Enchantment of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas

What's the main difference between Enchantment of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas?

The biggest difference comes down to sheer size and scale. Oasis of the Seas absolutely dwarfs Enchantment of the Seas – we're talking about a ship that's 174% larger by tonnage and holds more than twice as many passengers.

Enchantment carries around 2,252 guests at double occupancy, while Oasis accommodates roughly 5,479 passengers. Think of it this way: if Enchantment feels like a cozy neighborhood gathering, Oasis is like a bustling small city floating on water.

This size difference affects everything from the number of dining options to entertainment venues, and yes, the price you'll pay for your cruise.

Which ship offers better value for money?

Enchantment of the Seas wins hands-down when it comes to budget-friendly cruising. A 5-night cruise on Enchantment can cost less than half what you'd pay for a week-long cruise on Oasis of the Seas.

But here's the thing about value – it depends on what you're after. If you want:

• Maximum bang for your buck: Enchantment delivers a solid cruise experience without the premium price tag
• Ship as destination: Oasis justifies its higher cost with extensive attractions, multiple dining venues, and cutting-edge entertainment

The trade-off is real though. You're paying less on Enchantment, but you're also getting fewer amenities and activities.

How do the onboard experiences compare?

Entertainment and Activities

Oasis of the Seas brings the wow factor with attractions like:

• Ultimate Abyss dry slide
• AquaTheater shows with high-diving performances
• Escape rooms and rock climbing walls
• Broadway-style productions

Enchantment takes a more traditional approach. You'll find classic cruise ship entertainment – live shows, lounges, and activities – but nothing as elaborate as what Oasis offers.

Dining Options

The dining scene reflects each ship's personality. Oasis features numerous specialty restaurants and unique dining concepts spread across its neighborhoods. Enchantment keeps things simpler with fewer specialty venues but still delivers quality main dining room experiences and buffet options.

Pool Areas

Here's where things get interesting. Despite being much smaller, many cruisers actually prefer Enchantment's pool deck. It feels more spacious and serene around the main pool area, while Oasis can get pretty crowded despite having more pool space overall.

What about ship design and layout?

Oasis of the Seas uses Royal Caribbean's innovative neighborhood concept. The ship gets divided into distinct areas – Central Park, the Boardwalk, the Pool and Sports Zone – which surprisingly makes this massive vessel feel less overwhelming than you'd expect.

Enchantment sticks with the tried-and-true traditional cruise ship layout. Everything flows in a more linear fashion, which some passengers find easier to navigate, especially if you're new to cruising.

The neighborhood design on Oasis really works though. Even with thousands more passengers, the smart layout prevents that sardine-can feeling you might worry about on such a large ship.

Which ship is newer and better maintained?

Oasis of the Seas launched in 2009 and received major upgrades during its 2019 amplification, plus another renovation in 2024. These updates added waterslides, new restaurants, and refreshed various areas of the ship.

Enchantment of the Seas has been sailing since 1997 but got a significant renovation in 2021. While it's the older vessel by 12 years, Royal Caribbean has kept it well-maintained and updated.

The age difference shows in the technology and modern conveniences available, with Oasis offering more contemporary features throughout the ship.

Who should choose each ship?

Choose Enchantment of the Seas if you:

• Want an affordable cruise experience
• Prefer a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere
• Like having more space around pool areas
• Don't need extensive onboard entertainment
• Are new to cruising and want something less overwhelming

Choose Oasis of the Seas if you:

• View the ship itself as your destination
• Want maximum entertainment and dining options
• Don't mind paying premium prices for premium experiences
• Travel with kids or teens who want lots of activities
• Love being part of the energy that comes with larger crowds

Size comparison breakdown

The numbers tell quite a story:

Enchantment of the Seas:

• Length: 989 feet
• Width: 106 feet
• Gross tonnage: ~82,910
• Passenger capacity: ~2,252

Oasis of the Seas:

• Length: 1,187 feet
• Width: 215 feet
• Gross tonnage: ~226,000+
• Passenger capacity: ~5,479

Oasis is basically like strapping two Enchantment-sized ships together – and then adding some extra space for good measure.

Which ship has better itineraries?

Both ships sail from various homeports, but their itinerary options can differ based on seasonal deployment. Oasis of the Seas often gets assigned to popular routes from Florida to the Caribbean, taking advantage of its flagship status.

Enchantment also covers Caribbean routes but sometimes gets deployed to less common itineraries, which can actually work in your favor if you're looking for something different or want to avoid the most crowded sailing periods.

The destination ports remain largely the same – it's really about which ship experience you want while getting there.