1st Time Cruiser Oasis of the Seas Review

[hbr777]

Excuse me - I did think that we were free to voice our opinions and ask questions. DO NOT tell me not to visit a thread! I was simply trying to understand what she didn;t like about Park Cafe. I was not asking so that I could rebut her response. That is a pretty large assumption on your part! I liked park Cafe for lunch BUT I was not enamoured by the breakfast sandwich I had so I was curious as to what she did not like. I guess I should have made myself more clear!

 

Someone on CC called Park Cafe and its adherents The Cult of The Roast Beef Sandwich.

 

Based on everyone raving about The Sandwich and the salads, we went to Park Cafe for our first meal on Oasis.

 

The sandwich was grisly, chewy and generally icky.

 

The salad was a bunch of romaine lettuce tossed with some fairly pedestrian mix ins.

 

After that lunch, I returned for pastries one day and those were very good.

 

Breakfast at Johnny Rockets is fine if you like fried foods.

[mlmbar]

First of all hbr777 - I was not trying to be sarcastic when I said it was a shame you are such a picky eater. I meant that sincerely! Hope you did not take offense.

 

As to the other "gentleman's" opinion that my posts clearly state that I am not a fan of this review, I take exception. I just read through my posts and I begin saying "different strokes for different folks" with regard to different opinions. I posted my like for the Solarium as a place to sit while this post was discussing the crowded pools. I did not disagree with OP or say anything contrary.The other pools are crowded! I commented that someone else is on the same cruise as me. How argumentative is that? I said that the OP is clearly not a fan of cruising, something she alluded to and echoing what someone else said. :mad:

[mykel67]

Excuse me - I did think that we were free to voice our opinions and ask questions. DO NOT tell me not to visit a thread! I was simply trying to understand what she didn;t like about Park Cafe. I was not asking so that I could rebut her response. That is a pretty large assumption on your part! I liked park Cafe for lunch BUT I was not enamoured by the breakfast sandwich I had so I was curious as to what she did not like. I guess I should have made myself more clear!

 

My assumption was based on some of your previous responses. I apologize if I misread your tone.

[mlmbar]

Someone on CC called Park Cafe and its adherents The Cult of The Roast Beef Sandwich.

 

Based on everyone raving about The Sandwich and the salads, we went to Park Cafe for our first meal on Oasis.

 

The sandwich was grisly, chewy and generally icky.

 

The salad was a bunch of romaine lettuce tossed with some fairly pedestrian mix ins.

 

After that lunch, I returned for pastries one day and those were very good.

 

Breakfast at Johnny Rockets is fine if you like fried foods.

 

I did not have the much touted roast beef sandwich and when I saw it, it didn't look like anything special. I had a salad there the day we boarded and it was fine in a Salad Works style. It was fine to get the edge off before unpacking, etc. I had a breakfast sandwich and it was not good. But then, I am not a fan of egg McMuffins. I was just wondering what else you had had that maybe I should miss this time around.

[hbr777]

Maybe now would be a good time to talk about food.

 

Disclaimer: this is my experience. Your mileage may vary.

 

I thought the food was similar to what you would find at a mainstream buffet restaurant - like Golden Corral or Hometown Buffet and its ilk. It was always hot when it needed to be hot and cold when it needed to be cold. There certainly is enough of it. Staff makes fun of how much people eat. Even the Cruise Director made a snarky comment one night as she introduced a show. There are two statues poolside of rotund bathers, almost as if RCL itself recognizes that food and is abundance is part of the cruising appeal.

 

Food is everywhere. There is pizza, brownies, sandwiches - you name it. I thought the soups in the Windjammer were very good. As are the ethnic foods, Indonesian and Thai. Not as successful were things like toast - it tasted like it was toasted the night before.

 

We had one meal at Chops Grill and it was excellent. Similar to a Ruth's Chris.

 

The MDR had many of the same offerings as the Windjammer each night.

 

The service in the MDR and WJ was excellent.

 

For those of you who are wondering what type of drinks are included: water, flavored waters (lemon, etc), iced tea, coffee, and tea

[hbr777]

First of all hbr777 - I was not trying to be sarcastic when I said it was a shame you are such a picky eater. I meant that sincerely! Hope you did not take offense.

