Off the Oasis (third time aboard)

[coldflame]

Just off the Oasis for the third time. We did the "classic" WC itinerary (Labadee, Falmouth and Cozumel). As usual the we all (2 AD, 2 CH) had a blast. Service was great, food was great at fine dining venues, but decidedly sub-par at MDRs and complimentary restaurants (this is something I most definitely give a big plus 1 to DCL over Royal). Weather at the ports was nice and cooperative. Labadee was very fun -- even though none of us set foot in the ocean. Jamaica we had already been there 4 other times, so we decided to skip and enjoy the ship while the droves were out and about. Cozumel is by far our favorite port. We consider it our "touristic home". Our favorite private beach club was all booked (months in advance) so we headed bright and early to our favorite semi-private beach (Palancar). We had the beach more or less to ourselves for about 2 hours, then around 10 am local time the hoards began to arrive in force. By 2pm or so local time it was uncomfortably packed (and the sun in Mexico is absolutely brutal and unforgiving), since we had had our pristine beach fix and finger-licking delicious lunch earlier, we headed back to ship and got there a good hour or so before the masses began returning.

 

Special meals: we ate at 150, Izumi and Sabor. 150 is our favorite, by far, but the cook at Izumi knocked out the park both cooking and showmanship-wise. The house warm sake was excellent. Sabor wasn't impressive, but the waiter felt compelled to comp us a Xocolat Martini and let me tell you, that ones one very good desert cocktail. We left quite a bit extra gratuity at all three venues as we felt both the food and service more deserved it.

 

Entertainment: this would be the only "lowlight" of the trip. All shows (Oasis of Dreams, Frozen In Time) were rather late to start. They both started about 20+ minutes after the advertised time. Cats which we watched 3 times this cruise (1st night was cancelled before intermission due to tech problems) started right on time, however. Come Fly With Me was cancelled due to personnel sickness.

 

Embarkation/Disembarkation: super easy, relaxing and as expected from Royal (DCL is absolutely terrible at both -- super long waits to get on and super stressful, rush to get you out.)

 

Drinks: we spent a grand total of $200 and change in alcoholic beverages, including the $93 10-drink card which can be purchased starting Day 4. This was more than enough for us who drink occasionally 1-2/day.

 

Some miscellaneous pics:

 

 

 

 

Edited October 7, 2018 by coldflame
Pix

[renza]

Thank you for the information. We have been on all oasis class except symphony which we are going on in June. Will be back on oasis in March, a little worried about a run down ship right before dry dock.

 

 

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[coldflame]

Thank you for the information. We have been on all oasis class except symphony which we are going on in June. Will be back on oasis in March, a little worried about a run down ship right before dry dock.

 

 

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She's defintely in great shape. A few cosmetic blemishes here and there, but otherwise as good as new. If anything I'm surprised she's going to get dry dock so soon.

[Cruisegirl6]

I was on the Oasis last October and this past April and going back next week, just like cold flame I agree, minor blemishes nothing to even think about.

[rncruiser]

Question for the OP, or anyone who cares to answer, since this was your third time on the same ship, did you feel the need to go to the shows every night? I will be sailing on Allure for the third time and I am thinking we will skip the main shows and concentrate more on the smaller venues at night. Our last time on Allure I found that we missed out on listening to the nightly music in Central Park, dancing in Dazzles, or going to the Jazz club. In fact, after twice on Allure and once on Oasis I have never yet entered the Jazz club. As we get older and find it harder to stay up as late, it’s harder to fit it all in. I have made reservations for all of the shows, but may just go to the comedy show and the headliner as these change from sailing to sailing. I just don’t see the need to see Mamma Mia, Ocean Aria, or Blue Planet for a third time.

 

 

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[mhurley0504]

I have a question relating to the formal dining nights. I'm sure there is a thread on here somewhere, but thought I'd just ask here. We are going on the Allure in 3 weeks. My husband is a coal miner and works very hard 6 days a week. On his vacation, he does not want to wear a suit and tie. This is our first cruise on RCC, we have sailed previously 10 times with Carnival. He always wore a button down collared shirt and dress pants and was fine. Can he do this on the Allure or is the suit and tie a necessity. If so, guess we will just have to skip the formal dinners, which I would hate to do. Please do not respond with "it won't kill him", eat at the buffet" or otherwise. I'm just looking for a simple answer Thanks so much!

