Freedom vs Oasis

[BillOh]

Read my complaints again:

 

 

..................

I have no desire to try Oasis. If it were a free trip, we'd go; however, since that's not likely to happen, we're just not interested.

 

Ah, the last of the NOOTS. Most are now reformed NOOTS. :p

[BillOh]

We're already very comfortable with the Voyager layout, so I know we will with FOS.

 

I would say that is an accurate assumption. That was the impression I had after a day or so on Freedom, It was very familiar, but you will find somethings you like even better. After going on Voyager, then Freedom, I went back to Navigator. Freedom's WJ is bigger and had "snack bar" type seating in a few places that is easier for 2 people to find a seat. I like the Voyager class Solarium, but love the Freedom one.

[Charger2008]

I've sailed both. Oasis is a great ship especially for the entertainment. I lean toward Freedom class though. While there are more venues on the Oasis, a lot are smaller to fit on the ship. A lot of the places don't have any windows to see the ocean outside, like all the food places in Central Park and most on the boardwalk.

 

I agree with your post about windowless venues.

 

That was one of our major complaints about the Oasis class, everything is interior and MOST of the venues do not have ocean views. Also, the gym has small portholes; however, on the Freedom class, you have floor to ceiling windows all the way around. The jogging track on the Oasis is on deck 4 and hidden behind life boats. On the Freedom, it is deck 12. The Solarium on the Oasis is under glass and hot hot hot and the "pools" (if you can call them that) are small, oversized hot tubs without the benefit of hot, bubbly water and not very refreshing at all. On the Freedom, the Solarium is open, has a nice breeze and the pool is large enough to accomodate quite a few people, has a "deep end" and is usually somewhat chilly and refreshing.

 

Yes, the Oasis has a lot of bells and whistles and they have two Flowriders (definite plus) but this is not enough for us to choose those ships over the Freedom class. :p

[BillOh]

I agree with your post about windowless venues.

 

That was one of our major complaints about the Oasis class, everything is interior and MOST of the venues do not have ocean views. Also, the gym has small portholes; however, on the Freedom class, you have floor to ceiling windows all the way around. The jogging track on the Oasis is on deck 4 and hidden behind life boats. On the Freedom, it is deck 12. The Solarium on the Oasis is under glass and hot hot hot and the "pools" (if you can call them that) are small, oversized hot tubs without the benefit of hot, bubbly water and not very refreshing at all. On the Freedom, the Solarium is open, has a nice breeze and the pool is large enough to accomodate quite a few people, has a "deep end" and is usually somewhat chilly and refreshing.

 

Yes, the Oasis has a lot of bells and whistles and they have two Flowriders (definite plus) but this is not enough for us to choose those ships over the Freedom class. :p

 

You make some very valid points and perhaps I'll be in complete agreement after my 2nd Freedom cruise. I see you have been on Indy as well. Any plans for Liberty?

[SnappyNappi]

One thing to consider if flying -- Ft. Lauderdale airport is much closer to the ship. With the Freedom OTS, you have a long transfer from Orlando.

In addition to Jimnbigd's comment, I would also add that - if you do need to fly, the cost to fly to Orlando (especally during peak seasons) is higher because of the attractions that are located in that area of Florida. Just something else to consider...

 

We have not been on Freedom class, but have cruised on Oasis. DH and I sailed Oasis in 2012. I didn't think I would LOVE the huge ship, but it is an experience and we did love it! For carrying so many, you would think it would just feel crowded but I never felt that there were more than 6000 other people traveling with us. There are many options if you wanted to try different dining or see different shows and the Royal Promenade is much grander than the other classes that I have been on. She is a big girl, make no mistake about it. We have done Explorer (Voyager class - Freedom class less the 'steroids' - shout out to Papa from previous post) before and since we did our sailing on the Oasis sailing and we did not lose any love for the smaller ships.

 

I thought we would try Freedom Class when we heard that Liberty was coming to Bayonne in Summer 2015, but as luck would have it - Oasis during the same week was half the price... so we fly and will be sailing on our girl, the Oasis in summer 2015.

 

Tough choice... but this really should be everyone's biggest problem. ;)

Enjoy - whatever you decide.

