At Sea 4Ever

Was wondering what is in walking distance or at the pier. Is there anything to do or see when you first step off the ship? We will be sailing the Jewel of the Seas. Any comments are appreciated!

Sent from my iPad using Forums

What is directly at the pier or in walking distance of the pier. Will be sailing on the Jewel of the Seas and was wondering what there is to do or see when you get off the ship. Any comments are appreciated!

Sent from my iPad using Forums

What is directly at the pier or of walking distance? Will be sailing on the Jewel of the Seas and wondering if there is anything to do or see when you get off the ship. Any comments are appreciated!

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Day 6: Cozumel

Once back onboard the ship we noticed a decent number of passengers choose to stay onboard. We headed back to our cabin to settle back in from being off the ship. At this point the sun was fighting to come out so once we put our stuff away we headed up to the Solarium. We were able to have our pick at seats so we chose our usual spot with a perfect view Cozumel. Since it was window washing day and the solarium is covered in glass the crew was busy at work.

There was something about the day that made it my favorite of the week. Maybe because the weather was slightly less perfect which drew a smaller crowd poolside. It was beyond relaxing and a perfect day to finish off a good book. Later in the afternoon the sun was high in the sky and the heat was prevalent! Although the Vision is a decent sized ship, Oasis class towers over all. We snapped this up close and personal picture of the Crown and Anchor sitting on the smoke stacks of the Vision.

We were getting hungry so we thought we would make it a Johnny Rocket day and have lunch there as well. We were able to be seated inside right away which on other ships there always seems to be a wait especially in the middle of the afternoon. Let me just say, and I do remember it being the same on the Allure, that the inside of Johnny Rockets is the coolest area temperature wise on the whole ship! Save eating there for a hot day because it's very cold inside. Unlike breakfast, lunch is a small fee of $5.95 for all you can eat. Soda, floats, and shakes are an additional fee. The soda package does work here as it does all around the ship. Also Crown & Anchor coupons for buy one get one free shakes are applicable as well.

Just like with everything there are conflicting reviews of this restaurant on CC. We can say like always we enjoyed Johnny Rockets.

Once finished with lunch we were freezing and full so we left the Boardwalk and headed back up to the Solarium to relax for the rest of the afternoon. We noticed sail away time was approaching and there were no signs of us leaving on time. A boat tour was delayed getting back to the ship which held us up. There had to be at least 250 people exiting this one giant boat. A great perk of booking excursions thru the ship is that the ship will still be there for you when you return!

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Day 6: Pier at Cozumel

The Carnival Elation and Paradise were also in port with us. Although there were a few ships in port the pier and shopping area was not very crowded. We did notice there was not as much haggling with the vendors as there usually is. We did some quick shopping and found what we were looking for. We then took a walk to grab a picture of the ship from across the water.

Taken in front of Senior Frogs

We always take that same picture when we visit Cozumel. We even used it for our "Save the Date" a few years back for our wedding!

Directly behind us was the Humane Society of Cozumel.

As dog lovers this broke our hearts. Very pathetic but we were glad to see it was being run by a very caring woman. For $250 they would ship you a dog back to the States. Another smaller way to help was to make a donation in exchange for some pet goods. They had squeaky toys and some doggie clothes. We knew our little guy back home would get a kick out of a new toy and we felt that was the least we could do for the dogs in Cozumel.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Day 6: The Pier in Cozumel

We decided for the first time all week that we would get off for a few minutes in Mexico. I was looking for a certain piece of jewelry from a certain vendor that we had visited in the past. We were a bit bummed when we realized we would not be taking the escalator down to disembark the ship. We got a kick out of that on the Allure. They told us certain ports and depending how the ship pulls in depends on whether or not they use it.

The weather was still not great but at least it was dry. Once we stepped off the ship we were greeted by the Vision of the Seas! She was docked right next to us. While we love seeing other Royal ships we realized we would not get a good full length picture of the Oasis.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Love all your photo's, thanks for posting them.

