MacMarauder

24 minutes ago, HBE4 said:

 

They were there for a few minutes.  I tried to do a mock booking for the Nov 24th cruise and when I got to the cabin selection screen, thought the price was pretty reasonable until I noticed the date in the upper corner was April 2020!!

 

When I tried to start over, those 3 cruises disappeared again.

 

December 1st (but not Nov 24 or Dec 8 ) is back up, but when you click it it goes to April 2020.  So maybe we are looking at IT/cabin re-categorization issues here instead of drydock delay?  Hard to tell at this point, it is quite the mystery. 

I was also thinking about the fact that Oasis was scheduled to be in dry dock for 6 or 7 weeks, so a 3 week delay would really be significant.  To me that would indicate an issue with propulsion or some behind the scenes mechanical problem.  I'm sure that if RCI couldn't get the BBQ place or robot bartenders up she would still sail.

I'm in the same boat (ha) being on the December 8th sailing.  Waiting to hear more and way overthinking this.  Right now the two most likely scenarios to me are:

1) RCI really is having problems with the cabins re-categorization and took booking offline to sort it out.  As I've mention before I've been affected by this having a connecting cabin moved to a different deck.  It took them a long time on the phone to sort it out and they told me they were having a lot of issues.  So this might be possible.  But the big question is, if that is true why only the first three sailings?  

2) RCI isn't sure if the ship will be ready for the first three sailings and is putting a hold on bookings and keeping radio silent until they figure it out.  However I'm not sure why they would do this either, because it seems like RCI's standard gameplan is to keep accepting bookings until they are sure they won't sail.  

We won't really know unless RCI makes a cancellation announcement or puts the bookings back up.  Or if Oasis leaves drydock which I think is scheduled for next week?

2 hours ago, lsharp32198 said:

I am staying positive.  When I called last night I was on hold a long time and then told about the recategorizations in detail.  If the posted this today I would assume it is still a go.   Of course, it could change by tomorrow.  Fingers crossed - I don't want to tell my 3 kids it is cancelled.  They need this break as much as my husband and I do.

I'm on December 8th and had a major problem with the re-categorization earlier this week.  Have connecting cabins with two small kids and they flipped my son and I to a different deck.  Luckily we were able to grab different connecting cabins but I can confirm first hand they are having problems with it.  

However the fact that it is the first three sailing only that aren't showing does worry me.  

34 minutes ago, Gerginator said:

First photo below is a picture of door locks that I found on the CC Oasis photo page (no idea how old), second picture is #50/68 in the gallery just posted. Definitely look like they're updated RFID locks. Maybe they're going to bring on WOW bands after all?

Nice catch, my wife wanted to try the WOW bands and I told her they wouldn't be available on Oasis but maybe I was wrong!

This is a heads up to everyone to double check your stateroom #s.  Way back in 2018 I booked two connecting cabins on Oasis sailing 12/8/19.  The cabins were 7694/7696.  It will be my wife, 5 year old son and 18 month old daughter.  We make final payment and I receive the guest invoices showing that we paid and confirming 7694/7696.  Then, on October 10th I received an email stating the following:

.... we'll be conducting an internal system update to our stateroom categories. During this time, your stateroom category will show as a guarantee in your reservation details for XXXXXX. Once we've completed the behind the scenes work, your stateroom category will be different than what you originally booked. However, please know, your stateroom number, location, dimensions, and amenities will all remain the same. The only change will be the name of your stateroom category.

So, all fine and good right?  Well, not so much because when I get an email on 10/25/19 with vacation documents the cabins have changed to 6198 and 7696.  That's a problem because the whole reason I booked two cabins was because they were connecting!  I called customer service was told that the category changed on 7694, which I told them yes I was aware of that but per the 10/10/19 email the stateroom number should not change.  After a lot of waiting on hold for the supervisor (who I never actually talked to) we were able to resolve by putting me in 8162 / 8164 which are also connecting.  While I'm not super happy about the whole situation I'm glad I caught this before we got to the port, so I just wanted to let everyone know to keep an eye on your stateroom numbers if you receive the email about category updates!  

54 minutes ago, SRF said:

BTW, the ACTUAL RCI policy is kids have to be in CONNECTING cabins, according to their FAQ.

But it seems that are fine with adjoining (but not connecting) or across the hall.

I didn't know that, we have connecting cabins for Oasis and I booked my son and I in one cabin and my wife and my daughter in the other.  Figured it won't matter much once we set sail.  But that is interesting!  

First off glad to hear that your wife is doing better.  Second off, you have to remember that when you are dealing with "a multi-national, multi-billion dollar company" they have rules that they have to follow.  You would actually have a better shot with a small mom and pop type company IMO.  Finally I think your best bet here would be to look at the big picture since the price of a cruise is not that significant compared to everything else you have been through.

23 hours ago, molsonschooner said:

I have never seen the Champagne Bar be very busy.  My granddaughter also loves Shirley Temples from the bionic bar

Yes, the Bionic Bar entertains small children so it's a winner in my book!  

First off, I'm not too worried about the open space in front of the Solarium.  On the Allure I think we went out there once, got blasted by wind and then went back inside.  

Secondly, thank you Lloyd for the pictures!  I don't know how you do it, but you are the king of getting construction photos for us cruise fans to geek out on.  I appreciate it!

Kick back on my balcony with a drink!  I suppose it's anti-social, but it always works for me.

61 days or two months from today!  It's been a long time since my last cruise due to the birth of my daughter.  Looking forward to bringing the whole family on Oasis!

39 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

When we arrive in the port city with all our bags delivered.

