Oasis first timers questions

[voyager89]

Hi everybody,

 

I went through the whole FAQs thread, while I found it really usefully, I still have some questions unanswered, my travel agency wasn't helpful at all so I guess you guys could orient me way better.

 

My partner and I are going on the oasis, very first cruise, arriving to the Miami airport from Mexico City Friday 5th, our flight arrives at 3:00 PM, first we were booking a fort lauderdale hotel so we were close to the port, but a friend that did the Liberty for new years eve encouraged me to go to Sawgrass mills for shopping so I booked the Hilton hotel right in front just for that night so we arrive to Miami, go to the hotel, go shopping, sleep there and take a cab to the port Saturday noon. We dknt want to rent a car, I am terribly scared of an accident that might lead to a delay, miss the ship etc besides it would be just to get to sawgrass and then to everglades next morning. Do you guys know of any particular shuttle service that would take us from Sunrise to port everglades? Or what would be the best way to get there?

 

I have also read different things about alcohol in the ship. My friend told me that as king as it is 750 ml they would let you keep it to drink at your room, but if its more they would confiscate it, what's the truth about this?

 

We are doing the bahamas/marteen/thomas route, what do you suggest us to do? My partner wabts to go to Atlantis in Bahamas, would it be worth the cost? I find it super pricey given that we will be there just for 7 hours and we also want to have lunch and go shoping there.

 

Can we show up to the dreamworks breakfast without reservation? Because the website wont let me book one.

 

We have dinner at 8:30 every night with the MTD thing but we have not prepaid tips, would that affect?

 

Is it hard to get a cab at the port when disembarking?

 

And one last thing :P is there at the Miami airport any electronics store? I just lost my ipad and that will be the very first thing I will buy since its cheaper over there than buying it here. or else I will have to run to the sawgrass best buy

 

Thanks in advance for your answers :)

[LoveMuffin]

We did your itierary last year. We did not go to the Atlantis. I have been there before and for the $$$ that they are asking it's not worth it. For that price (from what I hear) you get a tour of the facility and that's about it. You need to pay big $$$$ for all the activities. In the Bahamas we took a cab to a hotel and used their facility. We were "honest and paid a day rate. Found out others from the ship just walked into the hotel no questions and used the facilities for the day at no cost. Lesson learned. On St. Maarten and St. Thomas we opted to take cabs to the beaches of each island and had great days at both. You can research the beaches of each island and decide to go to the one that interests you. We like going to the local beaches to get the real feel of the culture. As far as the tips. We did not prepay last year. It was fine then you can determine what you want to give for your service rendered. We are doing My Time Dining this year and it's a must to prepay. No alcohol was allowed last year this is new. We plan on bringing 2 750ml bottles of wine and thats it. Bring your own corkscrew otherwise there is a $25.00 opening fee....probably more then the wine I'll be buying. LOL They do send you to the "naughty Room" if you bring more it's not worth the hassle if you are caught. Enjoy the Oasis it's a great ship.

[tneah]

We did your itierary last year. We did not go to the Atlantis. I have been there before and for the $$$ that they are asking it's not worth it. For that price (from what I hear) you get a tour of the facility and that's about it. You need to pay big $$$$ for all the activities. In the Bahamas we took a cab to a hotel and used their facility. We were "honest and paid a day rate. Found out others from the ship just walked into the hotel no questions and used the facilities for the day at no cost. Lesson learned. On St. Maarten and St. Thomas we opted to take cabs to the beaches of each island and had great days at both. You can research the beaches of each island and decide to go to the one that interests you. We like going to the local beaches to get the real feel of the culture. As far as the tips. We did not prepay last year. It was fine then you can determine what you want to give for your service rendered. We are doing My Time Dining this year and it's a must to prepay. No alcohol was allowed last year this is new. We plan on bringing 2 750ml bottles of wine and thats it. Bring your own corkscrew otherwise there is a $25.00 opening fee....probably more then the wine I'll be buying. LOL They do send you to the "naughty Room" if you bring more it's not worth the hassle if you are caught. Enjoy the Oasis it's a great ship.[/quote

 

 

You don't need to bring a cork screw. Ask the cabin attendant for one. I usually just pack one.

 

The corking fee applies to bringing in your own bottle to drink at dinner. Even if you uncork your own bottle at dinner technically there should still be a corking fee.

[tneah]

Hi everybody,

 

I went through the whole FAQs thread, while I found it really usefully, I still have some questions unanswered, my travel agency wasn't helpful at all so I guess you guys could orient me way better.

