Photo of Oasis of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Ship

Oasis of the Seas Themed Areas

With launch of Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International has introduced its new, revolutionary concept of having a cruise ship with seven distinct themed zones:

• Boardwalk
• Central Park
• Entertainment Place
• The Pool and Sports Zone
• The Royal Promenade
• Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center
• Youth Zone

Oasis of the Seas’ themed zones represent the next generation of cruise ships, pushing the cruising experience to previously unknown levels. The themed zones will allow each passenger to seek personalized experiences that most suit their style or mood at that given time.

Oasis of the Seas Leaving Shipyard in Turku, Finland After it was Finished, Photo: Zache, Wikipedia

Oasis of the Seas Boardwalk

Cruise ship’s Boardwalk is a place to take a family for a stroll. Several eateries of different sorts are scattered along, mixed here and there with common retail outlets and carnival games. The Boardwalk is where the first-at-sea handmade carousel can be found.

Hand Carved Carousel Commissioned By Royal Caribbean for the Oasis of the Seas, Photo: KM&G-Morris, Flickr

Oasis of the Seas AquaTheater

AquaTheater is an open deck amphitheater that is situated at the rear of Oasis of the Seas, around a large, kidney-shaped freshwater pool. This unique set up offers passengers different experience during the day and again different experience at night. While the sun is up, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon on sun loungers surrounding the pool or jump right in for a swim. Scuba diving instructors are available for those wishing to learn all about the ways to explore the world deep down underneath the surface of the sea. The when the night sets in and surrounding seas go dark, the AquaTheater becomes a venue of eye-popping theatrical performances. Accompanied by staggering light and synchronized fountain shows, Oasis of the Seas dancers, acrobats and swimmers perform their heart-stopping acts that involve water ballet, high diving, and synchronized swimming of world class proportions.

Oasis of the Seas Aqua Theater, Photo: steamboatsorg, Flickr

Oasis of the Seas Rising Tide Bar

Another revolutionary feature offered by Oasis of the Seas is the Rising Tide Bar, a bar which traverses the patrons up and down three decks. You could pop in a bar from Royal Promenade, order a cocktail and enjoy it as the Rising Tide Bar slowly ascends to the Central Park area where tropical gardens spread over an area of a football field, offering peaceful walkways surrounded by lush greens.

Oasis of the Seas Accommodation Options

Aside from decks for live in crew members, Oasis of the Seas spans 16 decks and houses 2,700 staterooms, including 28 new and exciting multilevel loft suites with floor to ceiling windows for perfect view of the sea. The introduction of the theme zones offers new level of cruise ship accommodation experiences unique to Oasis of the Seas. With 37 categories of accommodation options, Oasis of the Seas features lodging to satisfy all tastes.

Balcony staterooms with Boardwalk View or Park View offer less expensive accommodation facing inward. The lofts on the other hand are the most expensive accommodation option but offer highest standard accommodation found on the seas. Aside spectacular ocean views, the Lofts are decorated with unique artwork, offer spacious living areas and a private balcony where guests can lounge on sun chairs with breath taking views of the ocean. Coveted lofts (remember, there are only 28 of them on Oasis of the Seas and there is only one Oasis of the Seas that offers this type of on the sea accommodation) are equipped with high end LCD televisions, luxurious duvets that complement tropical green and blue accents of the rooms, bathrooms with fog free mirrors and shower heads for him and her, separate vanity areas and limestone mosaic tiles.

Lush Gardens of Central Park with Live Trees on Oasis of the Seas, Photo: steamboatsorg, Flickr

Oasis of the Seas Itineraries

Fort Lauderdale in Florida is Oasis of the Seas departure port. The itinerary of Royal Caribbean cruise ships changes based on which time of year it is. As for Oasis of the Seas, itineraries are set as follows:

Oasis of the Seas Itinerary 2009:
Ports of call are listed in order in which they are visited. This is a 7 night, Eastern Caribbean holiday cruise:

• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
• Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Oasis of the Seas Itinerary 2010 – Odd Weeks:
Ports of call are listed in order in which they are visited. This is a 7 night, Western Caribbean holiday cruise:

• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Labadee, Haiti
• Costa Maya, Mexico
• Cozumel, Mexico
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Departure Dates Include: 01 May 2010, 15 May 2010, 29 May 2010, 12 June 2010, 26 June 2010, 10 July 2010, 24 July 2010, 07 August 2010, 21 August 2010, 04 September 2010, 18 September 2010, 02 Octtober 2010, 16 October 2010, 30 October 2010, 13 November 2010

Oasis of the Seas Itinerary 2010 – Beginning of Year:
Ports of call are listed in order in which they are visited. This is a 7 night, Eastern Caribbean holiday cruise:

• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
• Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Departure Dates Include: 02 January 2010, 09 January 2010, 16 January 2010, 23 January 2010, 30 January 2010, 06 February 2010, 13 February 2010, 20 February 2010, 27 February 2010, 06 March 2010, 13 March 2010, 20 March 2010, 27 March 2010, 03 April 2010, 10 April 2010

