Oasis of the Seas TransAtlantic Voyage Through the Eyes of Art & Ellie

[evoni]

Thank you for the tip. We will try out the Doghouse. If anyone has any suggestions for us of places to try or things to go, we appreciate any and all suggestions. Because we got back late from our tour and ate lunch late we were wavering between eating dinner in the Windjammer or doing the late seating instead of first.

 

Artbcpa, thanks for taking the time out of your cruise to live blog about it. Do you know if the Solarium Bistro is still open for dinners by reservation and a extra charge?

[artbcpa]

Artbcpa, thanks for taking the time out of your cruise to live blog about it. Do you know if the Solarium Bistro is still open for dinners by reservation and a extra charge?

 

Yes it is. The Solarium Bistro is open from 6:00 - 9:30 PM for a $20 charge per person, gratuity included. The Daily Planner says, "Exclusive tranquil resort restaurant ambiance with an extensive international cuisine, featuring unique dishes such as Bison meat amongst other great Mediterranean style options.

[PCWalton1]

I would also recommend Wipe Out Cafe for breakfast as you have the opportunity to sit outside in the fresh air (food is decent too).

 

I use Flickr and one feature I like is the app I have on my Samsung Note 3. If I take a picture with my phone it will automatically upload it to Flickr when WiFi is available. That came in handy on our Rhapsody cruise when I was blogging.

 

Thank you for taking time from your cruise to post the blog, I know how hard that can get at times. :)

[artbcpa]

You said "We truly hate being nickeled and dimed and that is what it feels likes especially for your premium passengers."

 

What exactly makes you a premium passenger? :confused: I have always felt that Royal Caribbean treats everyone equally!

 

I am sorry if you took offense to my reference about "premium passengers". To answer your question, we are in a Grand Suite.

 

Actually we would much prefer that Royal Caribbean treated all of their passengers more equally, but that is hardly the case. This may be the most stratified of any cruise line we have ever been on. There are special perks for diamond members and more perks for D+ and more still for Pinnacle members. There are rooms just for premium members and special packages for them. They are even in the midst of building a restaurant just for certain members.

 

Remember that the point I was making was that EVERYONE should be compensated for being on a ship that is in the midst of construction and not quite ready for prime time.

[Lionesss]

I am sorry if you took offense to my reference about "premium passengers". To answer your question, we are in a Grand Suite.

 

Actually we would much prefer that Royal Caribbean treated all of their passengers more equally, but that is hardly the case. This may be the most stratified of any cruise line we have ever been on. There are special perks for diamond members and more perks for D+ and more still for Pinnacle members. There are rooms just for premium members and special packages for them. They are even in the midst of building a restaurant just for certain members.

 

Remember that the point I was making was that EVERYONE should be compensated for being on a ship that is in the midst of construction and not quite ready for prime time.

 

 

 

 

Love our thread and thank you so much for your excellent posting and updates.

 

Which GS are you in?

Do you think you can get any pictures of the new GS added on?

 

We are debation to keep 14730 or upgrade to a CL.

 

On the ship layouts they look bigger, but, cant count on RCI to keep it correct.

 

Thanks ahead of time.

 

Keep up the great work.

 

Safe travels.

 

Sea Ya

[APDMOM]

I am sorry if you took offense to my reference about "premium passengers". To answer your question, we are in a Grand Suite.

 

Actually we would much prefer that Royal Caribbean treated all of their passengers more equally, but that is hardly the case. This may be the most stratified of any cruise line we have ever been on. There are special perks for diamond members and more perks for D+ and more still for Pinnacle members. There are rooms just for premium members and special packages for them. They are even in the midst of building a restaurant just for certain members.

 

Remember that the point I was making was that EVERYONE should be compensated for being on a ship that is in the midst of construction and not quite ready for prime time.

 

Excellent response! This made my day. :) It is so rare to find civil responses on CC...

[mommabean]

Thank you for the tip. We will try out the Doghouse. If anyone has any suggestions for us of places to try or things to go, we appreciate any and all suggestions. Because we got back late from our tour and ate lunch late we were wavering between eating dinner in the Windjammer or doing the late seating instead of first.

 

Have dinner at Vintages sometime if you haven't already tried it. The assorted tapas are a pleasant surprise. We get the 7 item option for, I think, $11 and it's enough for both of us for a meal. We actually skipped formal night for the first time ever just a few weeks ago and ate at Vintages that night on Allure. We've eaten there on Oasis, too, with just as much satisfaction.

[Fran&Tom]

Thanks for the pictures and information. We were originally booked for this cruise- then decided to do it next year on the Allure. However we will be on the Oasis in February so interested in the changes.

