The World’s Biggest Cruise Liner: Is It Too Much Fun?
It's bigger than the mighty aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, has enough room for over 8,000 passengers and crew, as well as probably having more to do on board than any other cruise ship. It's called the Oasis of the Seas – and never has there been a more appropriately titled vessel.
Huge luxury cruise liners have become de rigueur in recent years, with cruise companies vying with each other to offer the ultimate in epic sea-going fun. But given recent reports from passengers on the Oasis, this one takes a maritime getaway to new heights (and lengths, since it is the longest cruise liner on Earth by 5cm).
Military Style Organisation
Some might be concerned that having more individuals on board than can be found in two army brigades would cause organisational problems. But those who have sailed on the Oasis report a boarding process that would please the most demanding of colonels. Even more surprising, there is apparently no stampede at mealtimes, either.
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Passenger Lucky Dip
Passengers can arrive at the main dining room and choose to be seated by themselves, or play passenger lucky dip, by being seated with fellow Oasis guests.
And from what those who have spent time on the ship have said, meeting fellow passengers is a big part of the fun. People from all walks of life are found on board, from over-fed businessmen to skinny joggers who use the ship's immense jogging deck to stay trim. Doctors chink glasses with lawyers, London property developers dine with Midwest octogenarians.
There are many drinking holes on board, but perhaps the most intriguing is the lift that doubles as a bar; rise though the (many) decks as you raise a toast to the heart surgeon you've just met.
Combatting Over-Indulgence
For those who have over-indulged, there are a range of fitness classes to work off those extra pounds, while more physical pursuits can be enjoyed with a visit to the ice rink, or to the special top deck facility where you surf on real waves. There is even a climbing wall towering above the stern pool area – reason enough to take out some good quality annual travel insurance!
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Passengers report very few niggles with this immense and fun-packed cruising experience. However, while making new friends is easy, keeping track of them afterwards can prove rather more tricky – since the ship is so vast you may never see them again. Solution: make sure you obtain their cabin number (without seeming like a stalker).
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All in all, Oasis of the Seas offers a huge amount of fun: but in answer to the title question, not too much.
How Much Does it Cost?
The Oasis' sister ship Allure of the Seas is a mere 5cm shorter than the Oasis, but in every other regard is virtually identical. You can spend seven nights on board Allure next summer from £1,369 per person – a price that includes return flights to the departure port of Barcelona.
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