 

My partner and I are going on the oasis, very first cruise, arriving to the Miami airport from Mexico City Friday 5th, our flight arrives at 3:00 PM, first we were booking a fort lauderdale hotel so we were close to the port, but a friend that did the Liberty for new years eve encouraged me to go to Sawgrass mills for shopping so I booked the Hilton hotel right in front just for that night so we arrive to Miami, go to the hotel, go shopping, sleep there and take a cab to the port Saturday noon. We dknt want to rent a car, I am terribly scared of an accident that might lead to a delay, miss the ship etc besides it would be just to get to sawgrass and then to everglades next morning. Do you guys know of any particular shuttle service that would take us from Sunrise to port everglades? Or what would be the best way to get there?

 

I have also read different things about alcohol in the ship. My friend told me that as king as it is 750 ml they would let you keep it to drink at your room, but if its more they would confiscate it, what's the truth about this? you may carry on two 750 ml bottles. Do not pack them in your luggage.

 

We are doing the bahamas/marteen/thomas route, what do you suggest us to do? My partner wabts to go to Atlantis in Bahamas, would it be worth the cost? I find it super pricey given that we will be there just for 7 hours and we also want to have lunch and go shoping there.

If you want to do the water park then you'll have to purchase a package. If you just want to shop and visit the casino and lobby area, then you are better off catching a cab. A much cheaper option.[/

 

Can we show up to the dreamworks breakfast without reservation? Because the website wont let me book one.

 

We have dinner at 8:30 every night with the MTD thing but we have not prepaid tips, would that affect? Are you sure? You can not sign up MTD without pre paying tips. Are you confusing MDR with MtD?

 

Is it hard to get a cab at the port when disembarking? No lots of cabs.

 

And one last thing :P is there at the Miami airport any electronics store? I just lost my ipad and that will be the very first thing I will buy since its cheaper over there than buying it here. or else I will have to run to the sawgrass best buy

 

Thanks in advance for your answers :)

 

 

Answered in red. Oh no, not all the answers are red. Looks like it didn't work.

[BekkaW]

Oasis is a great ship, you will love it.

 

You can bring on 2x 750ml bottles of wine per stateroom on embarkation. You can drink this in your room or pour a glass to take to dinner or a show etc with no corkage fee. Only pay corkage if you take the whole bottle to dinner. You can not bring any other type of alcohol, nor can you buy more at the ports - if you do buy more they will take it and hold it until last day.

 

Are you sure you have MTD? 830pm is traditional late seating so perhaps you have that? If you do have MTD the pre-pay gratuities are required to be paid with your final payment.

[Familygoboston]

Hi everybody,

 

I went through the whole FAQs thread, while I found it really usefully, I still have some questions unanswered, my travel agency wasn't helpful at all so I guess you guys could orient me way better.

 

My partner and I are going on the oasis, very first cruise, arriving to the Miami airport from Mexico City Friday 5th, our flight arrives at 3:00 PM, first we were booking a fort lauderdale hotel so we were close to the port, but a friend that did the Liberty for new years eve encouraged me to go to Sawgrass mills for shopping so I booked the Hilton hotel right in front just for that night so we arrive to Miami, go to the hotel, go shopping, sleep there and take a cab to the port Saturday noon. We dknt want to rent a car, I am terribly scared of an accident that might lead to a delay, miss the ship etc besides it would be just to get to sawgrass and then to everglades next morning. Do you guys know of any particular shuttle service that would take us from Sunrise to port everglades? Or what would be the best way to get there?

 

we always come into MiA and go to the port; after much research, we found it is easiest to take a cab- expect to pay about $90 each way. You can't take Royal Caribbean transfers because you are coming in a day early. There are shuttle services, but you pay per person and with 2 it will be very close in price to the cab, and you will have to share and go on their schedule. Don't bother with car rental as a foreigner you will pay sky high insurance that they don't advertise, too expensive for a single transfer, since you will be able to walk to the mall

 

I have also read different things about alcohol in the ship. My friend told me that as king as it is 750 ml they would let you keep it to drink at your room, but if its more they would confiscate it, what's the truth about this?

RCL just changed their policy to allow 2 bottles of wine ( not spirits) per cabin. Best to carry these on with you, or your bags could be held up for searching before being delivered to your cabin.

 

We are doing the bahamas/marteen/thomas route, what do you suggest us to do? My partner wabts to go to Atlantis in Bahamas, would it be worth the cost? I find it super pricey given that we will be there just for 7 hours and we also want to have lunch and go shoping there.

In my opinion, it is not worth it. You must be back n board by 1 PM and most activities at Atlantis don't open till 10 AM. If it a place you have always wanted to see, it may be worth it, but I would recommend an excursion to the Blue Lagoon, it is cheaper and you can do the dolphins, or sealions,or just relax on the beach. The prices vary based on what you do, but cheaper than Atlantis. Also if you have not been to Nassau before, going into town can be a fun experience, there is a straw market and some colonial buildings to see. You can walk easily from the pier. If you take Blue Lagoon, there is a ferry,I recommend you take the ships excursion even though it costs more so you don't have a problem with not getting back in time.

