Day 3- Oasis of the Seas – Sea Day The Ozark Wanderers

Afternoon light over the Mediterranean — the perfect sea day view from our Crown Loft Suite.

Trip Report: Oasis of the Seas – Mediterranean Cruise 2024

There’s something magical about a sea day — the rhythm of the ship, the endless horizon, the luxury of doing absolutely nothing. After exploring Palma de Mallorca, today was all about recharging as we sailed east toward Italy. Somewhere out there between Spain and La Spezia, the Mediterranean stretched blue and calm as glass, and the whole ship seemed to move at half speed.

Sea days are the calm before the storm of adventure. We knew the next three days would be non-stop — la Spezia, Rome, and Naples, one after another — so today became our chance to store up energy, slow our pace, and soak in the quiet before the sightseeing whirlwind began.

Sunsetting over the Ocean — *Afternoon light over the Mediterranean — the perfect sea day view from our Crown Loft Suite.*

Suite Life Perks

This trip was technically a casino comp, but we decided to upgrade our stateroom to a Crown Loft Suite, and it was worth every penny. Two stories of space, a private balcony with sweeping ocean views, and access to the Suite Lounge — where cappuccinos taste better simply because you’re sipping them above the sea.

The Pilot and I both agreed this is our favorite room layout yet. We love the quiet luxury and the little touches — priority boarding, reserved seating in the theater, and Coastal Kitchen dining. It’s one of those “once you try it, there’s no going back” experiences.

Oasis of the Seas Crown Loft Suite — Crown Loft Suite on Oasis of the Seas

Dinner at 150 Central Park

We had planned to eat with our friends, in the main dining room. But when the line stretched endlessly down the hallway, a host whisked us away to 150 Central Park for a complimentary dinner instead. What started as a wait turned into one of the best meals of the cruise — perfectly cooked filet, truffle butter, and service that felt five-star.

150 Central Park has officially earned a spot on our “must-do again” list. It’s a quieter dining experience that feels worlds away from the bustle of the ship. We’d dined at 150 on the Harmony of the Seas a couple of years ago and remembered loving it — but this meal somehow felt even better. Maybe it was the company, maybe the sea air, or maybe just the pace of a sea day when time slows down enough to really savor it.

Update: Our experience at 150 Central Park on our 2025 Harmony of the Seas sailing wasn’t quite the same – proof that not every cruise delivers consistent service. (You can read about that here)

A New Favorite Wine

Somewhere between the appetizer and dessert, I discovered a new favorite — a crisp, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand, made by Sileni Estates. I’ve always loved the bright, citrusy style New Zealand does so well, and this one had just the right balance of fruit and freshness. Too bad I didn’t discover it when we were actually in New Zealand — I would’ve stocked up!

I’m by no means a wine connoisseur, but after our Fredericksburg, Texas wine trip, I’ve started to appreciate the art of tasting a little more. I can even pick out a few “notes” now — or at least pretend I can. It’s funny how travel changes you in ways you don’t expect; what started as a casual interest has turned into one of my favorite parts of exploring new places.

Unfortunately, Sileni isn’t available on U.S. sailings — so if you’re cruising and want something similar, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is a solid equivalent and easy to find stateside. Both capture that same fresh, tropical character that instantly transports you back to the sea.

Bottle of Sileni Sauvignon Blanc wine from Marlborough, New Zelanad — My new favorite wine – Sileni Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand

Reflections at Sea

As the sun dipped low, we stood out on our balcony watching the ship cut through the deep blue of the Mediterranean. This was our first time sailing these waters — though, funny enough, at moments it looked just like the Tasman Sea or even the Caribbean. The same endless blue, the same shimmer on the horizon.

It not only felt like coming home, but it reminded me of just how small we really are in the vastness of the world. Water as far as you can see — it’s humbling and comforting all at once. I’ve always found the ocean calming. It’s one of the main reasons I love cruising.

People sometimes say they’d hate being on a cruise because it’s just a “floating hotel.” But for me, it’s the exact opposite. It’s the connection to the water — the stillness, the power, the feeling of being surrounded by something bigger than yourself — that draws me back again and again.