Oasis Review "Stream of Conscious" Style!

[macruisefan]

Okay, I’m going to put up a “stream of conscious” review of my Oasis trip last week. just a collection of thoughts and observations.

 

I’m not into one of those uber-long blow-by-blow trip reviews. So, if you’re looking for one where you get to page 6 and you’re still seeing pictures of the porte-cochere at the Holiday Inn in Marietta Georgia while en route to the port, sorry, this won’t be for you.:D

 

Here Goes:

 

The ship is still absolutely beautiful. She is not showing any signs of aging anywhere I could see.

 

The Jazz club may be the most underrated entertainment venue at sea. It’s fantastic!

 

The mini-golf course is an extraordinary waste of space.

 

Giovanni’s Table and 150 Central Park keep getting better and better.

 

Chop’s keeps getting more mediocre. It’s their flagship specialty restaurant, and it’s clearly resting on its reputation.

 

The Crown Lofts are an extraordinary haven (oops! Can I say that without getting in trouble with NCL?) atop the ship. I could have LIVED on my balcony for the week.

 

Perhaps with the exception of the daily report from the bridge, I would love to see an end to all other PA announcements. Seriously, I’m relaxing with a drink poolside. You think I’m going to drop what I’m doing to run down to the art auction? You’ve already supplied me a daily calendar and plenty of fliers in my stateroom. Stop assaulting my ears!

 

Muster Drill on a ship the size of Oasis is a complete cluster. Particularly during the rain, when they don’t even make you actually go to your muster station, but rather just “near” it, so no one gets wet. Can’t hear anything, can’t see anything. SOLAS may hold the regulations, but that doesn’t mean they don’t suck.

 

I love the solarium, but I feel as though it’s a bit too enclosed. Never seem to get much of a breeze in there. I also wish the pool wasn’t as warm as the two hot tubs!

The Chef’s Table is a lovely meal. If you haven’t done much in the way of grand degustation dining, it’s a wonderful introduction. If you have done this type of dining before, it can’t hold a candle to the land based options. At three plus hours, it is LONG. I’ve done longer meals before, but this one seems to drag on unnecessarily at times.

 

Il Decantino is a ridiculous gimmick product that makes true sommeliers and oenophiles roll their eyes.

 

I got Labahammered on Labadoozees while visiting Labadee on Labadabor day!

 

Towel Animals really kind of creep me out.

 

The bartenders, while very nice, are very limited in what they can do. And the entire bar program relies way too heavily on Island Oasis. Really? You can’t make a margarita without Island Oasis Mix? Even the Cucumber Martini at 150 Central Park has to use Island Oasis Sour Mix. As a result, all the mixed drinks are WAY too sweet.

 

Take a page from your sister line Celebrity’s playbook. Consider an alchemy bar and a craft beer venue. Every single bar is basically the same.

 

It is very possible and highly enjoyable to go and entire week without setting foot in the Windjammer. Confession: I walked through one night, just to see what I was missing. It turns out I wasn’t!

 

The lead performers from Hairspray did a Broadway revue one night in the Viking Crown. It is a can’t miss performance.

 

The comedians were actually funny! A first in my cruising experience!

 

The casino was not kind to me, but the dealers and staff are quite nice. That being said, the dealers are NOT up to the standard of most land based casino staff. They can and do make a LOT of mistakes, so stay sharp.

 

I do believe I should be allowed to carry and electric cattle prod. I would use it on people who are incapable letting people OFF the elevator before they plow their way on board.

 

I never had a problem finding a deck chair. At the absolute peak hours of sea days, finding two or three together could be challenging. But there were always still ample chairs available one deck up.

 

“Chair Hogs” aren’t really a problem, because there are still plenty of chairs available. They are just small minded people that aren’t worth getting worked up about. That being said, if I want a chair with an umbrella, and there are some that I have seen vacant for more than 45 minutes, I don’t think twice about moving the items to a nearby chair and making myself comfortable!

 

Luggage Valet is wonderful!

 

Hot rock cooking in Izumi is very overrated. Look! An unseasoned piece of chicken and steak! Now cook it yourself on a hot stone! What next? Do I have to clean the dishes when I’m done too?

