Streamsong Resort
June 10, 2025
Alinea – The Best Meal You Will Ever Eat
July 9, 2025
Overall Rating:
Itineraries
Our Southern Caribbean adventure began in sunny Fort Lauderdale, where we set sail on a luxurious 8-night cruise aboard an Oasis Class ship. After two relaxing days at sea—perfect for exploring the ship and easing into vacation mode—we arrived at our first port: colorful, charming Curaçao. Here, we embarked on a scenic boat tour and snorkeling excursion, soaking up the vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters.
That evening, we sailed overnight to the stunning island of Aruba. Our day was filled with adventure as we explored the rugged terrain of Arikok National Park in a 4-wheel drive vehicle, followed by a scenic island tour showcasing Aruba’s natural beauty and cultural highlights.
Our final stop before returning to the U.S. was a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island paradise. With pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and laid-back island vibes, it was the perfect finale to an unforgettable journey.
After seven days of sun, exploration, and nonstop fun, we returned to Fort Lauderdale on Day 8—refreshed, a little sun-kissed, and already dreaming of our next cruise.
Introduction
Where has the Oasis Class ship been all my life? In February 2025, we set sail on a breathtaking journey through the Southern Caribbean, with unforgettable stops in Curaçao, Aruba, and Castaway Cay—Royal Caribbean’s private island retreat.
While Royal Caribbean might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of ultra-luxury cruising, we've discovered that choosing a higher-tier experience on a mainstream cruise line can often feel more luxurious than booking a mid-level option on a so-called luxury line. Royal Caribbean, in particular, offers an impressive range of upgraded accommodations and exclusive amenities—plus, it provides family-friendly options that many upscale cruise lines simply don’t.
For this voyage, we indulged in the Suite Life, staying in an Owner’s Suite that granted us access to exclusive amenities including the Coastal Kitchen, the tranquil Suite Lounge, a private Suite Sundeck, and the attentive services of the Suite Concierge. These perks brought a welcome sense of space, calm, and elevated service—something that can be rare on a ship of this size.
The trip delivered a wonderful balance of sun-soaked relaxation, family fun, and exceptional service from the suite team. That said, the dining experience fell a bit short of expectations. While the Coastal Kitchen offered convenience and a quieter atmosphere, the culinary experience overall didn’t quite match the high standard set by the accommodations. For a suite-level cruise, we anticipated a bit more finesse in both flavor and variety.
Despite a few shortcomings, the experience was memorable and indulgent, and it left us with a renewed appreciation for the unique offerings of an Oasis Class adventure.
Accommodations
Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of cabin options, including three distinct levels of suite accommodations: Sea, Sky, and Star Class. If you're considering a suite, I highly recommend choosing either Sky or Star Class. While Sea Class is technically a suite category, it doesn’t grant access to many of the exclusive suite-only areas on the ship, which can be a big part of the elevated experience.
Star Class is the top tier and includes the coveted Royal Genie service—a sort of personal concierge-meets-magician who handles everything from priority boarding to show reservations and dining. That said, there's a significant jump in price between Sky and Star Class, and I’m still not convinced the Genie alone justifies the difference.
We stayed in an Owner’s Suite, which falls under Sky Class, and it was perfect for our family of four. The space was incredibly generous, with a master bedroom separated by a curtain from the sitting and dining areas. There was more than enough storage for all of us, and the pull-out couch comfortably slept both kids. The master bed was plush and comfortable, easily rivaling what you’d find in a luxury hotel.
The bathroom was surprisingly spacious, featuring a large vanity, a tub, and even a bidet (which was quite the highlight for my American born and raised children). However, the shower itself was on the smaller side. For those with little kids, the tub is a great feature, but personally, we would have preferred a more expansive shower over the tub.
One of our favorite parts of the suite was the oversized veranda. It came equipped with cushy lounge chairs and a full dining table, and we spent a good portion of our trip out there enjoying the ocean breeze and room-service breakfasts.
All in all, we absolutely loved the suite. It struck a perfect balance of comfort, space, and amenities—especially for traveling with kids. For a family of four, it was an ideal home base at sea.