[Clarea]

I have a question relating to the formal dining nights. I'm sure there is a thread on here somewhere, but thought I'd just ask here. We are going on the Allure in 3 weeks. My husband is a coal miner and works very hard 6 days a week. On his vacation, he does not want to wear a suit and tie. This is our first cruise on RCC, we have sailed previously 10 times with Carnival. He always wore a button down collared shirt and dress pants and was fine. Can he do this on the Allure or is the suit and tie a necessity. If so, guess we will just have to skip the formal dinners, which I would hate to do. Please do not respond with "it won't kill him", eat at the buffet" or otherwise. I'm just looking for a simple answer�� Thanks so much!

Dress suggestions are not enforced, so you will see a wide range of attire. Whatever you want to wear will be fine.

[mhurley0504]

Dress suggestions are not enforced, so you will see a wide range of attire. Whatever you want to wear will be fine.

 

 

Thank you so much for the reply. Really looking forward to this cruise:)

[George C]

Thanks for info, really looking forward to first cruise on oasis, will be booking 150 and habatchi for sure, also several meals at CK.

[coldflame]

Question for the OP, or anyone who cares to answer, since this was your third time on the same ship, did you feel the need to go to the shows every night? I will be sailing on Allure for the third time and I am thinking we will skip the main shows and concentrate more on the smaller venues at night. Our last time on Allure I found that we missed out on listening to the nightly music in Central Park, dancing in Dazzles, or going to the Jazz club. In fact, after twice on Allure and once on Oasis I have never yet entered the Jazz club. As we get older and find it harder to stay up as late, it’s harder to fit it all in. I have made reservations for all of the shows, but may just go to the comedy show and the headliner as these change from sailing to sailing. I just don’t see the need to see Mamma Mia, Ocean Aria, or Blue Planet for a third time.

 

 

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Different folks, different strokes. My family is super into theater and plays and specially Cats (and my daughter is obsessed with that musical). If plays and theatrics aren't your cup of tea, then feel free to skip :)

[coldflame]

Thank you so much for the reply. Really looking forward to this cruise:)

 

What clarea said. Absolutely not enforced (none of the cruise lines we've sailed with do, actually). We're super light packers and usually bring two small bags and two backpacks for 4 people for the week. Suffice it to say, no formalwear of any kind is brought.

[mac_tlc]

Question for the OP, or anyone who cares to answer, since this was your third time on the same ship, did you feel the need to go to the shows every night? I will be sailing on Allure for the third time and I am thinking we will skip the main shows and concentrate more on the smaller venues at night. Our last time on Allure I found that we missed out on listening to the nightly music in Central Park, dancing in Dazzles, or going to the Jazz club. In fact, after twice on Allure and once on Oasis I have never yet entered the Jazz club. As we get older and find it harder to stay up as late, it’s harder to fit it all in. I have made reservations for all of the shows, but may just go to the comedy show and the headliner as these change from sailing to sailing. I just don’t see the need to see Mamma Mia, Ocean Aria, or Blue Planet for a third time.

 

 

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We have been on Oasis 5 times. We still go to the Aquatheatre show and the ice show. They are unique to cruise ships so we don't mind seeing them again. After 5 times, I still don't understand the plot of Oasis of Dreams, but its always fun to watch. Haven't made it through Cats yet, but we enjoy the gymnastic routines in Come Fly with Me, so we try to see that. We don't stay up late either, but we catch enough of the live music to get our fix. Not a Jazz fan, so we have also never been in Jazz on 4.

 

mac_tlc

[MrFunInTheSun]

I have a question relating to the formal dining nights. I'm sure there is a thread on here somewhere, but thought I'd just ask here. We are going on the Allure in 3 weeks. My husband is a coal miner and works very hard 6 days a week. On his vacation, he does not want to wear a suit and tie. This is our first cruise on RCC, we have sailed previously 10 times with Carnival. He always wore a button down collared shirt and dress pants and was fine. Can he do this on the Allure or is the suit and tie a necessity. If so, guess we will just have to skip the formal dinners, which I would hate to do. Please do not respond with "it won't kill him", eat at the buffet" or otherwise. I'm just looking for a simple answer Thanks so much!

