How to Spend 7 Days Aboard a Cruise Ship

Embark on a journey of adventure, relaxation, and sea-bound splendor as you set sail into the world of cruising on the Oasis of the Seas by Royal Caribbean. Launched in 2009, the Oasis boasts an impressive array of amenities and features. With a length of around 1,188 feet, it is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. The Oasis of the Seas provides a grand and unforgettable experience for those seeking a luxurious and adventurous cruise. Keep reading to learn 60 things you can do onboard during your 7-night sailing. 

Create Your Own Cocktail at the Bionic Bar

The Bionic Bar is an innovative feature where robotic arms prepare and serve drinks. Guests can place orders using tablets, and the robots skillfully mix and craft the beverages. The wait time and queue is displayed on large screens next to the robots, where you can see what drink is being prepared at any given time. The menu displays classic and signature drink concoctions to try, or if you are feeling creative, start entirely from scratch and make your own signature drink!

See a Show at the Aqua Theater

Hands down the best show I have seen on a Royal Caribbean ship. This stunning open-air venue at the aft of the ship features a pool that transforms into a dazzling aquatic stage. This theater hosts high-energy shows, including water acrobatics, diving performances, and synchronized swimming, providing guests with a captivating and immersive entertainment experience against the backdrop of the open sea. At our time of sailing in December 2023, the Aqua 80 show featured hit songs from the 80s and was completely full for each performance. 

Eat a Roast Beef Sandwich in Central Park

The Park Cafe located in the Central Park neighborhood serves up delicious freshly prepared salad, sandwiches, paninis, and soups,for a complimentary afternoon snack option. Park Cafe is also home to the Kummelweck: a freshly carved roast beef sandwich on a croissant. This is a favorite for many Royal guests and the line during lunch hours can extend throughout the park. You don’t want to leave your time on the ship without trying at least one! 

Listen to Jazz Music in Central Park

Central Park is a unique open-air space, resembling a lush garden at sea. Spanning the ship’s interior, it features real plants, pathways, and live jazz music in the evenings. Enjoy a serene stroll and relax among the greenery as you listen to the High C’s Horns. 

Go Wine Tasting at Vintages 

Vintages Wine Bar on the Oasis offers a sophisticated atmosphere where passengers can indulge in a curated selection of wines from around the world. With a cozy ambiance of a wine bar, it’s a perfect spot to savor fine wines by the glass or bottle. Sample something new from their wide range of varietals. You can even take a glass to go and walk through the serene Central Park.

Ride the Boardwalk Carousel 

A unique feature of the Boardwalk Neighborhood, take a ride on this beautiful full-size carousel, designed to recreate the nostalgia of seaside piers at the turn of the century. The carousel is open from 3:00 pm until 10:00 pm on most days of your sailing. 

Watch a Game at Playmaker’s

Snag an order of the Pile On Nachos or Pigskin Sliders as you sit down to watch your favorite team on one of their dozens of TVs. The bar menu features specialty cocktails that you can only get at this venue. Try the Black and Gold, made with Buffalo Trace bourbon, peach schnapps, sour mix, and a splash of cranberry and ginger ale. If you like spicy margs, you will LOVE the Goalpost Margarita, featuring muddled pineapple and jalapenos. This is also the only bar onboard that offers both beer flights and pitchers of beer to share with your table. 

Try a Beertini at Crown & Castle

Grab a drink in the ship’s welcoming and relaxed English pub. Grab a pint of both domestic and imported draughts, or try something more unique: a beertini. Pick your favorite style of beer and give it a twist, with options like the Beer’s Knees, made with Botanist gin, lemon juice, and honey, topped with Paulaner Weiss in this beer version of the classic prohibition cocktail. 

Test Your Knowledge With Specialized Trivia

No matter your favorite TV show or genre of music, you will find a specialized trivia category that suits your interests. From Game of Thrones, the Wizarding World, Disney, to Friends, stop by the Schooner Bar to grab a drink and test your knowledge to win a prize. We recommend getting there early to ensure that you will get a seat in the bar.

Listen to Piano Melodies at the Schooner Bar

A long-time Royal Caribbean favorite, the Schooner Bar is a perfect venue to sit back and sing along with talented singers and piano players most nights of your cruise. Modeled after the interior of a ship, this nautical themed bar is a staple on all ships in the fleet. This is also the venue Royal has been trying out some new cocktail recipes. Take advantage of these new drinks like the Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned, Sea & T, the Irish Peach, or my personal favorite, Peanut Butter Tropic. 

