The Oasis is neat, but I'd rather cruise the Dream!

[Sdallnct]

Can't make every option the same price, some options are for specialty coffee, don't think they'll charge the same for that as for Chops restaurant! I really don't see where multiple options with different charges are such a big problem. Do you have a difficult time making decisions in general? The more I read some of these responses the more it seems some people are just looking for something to complain about and having a hard time finding one so they are grasping at anything!

 

LOL...yea...decisions...do I reply or not...hum....:rolleyes:

 

Come on, you pulled out coffee as an example? Really? I get the Coffee and ice cream is a la cart.

 

I'm talking about the restaurants, the food. Why have different prices? BTW I'm not really complaining. I'm posting what has bothered me about the ship based on what I read. I have not sailed on the ship. So for all I know they have some system to make it easier. Or maybe the idea is to not make a spure of the moment decision and decide before hand and find out details of cost. Or maybe it is not that big of a deal where you go to a place to eat and they have a big sign with menu and pricing. So if you don't want it, you move on. Lets see,

 

Italian - Lunch is $10, Dinner is $15

Hamburger - Breakfast free, Lunch $4.95, Dinner $4.95

Seafood - Closed for breakfast, Lunch $8.95 (oh kids $4.95), Dinner $8.95 (kids $4.95)

Cafe - Breakfast free, Lunch free, Dinner $20

Steaks - Dinner $25

Upscale - Dinner $35

Chefs Table - Dinner $75

 

Maybe they provide complete menus and pricing in your cabin on arrival so you can take a look in leisure without walking all over the ship when it is time to eat (including all the free options). Or maybe they are all close together so it doesn't make a difference.

 

I'm really not complaining. I'm trying to figure it all out. Oh wait, maybe I am complaining, I can't decide...:p

[Kobefan]

LOL...yea...decisions...do I reply or not...hum....:rolleyes:

 

Come on, you pulled out coffee as an example? Really? I get the Coffee and ice cream is a la cart.

 

I'm talking about the restaurants, the food. Why have different prices? BTW I'm not really complaining. I'm posting what has bothered me about the ship based on what I read. I have not sailed on the ship. So for all I know they have some system to make it easier. Or maybe the idea is to not make a spure of the moment decision and decide before hand and find out details of cost. Or maybe it is not that big of a deal where you go to a place to eat and they have a big sign with menu and pricing. So if you don't want it, you move on. Lets see,

 

Italian - Lunch is $10, Dinner is $15

Hamburger - Breakfast free, Lunch $4.95, Dinner $4.95

Seafood - Closed for breakfast, Lunch $8.95 (oh kids $4.95), Dinner $8.95 (kids $4.95)

Cafe - Breakfast free, Lunch free, Dinner $20

Steaks - Dinner $25

Upscale - Dinner $35

Chefs Table - Dinner $75

 

Maybe they provide complete menus and pricing in your cabin on arrival so you can take a look in leisure without walking all over the ship when it is time to eat (including all the free options). Or maybe they are all close together so it doesn't make a difference.

 

I'm really not complaining. I'm trying to figure it all out. Oh wait, maybe I am complaining, I can't decide...:p

 

Maybe!

[SeaTurt1e]

To all those who are saying Oasis is too big, I think it's a pretty safe bet that if you sailed on her you would change your mind. Rather than being concerned that I'd have a lousy time, I'd be far more concerned that I'd have such a good time that it would spoil me for all other ships!

 

To the poster who said it would be a pain trying to find your way around, let me tell ya, Royal Caribbean ships are so well laid out, they are way beyond the Carnival ships in that regard. If you've never been on any of the Voyager or Freedom class ships, you really don't know what you're missing. How many ways are there to get from the bow to the stern? Aside from the deck with the lifeboats, there are the pool decks, the Royal Promenade, and on Oasis they also have Central Park and the Boardwalk. Lots of alternate routes to take. Also, they have wider aisles, wider staircases, higher ceilings, more elevators, and everything is better marked. They even remind you what day of the week it is when you get on the elevator! You always know where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there.

