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Royal Caribbean's Central Park: What to expect in the 1st green space at sea

Sept. 24, 2023
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4 min read
2Photo Jul 29 2023, 11 17 59 AM
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When you think of Central Park, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship likely isn't the first thing that comes to mind. Nevertheless, Central Park is one of seven neighborhoods on the cruise line's Oasis-class ships.

Named after the famed park in New York City, the at-sea version is the first real park with live plants on board a cruise ship.

Here, find out what makes this groundbreaking public space so neat and what you can expect to find if you take a stroll through it.

What is Royal Caribbean's Central Park?

The resident gardener waters live plants on a cruise ship
One of Central Park's resident gardeners waters plants on Allure of the Seas. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

Central Park is a sunny promenade area on Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships. Found in the middle of Deck 8, the space is open to the sky, and it's home to more than 12,000 plants, cared for by a resident gardener. On ships that have it, you'll find two living walls, an overhead art installation that lights up, bars, shops and restaurants with plenty of both indoor and alfresco seating.

The neighborhood is flanked by four decks of balcony cabins that overlook the spot but offer no ocean views.

Be warned that Central Park can feel like a greenhouse. Despite all the vegetation, there's little shade and not much of a breeze. However, it's a lovely place for dining and drinks after the sun goes down.

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Although the specific offerings can vary by ship — as is the case with Icon of the Seas, which will have new venues — Central Park generally includes restaurants like 150 Central Park (for-fee, upscale fine dining), Giovanni's Table (for-fee Italian), Chops Grille (for-fee steakhouse) and Park Cafe (free grab-and-go fare) and bars such as Vintages (wine) and Chandon (spritzers).

Related: The best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for every type of traveler

What does it cost to check out Royal Caribbean's Central Park?

It's complimentary to walk through Central Park, but many of the offerings located there are not. You'll pay extra for items at the photography studio and the shops, as well as for dining and drinks at every restaurant and bar except Park Cafe.

Which Royal Caribbean ships have Central Park?

Two walls of live plants rising up to support a canopy of colored lights over the deck of a cruise ship
A view of Central Park's living walls, art installation and inward-facing cabins on Allure of the Seas. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

Central Park can be found on Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships and soon-to-debut Icon class:

Have cruise questions? TPG has answers:

Featured image by ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.