Thanks for following!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Day 6: Cozumel

Today we woke up to an overcast sky. You could tell it rained a good amount during the night and the sun was no where to be found. We realized because of the weather the battle of the pool chairs would not be happening that morning. Something we never experienced on the Allure was the breakfast at Johnny Rockets. To be honest if it weren't for CC I would never have known it was even offered. We headed down to the boardwalk for a diner style breakfast.

Although it poured the night before, the chairs and tables were dried completely for use. They encouraged we sit outside and since the boardwalk is great for people watching we agreed!

Unlike lunch and dinner, breakfast is complimentary at Johnny Rockets. You can order as much as you like and even get eggs cooked to order. The best part about breakfast was that the food was nice and hot! Definitely one of the best breakfasts we ever had on a ship.

Up Next: The Pier in Cozumel

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Day 6:

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Day 6:

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Day 5:

We arrived at Studio B about ten minutes before Frozen in Time began. They were still allowing people in but seats were becoming sparse. We found two in the back row which was fine because TV monitors displayed the show. There are a lot of pillars throughout the venue so being able to also view the show on a screen is a plus. Compared to Ice Games, which is the ice show on the Allure, Frozen in Time I found to be more technical. It told less of a story and showed more of the talent of the skaters. Ice Games told more of a story and was better for all ages. Once again, just like Oasis of Dreams, you can tell Royal only finds the best talent!

After our fabulous meal and great entertainment we were tired. Remember our mornings start early! We called it a night after the show. When we got back to our cabin we received a notice stating that window washing would be happening tomorrow and that we should keep our shades closed.

Up Next: Day 6

Cozumel, Johnny Rockets, Solarium, Come Fly With Me, MDR, Quest, Twenty by Absolute

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Day 5:

Before we headed down to Studio B for the Ice Show we took some pictures of our night in Central Park.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Day 5:

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Bittersweet Chocolate Bourbon Tart

This menu was named the Shadehouse Menu. It was served the second half of the cruise.

We thought the menu was great! The flavors and quality of food was worth the up charge of a specialty restaurant. I really enjoyed the carrot dish but I can't pick a favorite because it was all so delicious. Like I said earlier in my review, the chocolate bourbon tart was heaven on a fork. I would go back just for that one dish.

We did have an interesting and scary experience during our meal. We have been on many cruises and have never, besides drills, heard distress calls. The first was a bravo bravo bravo call issued from the bridge. A report of a fire on deck one and even specified a cabin number. After everyone was rattled by that, about thirty minutes later an alpha alpha alpha call was issued for Dazzles which is right outside of Central Park. We did see a handful of crew members run towards the area. It looked as if someone maybe had cut themselves because we later we did see blood on the floor. There was something very eerie about those two calls. It's hard to explain maybe because it was dark out but for one quick second I didn't feel like I was on a floating city with six thousand people.

As dinner was coming to an end, our waiter asked us if we would be trying out Jamie Olivers new restaurant on the Quantum of the Seas. Even though the style is very different this had me believing that those two restaurants would be comparable.

Up Next: Ice Show

Sent from my iPad using Forums

"The Versatility of a Carrot"

Borek Farms Carrots

Potato Leek Soup

Beet & Goat Cheese Tortellini

Grilled Tuna

Served medium rare as suggested

Beef Two Ways

Lobster Tail

We were so full at this point we asked that we share one so they split it for us

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Day 5: 150 Central Park

After "rising" back up to deck 8 we were placed directly outside 150 Central Park. On the Allure we had sat alongside the window at a table for two and since those tables were available again this time around that's where we choose to sit. We enjoyed that spot because you had a nice view of the park. The restaurant is very elegant with a small personalized crew. There were a decent number of tables occupied while we dined. I was kind of surprised that the most expensive speciality would also be the busiest. As soon as we were greeted by the maître de and our waiter it all came back to me. This was the best culinary experience you could find on the seas. It looked like the restaurant agreed with me as well!

I did capture every course with a picture but the quality of the photos isn't the greatest. The restaurant is very dimly light and I did not want to disturb other patrons with a very bright flash every few minutes.