 

I recently read somewhere that Oasis is supposed to be like a high-end resort on land, like the Bellagio in Las Vegas or Atlantis in the Bahamas. Having just returned form Atlantis (sailed on the Pride out of Baltimore on 11/15), I can say it's pretty upscale, lots of things to do there, spectacular artwork, the Dig is amazing, and so on and so forth, but it definitely is expensive. I've been to casinos in Vegas too (thought Luxor was amazing), saw the dancing fountains at the Bellagio and the pirate battle at Treasure Island. If Oasis is really designed to compete with resorts like this, then it's undoubtedly worth the premium pricing.

 

When you consider the Oasis is as big as the Empire State Building and it moves, and it's a cruise ship with a garden onboard that's as long as a football field, and it has spectacular stage shows and ice shows and water shows, and an elevator that serves cocktails and a merry-go-round and a zip line and four pools and umpteen hot tubs, and oh yeah, it also takes you to places with beautiful blue-green water and palm trees swaying in the warm tropical breezes, then it surely is a wonder that has to be experienced, at least once if not again and again. And if all you want is an opportunity to commune with the sea, then you can still do that; relax on your private balcony, or go up on one of the decks with no pool nearby and you'll find yourself all alone... even on a ship that carries 6,000 people.

 

RC has nine ships larger than Carnival's biggest ship... ten when Allure comes out next year. So even if you don't want to sail on them, obviously there are plenty of others who don't share your disdain. Or else they may have had your concerns, tried RC anyway, and now they're hooked. I've sailed on both, most recently on Carnival because it was cheaper and on this occasion, more convenient. My verdict is that RC is unquestionably a better cruising experience, but Carnival provides a very good vacation for the money as well. I wish both lines nothing but the best in the months and years ahead. I already have my vacation plans set for 2010, but I definitely intend to be on Oasis in 2011 or 2012. :cool:

[futaba951]

Someone needs to check for holes in the paneling around here, because the brand new batch of Royal Champions are coming out of the woodwork all of a sudden. I guess the newest class just graduated. :)

[Kobefan]

Someone needs to check for holes in the paneling around here, because the brand new batch of Royal Champions are coming out of the woodwork all of a sudden. I guess the newest class just graduated. :)

 

Interesting! I find that when the doubters have nothing concrete to say they fall back on the Royal Champions, or the RCL cheerleaders, name-calling. FYI, paneling is VERY out dated! Time to catch up! LOL

[firefly333]

Someone needs to check for holes in the paneling around here, because the brand new batch of Royal Champions are coming out of the woodwork all of a sudden. I guess the newest class just graduated. :)

 

Yep, they fired the rest of us ... never got to do a thing with it except get flamed on CC. Said they are going to use facebook and more up to date things than whatever the plan was for us.

[futaba951]

Interesting! I find that when the doubters have nothing concrete to say they fall back on the Royal Champions, or the RCL cheerleaders, name-calling. FYI, paneling is VERY out dated! Time to catch up! LOL

 

I have nothing to doubt. I spend time on all of the boards. Even Cunard. :p The Royal Champions was a compensated group of RCI cheerleaders. (But I'm sure that you already know that) They nearly tore the RCI boards to shreds. I'm not name calling. That is what RCI named their group. It instigated a lot of ill will and in fighting amongst the sheeple over there. Not a good situation, and a lot of long time posters left this site over it. In case you hadn't noticed, (and I'm sure that you are well aware of where you are) this is the Carnival board and by and large I doubt that most over here really care much about what is going on with RCI. You really should check out the RCI boards. They're a great bunch over there, and with your wealth of knowledge, you will be well received, I'm sure.

[Kobefan]

I have nothing to doubt. I spend time on all of the boards. Even Cunard. :p The Royal Champions was a compensated group of RCI cheerleaders. (But I'm sure that you already know that) They nearly tore the RCI boards to shreds. I'm not name calling. That is what RCI named their group. It instigated a lot of ill will and in fighting amongst the sheeple over there. Not a good situation, and a lot of long time posters left this site over it. In case you hadn't noticed, (and I'm sure that you are well aware of where you are) this is the Carnival board and by and large I doubt that most over here really care much about what is going on with RCI. You really should check out the RCI boards. They're a great bunch over there, and with your wealth of knowledge, you will be well received, I'm sure.

