Going to a smaller ship after Oasis or Allure

[tbmrt]

After cruising on many of the medium size ships in the past, we will be cruising on the Oasis soon, more for the ship than the ports.

 

With so many shows and pizazz on the Oasis, we're a little concerned that going back to a medium size ship for future cruises will be a letdown. Thinking of booking the Allure for our next cruise, but considering there will be a lot of the same shows, restaurants, etc. as on the Oasis, not sure this is a good idea. We had cruised the Equinox twice in 2 years and thought that was a mistake even though the ports were different.

 

I realize that people may not like the larger ships and any cruise is a good cruise. Just curious whether anyone has experienced a "letdown" cruising on a smaller ship after being on one of the Mega Ships?

[dani negreanu]

Lately, I've cruised Allure (for the ship) and Anthem (for the itinerary).

 

As u can see from my signature, I'm back to Radiance class.

 

Once on a "mega" ship was enough for me, although I'll be willing to cruise on Equinox again, on a different itinerary. I simply enjoyed the Glass show and the food very much :)

[Paulxyz2004]

I can equally enjoy a big ship and a small ship.

I love the Vision and Radiance class ships, but had phantastic Cruises on Oasis class as well.

 

While it´s nice to have all the offerings of Oasis class I don´t use all of them and I can be as happy without them on a smaller ship. I had no Problem at all going from Oasis to Vision.

 

I think this is not a question that can be answered generally, as we are all looking into different aspects when cruising.

 

In example I´ve often read People are missing the Royal Promenade on the smaller ships. It doesn´t bother me at all one way or the other. Yeah, I take a stroll up and down the Royal Promenade and it´s nice, but I won´t miss it if it´s not there. Just like I don´t miss a flowrider, while others spend their days on it. There is just no right or wrong.

[Clarea]

No letdown for us going from Oasis to Vision. In fact it was quite nice going from 6K guests to 2K guests. :)

[Luv my furbaby]

I thought the same thing - went from Oasis to Vision within 3 months. I loved the Oasis with all of the shows and eating venues. Though I hated having to make reservations for everything and many times I felt I was in the mall. However, what I loved about the Vision was getting to know people. I don't think I ever ran into the same person twice on the Oasis but so different on the Vision. Since I travel solo a lot, that is a big thing to me. Was not happy at all with the Vision entertainment.

FYI - I would do either ship again, after all the thing I enjoy the most is just cruising!!!!

[Panda3]

We went from Freedom in 2010 to Enchantment in 2012 and had no issues. I really loved Enchantments solarium area. The ship was fantastic. Since then we sailed Oasis and Oasis again. It's nothing against the smaller ships but we wanted a 7 day cruise :-) You will be more than fine. and think about it, the main extra things on the big ships are things like flow riders, zip lines, shows, etc. just depends on How YOU cruise. We cruise to relax, and it could be argued you can relax more on a smaller ship (although smaller ships rock more)

[cruisnpat]

We are happy with any size ship. No let down for us.

[Grandma Dazzles]

I have been sailing Voyageur, Freedom, Oasis class for the last 3-4 years. Recently sailed the Serenade. I enjoyed the cruise - food, Crew, met nice people, however, didn't really enjoy the ship.

 

Count me as one of the people who missed the promenade. I thought the Serenade seemed crowded. Did not like the cafe in the solarium or latitudes - never any place to sit. Shows were held in the centrum and again impossible to get a seat. Also, casino smoke permeated several areas of the ship. Solarium roof was closed almost all the time and very hot and stuffy.

 

Although I may not use all the amenities of the bigger ships, they do help to spread out the crowds. I like the solarium better on the bigger ships. If I want to see the sea/ocean I use my balcony. Plus I have used the outdoor decks on the bigger ships.

[Royal2464]

It totally depends upon why you cruise. If you love being out on the open ocean, any ship will do. If you sail for the ship or itinerary, then it definitely matters.

 

While the Oasis and Allure are nearly identical appearance wise, they are two distinctly different ships. The shows and personality of the ships differ in many ways. You will not feel like you are sailing on the Oasis again while aboard the Allure. I have sailed on both over 10 times each and while similar in some respects I find them different. It's the same with Celebrity, the Solstice class ships are basically the same, but different.

 

With over 70 cruises on Freedom and Oasis class ships I still enjoy the smaller ships. I took three cruises back to back on the Vision in Jan/Feb and didn't want to get off when they ended.

[reallyhooked]

We are happy with any size ship. No let down for us.

