Oasis newbie, please help.

[*Fudge*]

Hello, can anyone give me tips or advise on Oasis please? The biggest ship I've been on is Liberty and that was approx 5 years ago, went on Jewel 3 years ago so any help would be appreciated. What not to miss maybe, quiet areas etc.

 

Thank you all in advance 🙂

[Clarea]

This is a good place to start:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/royal-caribbean/oasis

[grandmarnnurse]

I sailed the Oasis 2 years ago, and loved it!! We booked an inside cabin on deck 8, near Central Park, a location I recommend. Central Park was one of my favorite spots to hang out and enjoy a snack, a beverage, or night cap. You will love it! I can't give reviews on the specialty restaurants, as we only eat in complimentary ones, but there are several free places on this ship to get a good meal. We also liked the Solarium adult only area, and the Solarium Cafe, free for breakfast and lunch, but becomes the Solarium Bistro for dinner and has a fee attached. The Windjammer buffet restaurant is huge and great, but often overly packed, and hard to find a table. We preferred other free areas to eat when it seemed "high traffic" times. My hubby loved the free hot dogs at the Doghouse on the Boardwalk, and I didn't mind paying for the best gaucomole ever in Sabor. They also make the best margaritas!! Make sure you book all your shows ahead online, or you will never get in. We did see the Broadway show CATS onboard, but hated it, as did most of audience that left at intermission. Too long and boring for a cruise! The water show at the Aqua Theatre was good, as was the comedy show. Our sons and their families were with us on that cruise, and one of them is going back on it this coming March.

 

 

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[Freehike]

I'd be surprised if there is a ship with more reviews or information on here than Oasis. That particular class of ship is simply amazing and a wonder to behold.

 

My favorite class is the Radiance, but the Oasis is incredibly hard to beat. You'll never know there are that many people on the ship when you are there because of the incredible size of her. All of the specialty restaurants are great with Chops and Sabor being our favorites (usually eat at both twice).

 

 

 

Oh, and CATS sucks. [emoji3]

 

 

 

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[cruisinrealtor]

We were on the Oasis last February and absolutely loved it. Central Park is my favorite part of the ship. It's actually why we booked the Allure for next year. It's so relaxing there and they have birds singing and crickets chirping. lol It's just wonderful. As far as specialty restaurants go we went to Chops and Giovanni's and The food and atmosphere was amazing at both however the desserts all over the ship were terrible. Book shows early and don't miss the aqua show. We only got to see half of the show because of the wind. Book that one early in the week. We never went to see Cats because we heard on CC that it was horrible. We did get the drink package for both my husband and I . We thought it was worth it price wise and the convenience of it. It's nice to know your bar tab is paid before you even step foot on the ship.

[borntobehappy]

We did Oasis in Aug & loved it. I would get up early (5amish) and prowl the ship. It was so crazy peaceful and beautiful especially the aft observation deck as we came into a port. I wrote a review entitled "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" if you want a full rundown. Have an awesome time.

 

 

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[RoyalFel]

My husband and I were on the Oasis in November of 2015 and it was the biggest ship we had been on at that time, so I understand where you're coming from! I totally agree with all the other comments above. Here are a few of my own suggestions.. check out the water show for sure and get there early! It gets packed and it's a really cool show. We heard Cats was terrible so we didn't even bother. The Windjammer gets crazy for breakfast and people can be jerks and slobs. In the solarium you can get a nice breakfast that is no charge and usually isn't as crowded. We didn't try any of the specialty restaurants, we just did My Time Dining in the main dining room. The comedy show was good and we also liked the question and answer forum with the Captain..that is always interesting! Purchasing a drink package is a good idea if you plan on drinking alcohol. If you don't drink alcohol, the soda package comes with the souvenir cups that work at the soda machines and the have many more choices than just soda...like flavored water and sports drinks. I'm not sure if that have those on other ships these days or not. Enjoy the ship and enjoy your trip :) you'll still be exploring and finding new things by the end...I know we were! Safe travels!

 

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[grandmarnnurse]

My husband and I were on the Oasis in November of 2015 and it was the biggest ship we had been on at that time, so I understand where you're coming from! I totally agree with all the other comments above. Here are a few of my own suggestions.. check out the water show for sure and get there early! It gets packed and it's a really cool show. We heard Cats was terrible so we didn't even bother. The Windjammer gets crazy for breakfast and people can be jerks and slobs. In the solarium you can get a nice breakfast that is no charge and usually isn't as crowded. We didn't try any of the specialty restaurants, we just did My Time Dining in the main dining room. The comedy show was good and we also liked the question and answer forum with the Captain..that is always interesting! Purchasing a drink package is a good idea if you plan on drinking alcohol. If you don't drink alcohol, the soda package comes with the souvenir cups that work at the soda machines and the have many more choices than just soda...like flavored water and sports drinks. I'm not sure if that have those on other ships these days or not. Enjoy the ship and enjoy your trip :) you'll still be exploring and finding new things by the end...I know we were! Safe travels!

