The last of November I had the privilege of a three-night cruise on the newest, largest cruise ship, the Oasis of the Seas!! It was absolutely the most awesome opportunity, a surreal experience. To begin with, I usually book an outside cabin with a balcony. This time I had an inside cabin with a balcony facing the interior of the ship, on the 11th deck and looking down to the 8th deck over the "central park" area and above was the sky!! The "Central Park" was an area of walkways, shops, eateries, lounges, with over 12,000 live plants, shrubs, vines etc. Absolutely incredible!!

The cabin was about the size of a typical inside cabin but did have a sofa and coffee table. A bit cozy but the space was well used - ample closet and drawer space for two of us. The bathroom was typical size but a little different arrangement that made it seem more spacious. There were extra towel hooks and under-sink space usage. The shower was round and adequate.

The room decor seemed similar in all the cabins I saw and was quite attractive.

On the 5th deck, below central park was the "Royal Promenade," another area of walkways, lounges, cafes, a pizzeria, plants and a wonderful place to just 'hang out.' There was always an activity of some sort -- music, dancers, displays, parades, clowns to keep you fascinated.. There was a 1936 super-charged Auburn automobile on display that was constantly attracting people with cameras. In fact, about every place on the ship was a great "photo op" moment!!

On this level was the Rising Tide Bar that actually elevated up and down between the 5th and 8th decks. As it went up from the 5th deck, a dancing water show with colored lights was on display, YES, under the bar!!

And speaking of great technology, the photo galley is unique. Remember the search among thousands of pictures for yours? This photo shop has your own special book of pictures based on the number on your sea pass (door key, sail card, whatever you want to call it). They took our picture and later is appeared in our folder--no searching. Unbelievable! Totally different!!!

Go up one deck and there was the Board Walk area with a carousel, ice cream parlor, donut shop, a shop to make your own stuffed bear, Johnny Rockets, a seafood shack, a bar and so much more!

The most interesting place was the aft of the ship, with a 17-½ foot kidney shaped pool with a very high diving board--the Aqua Theater. There was a huge trampoline used by pool performers. But the most thrilling part of the back of the ship, in another area, were the two large rock climbing walls, the two amazing surfing areas, a large basketball court, two areas with a total of four table tennis tables, an attractive miniature golf course, and the best part - a ZIP line!!!!!

The dining rooms I saw were extremely attractive and the food was wonderful!!! The service was top-notch!!! The buffet was not the usual boring line of food usually seen, but numerous food stations that stretch from starboard to aft and around to port side of the ship, with ample seating areas. Unfortunately, there were several dining rooms I did not get to see or try. (Just too many for 3 days).

There was an ice skating arena that included special shows, and other show rooms for various types of entertainment - the usual Vegas style shows, magic and comedy. The Oasis is also showing "HairSpray" this season, a wonderful musical stage play. It was magnificent! One of the men in our group said he paid $100 for two tickets to see that show in Vegas, but the Oasis production was far superior!!!

I ate and drank in as many places as I could on that short cruise!! And I am sorry to say I missed a lot of places. Oh, yes, the casino!! It was so large, it was hard to imagine you were on a cruise ship. One of the girls in our group won $123 on a penny slot (of course she eventually gave it all back) doesn't that happen a lot????

I toured a number of different size cabins and some were 2 bedroom, 2 bath with large living room and balcony. They were all different sizes, locations and prices. There were a large number of inside cabins with balconies overlooking Central Park! Amazing were the loft cabins with a bedroom and bath on a 2nd level. I think I understood there are 37 cabin variations and prices.

I expected to do an unusual amount of walking on the ship. However, it seemed we were so conveniently located and there were numerous elevators, so it did not seem like we did as much walking as usual to get around. I have to admit that I did get lost a couple times trying to find a specific place. In several places they had a large touch screen on the wall to find your way in the ship. I never did see the spa and exercise area., the jogging track, the bridge, where they entertain the children and teens, and I'm sure there were other interesting things I missed. I really need another, longer cruise to visit everything on the ship!!!

I would highly recommend a cruise on the Oasis for everyone. Even though it may cost a bit more than some of the other ships, it is well worth the experience. The ship itself, is considered a destination!!! During 2010 it is sailing in the Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale.