Oasis of the Seas - March 7-14

[cayugashue]

We sailed on the Oasis March 7-14. Here are my thoughts/impressions.

 

On a scale of 1 - 10, this cruise was a 15! I honestly can't say enough wonderful things about it. This was my 7th cruise (2nd on Royal) and while I've never had a "bad" cruise, this was by far my favorite.

 

Embarkation was a breeze. While we were advised not to arrive until 2:00, we checked out of our hotel at 10:30 and on board before noon. Most of the time was spent in traffic at the port.

 

The ship was beautiful, spotlessly clean. We had a balcony cabin overlooking Central Park. Good choice for us. Our cabin attendant was just plain amazing. Best we've ever had. We sailed with friends who were in the cabin next door. We were able to have the balcony divider opened, which was nice.

 

We purchased the premium beverage package, which I really liked. Did we "come out ahead"? Some days yes, some no. But I think overall we probably broke even, if not a wee bit ahead! ;)

 

Food: Very happy with most of our meals. I liked some better than others, but nothing stood out as bad.

Had breakfast at Windjammer twice. Typical buffet fare. Hot foods were hot, cold foods cold. Service was very good and never had a problem getting a table.

 

Ate breakfast at Park Café (breakfast sandwiches), Wipeout Café (buffet and made to order omelets) and Johnny Rockets (no fee at breakfast). All good choices, and not really crowed. Not sure why Johnny Rockets was not utilized more... good food and service. Check it out!

 

Lunches were at the Wipeout Café and Park Café. Wipeout was burgers/dogs/pizza/some sandwiches. Park Café had sandwiches, Roast Beef was amazing. Excellent made to order salads.

 

Dinner: we had MTD and ate at the main dining room 3x. Little loud... but the food and service were very good.

Giovanni's: By far my favorite restaurant! We dined with another couple and we each selected out entrée. They served appetizer, pasta and dessert family style.

Chops Grill: Very good meal, overly attentive service. There was a constant sales pitch going on to upgrade wines, purchase special lunches, etc.

150 Central Park: Service was spectacular. Food was okay. One course was poached lobster, it was the size of a medium shrimp...

Sabor: Good for a change. Guacamole was outstanding!

 

Bars: Lots to choose from! Don't miss the Rising Tide Bar, a great experience.

If you like a really good margarita, visit Sabor Tequila Bar on the Boardwalk. Bar tenders at the pool bars were a lot of fun. Schooners and Champagne bars were nice places for something a little quieter. Great service through out.

 

Casino: Only played slots. My husband won $400 and was smart enough to quit, didn't go back. Me? I won $300 and gave back about half...

I know a lot has been written about the casino being smoky. Yes, there was smoke. I am very smoke sensitive but didn't have an issue any time I was there.

 

Ports:

Nassau: didn't get off the ship, not a big fan of Nassau.

St Thomas: did the Champagne Snorkel to St John. I wouldn't do it again. It was advertised as a 1/2 day excursion, which it was. But probably half the time was spent in transportation to the catamaran and back. Once we were on the catamaran, the crew was great. It was very crowded at St John and we had to wait quite some time on the catamaran for another boat to pull out so we could anchor. But due to spending so much time in the taxi, we only had 1 hour at the beach / snorkel. I will also mention that taxi ride over was like a ride at Disney, but felt much less safe... Once back on board the ship, I shared my experience with the folks at the excursion desk who listened carefully and said they would relay my concerns to management.

St Martin: just got off and walked around for a couple of hours.

 

I did Zumba one day (offered on sea days). Sylvia was a Zumba Queen! Did water aerobics once.

Spent each morning on the walking track on deck 5. (Approx 2 1/2 times around is a mile.)

 

We had the "opportunity" to visit the ship's doctor. My husband came down with tonsillitis. The staff was professional and caring. For the office visit and antibiotic, the bill was $210.00 which I felt was reasonable when comparing to our family doctor. Charges were put on our sea pass account and we were given an itemized bill to submit to our insurance.

 

We attending the "Sexiest Man" and "Belly Flop" competitions. Very funny and very well crowded. Arrive early.

 

Shopping on board: Did purchase liquor. 4 bottles of Belvedere for $99.00.

There is Kate Spade and Coach stores on board. Michael Kors is being built, merchandize was for available. Prices were comparable to land based stores. I didn't buy anything designer, I can do much better with my coupons at Macy's... :)

 

We saw the Dream Works Parade. VERY well done. It was fun for "kids of all ages".

 

By far, my favorite part of this cruise was the service, I really can't say enough good things about it. Royal Caribbean should be very proud of their crew. I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to book a cruise on the Oasis again.

 

Please feel free to ask any questions you might have!

[alfaeric]

We've been on the Oasis a few times, and other than the specifc things you went to vs. us, the general impressions are very similar.

 

We are trying to figure out how to sail on either the Oasis or Allure again. It's a great ship to us. (understand that it's not for everyone, but it's one of our favorites).

[sexyaznboy]

thanks for your review!

Wanted to mainly ask about the dining situation in your opinion, we won't get off the plane until 11:30 so I gather won't be on the boat until 1pm, I hear Windjammer will be packed at that time, is it still worth it to go there for the embarkation lunch or don't bother with huge lineups and try somewhere else? Also if the MDR is just average for dinner, are there other free dining venues you would suggest, any particular nights to skip MDR and go to Windjammer for example?

Thanks

[sojodave]

Awesome review. Do they make custom made omelets at Park Cafe?

[cayugashue]

thanks for your review!

Wanted to mainly ask about the dining situation in your opinion, we won't get off the plane until 11:30 so I gather won't be on the boat until 1pm, I hear Windjammer will be packed at that time, is it still worth it to go there for the embarkation lunch or don't bother with huge lineups and try somewhere else? Also if the MDR is just average for dinner, are there other free dining venues you would suggest, any particular nights to skip MDR and go to Windjammer for example?

