Oasis Photo Review – All Dining and Drinks Menus - Daily Programs

[MANDMTRAVEL]

Following and loving it!!!!!

[Great 2 B at Sea]

Hey, megacruiser, we are also going to be on the Quantum next February, maybe we'll be on the same cruise? We will be sailing from the 2nd through the 13th. Is that the same one you will be on? If it is, I can only imagine the review you will be posting on that ship! Can't wait until they reveal more about the Quantum. They are certainly keeping us wondering. Your review of the Oasis is unbelievable! I have been following from the beginning, and I love everything about it. We were on the Allure it's third sailing, but never been on the Oasis. That too, was an amazing ship!

[megacruiser]

Hey, megacruiser, we are also going to be on the Quantum next February, maybe we'll be on the same cruise? We will be sailing from the 2nd through the 13th. Is that the same one you will be on? If it is, I can only imagine the review you will be posting on that ship! Can't wait until they reveal more about the Quantum. They are certainly keeping us wondering. Your review of the Oasis is unbelievable! I have been following from the beginning, and I love everything about it. We were on the Allure it's third sailing, but never been on the Oasis. That too, was an amazing ship!

 

Hello Great 2 B at Sea,

 

Yes indeed we'll be shipmates! You will be able to keep me right if I get anything wrong in any review I do. :)

 

Royal Caribbean keep coming up with brilliant new innovations and I am sure there are yet more to be revealed that will surprise and impress us.

 

Kind regards

megacruiser

Edited March 7, 2014 by megacruiser

[megacruiser]

My final night for dinner is at 150 Central Park so I will post now the menu for the main dining room for Day 7, the last night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I headed out along Central Park almost for the last time I was still taking in its beauty after 7 days and spotting new details each time, especially when lit up at night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[megacruiser]

As my earlier photos indicated, musical recitals take place here in the evening.

 

 

 

 

 

Some people sit down to listen, whilst promenaders enjoy the melodies as they stroll through.

 

Royal Caribbean are normally experts in attention to detail. What’s this though?

 

 

 

 

The trolley used to move the PA equipment is lying right behind the musician? And his backpack is sitting off to the side of him? And untidy cables and a power extension-lead are strewn across the ground? Now they can do better than that… All those beautiful surroundings, and yet the eyes are drawn to the ugly part…

[megacruiser]

 

 

 

I was welcomed back to 150 Central Park and was served again by the same waiter, Momcilo Zdravkovic from Serbia, as I had so appreciated his excellent and knowledgeable service the first time. Again he talked through everything in detail and I recorded it on my iPhone with the intention of transcribing it, but, typically, I am having difficulty accessing the menu to find the individual recordings… technology!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let me start by saying if I hadn’t had the previous meal here I would no doubt be raving about this one in just the way I did with the first. However it is inevitable that comparisons are made, but do bear in mind that the first meal would have scored nine and a half from me, so the standard was unbelievably high.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[megacruiser]

The starter of Borek Farms Carrots was of a similar theme to the Beets starter of the first visit. This time it was homemade ricotta cheese rather than rabiola. As before, these carrots, done four ways, make you think of the main ingredient in a different way. The true freshness and depth of flavour that comes from only the finest produce grown for flavour; not for speed, appearance or low cost.

 

 

 

 

 

I sometimes go to a nearby farm shop for “dirty” carrots that we don’t get in the supermarkets in the UK. They are caked in the soil they were grown in. They are not washed under high pressure to remove the dirt and half the flavour. Gently washing them under a tap reveals a much more intense deep orange hue, and the flavour bears little relation to supermarket varieties...

 

Back to this starter, in a similar way, this humble carrot combination of textures is far removed from the mundane. The whole dish was delicious. I felt the Beets starter had the slight edge because of the citrus element that added an extra counterbalancing sharpness whereas this dish had a more savoury component to complete it.

 

 

 

The Potato Leek soup was delicate and understated compared to the Butternut Squash soup.

