Just off March 5 Oasis

[Cruising89143]

Thank you for telling me another check for Freedom for me, been debating Oasis or Freedom for this year (been on LOS twice also and loved her) I not want to deal with crowds and lines sorry you had to, bigger sometimes isn't better.

 

We cruised twice on Oasis and then went back to the Freedom last August. The Freedom actually felt more crowded than the Oasis. It all depends on a particular weeks sailing and the passengers on board. The Freedom was also a let down when it came to dining choices and entertainment.

[Cruisegirl6]

It also depends upon the time of year and how much the ship is booked....ok back to square one 50% Oasis and 50% Freedom keep your comments coming please lol

[DHADEN]

No offense, but complain about what?? That they allowed Brazilians and French onboard??

And honestly, I don't think that 8:00 am is too early, nor 11:00 pm too late for activity.

 

OMG!! We should lock them up and throw away the key

 

SHAME ON YOU FLAMERS!!

 

The OP is giving his honest opinion of what happened on his cruise.

 

Everyone wants people to post reviews, but then people like you jump on them and start beating!! I don't like attacks like this and I don't like bullies. If you don't like what he said then close the thread and move on!

[gasuz]

Just home from this same cruise and here to say we had a very different experience. We had no problems with rude behavior, or over crowded areas (only for a few seconds when a show was letting out) and it was so very relaxing and enjoyable to be in the solarium. We saw families walk through maybe 2 times all week with their children in hand but it was obvious they were only trying to see what it was all about.

We were on the boardwalk several times in the morning around 8 to get coffee and felt as if we were the only ones on the ship, very quiet. IN fact we said several times in the week how much the Boardwalk area is underused, except when there are shows in the Aqua Theatre.

 

I normally do not comment on here much but we are officially pleased with every aspect of the cruise.

[Cruising89143]

It also depends upon the time of year and how much the ship is booked....ok back to square one 50% Oasis and 50% Freedom keep your comments coming please lol

 

On both of my two Oasis and Allure cruises, the lowest capacity on board was 5600. The ship is considered at 100% with 5408. Back in January we had 5900 the first week on the Allure and over 6000 the second week. Never felt crowded either time.

[Cruising89143]

Just home from this same cruise and here to say we had a very different experience. We had no problems with rude behavior, or over crowded areas (only for a few seconds when a show was letting out) and it was so very relaxing and enjoyable to be in the solarium. We saw families walk through maybe 2 times all week with their children in hand but it was obvious they were only trying to see what it was all about.

We were on the boardwalk several times in the morning around 8 to get coffee and felt as if we were the only ones on the ship, very quiet. IN fact we said several times in the week how much the Boardwalk area is underused, except when there are shows in the Aqua Theatre.

 

I normally do not comment on here much but we are officially pleased with every aspect of the cruise.

 

Doesn't mean anyone is right or wrong but it is amazing how two different people can be on the same cruise and come away with totally different views.

[Cruisegirl6]

Thank you cruisingator2

 

This is why I like many opinions we all different so hearing many people give their opinions I can get a better clue as to what people more lean on in this case feeling crowded or not. :)

[Artemis]

We just got off the 3/5 sailing, too, and the Brazilians didn't impact our cruise experience. But I heard other pax offer complaints like you did, OP. We have been on two prior cruises where large groups did impact our experience, so I know how a group can change things. We thought the Oasis' size was the key advantage in this situation--it really handles the 6,000 pax load well. We only felt the Brazilians' presence twice--the night of the Brazilian street party (fun!) and on disembarkation (the large number of non-US guests taxed the passport control authorities, slowing everything down by nearly an hour).

 

If you cruise enough, groups will happen.

 

To my great surprise, I loved loved loved the Oasis! Hope to write more later...

[mxdad275]

there are rude people everywhere still doesnt stop us from cruising.you have to deal w it or stay home

[lkb125]

Truly an unusual experience. We've cruised RCCL 42 times, never had a cruise where the passengers ruined the voyage. Over 2,000 Brazilians made for a very bad cruise. There was another sizable group --over 1,000 French. Very few of either group spoke ANY English. The food was great -- service great. Many of you have said that Oasis is not crowded, the majority of the time it was so crowded you could not walk in public areas. Perhaps it was the demographic make-up, but it was a miserable cruise. One other area that some should be aware of, I have read numerous times that the Boardwalk balcony cabins are not noisy -- I beg to differ. The noise began at 8:00 AM and lasted until 11:00 PM each day. This morning CNN began on the big screens LOUD at 6:00 AM. Should you care to take an afternoon nap in your cabin, it will be difficult.

 

I was on the same cruise and had a wonderful time.

