New to CC. 1st cruise in 20 years.

[Iplayslots]

My Wife and i have a cruise on hold for the Royal Carib Oasis for August 22 2021. This will be our first cruise in 20 years. So, i know lots have changed we last took a cruise on the Sovereign all those years ago.  However,  we are the type who just go with the flow. And like to sit at the pool, have a few drinks and enjoy our selves.  What can you experienced cruisers tell us greenhorns, what to book as far as upscale dining, bar packages, deals ect.  Here is a shorg list of ehat is important to us.

 

1) premium dining

2) spa

3) casino 

4) formal nights (still ?)

5) pool scene (seams that this large ship has plenty of deck space)

6) entertainment-shows, karaoke, dancing

7) private island - what is the best area to relax and has a quiet area?

8) we are taking an inside cabin to have extra $$$ to spend onboard.  It is cabin # 8449. Is that a decent location?

 

any advice would be very appreciated.

 

TY
 

[firefly333]

1. If you book premium dining make reservations the first day for choice times. ..at any restaurant.

 

2. I'm not a spa person, but I love the solarium. Note it's much less crowded than the buffet and has meals in there that I personally liked, but free, so if you have unlimited dining I guess skip. 

 

Johnny rockets is free for breakfast and has awesome has browns a meal in themselves though maybe have a egg over them.

 

Entertainment book as early as it opens online. The comedy club is the most crowded. I loved the diving and the broadway musical best, but the skating show and the Las Vegas style show good too.

 

I also enjoyed park cafe for lunch. They had small bagged chips, you can take a couple of extra back to your cabin. Sun chips are my favorite but they run out. It's free at lunch and they make salads and sandwiches and have some desserts.

 

The ship feels less crowded than smaller ships as the shows are booked to spread everyone out.

 

There was a little show during the day at the diving pool good, but lots missed it.

 

I would be happy with the beverages, non alcoholic but depends if you drink a lot. Hard to know someone elses preferences. 

 

Sit down when show bookings open online with paper and pen and map out which shows to book ahead of time.

 

Which private island? Coco cay or labadee? You can purchase a day pass. Some want cover, what do you plan on doing there?

[ano]

1 hour ago, Iplayslots said:

My Wife and i have a cruise on hold for the Royal Carib Oasis for August 22 2021. This will be our first cruise in 20 years. So, i know lots have changed we last took a cruise on the Sovereign all those years ago.  However,  we are the type who just go with the flow. And like to sit at the pool, have a few drinks and enjoy our selves.  What can you experienced cruisers tell us greenhorns, what to book as far as upscale dining, bar packages, deals ect.  Here is a shorg list of ehat is important to us.

 

1) premium dining

2) spa

3) casino 

4) formal nights (still ?)

5) pool scene (seams that this large ship has plenty of deck space)

6) entertainment-shows, karaoke, dancing

7) private island - what is the best area to relax and has a quiet area?

😎 we are taking an inside cabin to have extra $$$ to spend onboard.  It is cabin # 8449. Is that a decent location?

 

any advice would be very appreciated.

 

TY
 

What makes you think things have changed in the last 20 years?  Everything is included, and of course, you don't pay for anything. NOT. 

 

No, we have been cruising for 30 years, and the last 10 were the worst with very excessive nickel-and-dimming,  but it's interesting, post COVID will be a new game entirely.  Already there are changes, for example, Celebrity will be mostly inclusive. So only time will tell what post-Covid turns out to be.

 

So back to your list, 

1) premium dining

Yeah, in the last 20 years, restaurants, at least free ones, have gone down-hill.  Days of lobster every night for dinner are gone (unless you go on Oceania).  Some cruise lines even will charge additional for some things, like steak. So free dining is OK, you get what you pay for. Most other restaurants cost extra. A few don't, most do. 

 

2) spa

I don't use this, but you will hear sales pitches for the spa from the second you get on the boat. Apparently it's a big profit center for cruises. 

