Adventure Ocean: Youth Programs on Oasis of the Seas

by Kate on November 29th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Blogging, Reviews

As part of the Oasis of the Seas preview cruise, I attended an informational session about and tour of the Youth Programs. The programs and facilities are extremely impressive. Hearing about the activities and seeing the toys, games and beautiful setting for little ones made me want to book a cruise on the spot.

Interesting Facts

  • 37 Youth Staff. Bachelor’s Degree in a related field is required as well as 3 to 5 years experience working with kids.
  • 12 % of passengers on Royal Carribean are under 17.
  • Youth programs curriculum is based on age and there are enough programs so that your child will never do the same thing twice in a week-long cruise.

Youth Facilities

  • Adventure Ocean – Huge Youth Zone occupying the front of the ship. Includes, Play (an area for parents to play with kids independent of formal programs), Nursery, Science Lab, Art Studio, Theater, Arcade with rated G games, and age specific classrooms.
  • Teen Facilities – Located separately from Adventure Ocean so 12 – 17 year olds have some independence and includes Living Room Lounge, Back Deck Lounge, Fuel Nightclub. Situated near the FlowRiders, Zip Line, Putt Putt Golf Course, arcade, basketball and table tennis courts. Many activities are divided into 12 – 14 year olds and 15 – 17 year olds.

Adventure Ocean Program Highlights

  • Adventure Ocean Theater: the first-ever children’s theater at sea – complete with a stage and curtains, audience seating and state-of-the-art production equipment – where children of all ages can learn about theatrical productions, take part in talent shows, or sign up for hip hop dance classes. Features original program Imagine Ocean created by John Tartaglia and Little People Live.
  • Imagination Studio: Arts and crafts connected to ports of call, features Crayola products.
  • Adventure Science Lab: Fully stocked lab for educational and fun science projects.

For more information, and to book your cruise, check out OasisoftheSeas.com and RoyalCaribbean.com.

Wordless Wednesday: Sweet Tooth

by Kate on November 24th, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Weekly Features, Wordless Wednesday

If, like me, you have a sweet tooth you will find plenty to love aboard The Oasis of the Seas, including a Donut Shop and the adorable Cupcake Cupboard.

OasisoftheSeas Donut ShopOasis of the Seas Complimentary Donut ShopOasis of the Seas Cupcake CupboardOasis of the Seas Lemon CupcakesOasis of the Seas Strawberry CupcakesOasis of the Seas Chocolate Cupcake

I look forward to seeing your photos.

Adventure Ocean Theater

by Kate on November 23rd, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Blogging, Life

I just finished a tour of the Children and Family facilities on The Oasis of the Seas and it was amazing! Lots more on that when I get home.

One of the coolest parts of the programs is the Adventure Ocean Theater – the only children’s theater on the ocean. In addition to creating and starring in their own programs, children can watch two productions.

Imagine Ocean

Do your kids watch Johnny & The Sprites? Well, the Tony-nominated star of that children’s show, John Tartaglia, created a black light puppet show about three fish friends. We saw a portion of the play today and it’s darling. Toddler Boy would love it.  And, Johnny, er John, was there (sans Sprites) to introduce the production.

john tartaglia

Fisher Price Presents: Lil People Birthday Party

The other program in the theater features Fisher Price’s Little People, celebrating their 50th Birthday Party. And your little ones are invited to the party.

The Adventure Ocean Theater is just one small part of the programs and facilities geared towards little cruisers on The Oasis of the Seas.

On the Water

by Kate on November 23rd, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Blogging, Life

Here are a few photos from my iPhone of our first day on the Oasis of the Seas.

Our stateroom and a view from our room overlooking the Boardwalk.

We are having a great time and I have tons of photos, information and tips to share when I get more reliable internet access.

A Cruisin’ We Will Go

by Kate on November 22nd, 2009  |  5 Comments  |  Blogging, Life

As I write this I am preparing to leave my little ones for two nights. It’s the first time both kids will be away from both parents for two nights. I know they’ll be in good hands with my in laws, but it’s still a lot little nerve-wracking. I know they’re good, well adjusted kids and they will be fine, but it will probably be a bit rough on Baby Girl. She’s been pretty clingy with me lately and I’m still breastfeeding. She did fairly well when I traveled to ShopAtHome.com in September, and this time there are two caregivers so the ratio is better. I’m hoping that means all the extra hugs and kisses from her grandma and grandpa will help make the two days bearable for her. I know Toddler Boy will be fine – he’ll probably talk them into giving him cake for breakfast and stay up way past his bedtime to cuddle and watch movies on the couch.

oasisoftheseasAnyway, I am so, so excited about the little getaway for my husband and me. We are going on a preview cruise of the Oasis of the Seas by Royal Caribbean! (All thanks to Cat from 3 Kids and Us. She was invited – I am so not that cool – and was unable to attend. I got uber lucky and she passed her invite my way.) Oasis of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship and is set to officially launch in December. I hope to blog and twitter from the ship so keep checking back for updates and photos. From what I’ve read and seen, this ship looks amazing!