Oasis of the Seas - Photo Review

[jennat]

Next we found this gross sea grass/ seaweed something or other and we thought let's put this all over our bodies and be funny.

 

 

Oh how easily we are entertained.

 

By the way, the drinks in the cups are called Labadozies, a frozen concoction of some sort. They are $11 for alcohol and around $7 for virgin. I can't remember if that is before or after tip. I am thinking after.

The kids found some local sea life to play with

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So where was I.......walked and walked, blew and blew, floated and relaxed for about 45 minutes. Now, the kids are hungry.....and we are off to lunch. we walk back to where we started (by the sign) and had lunch. I have to say, I'm a little picky (although I would never admit it to anyone but you) and I thought it was pretty good. Just your standard hamburger and hotdog stuff. The couldn't keep ice in stock but other than that.

 

Now it was 12:20....I know, I know, "where are the days going"? That is a question that would go through my mind a ton this week.

We wanted to head over to the Aquapark beach (which is the beach one down from where we were set up). The kids asked the information center if you had to start on the hour. They said no.....the real answer, given to us by the "gatekeeper" of all things Aquapark is YES. So we killed the rest of the time in the water at Columbus Cove (Aquapark beach).

we grabbed our stuff, abandoning half our precious rafts (I know, I know) and walked back out to the path for the short jaunt to the next beach. And we walked and we walked. I know now, there is a shorter way along the shore line. It still is further than you think it is going to be but at least you don't have to detour through Cuba like we did. Take this path if you feel the need to change beaches. The first one is nicer though IMHO.

The water (or at least the bottom of the water) is not as nice at Columbus Beach. There is a lot of grass and sharp rocks that you are constantly stepping on. I kept wondering what other surprises the grass was hiding so tried not to walk on it.

To play in the Aquapark is $15 a kid. It will show up on your seapass account as Seatrek (which is the scuba shop on the ship) and this might confuse some people. (Not me of course, I knew what was going on the whooooole time)

[jennat]

 

On our four day trek to walk from one beach to the next, we were diverted through the market (don't panic, it was fine). My friend ended up going back here at the end of the day and purchasing something. I wish I had too.

 

 

 

I do have to say that Columbus Beach was a gorgeous beach.

 

 

[jennat]

 

Everyone who goes in the Aquapark has to wear a lifejacket regardless of age.

 

It is funny how close the ship looks, it is not close at all.

Earlier in the day, we thought we saw a tender from the ship to here. However, when we wanted to go back, there was not an to be found. If you are interested, it might be something to look into.

 

It doesn't look as close here.

 

I imagine people are saying, "Hey, where did those super cool people get those awesome rafts???" But maybe not. It was probably more like "Hey, did you see those fools blowing up those rafts all morning. What losers." I guess we will never know for sure so let's go with the first one.

 

Looking back from the end of the "aquapark pier" at the beach. See the path through the rock....that is the "shortcut" I was referring to to the other beach.

 

[jennat]

 

Initially we were worried that some of the kids might now be able to get up on the floating things (official term). I know I couldn't have. They ended up doing great but that first iceberg (to one in the background) denied a couple of them.

 

 

 

 

 

[jennat]

The kids had a great time at the Aquapark and I did think it was worth the money. Make sure they have some upper body strength though or someone who can pull them up!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is looking from one side of the peninsula to the other

 

 

[jennat]

This is the path you want to walk to get to the main sidewalk (where the sign is) but obviously this is looking backwards.

 

When we arrived back near the ship, the line to get through security and onto the pier was really long. To be fair, it moved very rapidly. Wouldn't be the worst place to be left behind anyway. At least we would have our rafts to sleep on. See...whose prepared now??? (smile)

 

 

 

 

[jennmaybe]

 

 

 

You can't tell by this picture but I'm pretty sure Jen and Mike were just laughing at us at this point. I think I heard the work "suckers" but maybe it was just the lack of oxygen.

 

Yep! We were trading off laughing our butts off at you guys and sipping on our Labadoozies!! Maybe it was the rum........:D

[NYGirl1002]

Jen! I am enjoying your review so much. You really have a way with words. I also love your pictures and you are right..you have a beautiful family!

[njmomof2]

Absolutely loving your review. Great pictures and great story telling. Looking forward to continuing the read.

 

And I also love your shirts. When you're all done, maybe you can tell us how you did them.

 

Labadoozie, so delicious, tastes like chicken!!!!!

[jennat]

Yep! We were trading off laughing our butts off at you guys and sipping on our Labadoozies!! Maybe it was the rum........:D

 

Yes, that must have been it.....it was the rum.

[Lionesss]

After traveling with you on your Radience review (wish I was there) I eagerly awaited this review knowing I would once again be on vacation because of your writing................

OMG............keep it coming you have a way with words.

BY THE WAY: When is your next cruise????

 

Safe travels

[metairiegal]

You crack me up. That was too funny about the local giving up on the raft! :D

 

Fantastic review!

[jennat]

Thanks all of you for your nice words. (not you Jen, your words about laughing at us are just hateful and hurtful ;):D)

 

For those of you who want to know about the shirts, send me an email and I will enlighten you. :)

 

mjcrouch@4dv.net

[jennat]

After traveling with you on your Radience review (wish I was there) I eagerly awaited this review knowing I would once again be on vacation because of your writing................

OMG............keep it coming you have a way with words.

BY THE WAY: When is your next cruise????

 

Safe travels

 

Thanks so much. That makes me feel good.

