Is bigger really better?

[navybankerteacher]

Oasis of the Seas, with more than 5,400 passengers, has a lowest price for 7 days in an inside in December :$1,049 (Dec. 12)

 

On similar dates there are the following:

 

Costa Atlantica - Balcony - $549

Crown Princess - Balcony - $779

Norwegian Pearl - Suite - $899

Carnival Liberty - Balcony -$749.

 

What are people thinking?

Is "new" that much better?

Is huge something to pay a premium for?

 

Why go to sea at all if you need a park, bowling alley, skating rink, fast food restaurants, etc.

 

Has Royal Caribbean gone too far? What do you think?

[Traveler353]

For me NO. I do not like the looks or layout of this monstrosity and have no desire to set foot on it.

[serene56]

For me, No. We tried the Voyager- awesome ship- but for me and honey it was just too big.

 

We had an aft cabin and by the time we would go allt he way forward to see a show--- that long way back killed me by midweek.

 

I was tired after my vacation for the first and only time.

 

I wont be sailing the Behemoth;

[paul929207]

Absolutely Not!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SoFetch]

I don't nessecarily have anything against the size...I actually think it would be kind of cool to check out, just for novelty's sake.

 

HOWEVER, as you've pointed out, the price is absurd. Ultimately, I'd be unlikely to use many of the ameneties anyway, I'd rather save my money and go with another ship and have lots more to put towards excursions and drinks.

 

On a side note, I recieved a brochure for the new NCL Epic coming out this summer, and to me that looks more interesting than the Oasis. They have a lot of really cool entertainment and nightlife options, which appeal to me more than on-board ziplines.

[K&RCurt]

I will join in the chorus that bigger is not better.

 

For my taste more than about 2,000 - 2,500 people is too many.

 

I can't imagine the lines to get on and off the ship in ports. And the Oasis is SO big that the ports it can call on is limited.

 

I just hope I am never in the same port of call when this behemoth is discharging it's mass of humanity!

[RetireeWannabee]

It's not for me. All I need is a cabin, dining room and hopefully a clean whirlpool. I am clearly not one of those that requires biggest, best, latest, or to be the first/only to do anything.

 

I do understand that some people want "Lots Of Stuff" especially for their kids, but I am not the kind of person to need constant entertainment. I could stare out to sea for hours.

 

I think that the embarking/disembarking would be particularly aggravating, but will assume that "They have a plan!"

 

Paying a premium for things I do not need would be silly. However, I know that many cannot wait to sail her. Well, I hope they have a great cruise!

[printingchick]

I won't say RCL has gone too far because clearly they're selling cabins at this price and I know people who are just DYING to try Oasis. All the publicity seems to also have helped the stock, which is also good news to me.

 

Personally, I have no interest in Oasis. I cruise for the itinerary. Obviously the ship matters, or a cruise would not seem so FAR superior to a land-based vacation. But a cruise that goes to the same ports we've all visited a half-dozen or more times, and spends more days at sea than at port, is just not for me. Even if the price were the SAME as the Freedom or Voyager Class.

 

I had a great time on Freedom in January, but I have to say I prefered my experience on the Voyager Class. I'm trying out Radiance class in a few months.

 

Bigger isn't always better to me...but everyone has their own opinions. Oasis looks pretty cool, but cool new stuff is not necessarilly what I'm looking for when scouting my next cruise vacation. Cool new places would be more accurate!!!

[uppitycats]

For me, bigger is definitely not better. I look for the smallest ships I can find that also have handicap accessible rooms. I can't imagine getting on a ship with that many people -- a small CITY!! :eek: What kind of personal service could anyone expect in a giant like that??

 

It appears that the Oasis is a "destination onto itself" -- you would never have to leave the ship and still be entertained. The reason I go cruising is to see other parts of the world...not an entertainment center!

[cruisin'tex]

Different strokes for different folks....some people just like to try out new ships.

