RC Oasis vs. NCL Epic vs other ships?

[lillotis]

We are going on a family cruise- 3 rooms and there will be 2 little boys ages 3. Doubtful we will send them alone to kids center, but looking for really fun things to do with them. Are these ships too big? Which do you prefer? My MIL is taking us and my sister in law too- so a little family reunion. Also, because the kids are 3, would you save money and go on less expensive NCL or RC cruises, or go on these. Are the inside rooms okay for the adult rooms? My MIL is going to stay with the 3 year olds so she will probably book a balcony room or mini suite. Any other tips on these- which you prefer, which decks to stay on, etc? Also if you know of a travel agent that specializes in cruises, pass on the info.

[lillotis]

I wanted to add we were also looking at the Disney Wonder too- but all we can afford is all inside rooms and we do not love the idea of leaving from Galveston- longer transfer and airfare more expensive. Unless it is a must to do Disney.

[Mack2]

We sailed the Epic in Nov. 2012 and we sailed the Oasis the year before in Nov. 2011... and we sailed Disney a decade ago aboard the Magic.

 

November is a good month for people in Jersey since the first week of November is the NJEA Teacher's Convention... so the schools are closed 3 days that week - Election Day, and the two days the teachers are in Atlantic City.

 

 

That being said. I think I would prefer the Oasis... The Oasis offers very good entertainment (Hairspray was amazing, diving show, ice show) and a lot more with younger kids. The Royal Promenade, the Carousel on the Boardwalk, Central Park for quite time, plus the zero-entry "beach" type pool, and the kids spray park...

The Oasis was like nothing I had experienced aboard a ship... it was almost like a giant resort.

 

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I felt the Epic is a big cruise ship... It was a normal cruise ship, just BIGGER. Entertainment on Epic was fantastic. From Cirque, Blue Man Group, Legends... really good production shows.

 

One of the things I didn't like about the Epic was the casino location. Don't get me wrong, it's HUGE with a lot of good games and newer slots. Largest at sea, I think they said... but it's sandwiched between two other activity decks, with open spaces between the decks to view the action... and smell the smoke.

Not a big fan... they had plugged in HEPA filters in the casino in the hallways as an afterthought, but... it was an afterthought.

 

The bathrooms in the stateroom also kinda freaked me out. The hallway is on the other side of the door my son is opening, the toilet is opposite the shower, and the sink there is at the foot of your bed... freaky.

 

 

Disney is fantastic... especially with little ones... can't say enough good things about them. Great production shows (10 years ago, we saw Hercules, the movie premiere of Chicken Little, and Dreams on two separate Disney cruises aboard the Magic). Expensive, though.

 

 

As for an interior room? Y'know what? How much time will you spend in the room? You're going to be out on deck somewhere with a bucket of beer in one hand and a daiquiri in the other... playing bingo or something.

 

Balconies and windows are a huge plus (I love balcony rooms now), but you will enjoy a cruise without one.

 

Regardless of what you choose, I'm sure you'll have a great time! It's what you make of it. Can't let the little things bring you down.

[Mack2]

Additionally... I didn't feel the ships were too big. I like that the big RCI ships have their "Royal Promenade"... it's like having a little street in the middle of the ship instead of a Lobby.

 

We missed Starbucks by a week or two... but the Promenade is great.

 

The Oasis never really felt crowded... Good crowd management, I guess... could be because we were cruising in November, too.

 

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Epic was big, but it still had a lot of activities that kept most people from crowding into one area. We went with a bunch of friends, and we found ourselves always hanging out at the Irish Pub area... Never had any trouble finding a table to put ourselves down. It had good shepard's pie.

[heart347]

I have been on Epic twice and Allure twice. The Epic is one of my favorite ships, however I think for the 3 year olds I would pick the Allure. There are a lot more child friendly spaces onboard the Allure. I do think the Epic had better food and as an adult I enjoyed the entertainment on the Epic better, but again if you are looking for best option for the children I would pick the Allure. Both ships are amazing and would provide an amazing cruise whatever you choose!

 

I don't have experience on Disney, but I imagine it would be great as well.

[queenL]

I'm going to make it unanimous. Pick Oasis! I've sailed Oasis, Epic and the Dream. Oasis is unbeatable. They were all great though.

[CruiseGal777]

Just got off the oasis with a 3 and 4 yo. they loved it. the kids club is great.. there is different theme each morning afternoon and evening. two shows specifically for little ones. my kids even performed in two kids club shows. let me know if u have any questions.

[kassimer1]

We loved oasis and as a bonus they have dreamworks charaters for your kids. they do a parade and you can do a meal with them. They will like the boardwalk and do the carousel. you can take them to the prominade and watch the colors water dance under the moving bar. Take a walk in central park. splash in the kid water area, play mini golf, iceskate, lots to do for them.