What does life on board actually feel like?

Let's be honest: if you book excursions for every single port, there won't be much time left to enjoy the ship itself.

Yes, there are usually one, two or more sea days, depending on your route, when the ship sails without stopping. But trust me, one day is not enough to explore everything onboard.

The ships are big. You can absolutely take a walk on day one to check out all the decks, peek into restaurants and lounges, and decide where you want to go for dinner or lunch. But if you want to enjoy everything the ship has to offer, even a full sea day won’t be enough.

As soon as you board, you step into the central area, usually around decks 4 or 5. This is the walking central zone, filled with restaurants, a theater, bars, cafés, shops, a photo gallery, and the cruise planning desk.

It’s the kind of space where you naturally spend a lot of time: grabbing a morning coffee, enjoying a pastry and tea in the evening, dining, listening to live music in a lounge, heading to the theater, or stopping by for your excursion briefing.

Cabins are spread across the middle decks, while the top decks are open-air and packed with pools, water activities( slides, surf rides, etc), a running track (goes all around the ship), outdoor bars and casual dining, lounge chairs, and a gaming zone.

Each ship features:

• A full fitness center - open 24/7 and completely free to use, it could be on the top, or in the middle of the ship. There are also morning stretch or Zumba classes, yoga on deck.

• The spa - range of services, including facials, massages, and medi-spa treatments, which come at an additional cost, of course.

So even if you plan nothing, you'll never be bored. The real challenge? Choosing what to do and what to skip each day.

One thing that sets Oasis of the Seas apart is small Central Park, an open-air garden deck with real trees, peaceful corners, and romantic restaurants nestled among the greenery. Just a few steps away, a short Boardwalk with a hand-carved carousel, and open-air shows at the AquaTheater in the evening.

What’s on the Top Deck? A Closer Look

When you make your way to the top decks, the ship opens to the sky, and that's where the vacation feeling is as full as possible. Both ships offer stunning open-air spaces, but in very different ways.

On Oasis of the Seas, the upper decks feel like a floating resort. There's a classic pool zone, a spacious Solarium for adults, and multiple whirlpools scattered around. You'll find the Perfect Storm water slides, the Zip Line, and even a mini golf course.

The layout is more spread out, with distinct "zones" for relaxing, splashing, or simply taking in the view of the sea.

On Odyssey of the Seas, the vibe is a bit more modern and compact, but just as exciting. You've got FlowRider for surf lovers, Sky Pad for jumping in VR, and the futuristic North Star capsule that lifts you high above the ship for jaw-dropping views. The pools and Solarium are minimalist, featuring cozy cabanas and built-in shade, perfect for longer days under the sun.

No matter which ship you're on, the top deck is where you'll spend golden hours and see the gorgeous sunsets from above.

Ship Zones & Activities Comparison

🍴 Dining at Cruise

Complimentary Dining on Board

Both ships share core complimentary venues like the Main Dining Room, Windjammer Café, Sorrento’s Pizza, Café Promenade, Solarium Bistro, and Coastal Kitchen (free for suite guests). They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on all ships.

That means every meal you have in one of these restaurants is already included in the cost of your cruise, no extra charges, no reservations needed (except for Coastal Kitchen).

In addition to the main restaurants, you’ll also find casual cafés and snack bars located near the pools on the upper decks. Perfect for grabbing a slice of pizza, a salad, a wrap, or some fries while enjoying the sun. And there’s a room service, if you want to eat alone)

Also, both ships have their own robotic bartender.
At the Bionic Bar, you order your drink via a screen, then watch two robotic arms shake, stir, and serve your cocktail with futuristic precision. It’s less about the drink itself, and more about the show, and trust me, it’s worth seeing at least once.

🍹 What about drinks?

There are also several beverage packages available, including the Deluxe Beverage Package (for cocktails, wine, specialty coffees, and more).

However, unless you plan to drink at least six cocktails or glasses of wine a day, it may not be worth it. If you're more of a 2-glasses-a-day type, I'd personally skip it and pay per drink.

🍽 What’s Not Included: Specialty Dining

Both ships also offer specialty restaurants (at additional cost) with more elevated or themed dining experiences. They’re booked separately, either through the app or once you’re onboard.

If you’re planning to try more than a few, there are two main package options:

• 3-Restaurant Package – lets you dine at any three specialty restaurants during your cruise. Perfect for shorter trips or if you just want to sample a few.

• Unlimited Dining Package – gives you access to almost all specialty venues every night, and even for lunch on sea days. Great if you want full flexibility and love food experiences.

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💡 Note: Some venues like Chef’s Table, Starbucks, and event-based dining (like wine tastings) are not included, even with the Unlimited package.

Each ship has its own lineup of restaurants, and not all venues exist across the fleet. For example, Wonderland is exclusive to Odyssey of the Seas, while 150 Central Park is exclusive to Oasis Class ships, such as Oasis of the Seas. So if you're a foodie, that can be a reason to choose one ship over another!

• Wonderland (Odyssey) — a dreamlike experience inspired by Alice in Wonderland, where every dish is whimsical, surreal, and designed to surprise.

• 150 Central Park (Oasis) — refined and elegant, with a beautifully curated tasting menu and a setting that feels like a fine dining restaurant.