Grab a Hot Dog at the Boardwalk Dog House

After taking a ride on the carousel and strolling along the Boardwalk, grab a hot dog from the Boardwalk Dog House. Build your own custom hot dogs with choices like chicken apple, classic beef, smoked bratwurst and spicy pork. Choose from toppings such as sauteed mixed onions and peppers or sauerkraut, and then add a side of potato salad or coleslaw to round out your meal. Take it with you to go, or enjoy it standing around one of the bar tables located nearby. 

Take the Ultimate Abyss Down 5 Decks

Starting on the 11th deck and ending on the 6th deck near the Boardwalk Neighborhood, the Ultimate Abyss is the longest slide at sea. Whether you are looking for a thrill or just don’t want to wait in line for the elevators, take a ride on the Ultimate Abyss.

Get a Milkshake at Johnny Rockets 

This is a fact I did not know on my first several cruises with Royal Caribbean: all of the milkshakes at Johnny Rockets are included with the deluxe beverage package! Choose from chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and cookies and cream, and if you’re up for it: make it a boozy milkshake with the addition of your preferred spirit. Try out their specialty Maple Bacon Shake, available only during breakfast hours. 

Enjoy a Frozen Cocktail by the Pool

The drink options are endless on any Royal Caribbean cruise. There is nothing better than ordering a nice frozen drink and relaxing in the sun to enjoy your vacation. Our pro tip is to order a frozen mojito - every time I am carrying one around the deck, I am stopped by so many other guests asking what I ordered so they can get one too! Other popular options include a Mudslide, Frozen Mango Margarita, or a Frozen Daiquiri in a flavor of your choosing. If you aren’t sure what you want, ask a bartender to whip up something unique! Waiters frequently walk around the deck and will take your orders from your chair or place in any of the pools or whirlpools. 

Take a Sushi Making Class

For an extra fee, you can try your hand at creating decadent sushi rolls with the ‘On a Roll Sushi Making Class’, hosted at the ship’s famous sushi restaurant, Izumi. Learn the basics of how to choose the best ingredients and how to assemble the perfect roll. The best part? Enjoying your creations at the end of the class. 

Go Ice Skating

When not hosting a dance party or a world-class ice show, Studio B is open for guests to get out on the ice for themselves and enjoy the only ice skating rink at sea. You will sign up for a time slot, with many options offered throughout the duration of your cruise. 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time, head down to Studio B to get checked in and get your skates before you hit the ice. 

Eat Breakfast at Johnny Rockets

Another thing I didn’t know about the Johnny Rockets onboard the ship: breakfast is complimentary! Whether you want a break from the main dining room breakfast menus or you just want to try something new, head over to Johnny Rockets located on the Boardwalk for a classic sit-down breakfast. Choose from Breakfast Scramblers, sandwiches, and other specialties, along with classic breakfast sides like bacon, sausage, and hash browns. 

See an Ice Show

Studio B is home to the only ice skating rink at sea, which make for a unique must-see show while onboard. The Oasis features Frozen in Time, featuring the timeless stories of Hans Christian Andersen. See your favorite characters from The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, the Snow Queen, and more with different styles of performances and art forms. Make your reservations in advance and show up 15 minutes early to get a prime seat for the show.

Go to a Show at the Comedy Club

The Oasis holds family friendly and adult-themed comedy shows both in the Royal Theatre, and in the dual-purpose comedy and nightclub, Blaze. Located on deck 4 outside the Casino Royale, make sure you make your reservations early as this venue tends to fill up quickly. There is typically an earlier, more family friendly show as well as a late night adults-only show after the kids have gone to bed.

Attend a Silent Disco

Looking for a different kind of party? Head to the Royal Promenade and pick up a pair of headphones to join in on HUSH! The Silent Disco. There are two channels you can choose from to silently rock out with other guests, while feeling like you are at a wild party. My favorite is to walk by the participants and try to guess what they are listening to based on their dance moves. 

Play Laser Tag

Usually offered on the last port day, the laser tag experience on the Oasis combines futuristic fun with excitement. Set in an elaborate arena in Studio B, guests can engage in thrilled laser tag battles with family and friends. Sign up via the Cruise Compass in advance to secure your time slot. 