 

3) casino 

Pretty much the same as before. 

 

4) formal nights (still ?)

Not many if any. They apparently departed, and took the lobsters with them.  

 

5) pool scene (seams that this large ship has plenty of deck space)

Pre-Covid, if you didn't get up at 6am and "reserve" a chair, you wouldn't have one. Maybe post Covid, everyone gets one, at least 6 feet apart. The pool will have an occupancy limit now.

 

6) entertainment-shows, karaoke, dancing

Mixed. The longer shows are mostly gone. Now the shows are shorter, and a few you have to pay for, most you have to reserve in advance, especially post-Covid.

 

7) private island - what is the best area to relax and has a quiet area?

Did these exist 20 years ago?  Your on your own here.

 

😎 we are taking an inside cabin to have extra $$$ to spend onboard.  It is cabin # 8449. Is that a decent location?

Sounds like a good plan, at least it was pre-Covid.  Do realize now, with one positive test, you could be confined to your indoor cabin for the whole cruise.  You might consider a balcony, so you at least sit outside during your confinement. 

 

 

 

 

 

[Iplayslots]

3 hours ago, firefly333 said:

1. If you book premium dining make reservations the first day for choice times. ..at any restaurant.

 

2. I'm not a spa person, but I love the solarium. Note it's much less crowded than the buffet and has meals in there that I personally liked, but free, so if you have unlimited dining I guess skip. 

 

Johnny rockets is free for breakfast and has awesome has browns a meal in themselves though maybe have a egg over them.

 

Entertainment book as early as it opens online. The comedy club is the most crowded. I loved the diving and the broadway musical best, but the skating show and the Las Vegas style show good too.

 

I also enjoyed park cafe for lunch. They had small bagged chips, you can take a couple of extra back to your cabin. Sun chips are my favorite but they run out. It's free at lunch and they make salads and sandwiches and have some desserts.

 

The ship feels less crowded than smaller ships as the shows are booked to spread everyone out.

 

There was a little show during the day at the diving pool good, but lots missed it.

 

I would be happy with the beverages, non alcoholic but depends if you drink a lot. Hard to know someone elses preferences. 

 

Sit down when show bookings open online with paper and pen and map out which shows to book ahead of time.

 

Which private island? Coco cay or labadee? You can purchase a day pass. Some want cover, what do you plan on doing there?

Thank you for your reply.  Your suggestions were extremely informative and guarantee will prove helpful to us.  We are not big drinkers.  EXCEPT for vacations.  We are used to all inclusive resorts. So we are spoiled.  When we cruised last a bottle of Heineken was about 2.50 and a rum and coke $2.00.  Now i hear they are fairly close to typical resort pricing.  So a package would be beneficial to us. And on the coco kay-key whatever its called. We like to grab a hammock or a lounge chair and stare at the ocean city .  Nothing to crazy.  We are a boring old married couple.  I would imagine since its a late summer sailing leaving out of NJ, we expect lots of kids since school wont start until after labor day weekend.  So we thought the private island may be a place to get some quiet time.  
 

TY for your help.

[Iplayslots]

2 hours ago, ano said:

What makes you think things have changed in the last 20 years?  Everything is included, and of course, you don't pay for anything. NOT. 

 

No, we have been cruising for 30 years, and the last 10 were the worst with very excessive nickel-and-dimming,  but it's interesting, post COVID will be a new game entirely.  Already there are changes, for example, Celebrity will be mostly inclusive. So only time will tell what post-Covid turns out to be.

 

So back to your list, 

1) premium dining

Yeah, in the last 20 years, restaurants, at least free ones, have gone down-hill.  Days of lobster every night for dinner are gone (unless you go on Oceania).  Some cruise lines even will charge additional for some things, like steak. So free dining is OK, you get what you pay for. Most other restaurants cost extra. A few don't, most do. 

 

2) spa

I don't use this, but you will hear sales pitches for the spa from the second you get on the boat. Apparently it's a big profit center for cruises. 

