With the launch of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas literally sailing as I write this post, it’s worth asking: is little-ole Oasis of the Seas still worth cruising on in 2025 / 2026?
I recently cruised on Oasis of the Seas from Barcelona. In which, it was my first time trying an Oasis-class ship. You can read that full review here.
You may not know this, but Oasis of the Seas was once the biggest cruise ship in the world – truly record-breaking at the time. Nowadays, she’s been overtaken by a number of her younger “sisters”: Utopia of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, and, of course, Star of the Seas.
How Much Did I Pay for a Week Onboard Oasis of the Seas?
But size isn’t everything, and Oasis isn’t just any ship. She was the first ship in Royal Caribbean’s game-changing Oasis-class, a fleet that has literally changed the cruise industry. And yes, she has inspired copycats across the industry – here’s looking at you, MSC World America.
So, let’s break it down: why Oasis of the Seas still deserves attention, and whether she’s right for your next cruise.
When Did Oasis of the Seas Launch?
Oasis of the Seas made her debut in December 2009, and she was an instant headline-grabber. At the time, she was the largest cruise ship ever built, introducing a new kind of cruise experience with her massive size and unique neighbourhood concept.
Her launch redefined what passengers could expect on a cruise: multiple themed areas, zip lines, surf simulators, and even a park with real trees – features that were unheard of at the time.
If you’re looking for a visual tour of Oasis of the Seas, I have a full dedicated blog post on that! Which you can view here.
Who is Oasis of the Seas Meant For?
Oasis is perfect for cruisers who want everything in one place:
- Families & kids: With the huge AquaTheater, pools, and youth programs, there’s no shortage of activities for children.
- Active cruisers: Rock climbing, zip-lining, FlowRider surfing – it’s basically a floating adventure park.
- Food lovers: With dozens of restaurants and specialty dining options, there’s something for every palate.
- Entertainment seekers: Broadway-style shows, ice skating, and live music mean your evenings are packed.
Basically, if you want a cruise ship that’s more like a floating city, Oasis still delivers.
Side note: I’m in the middle of uploading all my Oasis of the Seas videos to Youtube Shorts! Go check that out.
Is the Sequel Better? How Does Oasis of the Seas Compare to Star of the Seas?
Star of the Seas may grab headlines now as the newest megaship, but here’s how Oasis stacks up:
| Feature | Oasis of the Seas | Star of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2009 | 2025 |
| Passenger Capacity | ~5,400 | ~6,200+ |
| Neighborhood Concept | Yes | Yes, with expanded tech & luxury areas |
| Newest Attractions | FlowRider, zipline, AquaTheater | Next-gen water slides, robotics, more immersive entertainment |
| Dining | Classic Royal Caribbean options | Expanded specialty dining & new concepts |
The takeaway? Star has the newest toys, but Oasis still offers a full-scale experience at often lower prices – and she has the charm of a ship that defined an era.
How Does Oasis Compare to Older Royal Caribbean Ships?
Compared to older ships like Freedom-class or Voyager-class ships, Oasis is in a league of her own:
- Space & variety: She’s bigger, meaning more neighbourhoods and more room for activities.
- Modern amenities: Even after updates, Oasis offers newer entertainment and dining options than older ships.
- Capacity & crowd management: Being built for thousands of passengers, she handles crowds better than older vessels.
In short, Oasis of the Seas doesn’t just compete – she set the benchmark that all other Royal Caribbean ships try to follow.
Should You Book Oasis in 2025 / 2026?
If you’re looking for:
- A massive, activity-packed cruise
- Proven amenities and entertainment
- Slightly better value compared to the newest megaships
…then Oasis of the Seas is absolutely still worth it. She may not be the newest kid on the block anymore, but she’s a cruise icon, and that experience is hard to beat.
More from Owen Places
A Full Tour of Oasis of the Seas
Oasis in the Mediterranean: A Complete Cruise Itinerary Review
Should you still cruise on Independence of the Seas in 2025/2026?