 

No offense taken. But I am not a picky eater. It is just that things that are so highly touted like the roast beef sandwich that I expected to be stellar were not. I always found something that I liked.

[mlmbar]

No offense taken. But I am not a picky eater. It is just that things that are so highly touted like the roast beef sandwich that I expected to be stellar were not. I always found something that I liked.

Totally understand!!! WE had dinner at 150 Central and Giovanni's. They were both excellent. I really didn't enjoy the MDR. Not so much about the food but more about the service. The head waiter at our section was rather sarcastic until later in the week when I guess he realized that tips were in jeopardy. First night we had to sit with two other couples that were dreadful. We had MTD but the first night they asked us to sit with others as the first night is crowded and seemed somewhat chaotic.

 

Johnny Rockets was just a treat. I rarely eat burgers, fries, onion rings because I am weight/health conscious. For me, it was a treat and I hit the jogging track immediately! LOL!

 

Our goal this year is to avoid the MDR as often as possible. So far we have the Central Park dining package and may try tapas at Vintages . Also avoided the Windjammer because of the crowds and I am not a fan of the HUGE buffets with all kinds of somehwat unhealthy food. Therefore, we ate breakfast and lunch most days in the Solarium. As I said in my first post, different strokes. I think we agree on more than we disagree!:)

[hbr777]

I agree with what you say on the food.

 

I just don't understand how people can say it was the best food they have ever had.

 

I wanted to try Giovanni's but never got around to it. Did you enjoy it?

Have you tried Chops?

[mlmbar]

I agree with what you say on the food.

 

I just don't understand how people can say it was the best food they have ever had.

 

I wanted to try Giovanni's but never got around to it. Did you enjoy it?

Have you tried Chops?

I think to understand where people are coming from with regard to food, you have to know what kind of restaurants they usually eat at when they are home. Do they eat at buffets and chains? That would maybe explain why they think the food is better than others do. I am not a foodie or elite diner by any means and yes, I do sometimes eat at chains. However, when dining out I like to go to restaurants that are not of the chain variety so I do expect something that is a step up from the Windjammer, for example.

 

We really enjoyed Giovanni's and whenthe Central park package became available, we bought it for this cruise because it had Giovanni's, i50 Central and Chops which we had not experienced last cruise.

[mom23guys]

We had a cabin on Deck 11 smack dab midship. It was an excellent choice for us. Here are some views from the cabin:

 

I wanted to have a drink at that bar and never got around to it.

 

 

Looking at the photo it appears there is only one chair on the balcony. Is that the case on all balcony cabins? We are considering the Oasis but not sure I'll care for it. We love Celebrity but are looking to see wHat else is out there.

[hbr777]

Looking at the photo it appears there is only one chair on the balcony. Is that the case on all balcony cabins? We are considering the Oasis but not sure I'll care for it. We love Celebrity but are looking to see wHat else is out there.

 

No, there are two chairs and a table.

[ksawyercruiser]

Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to write such a thorough review with great pictures. I know how time consuming it is so thanks for taking the time to share your experiences with others.

 

It's reviews like this one that will help future Oasis cruisers with their planning. I know I already have some ideas ... and I'm not planning to cruise on the Oasis in the near future. Although I sure would like to!

 

:):):)

[dadof2boys]

Awesome review! My family and I have never cruised on Royal, we are waiting until our 2 and 4 year old are a little older so that they can appreciate all that this particular line offers. We are really looking forward to the Oasis or Allure one day.

 

I loved how honest this review was. I think that sometimes people's brand loyalty or just their loyalty to cruising in general can get in the way. My family and I love cruising, but we have friends that tried it and don't. I always have to remind myself that it's not for everyone. Anyhow, thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed review.

[Momma1980]

This photo with the fish staring directly at the camera is PRICELESS!

 

I must agree... That fish face is priceless!

Great shot:)

[poncho1973]

Take one for the team, huh?:rolleyes:

 

You know it!!! HAHAHA

 

 

The salad was a bunch of romaine lettuce tossed with some fairly pedestrian mix ins.

 

You are complaining about romaine lettuce? At least it isn't the iceberg lettuce mound you typically get.

