It's been 15 years since Royal Caribbean introduced the megaship to the world, and they remain massively popular for good reason.
What makes these ships so successful?
Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, answered this question at a talk on Utopia of the Seas' preview cruise last month.
Ashely Kosciolek from The Points Guy asked, "What about the Oasis Class makes it so popular that you're still rolling out new ships 15 years later?"
"This class of ship for Royal Caribbean has been a true game changer," Bayley replied, "Its level of satisfaction for the customer is epic."
When Oasis of the Seas, the first Oasis Class ship, debuted in 2009, it was a really big deal.
Spanning 1,186 feet long, with a capacity for 6,780 passengers, it was the largest cruise ship in the world.
The Oasis Class remained the largest cruise ships until they were dethroned by Royal Caribbean's next big project: The Icon Class.
Icon of the Seas, launched in 2024, measures a whopping 1,196 feet long and can carry 7,514 guests.
Read more: See how Royal Caribbean ships stack up by size (2024)
Neighborhoods are part of what makes these ships so successful
Royal Caribbean's dominance on huge ships has been extremely profitable for the cruise line.
The sense of breaking a record by sailing the biggest cruise ships draws in passengers, as well as the opportunity for extra onboard amenities.
Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO, explained that “Newer, larger ships can break even on cash flow at around 35% capacity, while older, smaller ships are closer to 50%."
After releasing one Icon Class ship and a new Oasis Class ship, Royal Caribbean is experiencing record profits this year.
Neighborhoods have become Royal Caribbean's formula for creating a successful mega-ship.
According to Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO, part of the Oasis Class' success lies in its size separating into different neighborhoods.
"Ironically, the reason why it works so well is neighborhoods," he said.
"Neighborhoods have been able to pull people together into spaces that they really enjoy. And it creates a feeling of spaciousness elsewhere."
Royal Caribbean intends for its neighborhoods to offer something for everyone; a place where like-minded cruisers can congregate.
"The neighborhood concept [is about] creating spaces for family and everyone has something [they] are excited to do during the day."
The huge size of an Oasis Class ship allows it to be separated into different neighborhoods, which then assists cruisers in better navigating the vessel.
Having a cluster of neighborhoods on a cruise ship serves to make it feel even bigger, while also providing separate spaces depending on a cruiser's interests.
On Wonder of the Seas, launched in 2022, eight neighborhoods provide space for every attraction. Utopia of the Seas also has eight neighborhoods.
For those looking for active fun, the Pool and Sports Zone is located on the top decks, providing pools, waterslides, and other sports activities.
Quiet nature lovers will enjoy the open-air Central Park and its dining venues, while the Royal Promenade is an exciting, happening area, filled with shops, bars, and dining.
Read more: Royal Caribbean Oasis Class Ships by Age
Different neighborhoods allow families and groups to separate during the day, enjoy their preferences, and then come together for an evening meal and a show.
"It's the perfect family vacation because it's great to be with your family... to a degree." Bayley pointed out. "Sometimes you don't want to be with them, you know. So all day, everybody goes off and does their thing."
Royal Caribbean continued this concept into the Icon Class.
Icon of the Seas boasts eight neighborhoods, one of which focuses completely on providing a space for little kids to have fun.
Surfside neighborhood was designed specifically for younger children to enjoy, with quick bites, a colorful Playscape area, and the Splashaway Bay pool area.
"We really focused on bringing the little kids into Surfside," Bayley said.
According to him, hundreds of little kids and their parents went from running all over the ship to spending their days in Surfside neighborhood.
"And they love that space. You can't get those kids out."
Royal Caribbean is dedicated to the Oasis Class
Mr. Bayley spoke to Royal Caribbean's dedication to its Oasis Class.
He recently sailed on Oasis of the Seas for the 2024 President's Cruise.
"I hadn't been on Oasis for a number of years," he said, "And as I looked around that ship, I'm like, wow, what a great ship!"
The Oasis Class has been a game-changing, record-breaking family of ships for the cruise line.
Read more: I've only sailed Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships: Will I be disappointed if I try other ships?
Additionally, Oasis Class ships are aging very well. Royal Caribbean has invested a lot into these ships and plans to continue doing so.
"Just before the pandemic, we put almost a quarter of $1 billion into one of the Oasis class ships just to bring it up to speed."
In 2019, Oasis of the Seas underwent a Royal Amplification that added new amenities and changes.
The ship received guest favorites such as:
- Re-designed, Caribbean-style pool deck
- Lime & Coconut signature bar
- Ultimate Abyss slide (dry slide)
- The Perfect Storm water slides
- Splashaway Bay Aqua Park
- Portside BBQ specialty restaurant
- El Loco Fresh complimentary Mexican restaurant
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
- Sugar Beach Candy Shop
- Spotlight Karaoke venue
- Music Hall live music venue
- Bionic Bar
- Revamped Adventure Ocean
- Mission Control: Apollo 18 escape room
"We are dedicated to the Oasis Class," Bayley said.
