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Independence of the Seas Vs Oasis of the Seas: My Experience on Royal Caribbean Ships (2024)
Introduction to My Cruise Adventures
Admittedly, after sailing on both the Independence and Oasis of the Seas hundreds (seriously) of times, I have put together some personal advice for your pleasure!
So, as someone who has set out to experience every show/activity/venue on both, allow me to walk you through the good old comparison test between Independence and Oasis of the Seas.
Entertainment Extravaganza
My Theater Experiences: Broadway at Sea
On Exploration, my third row “Grease” experience was the most magical evening I have ever spent at sea. The lights dimmed, and I was suddenly at Rydell High School instead of in the middle of the ocean.
Of course no visit to Sandy is complete without singing along quite loudly to “Summer Nights” (c’mon, I can’t be the only person who does that?) much too my partners shame! It was truly amazing how they could pull it off and keep time with the rest of the dancers on a floor that wobbled back in forth lol.
On Oasis, I had to catch my new favorite show, “Aqua80”. Picture this: Synchronized swimmers performing to hits from Madonna and Michael Jackson, divers doing triple flips from scary heights. It was so amazing that I went back 3 more times during the course of my cruise!
Ice Shows That Stunned Me Silent
With all honesty, the show that I remember most from Oasis has got to be “Frozen in Time”. I am barely able to stand with ice skates on (not kidding), so seeing people jump around the rink was incredible. I will never forget the time I watched a skater execute flawless double axel just as the ship encountered a wave – pure magic!
| Entertainment, Activities & Shows Options | Independence of the Seas | Oasis of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Spa & Fitness Center | Yes | Yes |
| Shopping | Yes | Yes |
| Guest Entertainers | Yes | Yes |
| Broadway at Sea | Yes | No |
| Grease | Yes | No |
| Invitation to Dance | Yes | No |
| Once Upon a Time | Yes | No |
| Original Productions | Yes | No |
| Sip, Tour, Brunch | Yes | Yes |
| Pickleball | Yes | Yes |
| Captain’s Welcome Aboard Reception | Yes | Yes |
| Shush! Silent Party | Yes | Yes |
| Dancing Under the Stars | Yes | No |
| Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠ | Yes | Yes |
| Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z℠ | Yes | No |
| 70s Disco Party | Yes | Yes |
| Art Auctions | Yes | Yes |
| Royal Escape Room℠: The Observatorium | Yes | No |
| Piano Sing-Alongs | Yes | No |
| Pub Performances | Yes | Yes |
| Fitness Classes | Yes | Yes |
| FlowRider® | Yes | Yes |
| Whirlpools | Yes | Yes |
| Game Shows | Yes | Yes |
| Pool Parties | Yes | Yes |
| Outdoor Movie Nights | Yes | Yes |
| Sports Court | Yes | Yes |
| Live Bands | Yes | Yes |
| Arcade | Yes | Yes |
| Theme Nights | Yes | Yes |
| The Perfect Storm℠ | Yes | Yes |
| Solarium | Yes | Yes |
| Pools | Yes | Yes |
| Mini Golf | Yes | Yes |
| Art Collection | Yes | Yes |
| Wine Tasting | Yes | Yes |
| Rock Climbing Wall | Yes | Yes |
| Splashaway Bay℠ | Yes | Yes |
| Parades | Yes | Yes |
| Ice Skating | Yes | Yes |
| Mystery Dinner Theater | Yes | No |
| Night Life | Yes | Yes |
| Salsa Dancing | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Artistry | Yes | Yes |
| Dance Classes | Yes | Yes |
| Aquanauts | Yes | No |
| All Access Tour | Yes | Yes |
| Scrapbooking | Yes | Yes |
| Table Tennis | Yes | Yes |
| Guest Lectures | Yes | Yes |
| Babies and Tots Programs | Yes | No |
| Adventure Ocean® | Yes | Yes |
| Voyagers | Yes | No |
| Learn a Language | Yes | No |
| Club DJs | Yes | No |
| Cats | No | Yes |
| Aqua80 | No | Yes |
| Splash | No | Yes |
| Frozen in Time | No | Yes |
| One Sky | No | Yes |
| Up and Away | No | Yes |
| Supercell℠ | No | Yes |
| Royal Escape Room℠ - Mission Control: Apollo 18 | No | Yes |
| Cupcake Class | No | Yes |
| Teen Spaces | No | Yes |
| Laser Tag: Clash for the Crystal City℠ | No | Yes |
| Sushi Making Class | No | Yes |
| Zip Line | No | Yes |
| Library & Card Room | No | Yes |
| Ultimate Abyss℠ | No | Yes |
| Carousel | No | Yes |
| Jewelry Making | No | Yes |
| Scuba Certification | No | Yes |
Active Adventures: My Personal Challenges
Conquering the FlowRider
It was my own personal Mount Everest on both ships. After nearly one dozen crashes (some more elegant than others), I did it–lasted three seconds standing up! My secret? Reserve a one-on-one lesson during the first couple of days. The tips from the instructor were golden and as luck would have it learnt in early mornings so less onlookers to witness my learning progress.