[Leesbrug Land]

My family and I were also on the March 5 cruise. Yes there was lots of crowding (especially the Windjammer!) but we still had a great time. We were turned away from the Windjammer twice and we had a 15 minute wait for a table in the dining room 1 time for breakfast. We could not get into the pools on the main deck on sea days. There were just too many people in them, mostly older Americans drinking lots of beer. With the crowded pools I was pleasantly surprised that there were plenty of deck chairs in the sun and shade and there was no evidence of chair hogging. :D

 

I don't mind if half of the passengers don't speak English. I don't speak French or Portuguese so I figure we are even. ;)

 

We did miss Costa Maya due to high winds, but if we had to miss a port Costa Maya would be the one I would choose. They added a bunch of new activates that day so there was plenty to do on the ship.

 

I won about $500 in the casino on the slots. The Blackjack dealers were kicking our butts, I’ve never seen a dealer get so many 20’s and 21’s in my life! We tried two different tables but after losing a $100 in 10 minutes we walked away and never came back.

 

Over all it was a great cruise! The crew on the Oasis is one of the best I have ever experienced. They bent over backwards to take care of you. They were always smiling and polite. The shows on board were the absolute best that I have seen on a cruise ship or a resort. The show “Come Fly With Me” was better than similar shows that I have seen in Vegas.

 

We had ocean balcony cabins and the beds were very comfy. We didn’t hear any noise but my kids complained that the couple in the cabin next to theirs was very loud. I did have someone playing loud music on the balcony for about an hour one day but that was the only time so no big deal. And yes cigarette smoke from one balcony will blow over into yours even if the ship is underway.

 

And the food. The food the food the food. How anyone can complain about the food is beyond me!:rolleyes: There was a huge verity, everything was fresh, it was hot when it was supposed to be, and we had the best wait staff ever! The one time I sent my plate back because the bacon wasn’t crispy enough (Oh horrors!) a head waiter came over and apologized!!! When I did get my bacon back they gave me a whole plate and let me tell you it was extra crispy and charred, yummy!!!!

[cravingthis]

SHAME ON YOU FLAMERS!!

 

The OP is giving his honest opinion of what happened on his cruise.

 

Everyone wants people to post reviews, but then people like you jump on them and start beating!! I don't like attacks like this and I don't like bullies. If you don't like what he said then close the thread and move on!

 

Which is exactly why I'm taking my time in putting our thoughts together for our review :rolleyes:

[EMH3kids]

I was also on this Oasis sailing. This was my family's first cruise, although we have been fortunate to travel the world extensively. I absolutely loved the experience! My teenagers were a little intimidated by the large number of extroverted Brazillian kids so they didn't really make any new friends and just hung out together. Our 8 year old duaghter made a friend with a girl from Canada and she had a blast.

 

I do have to agree that the Brazillians are a different crowd .... they are very passionate people who are extroverted, jovial (loud) and not shy about getting their way. I had no personal run-ins with them, but I was in the midst of a VERY scary situation during the Headliner show. My 15 year old son and I went to see the Abba show and right in the middle of the performance, a group of about 20 Brazillians got in an altercation two rows in front of us, as well as them having other party members sitting directly behind us. There was screaming and brawling all around us (men and women) and it was very unnerving and scary. Security was a bit slow to arrive, but who was thinking that a fight would break out during the headliner show?! They were all escorted out. Yes, this could have been any group .... Americans, Europeans, etc. I heard a rumor that they were kicked off the ship in Cozumel, but I don't know if this is true. Allure had a much larger group of Brazillians on their March 6th voyage from what a crewmember told me.

 

Without trying to sound bigoted, I do think it is important to point out to future March (Carnival week) cruisers that it is likely that you will feel like a minority on the ship and that it will almost be an oddity to run into other English speaking people during the week. I was OK with this, but it certainly is a different "feel" that some cruisers might not like.

 

As far as crowding, the only time I was really uncomfortable with the masses of people was the last night on the Promenade when they have a farewell party. It is basically a good-bye party .... the cast from the shows come out and you clap. It was super-crowded and rather boring and I would skip that next time.

 

I plan to write a more detailed trip report very soon, but just wanted to give my two cents. I believe we shouldn't jump down the original poster's throat about seeming to be close-minded .... I believe anyone on this March 5th sailing would agree that the Brazillian crowds did change the make-up of the voyage and whether you let it effect your trip or not was a personal decision/experience. Would I have preferred to have sailed with less "flamboyount" people? I will probably be flamed for this, but my answer is yes. But did I still have an amazing time? Absolutely!

[Langley Cruisers]

The OP is giving his honest opinion of what happened on his cruise.

