LIVEish, 12 Days on Oasis (12/11 and 12/18)

[chandom]

Morning all!

 

OK let me try this again, had started working on a response in Tapatalk and it lost the whole thing...

 

Went to Windjammer for a quick bite for breakfast. Noticed they did have smoke salmon over by the fired egg station. I don't recall what time I was there (maybe 9:30) but I do recall plenty of seating. No real change that I noticed for the breakfast options,

Also took a quick look over at Wipeout Cafe. They had a made to order egg station that included custom omelettes. Also think the had pancakes or waffles. I do recall seeing scrambled eggs and either bacon of sausage.

Just wanted to make note on the scrambled eggs that they were not the "fresh" style like I found in Windjammer.

 

On another note, during one of the port days I checked out Park Cafe,

They had a bagel and cream cheese station setup along with toppings.

Also snagged a photo on the sandwich menu board.

 

 

During the noon time period they had the "clog the Promonade" sales. Outside of Sorrentos they had some type of sausage being served on the roll used from the weck.

 

Saw the comedy dive show and watched the Johnny Walker seminar, did get a chance to try a sip of Blue (for the record, $24 for a pour. $11 if you have the drink package).

Some time during the afternoon I had a Gin Fizz or two. Once again, made by the wonderful folks in the Champagne Bar. The Gin Fizz was something I remembered after seeing it on the Pub menu. Once again, they used fresh lemon juice vs, what I would have assumed, sour mix that was from a carton.

Saw the Johnny Walker seminar, got to try a sip of Blue ($24 a pour, $11 with the drink package. Don't forget to add 18% gratuity to that.)

Got another quick bit from WJ for lunch, around the 2:30 mark. Once again, not busy. Looked at Wipeout Cafe; pizza, hamburgers, hotdogs, and pre mad sandwiches were what I recalled.

 

After that I wound up spending some time talking to someone in the Suite Lounge.

 

Jumping to the Lounge/Club

Today's hot items were

Fried Shrimp

Chicken Wings

Meatballs

Miniegg rolls (SL)

Beef empanadas (DL)

 

Dinner was in the MDR, headed down at 6:15/reservations, got seated around 6:30.

Had the following

Insalata Caprese

-Fresh mozarella and tomato, not something that would be hard to mess up. So no complains

Shrimp Cocktail

-Run of the mill frozen farm raised shrimp. Think 5 or 6 were per order.

Wahoo

-Dry, can't recall if that is the nature of it or...

Lobster Tail

-Normal par cruise warm water lobster tail. One half was on the salty side, the other fine. On thing was the were a pain in the rear to remove from the shell.

 

During dinner I had to leave the MDR, when returning I saw the mob that I had previously posted about at 7:40ish.

Another "stir the pot" item, haven't seen any pepper grinders on the table. Did see the waiter with one when it has been requested. Don't recall it being offered fresh pepper the times I've been in the MDR,

 

Did check Windjammer on both formal nights, don't recall seeing any lobster tails.

 

After that saw a bit of Come Fly with Me and went to the Quest. Did see a first, on the request for something fake. Just leave it at this, saw the representation of anatomy from both a male and female from different groups. Note, these were not in-body, but external items. Think this was also a first for Drew.

 

After the Quest, closed down the Champagne Bar.If any one is wondering, the have Louis XIII de Rémy Martin. Steal at $139 a pour, take $13 off if you have a drink package, don't forget to add the 18% gratuity,

 

On another note, still haven't gotten any other snack offerings in room. Plus haven't gotten any information on the B2B process.

 

On that note, closing out this post. See you all later this morning.

One nice thing, such a nice feeling that this isn't last day of your cruise. In my case, just the last one in this cabin.

 

Added

Drink Package Report

Broke even today just on Gin Fizzes alone.

Edited December 17, 2016 by chandom

[SherriZ366]

Great update. Was this for Friday and for formal/lobster night on the Eastern itinerary?

 

Did the Park Cafe have lox at the Bagel Station?

 

Glad to hear about the omelets and other dishes at the Wipeout Cafe.

 

Were any of the champagnes in the champagne bar covered by the 10 punch drink ticket?

 

Thanks

Edited December 17, 2016 by SherriZ366

[SherriZ366]

I am one of the people who maintains the Current Concierge thread and the Google Doc Spreadsheet on Concierges. Could you find out some information about the concierges so that I can update the thread and the GoogleDoc please.

 

Is Beatrice Chirmus the DL Concierge and how long will she be there? (I have her in the OA DL until 6-2017 but that seems a little long).

 

Are Claudine Benjamin & Federico Taylor 10-22-2016 Concierges in the SL? I have Claudine staying on OA until 1-2017 with Dudley Jean replacing her when she goes on vacation?