 

 

 

 

As you take a spoonful the initial impression is, yes very pleasant; then as it leaves the tongue the subtlety of it becomes apparent as layers of flavour come through. The caviar was a nice touch and was not overpowered by the soup; the saltiness and texture of the caviar and the crunch from the potato crisp just lifted the soup from being very good to rather special. The Butternut Squash, though, would win again by a short head.

 

 

The Beet and Goat Cheese Tortellini, although I enjoyed it, did not blow me away.

 

 

 

 

Again no particular fault with it; the combination on this occasion could, for me, have used more acidity from the beets to offset the goat’s cheese. A lot of this is down to personal preference of course. I am sure others would have thought it was a perfect combination just as was...

[megacruiser]

Well, onto the Grilled Tuna that I expected would disappoint - but far from it.

 

 

 

 

This was probably the highlight of the meal. How do they keep tuna that fresh? This was cooked to perfection. Overcooking tuna is one of the worst culinary faux pas. A minute too long can change perfection into disaster. This dish was superb. Everything worked well together. I wouldn’t normally think a red wine reduction would be appropriate but nothing jarred; it was fantastic…

 

The Beef Two Ways would have been faultless had the Tenderloin been a little bit more tender than it was.

 

 

 

 

The soft texture of the Short Rib was spot on, much as it was at the first meal; and the two together were a very good combination.

 

The Chocolate pudding is described as a tart but was more of a dense, but not heavy, sponge…

 

 

 

 

…rich and intense chocolate with inspired accompaniments of spiced pecans and tangy cranberry chutney with its sour notes acting as a counterpoint to both the sponge and the salted caramel sauce and uniting the individual components into a perfectly balanced dish. Exquisite.

 

Overall my verdict is that if you try only one menu you would more than likely be impressed. Depending on your personal preferences, you may favour one over the other. I rated Menu 1 as 9.5 and Menu 2 as 8.5. If I only had Menu 2, I would still have rated it the best meal ever at sea.

 

So just to restate, 150 Central Park is surely the biggest bargain at sea for all genuine good food lovers.

 

 

Next time will be Tours of Decks 16 and 17.

 

 

Thanks to all those following.

 

Much appreciated.

[nmuller328]

No rush! You are doing a great job. This review will live online for years to come so take your time and get it exactly as you want it.

 

I do have a question for you. Royal advertises "premium coffees" as part of a few drink packages, but I know that does not include Starbucks. Did you happen to get a picture of anything that shows what "premium coffees" are? :confused:

 

Thanks!

 

I spoke with RCL- Premium coffees/specialty coffees are similar to those at Starbucks but available in the MDR & Cafe Latitude- ie espresso, cappuccinos etc. For the alcoholic coffee drinks like those on the menu megacruiser posted from the Donut Shoppe- they require the Ultimate package- they are a speciality coffee with alcohol (espresso shot with booze). Hope that helps.

[Tennessee_Cruiser]

I spoke with RCL- Premium coffees/specialty coffees are similar to those at Starbucks but available in the MDR & Cafe Latitude- ie espresso, cappuccinos etc. For the alcoholic coffee drinks like those on the menu megacruiser posted from the Donut Shoppe- they require the Ultimate package- they are a speciality coffee with alcohol (espresso shot with booze). Hope that helps.

 

It does help--thanks!!! :D

[dee21]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

This has been an amazing journey that you have taken us on--the absolute best review I have followed and the photography is awesome!! We leave next week and I am so excited and following your review makes me feel like I've had a private tour! I've been sharing this with our family and everyone has loved it! If my pics don't turn out, I just may need to borrow some of yours :) this is ending just at the right time and I am hoping our plane has wifi so I can reread every page again!

I can only begin to imagine how much time and effort you have put into this--both on the ship and now, so from the bottom of my heart--thank you for being so considerate to what we all want! I think you may have a career here…

YOU ROCK!