On your pictures on the Meet & MIngle where the cuise director is drawing for a prize- recognized a couple from a TA we took on the Vision of the Seas April 2013- Lucy and I believe John from San Francisco- if you read this hello . To think we were almost together again- and maybe could have been part of another flash mob!!

Fran

[The Big Booper]

 

 

...>>>SNIP<<<...

 

 

Remember that the point I was making was that EVERYONE should be compensated for being on a ship that is in the midst of construction and not quite ready for prime time.

 

And THAT is the key point. With all the partly finished areas intruding on the comfort of the guests, I could see some OBC. Contact Miami if no help from the front desk during the crossing.

 

All cruise lines give perks to their frequent travelers. On CC, all the cheerleaders say that their line has the best perks but, assuming that you have gone on all the different lines, you would be in a good position to know for sure.

[Oville]

And THAT is the key point. With all the partly finished areas intruding on the comfort of the guests, I could see some OBC. Contact Miami if no help from the front desk during the crossing.

 

Other than the CL,which has been moved to the Suites Lounge for this cruise, and a few aft boardwalk cabins, what other construction is impeding the comfort of guests.

 

Thanks

Edited October 19, 2014 by Oville

[artbcpa]

Other than the CL,which has been moved to the Suites Lounge for this cruise, and a few aft boardwalk cabins, what other construction is impeding the comfort of guests.

 

Thanks

 

Perhaps this is a question best answered by others who have sailed on the Oasis before.

 

I also believe that it might depend on your preferences and whether you were personally affected by the changes. We heard about lots of passengers whose room was changed when they had personally taken great pains to select a specific cabin. Ellie is affected by the smell permeating much of Deck 17. Last night we spoke with others who loved sushi and their favorite restaurant that serves sushi is closed. As I mentioned earlier, Johnny Rockets music is not working. The casino was affected by updates that were not completed in drydock (ex. the roulette tables listing of prior numbers selected). Even for us who have never sailed on this ship, we can see rooms that are closed or incomplete. In fact, it is quite interesting that "drydock" has become the pet reply when there is any type of problem.

 

I will let other fill in the rest of the details.

 

P.S. One more note about the Meet and Mingle. Last night we went to the Rock and Roll Party in Studio B. They had covered the ice skating rink with a dance floor. If they had the capacity to do that, why did they leave it uncovered for the Meet and Mingle? I don't get it.

 

By the way the Rock and Roll Party was fabulous.

[Smiley4]

Art,

 

Can you check when or if you have a chance about the new VIP room in the casino? Where exactly in the casino is it? What games are included inside and how many of each are there? What are the minimum stakes to play? Who's allowed to have access? Is it anyone or just club royale members? Is there food and drink inside?

 

Also, is the casino still half smoking and half non smoking?

 

Thanks

[NicNac4498]

Perhaps this is a question best answered by others who have sailed on the Oasis before.

 

I also believe that it might depend on your preferences and whether you were personally affected by the changes. We heard about lots of passengers whose room was changed when they had personally taken great pains to select a specific cabin. Ellie is affected by the smell permeating much of Deck 17. Last night we spoke with others who loved sushi and their favorite restaurant that serves sushi is closed. As I mentioned earlier, Johnny Rockets music is not working. The casino was affected by updates that were not completed in drydock (ex. the roulette tables listing of prior numbers selected). Even for us who have never sailed on this ship, we can see rooms that are closed or incomplete. In fact, it is quite interesting that "drydock" has become the pet reply when there is any type of problem.

 

I will let other fill in the rest of the details.

 

P.S. One more note about the Meet and Mingle. Last night we went to the Rock and Roll Party in Studio B. They had covered the ice skating rink with a dance floor. If they had the capacity to do that, why did they leave it uncovered for the Meet and Mingle? I don't get it.

 

By the way the Rock and Roll Party was fabulous.

 

It takes hours to cover the floor as they have to move it a few feet and then wait for the floor to match the temp of the ice or else it would have melted. You said it was a last minute change so they probably didn't have the time to get the floor covered, especially if there was an ice show the previous night.

[Cindy]

Actually we would much prefer that Royal Caribbean treated all of their passengers more equally, but that is hardly the case. This may be the most stratified of any cruise line we have ever been on. There are special perks for diamond members and more perks for D+ and more still for Pinnacle members. There are rooms just for premium members and special packages for them. They are even in the midst of building a restaurant just for certain members.

 

Remember that the point I was making was that EVERYONE should be compensated for being on a ship that is in the midst of construction and not quite ready for prime time.