 

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You are so right---there are so many wonderful things to see on this ship, you will never run out of new things to explore! I absolutely loved the Oasis! With that said, I'm trying a new cruise line this coming Sunday. I will be sailing the NCL Getaway this week, and am so excited to explore something new! 😎

[SilkySal]

Hello, can anyone give me tips or advise on Oasis please? The biggest ship I've been on is Liberty and that was approx 5 years ago, went on Jewel 3 years ago so any help would be appreciated. What not to miss maybe, quiet areas etc.

 

Thank you all in advance 🙂

 

If you'd like to connect with your fellow cruisers on the Oasis the same week as you, click on the site below, find your cruise week, and get to know them!! DH and I are looking forward to our upcoming March cruise on Oasis! We enjoy the Boardwalk cabins! Definitely check out the roast beef sandwiches and salads in the Park Cafe!!:p We always head there as soon as we board the ship to grab a sandwich and head to the Pub for a cold drink, then sit and people watch until cabins are ready! If you happen to be going on March 5th, come join us!!;)

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=549

[flamingos]

We are going on Oasis in May, eastern itinerary. It's also our first time on this class of ship, and we also don't like to pay much for extras, although we plan to buy the drink package.

 

So, to verify - breakfast and lunch in the Solarium are free? I can see myself spending a lot of time there.

 

How about the Beef on Weck in the cafe in Central Park? Is that extra?

[BNBR]

Skip CATS, but make sure to pre-book all the shows you want to see. Ice show is AWESOME. But get reservations (free) ahead of times for shows... that was the biggest thing I wish I knew before going on that ship.

 

Otherwise, just explore. The neighborhood concept makes it super easy to see everything and navigate around the ship. You'll be surprised at just how simple it is. If you enjoy doing stuff in the evenings, Promenade and Entertainment Place (right below Promenade) are the hot spots. I also enjoyed the live string music in Central Park in the evenings (right above Promenade) - and you can ride the "Rising Tide" bar from Promenade to Central Park while enjoying a cocktail too :)

[Clarea]

We are going on Oasis in May, eastern itinerary. It's also our first time on this class of ship, and we also don't like to pay much for extras, although we plan to buy the drink package.

 

So, to verify - breakfast and lunch in the Solarium are free? I can see myself spending a lot of time there.

 

How about the Beef on Weck in the cafe in Central Park? Is that extra?

Breakfast and Lunch on the Solarium are free, and the food in Park Cafe is also free.

[drrich2]

Familiarize yourself with Wipe Out Cafe, if I recall the name correctly, as an alternative when the Windjammer is busy.

 

I, too, like using Central Park to get from end-to-end of the ship, when not up on top.

 

When up topside, find the soft serve frozen yogurt machines.

 

Richard.

[Clarea]

Familiarize yourself with Wipe Out Cafe, if I recall the name correctly, as an alternative when the Windjammer is busy.

 

I, too, like using Central Park to get from end-to-end of the ship, when not up on top.

 

When up topside, find the soft serve frozen yogurt machines.

 

Richard.

Good idea about Wipeout Cafe. It's one of the few places to get made-to-order eggs in the morning.

[grandmarnnurse]

We are going on Oasis in May, eastern itinerary. It's also our first time on this class of ship, and we also don't like to pay much for extras, although we plan to buy the drink package.

 

So, to verify - breakfast and lunch in the Solarium are free? I can see myself spending a lot of time there.

 

How about the Beef on Weck in the cafe in Central Park? Is that extra?

 

We never like to pay for extras, so we only went to complimentary food areas on the Oasis. The Solarium breakfast and lunch buffet ARE free, and wonderful! It is a kid free area and very lovely. Park Cafe in Central Park is also free, and have excellent Beef on Weck, but certainly not as good as here in WNY, where the Beef on Weck was first invented.lol! But, yes, it is free. Promenade Cafe, Sorrentos Pizza, the Wipe Out Cafe (up by flowrider area)The Doghouse (on Boardwalk for hot dogs and sausage) Johnny Rockets free for breakfast (on Boardwalk), and of course, The Windjammer Buffet and the three MDR (one should be designated for breakfast and lunch) I think that's it!

