BHappy2Day

Thanks--we are in a suite, too. I love/hate every ship's Windjammer--calories of every format galore, but otherwise, not special.

Yeah, should have mentioned we are cruising in Alaska--hope that makes all the difference!

We are looking forward to a July 2019 cruise on Ovation of the Seas. But, I read some of the reviews with concern. Despite the fact that this is a new and gorgeous ship, there are many bad reviews on cruisecritic.com. The ship is in Asia now. Much of the negativity centers on crew, long lines, noisiness and general disorganization. The last 10 reviews include two 3-star, five 2-star and three 1-star ratings--terrible, right?

Does anyone have insider insight into why Ovation cruisers are disappointed? I sure hope whatever is going on is fixed before our cruise!

Sometimes your actions have unintended consequences. I may have been the last cruiser on earth who did not know about Ovation and Alaska. That changed when I saw your post. One hot minute later, my husband and I are booked also in July 2019 in a Grand Suite, on the forward edge of the midship bulge. Thank you!!!

I just read all 37 pages of your posts. I got up at about page 14 to get a cosmo and blow dry my hair. This trip report contained very relevant and well-presented information for me and my crew of 12 embarking OASIS Eastern Caribbean on June 10th.

I am most impressed by how many errands you ran very cheerfully to get so much information upon request. That was very selfless. Not too many people take on tasks like that during vacation. Thank you!

Thank you--good insight on cruising with the little ones!!!

Has anyone taken a young child to the Atlantis water park?

We are a party of 13 booked on OASIS June 10th Eastern, stopping in Nassau Day 2, planning to spend morning excursion at the Atlantis water park. Most of us have been there before, and we love it.

Problem: One of our families includes a 6-year-old and a 2-year-old. OASIS will not book anyone under 48 inches. Mom and Dad of the kids are fine with Do-It-Yourself taxi and Atlantis on-line prebooking, but I cannot tell for sure from the web site whether the 2-year-old can even get in. Anyone done this? Thoughts?

Definitely will try to switch to Giovanni's. Sounds good. Thanks!

Hi--We are a party of 11 adults and 2 small children going to sea on the OASIS June 10th 7-day Eastern sailing. Two of our six staterooms are Owners Suites--no Royal Genie, but maybe some concierge help--not sure.

First night is 28th birthday of the mom of the 2 small children. I am wracking my brain for a good celebration that includes the kids--birthday mom wants to include them. So far, we have 150 Central Park at 6 pm, but I am not sure this upscale restaurant is the best idea.

I am looking for alternative ideas for people who have planned good celebrations, especially first cruise night celebrations, that have included children. I have been thinking about this for weeks--I want this to be the right kick-off for our large group cruise.

I found this review by searching for FOS Diamond, and it is a gem! Thank you so much for taking the time to post such a thoughtful, well-constructed guide. You have certainly added to my happy anticipation and informed planning, as we count down to our 13 April 2014 Western Caribbean cruise as first-time Diamond members!

Dressing up means dresses and heels for me. And I am not going to miss out on the opportunity to dress up! But at 50-sumpin', heels cannot be the smoking hot high spikes. I would be on flats with crutches the next day. :D

My husband just moved from the DC area to Central Florida, because we are, ahem, getting to near-retirement age. Before we moved, we went on the once-a-year or so cruise, lately graduating to European destination cruises and maybe looking down on the been-there-done-that Caribbean cruises.

Now that I am here and all I have to do is drive an hour or two east or west to hop on the ship, I know I have become a cruiseaholic. I don't care where it goes.

Has anyone else become cruise-crazy upon moving to Florida?

Dear Most Excellent Trip Reporter Who Is Apparently from the Greater Boston Area,

You are a top-tier reporter. My Oasis trip starts in 3 days, and I feel like you put me on the ship already. We have 3 couples, 2 of whom are your Connecticut neighbors.

I like the web cam idea, but I think my sons would NEVER watch for us. My sister's daughters might, though.

BTW, I am a fellow very strict "Fishatarian," for over 20 years now (also starting in diapers, right?) And I agree with you about the food. I do not recall any cruise ship food "good old days."

You are doing a good thing with this report--it put a smile on my face. And I am even more excited about the Oasis.

Barbara

My favorite newbie sight is nautical clothing. Blue and white horizontal stripes and/or gold buttons.