First Cruise - a few dumb questions

[lumpyspaceprincess]

Alright so I will be sailing on the Oasis in September (eastern, ocean view balcony stateroom). This will be my first cruise and I am very excited. I have been perusing this site (and RCCL website) for weeks now just trying to get some insider info, but I still have a few questions/concerns that I have not seen answered. Please bear with me, I am new to this.

 

1. (I know this sounds outrageous). Are there fire sprinklers in the stateroom bathrooms? I know I have seen them on the ceiling of the rooms in some pics.

 

2. In our experience, are there a lot of smokers aboard, or it it pretty spacious so it really isn't an issue? Myself and my Mom especially (who is accompanying me) is super sensitive to smoke.

 

3. I have seen a lot of different posts concerning whether or not we can bring a pack of water on board, but most of them are dated a few years back saying "yes we had no problem"... Anyone sailing out of Fort Lauderdale this year have any issue with bringing water onboard?

 

4. If I check bag at embarkation, is there a fee like an airline?

 

5. Are the buffet eateries open 24hrs, so I can go have a 3am snack?

 

Ok I think that is it for now, until I can think of anything else. Thanks in advance for your replies, I really appreciate them!!:)

 

I really cannot wait for this trip! I love being out on the ocean with nothing but water surrounding you, it is so peaceful.

[PTAngel]

I am sailing on this same cruise. My first suggestion is to join the roll call. You will meet people that are cruising with you. This is also my first cruise on this size ship. I'll try to answer some of your questions as I have been researching for quite a while.

 

1. I don't know about sprinklers as I never thought to look for them.

 

2. There are designated areas for smokers mostly outside. Smoking is not allowed in any cabins or their balconies.

 

3. The rules from RCI state no water brought aboard. I haven't tried but some may be able to get it onboard. I usually just bring a water bottle with me & refill it onboard. The drinks included include water, coffee, tea (both hot & cold), milk, juice at breakfast.

 

4. There is no fee for checked baggage. The porter takes your bag & you tip him.

 

5. Café Promanade is open 24 hours. You can also order from room service 24 hours although there is a small fee from midnight to I think about 6 am.

 

I know others can give you more information but this is just my 2 cents.

[maureencruiser]

The previous poster answered all your questions exactly as I would have. Be aware that Cafe Promenade is not a buffet, they just have premade sandwiches and cookies, etc. If they still have the Sunflower Seed Granola Bars, they are fabulous. I like to get some cookies and a carton of milk and bring them back to my room. Happy Cruising, welcome to my addiction. :D

[maureencruiser]

Here is the link to your roll call.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/rollcalls/oasis-of-the-seas-september-17-2016/

[Merion_Mom]

Alright so I will be sailing on the Oasis in September (eastern, ocean view balcony stateroom). This will be my first cruise and I am very excited. I have been perusing this site (and RCCL website) for weeks now just trying to get some insider info, but I still have a few questions/concerns that I have not seen answered. Please bear with me, I am new to this.

 

1. (I know this sounds outrageous). Are there fire sprinklers in the stateroom bathrooms? I know I have seen them on the ceiling of the rooms in some pics.

 

AFAIK, there is one in the middle of the cabin and none in the bathroom. Bathrooms don't tend to be a location for a fire. :confused:

 

2. In your experience, are there a lot of smokers aboard, or it it pretty spacious so it really isn't an issue? Myself and my Mom especially (who is accompanying me) is super sensitive to smoke.

The number of smokers can vary. Most follow the rules and only smoke in a few designated areas on the outer decks of the ship, such as one side of the pool deck and one side of the promenade deck. And the casino. The casino is "divided" into smoking and non-smoking halves, but that's sort of like having a non-peeing section of a pool. ;)

 

3. I have seen a lot of different posts concerning whether or not we can bring a pack of water on board, but most of them are dated a few years back saying "yes we had no problem"... Anyone sailing out of Fort Lauderdale this year have any issue with bringing water onboard?

No one has reported any problems outside of spring break. Just be prepared to give it up graciously if asked to do so. (and why do you want to lug a case of bottled water on board anyway? Most bottled water is municipal tap water.)

 

4. If I check bag at embarkation, is there a fee like an airline?

No.

 

5. Are the buffet eateries open 24hrs, so I can go have a 3am snack?

No, thank God. The buffet closes at 9 or 9:30, not to reopen until morning.

 

As stated, the Cafe Promenade stays open almost 24/7. (it closes for about an hour pre-dawn for cleaning). Snacks like sandwiches, cookies, cakes. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cold water. Sometimes fruit.

 

Sorrentos for pizza stays open late. 1, 2 or 3 a.m., depending.

 

Room service has no charge 5 a.m. until midnight. But you should tip the delivery person.

