Just off Oasis...lots of questions...help!

[jrljel]

Just got off Oasis this past Saturday. This was my fifth time on this class of ship and the first after her refurb. So I thought I was up to date on what changes took place, but I have some questions, and there are lots. Please help if you can!

 

1. STILL shocked that they put that dreaded musical Cats on this ship. Yes, I had seen it before in NYC and hated it then. Still hated it here. Great production; it's just that it's so odd and boring to me. Over half the audience left at the break. What were they thinking? Cheap?
   
2. Why no large screen at one of the pools? I thought for sure that was going in but I sure didn't see it. I did enjoy that on other ships in the fleet and was a little disappointed that they didn't add that one little thing.
   
3. The Wifi was amazing, just as it was on Quanutm and I really appreciated being able to be connected 24/7 as well as post pictures so easily. Thanks RCI for that!!!!!
   
4. Why no WOW bands and the Royal IQ app? SURELY they could have added that without much fuss. I really enjoyed that with my Quantum cruise and although I know they are going to add it, don't have any idea of when that will be. That would have been super convenient to have.
   
5. Why no Caribbean steel drum music at the pool on sea days until 1:30 PM???? C'mon! I'm there before 10 and expected the music to start at noon or before. Disapointed with that. I remember when they played a long time on the pool deck.
   
6. Ok, flame me now, but the Cruise Critic prizes for the M&M were lame. Sorry CC! Love ya but I hate going there with a lot of people who have never been on this site and just go to get something. Last year on Navigator, we got lots of prizes and they were decent. Who decides what to give? I appreciate what you do and the fact that we even get a party, but can't we all get something useful?
   
7. I have NO idea why in the world RCI cannot have "normal" TV like I had on Carnival at Christmas. Not thrilled with Carnival, but got a suite for free so we went. They had regular tv just like I have at home onboard. Now I know RCI is capable of that, but even the CBS programs that you usually get weren't there. What's up with that? Did RCI break their partnership with CBS? Why not just plain normal TV? If Carnival can do it, surely Royal can too.
   
8. I noticed there were no longer fountain shows in the Aquatheater like in the past. I enjoyed those much like the Bellagio fountains. Any idea why they don't do them any longer?
   
9. So the comedy club is ALWAYS sold out and although I had reservations, if I wanted to go again because the comdey is so good, I couldn't. Why not move that to another location or have more shows????? I believe RCI has known that for years, why not play that as one of your strengths and give us more?
   
10. I also found out that there are no longer any Walks for Wishes and was told by an employee that RCI is no longer in partnership with MAW. Anyone know why? I was dumbfounded. The employee said this has only happened in the last month or so.
    
11. OK, I think I can finally say that formal nights are pretty much dead. I have mixed emotions on that. Loved them but after so many cruises, I too find myself tired of them but still dress up. I was shocked at the change from even a year ago as to how many people dressed for the night.
    
12. Still wonder what changes happen to your body at sea and why. I know mine surely does! The swelling was a lot less this time because I stuck to drinking water, but even knees and other things change. All that becuase of sea air? Just curious.
    
13. And finally, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE Royal (LOVE you to the moon and back, BUT...), could you PLEASE have a premium pool area for those who are willing to pay for a pool that is not crowded with drinkers and kids and just plain CROWDED WAYYYY beyond what is safe?? I despise going into the pool on a sea day although you have to because it is so hot and I would pay top dollar for a pristine pool where i don't have to worry about whose pee was in it or who dropped a drink in it and where I can move more than 2 inches. Those pools are disgusting by the afternoon on a sea day. I'll pay for it, honestly. Limit it to so many, much like the area on Celebrity but with a pool. Heck, you do it already with cabanas so why not a pool???????
    

Well that's it...ooopsss..why asparagus on just about every menu? Really??? I always think that is such a strange vegetable to use but it is pretty and probably cheap. Could you maybe do broccoli instead?

 

Oh my, I have rambled. Sorry, but I know you all have some answers for me! It was a great cruise and I still love this class of ship. Booked on Harmony for next year and I won't be going on the slides btw because I think they are breeding ground for lots and lots of bacteria. I shutter to think of that!

[Clarea]

...Why no large screen at one of the pools? I thought for sure that was going in but I sure didn't see it....

There are two large screens on either side of the Aquatheater pool.

[cruisenfever]

WOW bands were only designed for use on Quantum class ships and were incorporated into the technical designs of the ship. Adding that same technology to Oasis class or any other class in the fleet would be an engineering/IT nightmare.

