We recently went on our first cruise on Oasis of the Seas. It was so exciting to go on this amazing boat, and we were able to get some great tips before heading out to make our trip a little easier. Here are some ideas and things we learned along the way that helped us make the most of our trip.

Be Prepared for Them To Take Your Luggage When You Board

As soon as we got on the boat, the staff took our luggage. Make sure you have your swimsuits or basics in your carry ons. We ended up not completely prepared for the pool, and it would have been nice to have all of our pool stuff ready to go.

Buy Lanyards

We bought cheap cruise lanyards on Amazon to hold our room keys. This made things so much easier, not having to keep track of a room/drink card, especially when you want to go to the pool in your swimsuit.

Familiarize Yourself With the Ship Layout

Before boarding the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas, it helps to understand just how massive it is. With multiple “neighborhoods” like Central Park, the Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade, getting oriented early can save you time and frustration. Reviewing deck plans ahead of your trip or using the onboard app will help you navigate more easily once you arrive.

Book Excursions, Dining, and Entertainment Early

Popular shows and specialty dining venues fill up quickly. As soon as reservations become available, secure your spots for must-see performances and restaurants. We knew we wanted to swim with the pigs at Coco Cay, so we booked that as soon as we could, and sure enough it booked up quickly afterwards.

Planning ahead ensures you won’t miss out on some of the most memorable experiences onboard.

Pack Smartly

An Oasis-class cruise offers everything from poolside lounging to formal evenings, so packing a variety of outfits is essential. Bring swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, and at least one dressy outfit for dinners or events. Don’t forget sunscreen, a light jacket for breezy evenings, and any essentials you may not want to purchase onboard.

If you are flying to the port, you will have limited liquids in your luggage. We went to CVS before we boarded the ship for some full size sunscreens. Be prepared for the on-board prices to be quite expensive, and the sunscreen also ran out the last day, so we had to buy some at the port (which was also quite expensive!).

Take Advantage of Included Activities

There are plenty of complimentary options onboard, from live shows and music to fitness classes and pools. You don’t have to spend extra money to have a great time. Making the most of these included experiences can enhance your trip while keeping your budget in check.

Be Flexible, Don’t Overschedule

While it’s helpful to have a general plan, avoid over-scheduling every moment. The Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas offers so much that you’ll likely discover unexpected activities or hidden spots you’ll want to enjoy. Leave room for spontaneity.

Be Strategic

With thousands of passengers onboard, timing can make a big difference. Visit popular attractions like pools, buffets, and slides early in the morning or later in the evening when crowds are lighter. This allows you to enjoy more without long waits. We tried to reserve chairs early in the morning with towels, and I would also leave flip flops or something else on the chairs. We did have our towels stolen a few times. You may also want to consider chair bands, which attaches your towel to the chair, since the top deck was windy and people were taking other people’s chairs.

Stay Connected With the App

Using the official Royal Caribbean International app can make your trip smoother. It helps you track your schedule, manage reservations, and stay updated on daily activities. It’s especially useful for coordinating plans with family or friends onboard. My daughter was able to connect with other teens to meet up around the ship and make some friends.

Make the Most of Port Days

While the ship itself is a destination, the ports of call offer exciting opportunities to explore new places. Plan excursions in advance or enjoy exploring on your own. Just be sure to return to the ship on time, as it won’t wait for late passengers.

Take Time to Relax

With so many activities available, it’s easy to feel like you need to do everything. Remember to slow down and enjoy the experience. Whether it’s watching the ocean from a quiet deck or enjoying a leisurely meal, taking time to relax is part of what makes a cruise special.