We were first asked if we dined at 150 Central Park before and if we had any food allergies. First question yes. Second question no. Our waiter then offered the wine pairing to us but we opted out. I did however order the house specialty martini. It wasn't on any menu or even offered to us but thanks to reading many of the great reviews on CC I was ahead of the game! Because I had the premium drink package I just had to pay the $5 difference because the drink exceeded the $10 limit. It was well worth it though because the martini shaker for you to refill when needed and I was able to get about 3 refills out of it. The taste of cucumber was very refreshing! Even though I did not do the selected wine pairing I still ordered wine by the glass off the menu. My package did cover those.

Speciality Martini

The beautiful menu presentation

On the Allure we received a pre printed menu with our names and sail date imprinted on it. We got to take them home as souvenirs. Maybe it was because it was the inaugural season or because we booked before boarding or maybe they no longer add that special touch but this time on the Oasis we did not get those menus.

A basket of breads, homemade butter, & salt selection

The much talked about salt selection

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Day 5: Rising Tide

One of the the most innovative attraction on the ship is the Rising Tide Bar. It is an elevating bar that goes between deck 5 Promenade up to deck 8 Central Park. During the day it is stationed on deck 8 while a water fountain display takes place underneath.

In the evening it transforms into a bustling bar. You can enter or exit either on deck 5 or 8 and the arrival and departure times are located on a digital board on both decks. It takes about ten minutes to get from one deck to the next so plan according. I say plan according because we got so caught up in the great view and tasty cocktails that we didn't get off on deck 8 like we wanted to. Our dinner reservations were in Central Park so that's where we had wanted to get off but instead we stuck it out and waited for it to go back up. You can stay on the bar for as long as you would like. If I remember correctly the bar on the Allure had a "set up" bar top where as the Oasis had a built in bar. The Rising Tide is a fun experience that should be done at least once while onboard!

A look at the Schooner Bar located directly across from the Rising Tide

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I know Carnival has a 15-drink maximum. RCL doesn't have an actual limit?

No limit on royal just one drink at a time per card.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

We were on Oasis with you last month. Can't believe it's been that long already...must be time to book another cruise! Have been enjoying your review very much. It's always fun to re-live the experience here on CC. Thanks for doing this!!

Hey! I remember talking to you on the roll call! I can't believe it's been over a month already. We had such a great time and the weather was beyond perfect all week. I feel like I'm extending the cruise by doing this review lol. Thanks for following along!

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Still totally enthralled with your review! I'm like a kid on Christmas, going online to see if there's a new post up!

 

 

 

I appreciate the insights on the drink package! "The biggest factor of the package that we enjoyed the most was not thinking about ordering a drink throughout the week. It was all said and done before we boarded. It really did feel like an all inclusive vacation.... You are probably asking yourself, "how do they know they made out good on the package?"

 

 

 

I wholeheartedly agree with your comment above! You summed it up perfectly, not hearing "cha-Ching! Cha-ching!" in your head every time you order a drink (makes vacation much more pleasant!). When I purchased it before I kept thinking someone has to lose in this deal and you know it's not the ship! On Carnival we knew what their max per day was and that's how we kept score until we got our final bill at the end of the week and could do the math. With Royal Caribbean not having a pre-determined max I bet they are even more profitable with it since cruisers won't have that magic number in mind they need to hit to beat the house (ship) so to speak

Wow! Thanks so much for your nice comment! Your right about people not knowing the magical number. I'm sure royal makes out well in the end.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Hi there!

I found your review yesterday after booking our Oasis cruise for next November. Since I have a VERY long time to wait for that cruise I am taking in all the information I can. I'm loving your review and looking forward to more. I can tell you that after being to the islands several times before that we will be doing the same thing you did on this cruise which is just basically enjoying the ship experience in and of itself. I don't believe we will get of the ship at any of the ports (we are doing the Easter on our Oasis cruise).

Love LOVE that there is deck police watching out for unattended chairs. I wish they did this on their other lines.

Thanks for following along! Waiting for your next cruise is just so hard. Thank goodness for Cruise Critic! Lol

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Day 5:

After enjoying a good part of the day at the beach pool we decided to change it up and head over to the Solarium. The pool in the Solarium was packed! I tried getting in for a second just to cool off but I could not make it past the stairs. We ended up using the showers next to the pool when we needed to cool off. Needless to say the hot tubs were empty. We were able to grab a seat next to the window area for a breeze.