 

I agree.just put me on a ship, i'm content

[Robinola]

Will never cruise Freedom of the Seas Again. Just didn't like it for the money. Did not seem worth it to me.

[LuCruise]

Wondering the same thing...not so much for the size but for all the activities. We were on Allure and can only see us now trying Harmony or perhaps Quantum class.

 

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Edited May 14, 2016 by LuCruise

[Virtopia]

I had no problem going from Allure to Enchantment a few months later. Yes, it was noticeably a different experience but I still enjoyed myself.

 

My preference is actually Voyager class but I'll go on any ship that gets me on the water. As a solo traveler, the bigger ships are not really in my budget so I do what I can.

[jagsfan]

Years ago I sailed on the largest cruise ship afloat and a month later, the smallest. I worried about feeling claustrophobic, and that there wouldn't be enough to do. It was just as great as the other one. Different ships have different vibes, each offers something another doesn't.

Two years ago we sailed on Oasis and loved it, especially the entertainment. Last year Royal Princess, totally different. Loved both cruises. This year it's Oasis again.

You can't go by anyone else's experiences. Don't think about what's lacking from one ship to another. Think about what's different and expect to enjoy it.

 

 

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[CanadaRob]

I think if the oasis class WOWS you that much you might be thinking about those experiences when on a radiance class or smaller style ships. I like each ship for different things if that's you than I also wouldn't worry about gong back.

I have heard people complaining about small ships because of no promenade or lack of restaurants or other things.

[toxicfairy]

We were actually kind of disappointed with the Oasis. Well not so much with the ship itself but the staff seemed so over whelmed that the service seemed to take a bit of a hit. We stayed in a Grand suite and it was very nice. I thought maybe it was just me but after we got home my husband said " well it was nice to see the ship but I'm not planning to go back on it". He also thought it was just over crowed and the service just wasn't as great. Staff seemed , best word I can find is Over whelmed. In the MDR some times the waiter wouldn't come back to refill drinks until half way through the meal ( and all I was drinking was water). So I guess for us it's not difficult to go back to other ships. Our last one was last June and it was on the Grandeur of the Seas and next one is not until 8/17 and that will be on Liberty of the seas.

[maryjaden]

We haven't cruised a lot, so I was apprehensive about going from Oasis to the Liberty. We loved the Liberty and had an awesome cruise. Next we are going on the Adventure and expect to have an equally great time.

[riclop]

The bigger the better for us , more things to do and see.

[amscene1]

On the smaller ships I enjoy the ports more, so I look for a nice itinerary. When I cruise oasis I go for the ship so I'm usually exploring everything.

 

 

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[debshomespun]

Depends on why you are cruising. When we sail the large ships, we go to explore the ship, entertainment, variety of restaurants and all the ship has to offer. When we cruise the smaller ships, we go for the itinerary, and price. We have enjoyed all our cruises, just some more than others.

 

Going on Oasis again in 4 months, then 5 months after Oasis, back to Serenade. We also love to be on a ship out to sea. Doesn't matter much which ship, as we enjoy each one for different reasons.

Edited May 15, 2016 by debshomespun

[Desert Cruizers]

We have yet to sail the Oasis Class ships, but have sailed mostly the Radiance Class and one Freedom class. We cruise more for the itinerary then the ship. Based on that we found the crew friendlier on Radiance Class yet on the other hand, there was more to do on the Liberty and better shows. All in all, we have not experienced a bad cruise and met many new friends.

[Joe12]

We've sailed on Oasis and Allure the past two years and this year we're doing Anthem. Does that count? :D

In all seriousness, I still would enjoy a Freedom or Voyager Class but I wouldn't sail on a Radiance or Vision class ship again.

Edited May 15, 2016 by Joe12

[InaMadhouse]

We went from Navigator to Allure and absolutely loved it, but once was enough. We missed the personal touch we felt we had on Navigator and at times felt we could have been anywhere on any ship and indeed been anyone. I like walking into a bar and having the waiter remember my drink.

 

We're going back to Navigator next summer [emoji41]

 

 

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[vickiw0318]

I have gone from sailing on the Allure to sailing on the Majesty and loved both cruises. The shows and features on the Allure were definitely lots of fun. The Majesty was lots of fun as well. I am one of those people that just likes to be on the water. I don't mind the lack of bells and whistles so long as I can read and continue my love affair with the ocean.

[RadioRob]

Our group did Grandeur last year and just left the Allure. The group is split... Some absolutely adored the bigger ship. Others wanted something in between Grandeur and Allure.