[lperry1016@yahoo.com]

I am following your review! and loving it :D

I am on Oasis May 3rd on the Eastern Caribbean itinerary. Do you know if the Cruise Compass is the same for the Eastern itinerary? Thank you again for your review.

Linda :p

[Yeldarb]

Hello Yeldarb,

 

The review is far from complete. I have literally dozens of pages of Wine, Coktail and Drinks Lists. I also have menus for the Solaium Bistro, Izumi, Giovanni's Table lunch menu and Johnny Rockets, including breakfast.

 

Keep following!

 

megacruiser

 

I'm leaving in 3 weeks hope they're up by then. :D

 

Cheers!

[shipaheadannie]

Still following and planning my Oct cruise as I do. Thank you for the invaluable advice having never sailed Oasis before.

[lisacruzer]

Thanks so much for your beautiful and informative review. We are seasoned RCCL cruisers but April 19 will be our first time on the Oasis!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[golfusaofcs]

Megacruiser, Did I miss the pictures of the harvest Menu and food pics? I don't remember seeing them in your thread? I also notice on Royal's Website the dates of the menus are reversed. Great Review!!

[niceguy6505]

Thank you Megacruiser sailing on Oasis Nov 29 Best review ever.:)

[Bonnielass]

Great review, really enjoying it.

[megacruiser]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

This has been an amazing journey that you have taken us on--the absolute best review I have followed and the photography is awesome!! We leave next week and I am so excited and following your review makes me feel like I've had a private tour! I've been sharing this with our family and everyone has loved it! If my pics don't turn out, I just may need to borrow some of yours :) this is ending just at the right time and I am hoping our plane has wifi so I can reread every page again!

I can only begin to imagine how much time and effort you have put into this--both on the ship and now, so from the bottom of my heart--thank you for being so considerate to what we all want! I think you may have a career here…

YOU ROCK!

 

Hello dee21,

 

That is really too kind of you. Thanks for appreciating my review with such enthusiasm.

 

Kind regard

megacruiser

[megacruiser]

Megacruiser, Did I miss the pictures of the harvest Menu and food pics? I don't remember seeing them in your thread? I also notice on Royal's Website the dates of the menus are reversed. Great Review!!

 

I just checked their website and yes the menus are reversed. The "Harvest" menu, review and photos are on page 10.

 

You are very naughty, cos I think you've been skimming. :)

 

Cheers

megacruiser

[long_shot45]

Following....BUMP

[Cruisin' Along]

Thank you for the wonderful review and beautiful photos. We've only cruised Disney to date but we are considering RCCL. Your review is very helpful in deciding to give RCCL a try.

[whitshel]

This review is intended to help those planning a cruise on Oasis or Allure of the Seas and particularly those who are interested in the minutiae, as I aim to be as exhaustive as possible. Secondly for those who enjoy seeing ship photos. Finally, hopefully some will enjoy reading about my experiences and observations, which will be my subjective opinion, both positive and negative.

 

I will try to cover all onboard venues and facilities; all dining options with menus; wine and bar drinks lists; and daily programs, activities and entertainment. If I miss something of interest, please feel free to ask and I will try to help if I can. Accompanying all this will be lots of photos to help give a flavour of what awaits. In this regard I hope that seeing so much of the ship in advance will not diminish the impact of seeing in person what this amazing floating masterpiece has to offer.

 

Before getting into the actual review, let me explain my expectations and reasons for taking this cruise. Actually there were very mixed feelings about whether I would enjoy a cruise with 6000 passengers aboard. There was more than a hint of trepidation that I would be trapped on a crowded ship with a noisy high-octane party atmosphere. Yet I was willing to take it for what it was, having a real fascination in experiencing for myself the tremendous feat of engineering and all the amazing groundbreaking design innovations with which Royal Caribbean were once again leading the way. Firstly with their "Vision Class" ships then the real breakthrough with the "Voyager Class" vessels with the revolutionary Royal Promenade providing a central thoroughfare running through the heart of the ship.

