PHOTO: The Oasis of the Seas was renovated in a dry dock in the Netherlands. (Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International)
Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas emerged from a 14-day dry-dock renovation with many new features, including the line's notable new high-speed Internet system and more restaurants that will essentially replace the traditional main dining room starting in March.
Sister ship Allure of the Seas will get the same enhancements when it enters dry dock in May. The two 225,282-ton, 5,400-passenger ships are the largest at sea.
First, about the Wi-Fi: Royal Caribbean has partnered with O3b, a company that specializes in bringing the Internet to remote regions. The connectivity now found on Oasis of the Seas has been described by RCCL Chairman Richard Fain as having "more Internet bandwidth than every other cruise ship of every other cruise line in the world combined."
The company has said the new Internet packages will be the same or less that those previously offered and will let passengers stream video, check email, share images on social media and more - even in the middle of the ocean.
Thanks to the dramatically improved connectivity, the new Royal iQ lets guests book specialty dining, shore excursions and spa appointments onboard, through both a downloadable app and at freestanding iQ stations around the ship. Guests also can use Royal iQ as a calendar that provides at-a-glance views of their schedule and to keep in touch with one another and home via phone and text capabilities.
Now, about the dining: Royal Caribbean has announced plans for a new Dynamic Dining program on the new Quantum of the Seas, which enters service in November. That new program is being retrofitted onto Oasis of the Seas, which has 20 restaurants now, and will begin March 14. Until then, traditional dining will continue as usual, even though the main restaurant has been renovated.
The three-story main dining room on Oasis has been divided into three complimentary venues - American Icon Grill, which will offer regional comfort-food favorites; Silk, which will have a Pan-Asian menu; and The Grande, an elegant restaurant where every night is formal night.
The ship has four specialty restaurants - Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, which serves Japanese cuisine, sushi, and a full teppanyaki menu; Sabor Taqueria & Tequila Bar, a Mexican eatery with hand-made tableside guacamole and a menu of tequilas, margaritas and Mexican beers; Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine, which will use avant-garde culinary techniques; and Coastal Kitchen, an exclusive Mediterranean restaurant for suite guests and Pinnacle members.
Oasis of the Seas still has Giovanni's Table, 150 Central Park and Vintage Wine Bar.
The ship also is getting 10 new suites with views of the ocean or the AquaTheater and Boardwalk neighborhood. Specifically, they are two Royal Suites, six Grand Suites and two Royal Family Suites, which can accommodate up to six guests. New amenities for those booking suites include an exclusive lounge area, a private sun deck area with shaded sitting areas and private service, and the aforementioned Coastal Kitchen, which will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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