Oasis first timer info

[Trinam2]

Hi, We usually cruise with Carnival because we are just comfortable with that line. I have been telling my DH for a. Few years we should try an Oasis class ship from RCI because the size is something we can’t experience with Carnival at this point in time. He surprised me for my birthday with a trip on the Oasis next month.One of my favorite rituals of vacations and cruising is the planning.I usually have months beforehand to peruse the CC boards and learn all the tips and tricks about the ship and ports we are sailing. Anyone have any that they would like to share about the Oasis and the Western Itinerary? TIA

[Clarea]

Use the Cruise Planner on Royal's website to attempt to make entertainment reservations.

 

If it is too late already to get the days/times you want, then go to the "box office" as soon as you board to make reservations.  The box office location will be shown on the documentation you are given at check-in.

[Biker19]

Just read Oasis related threads from the top of the main page drop down.

[amybk27]

Definitely make sure to go on your planner right away and book your show times.  I always like to book the water show earlier in the week as well because I have been on a few cruises were due to weather shows have had to be canceled and some never got to see it.  Since it is your birthday, I might recommend trying some specialty restaurants.  I really enjoy 150 Central Park, Izumi Hibachi, and Chops on Oasis.  I love Labadee Haiti, some say really bad things about it and don't get off, but I highly recommend you do.  It's a nice beach day.  

[Trinam2]

19 minutes ago, amybk27 said:

Definitely make sure to go on your planner right away and book your show times.  I always like to book the water show earlier in the week as well because I have been on a few cruises were due to weather shows have had to be canceled and some never got to see it.  Since it is your birthday, I might recommend trying some specialty restaurants.  I really enjoy 150 Central Park, Izumi Hibachi, and Chops on Oasis.  I love Labadee Haiti, some say really bad things about it and don't get off, but I highly recommend you do.  It's a nice beach day.  

I did go on the cruise planner and book all the shows. There was slim pickings for showtimes.The only times left were very late shows but at least I got something booked. The only dining time left was late seating as well, I hope it doesn’t conflict to much. Are there any activities that you would say are a “must do”? 

[Cinders411]

Just to echo the others make your reservations for shows asap! We just did a sailing (actually a Back2Back) on the Oasis for the first time a month or so ago. We LOVED it! Worried it would be too big for our liking but, it was great. Never felt crowded even when disembarking. We did eat at off times when not in the dining room to make things easier. Make sure you spend some quiet time relaxing in the Solarium and eat lunch in some of the other venues. Don't spend all your time in the buffet. The Park Cafe has THE BEST roast beef sandwiches and DH loved the hotdogs at The Dog House. Chops was well worth the cost. Johnny Rockets has free breakfast. Great music venues. So much to do there is just not enough time. Have a blast!   

[amybk27]

1 minute ago, Trinam2 said:

I did go on the cruise planner and book all the shows. There was slim pickings for showtimes.The only times left were very late shows but at least I got something booked. The only dining time left was late seating as well, I hope it doesn’t conflict to much. Are there any activities that you would say are a “must do”? 

On the Oasis, I loved the ice show.  Much better than on the Allure.  I would definitely recommend doing that.  I also had fun on the zip line and the rock climbing wall.  I recommend doing them right when they open as they can get crowded.  Also make sure to sign waiver either online before you go or the first day so you can eliminate having to do that when you want to actually do the activities.  I also enjoy central park at night with the lights and the warm air.  Whenever we eat at Giovanni's or Chops we ask to sit outside as they are in Central Park.  

[flamingos]

Spend time in Central Park - they have quiet music most evenings (quartets, piano and cello, things like that).  It's lovely. 

[h20skibum]

You can also try skating at the ice rink, and try out the flow rider.

 

If you didn’t get a time you like for the shows at the Aquatheatre, you can go to the balcony on deck 7 and watch from there.  

 

Hope you got scheduled for the comedy show.  That one is in the smallest venue

[chill6x6]

You'll be fine.  Just got back off Oasis earlier in the month.  First time for us too!

 

For SURE see ice skating show and ANY diving event.  

The comedians were good.  If you want to go make reservations IMMEDIATELY!  SMALL venue!! Beware subject matter is pretty out there! 

Johnny Rockets is good and pretty cheap, Do it!

Sorrento's and Wipe Out Cafe were two great spots to eat with no extra fee.

Went to the Windjammer ONCE....didn't go back for a reason.

Don't overlook room service...even if you have to pay the service charge it's a bargain.  Food was GREAT and service FAST!  We stayed in a suite and RS was included but knowing what I do now, would pay the service charge in a second!