 

This is a big request but thanks for whatever information you can get. We rely on updates from Cruise Critic posters to keep the thread and the Google Doc up to date. Thanks!!!!!

[chandom]

Great update. Was this for Friday and for formal/lobster night on the Eastern itinerary?

 

Did the Park Cafe have lox at the Bagel Station?

 

Glad to hear about the omelets and other dishes at the Wipeout Cafe.

 

Were any of the champagnes in the champagne bar covered by the 10 punch drink ticket?

 

Thanks

 

Correct, last night (Friday, Eastern) was lobster night. Either come around 6 or 8:30 to avoid the massive herd.

 

Think I recall seeing smoked salmon at the bagel station in Park Cafe.

 

Any Sparkling Wine/Champagne is covered. Just if it goes over the $13 limit you'll have to pay the difference plus gratuity on the difference.

 

Here is a copy of the list in the Champagne Bar. Keep also in mind Vintages might have other products.

 

 

 

Sent from a mobile device

[chandom]

I am one of the people who maintains the Current Concierge thread and the Google Doc Spreadsheet on Concierges. Could you find out some information about the concierges so that I can update the thread and the GoogleDoc please.

 

Is Beatrice Chirmus the DL Concierge and how long will she be there? (I have her in the OA DL until 6-2017 but that seems a little long).

 

Are Claudine Benjamin & Federico Taylor 10-22-2016 Concierges in the SL? I have Claudine staying on OA until 1-2017 with Dudley Jean replacing her when she goes on vacation?

 

This is a big request but thanks for whatever information you can get. We rely on updates from Cruise Critic posters to keep the thread and the Google Doc up to date. Thanks!!!!!

I'll try and remember to ask about all the concierge information.

 

Sent from a mobile device

[SherriZ366]

Correct, last night (Friday, Eastern) was lobster night. Either come around 6 or 8:30 to avoid the massive herd.

 

Think I recall seeing smoked salmon at the bagel station in Park Cafe.

 

Any Sparkling Wine/Champagne is covered. Just if it goes over the $13 limit you'll have to pay the difference plus gratuity on the difference.

 

Here is a copy of the list in the Champagne Bar. Keep also in mind Vintages might have other products.

 

T

 

Sent from a mobile device

hanks for the info. on Lobster night. Ours is on Thursday night as we are western and we are traditional seating, so we should be OK.

 

Good to know about drinks up to $13 being covered. I bet there are some wines in Vintages that we would like to try. Thanks for the picture of the Champagne Bar list.

[SherriZ366]

I'll try and remember to ask about all the concierge information.

 

Sent from a mobile device

Thanks for checking the Concierges out for me.

[chandom]

First off. Wow just over 7,500 views so far.

Thank you all for taking the time to read my ramblings.

Sadly the first segment of my journey is coming to an end.

 

Another day at sea doing nothing.

Went to the Captain's Corner. The question was ask about the St. Thomas delay. Answer given it was due to part of the ongoing working to replace the crankshaft in one of the engines.

 

Did my usual rounds of WJ and Wipeout Cafe for breakfast. Did notice that Wipeout cafe has slightly more of a selection of breakfast items than I thought.

Once again, the time I showed up in WJ there was seating available.

 

Attended the meeting for the consecutive cruisers. Summery was as followed...

Meet up at Schooner bar at 10:00, will be escorted off. A customs delectation does have to be filled out.

A lunch will be offered in Giovanni's at 11:30.

Was told the process would be escorted off, sent thru customs, and back to the terminal waiting area. I think they said the new cards would be handed out in the Schooner bar on board. I recalled hearing something about a sealed envelope. Other thing mentioned was nothing larger than a beach bag could be brought thru customs.

 

I'll try and give a report of what actually happened.

 

Checked WJ for lunch around 2:00, not very busy.

 

Dinner was at Coastal Kitchen (They are still unsure if they will use all three menus on the five day or just the first two.)

Hamachi Crudo

-Thin slices of amberjack (per Google), something I would expect to pay $6 for at Izumi

Fennel Soup

-Has a strong fish stock taste. The soup base and the "chunkies" are separated. When served the soup based is added the "chunkies".

Sesame Crusted Tuna

-Wow, nice crust that didn't over power the tuna. Cooked just right so it still has rareness. This was so much better in my mind than the Everything Tuna at Chops I had on Freedom. To me the Everything crust just over powered the tuna.

Grilled Veal Chop

-Tried a bite. The hunk of meat given was huge and on the bone, had to be in the twelve ounce or better range. Was told, once again, it was better than the offering at Chops.

 

Drink Package Damage Report

Just take a wild guess…

 

Still have to finish up packing, going to move to a different room for the next half.

Was generally told by our Stateroom Attendant that out stuff was be moved. Just needs to be packed inside of either a suitcase or on a hangar. Don’t recall what time the move is planned for or if immediate access to the new room would be provided.