This was how our afternoon was spent

Since it was a sea day the Solarium Bistro was open for lunch, and since we were enjoying frozen mudslides all day, they taste like chocolate milkshakes, we decided now would be a good time for lunch! Breakfast and lunch are complimentary there and served buffet style. It is a healthier eating option without giving up good flavor and food. Even though it's connected to the pool area and offers inside and outside seating they do require proper cover ups over your bathing suits. We had very tasty chicken fajita tacos.

Since tonight was the second formal night on the ship planned to skip the MDR. Even though it was lobster night we had enjoyed a great lobster dinner in the Seafood Shack earlier in the week. We were torn as to what to do for dinner. We talked about dining casual in the Windjammer but then started to gravitate towards Solarium Bistro since they set it up so beautifully at night. We then remembered our delicious meal at Giovanni's. Oh what decisions! The afternoon was in full swing and we liked the fact that we were going with the flow and not being restricted to beating the clock with dinner reservations. There were so many options in the air that we certainly wouldn't go hungry.

So if you haven't caught on already with previous posts, I enjoy a quick stroll by myself at least once a day. I keep it to under 30 minutes because i do value my pool chair. Today after lunch I ran downstairs to check email from home. The computer labs are empty that time of day so it's quick and easy to send a short email home. The sunlight offered in Central Park during the day is magnificent! You really do get the feeling of being in a park on a beautiful afternoon. I'm not quite sure how I ended up at the aft end of the park considering the Solarium and computer labs are forward, but there is always a method to my madness.

150 Central Park was a great experience while on the Allure. We enjoyed the tasting menu aspect of it. This time we wanted to keep the cruise a more casual experience. We even skipped Captains night. I had seen recent reviews here on CC of the menu from 150, but I kept only seeing the one menu and it did not appeal much to us. Since I like to soak it all in, I stopped in front of 150 during my park stroll to just check out the menu framed outside the restaurant. The first menu listed was the one I kept seeing on CC that didn't do it for us. Then I read the second menu offered for the second half of the week. And as depressing as it sounded I had to admit to myself that yes we were in the second half of the week already. The second menu though did peak my interest! Before I could even finishing reading the menu a crew member from inside the restaurant came out to greet me. He quickly informed me of the special they had going on tonight. 20% of per person plus you would also be served lobster as a course since it was lobster night on the ship! Since it was a great deal I quickly said ok! He asked me what time I wanted a reservation for and I said 8. I did return the conversation by informing him that we did not bring a jacket for my husband. I wanted to know if that would be an issue. He quickly assured me that it would not be a problem. So excited, I headed back to the Solarium where I left my DH. I was going to keep my great find a surprise, but since I hate keeping surprises and my DH is as curious as a kid on Christmas Eve I decided to tell him. He was thrilled and we agreed tonight would be a good time to have a pre dinner drink on the Rising Tide Bar. With a ship this size everything does need to be planned out if you want to cover some ground. You need to make a point of doing something otherwise you will probably never get around to it.

Up Next: Rising Tide & 150 Central Park

Sent from my iPad using Forums

So if you have your phone on airplane mode you won't get charged for roaming?

That's the way it is for the iPhone with AT&T. I can't speak for anything else.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I hate this too! I book my excursions via the cruise lines as well because once while docked in St. Lucia, the excursion was late getting back to the ship because of the traffic but since we booked through the cruiseline, the bus was able to call ahead and have the ship wait. I know that's something that's guaranteed when you book through them but I was still nervous. In case of emergencies (i.e., if for some reason the ship has to leave for safety), I keep my passport or a photo copy (if a copy, then another form of ID), my phone, and a credit card. You just never know.

 

So did the ship wait for them or teach them a very expensice lesson?

I do the same thing as you! I never step off the ship without ID, cell, and credit card because you just never know. The ship did wait for them but the crew were not to happy.

Sent from my iPad using Forums