 

I'm really enjoying your review and your candid comments.:)

 

I agree, there is a very different experience on RCI depending on whether you're in a suite and your loyalty level. I have experienced different takes on the same on every line I've been on except Carnival (who doesn't have any perks that are tied to a suite). It does seem that the "cruise within a cruise" is the next big thing in mass market cruising. Norwegian started it with their very popular "Haven" suites, and others are trying to emulate that kind of experience. I admit that while I like the amenities and options on a large ship, I have adored having a quieter, less crowded place to eat breakfast and lunch because I'm in a suite. To me, it helps make a large ship seem smaller and more intimate.

 

I'm becoming increasingly worried about on-going construction when we sail next month. Our Chef's Table has already been cancelled, and the two restaurants I was looking at as a replacement show as "not available during your sailing" when I try to select one in the cruise planner. While I know maintenance tasks are constant on a ship, when I booked my cruise, I made a reservation to experience the whole ship, not one with venues closed from a dry dock that ended 4 weeks before. In my opinion, RCI needs to be more transparent with their plans and honest with passengers about time lines for completion.

[cindyscruise]

Well said. since it is our 40th anniversary we are splurging for a crown loft. The smell worries me. Is it from the construction? Will Coastal Kitchen be open by 11/8. Will they still be constructing the royal suites - 1 cabin down from us? Had I known about these changes and possibilities of things not being opened, I would have gone at a later date. I love the Oasis but things should be open. One might expect a few minor things still being done after drydock but not major construction. Maybe they should have stayed in drydock a few weeks longer?

[Sunny AZ Girl]

Well said. since it is our 40th anniversary we are splurging for a crown loft. The smell worries me. Is it from the construction? Will Coastal Kitchen be open by 11/8. Will they still be constructing the royal suites - 1 cabin down from us? Had I known about these changes and possibilities of things not being opened, I would have gone at a later date. I love the Oasis but things should be open. One might expect a few minor things still being done after drydock but not major construction. Maybe they should have stayed in drydock a few weeks longer?

 

Here is the roll out schedule for the new changes on the Oasis (scroll down). It does say that Coastal Kitchen will be open in November, but it does not specify the exact date.

[Oville]

Perhaps this is a question best answered by others who have sailed on the Oasis before.

 

I also believe that it might depend on your preferences and whether you were personally affected by the changes. We heard about lots of passengers whose room was changed when they had personally taken great pains to select a specific cabin. Ellie is affected by the smell permeating much of Deck 17. Last night we spoke with others who loved sushi and their favorite restaurant that serves sushi is closed. As I mentioned earlier, Johnny Rockets music is not working. The casino was affected by updates that were not completed in drydock (ex. the roulette tables listing of prior numbers selected). Even for us who have never sailed on this ship, we can see rooms that are closed or incomplete. In fact, it is quite interesting that "drydock" has become the pet reply when there is any type of problem.

 

I will let other fill in the rest of the details.

 

P.S. One more note about the Meet and Mingle. Last night we went to the Rock and Roll Party in Studio B. They had covered the ice skating rink with a dance floor. If they had the capacity to do that, why did they leave it uncovered for the Meet and Mingle? I don't get it.

 

By the way the Rock and Roll Party was fabulous.

 

Thanks Art, I'm really enjoying your pix and commentary.

[cruisegal134]

I am really enjoying your review and comments. I am on the 10/27 sailing in one week so this is prefect!

 

I know that you haven't been knocked out by the wifi speed, but I wonder if you would be kind enough to ask if the O3b is now functional on Oasis? I read the link provided that shows the upgrade schedule, but the O3b is not listed.

 

I am caretaker of my 85 and 86 yer old parents and they would be so tickled if we could FaceTime or Skype or Google Talk once while we are gone. It would also tickle me to see them!

 

Thanks!

[Cindy]

Here is the roll out schedule for the new changes on the Oasis (scroll down). It does say that Coastal Kitchen will be open in November, but it does not specify the exact date.

 

I have read an opening date of November 8th for Coastal Kitchen.

[mommabean]

Well said. since it is our 40th anniversary we are splurging for a crown loft. The smell worries me. Is it from the construction? Will Coastal Kitchen be open by 11/8. Will they still be constructing the royal suites - 1 cabin down from us? Had I known about these changes and possibilities of things not being opened, I would have gone at a later date. I love the Oasis but things should be open. One might expect a few minor things still being done after drydock but not major construction. Maybe they should have stayed in drydock a few weeks longer?

 

I have a friend on board who was told that Coastal Kitchen and the suite lounge would be open in full for suite guests on that date - November 8.

 

I was told last January while on board Oasis that the ship would still be under construction on the crossing coming back from dry dock. This info came from the horticulturalist on board.

 

The final cruises prior to a dry dock, as well as the first ones after, usually find things being torn up or still being finished. This one just seems a little more extensive than usual.