 

The gifts given away at the M&M are supplied by RCI and not Cruise Critic.

 

We had Walk for Wishes on our b2b on Liberty last month.

Edited July 21, 2015 by cruisenfever

[setsail]

So why didn't you ask the questions while on the ship and then give us the answers here

[bouhunter]

I can't imagine going on a vacation and looking for so many things to complain about. Sounds like you should look for another option for travel.......wait, you'd probably have long list no matter where you go or what you do.:rolleyes:

[Two4Texas]

Wow bands are going to be used on Harmony.

[Allensfan]

First of all...Try and be kind to her, she has questions but I do not think that means she didn't find any enjoyment.

 

For the record, some of your questions helped me :D

 

1. Cats show, glad to know I didn't sign up for that. Didn't look great to me and now I know I didn't miss anything

2. Wifi: super to know it is fast. Do I need to purchase a package for that?

3. Steel drums: I LOVE them...so yay that they are on the ship and now that I know they don't start until 1:30 maybe I will not rush out to the pool :p

4. TV? We don't watch much tv on board anyway but maybe use your Ipad to watch something since the Wifi is good

5. Comedy Club...signed up for that so now looking forward to it even more now that you say it is good

6. Formal nights. I for one will be looking my best and as long as your party is dressed up, enjoy it and don't worry with what others wear

7. Premium pool: what about the solarium? I think the pools are always crowded but it is because space for a big pool is limited.

 

I enjoyed reading your post, thanks for sharing your thoughts about Oasis.

[marci22]

I have found that the M&M gifts vary widely between ships.

[leisuretraveler223]

I can't imagine going on a vacation and looking for so many things to complain about. Sounds like you should look for another option for travel.......wait, you'd probably have long list no matter where you go or what you do.:rolleyes:

 

What a ridiculous response. The OP likely had a fantastic trip. But every person here loves to play "If I were Royal, I would do X". Why should the OP be any different? Or are you one of those homers who doesn't think there is any room for improvement?

[Sascol]

These sound like questions you should have asked the staff while on the ship.

Edited July 21, 2015 by Sascol

[cruisenfever]

Wow bands are going to be used on Harmony.

Since Harmony is still in the production stage then the WOW technology is being incorporated into the design of the ship before she goes into service just like it was on Quantum and Anthem.

Edited July 21, 2015 by cruisenfever

[bouhunter]

What a ridiculous response. The OP likely had a fantastic trip. But every person here loves to play "If I were Royal, I would do X". Why should the OP be any different? Or are you one of those homers who doesn't think there is any room for improvement?

 

No not at all. But I have better things to do than spend 10 minutes typing up such a laundry list of issues............

[cruisenfever]

What a ridiculous response. The OP likely had a fantastic trip. But every person here loves to play "If I were Royal, I would do X". Why should the OP be any different? Or are you one of those homers who doesn't think there is any room for improvement?

The OP asked many questions and got answers prior to her cruise. Being a member of CC since 2003, the OP is not a newbie.

[aftop]

If the OP had seen Cats in NYC and hated it why go see it again on the Oasis?

[dacsmom]

1. STILL shocked that they put that dreaded musical Cats on this ship. Yes, I had seen it before in NYC and hated it then. Still hated it here. Great production; it's just that it's so odd and boring to me. Over half the audience left at the break. What were they thinking? Cheap? I like Cats, but I felt that way about Chicago on the Allure. I couldn't even make it to the 1/2 way point.
   
2. Why no large screen at one of the pools? I thought for sure that was going in but I sure didn't see it. I did enjoy that on other ships in the fleet and was a little disappointed that they didn't add that one little thing. That would make 3 big screen TV's which might be a bit much.
   
3. The Wifi was amazing, just as it was on Quanutm and I really appreciated being able to be connected 24/7 as well as post pictures so easily. Thanks RCI for that!!!!! I have heard the same comment from others
   
4. Why no WOW bands and the Royal IQ app? SURELY they could have added that without much fuss. I really enjoyed that with my Quantum cruise and although I know they are going to add it, don't have any idea of when that will be. That would have been super convenient to have. Only on the Quantum Class ships
   
5. Why no Caribbean steel drum music at the pool on sea days until 1:30 PM???? C'mon! I'm there before 10 and expected the music to start at noon or before. Disapointed with that. I remember when they played a long time on the pool deck. If they did that, some would complain that the music started too early. At least it was a real band unlike Carnival who had recorded music now.
   