 

That being said, the masses seem to think hot rock cooking is a brilliant concept.

 

Back to the electric cattle prod. Also used for any able bodied person who takes the elevator for less than three decks.

 

It will never cease to amaze me how many parents let their surprisingly YOUNG children have free reign to wander unsupervised. It’s only a matter of time before we have some really horrible stories in the news…

 

Hey! Non English speaking people in the theater: Just because we can’t understand what you’re saying, doesn’t mean we can’t HEAR you. Please kindly STFU!

 

I managed to completely enjoy myself for yet another cruise without having to rely on the Cruise Director to tell me how to have fun. I also managed to remain confident in safe passage the entire time without having my picture taken with the captain!

 

Anyone else think it would be totally cool, albeit really impractical, if the rising tide bar started in the casino and went all the way to the pool deck? That would be awesome!

 

They sell Woodford Reserve in the duty free shops, but they don’t serve it at the bars. This made me unhappy.

 

They sell a lot of other things at the bars that helped me drown my sorrows over the lack of Woodford!

 

The Seafood Shack is not bad, but could be sooo much better. I understand the seafood has to be frozen. But it doesn’t have to be pre-prepared. I can get the same shrimp in a bag at the local store and throw them in oil at home. It’s all a deep fried frozen hot mess.

 

I have never seen people get so excited over the ability to get soft drinks in a variety of flavors, as the people trying to sell the freestyle drink package. You’d think up until now, soft drinks only came in one flavor and that it was onion.

 

Hey, guy walking through the promenade at 7pm on formal night wearing nothing but your swim trunks and your backwards confederate flag hat: Have you ever heard the term “white trash”? Just curious…

 

The concierge club, while quite nice, still reminds me of an airport lounge. Maybe it would offer more appeal on a transatlantic or cold weather itinerary. But in the Caribbean, it just doesn’t do it for me.

 

Besides, every time I walk in and see all the Pinnacles, with their silly little Pinnacle pins, I have to work hard not to burst out laughing at how ridiculous they look! I get wearing the pin to an event, or perhaps on formal night. But all day every day? That’s just weird…

 

It was well enjoyed, but definitely not healthy for me to realize on a somewhat regular basis in the middle of the afternoon, “Hey, there’s an ice cream shop on the boardwalk that makes GREAT milkshakes!”

 

Scheduling a “Flash Mob” is kind of an oxymoron.

 

While a lovely venue, Vintages is woefully underutilized. I have to believe they will try and reengineer that space on Oasis 3.

 

That’s all for now! If I think of anything else, I’ll be sure to add it.

[setsail]

This is just not right

 

 

 

 

 

I laughed out loud:D realty is a wonderful thing

[Wine Luvuh]

I got Labahammered on Labadoozees while visiting Labadee on Labadabor day!

 

Me too!!

 

It is very possible and highly enjoyable to go and entire week without setting foot in the Windjammer. Confession: I walked through one night, just to see what I was missing. It turns out I wasn’t

We went in there one night for dinner and that was it!!

 

The casino was not kind to me, but the dealers and staff are quite nice. That being said, the dealers are NOT up to the standard of most land based casino staff. They can and do make a LOT of mistakes, so stay sharp.

 

It was kind to me. :D

 

Luggage Valet is wonderful! Agreed!!!

 

Besides, every time I walk in and see all the Pinnacles, with their silly little Pinnacle pins, I have to work hard not to burst out laughing at how ridiculous they look! I get wearing the pin to an event, or perhaps on formal night. But all day every day? That’s just weird…

 

And the fact that they think it gives them the authority to walk up to the concierge without regard to anyone else who may be waiting is OBNOXIOUS!! I can see how suite guests would be a bit intimidated if they were in the lounge on the first day and quite possibly not go back. Especially if they were a first time cruiser.

 

While a lovely venue, Vintages is woefully underutilized. I have to believe they will try and reengineer that space on Oasis 3.

 

Really miss this being on the Promenade - I did not go in until the last night and it was beautiful!

 

That’s all for now! If I think of anything else, I’ll be sure to add it.

 

We had a great week and it sounds like you did too!!!