 

Now they have taken this idea much further and to a whole new level, by introducing three distinctly different neighbourhoods where one can socialise, eat, drink, shop or simply stroll. By adding Central Park and the Boardwalk (with the Aquatheater) to a much enlarged Royal Promenade, the vastly increased choice of dining venues, not to mention the dedicated karaoke bar, comedy club and jazz venues, they have made a virtual city at sea and it is all finished, as can be expected with Royal Caribbean, to the highest possible standard and with the closest attention to detail - think Main Street USA in Disney World. Visual stimulation abounds, and I don't mean in a garish sort of a way. Everywhere one looks, evidence of the thought and imagination of the design team is there to be admired and appreciated.

 

Pre-cruise

 

I flew into Orlando International Airport and stayed one night at the Hyatt Regency, which is located within the terminal building.

 

 

View from balcony overlooking Atrium

 

This is a solid four-star hotel, a little dated but very well maintained. It has everything I look for on an overnight stay. Comfortable bed and armchair with footstool, good lighting to create the right ambience, pristine bathroom and wi-fi is now included in the room rate.

 

 

 

 

Evening turn down service was offered but declined. I recommend the valet parking as the extra cost over self-park is minimal, especially if you will be coming and going rather than just parking overnight. Just phone down a few minutes before leaving your room and your vehicle will be waiting for you.

 

Drove the following day to Fort Lauderdale and bagged a few bargains at Sawgrass Mills outlet village. Checked into the Hampton Inn Downtown/Las Olas area. The hotel would have been fine at $150 but at $250 the supposed convenience wasn't worth the premium price commanded. Supply and demand means prices rocket on Fridays and Saturdays as cruisers fill the hotel, many taking advantage of the hotel shuttle to the pier that is offered on certain room rates. First impressions of the hotel are not great. Feels more like a motel with an uninviting reception area and stark corridors. The decor of the rooms is rather twee and dated although the actual furnishings are of a higher quality than might be expected. The bathroom is too bright and the green tiling garish.

 

The only advantage for me in staying here would have been to be able to leave the car at the hotel and go out to Las Olas Boulevard in the evening, which I do have to say is a very attractive area to stroll around and ideal for al fresco drinks and dining. This was my intention but after a reconnaissance drive around the area I decided that the 15 minute walk was not something I wanted to undertake simply because the route is not brightly lit and the streets deserted because the location is away from the proper downtown area. So faced with having to take taxis anyway, I consider that in future it would be prudent to stay at a better value airport-area hotel and use taxis from there if I wanted to visit Las Olas.

 

I highly recommend Total Wine if you plan to take the permitted two bottles when boarding. It is a large wine and spirits supermarket with a vast selection. I was also able to buy Schweppes Slimline Tonic and I did notice they also stock Fever Tree mixers. A Publix supermarket is almost adjacent.

 

Day 1 Check-in, Embarkation and Initial Impressions.

 

 

 

 

I dropped my rental car at Fort Lauderdale Airport at 10.00am and, when I headed up one level and turned left, an Alamo complimentary shuttle bus was dropping off disembarking passengers before heading back to the port, all within about ten minutes. I strongly recommend early arrival as traffic gridlock that occurs later can thus be avoided. I do remember a previous departure when it took an hour and twenty minutes on an overcrowded shuttle to reach the ship; a combination of heavy traffic and dropping off and picking up at every ship in port before reaching ours, which was the last one on the shuttle's route. What a difference this time. First stop was the Oasis, the bus was half empty and the journey time was just over 10 minutes. I suspect disembarking passengers may have a longer journey depending on whether the shuttle's route is fixed or direct. I normally take a cab when disembarking and the cost is under $15.