 

Thanks for acknowledging my vast knowledge base. However, I don't need or want your permission to post here or there. That old whining about RCL cheerleaders being a compensated group is so inane, one would think one would be embaressed to even repeat it! Again, something to fall back on when one has nothing of any substance to say.About my posting on this board, I have sailed carnival in the past, may do so again in the future, so, just trying to keep up! If most here don't care what is going on with RCI, why the big interest in posting about the Oasis?

[Living in Paradise]

I have followed the building, transat, first porting, first cruise of RCCI's Oasis of the Seas with great interest. It truely is a marvel of ship construction. BUT! I would rather cruise on the Carnival Dream. I feel like the Oasis would be a really nice resort to visit (like Disney World), but not for a crusie. Too big! Too many people! To few ports to visit!

I only hope the Dream tries some different routes. The Glory has done thes trips for years and I have done them all!

I have equally sailed RCCI and Carnival so it is not because of the cruise lines.

What do you think?

 

Everyone has their own opinion, naturally. My husband and I just sailed on the Dream and it WAS a dream! But... it's also a huge ship - 5,000 - we went to the Grand Mediterranean, and it was fantastic. We never had a problem waiting in line for anything. Check in and out went faster than fast - maybe 10 minutes total each way. We had "anytime" dining and again, never a wait. At times, we looked around the ship and said... "where is everyone?" There are so many places to go and see and so much to do that believe it or not, it wasn't crowded! We're going on the Oasis on Dec. 12 and have heard that they're really very well organized. We'll keep you posted, but for now, can't wait and yes, we may just enjoy the ship and not have time to get off! Also, the room on the Dream was FANTASTIC! First of all, their rooms (outside cabin) were very big. We had the new 2 bathroom outside room. No balcony, but 2 bathrooms was fantastic. The beds are the biggest in the business - full King and VERY comfortable. The decor was gorgeous - leather couch, flat screen, and the 2 sink/2 shower/bath bathrooms were very handy. 2 toilets would have been great, but at least we could shower, etc. at the same time. 4 closets, plenty of drawer space, and terrific amenities in room. I agree that I don't like the idea of paying extra for restaurants on the Oasis, but there are plenty of ways to eat great food without paying extra. That said, think the WOW factor will really blow us away with all the neighborhoods, shows, and innovations.

 

So... happy cruising to all!!!

Living in Paradise!

[SeaTurt1e]

Someone needs to check for holes in the paneling around here, because the brand new batch of Royal Champions are coming out of the woodwork all of a sudden. I guess the newest class just graduated. :)

 

I've sailed on Carnival and I've sailed on Royal Caribbean. I like them both. But the two lines are different. RC is a better cruise experience than Carnival, but it costs more. I cruised on Liberty OTS last year and had a good time. I just completed a cruise on Pride and had a good time there, too; comparable cabin, but about $300 less per person. Plus, I was able to drive to Baltimore vs. flying to Miami. For that kind of savings, I can overlook some things.

 

So when I say some aspects of a Carnival cruise weren't as good as a Royal Caribbean cruise, that's not a slap at Carnival, or cheerleading for Royal Caribbean, it's just reporting my experience, like saying a Buick rental car drove better than a Chevy rental car, or that Disney World was a nicer theme park than Great Adventure.

 

I plan on sailing on Princess and Celebrity someday, too. Maybe then I'll say they're better than Royal Caribbean. Or maybe I'll say they're overpriced. But what I won't do is just say they were awesome if they weren't. That's what we have posters like YOU for!

[futaba951]

I've sailed on Carnival and I've sailed on Royal Caribbean. I like them both. But the two lines are different. RC is a better cruise experience than Carnival, but it costs more. I cruised on Liberty OTS last year and had a good time. I just completed a cruise on Pride and had a good time there, too; comparable cabin, but about $300 less per person. Plus, I was able to drive to Baltimore vs. flying to Miami. For that kind of savings, I can overlook some things.

 

So when I say some aspects of a Carnival cruise weren't as good as a Royal Caribbean cruise, that's not a slap at Carnival, or cheerleading for Royal Caribbean, it's just reporting my experience, like saying a Buick rental car drove better than a Chevy rental car, or that Disney World was a nicer theme park than Great Adventure.