 

Like I said, that ends the first part. First half technically end on Saturday.

Cancelled the drink package a few days ago. Was told by one of the night managers (two and a half stripes) that the Diamond and about discount would still be offered and the package would change price ($58 plus 18% per day). Today I overheard that the package would be going up to $61 plus the 18%. Main reason, suckered in to the story about the onboard package sales helps the ship out better than precruise sales.

Also heard that the menus were in the process of getting changed out to higher prices. One bar did have the new menu out, looked like it might have gone up $1. Didn’t see anything that would have caused a drink to go over the $13 limit. It was mostly everything going to the $12 mark.

 

Off to bed all, see ya all in the morning.

[iceburg1]

Thanks for posting so much information. Any chance of posting the Cruise Compasses and/or MDR dinner menus, if you get a chance?

 

Also, is Solarium Bistro charging $20 for dinner or is it free as some had reported a while ago?

 

Thanks.

[chandom]

Thanks for posting so much information. Any chance of posting the Cruise Compasses and/or MDR dinner menus, if you get a chance?

 

Also, is Solarium Bistro charging $20 for dinner or is it free as some had reported a while ago?

 

Thanks.

Will post the MDR menus once I get a chance to sort and upload.

 

Compasses will be done once I get back and can use a scanner.

 

Haven't heard or asked about Solarium Bistro. I did hear some folks on Friday (MDR/MTD, Formal Night) were getting offered to dine there at no charge.

 

Sent from a mobile device

Edited December 18, 2016 by chandom

[chandom]

Boarding has started for Sky, Star, and Pinnacles.

Plus consecutives.

 

Sent from a mobile device

[chandom]

Got to see the very trashed Royal Loft. Wow, just wow. Can't believe these last people threw on heck of a party last night.

 

Sent from a mobile device

[audome78]

We will be on Oasis in February for a B2B. We have done many of these, and the procedure has always been slightly different- even in PC. Can you tell me where you met, and how long they had you off the ship before coming back aboard?

 

TIA

[chandom]

Got to see the very trashed Royal Loft. Wow, just wow. Can't believe these last people threw on heck of a party last night.

 

Sent from a mobile device

 

Sent from a mobile device

[chandom]

We will be on Oasis in February for a B2B. We have done many of these, and the procedure has always been slightly different- even in PC. Can you tell me where you met, and how long they had you off the ship before coming back aboard?

 

TIA

 

Meet up as at Schooner at 10:00, walked off about 10:20 as a group.

 

Think the longest hold up was at customs. Even after that it was just hand a form and look at passport.

Key thing, a customs form had to be filled out.

 

Sent from a mobile device

[CruisingKat71]

First off a disclaimer and information slab of text.

 

I'm not much in the way of a writer/reviewer. My options are just that, mine. I try to stick with factual information and avoid confrontational topics. So don't expect to hear such items of discussion such as the estimated percentage of number of people wearing shorts in the MDR on Formal night or ratio of pepper grinders to tables.

 

I'll do my best to report back things like cost of the drink packages and if any discounts are being offered to Diamonds and above.

 

Like I did earlier this year, on Allure, I'll do my best to provide pictures upon request. Don't be upset if I'm unable to get something I'm comfortable with.

I really enjoy it when content get partly driven by the community.

 

Finally, I'm trying to enter the world of live video. So give me some time to figure out the best method. For personal reasons, I'm not going the route of Facebook Live.

Right now I'm looking at YouTube Live and Periscope.

Worst case, I'll record things and upload it to YouTube.

 

That is it for now. I'm currently on RedCoach heading from Tallahassee to Orlando.

 

 

Hi Chandom

 

I have a group you might be interested in, but I'm not allowed to post it here, so if you want to check it out, you can look at my profile for info on the Periscope Group.

 

@CruisingKat

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Edited December 18, 2016 by CruisingKat71

[SherriZ366]

Will post the MDR menus once I get a chance to sort and upload.

 

Compasses will be done once I get back and can use a scanner.

 

Haven't heard or asked about Solarium Bistro. I did hear some folks on Friday (MDR/MTD, Formal Night) were getting offered to dine there at no charge.

 

Sent from a mobile device

Your information has really been helpful. Oasis will be a new experience for us and were not sailing with our usual companions who have been on the ship before.

 

Would like to try Solarium Bistro and if it is no charge, that would be a plus.

 

I just remembered -- we almost sailed your second leg. We had a cabin reserved and cancelled it before final payment as we were going to spend so much at Disney World.

[SherriZ366]

 

Sent from a mobile device

Wow!

[chandom]

Wow!

Stopped by a few minutes ago. Still doing the final touches of cleaning.

 

Sent from a mobile device

[SherriZ366]

Stopped by a few minutes ago. Still doing the final touches of cleaning.

