Last updated: 2 November 2026
Royal Caribbean provides official deck plans for every ship in its fleet, showing where you’ll find accommodation, restaurants, entertainment and outdoor spaces. On its largest ships, the easiest way to understand the layout is through its neighbourhoods, with different areas dedicated to dining, relaxation and activities.
Both Oasis Class and Icon Class use this approach, although their layouts differ. Here’s what to expect from each and how to choose accommodation that suits you.
A deck plan shows what’s available on each level and where individual staterooms are located. A few terms are useful to know:
Deck numbers generally increase as you move upwards, with pools and outdoor activities usually found on the upper decks.
When Oasis of the Seas launched in 2009, it introduced seven distinct neighbourhoods. The class now includes Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, Wonder and Utopia of the Seas, with newer ships such as Wonder and Utopia featuring an eighth area: the Suite Neighbourhood.
| Neighbourhood | Location | What you’ll find |
| Central Park | Deck 8 | Open-air gardens, restaurants and bars |
| Boardwalk | Deck 6 | Family attractions, dining and AquaTheater |
| Royal Promenade | Deck 5 | Shops, cafes, bars and entertainment |
| Pool and Sports Zone | Upper decks | Pools, waterslides and sports facilities |
| Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness | Varies | Spa treatments and fitness facilities |
| Entertainment Place | Lower decks | Theatre, comedy and live entertainment |
| Youth Zone | Varies | Children’s and teenagers’ facilities |
| Suite Neighbourhood | Upper decks | Exclusive facilities for eligible suite guests on newer ships |
Central Park offers a quieter outdoor setting, while the Boardwalk is more family-focused. The Royal Promenade provides a central indoor boulevard, with shops, bars and places to meet.
The remaining neighbourhoods bring together the pools, entertainment, sports and wellness facilities. Exact layouts and venues vary between ships, particularly following refurbishments.
Icon Class takes the concept further, with eight neighbourhoods designed around different ways of spending time on board.
The class includes the latest ships to join the fleet, Icon, Star and Legend of the Seas.
| Neighbourhood | Location | What you’ll find |
| Thrill Island | Upper decks | Category 6 waterpark, FlowRider and adventure attractions |
| Chill Island | Upper decks | Swimming pools, bars and sunbathing areas |
| Surfside | Deck 7 | Family pools, play areas and dining |
| AquaDome | Forward, upper decks | AquaTheater and sea-facing lounges |
| The Hideaway | Aft, upper decks | Adults-only pool and relaxation |
| Royal Promenade | Decks 5–6 | Shops, bars and restaurants |
| Central Park | Deck 8 | Open-air gardens and dining |
| Suite Neighbourhood | Upper decks | Dedicated facilities for eligible suite guests |
The biggest difference is the emphasis on dedicated family spaces. Thrill Island houses Royal Caribbean’s Category 6 waterpark, while Surfside brings together facilities for younger children and their parents.
Elsewhere, the AquaDome combines sea views with entertainment, while The Hideaway offers an adults-only retreat. Central Park and the Royal Promenade provide familiar features in a different layout.
Both classes offer an extensive choice of dining, entertainment and activities, but there are some differences worth considering.
Oasis Class provides a well-established resort-style experience, with Central Park, the Boardwalk and Royal Promenade at its heart. Icon Class builds on this with more dedicated family areas, an onboard waterpark and additional outdoor spaces.
If you’re travelling on a family cruise, Surfside on Icon Class may be particularly appealing. However, families will find plenty to enjoy on either class, while couples can make use of the quieter neighbourhoods and adults-only facilities.
Itineraries are another consideration. Both classes offer Caribbean cruises, including selected visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay, while certain Oasis Class ships also sail in the Mediterranean.
Both classes offer Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite accommodation, although individual categories and features vary.
One important distinction is between ocean-facing balconies and those overlooking neighbourhoods such as Central Park or the Boardwalk. The latter can be interesting for people-watching, but they don’t offer the same privacy or uninterrupted sea views.
Before choosing a cabin, check what’s immediately above and below it. Accommodation near pools, entertainment venues or busy public areas may experience more activity.
Walking distances are also worth considering on ships of this size, particularly if you’d prefer to be close to lifts, restaurants or other facilities.
Yes. Royal Caribbean publishes deck plans showing accommodation, facilities and public areas. Always check the plan for your specific ship and sailing.
Although these ships are large, their neighbourhoods provide useful landmarks. Digital signage, deck directories and the Royal Caribbean app can also help you navigate.
No. Facilities and layouts vary between ships. The original Oasis Class design featured seven neighbourhoods, while newer ships such as Wonder and Utopia have eight, including a Suite Neighbourhood.
Both are suitable. Oasis Class offers a broad range of established Royal Caribbean attractions, while Icon Class introduces additional family-focused facilities. Your choice will depend on who you’re travelling with and what you enjoy doing onboard.
There are plenty of reasons to choose a Royal Caribbean cruise. However, selecting accommodation on a ship with so many decks and neighbourhoods can take some research, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with Royal Caribbean.
Our Cruise Experts at Bolsover Cruise Club can help you compare Oasis and Icon Class ships, understand the different layouts and choose a stateroom that suits your needs. We’re happy to talk through the options, with no obligation to book.