Oasis of the Seas Itinerary 2011 – Odd Weeks:
Ports of call are listed in order in which they are visited. This is a 7 night, Eastern Caribbean holiday cruise:

• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
• Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Departure Dates Include: 04 December 2010, 15 January 2011, 29 January 2011, 12 February 2011, 26 February 2011, 12 March 2011, 26 March 2011, 09 April 2011, 23 April 2011, 07 May 2011, 21 May 2011, 04 June 2011, 18 June 2011, 02 July 2011, 16 July 2011, 30 July 2011, etc…

Oasis of the Seas Itinerary 2011 – Even Weeks:
Ports of call are listed in order in which they are visited. This is a 7 night, Western Caribbean holiday cruise:

• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Labadee, Haiti
• Falmouth, Jamaica
• Cozumel, Mexico
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Departure Dates Include: 11 December 2010, 08 January 2011, 22 January 2011, 05 February 2011, 19 February 2011, 05 March 2011, 19 March 2011, 02 April 2011, 16 April 2011, 30 April 2011, 14 May 2011, 28 May 2011, 11 June 2011, 25 June 2011, 09 July 2011, 23 July 2011, etc…

Oasis of the Seas Docked at Labadee, Haiti, Photo: Beaster725, Flickr

Oasis of the Seas Video

This video is a nice introduction to Oasis of the Seas and its features. The video was recorded prior to ship’s official launch but it gives nice perspective of what this cruise ship has to offer and why it stands out from the rest:

Oasis of the Seas officially launched on December 1st, 2009 and has already served first lucky vacationers. Features and options Oasis of the Seas offers are unrivalled in holiday cruise ship industry. At this time, Oasis of the Seas is the only ship of this size and of this type but its identical twin sister called Allure of the Seas will join her in the Caribbean in November 2010.

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• Maho Beach in St Marteen – Planes Landing Above Your Head
• Alaska Cruise Deals End in 2010 as Cruise Lines Cut Back
• Bob Marley Mausoleum, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
• Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Bob Marley Birthplace, Nine Mile Mausoleum, Photo: david_e_waldron, Flickr

Bob Marley Mausoleum and Bob Marley centre are great attractions available to tourists visiting Ocho Rios in Jamaica. The mausoleum is located in small hamlet called Nine Mile that houses both birth place and burial place of Bob Marley, his childhood home and a cottage with two rooms that contains Bob Marley family keepsakes. A vegetarian restaurant and a Bob Marley memorabilia gift shop are adjacent.

Bob Marley Mausoleum Location

Nine Mile, the hamlet where Bob Marley Mausoleum is located is about an hour and a half away from Ocho Rios. It may seem like a long ride, but it’s well worth it, especially if you’re a fan of reggae music or Bob Marley as an artist, singer and musician. Zion Bus services run between Ocho Rios and Nine Mile offering affordable and comfortable transport to and from the place. Zion Buses to Nine Mile are often painted in bright colors with Bob Marley posters all over and play Bob Marley’s music to get you all in the mood. You also have an option of renting a 4×4 and driving to Nine Mile at your own pace. Parking at Nine Mile is limited, though. Either way, visiting Nine Mile and the Bob Marley Mausoleum is likely to become the highlight of your stay in Jamaica. Do it, you won’t regret.

Getting off Ocho Rios and its tourist resorts will introduce you to the real Jamaica. There are many Jamaican kids around Nine Mile asking tourists for dollars, but small trinkets from a dollar store or lollipops make them just as happy. This is what real Jamaica looks like and these things are part of it. It’s also not unusual to see every local in sight ask money for everything. You could get approached by a random guy who would ask you to give him money for looking at the field he helped to maintain. Or he could ask you to give him money for simply talking to you. It’s easy to reject if you don’t feel comfortable giving anything away, but it could get overwhelming especially if this type of approach is not common in your home country.

Also, be aware that road to Nine Mile is not in the greatest of conditions and depending on a driver, could turn into a rather jumpy adventure. The further you get, the narrower, curvier and steeper it gets. You’ll see the driver honking his horn just to let everyone know that he’s coming through. It’s different, it’s Jamaica.

Bob Marley Mausoleum Address:
off the B3
St. Ann
Nine Mile
Jamaica

If you decide to drive there yourself, you may want to call first to make reservation. The phone number is +1 876 995 1763.

Driving Directions:
Take the B3 south from Ocho Rios to Brown’s Town, which is about 24 miles away. Continue south to Alexandria, then turn east at the signs for Alva. Continue for next 9.25 miles until you arrive at Nine Mile.

Bob Marley Mausoleum Tour

The Bob Marley Mausoleum guided tour is about an hour to three hours long and will take you through Bob Marley’s life, starting with his birthplace and finishing with his place of eternal rest. You will get to see the tomb of Bob Marley, which is elevated to about 6 feet above ground level. You will also get to see his cooking pit and his rock pillow.

The tour is accompanied by a lot of singing and is guaranteed to leave you in awe. It’s highly inspiring to see that someone from such humble surroundings appealed to millions upon millions of people. Once within mausoleum, you will feel like you’re feet away from one of the greatest musicians of 20th century.

The tours are open from 9:30am to 6:30pm every day and cost $10 – $15, depending on season.