Thanks

 

I would avoid the Windjammer if you board around 1:00 as it will be packed. Try the Park Café or Wipe Out Café instead.

 

While the MDR is average, I wouldn't avoid it as it is nice to be waited on by such attentive servers. With that said, there are other free venues such as Park Café, Wipe Out Café, Hot Dog House, Promenade Café, Sorrento's Pizza. Could be others, I'm just not remembering... First formal night was Seafood Buffet in the Windjammer... VERY well attended! When Windjammer is crowded, there is staff to help you find an available table.

On each deck, near the elevators are interactive boards that will show you all the dining venues and where there are wait times.

[sexyaznboy]

thanks for your quick response! I do like the idea of having a server and not having to get our own food (I'm lazy that way lol), but if there is a night where the Windjammer is having an extra special them night that is worth going to, I would probably want to skip the MDR. Sounds like Seafood night is that night and we don't have to dress up, which I personally am not a fan of anyways! :) We may try Windjammer the first day depending on the crowds, I'm sure we will be extremely hungry, but if we can't find a table we'll go to the other places you suggest. Thanks for the advice!

[alfaeric]

+1 on the Park Cafe.

 

We've done whole cruises without going into the Windjammer thanks to that. I think it's really cool when there's a light shower, and one can have breakfast under one of the glass covers.

 

Then again, Central Park is probably our favorite location on the Oasis/Allure.

[johnbob7]

Hi, Alfaeric! Hope all is well with you two.

 

Kate and I are booked on the Oasis Jan 23, 2016. You should join us and we can meet in Central Park!

 

Bob J

[TLC535]

Thanks for sharing :) looking forward to spending a couple weeks aboard her next year :D

[Yorkvillain]

Awesome review. Do they make custom made omelets at Park Cafe?

 

Wipeout Cafe does.

[Yorkvillain]

Very nice review OP. And welcome to the Oasis-addicts club.

[sml3]

I have read that there were lobster tails served in the Windjammer on seafood night. Is this always the case?

[alfaeric]

Hi, Alfaeric! Hope all is well with you two.

 

Kate and I are booked on the Oasis Jan 23, 2016. You should join us and we can meet in Central Park!

 

Bob J

 

 

HEY, Bob!!!

 

Great to hear from you.

 

Have to think about that one- we have Vision in Feb and then Freedom in April- so it would be tough to add a cruise in January.

 

Say hi to Kate for us!

[cayugashue]

I have read that there were lobster tails served in the Windjammer on seafood night. Is this always the case?

 

I can't confirm. This was the first formal night and we dined at Chops.

[Aussie Jeep]

Thank you. I have a CP Balcony booked for a B2B in a few days on deck 10. I have been wondering if I chose the correct cabin. After reading your review I am glad I have a CP Balcony.

[sailor05]

Wow! Thanks for the positive review! Its actually the 2nd good review posted today for the Oasis and after a lot of negatives the last few weeks it's very nice to hear something good:) We've got 2 CP balconies booked in June, one on deck 11 and an accessible on deck 14. I had a couple of them in 2010 on this ship and recall that they are nice change to OV cabins which are overpriced on this ship.

[Susie51]

Great, positive review!

[lynnak]

Hi, we are going on the Oasis for the first time in November. Have a Central Park balcony on deck 10, which seems pretty central to everything. One question I've seen different answers too, does RCCL allow you to bring wine or soda on board? Do you make reservations for the zip line and flow rider or is it just a line when open? Do specialty dinning reservations open about 60 days out? Thanks.

[johnbob7]

HEY, Bob!!!

 

Great to hear from you.

 

Have to think about that one- we have Vision in Feb and then Freedom in April- so it would be tough to add a cruise in January.

 

Say hi to Kate for us!

 

Sounds like a first world problem to me;)

 

I certainly will pass on the Hi! and let us know if something changes and you're forced to join us:D

 

Take care,

 

Bob J

[cayugashue]

Hi, we are going on the Oasis for the first time in November. Have a Central Park balcony on deck 10, which seems pretty central to everything. One question I've seen different answers too, does RCCL allow you to bring wine or soda on board? Do you make reservations for the zip line and flow rider or is it just a line when open? Do specialty dinning reservations open about 60 days out? Thanks.

 

We really enjoyed our CP balcony, a great location and great value for us.

We brought 2 bottles of wine on board with us in our carry on luggage. Can't confirm on your soda question.

I did the zip line (SOOOO much fun!) and did not make a reservation, nor do I thing you can make one. Signing your waivers on line previous to the cruise does save a little time. The day I did the zip line there was a 20 min wait. Didn't do Flow Rider, but the lines didn't appear to be too long.

I do believe specialty dining reservations open at 45 days, but I could be wrong, it might have been 60 days. You will have a ball, enjoy your cruise!

[cayugashue]

Wow! Thanks for the positive review! Its actually the 2nd good review posted today for the Oasis and after a lot of negatives the last few weeks it's very nice to hear something good:) We've got 2 CP balconies booked in June, one on deck 11 and an accessible on deck 14. I had a couple of them in 2010 on this ship and recall that they are nice change to OV cabins which are overpriced on this ship.

 

Glad you enjoyed the review, I enjoyed the cruise and reporting on it. I truly had a wonderful time and wouldn't hesitate to go again.

Loved the CP balcony for the atmosphere, location and value. It has been discussed that there are "privacy issues", which can be a negative. But keep your curtains closed and there is no problem! I kind of liked waving to the folks across the way in the morning while having coffee or a glass of wine from my balcony. Enjoy your cruise!

[mpoole3]

Thank you for the review! Can't wait to get back on Lady O next week!