Click Retreat Caribbean: An Unforgettable Journey Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas

Fresh from a whirlwind adventure, I’m thrilled to finally share all the details of my incredible Caribbean cruise experience! Just a week ago, I was basking in tropical sunshine, and now I’m back to the crisp reality of snow and freezing rain – quite the stark contrast. This past week has been a blur of catching up on work, eagerly mailing out our wedding invitations, and supporting Connor through his final, crucial medical residency interviews. It feels surreal to think I was overseas just days ago!

But enough about the present; let’s dive into the main event: my unforgettable journey with Click Retreat, sailing through the breathtaking Caribbean. I’m excited to recount everything we did, all the exotic places we explored, and, perhaps most interestingly, what it was truly like to call a colossal cruise ship home for an entire week.

Discovering the Majestic Oasis of the Seas

Remember my initial worry about being overlooked and not making it onto the ship? Well, thankfully, that concern proved unfounded. What *did* happen, however, was getting delightfully lost on the boat countless times! This wasn’t just any boat; it was the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas, a vessel so vast it felt like its own floating city – a veritable planet at sea. As a sponsor of the Click Retreat, Royal Caribbean provided us with an unparalleled cruising experience.

The Oasis of the Seas proudly holds the title of the second-largest cruise ship in the world, and notably, the largest one that regularly sails to the Caribbean. Fun fact: I later discovered that the absolute largest cruise ship is merely two inches longer – a testament to the Oasis’s monumental scale. This incredible ship offered a universe of exploration and luxury at every turn, truly setting the stage for an extraordinary blogger retreat and Caribbean adventure.

{‘Central Park’}

To truly grasp its magnitude, consider this: the Oasis of the Seas accommodated over 5,400 passengers and an impressive crew of more than 2,300 members. It boasted an astonishing 27 different dining options, spread across 7 distinct “neighborhoods.” From a vibrant casino to an exhilarating zip-line soaring high above the ship, 17 decks teeming with activities, five sparkling swimming pools, and even a miniature golf course, it genuinely offered everything imaginable. It was, quite literally, four times the size of my entire college town, an utterly mind-boggling scale for a vessel navigating the open ocean.

The Royal Promenade, pictured below, was a bustling hub complete with an array of restaurants, lively clubs, chic bars, and a variety of shops. It genuinely felt like stepping into a miniature shopping mall, a feeling so pervasive that I often had to remind myself I was actually onboard a massive, moving ship traversing the Caribbean Sea. This vibrant, expansive space offered endless opportunities for entertainment and dining, yet the sheer variety meant I didn’t spend too much time in any one spot, always eager to explore the next exciting feature of this incredible floating city.

Our Secluded Retreat: Stateroom with a View

Amidst the ship’s grandeur, one of my absolute favorite aspects of the cruise was our room – or more specifically, our spacious balcony! As part of the special blogger retreat group, each of us was assigned a beautiful stateroom featuring a seaside balcony to share with our roommate. This wasn’t just any balcony; it was remarkably generous in size, offering ample space. Given the sheer scale of the Oasis of the Seas, having this private outdoor haven was truly a blessing.

It was perfect for stepping out first thing in the morning to breathe in the fresh sea air, finding a peaceful spot to work at the table, or simply enjoying a complimentary room service breakfast while gazing out at the endless ocean. To be completely candid, while the room service food itself left a little to be desired, the spectacular ocean view more than compensated for any culinary shortcomings. It was our personal slice of tranquility on this bustling Caribbean cruise.

Caribbean Adventures: Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten

Nassau, Bahamas: A Whirlwind at Atlantis Aquaventure

Our Caribbean adventure truly began as we departed from Fort Lauderdale on a Saturday afternoon. Our first destination was Nassau, Bahamas, where we arrived bright and early on Sunday morning. This was a relatively short stop, offering us only about five to six hours (starting at 7 AM!) before we needed to re-board the ship for our next destination, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. For this brief window, our Click Retreat group had an organized excursion exclusively to the famous Atlantis Resort.