Watch the Midnight Welcome Balloon Drop

Begin your cruise adventure by attending the Welcome Party on the first night on the Royal Promenade. Enjoy music and dancing while sipping on a cocktail, and then stay for the balloon drop with the activities director at midnight. Pro tip: Get a seat along the wall of the Schooner Bar for a seat overlooking the party!

Get a Massage at Vitality Spa

What better way to relax on your cruise than by indulging in a luxury massage or treatment in the spa! Check out the spa menu to select services from traditional or hot stone massages, facials, wraps, and manicures and pedicures. Spa services can be purchased online in advance to save money. Services are also cheaper if scheduled on a port day, as long as you are okay with staying on the ship for part of the day. 

Watch a Movie by the Pool

After a long day of thrills, kick back and relax by the pool with a drink in your hand. Enjoy both current popular showings and seasonal favorites, if traveling around the holidays, as the crew projects movies regularly onto the big screen in the pool area. 

Test Your Luck in the Casino Royale

With a wide variety of table games and slot machines, the Casino Royale is the perfect place to test your luck and try to win some spending cash. The casino is open while the ship is at sea (due to international gambling laws) and stays open late into the night. Use your Sea Pass as a club card and earn points towards future cruises and Casino Royale credits. 

Enjoy Lobster on Royal Night

On sailings of six nights or more, the second formal night will be Royal Night, aka “Lobster Night”. For this night only, the lobster tail option will be available on the Main Dining Room menu as complimentary. 

Take a Ride on the Rising Tide Bar

Spanning from the Royal Promenade on deck 5 to Central Park on deck 8, the Rising Tide bar lives up to its name by ascending and descending over three decks and is the world’s first moving bar at sea. Departure and arrival times are posted outside the bar on both decks and the journey takes roughly 30 minutes. The bar offers the standard drinks served at all Royal Caribbean bars. 

Watch the Sunset from the Top Deck

The best part of being on a cruise is that you are surrounded by water. When the sun sets, you can enjoy beautiful views from any angle. Be sure to take a walk around the upper decks and soak in the sun setting over the water before making your way to the Main Dining Room for dinner. 

Take a Fitness Class

With all of the food and drinks available on a cruise ship, it can be difficult to stay active and work on your goals. Check your Cruise Compass for the different fitness classes available onboard, both in the fitness center and other locations around the ship. Take a pilates class, a guided stretching exercise, or a spin class in the fitness center. You can also join in cardio classes offered on the ship’s helipad while the ship is at port. 

Enjoy a Post-Workout Smoothie at the Vitality Cafe

If you have the deluxe beverage package, smoothies and fresh juices at the Vitality Cafe are included in your package. Try one of their many pre-selected options, or create your own concoction from the wide range of fruits, vegetables, supplements, and other add-ins available. 

Try the Drink of the Day

If you have not purchased a deluxe beverage package, Royal Caribbean offers a ‘drink of the day’, a cocktail off their menu that is available at a discounted price for that day only. This is a great way to try something new and save a little money doing it! You can expect to see some of the tried at true favorites like the Watermelon ‘Rita and Goombay Smash making their way on this list throughout your cruise. 

Do an Escape Room

Gather your friends and family to form a team to complete Mission Control: Apollo 18. Get ready for an adrenaline rush as you step back in time to beat the clock through the trials of mission control and space travel. This is a team building activity that takes approximately one hour and is best-suited for those ages 12 and up. Test your critical thinking skills as you work together to solve this puzzle and make it out before the clock runs out. This activity does have a fee and you must reserve your spot within the Royal Caribbean app while onboard. 

Play in the Arcade

Test your skills and play nostalgic arcade games of your childhood in the Challengers Arcade. Check your cruise compass, as there is often a day of sailing when arcade games are 50% off. 

Browse the Art Gallery

The art gallery aboard every Royal Caribbean ship showcases a diverse collection and contemporary and classic artwork. Passengers can explore the exhibits as they walk from one end of the ship to the other, featuring paintings, sculptures, and other artistic creations. There are also opportunities to bid on pieces to purchase at the end of the sailing. 

Collect Your Free Jewelry

The onboard shops often offer special promotions for guests to receive free jewelry or charms. Pay attention to your Cruise Compass for the time and locations of the giveaways!

Ride the Zipline

Take flight over the Oasis of the Seas by riding the zipline across the length of the 16th deck. Enjoy views of Central Park below as you soar overhead. The zipline is complimentary, and is open most days of your sailing. Please wear shoes and socks, and be fully clothed before partaking in this activity. Wristbands and waivers for the zipline are available at the sports desk. 

