Having sailed aboard Oasis of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas from the Oasis-class, as well as Quantum of the Seas, it becomes clear that Royal Caribbean was not simply scaling ships up or down. These two classes represent very different design philosophies, each tailored to a specific type of guest experience. While Oasis-class ships prioritize spectacle and neighborhood-style zoning, the Quantum-class takes a more compact, weather-flexible, and intimate approach without sacrificing innovation.
The most immediate difference with Quantum-class is the absence of Royal Caribbean’s traditional neighborhood layout on Quantum-class ships. Oasis-class vessels revolve around the Royal Promenade, Central Park, and the Boardwalk, each functioning as a distinct zone with its own personality. Quantum of the Seas replaces the Royal Promenade concept with the Royal Esplanade, a more restrained and refined interior corridor that weaves its way through the ship as opposed to a distinct alleyway. It is quieter, more controlled, and designed for flow rather than spectacle.
One of the most noticeable differences is Oasis-class vessels have the Boardwalk and Central Park neighborhoods. This is achieved due to Oasis (and Icon’s) split superstructure design which is not featured on Quantum-class ships due to their size. On Oasis-class, the Boardwalk is a major visual and social anchor, complete with aqua theater views, carousel, and open-air dining. On Quantum, those elements have effectively been absorbed into the sports deck, where active venues like SeaPlex take center stage. This merger shifts the focus from passive people-watching to participation, reinforcing Quantum’s emphasis on adaptable, indoor-friendly spaces.
Pool deck design further highlights the philosophical split between the two classes. Oasis-class ships feature five distinct pool areas, each catering to different moods and demographics, from lively family zones to quieter solariums. Quantum of the Seas, by contrast, delivers a much more intimate pool deck experience. While smaller in scale, it benefits from thoughtful spacing between its three main pool areas, avoiding the overcrowded feel that can sometimes develop on larger ships from other lines. The result is a calmer, more cohesive outdoor environment that still offers choice.
Quantum of the Seas also introduces a stronger sense of vertical drama through the Two70 venue, a space that simply has no equivalent on Oasis-class ships. Acting as both an observation lounge and an entertainment venue, Two70 transforms throughout the day, offering panoramic ocean views by morning and immersive digital performances at night. Oasis-class ships counter with Central Park, an open-air garden surrounded by dining and stateroom balconies, which delivers atmosphere and novelty but lacks the technological versatility and views of Two70.
From a scale perspective, Oasis-class ships feel like destinations unto themselves. With their massive footprint, sprawling outdoor neighborhoods, and endless venues, these excel at delivering variety and visual impact. Quantum-class ships feel more deliberate and controlled, with spaces that are designed to serve multiple purposes rather than exist purely for scale. This gives Quantum a surprisingly small-ship feel in certain areas, despite still being a large modern cruise ship.
Guest flow is another area where the classes diverge. On Oasis-class ships, movement is horizontal and neighborhood-driven, encouraging exploration across the ship’s length and breadth. On Quantum, flow feels more vertical and centralized, with key venues stacked and interconnected. This makes navigation easier and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed, especially for shorter sailings or first-time guests.
Weather flexibility may be the single biggest operational advantage of the Quantum-class. Designed from the outset to sail in colder climates and shoulder seasons, these vessels rely far less on open-air spaces than Oasis-class ships. Indoor venues like SeaPlex and Two70 ensure the ship remains engaging regardless of conditions, whereas Oasis-class ships truly shine in warm-weather itineraries where their outdoor neighborhoods can be fully enjoyed. The Solarium on Quantum-class are fully enclosed and climate controlled; a feature that only was brought to Oasis-class with the Wonder of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas.
Ultimately, neither class is objectively better. They are simply built for different priorities. Oasis-class ships excel at wow factor, outdoor living, and neighborhood-style variety. Quantum-class ships focus on adaptability, intimacy, and technology-driven experiences. Having sailed both, the choice comes down to whether you prefer a floating resort city or a more refined, versatile ship that feels carefully curated rather than endlessly expansive.