 

Actually, I think it was OP's attitude that made him appear as though he had trouble with those who were not American and/or did not speak English. This is what I and others are reading into it. His comments bordered on bigotry, IMO.

[Cruzaholic41]

Actually, I think it was OP's attitude that made him appear as though he had trouble with those who were not American and/or did not speak English. This is what I and others are reading into it. His comments bordered on bigotry, IMO.

 

Here's the problem I see. I think it's a darn shame people can't post their experience without walking on egg shells. The minute anyone says something like the OP did, the political correctness police come out of the woodwork and are way too quick to drop names like "bigot." So the Op didn't like the way a group of people acted who happen to be Brazilian. That, in no way, shape or form makes the Op a bigot. The sensitivities around here are ridiculous. :rolleyes:

 

I know where the OP is coming from. I have had cruises nearly ruined due to certain large groups and the way they act as a group. Italy was one example, and a quincinera cruise out of PR was another. The behavior was what we in our culture think is rude and inconsiderate. In certain cultures, it is every man for himself. The lack of sense of community mentioned earlier in this thread is probably the best description I've ever heard of it.

 

It has absolutely nothing to do with the language being non English. I've been on cruises with majority German, Dutch, and even non-American English being spoken. These cultures understood common courtesy. When a group has no respect for their fellow travelers, I see nothing wrong with calling them out on it.

 

Oh and not that it really matters, but I am born Cuban and my husband is born Italian (Sicilian).

[pabrett46]

Hello all,

 

We were also on the same cruise. My understanding is that there was 2600 Brazilians on board this week and over 3000 on the Allure. The only issue we found was they did tend to have a "air" about them that they were better than the rest. My son had a few encounters with them. He was on the basketball court and they were trying to pick a fight with him. When that failed they would talk away in spanish about him and call him a stupid american. We are Canadian.. not that that matters. Another time during a crowded event on the Royal promenade he accidentally stepped on someone's foot .. he apologized but they didn't accept it and shoved him spilling his pop all over him. Another time we were in the Park Cafe and my daughter sat at an empty table while I got our food and this family sat around her and motioned her to leave. She didn't understand spanish so didn't understand what they were saying, so she gave up the table. I was also in the ABBA show when a group of people started fighting.. very scary experience.

 

These were some bad experiences we had but overall the cruise itself was fantastic! I am planning on posting a review later as well. These kinds of things are certainly not a fault of Royal Caribbean. It is just a fact of life. We didn't let it spoil our cruise.

 

D

[Ocean Boy]

Here's the problem I see. I think it's a darn shame people can't post their experience without walking on egg shells. The minute anyone says something like the OP did, the political correctness police come out of the woodwork and are way too quick to drop names like "bigot." So the Op didn't like the way a group of people acted who happen to be Brazilian. That, in no way, shape or form makes the Op a bigot. The sensitivities around here are ridiculous. :rolleyes:

 

I know where the OP is coming from. I have had cruises nearly ruined due to certain large groups and the way they act as a group. Italy was one example, and a quincinera cruise out of PR was another. The behavior was what we in our culture think is rude and inconsiderate. In certain cultures, it is every man for himself. The lack of sense of community mentioned earlier in this thread is probably the best description I've ever heard of it.

 

It has absolutely nothing to do with the language being non English. I've been on cruises with majority German, Dutch, and even non-American English being spoken. These cultures understood common courtesy. When a group has no respect for their fellow travelers, I see nothing wrong with calling them out on it.

 

Oh and not that it really matters, but I am born Cuban and my husband is born Italian (Sicilian).

 

I agree with everything that you said. However, the OP stated that "very few spoke ANY english." How can you fault someone who is on vacation for the language the he/she does or doesn't speak? It was the OP that made an issue out of the language differences and that was what I had a bit of a problem with. Doesn't expecting, and accepting, that someone from Brazil or France may very well not speak english fall into common courtesy and respecting your fellow travelers?

[Cruzaholic41]

I agree with everything that you said. However, the OP stated that "very few spoke ANY english." How can you fault someone who is ne vacation for the language the he/she does or doesn't speak? It was the OP that made an issue out of the language differences and that was what I had a bit of a problem with.

 

Perhaps you are right. Perhaps the attitude of the other passengers led the Op to point out their language as an example. Who knows? With people calling the Op a bigot, we may never have clarification.

[Trekker954]

No offense, but complain about what?? That they allowed Brazilians and French onboard??

 

And honestly, I don't think that 8:00 am is too early, nor 11:00 pm too late for activity.

 

I have to agree. The OP can't really complain that there weren't enough English speakers. I did notice alot of non U.S. on our Feb. Oasis voyage, but wouldn't think of it as a complaint. Nor did I let the 1000+ teenagers ruin my trip although they were often doing annoying things.