Surf the Flow Rider

The Oasis features not one, but two, FlowRider surf simulators located on the 16th deck of the ship. Learn the basics with bodysurfing, or show off your skills during adult stand-up surfing dedicated times. Sign a waiver and get your wristband at the sports desk. Ladies: be sure to wear a swimsuit with appropriate coverage to avoid an embarrassing slip!

Play Pickleball on the Sports Court

There are many options to play this increasingly popular sport. You can participate in a clinic to learn the rules and strategies for an additional fee, play at your leisure during open play times, or compete in scheduled competitions. Sign ups for competitions are available 15 minutes before the activity starts. Paddles and balls will be available at the sports court for both open play and competitions, so no need to pack your own. You must be wearing socks and tennis shoes to participate. 

Shoot Hoops at the Basketball Court

Complete in Knockout competitions, play 3-on-3, or leisurely shoot hoops with your friends and family during free time on the sports court located near the Flow Riders. Wear socks and tennis shoes for this activity. 

Take a Dance Class at Boleros

Another great way to stay active while on the ship is to take one of the many dance classes offered throughout the cruise. Exploring various styles such as salsa, bachata, merengue, country line dancing, and more, you will be immersed in the culture the dance originates from and have fun doing it. No previous experience or talent is necessary, and complete beginners are welcome! Dance classes typically take place in Bolero’s or on the pool deck. 

Participate in a Game Show

Another fun way to spend your time is winning prizes by participating in a game show. Crew will choose a few guests to come on stage in front of the crowd and play. Common game shows hosted onboard include Who Wants to Be a Royal Caribbean-aire, the Love & Marriage Game, and 60 Seconds or Less. If you are between the ages of 18-25, check out Hyperlink: Crazy Quest, the ship’s craziest and most interactive game show. Stop by the pool deck to participate in or watch The Wettest Link, the only water-themed game show onboard. 

Sing at the Karaoke Bar

A new feature on the Oasis-class ships is Spotlight Karaoke, a bar dedicated solely to karaoke. Step up to the mic and sing your heart out with your favorite karaoke tunes, no matter your age or musical ability. Compete in Karaoke Superstar, a multi-round competition event that continues throughout the duration of your cruise. 

Watch a Broadway Production

One of my favorite ways to enjoy an evening on the ship is by attending one of the various performances throughout the cruise. On the Oasis, the signature Broadway production was Cats. This was not my particular cup of tea, but even I can attest that the costumes and performers are incredible and it was definitely worth checking out! 

Party in the Nightclub

With a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, Blaze is the best party at sea. Dance late into the night to today’s most popular dance hits with themed parties and DJ sets. Also check out one of the comedy shows in the evenings before the party starts. 

Plan Your Shore Excursions

Depending on where your itinerary is stopping at ports, there will be many opportunities for unique and exciting shore excursions. Stop by the Shore Excursions Desk or pre-book online before boarding to see all of the options available at your ports. One of our favorites has been the Turtle Bay Sail & Snorkel excursion at St. Thomas. 

Dine at a Specialty Restaurant

Royal Caribbean has crafted several specialty restaurants featured on each of its ships, available for guests to dine at an additional cost. While all meals are complimentary in the main dining room as well as other included dining venues, there are options to upgrade to a paid dining package to enjoy each of these specialty restaurants. The Oasis is home to 150 Central Park, Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, and Izumi Hibachi & Sushi. While the latter four options are a staple on many Royal cruises, 150 Central Park is unique to Oasis class ships and is by far the most unique option onboard. Try their featured cocktail, The Urban Garden, and feast on handcrafted gourmet cuisine presented in simple, seasonal, and elegant fashion. Be sure to try the world-class cheese cart, with fresh artisanal cheeses sourced from small South Florida farms. 

Make a Craft to Take Home

Join crew members at Bolero’s to create a vacation keepsake or learn a new skill. Put your creative side on display as you choose from a variety of options to design and create. Crafts can include card-making, relaxing coloring pages, and more seasonally inspired crafts like Ribbons to Roses, where guests can learn to turn colorful ribbons into beautiful roses just in time for Valentine’s Day. 