 

I do have to agree with the other poster, without being nasty about it, I think calling yourself "not picky" is a bit of a stretch. I'm picky about some things myself and do not consider that to be a bad thing. Pretty much everything in your review says that you are picky. I don't know if they meant that as an insult, but I do not.

 

 

 

It should be noted that the swimming area at this Margaritaville is over 8 feet deep. Little children cannot touch the bottom so only good swimmers should use it. There are no lifeguards and it swim at your own risk.

 

The first thing I thought when I read this (I obviously understand what you are trying to get across) was that you must hang out with a lot of 8' tall adults that can touch the bottom, since you are only worried about children not touching.

[goouchjac]

After reading thru this review I have to say as many others have before me,,,food is a very touchy subject....We have been on many cruises, loved the food on Celebrity but I hear not as good as it used to be,,The last few cruises we been on RC the I didn't see anyone in the MDR or WJ not eating,,,not 5star but not Denny's type either..

 

So let's get on to some other things about the Oasis,,we are looking forward to our first cruise in Jan.13...I'm sure we will not starve and always can find something to eat:cool::cool:

[hbr777]

"The salad was a bunch of romaine lettuce tossed with some fairly pedestrian mix ins."

 

Ha ha - I was not complaining about romaine lettuce. But I did call the mix-ins dull.

 

The way people rave on CC about the roast beef sandwiches and salads I had MUCH higher expectations.

 

Thank you all for understanding that I am not dissing RCL, the Oasis, or cruising. I am simply reporting on my cruise experience.

[hbr777]

So, if you have never cruised before, will you enjoy Oasis of the Seas?

 

Everyone is so different. Who the heck knows? :) I would never presume to tell anyone yes or no. Within our group of 4 cruisers, the breakdown was:

 

Me: Probably never cruise again but never say never

Husband: Heck no, never, ever, ever again

Sister: Yes, I might like to to on the Allure, the eastern itinerary

Niece: I love it so much I want to work on the Oasis

 

So here are some tips for Oasis, based on my summer experience, on a capacity sailing:

 

1. MAKE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS

Even if you choose My Time Dining, make reservations for each night. Make reservations for all shows. Otherwise, be prepared to stand in line. When making show reservations online through the RCL website, you must allow 2 hours for dinner in the MDR in order to make a show reservation; anything less than that will not allow the reservation to go through.

 

2. BE PREPARED FOR SMALL CABINS

I have said I really liked my cabin. I like cozy spaces. If you are not a fan of small spaces and can swing the cost, get a suite. They look amazing! Otherwise, get a cabin with a balcony so that your cabin feels a bit bigger. Either an interior or oceanview balcony, depending on how you handle looking at a moving motion. Be aware that the shower is very small in a regular cabin. This might seem like a no brainer to those who have cruised, but until I actually saw my cabin, I was still rationalizing that it would somehow, miraculously be the size of hotel room.

 

3. RCL EXCURSIONS ARE EXPENSIVE

Do some research and branch out on your own. You'll save some money and get away from the herd. Don't worry that you will miss the ship if you go off on your own. These ports of call are all used to cruisers - they know how to get you back to the ship, on time. Just pay attention to any local time differences versus ship time.

 

4. KEEP TABS ON YOUR TAB

You can check how much you have spent using the interactive interface on your TV. Things can add up quickly, and mistakes do happen. Be prepared to be nickled and dimed 24/7. "Would you like coffee, tea, cappucchino?" Be aware the coffee and tea are included. We had breakfast with a family from Colombia who had no idea that the cappucchinos they were enjoying at breakfast were not included. Freshly squeezed OJ is extra - we stuck with the Tang-like juice in the Windjammer and it was fine - and included. "Free" is not "free." The wine at the wine tasting, the free Botox seminar - you name it - are sales pitches. Photographers are everywhere. Caveat emptor. The upsell is everywhere. Even down to selling you water as you disembark in Haiti - where there is no potable water.

5. JOIN IN THE ACTIVITIES

My 17 year old niece had the best time of all of us. She joined in the activities. The belly flop contest, scavenger hunt, mini golf, trivia - if you like that stuff, you'll never be bored.

