The Oasis and Quantum Classes make up some of Royal Caribbean's latest and greatest ships, so which is the best to sail on?
If you're trying to choose between these two classes, it can be hard to know which is the best option. These are not just some of the biggest cruise ships, but also two of the most popular classes in the fleet.
Cruise ships are organized into ship classes, and it's based on the general design and layout of the ship. Both classes of vessels make for great first-time cruise experiences. They're not only best for families, but they offer just about something for everyone.
Royal Caribbean has invested a lot into each ship, and they all come with great amenities.
Although you can't go wrong when choosing a cruise, each vessel has distinct attractions that appeal to different guests' preferences.
As you're making your decision, you should consider your preferred activities, cabins, and entertainment.
Let's look at some of the key differences between two of the most popular classes in the fleet.
Activities
Quantum Class ships shine when it comes to unique activities.
Each ship has a SeaPlex indoor sports center, complete with bumper cars and sports courts.
They also feature the North Star, an observation pod that takes passengers 300 feet above the sea for a view all around the ship.
For an even more exciting adventure, try the Ripcord by iFLY sky-diving simulator.
Guests can experience the fun of sky-diving without the panic of jumping out of an airplane inside this high-speed wind tunnel.
Quantum Class ships also feature the FlowRider surf simulator, allowing guests to ride the waves right onboard the cruise ship.
As for the activities on Oasis Class ships, cruisers will find that there is more than one can do in a week. The Oasis Class ships are not just big, but some of the biggest cruise ships in the world.
Seven to eight neighborhoods on each ship provide a range of interests and activities, such as the Central Park and Boardwalk areas.
Read more: I've only sailed Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships: Will I be disappointed if I try other ships?
Activities include two rock climbing walls, ice skating, zip lining, mini-golf, running tracks, a carousel, laser tag, escape rooms, and two FlowRider surf simulators.
Oasis Class ships excel when it comes to waterparks, featuring three Perfect Storm waterslides.
This Class of ship also features the tallest dry slide at sea: the 10-story Ultimate Abyss ride (except on Allure of the Seas).
If you're looking for more unique, technology-focused activities, a Quantum-Class ship might be the vessel for you. On the other hand, if you like to stay active and busy, Oasis-Class ships will have an overwhelming amount of activities available.
Cabins
Each class of ship offers different variations of the classic Royal Caribbean cabin categories.
Oasis Class ships, for example, have interior staterooms that also include oceanview staterooms, and Promenade view staterooms.
These ships offer unique staterooms by neighborhood, such as the Boardwalk view balconies, Central Park view balconies, and AquaTheater suites.
Larger groups and families traveling together will find many options onboard, and more than five guests can sleep in one room.
The larger suites onboard, such as the Royal Loft Suite, Ultimate Family Suite, and Villa Suite, even sleep up to 14 passengers.
Quantum Class ships, on the other hand, have fewer staterooms for large groups onboard.
Families of five or more who want to book a single stateroom have one option: The Royal Loft Suite.
However, connecting cabins are always available.
Quantum Class vessels excel when it comes to pioneering technological advances in the staterooms onboard.
These vessels were the first to offer virtual balconies. These staterooms are a great plus for guests who want to save money by booking an interior cabin but still get an ocean view.
A floor-to-ceiling HD screen inside the stateroom offers real-time views, with sound, of the outside view.
Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas have digital keys available on the Royal Caribbean app, which guests can use to open the door with their phone, instead of fumbling around to find their SeaPass card.
Entertainment
Both Quantum and Oasis Class ships feature high-quality entertainment onboard.
Some of them even share similar shows. Spectrum of the Seas (a Quantum-Class vessel) was the first to release The Effectors, a popular original show written by Royal Caribbean. Its sequel, the Effectors II was later debuted on Wonder of the Seas, an Oasis-Class ship.
However, Broadway fans are better off seeking an Oasis Class cruise.
Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas are all Oasis-Class ships that feature Broadway musicals, while the only Quantum-Class to feature one is Anthem of the Seas.
Both types of ships have a large Royal Theater, but also feature two very different entertainment venues.
Royal Caribbean designed an entirely new venue on Quantum Class ships called Two70. The indoor, two-story amphitheater is located on the aft of the ship, offering sweeping (270º) views of the ocean.
Guests can experience marvelous shows inside, combining visual effects, acrobats, and six robot screens that move and synchronize with the show.
Oasis-Class ships, on the other hand, have the AquaTheater, an outdoor amphitheater also placed at the aft.
The pool goes down to a depth of 17.9 feet on some ships, making it one of the deepest pools at sea.
The AquaShows performed in the Aquatheater combine dance, acrobatics, diving, extreme sports, and lights and music for a one-of-a-kind performance.
Picking the right one for you
New and seasoned cruisers will love both the Oasis and Quantum Classes because of all the activities and amenities they have to offer.
You can't go wrong picking either class—each vessel will be its own adventure.
However, different classes have distinct attractions that might appeal to individual guests.
You should lean towards picking a Quantum Class ship if you're...
Cruising with teens
Bumper cards, Ripcord by iFLY, dance clubs, and sports centers make the Quantum Class a great choice for teens, tweens, and older kids.
There are a lot of fun, self-guided activities onboard that are perfect for older children.
Read more: Anthem of the Seas vs. Oasis of the Seas
Wanting to cruise Alaska
Royal Caribbean stations multiple Quantum-Class ships on Alaska itineraries each year.
These ships make for great options to sail to the region.
Quantum Class ships have indoor pools, the North Star observation capsules, indoor sports activities, and more features that make them the perfect, high-class ships to explore the region.
If seeing the "Last Frontier" is on your bucket list, a cruise on a Quantum Class vessel makes for a luxury adventure.
Read more: I cruised on the oldest and newest cruise ships to Alaska: here’s how they compare
Love technology
Quantum Class ships focus on the latest technology, with RFID bracelets, robot bartenders, virtual balcony cabins, and more.
These vessels are all about presenting the latest advances that can enhance cruisers' experiences.
Lovers of technology will appreciate all that a Quantum Class ship has to offer.
On the other hand, you should consider sailing on an Oasis Class ship if you...
Want to stay busy
Oasis Class vessels are mega-ships that have a staggering amount of activities and events onboard.
If you like having more options than you can do in one day, an Oasis Class ship is for you.
Read more: I tried every Oasis Class cruise ship, here's how I would rank them
With the variety of activities onboard, you'll always have a lot of choices, and never a dull moment.
Love getting active
For cruisers who like to get busy and stay active, Oasis Class ships are a great fit.
Two FlowRiders, two rock climbing walls, ice skating, zip lining, mini-golf, running tracks, and more are available for those who enjoy a good physical challenge.
The sports facilities and dance classes on Oasis Class ships are an impressive choice, offering many unique opportunities to stay fit while onboard.
Need lots of dining options
If you want or need a lot of dining options, whether because of dietary restrictions, picky eaters, or just a love of food, the Oasis Class will offer a ton of choices.
While Quantum Class ships don't slack in the dining department, the Oasis Class cannot be beaten.
These ships have bars, restaurants, and lounges all over the ship, offering a variety of cuisine, from sushi to Southern comfort.