Shore Excursions
Over the years, I’ve learned that the best way to truly experience a port of call is through a private tour. While group excursions can be more budget-friendly, they often come with the downside of being shuffled around with dozens of people on a rigid schedule—definitely not my idea of luxury travel.
If you're seeking a more elevated, personalized experience, private excursions are absolutely the way to go. You’ll enjoy flexibility, exclusivity, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Booking a Private Excursion: Cruise Line vs. Independent
There are two main ways to arrange a private tour. One option is to book independently, outside of the cruise line. This route can often save you money, but it comes with a few risks. If your itinerary changes unexpectedly—due to weather, port issues, or ship delays—you might lose your deposit. Even more concerning, if you’re running late returning from your tour, the ship won’t wait for you.
The other, more secure option is to book your private tour through the cruise line. While this typically costs more, it offers peace of mind. The cruise line stays in constant contact with the tour operator, and the ship will wait for you in the event of a delay. I’ve personally been on several excursions that ran late, and thanks to booking through the cruise, the ship held departure for us.
If you're sailing with Royal Caribbean, booking a private excursion is easy—just call their main line and ask to be connected to the Private Tour Office. You’ll want to have an idea of what type of experience you’re looking for in each port, and their team will provide you with curated options.
Curacao: Snorkeling with Living Life Boat Trips
In Curacao, we opted for a private snorkeling adventure, booked directly through the cruise line. Royal Caribbean arranged for Living Life Boat Trips to host our tour, and it was truly unforgettable. After a 30-minute drive from the port, we arrived at the dock and met our friendly captain, who had snacks, unlimited drinks (including alcohol), and even a special local Curaçaoan beverage for us to try.
We began with a relaxing cruise through Spaanse Water, a picturesque bay lined with the vacation homes of royalty and celebrities. From there, we ventured into open waters to a secluded snorkeling site. The family spent nearly two hours snorkeling while our captain kept a watchful eye on us the entire time, ensuring everyone’s safety. All the gear was provided, and the water was crystal clear. I’d wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Curacao—and I’m already looking forward to doing it again on a future trip.
Aruba: Private Jeep Adventure Through Arikok National Park
In Aruba, we booked a Private Jeep Adventure into the stunning Arikok National Park. This excursion is typically done with a group of about 15 people, but we had the luxury of having the entire vehicle to ourselves. The landscape was dramatic and rugged—truly a sight to behold.
After a bumpy ride through the park, we reached the famous Natural Pool. Unfortunately, the sea conditions that day made it unsafe for swimming. But our guide quickly pivoted, taking us to other scenic spots around the island. We even stopped for a quick snorkeling session at a more sheltered beach. Despite the change in plans, the day was filled with memorable moments and incredible views.
Perfect Day CocoCay: Beach Lover’s Paradise
CocoCay: When we arrived at Perfect Day at CocoCay, we actually didn’t plan any shore excursions—and honestly, we didn’t feel like we missed a thing. The island itself is a beach lover’s paradise, with multiple pristine beaches, expansive pools, and even a full-scale waterpark (for those willing to splurge on the admission). There’s also a private beach club and an adults-only retreat, both offering elevated amenities for an additional cost.
Despite all these tempting options, the kids surprised us—they chose to stay onboard and spend the day at Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean’s kids camp. That’s how much they loved it. Doug and I took a leisurely walk around the island, soaking in the tropical vibes and snapping a few photos, but ultimately decided to head back to the ship.
What we’ve discovered over the years of cruising the Caribbean is that sometimes the best luxury is found right onboard—especially when most guests are ashore. It feels like having a private yacht to yourself. The pools are quiet, the spa is serene, and there’s no wait for anything. It’s the kind of peaceful indulgence that’s hard to find during peak hours.
That said, if you're looking to indulge in a bit of island luxury at CocoCay, I’d recommend purchasing a day pass to the Coco Beach Club—or better yet, renting one of the overwater cabanas. They come with private attendants, upscale dining, and a level of seclusion that elevates the entire experience.
