Panda3

Were they not well-paid unionized workers I might agree.

 

But they are.

 

The average wage for a Porter is $10.14 per hour.

If you think this is well paid, then we come from different parts of the country. Here in Florida if you make less than $40,000.00 you are welfare and food stamp eligible. That wage works out to less than $25k a year.

Asking for $30 was too much but maybe there was more to his service. (??)

As far as just handling the bags - $1 a bag is way too low as one poster stated, especially for us wealthy Americans. $1 per bag is what my parents taught me 40 something years ago to tip porters in the airport, hotels and cruises. Folks, please tip a minimum of $2/per bag. These folks word hard!

And don't go saying "but I'm on a fixed income" Most everyone here has tons of cruises on their signature and makes a choice to cruise. If you were hard up for money, you would not be cruising. Everyone that goes on a cruise is affluent compared to the rest of the world. We "cruisers" are blessed. I personally can only afford to cruise every 2 years but in my planning, I save for things like tips and stuff. I guess I could cruise more often and choose not to tip porters, or remove the tips from the seapass, but why??

Sorry to offend anyone. I really am live and let live but regarding certain core values, I feel strongly.

I see someone posted pics as an example previously here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2150434&highlight=forward+cabin

My stateroom was different with the couch by the window, looking at this one the bed is by the window, not sure if I like it as much but it still looks big. There is another thread here that goes into the magic formula of "bed placement" you can search for. That all depends on the stateroom configuration. on the Oasis/Allure every "other" room had either a bed/sofa by the window.

I should also mention you are requested to close your curtains at night at the request of the captain.

I was explaining what we do,you don't have to go along with it so just do your thing

Good Answer Danp. I'm sorry you got flamed for just sharing what you do.

Hi All,

 

This thread does seem to underpin the world's perception that Americans are gluttons.

 

Pete

I agree with your assertion. I find this thread odd but entertaining. Why would someone eat more than 2 in one sitting? Also, I've heard it reported that the 2nd dinner service runs out due to the 1st dinner service. Makes sense now we hear from a few that were honest here.

We went from Freedom in 2010 to Enchantment in 2012 and had no issues. I really loved Enchantments solarium area. The ship was fantastic. Since then we sailed Oasis and Oasis again. It's nothing against the smaller ships but we wanted a 7 day cruise :-) You will be more than fine. and think about it, the main extra things on the big ships are things like flow riders, zip lines, shows, etc. just depends on How YOU cruise. We cruise to relax, and it could be argued you can relax more on a smaller ship (although smaller ships rock more)

I wish I had a pic to show you how awesome it is. We were in a forward stateroom deck 9 two years ago. Loved it so much I booked another forward stateroom deck 10 this year. Oceanview. They are surprisingly affordable. It's soooo big due to the slope of the ship, I peaked in some balcony rooms and thought they were tiny. Ours had the sofa by the window too..so much extra space. What I loved is we had a routine and many things we liked were forward on the ship. Every morning we would get our coffee at the solarium cafe (forward). We would then go down to 6 and walk around the ship twice, then take the elevator up and eat our breakfast at the solarium cafe, healthy and delicious and great views. We did not enter the windjammer once.

After breakfast we freshen up in our rooms and typically find our loungers in the covered part of the solarium (sea days) read books, drink cocktails. That doesn't sound exciting to some people but we are in high stress jobs it was heaven, lol!

So...the forward part of the ship is a great way to go imho

We are planning on tipping our Genie $100 per person in the cabin. There will be 5 of us on Oasis in August in the 2 bedroom Aqua Suite. We also give a tip at the beginning of the cruise to our steward. So we will give our Genie a similar amount and go from there. Depending on service, we plan to give above and beyond, as I used to work for tips and realize how important it is to recognize good service.

$100 per person sounds about right for this level. I'm amazed and happy about the action on this topic. This seems like service so few people would use but many of you are using and plan on booking this type of stateroom. Gives me hope that our economy is coming back with a vengeance.

I don't see myself ever needing the help of a genie. Maybe to go save me a chair by the pool? That actually might be worth it....lol But so glad they offer this level of concierge service.

excuse the newbie question. If you have paid for your cruise, can you take advantage of price drops? Or is it only if you have put a deposit. Do they lower your price and give you credit automatically or do you have to call them?

Thank you for the comparisons! I think it comes down to either what you know, or maybe even the particular cruise you get on.