 

I plan on sailing on Princess and Celebrity someday, too. Maybe then I'll say they're better than Royal Caribbean. Or maybe I'll say they're overpriced. But what I won't do is just say they were awesome if they weren't. That's what we have posters like YOU for!

 

Huh??? WTH are you talking about? Of course you can't be a Royal Champion. I don't believe that there are any left. See post #31.

[nycruiser80]

I have sailed many different lines and ship sizes and enjoy all of my cruises. If I had to choose between the two it would be Oasis. This ship is special and you really can't compare her to the Dream. I was on the Dreams 2 night cruise from NYC and while she was a nice ship she is just a larger version of the Destiny/Conquest/Splendour class. Nothing new and innovative here. So for me as a ship enthusist I much prefer to sail on Oasis but her prices are another story! I can go on two Carnival Cruises for the price of one Oasis cruise!

 

I know everyone is saying the Oasis will have so many people but remember ship layout plays a BIG role in how all those people are dispursed onboard. For instance the Carnival Dream and RCI's Explorer of the Seas are close in size and capacity but to me the Dream seemed much more crowded because of her lack of large open spaces like RCI's Royal Promonade. Infact I just had a travel agent friend come back from a preview cruise and they said check-in for Oasis took 17 minutes from pier arrival to stepping onboard and the ship was close to full capacity. It took me 1 and 1/2 hours to board the Dream in NYC. To be fair the Oasis terminal was custom built while the terminal the Dream used in NYC was not.

 

But all in all I won't be sailing Oasis soon as I think she is too expensive for me so I will stick with other RCI ships, Carnival, NCL or whoever will offer me better rates.

[PaulMedik]

I think Oasis of the Seas would made a great excursion for a port day, but for cruising I'll make sure I'm back on board a cruise ship instead of a mall on a barge.

 

Seriously though, when it gets grounded in some port due to creditors or a shift in sands, they should explore the excursion options just like Atlantis did with their attractions. They could weld a steel net on the rear and include the swim with the dolphin attraction to go along with the high dive acts. If the lower decks aren't taking on water, cut a few holes and provide a first rate two tank dive excursion to boot.

[frednsb]

I thought this would be a nice forum to compare what people like. And kind of it is. But like most Cruise Critic Threads some of the crazies come out and people just like to rip into each other. Some of you like to make really great, creditable comparisions (I found a lot of great points for Oasis), some like to talk about there experiences, some like to bait each other, some like to get mad, some are just stupid!

All cruise lines have something great to offer, some are better in one area than the other, some a little less. I have sailed small and I have sailed big. but not huge. . . yet! I love cruising! Started in 1967 and still do it as much as possible.

Thanks for the interaction!

[63galaxie]

I thought this would be a nice forum to compare what people like. And kind of it is. But like most Cruise Critic Threads some of the crazies come out and people just like to rip into each other. Some of you like to make really great, creditable comparisions (I found a lot of great points for Oasis), some like to talk about there experiences, some like to bait each other, some like to get mad, some are just stupid!

All cruise lines have something great to offer, some are better in one area than the other, some a little less. I have sailed small and I have sailed big. but not huge. . . yet! I love cruising! Started in 1967 and still do it as much as possible.

Thanks for the interaction!

Bingo! I couldn't agree more.

[ssatterly]

I want to do both!

[frednsb]

Seems like somebody pulled some of the posts from this thread. Play nice people!

[frednsb]

Looks like this thread is about over. Thanks for all the comments! It does look like an exciting ship, but a little expensive right now.

[frednsb]

If not we will put this one to bed! And I would sail Oasis if the prices came down to a reasonable level. It looks really neat.

[Coco83]

To all those who are saying Oasis is too big, I think it's a pretty safe bet that if you sailed on her you would change your mind. Rather than being concerned that I'd have a lousy time, I'd be far more concerned that I'd have such a good time that it would spoil me for all other ships!