 

3) casino 

Pretty much the same as before. 

 

4) formal nights (still ?)

Not many if any. They apparently departed, and took the lobsters with them.  

 

5) pool scene (seams that this large ship has plenty of deck space)

Pre-Covid, if you didn't get up at 6am and "reserve" a chair, you wouldn't have one. Maybe post Covid, everyone gets one, at least 6 feet apart. The pool will have an occupancy limit now.

 

6) entertainment-shows, karaoke, dancing

Mixed. The longer shows are mostly gone. Now the shows are shorter, and a few you have to pay for, most you have to reserve in advance, especially post-Covid.

 

7) private island - what is the best area to relax and has a quiet area?

Did these exist 20 years ago?  Your on your own here.

 

😎 we are taking an inside cabin to have extra $$$ to spend onboard.  It is cabin # 8449. Is that a decent location?

Sounds like a good plan, at least it was pre-Covid.  Do realize now, with one positive test, you could be confined to your indoor cabin for the whole cruise.  You might consider a balcony, so you at least sit outside during your confinement. 

 

 

 

 

 

Your suggestion for getting a balcony is extremely tempting. We are going to price it out ASAP. Never even crossed my mind about the possibility of being in an inside if we get quarantined 😷. 
Thank you, i knew signing up on CC was a good idea.  
 

TY

[ano]

Yeah, prices might be cheaper than normal because of less capacity. You may not need it, but....

[cb at sea]

If you haven't cruised in 20 years, you will notice a difference from your last cruise, I'm pretty positive.  Of course, the SHIP will be HUGE compared to Sovereign......so that might make up for the other stuff that's changed.

 

[George C]

I would encourage you to consider a balcony, a did oasis a couple of years ago it is a amazing ship , they had two formal nights but not many people dress up anymore, I ditched my tux about then. I was really surprised that we had no problem getting a chair by the pool. Entertainment options are fantastic you will need to prebook most of the shows . Also loads of restaurants options.

[Sunshine3601]

58 minutes ago, Iplayslots said:

Thank you for your reply.  Your suggestions were extremely informative and guarantee will prove helpful to us.  We are not big drinkers.  EXCEPT for vacations.  We are used to all inclusive resorts. So we are spoiled.  When we cruised last a bottle of Heineken was about 2.50 and a rum and coke $2.00.  Now i hear they are fairly close to typical resort pricing.  So a package would be beneficial to us. And on the coco kay-key whatever its called. We like to grab a hammock or a lounge chair and stare at the ocean city .  Nothing to crazy.  We are a boring old married couple.  I would imagine since its a late summer sailing leaving out of NJ, we expect lots of kids since school wont start until after labor day weekend.  So we thought the private island may be a place to get some quiet time.  
 

TY for your help.

Hi!  Welcome to CC.  

I recommend you go to cruise planner and check out dining and beverage packages tonight while still on sale.  You can purchase it and if you change your mind or see a better sale from now till august you can cancel and get refund for any items sold in cruise planner then simply rebook at the lower price.

I do not recommend purchasing any spa items pre-cruise.  They always have sales/specials once onboard.

Re.  Cococay their private island.  There are plenty places where you can enjoy relaxing on a hammock or lounge chair or a nice swim at no additional expense.  Free lunch options while on the island too.

If you purchase a beverage package you can use that on their private island too.

Re. Casino. When you first go you may want to visit casino host and get details on how to become a prime member of club royale.  You get the most points by playing slots.   Once you reach either 2400 or 2500 points within 1 year april 1st to march 31st you will start to receive free cruises for you and your wife.    Great program!!

Re dining option.  All depends on what you like.  There are many free options onboard with some great options.  You can view menus on cruise planner dining section.  Oasis has a nice dinner in the solarium bistro that is free.  Check that out on. Cruise planner you will need to make reservations now as they usually fill up fast.

We all anxiously await details on new protocols once they start sailing again in 2021.  Best to stay tuned on here.