PLENTIFUL deck chairs!  WOW!  It was the best in that regard!  FOUR pools!

We felt Chop's was overpriced.  Food okay and service blah.

You might consider Jamaica Culinary Tours in Falmouth.  I've done it twice and it's pretty good and fun!

Of course lots to do in Cozumel.

Labadee...go to the beach!  We got a cabana which was GREAT!

 

You have any specific questions?

 

 

[Trinam2]

Did you feel crowded at all? I hear some do and some don’t. I am a little apprehensive about that. Did you spend any time in the casino? If so, what are your thoughts on it?

[OfficerKrupke]

 

30 minutes ago, chill6x6 said:

 

Went to the Windjammer ONCE....didn't go back for a reason.

 

<snip>

You have any specific questions?

 

 

 I do. What was the reason? Your statement is beyond vague.

[Akulakat]

If you are first time RCI,  then you want to make sure you go to the 'Love and Marriage'   dating game...and THE QUEST.    Those two are a must see.   If you have any show scheduled during that time,  skip it.   And you will want to get there early.

[Trinam2]

I have done the love and marriage games show on Carnival. I wonder if it the same? What is Quest? 

Edited December 21, 2018 by Trinam2

[Clarea]

18 minutes ago, Trinam2 said:

I have done the love and marriage games show on Carnival. I wonder if it the same? What is Quest? 

 

Quest is an in-the-room adult scavenger hunt.

[Trinam2]

That sounds fun! Ty

[chill6x6]

9 hours ago, Trinam2 said:

Did you feel crowded at all? I hear some do and some don’t. I am a little apprehensive about that. Did you spend any time in the casino? If so, what are your thoughts on it?

Not really....the only time we REALLY knew there were a lot of people on board was in the Windjammer and during disembarkation..  I only walked thru the casino once.  Looked really nice! 

[momofmab]

We cruised on Oasis for the first time in April, during Easter week (full ship!)  I only noticed the crowds after the muster drill and on the pool deck during a sea day 😉  I was very impressed with how un-crowded it felt!

 

My recommendation would be to steer clear of Windjammer on embarkation day.  On other days, the Wipeout Café could be a good option, but the one day I went in there to grab a quick lunch, I saw a group of kids grabbing fries out of the bin with their hands (it's located near the sports area of the ship, so frequented by a lot of kids).  I didn't go back after that!

 

After reading reviews on here, I worried about the elevators being crowded - they weren't at all (except after muster drill), but I used the stairs as much as possible, nonetheless.

 

If you're planning a ship's excursion in Jamaica, I would plan to get off the ship sooner rather than later.  It tends to get a little chaotic at the port, with such a large ship.

 

In Labadee - unless you have a cabana reserved (or are in a suite and have access to the suite beach), I would also get off sooner rather than later - especially if you're planning to go to Columbus Cove.  The best spots on the beach go quick and that area does get pretty crowded.

 

I also agree about the ice show - don't miss it!

 

Oasis is a great ship!  Have fun!

[Trinam2]

2 minutes ago, momofmab said:

We cruised on Oasis for the first time in April, during Easter week (full ship!)  I only noticed the crowds after the muster drill and on the pool deck during a sea day 😉  I was very impressed with how un-crowded it felt!

 

My recommendation would be to steer clear of Windjammer on embarkation day.  On other days, the Wipeout Café could be a good option, but the one day I went in there to grab a quick lunch, I saw a group of kids grabbing fries out of the bin with their hands (it's located near the sports area of the ship, so frequented by a lot of kids).  I didn't go back after that!

 

After reading reviews on here, I worried about the elevators being crowded - they weren't at all (except after muster drill), but I used the stairs as much as possible, nonetheless.

 

If you're planning a ship's excursion in Jamaica, I would plan to get off the ship sooner rather than later.  It tends to get a little chaotic at the port, with such a large ship.

 

In Labadee - unless you have a cabana reserved (or are in a suite and have access to the suite beach), I would also get off sooner rather than later - especially if you're planning to go to Columbus Cove.  The best spots on the beach go quick and that area does get pretty crowded.

 

I also agree about the ice show - don't miss it!

 

Oasis is a great ship!  Have fun!

Great advice, thanks 

[Dajbman22]

Also for Labadee, if you don't have the budget for a cabana, you can also reserve a daybed (~$150, good for up to 4 guests) or a clamshell (~$45, good for up to 2 guests) to get a guaranteed spot, so you don't have to rush off as early (although you may still want to get off earlier if you want to be in the first row of either for an unobstructed ocean view).