 

6. BE PREPARED FOR LOTS OF PEOPLE AND NOISE

I know this sounds, again, like a no-brainer, but when Oasis is full there are close to 8,000 souls on board. Distances are great, but for an able-bodied person, not prohibitive. Be prepared to wait for elevators - or take the stairs. As noted, the Windjammer at times is overwhelmed with people, noise, announcements. There are few places to go to get away from the crowds or the noise. Although the Boardwalk area seemed weirdly empty a lot, the creepy carousel music freaked me out after a while. As I have said in earlier posts, the pool deck was Hades for me. I had a hard time finding a quiet place during the day on Oasis where I could sit outside. I'm sure they exist somewhere. Although Guest Services was not able to tell me of any when I practically begged them to help me find a quiet place. Central Park is quiet (except for noise trickling down from the pool deck), but during the day I didn't relish sitting on a park bench for hours at a time. You all are better informed, and have talked about the secret aft areas. I wish I had known! RCL does an amazing job moving people on and off the ship. I was amazed!

 

7. WHAT PEOPLE TELL YOU ON CRUISE CRITIC IS OPINION

I include myself in this. Formal night is a great example. The night the ship comedian called "The GED Prom." Not my words, and no one laughed when he said it. Lots of people are dressed in the MDR for formal night. I say dressed because I had read on these forums that everyone dresses up, there are lots of tuxs, etc... Not true in my experience. The couple sitting next to us in the MDR on formal night were, er, very casual. The man had on tropical shorts and a sleeveless shirt. I am no fashion police, but I thought those weren't allowed in the MDR at all? So... if you don't want to dress formally, don't. It is not enforced. The way I had read it on here was that it was required in the MDR. Maybe from prom goers who want it to be required, but it sure isn't. It is someone's opinion. As is this :)

 

8. DON'T EXPECT A MEANINGFUL CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

You will be funneled through duty free shops and RCL-owned port shops that sell tourist trinkets. Everyone speaks English. You can use dollars. All of this is fine, but don't expect to really get to know Mexico from the shops that sell vanilla and giant hats. The ports are benign, sanitized, Disney-like experiences that have no basis in reality. My cruise was like a benign trip through EPCOT vis a vis an international experience. The most multicultural experiences are found on ship, talking to the staff who hale from all over the globe. Or talking to people from other countries - there are lots of them! The best food for me on the Oasis was the ethnic food in the Windjammer.

 

9. EXPLORE THE SHIP

Take a walk on the jogging track. Explore the different areas. This ship is an amazing feat of engineering. They charge a bundle for a tour (really?) but people who took the tours say it is worth it.

 

10. COME BACK TO CRUISE CRITIC AND TELL YOUR EXPERIENCE

Before my trip, I ate up all reviews and forum threads about Oasis. Advance information is really helpful about this ship!

 

In summary,

 

• My niece had a great time because she likes an activity-filled vacation. She's 17. It makes sense.
  
• My husband resented having to have everything planned, and on a time table. He is more laid back and spontaneous.
  
• My sister loved being able to bop into the casino and then go to a "shopping talk" to get her "free coupon book."
  
• I liked the shows, the ship itself, and the fact that we went to three places.
  

 

I think someone who doesn't mind planning (I remember reading on CC to bring a highlighter to mark all the activities you want so you don't miss any), reservations, lots of people, and mall-at-Christmas atmosphere, who thrives on lots of people and high energy will have a wonderful time. Those who are seeking a relaxing, laid back, low key vacation should maybe look elsewhere. There were times I felt trapped. Trapped on a ship in the middle of the ocean with a lot of people. It was like being in a giant (very clean!) amusement park, on a hot summer's day.

 

One thing I do want to say: the ship's crew are amazing. If you have a special occasion, let them know. We were celebrating my niece's 17 birthday and my 25th wedding anniversary. This information was in our reservations. They remembered my niece's birthday, and sang "Happy Birthday" in the MDR. They got her name wrong, but so what? They also gave her a 5 minute ship to shore phone call so she could call her dad. It was really nice. They forgot our anniversary. My sister went to guest services to tell them (we didn't know) and the next day we had a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries waiting in our cabin. A very nice, amazing gesture.

 

All in all, this cruise showed us that we will not be happy taking a Med cruise next summer - we want a bit more depth in our Europe trip so we'll be doing a land based trip with only a couple of destinations.