 

To the poster who said it would be a pain trying to find your way around, let me tell ya, Royal Caribbean ships are so well laid out, they are way beyond the Carnival ships in that regard. If you've never been on any of the Voyager or Freedom class ships, you really don't know what you're missing. How many ways are there to get from the bow to the stern? Aside from the deck with the lifeboats, there are the pool decks, the Royal Promenade, and on Oasis they also have Central Park and the Boardwalk. Lots of alternate routes to take. Also, they have wider aisles, wider staircases, higher ceilings, more elevators, and everything is better marked. They even remind you what day of the week it is when you get on the elevator! You always know where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there.

 

I recently read somewhere that Oasis is supposed to be like a high-end resort on land, like the Bellagio in Las Vegas or Atlantis in the Bahamas. Having just returned form Atlantis (sailed on the Pride out of Baltimore on 11/15), I can say it's pretty upscale, lots of things to do there, spectacular artwork, the Dig is amazing, and so on and so forth, but it definitely is expensive. I've been to casinos in Vegas too (thought Luxor was amazing), saw the dancing fountains at the Bellagio and the pirate battle at Treasure Island. If Oasis is really designed to compete with resorts like this, then it's undoubtedly worth the premium pricing.

 

When you consider the Oasis is as big as the Empire State Building and it moves, and it's a cruise ship with a garden onboard that's as long as a football field, and it has spectacular stage shows and ice shows and water shows, and an elevator that serves cocktails and a merry-go-round and a zip line and four pools and umpteen hot tubs, and oh yeah, it also takes you to places with beautiful blue-green water and palm trees swaying in the warm tropical breezes, then it surely is a wonder that has to be experienced, at least once if not again and again. And if all you want is an opportunity to commune with the sea, then you can still do that; relax on your private balcony, or go up on one of the decks with no pool nearby and you'll find yourself all alone... even on a ship that carries 6,000 people.

 

RC has nine ships larger than Carnival's biggest ship... ten when Allure comes out next year. So even if you don't want to sail on them, obviously there are plenty of others who don't share your disdain. Or else they may have had your concerns, tried RC anyway, and now they're hooked. I've sailed on both, most recently on Carnival because it was cheaper and on this occasion, more convenient. My verdict is that RC is unquestionably a better cruising experience, but Carnival provides a very good vacation for the money as well. I wish both lines nothing but the best in the months and years ahead. I already have my vacation plans set for 2010, but I definitely intend to be on Oasis in 2011 or 2012. :cool:

 

I'm not quite sure you can say, RCI is "better cruising experience" considering you have only been on ONE Carnival ship (Pride) with the exception of the Festivale almost 20 years ago. On that same note, I refuse to pass judgment on RCI since I have only been on one of their ships thus far & many different ones with Carnival. You can probably tell that I prefer Carnival, but it would be unfair of me to say that it is better.

[Coco83]

I'm not quite sure you can say, RCI is "better cruising experience" considering you have only been on ONE Carnival ship (Pride) with the exception of the Festivale almost 20 years ago. On that same note, I refuse to pass judgment on RCI since I have only been on one of their ships thus far & many different ones with Carnival. You can probably tell that I prefer Carnival, but it would be unfair of me to say that it is better.

 

*RCL (sorry, couldn't edit)

[GXmanDC]

I have not sailed Carnival yet, but the Dream looks like a great ship. From reading the reviews some people are really happy with her. I'd like to try the Oasis, too.

 

I don't understand all the fighting over whose cruise line is better, seems there are many cruisers on all of these lines who are having a great time. I also don't get the criticism that Dream or Oasis are too big. I've been on big ships, I have never felt crowded or like I was in a mall.

[crusinpsychRN]

The orange/burgandy color scheme is awful. How did they build the Dream with all its wonderful ammenities and keep those ugly cabins?????????:confused:

 

Really! I can't stand the orange.

[mrpayroll]

How can you have an opinion that you don't like large cruise ships if you have never been on one?:rolleyes:

I was wondering about this also. :rolleyes:

[nbsjcruiser]

The Dream/Magic will be the largest ships I intend to cruise on. I think the Oasis is far, far, far too big and would be a nightmare to embark and debark!!!!! None of RCI's ship appeal to me, as most if not all, are too big.

 

If you like the Dream then I am betting you'd love the Radiance of the Seas. Its not a large ship but is THE most beautiful ship in their fleet. Gorgeous.