Cuisine
As I mentioned earlier, the culinary experience aboard Royal Caribbean left a little to be desired—especially when compared to what you might expect on a luxury vacation. As suite guests, we had access to a few elevated dining options including the main dining room, buffet, a casual Mexican cantina, and the suite-exclusive Coastal Kitchen.
We chose to skip the main dining room entirely. Coastal Kitchen consistently offered better service, a quieter atmosphere, and more thoughtful menus. If you're traveling on the Oasis, I highly recommend requesting Marigold or Olex—they’re hands-down the best and added a truly personal touch to our meals.
Most mornings, we had breakfast out on our veranda, enjoying the ocean views, or made our way to Coastal Kitchen. That said, we did run into a few disappointments. The kitchen there frequently got backed up, service often seemed understaffed, and the menu rotated on a three-day cycle—which started to feel repetitive during a longer voyage. Still, there were bright moments. I fell in love with a particular tofu dish that sadly didn’t reappear in the rotation. To my delight, the chef heard how much I enjoyed it and surprised me by preparing it specially on our final night. It was such a thoughtful and memorable gesture, and a perfect reminder of how individual moments of care can make all the difference.
Beyond Coastal Kitchen, there are several specialty restaurants onboard—but be prepared for additional cover charges. Our favorite splurge was a kid-free date night at 150 Central Park. The ambiance was elegant, the food beautifully plated, and the experience was worth every penny. Start the night with their exclusive martini—it was one of the best cocktails of the trip.
Surprisingly, the biggest culinary hit for our family was complimentary at Sprinkles, the self-serve ice cream stand by the pool. There’s just something about soft serve in the sun that feels like vacation. We also discovered a smoothie and protein shake bar near the spa (extra cost), which was a nice touch for those trying to stay a little healthier while indulging.
Sipping in Style: The Bar Scene
Where Royal Caribbean really impressed us was with its vibrant and varied bar scene. From the Comedy Club to the Latin dancing lounge, karaoke bar, the classic Schooner Bar, and of course, poolside bars—there truly was a spot for every mood.
One of the biggest perks of suite class is access to the Suite Lounge, which is conveniently attached to Coastal Kitchen on Oasis Class ships. Between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., complimentary wine and beer flow freely, and from 5–8 p.m. happy hour includes complimentary cocktails. With such generous offerings, purchasing a drink package didn’t make much financial sense for us. Instead, we just paid out of pocket for any additional drinks we wanted at other bars onboard.
As frequent cruisers with Royal—and thanks to their partnership with Celebrity Cruises, which transfers loyalty status—we’re part of the Crown & Anchor Society. With our Diamond status, Doug and I each received four free drinks per day, which, combined with the suite lounge offerings, more than covered our needs. Again making a drink package purchase unnecessary.
The Not-So-Luxurious Touches
Despite the overall positive experience, I couldn’t ignore some of the nickel-and-diming tactics onboard, especially when it came to food. It felt a bit tacky to be upsold on specialty dining as we strolled the ship. Even small things—like the smell of freshly popped popcorn luring you into the theater, only to discover it's not complimentary—took away from the luxury vibe we were aiming for.
Another small frustration: while daily gratuities are automatically charged to your account, I often found myself pulling out extra cash to tip for service at the pool, restaurant or bar. It’s not unexpected in luxury travel, but I do wish I could leave it behind and just enjoy my experience.
Restaurant Thoughts
Despite a few culinary shortcomings and some awkward upcharges, our experience as suite guests aboard Royal Caribbean was overall enjoyable. The suite perks, especially in dining and drinks, gave us the flexibility to create the kind of vacation we wanted—relaxed, well-fed, and with plenty of moments that felt truly special.
Ship Life
There’s truly so much to do on an Oasis Class ship that it makes the perfect escape—whether you're traveling as a couple or with kids in tow. These ships are vibrant, full of energy, and designed for warm-weather cruising at its best.