 

Thank you for reading this long report. I also thank those readers who understand I am not trying to be "mean" and diss RCL or the Oasis. I am not telling you you have an ugly baby. Cruising turned out to not be my cup of tea. But I am not dissing those who love it - or why they love it. I hope you enjoy your cruises, and I hope this report is useful to people who have never cruised and who are considering the Oasis.

 

Happy travels, however you choose to go!

[villauk]

All in all, this cruise showed us that we will not be happy taking a Med cruise next summer - we want a bit more depth in our Europe trip so we'll be doing a land based trip with only a couple of destinations.

 

After reading your review, I do think a Med cruise doesn't sound like some of the things you were experiencing on Oasis. Maybe the comment about the WJ being full was relevant, however many of the other points are dissimilar. In rhe Med, cruising is usually on smaller ships with lots more glass, which have more of a relationship with the ocean. Just wanted to say you may enjoy a Med cruise as it sounds a little different to what you have experienced on Oasis?

 

We have the same dilemma in reverse. Previously, we have always chosen our cruises on itinerary alone and next year, because of the high prices over here, are considering Oasis in the Caribbean. We realise it will not be like any of our other cruises (see signature for our regular choices); more of a mega ship experience rather than a cruise solely for ports.

 

I remember the first thing our TA said when we booked our first cruise:

'So many people are put off cruising because their TA did not recommend the correct cruise line for their particular needs!'

Funny, it's always stuck in my mind. Perhaps Celebrity may be more to your liking?

 

Thanks for the review and hope you enjoy the Med when you come across the pond ;).

[hbr777]

All in all, this cruise showed us that we will not be happy taking a Med cruise next summer - we want a bit more depth in our Europe trip so we'll be doing a land based trip with only a couple of destinations.

 

After reading your review, I do think a Med cruise doesn't sound like some of the things you were experiencing on Oasis. Maybe the comment about the WJ being full was relevant, however many of the other points are dissimilar. In rhe Med, cruising is usually on smaller ships with lots more glass, which have more of a relationship with the ocean. Just wanted to say you may enjoy a Med cruise as it sounds a little different to what you have experienced on Oasis?

 

We have the same dilemma in reverse. Previously, we have always chosen our cruises on itinerary alone and next year, because of the high prices over here, are considering Oasis in the Caribbean. We realise it will not be like any of our other cruises (see signature for our regular choices); more of a mega ship experience rather than a cruise solely for ports.

 

I remember the first thing our TA said when we booked our first cruise:

'So many people are put off cruising because their TA did not recommend the correct cruise line for their particular needs!'

Funny, it's always stuck in my mind. Perhaps Celebrity may be more to your liking?

 

Thanks for the review and hope you enjoy the Med when you come across the pond ;).

 

Thanks for your comments and ideas! I think it is not for us because of the motion sickness issue (addressed much earlier in this thread) and feeling bad when we get off the ship.

[KMagz]

Heidi (I believe that is your name?) Thanks so much for taking the time to write this review.

 

Question: How does the food (selection and quality) compare to the All-Inclusives you've been to? We've thought about trying an AI but wondered about how that would compare.

 

THANKS AGAIN!

 

PS - Rough crowd, huh? :p

[poncho1973]

All in all, this cruise showed us that we will not be happy taking a Med cruise next summer - we want a bit more depth in our Europe trip so we'll be doing a land based trip with only a couple of destinations.

 

I will say that my cruises in the Caribbean and my Med cruise were POLAR OPPOSITE experiences. Very little in common with each other. Although we basically used our boat in Europe as a substitute for the train. It was our mode of transportation, restaurant, and hotel room... not our vacation.

 

I'm also a guy who was convinced that cruising was stupid and not something I'd like to do. Then I tried it and accept it for what it is. I don't treat cruising like it is the best vacation ever on the planet, like a lot of CC people do. I always prefer going somewhere and engaging in, what feels like to me, a more real vacation experience. I have seen 45 of the 50 states (none via cruise), been to almost 30 countries (less than half via cruise), and prefer to do my own thing.

 

I have found that people that are like me and do not think of cruising as THE BEST THING EVAH!!! but can still make that mental disconnect of just accepting it for what it is... have a much better time. I enjoy cruising a lot that way.