Riding High and Hot Slipping
The rock climbing wall on Independence gave me one of my proudest moments in my life! Though, I went to more on top for staring out at blue, than actually going higher. A little secret: visit during port days for an almost private experience.
For the Oasis, we have to mention that it can boast The Ultimate Abyss. I moved to the top and looked down 10 stories of twisted purple tubes, feeling like my heart had just stopped. But here’s a tip for you: ride them at sunset when the light shines through. I might have even gone back six times in one day!
Family Ties: Making Memories
Adventure Ocean Magic
It was heartwarming seeing my 4-year-old nephew at Adventure Ocean® on Independence. From a shy, clingy start to eagerly rushing to the kids’ club every morning, the transformation was remarkable. Sarah, a youth staff member knew all of their names and was one of those people that could get even the shyest kid chatting away.
Special Moments on the Carousel
The carousel on Oasis became our daily ritual. I assigned the purple horse to my niece and every day I sat down beside her on our horses as she told me about all of their adventures. These charming moments comprised the memory of our family cruise.
Night life: When the Sun Goes down
| Dining Options | Dining Options on Independence of the Seas | Dining Options on Oasis of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Chef's Table | Yes | Yes |
| Windjammer | Yes | Yes |
| Johnny Rockets® | Yes | Yes |
| Fish & Ships℠ | Yes | No |
| Chops Grille℠ | Yes | Yes |
| Room Service | Yes | Yes |
| Café Promenade | Yes | Yes |
| Giovanni's Table | Yes | Yes |
| Sorrento's Pizza | Yes | Yes |
| Sugar Beach℠ | Yes | Yes |
| Main Dining Room | Yes | Yes |
| Izumi Hibachi & Sushi | Yes | Yes |
| El Loco Fresh® | No | Yes |
| Dog House | No | Yes |
| Solarium Bistro Restaurant | No | Yes |
| Starbucks® | No | Yes |
| Coastal Kitchen | No | Yes |
| Park Cafe | No | Yes |
| Vitality Café | No | Yes |
| 150 Central Park | No | Yes |
| Portside BBQ℠ | No | Yes |
Quiet Parties and Roaming Bars
The Silent Party was super cool, and easily one of my favorite things to do at night on both ships. Imagine a busy lounge where everyone dances in complete silence. At first, I could only laugh as we all looked pretty silly but once those headphones were on… they had me.
Rising Tide Bar on Oasis, yes quite an experience! I perfected the science of making my cocktail reach from Central Park to Royal Promenade. The sunset views through Central Park are simply unbeatable.
Mystery and Music
The Mystery Dinner Theater on Independence provided one of my most memorable evenings. Being chosen as a suspect in the murder mystery brought out my inner actor – perhaps a bit too enthusiastically! The interactive entertainment and delicious food proved to be a memorable experience.
| Bar & Lounges Options | Bar & Lounges on Independence of the Seas | Bar & Lounges on Oasis of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Schooner Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade | Yes | Yes |
| Boleros | Yes | Yes |
| Solarium Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Suite Lounge | Yes | Yes |
| English Pub | Yes | Yes |
| Pool Bar | Yes | No |
| Viking Crown Lounge® | Yes | No |
| Champagne Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Trellis Bar | No | Yes |
| Rising Tide Bar | No | Yes |
| Bionic Bar® | No | Yes |
| Wipe Out Bar | No | Yes |
| The Lime and Coconut® | No | Yes |
Hidden Gems: My Secret Spots
Morning Magic
Those early-morning Aqua Theater rehearsals on the Oasis were my guilty pleasure. I stumbled upon it by chance one early morning as I walked past and watched the performers rehearse in peaceful, hazy light of dawn — giving me a whole new appreciation for their dedication.
Sunset Sanctuaries
Viking Crown Lounge® on the Independence was my number one place to be at sunset. Watching the sun set over Lake Las Vegas with a craft cocktail from this intimate space is somewhat of its own magic.