We were especially impressed by the pool scene: multiple small pools, a splash pad and slide area for younger kids, and several full-sized water slides for adults and older children. It’s fun, it’s busy, and it captures that quintessential vacation vibe.
Kids Camp: A Surprise Highlight
One unexpected highlight of our trip was the kids camp—our children absolutely loved it. In fact, they were eager to go back each day. The program is thoughtfully organized, with separate rooms tailored to different age groups, including a dedicated teen space. My kids were all-in for the movies, art projects, video games, and group games.
There are three complimentary sessions offered daily: 9 a.m.–12 p.m., 2–5 p.m., and 7–10 p.m. If you're planning a date night dinner, be sure to book a reservation after 7 p.m. so you can drop the kids off and enjoy a peaceful, grown-up evening.
Duck Hunting
A Royal Caribbean tradition! Make sure you bring some rubber duckies or some mini ducks to hide around the ship. Our kids had a blast trying to find as many duckies as possible.
Extra Fun
Every corner of this ship has something to offer! From an adrenaline pumping Zipline flight over central park, a speedy race down the Ultimate Abyss Slide, surfing on FlowRider, a nostalgic ride on the Boardwalk Carousel, and high stakes game of Laser Tag the fun is endless.
Nightlife & Entertainment
If you're into comedy, Oasis has a dedicated adults-only comedy club that runs nightly, typically featuring two rotating comedians. As suite guests, we received a priority access card from our concierge—which I highly recommend using to secure great seats. Get there early for the best view!
The ship also offers a variety of high-quality performances, including the Aqua80 water show at the AquaTheater and the an Icecapades type show at the ice rink. Both are well worth seeing. Again, have your suite concierge reserve seats in advance to make the most of the experience.
And for something a little more playful, try your hand at laser tag—offered a few times throughout the cruise. It was unexpectedly fun, and we ended up going back for every session.
A More Relaxed Escape: The Suite Sun Deck
One of the best perks of sailing suite class is access to the private sun deck. While the main pool decks can be overwhelmingly crowded (sometimes making it nearly impossible to find a lounge chair), the suite deck is a quiet oasis. It features comfortable loungers, shaded cabanas, mini outdoor showers, and its own deck bar (note: drinks are not included).
If I had one wish, it would be for a jacuzzi or small pool in this space, since the main pools are often packed. Still, the calm and comfort of the suite deck make it one of our favorite spots on board. If you're committed to poolside relaxation, I’d also recommend renting a cabana for the day—it guarantees you space and a bit of privacy in the midst of the buzz.
Staying Healthy at Sea
For those of us who like to stay active while traveling, the fitness center on Oasis is excellent—spacious, modern, and fully equipped. And the Vitality Spa is not to be missed. Whether it’s a massage, facial, or just time in the steam room, it’s the perfect way to reset between adventures.
Is a Caribbean Cruise Right for You?
I absolutely love the Caribbean cruise experience. That said, it’s not for everyone. If your idea of vacation is long, lazy beach days or serene swims in quiet pools, a cruise might not deliver that consistently. Cruise ports can be far from quality beaches, and on sea days, the pools are often at full capacity.
Cruising also means traveling with a lot of people. If you’re easily overwhelmed by crowds or dislike the feeling of being “herded,” it might not be your ideal getaway. However, suite class makes a significant difference—from priority boarding and exclusive areas to concierge services, it allows you to bypass much of the congestion and enjoy a more refined experience.
Article Sponsor
Bringing Smiles to Life
At Summit Orthodontics, we redefine orthodontic care. With over a decade of experience serving Jackson and Charlotte, we're dedicated to delivering upscale, caring orthodontic services that cater to all ages.
website: summitorthobraces.com
phone: (517) 782-9331
phone: (517) 782-9331
Final Thoughts
The Oasis Class offers a beautifully orchestrated balance of adventure, entertainment, and luxury. For families and couples alike, it can be an unforgettable way to explore the Caribbean—just be sure to tailor your expectations to what cruising is (and isn’t). For us, the suite experience elevated everything and made the ship feel more like a boutique resort at sea.