 

Ok I think that is it for now, until I can think of anything else. Thanks in advance for your replies, I really appreciate them!!:)

 

I really cannot wait for this trip! I love being out on the ocean with nothing but water surrounding you, it is so peaceful.

[GUT2407]

Alright so I will be sailing on the Oasis in September (eastern, ocean view balcony stateroom). This will be my first cruise and I am very excited. I have been perusing this site (and RCCL website) for weeks now just trying to get some insider info, but I still have a few questions/concerns that I have not seen answered. Please bear with me, I am new to this.

 

1. (I know this sounds outrageous). Are there fire sprinklers in the stateroom bathrooms? I know I have seen them on the ceiling of the rooms in some pics.

 

2. In our experience, are there a lot of smokers aboard, or it it pretty spacious so it really isn't an issue? Myself and my Mom especially (who is accompanying me) is super sensitive to smoke.

 

3. I have seen a lot of different posts concerning whether or not we can bring a pack of water on board, but most of them are dated a few years back saying "yes we had no problem"... Anyone sailing out of Fort Lauderdale this year have any issue with bringing water onboard?

 

4. If I check bag at embarkation, is there a fee like an airline?

 

5. Are the buffet eateries open 24hrs, so I can go have a 3am snack?

 

Ok I think that is it for now, until I can think of anything else. Thanks in advance for your replies, I really appreciate them!!:)

 

I really cannot wait for this trip! I love being out on the ocean with nothing but water surrounding you, it is so peaceful.

 

1. Never noticed smoke detectors in any bathrooms.

 

2. Hate smoke, never had a problem with it onboard unless I'm walking through the designated smoking area.

 

3. No water any more.

 

4. No charge for checking bags.

 

5. Cafe open 24/7, sandwiches, cakes, donuts I think and the like.

[jaspercat]

OP -- you've gotten great and correct responses.

 

As Merion_Mom replied: the casino is split and that was the only place I noticed it.

 

Have a great cruise on Oasis - you most likely will not be able to see / do everything - so don't try to.:)

 

 

[GUT2407]

OP -- you've gotten great and correct responses.

 

As Merion_Mom replied: the casino is split and that was the only place I noticed it.

 

Have a great cruise on Oasis - you most likely will not be able to see / do everything - so don't try to.:)

 

 

 

Never use the casino so didn't think of that one.

[hlperez]

The tap water on the ship is drinking water. You can fill up an empty bottle with cold water at the buffet (for hygiene filling a glass first, and then emptying into your bottle) or from the tap in your cabin bathroom, and then putting it in your fridge. Your stateroom attendant will provide ice if you request it. You can also request a glass of cold water at any bar.

[papaflamingo]

Ok, maybe I'm the only one wondering (and I know it's none of my business)... why do you want to know about fire sprinkler in the bathroom? Not trying to be snippy or anything, but it's a pretty unusual question unless you're planning to smoke in there, and you said you aren't a smoker. So, just curious.

[Dawniepoo]

Ok, maybe I'm the only one wondering (and I know it's none of my business)... why do you want to know about fire sprinkler in the bathroom? Not trying to be snippy or anything, but it's a pretty unusual question unless you're planning to smoke in there, and you said you aren't a smoker. So, just curious.

 

Ok, I confess. I'm wondering too. :D

[CntPAcruiser]

Regarding the smoke issue, because smoking is allowed in the casino, an interior area on the ship, there may be "drift" to other inside areas. We found this most pronounced in the evening during dinner in the main dining room. The location of the casino entrance allows the smell of smoke to drift into the main dining room entry area and, if the dining room doors are open, it gets drawn right into the dining room. The severity depends on the volume of smokers in the casino at that point. We are likewise very sensitive to smoke, and continually had to ask the head waiter to close the main dining room doors once dinner had started to keep the smoke out at dinner.

 

Regarding the Café Promenade, sadly, we have not seen the sunflower seed granola bars for some time now. Instead of the rotating menu of sandwiches and treats, they seem to have the same products throughout the entire cruise now, and most of the dessert items are, in my opinion, not very good. Others report liking them, however.

Edited July 26, 2016 by CntPAcruiser

[FOXTROT]

Ok, maybe I'm the only one wondering (and I know it's none of my business)... why do you want to know about fire sprinkler in the bathroom? Not trying to be snippy or anything, but it's a pretty unusual question unless you're planning to smoke in there, and you said you aren't a smoker. So, just curious.

 

We have a friend who has a fire phobia. They always look for sprinklers & escape routes.

[lumpyspaceprincess]

Thanks everyone for the answers! BTW I know the fire sprinkler thing is super weird to ask, I just like to know where in the rooms they are located; kind of a quirk I guess... Definitely not planning on smoking in the bathroom! (Or at all lol) but again thank you all for the responses :D