KLC1993

Cagney's has always been a highlight, though I've never ordered the NY strip.

There are two levels of Covid protocols.  NCL's which should let you know the specifics on your particular sailing, and the protocols for each of the countries on your itinerary and means of entry.  Meaning the rules may be different if you are arriving by sea or by air.

The rules are always changing, especially the individual ports.   The only way to be sure is check frequently as your sail date approaches, especially if you are not fully vaccinated (definitions for that vary as well).

I've been on 3 "covid' cruises and the rules were different for each.  The one constant has been that compliance is less of a hassle for those that are vaccinated than it is for those who are not.

Escape, Encore for Caribbean.   Bliss and Joy were designed for Alaska and other seasonal climates in mind.  In my experience they aren't so different but someone putting that fine a point on it might see it differently.

As for (non-haven) wow factors, my list includes Spice H20 (with the grotto, not the giant hot tub on the Joy), the go kart track, the Broadway based shows, Howl at the Moon, Cagney's Steakhouse, Food Republic, and the suite we had on the Joy.  SC category - Cabin #14756 for those scoring at home.  Teppanyaki is always fun even if the menu/show is the same.

The one thing to avoid is the NY Strip on the Main dining room everyday menu.  It's been a frozen reheated puck of alleged meat for going on three years now.  Order anything else.

If also helps if you link the cabin reservations of your traveling party.  It's not necessary, but it will help avoid billing mixups.   More of an old school thing so you'd end up on the same bus for excursions back before they had the cattle calls in the theater.

This does not link credit cards.  It just lets the system know you are traveling together.  You CC or TA can do it.

PCR test is not necessary from the US if you are vaccinated.  Here is current guidance.

Microsoft Word - NORMATIVA COVID 30 AGOSTO ENG (471)_aggiornato 30 Agosto.docx (esteri.it)

Lunch was extra. $5 for a burger and $15 for the buffet which looked pretty good but it can be a bit tricky to do the balancing act. We went with the burger which was a frozen patty but it was fine.

It is a really fun time, We've done it twice. It hits the same spots as all the catamarans but is on a slightly different schedule so you aren't there when they are. We did the sunken ship which was awesome and hit the spot where the turtles like to hang out after a nice cruise up the coast.

Plus you can walk the plank, swing on the rope swing, and do other pirate-y things. Plenty of rum punch and other drinks. It's a nice party vibe.

Our pickup time was 10 am. There is not much to see other than the port shopping. The port is not really near anything. You will get to spend about 20 minutes wandering around the tour office downtown, again not much to see, as well as a fair amount of the western coastline on the tour.

It may not be the best idea for a show with limited dialog and a symphonic score on a ship full of the overfed and well lubricated.

The show is Broadway caliber and those who say it hasn't aged well and needs a bit of a primer on the story are mostly correct. At one point is was the longest running Broadway musical for a reason. It appeals to a broad audience who may not have a ton of experience with musical theater. So, in that regard it is perfect for a cruise ship.

Wikipedia the storyline or pay attention to the opening number, they explain it. Don't worry about the names of the cats. It's mostly a dance based musical rather than a plot based musical. It's the production and score that won all the acclaim back in the day.

The intermission photo op on stage isn't something you'll find anywhere else, so take advantage of it.

I know a few people who have had their reservations for this excursion cancelled by RCCL for upcoming cruises in Jan and Feb, including us.

Is this a strange coincidence of being overbooked or is their something else going on? In all cases these were reserved and paid for though the RCCL website months in advance and covers multiple sailings.

We've already made other arrangements for the port, but I was curious if anyone knows anything.

Just got off the Oasis 1/24 and hibachi is open. The meals are a la carte with chicken/beef meals at $25 and seafood/combo/double portion meals at $30. Includes soup or salad, edamame app, and dessert.

Our 6pm seating had two of the three tables full, but you do need to make a specific reservation as each table holds 8.

The hibachi experience is fun but I think many balk at the price given the many other options. The food itself was excellent. The appear to be still in the figure it out stage as the restaurant itself lacked the energy of NCL or mainland hibachi experiences. The specialty cocktails were also very good.

Great review! A few minor questions:

 

I have seen some similar review of Cats, why did you feel it was not appropriate? I hear many people leave at intermission...was it just too long?

 

I am not clear on the leaving after the show comment, did you mean people were leaving while the CD was talking and wrapping things up?

 

Thanks for getting me more excited about my upcoming cruise!

I was on this same sailing and saw Cats on Sunday @830. My guess is that after a travel day and a full day at sea with sun and drinks etc., that some just ran out of energy by intermission which was around 10 pm. Our show was completely full to the point of people shouting about reserving seats. After intermission the room was a little more than half full.

It also helps if you know the basic storyline of the show because it's difficult to pick up on the fly.

I would say that the show cast is very good and that the show is the same one you would have seen on Broadway. Bonus feature was the opportunity to take a photo with Deuteronomy during intermission while he sat on stage.

It's a good show. Maybe too long for the cruise ship crowd but it is a tremendous value you are getting from RCCL to see it at sea.

Sailed on the Seranade, Monarch, Majesty and booked on the Oasis for RCCL. Sailed on the Pride of America, Dawn, and Epic on NCL. DW and I prefer to do our own thing so we prefer the Freestyle experience of NCL.

Will be interested to see if the MTD horror stories are true on the Oasis. I have a hard time believing they can't figure it out as NCL has been doing this for years.

My main difference IMHO, is that NCL is a bit more flexible with the options in entertainment and dining. My Oasis booking experience has been a lot more stressful than it needs to be. Do I really need to decide where and what time I want to eat on day 6 three months out?

Also, we love the Howl at the Moon piano bar on Epic as well as outdoor adults only pool. Looking forward to the Oasis, but I hope the adjustment back to "regular" cruising isn't too noticeable.

Anyone know the closest car hire to the cruise terminal??

Bit confusing online

Here you go:

http://www.porteverglades.net/cruising/transportation/

I'll pass along the best advice given to me the first time I had to drive on the left, "Keep the steering wheel towards the middle of the road"