the Workshop, Imagination Studio, Adventure Science Lab and Adventure Ocean Theater.
Youth Zone Activities – Youth can participate in Adventure Ocean activities that include scrapbooking workshops, creating personalized jewellery and conducting science experiments. Children of all ages can also participate in child-sized productions in the Adventure Ocean Theater, complete with stage, curtains and production equipment.
Cruising with Infants and Toddlers on Oasis of the Seas
First Carousel at Sea – Toddlers will enjoy a ride on the vintage carousel that was hand-crafted for Royal Caribbean. The carousel is a full sized, traditional merry-go-round with 18 animal-like figures.
Onboard Nursery for Babies – This will be Royal Caribbean’s first onboard nursery dedicated for infants and toddlers aged 6 months and older. The nursery is open daily for parents to drop off their children during the day or evening.
Activities for Cruising with Babies – Parents and children can play together with Fisher Price developmental toys and Crayola art tools for toddlers.
Cruising with Teenagers on Oasis of the Seas
Spa for Teens – The Vitality Spa includes a dedicated spa for kids and teens with services specially designed for teenagers.
Teen Zone Facilities – Located one deck above the Adventure Ocean areas, teenagers can enjoy spaces exclusive for them. By day, teens can lounge outside on their own outdoor deck or hang out in the Living Room complete with internet, big screen TVs, music and a mocktail bar. Then, teens can dance into the night in Fuel disco, another space dedicated to the 12 to 17 age group.
Scuba Lessons for Teens – The AquaTheater will feature an 18-foot deep pool, the deepest swimming pool on a cruise ship. During the afternoon SCUBA lessons are offered for teens and adults.
Rock Climbing at Sea – Two of Royal Caribbean’s signature rock-climbing walls will be alongside the AquaTheater. There are a number of routes with varying degrees of difficulty and each rock wall is 43 feet tall.
Royal Caribbean will start offering Caribbean cruises in December 2009. The initial cruises feature ports of call that include St. Thomas, Cozumel, St. Maarten and Nassau. Then in May 2010, Royal Caribbean will add their private island of Labadee to the itinerary.
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