 

I would rather drive from here to Alaska and see everything in between instead of sitting in a flying metal hot dog with screaming babies, grumpy people, and disgusting food service. However, I could get there in a half-day instead of 2 weeks if I flew. I accept the plane trip for what it is... a convenience to allow me to do what I want when I arrive. Cruising is just a way for me to either (if here, off Florida) just get out of the country for a couple days and relax OR (like I said about Europe) provide me with a hotel, food, and transportation to exciting locales.

[loubetti]

Dear hbr777,

 

I want to thank you for what I feel is a fair and balanced review. Perhaps the best I have read. Even though I have never sailed on RCI, I would like to try either Oasis or Allure, and your review confirmed what to expect, and that is not said to be negative about the ship either. While I am not the most prolific cruiser out there, I think 44 cruises under my belt gives me a clue.

 

I am not a doctor, and thus cannot comment on vertigo or sea sickness. However, my mother suffers from vertigo and low blood pressure, and has literally passed out right in front of me on land! However, she weathered 3, stormy north Atlantic crossings on QE2 and QM2. We're talking force 10-12 seas here. You might just need to develop your "sea legs". In essence, let your mind take control over your senses. Your brain is very powerful.

 

My first cruise was on a ship 1/7th the size of Oasis (Costa Riviera), and while I did not get sea sick, I learned how to try to avoiding walking "drunk" down the passageway. It didn't always work! Otherwise, I got hooked on cruising in 1985. My favorite ship was 1/11th the size of Oasis (Regal Empress), and I always had a great time on her.

 

In the case of cruise ships, size does not usually matter, it's what you want to get out of the cruise. In essence, you chart your own course.

 

Is cruising for you? Perhaps not on the huge mass market ships but, budget providing, moving a bit upscale might not hurt. That is why RCI owns Celebrity and Azamara, and there is also Cunard and Princess. Both Celebrity and Cunard lines I have sailed on numerous times with no complaints. This will not mean you won't have a crowd or line of folks here or there, but I think it might be a better option for you if you wish to try cruising again.

 

I think you can get your sea legs, and a more appropriate experience. Try another cruise ship or cruise line.

 

Again, thanks for the candor in your review, and best wishes to you.

[Sunny AZ Girl]

Thank you for a wonderful, candid review. It is different as most people who write reviews are 100% sold on cruising, so yours is a different slant. Yet, it was an overall positive review and I got a lot from it. I will be cruising on the Allure next spring and loved your review!

 

As far as cruising is concerned, I am one who is hooked. However, I agree that the size of ship you chose was probably not the best for your tastes. I agree with the other posters who recommend a smaller ship, different line. We usually cruise for the ports, not the ship as much. Our Hawaii cruise on the POA (NCL) was probably the best overall vacation we have ever been on, yet the ship was not highly rated, although we found very little to complain about. We actually liked it. It did not have any of the bells & whistles of the Allure or Oasis. It was basically a floating hotel which took us from port to port in a very relaxing manner. By using the ship we were able to experience 4 islands (5 ports) instead of just one or two and saved a ton of time waiting in airports, etc. We also turned a 7 night cruise into an 11 night vacation by combining the cruise with a land vacation on the island of our choice. If you were able to get over the vertigo would you consider that option for the Med? That is what I hope to be able to do in a couple of years, God willing.

 

As far as the vertigo is concerned - it seems to affect some people more than others. It also comes and goes. I have one friend who developed it after several cruises with no problem. After a year he tried another and did fine. It may be related to another medical problem, such as dehydration (a common travel problem) or a sinus infection at the time. I have had it, not cruise or travel related. It just happened spontaneously. I can attest that it is no fun and it lasted with me for weeks. I can see why it would leave you with a bad taste in your mouth if you were to develop it on your first cruise.

 

No matter what you decide in the future I wish wish you safe travels. And thank you once again for your refreshing review.

[Oakman]

Thanks so much for your very fair and balanced review. As much as we love cruising, we have been most happy in Europe on our Rick Steves Tours. They are small, intimate and very informative. Much free time and excellent guides. Gives you a true feeling of the places you are visiting. You may want to look into this option, as it is a tremendous value for your money.