Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas Is Getting a $165 Million Makeover

Your Royal Caribbean cruise just got more luxurious.

One of the world’s largest cruise ships, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, is getting a $165 million makeover in honor of its 10-year anniversary, according to a statement from the cruise line.

The groundbreaking cruise ship is truly the first of its kind. Originally launched in 2008, the ship is separated into “neighborhoods” that help guests navigate the gigantic ship, including Central Park (an outdoor space that is pretty much a park on the ocean), a Pool and Sports Zone, Royal Promenade, Boardwalk, Vitality Spa and Fitness, Entertainment Place, and the Youth Zone (a kid-friendly neighborhood).

But it isn’t just a big ship, it’s also state-of-the-art when it comes to things to do, including dozens of outdoor activities, relaxing services, and loads of shows and entertainment, plus family-friendly activities and world-class cuisine.

But even one of the world’s best cruise ships can be improved upon after 10 years at sea. The Oasis of the Seas is the fourth Royal Caribbean ship to be amplified and modernized, out of a total of 10 ships that will receive the same treatment down the line. The new and improved ship will set sail on November 24, 2019, beginning 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Royal Caribbean’s Terminal A in Miami.

In May 2020, the ship will head to the New York City area, offering 7-night sailings to The Bahamas with visits to Royal Caribbean’s newly transformed private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey.

There will be a number of changes made to the ship. On the top deck, the Pool and Sports Zone will have a few new enhancements, including a new Caribbean-style pool deck with The Lime & Coconut, a 10-story slide (the tallest at sea) and other multi-story slides, and a brand new Splashaway Bay for small children.

Portside BBQ, Royal Caribbean’s first-ever barbecue restaurant, will be joining the ship, delivering authentic barbecue dishes like smoked marbled brisket, pulled pork, burnt-ends, and ribs. There will also be a casual, grab-and-go Mexican spot called El Loco Fresh, with made-to-order tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. If you’d like some entertainment with your meal, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade will be a send-up to boardwalk establishments with 80 big-screen TVs, tabletop and arcade games, bar bites, and beer. Anyone with a sweet tooth should also check out Sugar Beach, which will serve up 220 types of candy and different flavors of ice cream.

Nightlife will also get revamped on the improved ship. Spotlight Karaoke on the Royal Promenade, the live-music venue Music Hall, and a futuristic, robot-themed Bionic Bar will be brand new hotspots for guests to enjoy.

Families will also find some new ways to spend quality time on board. Dedicated spaces for the under-18 crowd will be more focused on “interactive, personalized and unexpected experiences,” according to the statement. Particularly, Adventure Ocean will receive a full makeover, and there will be a nursery for kids six months to three years of age, a special area for teens with a “hidden” entrance, gaming lounge, movies, music, and a new outdoor deck.

In addition, kids can play a brand new laser tag game called Clash for the Crystal City and test their skills in an escape room called Mission Control: Apollo 18.

No matter where you go on this ship, there’s always plenty to do and see.

More information on Royal Caribbean cruises can be found on the company’s website.