Kids Selling Ganja at Bob Marley Mausoleum, Photo: skibler, Flickr

Bob Marley Mausoleum and Ganja

Ganja smoking is legal within the gates of Nine Mile. As a matter of fact, not only it is legal, everyone is expected to have some. As a parent, you may want to reconsider taking a tour if you’re with kids. Similarly, if you’re not a marijuana smoker or if it offends you, you may want to pass on visiting Nine Mile and the Bob Marley Mausoleum.

Rastafari Sign at Bob Marley's house, Photo: skibler, Flickr

How to Behave at the Bob Marley Mausoleum

Visitors to the Bob Marley Mausoleum should be aware of a few customs surrounding near sacred grounds of Nine Mile. You are free to smoke ganja inside the Bob Marley Mausoleum, but you have to take your shoes off. The Bob Marley Mausoleum is a sacred place for many Rastafarians, taking your shoes off is a sign of respect and should not be disputed. It is not allowed to take pictures inside the mausoleum. The tomb of Bob Marley is placed in such spot so the sun gets to shine on it through a stained glass window Star of David. It’s really breathtaking.

Related Vacation Ideas

• Ocho Rios, Jamaica
• Oasis of the Seas – Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Ship

Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Photo: Glenn Standish, Wikipedia

Ocho Rios is the second most popular resort town and tourist destination in Jamaica. Unlike Montego Bay – its bigger and busier brother, Ocho Rios is not overrun with bad crime and high murder rate, making it the safest and most recommended vacation destination in Jamaica.

Ocho Rios History

Ocho Rios used to be a small parochial village. Local economy was mostly driven by fishing and banana growing until it was discovered and turned into a popular tourist destination. Today, Ocho Rios is one of the busiest ports of call for cross-Caribbean cruise ships, bringing thousands of new visitors to the town every day. This fast growing popularity made Ocho Rios one of Caribbean’s fastest growing towns. The popularity grew further after completion of Jamaica’s north coast highway that connected Sir Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay – largest airport in Jamaica with Ocho Rios, making the destination easily accessible to vacationers visiting Jamaica by air.

Hotels in Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios is home to several of Jamaica’s best hotels and resorts. Below is the list of Ocho Rios’ finest:

• Couples Sans Souci Resort & Spa
• Couples Tower Island
• Sandals Grande Ocho Ríos
• Sunset Jamaica Grande
• RIU Hotel Ocho Ríos
• Shaw Park Beach Hotel & Spa
• Royal Plantation
• The Blue House Luxury Bed and Breakfast Inn
• Jamaica Inn

Ocho Rios Attractions

The #1 attraction not only in Ocho Rios, but in whole of Jamaica is Dunn’s River Falls – the waterfalls that cascades down directly into the Caribbean Sea. There aren’t many falls like that anywhere in the world. Most typically you have a river, then a waterfall and then it continues as a river again. In case of Dunn’s River Falls, you have a river, then there’s a waterfall and then there’s the sea. A must do activity when visiting Dunn’s River Falls is to climb the falls. It means exactly what it sounds like – you’d climb against the falls, against the stream of water that rushes around you. It’s an extraordinary experience and doesn’t require high level of fitness. Chains are available for those in need of holding onto something secure and it’s also possible to hire a guide who will lead you up the falls. It’s a must do when taking Ocho Rios holiday.

Ocho Rios - Dunn's River Falls, Photo: Jim9685, Flickr

Attraction #2 – Dolphin Cove. Once again, this attraction is exactly what it sounds like. You can go for a swim along with dolphins. You can touch dolphins, get kissed by dolphins, interact with these beautiful fish and frolic in the water with them. Dolphin Cove is definitely an unforgettable experience and one of the most popular attractions in Jamaica.

Ocho Rios is home to many other great attractions. The Bob Marley Mausoleum features a nine mile tour that will take you on a journey through various stages of Bob Marley’s life. Ocho Rios Craft Market is a small fenced area where locals try to sell you things and are not afraid to approach you to make sure you do business with them, not the merchant next door (or should I say “next stall”). It’s a little bit of real Jamaica with real locals, but very safe, even though could be a little bit intimidating because of pushy salesmen. However, they’re not any more pushy than most car sales men you’d dealt in your home town. Negotiate the price if you like the article and if you’re unable to get the price you like, just walk away. It’s that simple. If you want to see a lot in a short time, you can opt for one or more of many available tours. Phil Lafayette Tours has a great reputation, and so does Peat Taylor Tours. Their offices are easy to locate and offer variety of tours to meet any level of expectancy.

Ocho Rios - Dolphin Cove, Photo: *amelia*, Flickr

There is anything but shortage of attractions and things to do in Ocho Rios. It’s near impossible to not enjoy your vacation when heading over there. Ocho Rios means Eight Rivers in Spanish. The night life in the area is lively and features its own rendition of Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. Many celebrities have their private retreats in Ocho Rios. It definitely counts as a great vacation idea. And don’t worry about the bad reputation Jamaica is getting because of high crime rates.

Related Vacation Ideas

• Bob Marley Mausoleum, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
• Oasis of the Seas – Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Ship