 

I am one of the balcony boardwalk lovers who said noise did not interfere with our sleep as all was quiet by 10 or 11. There was way too much to do to take afternoon naps but yes, it can be noisy at mid day.

 

I'm sorry you had a bad time. The Oasis is so beautiful.

[Jilliebean28]

We also just came off the 3/5 Oasis cruise and have to say that while we overall had a great time there were moments/incidents that made the 4 of us say we will most likely never cruise the Oasis again.

 

Yes, there were many Brazilian people on board who, for the most part, were lovely folks who seemed to be having a great time. On the other hand there was the older, very well dressed, heavily made up, dripping with jewels Brazilian woman who blew her nose (without a tissue/napkin or anything else) all over the walk way on Labadee! Lovely sight to see! And the Brazilian family who sat next to us at Hairspray and talked on their walkie talkie for most of the show until the husband and wife had a very loud argument and walked out. We also had the delightful American woman who was so angry that my daughter moved her own pool chair into the sun by about 6 inches that when said American woman wanted to recline her chair she just dropped it onto my daughters ankles. It would have been so easy for her either ask my daughter to move her chair or for her to move hers forward as she had about a foot and a half in front of her!! When my husband said "Excuse me, do you mind?" she said "Yes I do mind, she moved her chair into my space!" Excuse me?? Since when is it "her space"? Just a very rude, seemingly entitled b..ch!

 

We thought the food was good....especially loved Giovanni's. Had great service and food. Wished we had skipped Chop's as the service was slow and the food mediocre at best although the desserts were awesome. We has MTD which worked well for us...ended up having the same waitstaff the whole week...they were fine....not amazing but ok. We also had a glass of wine each night in Vintages and found it to be quiet and very enjoyable. The waitstaff in there was top notch too!

[fourowdys]

I am the OP. Since there seems to be so much speculation on my bigotry, I suppose I should clarify. Perhaps I should have said that the Brazillians APPEARED to not speak any English. My assumption was based on the fact that when we would say "excuse me" to try to pass on a walkway or try to exit an elevator, there was absolutely no response. I could give you other examples of their APPEARANCE to not understand from encounters in the Conceirge Lounge and the Theater, but I'll spare you (and myself) from further accusations.

[Ocean Boy]

I am the OP. Since there seems to be so much speculation on my bigotry, I suppose I should clarify. Perhaps I should have said that the Brazillians APPEARED to not speak any English. My assumption was based on the fact that when we would say "excuse me" to try to pass on a walkway or try to exit an elevator, there was absolutely no response. I could give you other examples of their APPEARANCE to not understand from encounters in the Conceirge Lounge and the Theater, but I'll spare you (and myself) from further accusations.

 

Thank you. Now I understand your reasoning for bringing up the language issue. Examples often help to clarify what you are trying to say on a message board.

[Cruisegirl6]

Thank you all and still looking forward to more replies.

 

I am from south florida myself (I am italian) and I am used to all people of different places and hearing different languages, this not bother me on a cruise....after all, the ship is still filled with half american speaking people and with all those thousands of people it has to have people of many nationalities.... What concerns me is the crowds in the windjammer and other places on the ship, I get mixed reviews some saying its fine, some saying its not but I will keep reading posts then decide as I have more time to think about it.

 

As with the rude people you get that anywhere...but its plain wrong what happened to your daughter a simple question asking her to move few inches was all that was needed....

[Cruising89143]

I am the OP. Since there seems to be so much speculation on my bigotry, I suppose I should clarify. Perhaps I should have said that the Brazillians APPEARED to not speak any English. My assumption was based on the fact that when we would say "excuse me" to try to pass on a walkway or try to exit an elevator, there was absolutely no response. I could give you other examples of their APPEARANCE to not understand from encounters in the Conceirge Lounge and the Theater, but I'll spare you (and myself) from further accusations.

 

What you described can and does happen on smaller ships. I have witnessed this myself. It has nothing to do with the size of ships. Large groups regardless of nationality can be a pain to deal with. IMHO this is just a part of cruising today.

[sdrocks]

We were on this cruise also - the language was not a problem for us

it was the extreme rudeness encountered from the Brazilians. Every

American, Canadian we encountered said the same thing. We found

they butted in lines and acted like rabid animals at the sales on the

promenade. Couldn't get close as they would trample you. We have

never encountered this on any other cruise. Finally on the last day I

couldn't tolerate one more person butting in front of me and showed

them the back of the line was behind me. "Oh, they were just looking "

What a crock !! I refused to let them get in front of me as had just had

it from them. Don't care if I sound bigoted, I was there and experienced

their rudeness and got very tired of it really quick.

Enjoyed the shows and Richard Spacey.