5 High-Tech Cruise Ship Facilities That Will Blow Your Mind
February 11, 2019
When Oasis of the Seas made her debut, way back in 2009, she was brought into the fleet as Royal Caribbean's first Oasis Class ship and heralded as the vessel that would usher in a new age for cruising. Since then, many other cruise lines have launched mega ships of their own, not to mention the seven others that Royal Caribbean themselves have welcomed in the meantime.
She did indeed forge the way for modern ships to offer more and more exciting facilities to cruisers, pushing the boundaries in terms of technical advancements and what's physically possible at sea in the process.
Now, though, Oasis of the Seas is about to get even better.
As part of a fleet-wide enhancement programme, Royal Caribbean has announced that she will enter dry dock in September, before emerging again in November complete with a range of new additions. The refurbishments are expected to cost in the region of $165 million and will include, alongside some familiar favourites, a number of venues and activities that are brand new for the cruise line.
The extensive refinements will include plenty of facilities that Royal Caribbean cruisers will already know all about. These include the Ultimate Abyss slide, Splashaway Bay waterpark, Perfect Storm waterslides and the Music Hall - all of which have been very popular on the line's Quantum Class vessels. You'll also be able to enjoy the Caribbean vibes in the Lime and Coconut pool deck bar - something which has only recently made its way onto specific ships but that's already proving to be a hit.
Other recognisable inclusions will be restaurants like El Loco Fresh, offering Mexican fare, and Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade, where live sporting events are shown.
The brand new amenities come in the form of dining venues and thrilling activities that will keep you busy on sea days or quieter days in port. Battle with friends for supremacy of the Crystal City in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag game that pits Yetis against Snowshifters to see who comes out on top. Clear your throat and dust-off your best singing voice, as the stage awaits in a new karaoke venue dubbed Spotlight. If, however, you're shy about your talents, private booths offer a more secluded arena in which to serenade the crowd.
When it comes to mealtimes, you can look forward to tasting some of the finest BBQ food that the USA has to offer. Portside BBQ will feature authentic favourites from states like South Carolina, Texas and Tennessee, as a menu of burnt ends, grits, brisket and ribs entices you in for some finger-licking flavours. If that wasn't enough, homemade sides like gravy, baked beans and mac and cheese will create the perfect accompaniment to your BBQ bonanza.
Lastly, Royal Caribbean has added to its growing array of escape rooms with a brand new story. 'Mission Control: Apollo 18' blasts you back to 1973 as you and your comrades attempt to solve the puzzles in time to successfully launch Apollo 18 into the atmosphere.
If you would like to be one of the first people to try these new enhancements for yourself, book your Royal Caribbean cruise on board Oasis of the Seas.