While we always had the option to explore independently, most of us chose to stick with the group for these curated experiences. Our Nassau excursion included full entry to Atlantis’s incredible Aquaventure park, pools, and pristine beaches. As one might expect, Atlantis was undeniably grand and quite commercialized, but its Aquaventure water park was nothing short of spectacular, offering thrilling rides and endless fun in the Bahamian sun.

The water slides at Atlantis were absolutely amazing! Beyond the adrenaline-pumping drops, they also featured a mile-long lazy river, replete with exciting rapids and unexpected turns. A large contingent of our group enthusiastically tackled nearly all the slides. We even mustered the courage to brave the ‘Leap of Faith,’ a nearly vertical 60-foot drop that propels you through a clear tunnel, submerged within a shark-filled lagoon. It was an absolutely nuts experience, a definite highlight of our brief but thrilling stop in Nassau!

Days at Sea: Yoga, Photography & Cocktails

Monday morning on the Oasis of the Seas began with an entertaining group yoga session in the fitness center. Let me tell you, practicing yoga on a cruise ship is an experience in itself, especially when the vessel encounters significant ocean waves. Imagine 25 people attempting to hold a steady warrior pose while the floor gently sways beneath them – truly memorable! Apparently, the waters entering the Caribbean were rougher than usual, and while I never felt seasick, I certainly felt the constant motion of the ship.

The remainder of our day was dedicated to various enriching photography sessions. We participated in “8 Camera Essentials” led by renowned professional photographers Me Ra Koh and Brian Tausend. This was followed by an impromptu photo shoot right in the ship’s main dining room, offering practical application of our newly acquired skills.

That evening, we indulged in a lively cocktail hour, generously sponsored by Patron. (I promise, we didn’t spend the *entire* week simply drinking, though it was certainly a pleasant perk!). This festive gathering also featured a mini drink styling and photography session, expertly guided by Joy and Tracy. If you ever get the chance, you absolutely *must* try their Vanilla Sugar Daiquiris – they were utterly divine! The combination of learning, networking, and delicious cocktails made for truly memorable evenings aboard our Caribbean cruise.

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands: Scenic Views & Magen’s Bay

The next morning, we awoke to the stunning vistas of St. Thomas. Another excursion was planned, guiding us to several picturesque spots across the island, with the afternoon reserved for relaxation at the world-renowned Magen’s Bay. Our tour included a quick but unforgettable stop at St. Thomas’s Mountain Top. Here, we were treated to complimentary daiquiris, perfectly complementing the incredible panoramic views overlooking Magen’s Bay below.

Imagine fifty photographers, laden with their impressive camera equipment, all vying for the perfect shot of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic island landscapes – that pretty much sums up the scene! It was only fitting that I captured a candid moment of my roomie, Meagan, thoroughly enjoying her strawberry daiquiri. Throughout the trip, Meagan and I were mistaken for sisters at least thirty times, which always brought a smile to our faces.

Our next stop was the highly anticipated Magen’s Bay beach. Despite being quite busy, it absolutely lived up to its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The water was incredibly still, offering remarkable clarity and a mesmerizing turquoise hue. After enjoying some lunch, Meagan and I settled in for a few hours of sunbathing. However, a slight miscalculation of time and an unplanned catnap nearly caused us to miss our group’s departure back to the cruise ship – my worst fear almost realized! We made it back just in time, heart rates pounding, but with a good story to tell.

St. Maarten: French Flavors & Secluded Sands

By the end of the afternoon, we were back aboard the Oasis of the Seas, swiftly departing for our next, and ultimately my favorite, destination: St. Maarten. This unique island is famously divided between its French and Dutch sides, offering a fascinating blend of cultures and landscapes. Our group embarked on a comprehensive island tour, making several stops for fantastic photo opportunities to capture the vibrant scenery. Our first major beach stop was the lively Orient Beach, where the water was noticeably warmer than in St. Thomas. A group of us joyfully played in the gentle waves, savoring the tropical warmth.