6. Ok, flame me now, but the Cruise Critic prizes for the M&M were lame. Sorry CC! Love ya but I hate going there with a lot of people who have never been on this site and just go to get something. Last year on Navigator, we got lots of prizes and they were decent. Who decides what to give? I appreciate what you do and the fact that we even get a party, but can't we all get something useful? CC has nothing to do with the prizes at the M&M. That is RCI and it is free, they are under no obligation to supply anything. We usually organize a gift exchange on the Roll Call if people are interested.
   
7. I have NO idea why in the world RCI cannot have "normal" TV like I had on Carnival at Christmas. Not thrilled with Carnival, but got a suite for free so we went. They had regular tv just like I have at home onboard. Now I know RCI is capable of that, but even the CBS programs that you usually get weren't there. What's up with that? Did RCI break their partnership with CBS? Why not just plain normal TV? If Carnival can do it, surely Royal can too. I had no problem with the TV, I only have it on for noise or it is tuned to the bridge cam. Find a bar that is showing what you want to watch.
   
8. I noticed there were no longer fountain shows in the Aquatheater like in the past. I enjoyed those much like the Bellagio fountains. Any idea why they don't do them any longer?
   
9. So the comedy club is ALWAYS sold out and although I had reservations, if I wanted to go again because the comdey is so good, I couldn't. Why not move that to another location or have more shows????? I believe RCI has known that for years, why not play that as one of your strengths and give us more? Get in the stand by line if you want to see the same show again. Unlike Carnival the shows do not change during the week.
   
10. I also found out that there are no longer any Walks for Wishes and was told by an employee that RCI is no longer in partnership with MAW. Anyone know why? I was dumbfounded. The employee said this has only happened in the last month or so. This was announced on CC a while ago
    
11. OK, I think I can finally say that formal nights are pretty much dead. I have mixed emotions on that. Loved them but after so many cruises, I too find myself tired of them but still dress up. I was shocked at the change from even a year ago as to how many people dressed for the night. Some dress up, some don't. I like that is a personal choice now and not mandatory.
    
12. Still wonder what changes happen to your body at sea and why. I know mine surely does! The swelling was a lot less this time because I stuck to drinking water, but even knees and other things change. All that becuase of sea air? Just curious. I tend to come back heavier from a cruise, I am sure it is the sea air :)
    
13. And finally, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE Royal (LOVE you to the moon and back, BUT...), could you PLEASE have a premium pool area for those who are willing to pay for a pool that is not crowded with drinkers and kids and just plain CROWDED WAYYYY beyond what is safe?? I despise going into the pool on a sea day although you have to because it is so hot and I would pay top dollar for a pristine pool where i don't have to worry about whose pee was in it or who dropped a drink in it and where I can move more than 2 inches. Those pools are disgusting by the afternoon on a sea day. I'll pay for it, honestly. Limit it to so many, much like the area on Celebrity but with a pool. Heck, you do it already with cabanas so why not a pool???????
    

I tend to stay around the Solarium pool

Well that's it...ooopsss..why asparagus on just about every menu? Really??? I always think that is such a strange vegetable to use but it is pretty and probably cheap. Could you maybe do broccoli instead? Broccoli would make me happy too

 

Oh my, I have rambled. Sorry, but I know you all have some answers for me! It was a great cruise and I still love this class of ship. Booked on Harmony for next year and I won't be going on the slides btw because I think they are breeding ground for lots and lots of bacteria. I shutter to think of that!

Why would you think that, the water is moving so there should be less bacteria

[1 Buffett Fan]

Why no Caribbean steel drum music at the pool on sea days until 1:30 PM???? C'mon! I'm there before 10 and expected the music to start at noon or before. Disapointed with that. I remember when they played a long time on the pool deck.

 

OK, I found one on your list that I will agree with...

 

During my last couple of cruises they were playing club-type music even around breakfast time (7am - 9am). It's not because I'm too old, not familiar with, or don't occasionally listen to that kind of music. I'm younger than the median age of cruisers on the Oasis and have a wide variety of music that I listen to, but there's a time and place for everything. Just my preference, but if I'm on a cruise I would prefer steel drums or some other type of island music in the mornings and into the afternoons. Maybe they play club/dance music to get people drinking, but if there's steel drums, Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett or a live reggae band playing, I'll hang around and enjoy quite a few drinks.