[green eyed lady]

I loved this! I feel the same way about the long drawn out reviews that start in the OP's driveway and give every little detail. I just want to hear about the ship experience :rolleyes:

 

Regarding the elevator situation, all I can say is don't judge someone without knowing the facts. I look like an able-bodied person ;) but right before our Breakaway cruise in July, I hurt my knee. I pretty much hobbled the entire cruise, including down the beach to my son's wedding ceremony :eek: So while I'm one of those who always takes the stairs unless I'm getting back on in port on deck 1 and want to get to deck 11, on this cruise I ALWAYS took the elevator. I'm sure people talked about lazy me taking it one deck up...so never judge a book by its' cover...just sayin' ;):)

 

Oh one more thing...I think they should even do away with the noon announcements from the bridge. Can anyone ever even hear it or understand what the captain is saying? :eek:

[Aquahound]

macruisefan, I have a new found respect for you. Not only was your review hilarious, it expressed exactly how I feel about certain people. I agree 100% with all the examples you pointed out.

[Starry Eyes]

Thanks for the review...and the chuckle.

[oneputt18]

Love it and couldn't agree more.

[pltag]

I’m not into one of those uber-long blow-by-blow trip reviews. So, if you’re looking for one where you get to page 6 and you’re still seeing pictures of the porte-cochere at the Holiday Inn in Marietta Georgia while en route to the port, sorry, this won’t be for you.:D

HILARIOUS ...... and the only reason I continued reading! :D

 

The mini-golf course is an extraordinary waste of space.

Waste of Space is right! Always have been, always will!!

 

Perhaps with the exception of the daily report from the bridge, I would love to see an end to all other PA announcements. Seriously, I’m relaxing with a drink poolside. You think I’m going to drop what I’m doing to run down to the art auction? You’ve already supplied me a daily calendar and plenty of fliers in my stateroom. Stop assaulting my ears!

Only thing worse than senseless "walkie-talkie" chatter from the kid next to me ..... is another art auction or BINGO announcement! Love the "My Favorite CD" threads on this board ..... because my favorite will always be the one that talks the LEAST!!!

 

I never had a problem finding a deck chair. At the absolute peak hours of sea days, finding two or three together could be challenging. But there were always still ample chairs available one deck up.

 

“Chair Hogs” aren’t really a problem, because there are still plenty of chairs available. They are just small minded people that aren’t worth getting worked up about. That being said, if I want a chair with an umbrella, and there are some that I have seen vacant for more than 45 minutes, I don’t think twice about moving the items to a nearby chair and making myself comfortable!

Chair hogs are ONLY problem on forums like this ....... not on cruise ships! :)

 

Luggage Valet is wonderful!

AMEN!!!

 

 

Didn't read much of the rest ...... due to my previously mentioned lack of attention span! :D

 

I do think I could cruise with 'maccruisefan' and get along just fine!

 

Fun Review!!

[papaflamingo]

Agree... Agree... Agree!

[retiredgram]

Thanks for a "to the point review". Loved it and agree with most.

[macruisefan]

Regarding the elevator situation, all I can say is don't judge someone without knowing the facts. I look like an able-bodied person ;) but right before our Breakaway cruise in July, I hurt my knee. I pretty much hobbled the entire cruise, including down the beach to my son's wedding ceremony :eek: So while I'm one of those who always takes the stairs unless I'm getting back on in port on deck 1 and want to get to deck 11, on this cruise I ALWAYS took the elevator. I'm sure people talked about lazy me taking it one deck up...so never judge a book by its' cover...just sayin' ;):)

 

That's why I only WISH I had a cattle prod. I would definitely guess wrong and hit the person with the bad knee!:D

[green eyed lady]

That's why I only WISH I had a cattle prod. I would definitely guess wrong and hit the person with the bad knee!:D

 

lol and that would be me :eek:

[goouchjac]

That's why I only WISH I had a cattle prod. I would definitely guess wrong and hit the person with the bad knee!:D

 

Ah the elevator subject,,hate when you are trying to get off (when you finally get on) and they are pushing to get in,,,have alot of problems with people like that and can't keep my mouth shut,,what the hell is the hurry,,you going somewhere!!!!