Over the years I've converted my DH to RCI. I did give in once and take the Carnival Dream a few years ago, a special spa room. DH and I can say it was the worst cruise. Mainly there was a sewage smell every day from the dining areas, the PAX on this particular cruise (not Carnivals fault) were the the worst, cutting lines, not watching their young ones, visibly treating cruise staff terribly. We tried to enjoy the hot tub kids were throwing ice cream cones in it, parents not around. Uncomfy chairs in the adult lounge area, and not enough pools for a ship that size. I do have to say the spa on Dream was better than the spa on Oasis,and thats the only place where Carnival excelled. I really tried to keep an open mind but the food is sooo much better on RCI. And I love the vitality program. I actually lost weight. I'm not just comparing the carnival dream to royal oasis. We love smaller ships like the enchantment too. Just giving my two cents.

What's amazing about this cruising lifestyle, is that there are choices!:)

The original poster never came back, did he? I hope the responses were able to help you!

My final answer on this is do what's best for the child, not what is best for you. If you keep that in mind, you will be able to feel good about your decision. :-)

I think the weather will be great and a great ship for the first time, although may spoil for future cruises! There will be tons of kids so perfect time to go for the kids to have friends. :-)

very good suggestions bandp and joey!! Thank you!

Put all $1200 on Red and pay for your cruise!

 

 

 

Seriously, how about a compromise? What would it cost to upgrade to an Ocean balcony? Won't give you the perks of the JS but if it's only small amount for the balcony, could be worth it. I put a lot of value on having a balcony. There's a word for people like me. :D

Hmmm good idea [emoji851]

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The service is definitely better than OG!

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Thanks for the question and response. We're going to Labadee on the Oasis in a few weeks, ands this was a concern since Labadee will be our main beach day. We already have the sunscreen, ad some packets of Deep Woods Off, but I think we're going to buy a bottle/can just to be a little safer.

I'm actually considering not going off the ship on the Labadee and Jamaica stops . Not sure if the risk is worth it and the ship is my destination, not the ports.

Hi Everyone,

I just noticed that the Viking Lounge is no longer on the Oasis. Loved that area to listen to music, have a drink without getting windblown. I also liked it because they would have "my kind of music" which is music from the 60s 70s and even 80s that was danceable.

I'm sure there is alot of diversity on these boards of thye best music. But I basically want to know the best place now to have a drink and listen to music (maybe dance) where you understand the words? I realize that sounds so "old fogey" but I really do not like most of today's modern music which is all computerized and enhanced. Madonna is more appealing to me than Lady gaga, Drake, or Rhianna.

Hi just to confirm it would be 1200 for both of us so additional 600 per person for a JS ...we already spent 750 per person for the cruise . (Tips included) that is still a big jump the only thing that was tempting me was the fact that it was our anniversary I don't know much about this coastal kitchen the last time we were on oasis we ate in specialty or main dining room and loved it. I love the solarium for breakfast . We didn't go to the Windjammer once of course we were forward on the ship. [emoji1]

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Thank you everyone! Basically you validated what I was thinking. $1200 is still a lot of money to us....

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Hello,

Would like everyone's honest "first" opinion. DH and I are booked on the Oasis for our 10th anniversary. Got a great casino rate for an outside cabin (no balc) It's all paid up!

Today I found out for $1200 more, they could upgrade us to a JS. I hear everyone talk about the Suite life and I know that's a good deal, but I just feel that's still a lot of money, I could use it on excursions, spa treatments or casino..or drinks or special dining...

But it's our 10 year anniversary and it's a suite. I also researched posts and many folks do not consider a JS a real suite on the oasis. :)

So...what would you do, hang tight or shell out an additional $1200 for a JS for a week on the oasis?

Thank you.

Amazing Trip - Thank you for sharing!!

Please forgive the newbie to Oceania question. I've not cruised on Oceania before, and just started looking at their website. I was on their website looking to book an inside stateroom. I know that's the basic category. I carefully read the features of this stateroom. There is not a mention of a connecting bathroom under the features of the stateroom. Is that because it's inside and cheaper? Can anyone confirm if there is one or is it like many European hotels, you share it on the same floor as other passengers. Obviously, I would prefer a stateroom with a private bathroom.

Thank you!

Since you asked, I say no because of the young age of the child. They aren't going to have any memories of this. Also, because of technology, you can easily stay in touch daily with the grandparents or nanny taking care of your baby back home.

That being said, I'm sure you would make the right decision for you! :)

 

Order more than 1 entree or dessert at dinner.. indulge.. (we ordered 40 desserts for our table of 10 one night.. and we ate it all.. gawd I was full!)

.

I respectfully disagree with this suggestion. I like Valamos other ones. It's okay to indulge but 4 desserts pp? You don't want your waitstaff to hate you, lol.

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Some people want an inside cabin to sleep better, some folks (like me) don't want a balcony or want a specific deck. How does the fairy know? :-)

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