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Oasis emerges with Viking Crown changes, Dynamic Dining venues, new suites

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New Deck 17 design shows Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen in place of the Viking Crown Lounge
Oasis of the Seas emerged from its drydock at Rotterdam's Keppel Verolme with a new dining spot replacing Royal Caribbean's traditional Viking Crown Lounge, the triple-deck main dining room converted for Dynamic Dining—with new menus for added venues to start in March—new suites, retail, entertainment and vastly expanded bandwidth.

The 14-day docking, the first for the 5-year-old ship, wrapped up Tuesday. Allure of the Seas will follow suit in May 2015 with nearly identical enhancements.

Dynamic Dining, created for Quantum-class cruising, is being expanded to the Oasis class.

Royal Caribbean recreated the original Oasis three-story main dining room into three distinct complimentary venues introducing their own menus and ambiance. American Icon Grill will offer comfort food, Silk will provide a pan-Asian menu and The Grande, where every night is formal, will serve classic dishes in an elegant setting.

The new menus begin March 14. Until then, Oasis of the Seas will provide the traditional dining room experience in the newly designed spaces.

Four specialty restaurants were added. Izumi Hibachi & Sushi re-imagined the Izumi Japanese Cuisine concept and has a full teppanyaki menu as well as sushi rolls and sashimi. Sabor Taqueria & Tequila Bar, introduced aboard Navigator of the Seas during its refurbishment this year, offers modern Mexican dishes including guacamole and margaritas prepared tableside. Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine provides imaginative fare.

The spot that replaced the Viking Crown Lounge, Coastal Kitchen, is an exclusive restaurant for suite guests and Pinnacle members with a Mediterranean-California menu. A wine list was created for the venue.

Continuing on board Oasis are Giovanni’s Table, 150 Central Park and Vintage Wine Bar.

Concerning technology, the ship now has vastly expanded bandwidth thanks to Royal Caribbean's partnership with O3b Networks. Various Internet packages enable users to watch streaming video, check email, share images on social media and even have face-to-face video conversations.

Thanks to the dramatically improved connectivity, the Royal iQ application facilitates dining reservations, shore excursions and spa appointments on board, through both a downloadable app and at freestanding iQ stations around the ship. Cruisers can also can use Royal iQ to view their daily program and keep in touch with one another on board and at home via phone and text capabilities.

Royal Caribbean is introducing 10 new suites on the Oasis-class ships that provide views of the AquaTheater and Boardwalk neighborhood and include two Royal Suites, six Grand Suites and two Royal Family Suites, which can accommodate up to six people.

The Suite Lounge, an exclusive lounge area for suite passengers, is located on one side of the Viking Crown Lounge, with Coastal Kitchen on the other side offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a new Sun Deck for suite passengers with lounge furniture, shaded and seating areas and private service.

Oasis of the Seas brings the fully-licensed Broadway show, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning 'CATS,' to sea for the first time. 

Royal Promenade retail added kate spade new york, a first at sea. Plus, new merchandise and fashion jewelry include Alexis Bittar, Uno de 50, Lauren G Adams and Nina Nguyen.