This is a Royal Caribbean video I shared about how Oasis of the Seas gets into St. Thomas, one of the most challenging ports for a ship this size. The captain walks through the numbers, the tight turn into the dock, the bow thrusters and the teamwork it takes to bring her in safely.
Oasis of the Seas Arrival in St. Thomas With the Captain
Oasis of the Seas arriving in St. Thomas, a Royal Caribbean video where the captain explains docking a giant ship with about six feet under the keel.
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Key Takeaways
- Oasis of the Seas is 225,000 gross tons, 1,187 feet long and 215 feet at her widest.
- The ship sits about 30 feet below the water, so coming into St. Thomas there’s only about six feet of clearance under the keel.
- Getting to the dock takes a turn of more than 90 degrees, with a shipyard on one side and sailboats to keep clear of.
- The bow thrusters are 5.5 megawatts each, and the captain says arriving in St. Thomas wouldn’t be possible without them, especially when it’s windy.
- Before arrival the bridge team holds a detailed briefing on the weather, the maneuver and how many engines they’ll use.
- A local pilot comes aboard who knows the port and the currents and keeps in touch with the line handlers.
- In the narrow channel they steer from the center console, because you can’t see the side of the ship from the bridge wing.
Good to Know
Just so you know, I didn’t film this one. It’s Royal Caribbean’s video, and it’s a neat look at what’s happening on the bridge while you’re out on deck enjoying the view as the ship pulls in.
If you’re sailing into St. Thomas, get up on deck for the arrival. The captain says he doesn’t have much time to enjoy the view himself, but on a nice day it’s a beautiful way to come into port.