 

Sent from a mobile device

The occupants really left a mess for their stewards. From your pictures, it just looked like there was a lot of trash left behind. Was anything broken?

[chandom]

The occupants really left a mess for their stewards. From your pictures, it just looked like there was a lot of trash left behind. Was anything broken?

 

Broken glass from bottles both inside and outside. Might be some carpet stains. Physical damage, none that I noticed.

 

Sent from a mobile device

[chandom]

Wow, forgot how amazing it was to watch a launch in person.

 

Once I get things setup again in the cabin I'll upload some pictures. Had busted out the big-boy camera for thosr.

 

Sent from a mobile device

[chandom]

Hopefully those that have been reading haven't gotten bored of reading my posts.

 

First off I'm going to dedicate this post to something I haven't see in person since the 90's. I know it isn't a big deal to some of the folk local, but it is to me.

I use to live in the Orlando area until 1993 when I moved to Tallahassee. One of the vivid memories I had was either seeing the streak going up the sky or feeling the sonic boom as a Space Shuttle came back.

The launch was an Atlas V carrying the EchoStar XIX communications satellite for Hughes.

Ref: http://www.americaspace.com/?page_id=33925

Original launch time was for 1:27p, due to a technical issue it was delayed until 2:13p.

All pictures were taken from the port side stairs going to the Suite Sun Deck. There were a lot of officers up there to view the launch.

Camera used: Canon 7D Mark II w/ 24-105mm f/4L, shot in RAW. Edited and uploaded using Adobe Lightroom

 

Edited December 19, 2016 by chandom

[iceburg1]

Great pics of the launch!

[chandom]

OK, so with the pretty distraction in place time for the daily morning write up.

 

No breakfast scouting today, spent the morning doing my best to repack my suitcase for the move.

After my Stateroom Attendant got lost (went to the forward part of the ship) checking to see if the room was ready. At about 9ish we left our room for the final time and got on the very empty and quick elevator to whisk us up to deck 17 with our suitcases. We assisted in the transfer of the suitcases, our stateroom attendant still felt we did too much in the process of moving. Shortly after, another attendant came by to drop off the items that were hanging in the closet.

At about 9:45 we headed to Schooner bar where the consecutive were being held. After the last two consecutive cruisers were ship wide called and they showed up we dinged out of the ship. For reference, our cards were not retained.

 

We quickly left the ship and went down the ramps to the luggage hall and customs check. After waiting a few minutes we handed our declarations and a quick check of citizenship documents were checked. At this point we took an escalator back up to the check-in area (check-in had already started [NOT BOARDING]) and were led to the Sky, Pinnacle, and Star class waiting area [10:33a by this point]. We were then handed an envelope with our new cards and a health form to fill out. At about 10:45a boarding was started and the consecutive cruisers and folks in the Suite holding area were allowed back on. By 10:53a we were back on the ship and scouting out the starboard side Royal Suite, then headed over to check out the Royal Loft Suite.

All I can say it they must have one heck of a party that last night.

 

At 11:30 we headed over to a special lunch that was in Geovanni’s. It was just a stripped down menu. Nice gesture, but why bother.

Just before the launch was delayed, I rushed to an outside deck for a good vantage point to see the launch.

After muster and all that fun stuff, just did stuff until dinner at Central Park 150.

Dinner

Tuna Tartar

-Finished table side, something I really enjoy and had to been the one of the better if not the best ones I’ve had.

Black Cod

-Good, but not memorable. Was a texture issue to me, wasn’t that firm fleshed.

Chocolate Tart

Warn Doughnuts

-In some ways it reminded me of the ones served in the MDR. Dough had the same taste. On the other hand the sugar was very different in taste. Loved the lemon curd and chocolate sauce served with it.

 

Now for the big negative, the First Night Done (not) Right demon reared its head again. Never had a preassigned reservation in the room (nor a reservation that was requested during the consecutive cruiser talk). Once back on we had gone to CP150 to make a reservation. After dinner we get a bill for $45. Logic being claimed was they were treating it as a $15 OBC and giving 50% the bill.

At this point, I’m dropping this saga from this thread.

If you want to continue reading it see: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2433153

 

Only other thoughts/issues.

Never got the new access code for the internet (didn’t think about it until 10p), was quickly resolved by the roaming agent. They just wrote the codes on the back of a business card.

Really need to have a written letter distributed to the consecutive cruisers. Only heard one announcement on Saturday at a random time. Wasn’t left a customs declaration form. The change to require the form is something Port Canaveral’s agents want, Port Everglades never required it (side note, the latest version of the Mobile Passport app for Android finally has seaports).

 

With that I’m closing out this post. As always, thanks for reading, and don’t be too afraid to ask a request.

Side note: I keep on forgetting to check on the concierges.