 

 

 

A month ago I was on Harmony of the seas. Each night for dinner I wore jeans and flip flops with a nice shirt, including on both formal nights. Each night my shirt was a polo or button shirt with a collar. During the whole cruise I never once wore a pair of shoes, it was great. Never had an issue.

 

 

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[Grenouille21]

Just off the Oasis for the third time. We did the "classic" WC itinerary (Labadee, Falmouth and Cozumel). As usual the we all (2 AD, 2 CH) had a blast. Service was great, food was great at fine dining venues, but decidedly sub-par at MDRs and complimentary restaurants (this is something I most definitely give a big plus 1 to DCL over Royal). Weather at the ports was nice and cooperative. Labadee was very fun -- even though none of us set foot in the ocean. Jamaica we had already been there 4 other times, so we decided to skip and enjoy the ship while the droves were out and about. Cozumel is by far our favorite port. We consider it our "touristic home". Our favorite private beach club was all booked (months in advance) so we headed bright and early to our favorite semi-private beach (Palancar). We had the beach more or less to ourselves for about 2 hours, then around 10 am local time the hoards began to arrive in force. By 2pm or so local time it was uncomfortably packed (and the sun in Mexico is absolutely brutal and unforgiving), since we had had our pristine beach fix and finger-licking delicious lunch earlier, we headed back to ship and got there a good hour or so before the masses began returning.

 

 

Thanks for sharing your experience! What is the name of the Private Beach Club in Cozumel?

[coldflame]

Thanks for sharing your experience! What is the name of the Private Beach Club in Cozumel?

 

Nachi Comcom (only 120 persons/day, family-friendly all inclusive, no-party, quiet atmosphere).

[Grenouille21]

Nachi Comcom (only 120 persons/day, family-friendly all inclusive, no-party, quiet atmosphere).

 

Thanks!

[PhoenixCruiser]

Beautiful pictures!

[mhurley0504]

What clarea said. Absolutely not enforced (none of the cruise lines we've sailed with do, actually). We're super light packers and usually bring two small bags and two backpacks for 4 people for the week. Suffice it to say, no formalwear of any kind is brought.

 

 

Thanks so much!

[mhurley0504]

A month ago I was on Harmony of the seas. Each night for dinner I wore jeans and flip flops with a nice shirt, including on both formal nights. Each night my shirt was a polo or button shirt with a collar. During the whole cruise I never once wore a pair of shoes, it was great. Never had an issue.

 

 

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Thanks so much!!

[SilkySal]

Thanks!

 

Nachi Cocom, not comcom.;)

[island lady]

Thanks!

 

There is also Mr. Sanchos right next door. Same price, but bigger and more geared to families. We still prefer Nachi ....as being two old farts... it is quieter and more relaxing. ;)

[goneclear]

Thank you for the information. We have been on all oasis class except symphony which we are going on in June. Will be back on oasis in March, a little worried about a run down ship right before dry dock.

 

 

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Thinking of booking April 2019. When is the dry docking due?

[Clarea]

Thinking of booking April 2019. When is the dry docking due?

Sep 22 to Nov 24, 2019. This includes a non-revenue transatlantic.

[coldflame]

There is also Mr. Sanchos right next door. Same price, but bigger and more geared to families. We still prefer Nachi ....as being two old farts... it is quieter and more relaxing. ;)

 

I don't think it has anything to do with age and more about what type of experience you/your family is looking for. We've been to Playa Mia and Mr. Sanchos and it was a bit too much for us. Lots of kids and teens activities and competitions going on, lots of water jungle gyms, slides, etc. But decidedly not chill or relaxing. Nachi, on the other hand, it's very chill (but please don't confuse with boring! It's quite nice and fun, too), music is well under control, being overly loud, profanity and indecency are grounds for dismissal and in our three times there, we've seen two groups being escorted out by management -- so they keep their word. The service and the food are excellent. The "open bar" is truly open and you can request anything they have available (say you're nuts and want a quadruple-shot marge, go for it), that having been said, they will refuse to serve any alcohol to anyone they deem drunk or visibly impaired. Overall, in my experience, if you want a relaxing and fun day at the beach in Cozumel and are willing to pay the premium, you just can't do better than Nachi Cocom.

[Clarea]

Thank you for the information. We have been on all oasis class except symphony which we are going on in June. Will be back on oasis in March, a little worried about a run down ship right before dry dock.

Yep, she's an old rust bucket now.;)