 

Security screening takes place prior to check in. These officials enjoy their job and take great delight in detecting alcohol. I think they felt they hit the jackpot with one of my carry-ons, which was full of cans and bottles. After careful scrutiny of seals, detailed reading of labels and ingredients, the end result was that they had merely detected the two allowed bottles of wine, a case of Diet Mountain Dew and two cases of Schweppes Slimline Tonic. They looked dejected, as they had no option but to wave me through.

 

Check in was then immediate, with no queuing at around 10.30am. Very speedy and efficient I was then directed up the escalator from where passengers were segregated into separate seating and waiting areas by Crown and Anchor status and for those in Suites.

 

 

 

Around 150 passengers were already there and the numbers swelled exponentially as time went on, the area becoming pretty busy by the time boarding began. I got the impression that boarding normally commenced about 11am but that they were running a little late on this occasion. Suites and Pinnacle members boarded about 11.15 and Diamond+ and Diamond members a few minutes later with each group in turn being guided by staff from their respective "pens" to the boarding checkpoint. The access route from the terminal to the ship has been well thought out with multiple lanes for passengers and hand-held scanners quickly processing the key card data in a blink of an eye; no swiping required. This was the most efficient boarding process I have ever encountered, and here as elsewhere, particular attention has been paid to alleviating any problems that can be associated with coping with huge numbers of passengers.

 

The gangway leads directly into the Royal Promenade and even having seen this on many ships before, this is more impressive than ever, partly due to its much greater width and all the extra features to be found, like the Rising Tide bar and the

fountains beneath.

 

 

First impression was that Cafe Promenade looked smaller than on other ships and Sorrento's did not have the same variety of food displayed - seemed to be pizzas only. There was a general migration of early boarders towards the Windjammer to beat the rush. Again it doesn't look as big as it ought to, but it is misleading. The extra width makes a big difference to seating capacity. My last Windjammer experiences were on the Independence sailing out of the UK. The food was dismal. Oasis really caters to a much more internationally diverse demographic and hence a wider range of cuisines, and as buffets go, better than most.

 

For the first time I felt that English as a first language may have been spoken by as few as 50%-60% of passengers. We had a tour group of 600 Chinese passengers many of whom had chosen lucky deck number 8, same as me. Many others were from Japan and other parts of Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin and Central America. It all made for a wonderfully cosmopolitan atmosphere and it seemed to me that the ship itself was the big attraction that had universal appeal across the world's cultural diversity.

 

Great review!!

 

We will be on the Indy in less than 3 weeks (woohoo!!) and we are also flying into Orlando for a day at Universal. Can I ask you how long it took you to drive to FLL and what route did you take? We are driving down the day of the cruise so i want to be sure and leave enough time.

Thanks

[megacruiser]

Before looking at Decks 16 and 17, let’s mention a couple of venues missed out between Deck 8 and 15.

 

Firstly on Deck 11 is the Library near the Aft elevators…

 

 

 

Quite small really for the size of the ship...

 

 

Next door is the Concierge Lounge. It is located above Dazzles and with a similar view along the Boardwalk…

 

 

 

It also has a stairway to an upper level where the Chef’s Table is located…

 

 

 

 

On Deck 14 is the Card Room…

 

 

 

The sign on the table offers the option of buying a 30-minute internet package for $10.

 

 

 

From what I could tell they didn’t publicise this elsewhere and for some folk 30 minutes would be all they needed for the entire cruise... That’s all I used, but mine were free as a Diamond perk…

[megacruiser]

Here is the Deck 16 plan…

 

 

 

 

 

Deck 16 does not continue aft of the Windjammer. Unfortunately I don’t seem to have photos other than of the food. Towards the rear, away from the hot-food serveries, is the most pleasant part and there are nice views aft towards the Flowriders, over the Basketball Court and the Mini Golf, something I somehow missed on my Deck 15 tour…

 

 

 

Here is a night view looking forward from the Windjammer lobby.

 

 

 

 

Beside the entrance to the Windjammer is Izumi the Asian speciality restaurant.