[storm1of4]

HEY Thanks for the slightly edgy and poignant review. I agree with you on most all points! And yes I usually do not care what you may had had for breakfast at your hotel just prior to the cruise.......thanks for sparing us, and thanks for a nice and funny review. :)

[powelweb]

wow- what a wicked awesome review!

 

seriously- loved it...

[misty57]

Was on this cruise as well and agree with most of your observations. I was amazed at the lack of proper clothing in public areas. Even on the boardwalk, would a person not realize they were the ONLY one shirtless? Please! People are eating!

The loud talking wasn't only in the theater. It was in the Solarium and in the elevators. The use of the elevators is one issue that no one will win. DH has bad knees and a heart condition. If he feels the need to use the elevator, I go with him.

 

We had the same opinion of Chops. We probably won't go back. I thought Giovanni's had a better filet.

[Thetrail]

Okay, I’m going to put up a “stream of conscious” review of my Oasis trip last week. just a collection of thoughts and observations.

 

I’m not into one of those uber-long blow-by-blow trip reviews. So, if you’re looking for one where you get to page 6 and you’re still seeing pictures of the porte-cochere at the Holiday Inn in Marietta Georgia while en route to the port, sorry, this won’t be for you.:D

 

Here Goes:

 

The ship is still absolutely beautiful. She is not showing any signs of aging anywhere I could see.

 

The Jazz club may be the most underrated entertainment venue at sea. It’s fantastic!

 

The mini-golf course is an extraordinary waste of space.

 

Giovanni’s Table and 150 Central Park keep getting better and better.

 

Chop’s keeps getting more mediocre. It’s their flagship specialty restaurant, and it’s clearly resting on its reputation.

 

The Crown Lofts are an extraordinary haven (oops! Can I say that without getting in trouble with NCL?) atop the ship. I could have LIVED on my balcony for the week.

 

Perhaps with the exception of the daily report from the bridge, I would love to see an end to all other PA announcements. Seriously, I’m relaxing with a drink poolside. You think I’m going to drop what I’m doing to run down to the art auction? You’ve already supplied me a daily calendar and plenty of fliers in my stateroom. Stop assaulting my ears!

 

Muster Drill on a ship the size of Oasis is a complete cluster. Particularly during the rain, when they don’t even make you actually go to your muster station, but rather just “near” it, so no one gets wet. Can’t hear anything, can’t see anything. SOLAS may hold the regulations, but that doesn’t mean they don’t suck.

 

I love the solarium, but I feel as though it’s a bit too enclosed. Never seem to get much of a breeze in there. I also wish the pool wasn’t as warm as the two hot tubs!

The Chef’s Table is a lovely meal. If you haven’t done much in the way of grand degustation dining, it’s a wonderful introduction. If you have done this type of dining before, it can’t hold a candle to the land based options. At three plus hours, it is LONG. I’ve done longer meals before, but this one seems to drag on unnecessarily at times.

 

Il Decantino is a ridiculous gimmick product that makes true sommeliers and oenophiles roll their eyes.

 

I got Labahammered on Labadoozees while visiting Labadee on Labadabor day!

 

Towel Animals really kind of creep me out.

 

The bartenders, while very nice, are very limited in what they can do. And the entire bar program relies way too heavily on Island Oasis. Really? You can’t make a margarita without Island Oasis Mix? Even the Cucumber Martini at 150 Central Park has to use Island Oasis Sour Mix. As a result, all the mixed drinks are WAY too sweet.

 

Take a page from your sister line Celebrity’s playbook. Consider an alchemy bar and a craft beer venue. Every single bar is basically the same.

 

It is very possible and highly enjoyable to go and entire week without setting foot in the Windjammer. Confession: I walked through one night, just to see what I was missing. It turns out I wasn’t!

 

The lead performers from Hairspray did a Broadway revue one night in the Viking Crown. It is a can’t miss performance.

 

The comedians were actually funny! A first in my cruising experience!

 

The casino was not kind to me, but the dealers and staff are quite nice. That being said, the dealers are NOT up to the standard of most land based casino staff. They can and do make a LOT of mistakes, so stay sharp.