[didicruiser]

I like asparagus :D

[jrljel]

There are two large screens on either side of the Aquatheater pool.

 

Yes, OBVIOUSLY I know that. I hate going to the Aquatheater to see a movie. I don't want to have to look one way or the other. It's annoying. So much better to have the screen by the pools.

[jrljel]

WOW bands were only designed for use on Quantum class ships and were incorporated into the technical designs of the ship. Adding that same technology to Oasis class or any other class in the fleet would be an engineering/IT nightmare.

 

The gifts given away at the M&M are supplied by RCI and not Cruise Critic.

 

We had Walk for Wishes on our b2b on Liberty last month.

 

Well I thought the M&M gifts were from CC, sorry.

 

And I just told you that the partnership with MAW JUST happened.

[jrljel]

So why didn't you ask the questions while on the ship and then give us the answers here

 

Well I did but found no answers. That's why I'm coming to you folks.

[jrljel]

I can't imagine going on a vacation and looking for so many things to complain about. Sounds like you should look for another option for travel.......wait, you'd probably have long list no matter where you go or what you do.:rolleyes:

 

HOLY COW!!! Since WHEN are questions complaints? These are just things I noticed because I notice details. I'm not complaining!!!!

 

These are simply observations that I'm curious about. And btw, I ALWAYS have a blast cruising. I wouldn't have done so many if I didn't love it all. Lighten up!

[jrljel]

First of all...Try and be kind to her, she has questions but I do not think that means she didn't find any enjoyment.

 

For the record, some of your questions helped me :D

 

1. Cats show, glad to know I didn't sign up for that. Didn't look great to me and now I know I didn't miss anything

2. Wifi: super to know it is fast. Do I need to purchase a package for that?

3. Steel drums: I LOVE them...so yay that they are on the ship and now that I know they don't start until 1:30 maybe I will not rush out to the pool :p

4. TV? We don't watch much tv on board anyway but maybe use your Ipad to watch something since the Wifi is good

5. Comedy Club...signed up for that so now looking forward to it even more now that you say it is good

6. Formal nights. I for one will be looking my best and as long as your party is dressed up, enjoy it and don't worry with what others wear

7. Premium pool: what about the solarium? I think the pools are always crowded but it is because space for a big pool is limited.

 

I enjoyed reading your post, thanks for sharing your thoughts about Oasis.

 

 

Well thanks so much. That's exactly what I was trying to say!

 

Yes, I don't look at TV much either but I do like to watch GMA or the Today Show in the morning and was curious as to why Royal doesn't have that available.

 

The solarium pool was REALLY crowded too. I don't think any line has a pool that can truly accommodate all guests.

 

Yes, I still like getting dressed up but it really surprised me how many didn't. Just a change from 6 months ago, but maybe it's the ship or the time of year.

 

Yes, purchase the package for the WIFI. You'll be glad you did!

 

Thanks for the kind reply.

[jrljel]

If the OP had seen Cats in NYC and hated it why go see it again on the Oasis?

 

Because I went with a group who had NOT seen it and I was being a good friend.

[cruisenfever]

Well thanks so much. That's exactly what I was trying to say!

 

Yes, I don't look at TV much either but I do like to watch GMA or the Today Show in the morning and was curious as to why Royal doesn't have that available.

 

The solarium pool was REALLY crowded too. I don't think any line has a pool that can truly accommodate all guests.

 

Yes, I still like getting dressed up but it really surprised me how many didn't. Just a change from 6 months ago, but maybe it's the ship or the time of year.

 

Yes, purchase the package for the WIFI. You'll be glad you did!

 

Thanks for the kind reply.

RCI does not have a contract with ABC/CBS/FOX so any shows that are being broadcast on those channels can not be shown. They do show HLN in the mornings with Robin Mead and ESPN and ESPN2.

[cruisenfever]

HOLY COW!!! Since WHEN are questions complaints? These are just things I noticed because I notice details. I'm not complaining!!!!

 

These are simply observations that I'm curious about. And btw, I ALWAYS have a blast cruising. I wouldn't have done so many if I didn't love it all. Lighten up!

But in your first sentence you said that you've been on this class of ship 5 times and this most recent cruise was the first since the redo. Since there are 2 only ships in this class, I'm surprised that you even asked some of the questions that you did since you say you notice details.

Edited July 21, 2015 by cruisenfever