[kitty9]

I don't think all that many people are chomping at the bit to go on Oasis. They can't even sell their holiday cruises, so not all that many people are excited about this ship. BTW, I saw it in FLL last week, and there's no way I'd go on such a huge ship. I can't imagine the insanity of embarkation and disembarkation, not to mention the long lines for everything. All that plus all the extra charges for silly things like $2.50 for a cupcake?? Give me a break. I just cannot understand why a certain segment of the cruising public can't be thrilled to just be on a cruise ship, and must have things like bowling alleys, rock climbing, ice rinks and a carousel. Have we become so jaded and bored? Pretty sad state of being, imho. I'm just thrilled to be on a great cruise and don't need all that stuff.

[sparky-elpaso]

I have no desire to go on the Oasis - waaay too big. What I can't understand is why RCI is building a 2nd ship before finding out how this one is going to work out.

[MissSummers20]

I haven't been on Oasis yet, but I can't wait to get on her next August!

 

As a young college student (almost 21!), I found myself quite board on my last (and only) cruise with Carnival. There wasn't enough to do or see, the ocean was beautiful, but younger people want to active vacationing, not laying by the pool all day and talking over dinner with other cruise guests. My family is excited about the Oasis because there are so many dining and entertainment options.

 

I can see how many older couples and solo cruisers will find the Oasis to be too big and overwhelming for a vacation, but I think the Oasis will draw a younger, more active crowd who will enjoy the zip lining, flow riders, ice skating and club/bar scene. Plus there are many options for families and young children.

 

Cruising used to be only for older people, but now that young adults and young families are cruising regularly, it was time for them to make a bigger, bestter ship to appeal to the younger and new to crusing crowd.

 

The novelty of the Oasis, the biggest ship ever, most modern, lots of activities, etc is worth the high price tag

[RetireeWannabee]

Summer, I'm glad you showed up to lend this thread some balance.

 

I understand what you are saying, your point of view in wanting a myriad of activities. I think there are already plenty and it's easy to stay plenty active, but, hey, we're different people - I totally get that people want to zipline on a ship and stuff - that's why they put the stuff there! THere are some interesting novelties on this brand new ship.

 

One thing I wanted to ask you, since you mention your age and "worth the high price tag" is, do you pay the cruise fare? Obviously, Oasis has a cost vs benefit aspect to consider for most of us, and I wonder if the high fare is coming out of your pocket?

 

Please understand, I respect your opinion of going on O either way, I just want to attempt to put into context your comment about 'worth the high price'.

 

I hope you have a fabulous time!

[printingchick]

I haven't been on Oasis yet, but I can't wait to get on her next August!

 

As a young college student (almost 21!), I found myself quite board on my last (and only) cruise with Carnival. There wasn't enough to do or see, the ocean was beautiful, but younger people want to active vacationing, not laying by the pool all day and talking over dinner with other cruise guests. My family is excited about the Oasis because there are so many dining and entertainment options.

 

I can see how many older couples and solo cruisers will find the Oasis to be too big and overwhelming for a vacation, but I think the Oasis will draw a younger, more active crowd who will enjoy the zip lining, flow riders, ice skating and club/bar scene. Plus there are many options for families and young children.

 

Cruising used to be only for older people, but now that young adults and young families are cruising regularly, it was time for them to make a bigger, bestter ship to appeal to the younger and new to crusing crowd.

 

The novelty of the Oasis, the biggest ship ever, most modern, lots of activities, etc is worth the high price tag

 

 

I found myself bored on many of my Carnival cruises as well. I think it has less to do with the bells and whistles than the focus of the activities. Carnival is the FUN ship and it has a party atmosphere. Royal Caribbean gears itself to an ACTIVE passenger - hence things like the rock-climbing wall, in-line skating, ice skating, basketball, water volleyball, crew versus passenger dodge ball, etc. I have never found myself bored on a RCL cruise. I don't think it was necessary for them to go to such extremes with Oasis and I agree with the poster who said they should have tested the market before building TWO such ships. Carnival's new Dream Class ships are the size of RCL's Voyager Class if I recall correctly. In my personal opinion, there really is no reason to go larger than that.

[silentbob007]

I can appreciate what Oasis offers, even if I'm not going to use most of the stuff. It is the pricing that I find offensive, especially given the limited, "same old" ports that anyone who's cruise more than 2-3 times out of Florida has visited. In addition, many of the early reviews state that while on the ship, you are very cut-off from the ocean. I know this was a complaint with Voyager/Freedom ships too, but now taken to a whole new level. I'll probably sail on her some day when pricing is in line with other cruises, but as of now, I'm happy with any other ship.