Our next cherished stop was Le Sand Beach, a truly idyllic location where we were treated to a delicious lunch served right on the sand. This meal, featuring seared mahi-mahi with fresh mango salsa, roasted peppers, and tender asparagus, was hands down the best I had during the entire Caribbean cruise! The fish was perfectly cooked, bursting with flavor. Le Sand Beach instantly became my favorite stop, primarily because of its wonderfully isolated and tranquil atmosphere. I could have easily spent the entire day there, but sadly, we only had a few precious hours before it was time to head back to the ship.

This limited time for island exploration was, perhaps, my biggest critique of cruise life. With only about six or seven hours maximum allotted to leave the boat, there’s not much flexibility or opportunity for in-depth exploration. It’s a taste, a delightful glimpse, but it definitely left me yearning to return to St. Maarten (sans cruise) at some point to truly immerse myself in its charm.

Culinary Delights & Behind-the-Scenes Insights on the Oasis of the Seas

The final two days of our Click Retreat were spent entirely at sea, navigating back towards our home port. These days were packed with even more engaging photography sessions, several special dinners at the ship’s premium restaurants, and one of the absolute highlights of the entire trip: a private, exclusive tour of the ship’s galley, personally guided by several of the Oasis of the Seas’ talented chefs. This insider look offered a profound appreciation for the massive culinary operation.

Now, let’s talk about the food, because I know for many, this is one of the most intriguing aspects of cruising. To be completely honest, I wasn’t entirely overwhelmed by the general dining experience on the ship. While we certainly enjoyed a few outstanding dinners at the specialty premium restaurants (and a surprisingly impressive sushi lunch), the everyday food was largely just “okay.” However, considering they’re serving over 5,000 passengers every single day, “okay” is actually pretty darn impressive! We spent the first few nights in the main dining room, which offered a rotating three-course menu each evening, before eventually opting for the more casual and diverse dining options available throughout the rest of the week.

The galley tour offered an unparalleled glimpse into the intricate food operations of the ship, leaving me with immense respect for the sheer difficulty and incredible volume of work involved in cooking for and serving *that* many people, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The evening of our tour happened to be “lobster night” in the main dining room, and we witnessed the preparation of more than 2,500 lobster tails! Just thinking about the coordination and effort involved is exhausting.

The dedicated crew members on board work nearly seven days a week for five straight months – new passengers embark the same day the ship docks back in Florida each week. The level of skill required to organize and manage a kitchen staff of that size, comprising individuals from countless different countries speaking various languages, is truly staggering. It’s a testament to remarkable logistical planning and teamwork that such a colossal operation runs so seamlessly.

I was also absolutely astonished to discover that they bake all of their breads and pastries from scratch right on board! You should have seen the countless baking sheets stacked high in that pastry kitchen – an impressive operation indeed. This commitment to fresh, homemade goods truly elevates the dining experience, showcasing the culinary talent hidden within the ship.

Given the regular rotation of crew members, the ship maintains incredibly detailed instructions and photographic guides for virtually every dish they serve. This meticulous system ensures consistency and quality, regardless of who is working in the galley, a crucial aspect of managing such a massive and diverse culinary team on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Reflections on a Memorable Click Retreat Caribbean Cruise

It’s truly challenging to condense an entire week of such rich experiences into a single post, but I sincerely hope this narrative has offered you a vibrant taste of my Caribbean cruise adventure with Click Retreat. Overall, it was an absolutely wonderful experience, and the opportunity to connect with fellow bloggers and photographers from across the country was invaluable. From engaging workshops to sharing creative insights, the camaraderie was truly special.

I had an amazing time, forged many new friendships, and miraculously managed to avoid a single sunburn – a significant achievement in the sunny Caribbean! Beyond the fun and relaxation, I came away with a wealth of new knowledge, fresh inspiration for my work, and a renewed passion for travel photography and content creation. So far, 2015 is indeed shaping up to be a pretty spectacular year, and this Click Retreat Caribbean cruise has certainly set a high bar for future adventures!