 

I do believe I should be allowed to carry and electric cattle prod. I would use it on people who are incapable letting people OFF the elevator before they plow their way on board.

 

I never had a problem finding a deck chair. At the absolute peak hours of sea days, finding two or three together could be challenging. But there were always still ample chairs available one deck up.

 

“Chair Hogs” aren’t really a problem, because there are still plenty of chairs available. They are just small minded people that aren’t worth getting worked up about. That being said, if I want a chair with an umbrella, and there are some that I have seen vacant for more than 45 minutes, I don’t think twice about moving the items to a nearby chair and making myself comfortable!

 

Luggage Valet is wonderful!

 

Hot rock cooking in Izumi is very overrated. Look! An unseasoned piece of chicken and steak! Now cook it yourself on a hot stone! What next? Do I have to clean the dishes when I’m done too?

 

That being said, the masses seem to think hot rock cooking is a brilliant concept.

 

Back to the electric cattle prod. Also used for any able bodied person who takes the elevator for less than three decks.

 

It will never cease to amaze me how many parents let their surprisingly YOUNG children have free reign to wander unsupervised. It’s only a matter of time before we have some really horrible stories in the news…

 

Hey! Non English speaking people in the theater: Just because we can’t understand what you’re saying, doesn’t mean we can’t HEAR you. Please kindly STFU!

 

I managed to completely enjoy myself for yet another cruise without having to rely on the Cruise Director to tell me how to have fun. I also managed to remain confident in safe passage the entire time without having my picture taken with the captain!

 

Anyone else think it would be totally cool, albeit really impractical, if the rising tide bar started in the casino and went all the way to the pool deck? That would be awesome!

 

They sell Woodford Reserve in the duty free shops, but they don’t serve it at the bars. This made me unhappy.

 

They sell a lot of other things at the bars that helped me drown my sorrows over the lack of Woodford!

 

The Seafood Shack is not bad, but could be sooo much better. I understand the seafood has to be frozen. But it doesn’t have to be pre-prepared. I can get the same shrimp in a bag at the local store and throw them in oil at home. It’s all a deep fried frozen hot mess.

 

I have never seen people get so excited over the ability to get soft drinks in a variety of flavors, as the people trying to sell the freestyle drink package. You’d think up until now, soft drinks only came in one flavor and that it was onion.

 

Hey, guy walking through the promenade at 7pm on formal night wearing nothing but your swim trunks and your backwards confederate flag hat: Have you ever heard the term “white trash”? Just curious…

 

The concierge club, while quite nice, still reminds me of an airport lounge. Maybe it would offer more appeal on a transatlantic or cold weather itinerary. But in the Caribbean, it just doesn’t do it for me.

 

Besides, every time I walk in and see all the Pinnacles, with their silly little Pinnacle pins, I have to work hard not to burst out laughing at how ridiculous they look! I get wearing the pin to an event, or perhaps on formal night. But all day every day? That’s just weird…

 

It was well enjoyed, but definitely not healthy for me to realize on a somewhat regular basis in the middle of the afternoon, “Hey, there’s an ice cream shop on the boardwalk that makes GREAT milkshakes!”

 

Scheduling a “Flash Mob” is kind of an oxymoron.

 

While a lovely venue, Vintages is woefully underutilized. I have to believe they will try and reengineer that space on Oasis 3.

 

That’s all for now! If I think of anything else, I’ll be sure to add it.

Your not a Pinnacle member are you Mac???:rolleyes:

[kwkm]

We are going on this ship in November, and this is by far, the best review I have read. THANKS!!!:):D:o:rolleyes:

[hellsop]

I was kind of wondering if I was the only person avoiding the 'Jammer these days, and it turns out, no, I'm not. Last cruise, I was only in there for a meeting, and had only a cup of coffee, and was kind of disappointed with that. (You know what I'd love? Little half liter French presses, a couple of jars of coffee grounds and loose teas with scoops, and a spigot that dispensed 200F water into said press pot.)

[Ocean Boy]

But you didn't tell us what time you got up or what you had for breakfast the morning before your cruise.

 

Great write-up. I agree with just about everything in it.