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There are signature restaurants you’ll find on both ships:

• Chops Grille – a classic American steakhouse with a cozy, upscale vibe

• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen / Table – fresh pasta, Italian wines, and relaxed trattoria charm

• Teppanyaki – a lively grill-side cooking show for a limited number of people at one table

• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi – A dining experience with Japanese-style sushi, always a fun night out

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I had tried all the specialty venues on Odyssey, so when I sailed on Oasis, I focused on the ones that were new to me, such as 150 Central Park and Coastal Kitchen, which I hadn't visited previously (thanks to the unlimited dining package on Odyssey).

Additionally, since the European ports had longer stops, I sometimes had dinner in the city before returning to the ship, and honestly, it added even more to the experience.

If you fall in love with a particular restaurant, no problem! With the Unlimited Dining Package, you can go back as many times as you like. It’s a great way to try every dish on the menu.

Just keep in mind that if you keep going to the same place, you might miss out on all the other venues waiting to be explored.

💡 My tip: If you plan to try more than 2–3 specialty restaurants, it’s often worth getting a Dining Package, it saves money and lets you explore more.

Unlimited option often pays off, especially on longer cruises or ships with lots of specialty choices like Odyssey.

👨‍🍳 Chef’s Table: A Special Occasion Experience

All Royal Caribbean ships offer the Chef’s Table. An exclusive dinner for just 18 guests at a private table. It’s a multi-course wine-pairing experience hosted by the ship’s Executive Chef and Sommelier, where each dish is presented in detail and paired with a specific wine.

It’s not included in any dining package and must be booked separately. The whole experience lasts a few hours. I tried Chef’s Table on both ships.

The first time, on Odyssey, it felt fresh, creative, and impressive. The presentation was more playful, the service felt personal, and the overall vibe matched the special occasion.

The second time, on Oasis, I expected something different or upgraded, but the menu turned out to be nearly identical. It was still tasty, but it lacked the wow factor I had hoped for.

Would I do it again? I don’t think so. But for the first time, I recommend it. It’s a great way to experience something special on your first cruise.

🎭 Entertainment & Activities

On every ship, you’ll find unique and engaging entertainment, much of which is entirely free.

Free entertainment includes theater shows, performances, live music, comedy nights, movies, trivia games, karaoke, workshops (I created a gift box from a cardstock paper), and dance classes.

Some experiences on board come with an additional fee, such as cocktail workshops, escape rooms (on select ships), VR games, arcade zones, art auctions with paid painting sessions, and behind-the-scenes ship tours.

Each ship offers different themed workshops, from making origami gift boxes to napkin folding or towel animal classes. You might also join a behind-the-scenes tour of the main ship kitchen, a rare chance to see how thousands of meals are prepared daily.

Every evening, you’ll receive the Cruise Compass (or find it in the app), a full schedule of all next-day activities, workshops, live music, and entertainment.

At night, you’ll also find themed parties, karaoke battles, piano lounges, and even silent discos on some ships, just check the daily planner for surprises.

Every ship has its own unique lineup of shows, some so impressive, they feel just as good as professional theater productions on land.

What makes these shows special is the atmosphere, imagine watching a high-tech light show while the sea rolls behind the stage, or seeing a diver leap into a pool as the sun sets. The settings are part of the magic.

You don’t need a reservation for most of them, and they’re all included in your cruise fare. Here’s what I personally experienced:

🛳 On Odyssey of the Seas

• The Book – a visually stunning multimedia performance at Two70°, mixing dance, music, and visual effects

• Showgirl – full of classic Vegas/Broadway vibes show

• Comedy Club – nightly comedy shows with rotating acts, perfect if you’re in the mood for something fun

🛳 On Oasis of the Seas

• Aqua Show – a breathtaking spectacle at the open-air AquaTheater, combining diving, synchronized swimming, and aerial acrobatics

• Frozen in Time – an ice-skating performance based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales

• Broadway Shows – some sailings feature classics like Cats with full costumes and stage production

• Comedy Live – stand-up shows in an intimate club setting

• Magic Show – an interactive, funny, and genuinely surprising performance

💡Tip: For families, there are kids and teen clubs with tailored programs, so adults can relax while the little ones are entertained safely.

And depending on the season, you might catch a themed celebration. My first cruise was in late November, so I celebrated Thanksgiving. It all started with a mini-show (yes, with a dancing turkey!). A special holiday menu was served at dinner, and the evening ended with a balloon drop and a party.

The next morning, the entire ship was transformed into a Christmas atmosphere. Garland, twinkling lights, and music in every corner. It was magical.

So yes, my next goal is to spend New Year’s Eve or Christmas on a cruise. ✨

Why I’d cruise again, and why you might too 

After experiencing both Oasis and Odyssey, I can say this: cruising with Royal Caribbean is not just about the destinations, it’s about the journey itself. These ships are floating resorts with enough to fill a week (or more!) with food, fun, and unforgettable moments.

Royal Caribbean is known for its innovation, entertainment, and excellent service. Whether you’re a family looking for non-stop action, a couple chasing sunsets, or a solo traveler wanting to explore in comfort, you’ll find your place here.

They also own Celebrity Cruises, a more upscale line with sleek design and elevated dining, and Silversea, a luxury option for those who enjoy intimate, all-inclusive voyages.

If you're curious about trying a specific ship, you can check its route and availability on the Royal Caribbean website. Most ships spend the summer cruising around Europe, then cross the ocean to warmer regions for the winter, such as the Caribbean or South America.

And here's something not everyone knows: you can even book a one-way cruise. A Transatlantic cruise involves sailing across the Atlantic Ocean (typically between Europe and North America) and can be a unique way to slow down and enjoy long days at sea.

For me? I’m already dreaming of my next cruise…

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