How I packed 7 days into 7 hours…….

Lots of hype in the press last week with Southampton welcoming the arrival of the biggest ship afloat The Oasis of the Seas.  I was lucky enough to be invited by Royal Caribbean along with other agents to visit the ship for the day.  I have been lucky enough to have lots of day ship visit, as much as it’s great to see the different ships sometimes it can be a very rushed afternoon, not been allowed to board until around 11 and then off the ship at at 2.  Last Wednesday was different as the ship wasn’t sailing until midnight we were allowed to be on board until 10pm, allowing us to see the ship both day and night.  I managed to do a whirlwind tour and get a real feel of the ship as though I had taken a 7 day cruise.

We arrived in Southampton on a very wet and miserable morning, and was surprised at the amount of people who had turned up to see the ship arrive… of course the first thing that is apparent is how big she is, but it’s not just the length or the height it is the width of the ship, fact she is wider than almost  six London buses parked end-to-end!

Now I am not a huge fan of massive ships,  I think this is the fact that I would worry I’m not making the most of all the facilities at the leisurely place I like to take on a holiday. I have most definitely changed my mind, what an amazing ship (well more of a floating resort), she really is impressive. There really is nothing to not like about hert – she takes cruising to another level and I really do think once you have cruised on her she will hold a special place in your heart.

We boarded the ship around 12.00 and was taken straight to lunch, which was in the main dining room that has now been renamed in preparation for when the ship adopts to dynamic dining. Once lunch was finished and in our groups we were then given a mission to complete by Royal Caribbean. This was a fantastic idea as it allowed us to see and learn as much about the ship as possible.

Our first task was in the Adventure Ocean (kids club), having children myself and with first hand experience of how fantastic these clubs are you will not be disappointed. Lots of space, with the latest technology the children can be occupied all day every day if that’s what they want – the first mission was to make an erupting volcano – I was not part of this , but from the noise I think they enjoyed the task. I was sent to the next room where 4 of us competed against the other cruise.co.uk team in a game called “Bagaball” – a very simple but extremely good fun game. The aim of the game is to keep the ball on the ground by hitting it with your hand aiming the ball at your opponents legs, ankles or feet. Once the ball hits your lower leg you are out and the last man standing wins for their team – our team won!!

The next stop was outside for a round of crazy golf – all we had to do was score a hole in one – which I did!! Royal Caribbean were prepared for all weather type as in our goodie bag was an Oasis of the Seas blue anorak – which of course came in very handy. We then made our way to the flow rider where we had to take an original selfie of the group – all good fun.. The flow rider looks fantastic – would be fab to have a go but in warmer weather.

We then made our way down to Central Park – which I have to say is my favourite part of the ship – it truly is amazing. There are over 12,000 real plants and trees. You will also find some speciality restaurants, the Park Royal Café and board the Rising Tide Bar, which is an elevator bar linking the Royal Promenade on deck 5 with Central Park on deck 8. I thought the café looked a fab place to go to grab a sandwich during the day – all included in the cost of your cruise.

We then had some questions to answer about the spa and gymnasium so with a quick whistle stop tour I learnt a bit about the spa – the gym area was fantastic with lots of equipment it would be interesting to know how it copes when the ship is sailing at full capacity.

I loved The Royal Promenade where there seems to be a constant stream of traffic and lots of atmosphere. Here you will find lots of shops, an English Pub, sports bar, champagne bar Pizzeria and also the very first Starbucks at Sea

The last stop was to the Boardwalk, here you will find a full size carousel, more shops, restaurants and the Aqua Theatre – I would love to see a show here – I have heard it is amazing and booking is highly recommended. Our last mission was another selfie at the Aqua theatre.

We then made our way to Jazz on Four to be given the scores, our team didn’t win – we came third, never mind I had a truly fantastic day.

Dont worry about getting lost – a touch of a button will take you to your destination…….

So they day certainly converted me into wanting to cruise on this truly magnificent ship, based in Miami she offers 7 night Caribbean cruises, but for me I think I will look at her sister ship the Allure of the Seas – she will be in the Mediterranean for summer 2015.

Hope this blog has given you some inforamtion but please call me on 0800 408 6092 for further inforamtion