[Charger2008]

You make some very valid points and perhaps I'll be in complete agreement after my 2nd Freedom cruise. I see you have been on Indy as well. Any plans for Liberty?

 

Absolutely, as soon as the Liberty comes to Galveston we are booking a cruise :D No flights, no hotel, no car rental, just a 45 minute drive :p

[BillOh]

Absolutely, as soon as the Liberty comes to Galveston we are booking a cruise :D No flights, no hotel, no car rental, just a 45 minute drive :p

 

 

I might consider that sometime in the future as well. My SIL lives in the NW corner of Houston, I might consider a cruise from Galveston when Liberty goes as well. I haven't looked at the itineraries yet.

[jticarruthers]

Sailed Freedom once and Liberty several times, did Allure this year and were frankly disappointed with it.

 

It wasn't a bad experience but it wasn't as good as we had hoped.

 

Going on Indy later this year and Freedom next year, will see after going back to Freedom class whether we just "remember" it being better or really prefer it.

 

Thoughts on Oasis class -

 

Good - It never felt crowded.

Bad - It never felt like being on a ship, more of a giant floating mall. No windows to see water, no sense of motion.

Good - Lots of new things to try (Restaurants, shows, activities)

Bad - Most of the "new" things didn't impress us vs. the Freedom class (Restaurants and shows were more/better but frankly couldn't get to them all on the cruise so they felt wasted)

Good - Extra day at sea ..

Bad - Because they cant get into Grand Cayman which we like as a destination

[BDsquared]

We loved, loved, loved Oasis. Probably our favorite cruise so far. The ONLY thing I did not like was having to reserve the shows in advance, which, in all reality, is not that big of a deal;)

[BDsquared]

Absolutely, as soon as the Liberty comes to Galveston we are booking a cruise :D No flights, no hotel, no car rental, just a 45 minute drive :p

 

Is my jealousy showing?

[EllaDuChien]

Sailed Freedom once and Liberty several times, did Allure this year and were frankly disappointed with it.

 

It wasn't a bad experience but it wasn't as good as we had hoped.

 

Going on Indy later this year and Freedom next year, will see after going back to Freedom class whether we just "remember" it being better or really prefer it.

 

Thoughts on Oasis class -

 

Good - It never felt crowded.

Bad - It never felt like being on a ship, more of a giant floating mall. No windows to see water, no sense of motion.

Good - Lots of new things to try (Restaurants, shows, activities)

Bad - Most of the "new" things didn't impress us vs. the Freedom class (Restaurants and shows were more/better but frankly couldn't get to them all on the cruise so they felt wasted)

Good - Extra day at sea ..

Bad - Because they cant get into Grand Cayman which we like as a destination

 

This is EXACTLY how I feel! I am glad that I sailed the Oasis class (lets face it, a day on a cruise is never a bad day!!), but I will stick with Freedom class (or try a new class!!) from now on.

 

In the end, for me a cruise is what you make it. I can have a fantastic time no matter what because at the end of the day, I was on a cruise and not at work!! :D

[jenninlaca]

I have never really understood the "it feels like a floating mall" comments re Oasis and Allure. Unlike most ships, the entire aft section of Oasis class is open to to water so you see ocean there, and obviously everywhere up on deck including all the pools, Solarium, sports court and golf areas. windjammer also overlooks the pools. There are some ocean view tables from the dining room. Where else on Freedom class do you see ocean where you do not see it on Oasis? I don't think the casinos or Royal Promenade on any class has windows.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[jticarruthers]

Schooner bar has windows, pretty sure Champagne Bar has windows, pretty sure there are windows visible at some of the stair wells.

 

On Freedom class I feel like I see the water regularly as I move about the ship not just when up on the top decks. Not to say you cant see the water on Oasis class but none of the interior spaces have windows that I can recall.

[idamae3218]

Snappy, us too! Oasis August 2015 was half the price of Liberty.

To OP, it's hard to choose. We've been on both. But if price is the same, go for Oasis. It's an unbelievable ship. The airport situation mentioned earlier is a good point. Because FLL is so close, we could get an early flight. With Freedom, you have an hour drive/shuttle to the airport.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Forums mobile app

[Charger2008]

Is my jealousy showing?

 

:D Not at all ;)