[Taxguy77]

The most pleasurable voyage I've had was on a 225 pax sailing vessel. I was able to stand in the control room while the officer on duty changed the pitch of the sails and adjusted course to achieve the shortest posible TIME to our next port. Slight wind shifts required slight course adjustments to balance the speed and distance of the course. We could really hear and see the sea, not from the pool deck behind the glass barrier 10 stories above the water, but bahind a low railing close enough to the water to really hear it go by.

If I want to go to an amusement park, 6 Flags or Disney,

if I want to go to the store, I have a choice of malls, not just one company-controlled one,

if I want to eat out, I have many choices run by sepatate companies,

if I want to stand in lines, call the home cause I need care!:rolleyes:

[Square]

I'd like to try the ship (I'm 30) but I'm not going to pay a premium to do so. I like the idea of the club/bar scene along with some of the other novelty items. Maybe I'm just cheap (my wife would take the maybe out of this statement) but I'd rather put money into drinks/excursions/casino than to have a room that costs too much. Different strokes and all that, but that's my 2 cents.

[cruiserbryce]

I dont think bigger is the only reason the prices are higher at the moment. Its the newest thing and I think they are banking on curiosity...striking while the iron is hot...once Allure comes out and the hype fades I think you'll see the rates come down. It will be at least until then that we consider a cruise on her. The size just seems to take away from the cruising experience...but thats just me...

[printingchick]

I dont think bigger is the only reason the prices are higher at the moment. Its the newest thing and I think they are banking on curiosity...striking while the iron is hot...once Allure comes out and the hype fades I think you'll see the rates come down. It will be at least until then that we consider a cruise on her. The size just seems to take away from the cruising experience...but thats just me...

 

Agree! I remember when Freedom of the Seas was new and the prices were outrageous. I sailed on her in January of this year, when the prices were comparable with other ships.

 

Oasis prices will come down. I also agree with silentbob about the "same old ports" aspect of the larger ships. Their size makes them just too limited for me.

[pris993]

Given the high prices folks should wait a year for sure. Another thought, any new ship takes a while before it is running smoothly, given the size of this one, it may be longer before the crew is really a team. In my book this one is too big, but my husband is interested, even though we are seniors and would not participate in a lot of what it offers. I would rather go on the QM2 to be honest.

[mr green]

With a ship that size, she may have to tender in some ports, imagine 5,000++ cruisers wanting to go ashore at one time.

 

john

[navybankerteacher]

With a ship that size, she may have to tender in some ports, imagine 5,000++ cruisers wanting to go ashore at one time.

 

john

I think you have hit on a crucial point: as Oasis will not fit in a lot of ports, options would be severly limited, and tendering would be a prolonged process - as would simply boarding and disembarking even alongside a pier.

 

It is bad enough on a ship with 2,000 passengers.

[silentbob007]

They've already said that Oasis will not go to tender ports. Interesting if it will push tender destinations like Grand Cayman to build a pier.

[Cruising89143]

I don't think all that many people are chomping at the bit to go on Oasis. They can't even sell their holiday cruises, so not all that many people are excited about this ship. BTW, I saw it in FLL last week, and there's no way I'd go on such a huge ship. I can't imagine the insanity of embarkation and disembarkation, not to mention the long lines for everything. All that plus all the extra charges for silly things like $2.50 for a cupcake?? Give me a break. I just cannot understand why a certain segment of the cruising public can't be thrilled to just be on a cruise ship, and must have things like bowling alleys, rock climbing, ice rinks and a carousel. Have we become so jaded and bored? Pretty sad state of being, imho. I'm just thrilled to be on a great cruise and don't need all that stuff.

 

A lot of cruise lines are not selling out holiday cruises. Carnival's new Dream had cabins available for all of her December sailings out of Florida and she is also a new ship. My cruise on the Oasis for 1/16 is almost sold out.

 

As far as the extra charges, there are more non charge dining options on this ship than any other. They are also giving those that want something more the option to do just that.

 

As far as being jaded or bored, what about small minded people that think none of us should be different and want something else?:rolleyes:

 

No this ship is not for everyone but then no ship is. I'm just glad that we have the choice to choose the ship that meets our individual needs.