 

Can we show up to the dreamworks breakfast without reservation? Because the website wont let me book one.

not sure if you can " walk in" but you can book it when you get onboard. Use your TV in your cabin, or go to the Maitre D at the dining room to book.

 

We have dinner at 8:30 every night with the MTD thing but we have not prepaid tips, would that affect?

we have found service to be very good, no matter when you pay tips. If you have MTD, then you have pre paid. Sometimes you get a new waiter or assistant or a lazy one on his last few days with the company ;) but usually service will be equal. With prepaid they know some people pay extra, ( like us:D)so they try for the extra tips. You dont have to pay extra, but you can if yu are very happy!Most work very hard!

 

Is it hard to get a cab at the port when disembarking?

not at all, they will,be waiting and can take you to MIA, with no trouble

 

And one last thing :P is there at the Miami airport any electronics store? I just lost my ipad and that will be the very first thing I will buy since its cheaper over there than buying it here. or else I will have to run to the sawgrass best buy

you will get a much better price at Best Buy than at the airport, also, you can check at the airport online on the Best Buy website, make sure they have what you want in the store, you can even buy it and just pick it up, that way if they don't have the iPad you want you can pay more at the airport for it. The best buy website will tell you if they have it at thenSaw Grass Mall...you can use the Spanish site if its easier for you to read!

 

Thanks in advance for your answers :)

 

Hope you your partner enjoy your cruise, it is a really fun ship!:D

[Familygoboston]

Forgot to mention St Thomas and St Martin!

 

In St Thomas the ship docks very far from town or any of the sites- the cabs are expensive there, so I think it's good to take an excursion that includes the transportation from the Royal Caribbean ship. Excursions to St John are wonderful. If you want to explore in your own, take the cheapest St John excursion, everyone goes on the same ferry, you don't have to stay with the group, just listen for when to meet the return ferry, and you can explore St John on your own. Another idea is to go to Honey moon beach on Water Island with the ships tours; there are several that go there, read to see which interests you. Some include alcohol drinks, others just transport you,so you can decide what is worth it to you. If you want shopping for high end US goods- StThomas is a good place. You can just take a cab into town

 

In St Martin I like to go to Orient Beach on the French side. You get a cab on your own very cheaply ( about $7 pp, they will fill the van before leaving) the cabs are right at the pier. Once there many beach clubs line the beach, pick one that looks like you would be comfortable, and you can rent a chair,umbrella and get a couple beers for about $7-12 per person depending on which club. You can book water sports or just sunbathe, it's up to you.

 

Others like the beach near the airport where the planes fly within inches of your head, I've never been, sounds terrifying and not very relaxing to me! But it's easy to find information about it if you go to the St Martin Port boards. You can get a cab there easily and there is a beach and bars.

 

If you like excitement you can try the 12 meter Americas Cup sailing excursion. You get to help sail a yacht and really get sailing on the water- fun!

[AAA75]

We did Atlantis and it was a blast. We bought the package and i think it was $20-$25 in Casino credit. The Misses won i think $60+. Also you get to see Aquarium(bring fully charged camera) we took pics the day before and ran out of juice :(. There is a lot to see, Sharks, Turtles, fish, more Fish. Oh and more fish. LOL there is a lot to see. You will do a lot of walking though. So o early and wear good shoes.

 

As for tips we prepay and give extra when they go all out. Some of the MDR staff are really good. They learn what drink you like. On our last one, Jan, we did MTD and didnt like it. We liked our first night and asked to be in same section but was always full.

[vondofife]

We flew into MIA airport and needed a transfer to a hotel in Fort Lauderdale. We used QLS - Quality Limo Services and they were fantastic. Do a search for them on the internet and then email them. They are very quick to respond. Very prompt, clean van and professional and knowledgeable driver.

 

When you disembark after your cruise there are loads of cabs lined up outside the terminal building. No need to book one.

[voyager89]

Thank you so so much for your answers! You have been super helpful, I really appreciate it.

Do you think I can bring any other type of alcohol? We like either Vodka or tequila, or does it really need to be wine?

 

Also have you been to the Loterie Farm in Saint Marteen? I've read it is fun! is love to go zip lining there

[AAA75]

Thank you so so much for your answers! You have been super helpful, I really appreciate it.

Do you think I can bring any other type of alcohol? We like either Vodka or tequila, or does it really need to be wine?

 

Also have you been to the Loterie Farm in Saint Marteen? I've read it is fun! is love to go zip lining there

 

We dont drink but i heard you are allowed 1 bottle per person. The type should not matter. But i have been wrong many times as my wife can verify.

 

There is a ZIP line on the Ship :).

[Langley Cruisers]

We dont drink but i heard you are allowed 1 bottle per person. The type should not matter.

 

It is 2 bottles, 750 ml. each, per stateroom and only wine is permitted, not hard alcohol.

 

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