 

Most ships aren't at 100% completion and working on their maiden (or inaugural) sailings either. I would expect to hear plenty of complaints on the crossing of Quantum, too, and possibly even later. What will people say if North Star has a few snags and isn't ready yet? :eek: OR maybe it will be a bumper car issue or the Two70 show won't work. It could be anything with issues needing to be ironed out.

Edited October 19, 2014 by mommabean

[Cindy]

I was told last January while on board Oasis that the ship would still be under construction on the crossing coming back from dry dock. This info came from the horticulturalist on board.

 

The final cruises prior to a dry dock, as well as the first ones after, usually find things being torn up or still being finished. This one just seems a little more extensive than usual.

 

 

 

That in and of itself isn't a problem in my opinion, as long as the passengers booked with the understanding that the ship would be under construction with venues closed, and the fare was priced to reflect that. I can't say whether or not anything like that was communicated for the TA, but I can guarantee you the cruises a month after dry dock weren't sold with any mention of on-going construction or closed venues.

 

Perhaps RCI wanted to make a splash with these renovations, but in my opinion it's back-fired. Future cruisers are worried and upset because they thought they were purchasing one thing, and now find out what they purchased isn't available. I've even read a couple reports from people who were able to move to the Allure without penalty even though they were past final payment.

Edited October 19, 2014 by Cindy

[denamo]

I'm really enjoying your review and your candid comments.:)

 

 

I'm becoming increasingly worried about on-going construction when we sail next month. Our Chef's Table has already been cancelled, and the two restaurants I was looking at as a replacement show as "not available during your sailing" when I try to select one in the cruise planner. While I know maintenance tasks are constant on a ship, when I booked my cruise, I made a reservation to experience the whole ship, not one with venues closed from a dry dock that ended 4 weeks before. In my opinion, RCI needs to be more transparent with their plans and honest with passengers about time lines for completion.

 

And that has been the consistent complaint with the Oasis dry dock. Still believe they wanted all of the attention focused on the Quantum, but with the way RCI has handled information regarding the Oasis dry dock, it's seemingly has back fired.

 

Hoping your Oasis cruise isn't impacted terribly.

[Oville]

OP, another vote for dinner in Vintages.

Edited October 19, 2014 by Oville

[Gingerbint]

Having sailed out of Southampton on numerous occasions, including 2 this year, I can say that there is no 'British screw-up' as you have quoted. I experienced nothing but exemplary service.

 

It is unfortunate that OP experienced a delay. I wonder if specific embarkation times were provided to guests and then ignored (as I have read so many times) if this, in large part, caused excessive queues and delays? Perhaps from now on people should adhere to the embarkation times they are given by Royal Caribbean.

 

OP this does not refer to you as I can clearly see you went when advised. I hope you enjoy your cruise and thank you for taking the time to do a review.

 

The 'specific boarding times' you refers to are all well and good until it then goes on the state that those C&A members who are Platinum or higher can board at anytime they want between 1200 - 1700 and as usual on a TA a very high number of travellers are returning guests so did just that.

We also have sailed several times from Southampton and this was a first for us how badly it was done.

They said you could board from midday and then did not even open the doors till gone 1pm and then it was a huge bun fight from all the people waiting outside with no direction or help from the Terminal staff.

We have told people not to use it as a bench mark for Royal or Southampton as it is usually done a lot better.

 

Curious if you get a chance to look in at Izumi. Since they are now saying the restaurant includes teppanyaki, I'm wondering if the hot rock is now gone and everyone is sitting around a grill?

 

Izumi is not yet open. It's old location is now part of the Windjammer and the new location on deck 4 is closed off and not available on this sailing :(

 

Art - I'm enjoying your blog and pics and it's been lovely to meet you both,

Jo x

[davelliott]

For anyone interested in the O3B system:

I am currently on the Oasis and the system is NOT working. We have tried Skype, FaceTime, but they don't work. I was trying to contact parents back home using google hang outs and talkatone. They won't connect. I can access the Internet to use email but we have older relatives who don't use the Internet. Their are many construction workers onboard installing or repairing network cables and routers. I am on deck 12 near the two new suites midship and saw them running the cables for network. Many times the wifi signal is very weak. I have tried moving around the ship, but still have connection problems.

 

On a similar issue, the interactive tv system is affected also. So sometimes we can't access our accounts, can't see our schedules, and can't make orders for room service. The restaurant menus are not in the system to view on the TVs. The restaurant availability on the TVs and way finders is messed up. They don't show the name of the restaurant, just a bar line show the capacity. This is kind of useless since the name is not there. Every time that I have used a C&A coupon it gives a "coupon system is not available " message and I have to get them to enter it manually.

 

A head waiter and someone at guest services told me that they were having computer issues and were expecting for someone in Miami to upload an update to the system in a cole of days.