The next cruise we have booked is a little different but I am so excited about it.

http://www.cruisearabella.com/default.shtml

It is a 110foot sailing ship in the British Virgin Islands. We are going May 6th

Fun people, feel free to come along. If you find yourselves falling on the "things that make you go hummmm" list, perhaps you could chose a different sailing. Just sayin'

 

Let's recap

 

1.people in robes

2.Oasis of Dreams

3.people who don't meet and don't mingle but still go

4.people who take the elevator one floor (esp down) without a note from doctor or extremely low blood sugar

5.people who park their butt in front of someone else's face to see a dumb parade

 

Do you notice how none of the stupid things I do are one this list. The next thought that goes through my mind is....."I could actually be someone's "hummmm" list"

 

You know it's time to make a life change when you become someone's "hummm..." list.

 

Back to the Arabella. I understand that the cabins are so small you can change your mind or change your pants but you can't do both at the same time. But I don't really change my mind that much and I won't be wearing any pants.

I'll be wearing a swimsuit! Wha'd ya think I meant?

Dirty minds!

[BLAMBKY]

Ooooo, I am so excited to read your review! I read one last night; I cracked up when I read about your DD's shorts not fitting!:p Love your humor, now I better get back to reading!!!!

[jennat]

Ooooo, I am so excited to read your review! I read one last night; I cracked up when I read about your DD's shorts not fitting!:p Love your humor, now I better get back to reading!!!!

 

Yes, the review being referred to is the Carnival review. My daughter had no pants on that one, my husband had no pants on this one and apparently I will have no pants on the next one! :D:eek:

[gvlgolflady]

Hi Jen; we watched you sail away on the 15th. We were on the Allure on the 16th. You had a much better sail away than we did. Weather was not good for our sail away. However; my daughter and I sat in the Viking Crown lounge and had a nice drink watching it rain.

 

I am loving your review; love your humor. Can't wait for more.

[LBumb]

awesome review

[jennat]

Here are some old pictures of Labadee. Unfortunately you can't see what I was talking about

 

 

 

We decided to go to Johnny Rockets for dinner. A hamburger and fries sounded good. And of course a shake....

 

 

 

 

 

Afterwards, the kids took off and we took a walk.

[will773]

 

Love this picture!!!!!! Great review. Can't wait to read the rest! :D

[co2stay]

Thanks so much. That makes me feel good.

The next cruise we have booked is a little different but I am so excited about it.

http://www.cruisearabella.com/default.shtml

It is a 110foot sailing ship in the British Virgin Islands.

 

Our first cruise was a windjammer barefoot cruise to BVI. It is nothing like RCCL and in some ways so much more fun! No where near the activities to do...relax and drink lovely adult beverages and hit secluded beaches! When we did it, there were 66 passengers, 25 crew members and captain's dinner meant clean clothes!

 

back on topic, I LOVE your humor and review style. The only issue is you have to post more. I am sitting surrounded by my snow dreaming of our next cruise (332 days but who is counting)

 

also in lovely Colorado

[jennat]

Our first cruise was a windjammer barefoot cruise to BVI. It is nothing like RCCL and in some ways so much more fun! No where near the activities to do...relax and drink lovely adult beverages and hit secluded beaches! When we did it, there were 66 passengers, 25 crew members and captain's dinner meant clean clothes!

 

back on topic, I LOVE your humor and review style. The only issue is you have to post more. I am sitting surrounded by my snow dreaming of our next cruise (332 days but who is counting)

 

also in lovely Colorado

;)

This one has 36 to 40 passengers and is 160ft (I said 110 ft, I was wrong)

I just can't wait to get back to the Baths in Virgin Gorda!

 

Tonight was the Love and Marriage show. We always enjoyed watching these on past cruises so we were excited to see tonight's with Richard hosting it. We had Richard as a cruise director in 2008 and he has been our favorite by far (have I already said that?)

Anyway we took a walk around the ship. The Solarium in the evening is gorgeous.

 

 

 

 

 

We noticed that there was a deck one floor down out the front of the ship that looked just lovely. We set out to find it, I mean, how hard could that be.

 

I will save you some time here. You have to go deck 14 port....starboard doesn't go out.

We walked out onto the deck. It was wonderful. The wind, the privacy, the stars, each other and Barney???

"I love you, You love me....." being piped through the speakers at an alarming volume. Next comes Three Blind Mice and Michael Row the Boat Ashore....wow, that kind of kills the ambiance. I am guessing based on the music selection and the proximity of the kids club that this is where they bring the kids for their vitamin D (sunshine, if you don't speak Jennifer)

Anyway, if you have noise cancelling headphones (bring them) or an affinity for annoying preschool tunes this is a lovely spot. In addition to the rather large deck there are two square observation decks that sprout out over the ocean with telescopes on them.

[jennat]

 

 

 

We walked by the "game room" and decided to play a game of checkers. I'm pretty sure he cheated but whatever.....

 

 

We ran into Mike and Jen said hi and headed down to the Pub for a beer.

[jennat]

This is our favorite night time place on the ship and this was the only time we were here the whole week.

 

 

 

We were slowly joined by family and friends. We posed for some pictures because we feel like it is important to share our beauty with the world.

 

 

 

Soon it was time for the show. Mike decided that today was the day his luck in the casino was going to change and headed off there instead. How'd that work out for you buddy? (smile)

 

The show started out with Shrek and Fiona kissing and dancing. I hardly ever saw the characters the whole week but my daughter said she saw them often. Which makes sense if you think about since I NEVER SAW HER!

 

Have I mentioned yet, Love this Guy!!!

 

 

The show was fine. Not the funniest I have seen but not the worst either. The oldest couple had been married around 70 years or something. you do the math. I think they were around 93.

[jennat]

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow we hit Jamaica mon!