Meet the Captain

The captain of the ship will often host Captain’s Corner, where he sits down for an hour to answer questions from guests. This sometimes includes the hotel director and cruise director. Ask any questions you might have about being a captain, how much food and alcohol is stocked on the ship for any given sailing, or the mechanics of the ship you’re on! We have stopped tuned in for the Captain’s Corner on every cruise we have been on and loved learning a little more about the cruise industry and what it takes to make each sailing run smoothly. 

Go Rock Climbing

The Oasis has two rock walls located near the Aqua Theater at the aft of the ship. The walls are open most port and sea days, with special times reserved for kids and teens. Make sure you bring socks and closed-toed shoes, and then buckle into your harness to begin your climb.

Go on a Scavenger Hunt

There is no better way to get to know the ship by competing in one of the scavenger hunts offered in your Cruise Compass. 

Compete in a Belly Flop Competition

Still one of the funniest experiences onboard was watching the Belly Flop Competition. We had so much fun cheering for our favorite contestants and chanting their names alongside the other guests. The competition lasts about 30 minutes and is judges through crowd engagement.Interested in participating? Show up 30 minutes before and talk to the activities director to get signed up. 

Solve A Royal Mystery

Offered only once during your 7-day sailing, be sure to check out A Royal Mystery, held in Spotlight Karaoke. Create a team of your family and friends (or join in with other guests!) to take on roles, solve clues, and unravel the mystery you are tasked to solve. The activity takes about an hour, as you race against time to come up with the perpetrator of an art heist. 

Get Formal Photographs in Central Park

Capturing your photo in Central Park’s ambiance makes an excellent setting for preserving memories during your cruise. Offered during dinner hours each night, stop by one of the photographer’s stations set up in the park to get a professional shot taken of you and your family. Photos can be purchased individually or in a photo package. 

Learn a New Skill

A cruise vacation is the perfect place to try something new you never thought you would learn. The wonderful staff aboard the Oasis often offer classes and demonstrations like balloon twisting and towel folding. 

Eat Delicious BBQ at Portside BBQ

Looking for an afternoon snack or to take a break from the Main Dining Room for a meal? Head up to Portside BBQ located on the 15th deck opposite Cantina Fresca. You can choose from options such as brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and classic Southern sides like cornbread and mac and cheese for reasonably priced a la carte items. PS the Brookie available for dessert is to die for! You will also usually find live country music being played in this venue. 

Try Scuba Diving

Enjoy this 30-minute crash course in scuba diving alongside professional instructors who teach you the basics within the comfort of the safe, shallow pool onboard the ship. This is the perfect opportunity for beginner’s to get their feet wet and see if scuba diving is for them. The PADI Try Dive is available on all sea days. Stop by the PADI desk on the pool deck to learn more, and other opportunities for scuba diving during your cruise. 

Tour the Ship

Have you ever wondered how the ship stores so much food and drinks to be served throughout your cruise? How about where all the crew go when they are off duty? Then you should book the all-access ship tour to get an inside look into the behind the scenes action of a cruise ship. This tour is an additional fee and runs approximately two hours and includes lunch in the main dining room at its conclusion. Book early, as this tour tends to sell out quickly. 

Get Soft Serve Ice Cream

Need something cold and sweet to take a break from all the adventure? Stop by the frozen soft serve stand on the pool deck for a complimentary cup or cone of vanilla, chocolate, or twist.  

Play Mini Golf at the Oasis Dunes

Grab a club and play a round of mini golf against your friends and family for a fun and scenic activity the entire family can enjoy. Located on the ship’s upper desks, the mini golf course features a variety of creatively designed holes with obstacles. It’s a leisurely and entertaining way to spend time on a cruise and enjoy the scenic views of the sea around. 

Soak Up the Sun on the Solarium Sun Deck

Need a quiet, relaxing afternoon to enjoy the sun and warm weather of the Caribbean? Make your way out to the adults-only Solarium sun deck located on the 15th deck. Enjoy the gorgeous pools and whirlpools, sparkling waterfalls, comfortable lounge chairs, and your favorite drink from the bar in the most serene zen zone available onboard. Grab a bite to eat from the cafe and let all your worries melt away. 

As you disembark from the Oasis of the Seas, the echoes of laughter, visions of breathtaking views, and memories that will last a lifetime linger on. From the bustling activities to the serene moments at sea, any sailing on the Oasis of the Seas is an unforgettable experience. We hope you have enjoyed this extensive look into just how many ways you can spend your time onboard.