Dining Comparison: Independence vs Oasis of the Seas
Fine Dining Experiences
Chef's Table
I have even experienced exclusive Chef’s Table on both ships and each of them was a special experience. Oasis offers a slightly larger space for 12 guests to party together, but the smaller scale onboard Independence led to an even warmer and more personalized vibe. Both featured exceptional six-course meals and but I liked the intimate feeling at Independence.
Chops Grille
Both ships have this signature steakhouse, and I never passed up a visit to this on any cruise. I have a great relationship here at Independence with James — who never forgets that I like my filet mignon medium-rare with extra mushrooms.
While Oasis’s Chops Grille℠ offers the same high-quality steaks, I’ve found Independence’s more intimate setting creates a more personal dining experience.
Giovanni's Table
Both ships feature this Italian favorite, and I’ve had memorable experiences at each. One of their standout dishes is the tableside risotto preparation which was a hit on both ships, however thanks to the intimate venue aboard Independence for creating a more romantic atmosphere.
I am pleased to report that fresh pasta and authentic Italian flavors make their way directly from Portofino onto these two ships.
Casual Dining Options
Windjammer Marketplace
Both ships feature this buffet staple, but Oasis’s has it larger for accommodating more guests. From my experience, the less busy you will be right at opening (7 AM) on both ships. Oasis has more to choose from just by its size, but I found that the smaller nature of Independence made it much easier to navigate at its peak hours.
Café Promenade
I’ve made this 24/7 lounge-spot my nightly hangout on both ships. Oasis may have the grander promenade, but I discovered that Independence means a more personal space for those 3 A.M. coffee and cookie runs! Services on both ships are of equal standard.
Exclusive Venues: Ship-Specific Restaurants
Oasis has unique venues like 150 Central Park and El Loco Fresh® which are not on Independence. The seasonal tasting menu at 150 Central Park and fresh mex fare from El Loco Fresh are uniquely Oasis experiences.
Independence has Fish & Ships, and this is my all-time favorite spot onboard to have an authentic British-style fish and chips meal–which I can’t find on Oasis.
Bar Experiences
Schooner Bar
With its own distinct atmosphere present in both ships, the Schooner Bar is slightly different as well. My favorite moments on Independence include Tony’s late-night piano sets and the intimate, 2AM sing-a-longs at the small stage. While Oasis’s version is larger, I found Independence’s cozier setting creates a more convivial atmosphere.
Unique Bar Experiences
The unique Rising Tide Bar, which travels between decks and is only found on Oasis. That said, However, Independence’s Viking Crown Lounge® offers spectacular panoramic views that I’ve found perfect for sunset cocktails, creating an equally special experience in its own right.
Hidden Gems: Specialty Venues
Oasis offers some unique experiences like the Solarium Bistro breakfast and Park Cafe in Central Park that aren’t available on Independence. In return, Independence makes up for it in that the venues are smaller and more intimate, so you receive very personal service every time you decide to dine.
Pro Tips for Both Ships
- Pre Book Specialty Restaurants pre-cruise for BIG savings (I saved up to 30% on my last Oasis sailing)
- Book Chef’s Table on the second formal night — this works for both ships
- Track drink purchases on day one to determine if a beverage package is worthwhile
- Arrive at Windjammer right as it opens (7 AM) to avoid a crowd on both ships
- Once the ship departs book all headline shows
- Save active adventures for sea day mornings
- Go To Restaurant and Bar at off times
- Watch morning practice sessions at the AquaTheater
- Visit the FlowRider® during port days for shorter lines
Final Comparison: Independence of the Seas Vs Oasis of the Seas
Oasis gets lots of points for the sheer volume and creative nature of its venues, but I prefer Independence’s more intimate size and service-oriented culture.
While Oasis will have more dining options on the whole, Independence’s size also means a closer connection with staff and meals in cozier settings. Both ships pride themselves in food quality and service, however they have different ways of being excellent.
The real magic of cruising lies not in the shows or activities, but rather in the memories you make and experiences that you share. From facing your fears on the Ultimate Abyss℠ to dancing round a silent disco and seeing your niece smile as her favourite show comes to life, these moments are what make up yours.
Two boats have bring me countless stories and memories to hold. Oasis might outweigh in terms of variety and innovation, but Independence can stand up to all the same as a more intimate — personal even — experience that I suspect is going to be very appealing for many travelers (myself included).