This is me as well.  There is always that little bit of worry in my mind that the bags won't make it, so once I see them come down the carousel I can finally get into vacation mode!

That is great they are putting a Quantum class ship in Florida!  👍

1 hour ago, island lady said:

I don't think "formal night" has really been formal for some years now.  Some still dress up, some dress very much down.  It's pretty much wear what you want anyway.  Moot point to no longer call it "formal night" IMHO, which went the way of chocolates on the pillow and the upgrade fairy.  😉 

I agree, this isn't really a change just RCI accepting the reality on what "formal night" is these days.

Any guess if there will be a good deal on Black Friday / Cyber Monday?  I'm on Oasis in December, right now it $52 per day.  I looked at the numbers on my last cruise on Anthem, we didn't have the package and wound up spending $30 per person per day on drinks, so it would have to go down by quite a bit for it to be worth it to me.  (Although my last cruise was in 2017, so I'm sure drink prices have gone up since then which should factor into my calculations!)

2 hours ago, normannna said:

I just received this regarding my 8 Dec Oasis itinerary.  It mentions Allure but doesn't state specifically what itinerary changes.

Dear Guest,

We're really looking forward to welcoming you onboard Oasis of the Seas and wanted to share some itinerary changes with you.

Our sister ship, Allure of the Seas, has a technical limitation which lowers her maximum speed. Over the past few weeks, we've been working feverishly to find alternate ports for Allure's sailings. Now you're probably wondering, "what does this have to do with my cruise?" Well, since we had to change Allure's itineraries, some ports will now have more ships than originally planned. So, to ensure you have a wonderful time in each destination with less crowding, we've rearranged the order we'll visit each port. The good news – you'll have additional time to enjoy each one! Oh yeah!

Overall, we've had to make changes to 30+ itineraries and yours is one of them. (Talk about "ship" happening!) Below, please find our new itinerary for December 8, 2019 on Oasis of the Seas.

Day	Port of Call	Arrive	Depart
Sun	Miami, Florida		4:30 PM
Mon	Cruising
Tue	Labadee, Haiti	7:00 AM	4:00 PM
Wed	San Juan, Puerto Rico	1:00 PM	9:30 PM
Thu	Philipsburg, St. Maarten	8:00 AM	6:00 PM
Fri	Cruising
Sat	Cruising
Sun	Miami, Florida	6:00 AM

I'm on the same cruise!  I don't like that the back to back sea days were changed from the first two days to the last two, but otherwise it looks good.  I actually like the change to San Juan, instead of being a morning stop 7am - 3pm it's 1pm - 9:30pm, better time to find somewhere for dinner and grab some mojitos.

So is Portside BBQ in the same location as Hooked on Symphony? 

I'm probably the only one excited but... Bionic Bar is in 

15 hours ago, parothead said:

 i would not be kicking the dog but if it pees on my daughter the owner could be "hitting the deck" 

Agreed - I'm usually a mild mannered guy, but if my son or daughter got peed on by a dog on a cruise ship that would change real quick.  

13 hours ago, Mikew0805 said:

What about them is bad? I have only seen pictures and thought they looked nice.

My problem is that the infinite veranda is just a big window that opens, not a real balcony.  Yes it looks cool and gives you more room in the cabin but you no longer have your own outdoor space.  That's a deal-breaker for me.  

Unfortunately I think/fear that RCI will put the "infinity verandas" from Celebrity Edge on Icon class.  

Gotta disagree on this one, bionic bar is cool and kids love the robots.  

5 hours ago, Saab4444 said:

That is the biggest issue with Royal and their approach for "amplified ships". A lot of fun park staff, cabins and (pay extra) restaurants are added but most cabins remain untouched.

 

If they want to provide a good and reasonably updated product it has to start with the cabins. The old green/brown/yellow color sheme ist outdated and most of the furniture looks tired on many ships.    

I agree, the decor in the cabins really improved in the Quantum class ships and RCI carried it over to Harmony/Symphony.  It would be nice if they could work back and update the older ships because they do really look outdated.  

38 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

 

No Rita on Oasis, been Sabor for years.

You're right, mental mistake - whatever the Mexican restaurant is on Oasis I think it is a goner!  Which is a shame IMO, but it will probably get El Loco Fresh to replace Wipe Out Cafe which somewhat makes up for it.

32 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

 

I'd be disappointed to see the Champagne Bar go.  I can also see them adding more staterooms.

Ah yes when I said "no changes to cabins" I meant upgrading the decor in existing staterooms to match Symphony which seems highly unlikely.  (Although if RCI wants to prove me wrong on that one I would be happy!)  I would never put it past RCI to add more staterooms if they can!

The other thing that I wonder about is the Windjammer, I know that Indy got an upgrade during it's Amplified drydock so it's possible Oasis could get one too.  

1 hour ago, Atlantix2000 said:

Well, yes you only need to 2 cocktails to break even on the price difference of the Deluxe Package IF you're already planning to use the Refreshment Package to its fullest.  Some people don't want bottled water, fresh squeezed juices, or specialty coffee so the Refreshment Package (or those parts of the Deluxe Package) are useless to them.  That's why some people figure 4-5 cocktails/glasses of wine or 6-7 beers is necessary to break even on the Deluxe.  You have to do the math based on what you will drink not what others will drink.

 

Based on reading these forums, I think the number of people that think 5+ alcoholic drinks a day is shocking is actually smaller than the number of people who are shocked that some people don't want bottled water!

Yes this is what I was thinking as well but couldn't quite put the words to it.  I would never buy the refreshment package so my calculation is between deluxe or nothing.  Since I don't drink that much I just pay by the drink and it has worked out in my favor so far.