[drrich2]

When in port, if you want a shot of the whole ship, keep an eye open for opportunities. Oasis class are so long it can be hard to get the whole ship in one shot. Labadee, Haiti is one place it's practical, in case you stop there. Our little girl is in the foreground of this shot of Allure of the Seas. Take a close look at the pier, at how tiny those people are.

 

[grandmarnnurse]

When in port, if you want a shot of the whole ship, keep an eye open for opportunities. Oasis class are so long it can be hard to get the whole ship in one shot. Labadee, Haiti is one place it's practical, in case you stop there. Our little girl is in the foreground of this shot of Allure of the Seas. Take a close look at the pier, at how tiny those people are.

 

 

My favorite photo of the Oasis that I took was when in port, and right next to a smaller ship. Huge!!

[2chiefs]

With all the talk of "free" places to go, I prefer to refer to them as "included".

LOL

:D

[TravelerThom]

... The Solarium breakfast and lunch buffet ARE free, and wonderful! It is a kid free area and very lovely...

...the three MDR (one should be designated for breakfast and lunch) I think that's it!

To elaborate: while the Solarium is designated adult only, the Solarium Bistro is open to all. The Bistro entrance is immediately inside the Solarium; no need to pass through the main part of the Solarium to get to the Bistro.

 

MDR has breakfast everyday, but MDR lunch is on Sea Days only. MDR lunch has a good salad bar (not as good as it used to be, but still probably the best salad bar on the ship), a soup, sandwich, etc served menu, and a hot buffet.

 

Thom

[MrsKC08]

Skip CATS, but make sure to pre-book all the shows you want to see. Ice show is AWESOME. But get reservations (free) ahead of times for shows... that was the biggest thing I wish I knew before going on that ship.

 

Otherwise, just explore. The neighborhood concept makes it super easy to see everything and navigate around the ship. You'll be surprised at just how simple it is. If you enjoy doing stuff in the evenings, Promenade and Entertainment Place (right below Promenade) are the hot spots. I also enjoyed the live string music in Central Park in the evenings (right above Promenade) - and you can ride the "Rising Tide" bar from Promenade to Central Park while enjoying a cocktail too :)

 

I would never tell someone to skip Cats. Some people find enjoy that kind of thing. Heck, if you were to see that on Broadway you would be paying quite a small fortune for halfway decent seats. Some people don't like it, and some people think it's awesome. To each there own. I've heard people say that there are those who leave at intermission, and the best part comes in the second half.

[DRW2]

To elaborate: while the Solarium is designated adult only, the Solarium Bistro is open to all. The Bistro entrance is immediately inside the Solarium; no need to pass through the main part of the Solarium to get to the Bistro.

 

MDR has breakfast everyday, but MDR lunch is on Sea Days only. MDR lunch has a good salad bar (not as good as it used to be, but still probably the best salad bar on the ship), a soup, sandwich, etc served menu, and a hot buffet.

 

Thom

 

Thank you for mentioning this... I have 2 teens traveling with me and wasn't sure if they would be able to eat there also. I tend to try to eat healthier and heard this was a good option.

[tserface]

One difference... we loved the water shows on Oasis and, ironically, even the belly flop contest. The technology they have is amazing and you can watch under water. The diving acts were scary but great. I don't know if they still do it, but on our cruise they had a Sound of Music singalong in the Aqua Theater and that was a lot of fun (more fun that it sounds because everyone really got into it).

 

Oasis is a different experience than all previous ships because the ship is almost as much the destination for the vacation as any port. You could almost go the whole cruise without even knowing you're on a ship.

 

You'd think it would feel pretty crowded with often more than 6000 passengers, but we only felt crowds at the shows when people lined up or were coming out. That also true on most other ships so we weren't surprised.

 

You will love it.

 

Tom

[Rocketlady]

I was with a group of 5. We went to see Cats as well. All of us left an hour into it. To me every song sounded the same. Boring. Ages 12 years

old to 67 in our group.

 

I walked the track each day . I wear a fitbit so I like to get 10 miles in a day. I am 67 years old. The rest of our group went swimming.

You will not be bored . Just way to much to do. We only ate in the restaurants included with the price of the trip.

 

We spent alot of time at night in the casino and playing bingo. I won a free cruise on the slot tourament.

 

Nice to meet people from all walks of life as well. Have fun

[tgloersen]

Breakfast and Lunch on the Solarium are free, and the food in Park Cafe is also free.

 

 

Agreed Bob, We spent allot of time here, also a good first place to go when embarking, not crazy busy.

[*Fudge*]

Thanks for all your replies. Are the shows the same each night they are on. The comedy show for example? Just wondering what to book and when.

 

😊