Also I suggest you go to the forum for roll call and find your sailing and sign up for the meet and mingle.

Enjoy planning.  I find that fun too!

[Sunshine3601]

1 hour ago, Iplayslots said:

Your suggestion for getting a balcony is extremely tempting. We are going to price it out ASAP. Never even crossed my mind about the possibility of being in an inside if we get quarantined 😷. 
Thank you, i knew signing up on CC was a good idea.  
 

TY

You may want to try a central park balcony as usually less than OV balcony.  

[ReneeFLL]

5 hours ago, Iplayslots said:

My Wife and i have a cruise on hold for the Royal Carib Oasis for August 22 2021. This will be our first cruise in 20 years. So, i know lots have changed we last took a cruise on the Sovereign all those years ago.  However,  we are the type who just go with the flow. And like to sit at the pool, have a few drinks and enjoy our selves.  What can you experienced cruisers tell us greenhorns, what to book as far as upscale dining, bar packages, deals ect.  Here is a shorg list of ehat is important to us.

 

1) premium dining

2) spa

3) casino 

4) formal nights (still ?)

5) pool scene (seams that this large ship has plenty of deck space)

6) entertainment-shows, karaoke, dancing

7) private island - what is the best area to relax and has a quiet area?

😎 we are taking an inside cabin to have extra $$$ to spend onboard.  It is cabin # 8449. Is that a decent location?

 

any advice would be very appreciated.

 

TY
 

For formal nights some people don’t dress up and others do. We still wear a tux and a gown regardless if we have to fly or if it’s in the Caribbean or not. People use these as excuses to not dress up, but many others don’t. We dress up for formal nights regardless of what others are doing. Depending on the length of the cruise will determine how many formal nights there will be. 

Edited December 1, 2020 by ReneeFLL

[firefly333]

21 minutes ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Oasis has a nice dinner in the solarium bistro that is free.  

I don't remember dinner being free, but I ate a lot of lunches there, just because it's less crowded. It's a little on the healthy side, so I didnt eat breakfast there. They had things like muesli and mushy foods I don't like, but it's where I suggested to eat free to get away from crowds. Lots of salad stuff for lunch.

 

The solarium on rcl ships is one of my hang outs because of a shady pool. I'm supposed to stay out of the sun. I intend to spend a lot of time there my next cruise. Adult pool. I forget if you have kids.

 

The park cafe is great for lunch but hard to find seating and usually crowded, but I love their salads. You point to what you want then they make it. I'm not a big sandwich eater, though I think they are good there,its just more crowded but free. 

 

Dont miss johnny rockets for a sit down breakfast for free on oasis (it doesnt have breakfast on smaller ships, this is your chance). Takes longer, go early and avoid the crowds. I think there was both salad made to order and a menu to order from for lunch in Mdr, but slow. Solarium faster. But try it at least once. 

 

I seem to remember some kind of chinese food but now I only see a pay for izumi which is +10 even with unlimited dining pkg. 

 

I felt like I missed so much the first time I booked oasis again, to hit the foods i missed the first time. 

 

I did a outside balcony and was too hot for me to enjoy sitting out. I wished i had booked a boardwalk balcony to watch diving, but now i think abyss blocks it.

 

The zip line is quite a wait if you do it. Above the climbing walls. Below surfing zone. 

 

 

[Iamcruzin]

6 hours ago, Iplayslots said:

My Wife and i have a cruise on hold for the Royal Carib Oasis for August 22 2021. This will be our first cruise in 20 years. So, i know lots have changed we last took a cruise on the Sovereign all those years ago.  However,  we are the type who just go with the flow. And like to sit at the pool, have a few drinks and enjoy our selves.  What can you experienced cruisers tell us greenhorns, what to book as far as upscale dining, bar packages, deals ect.  Here is a shorg list of ehat is important to us.

 

1) premium dining

2) spa

3) casino 

4) formal nights (still ?)

5) pool scene (seams that this large ship has plenty of deck space)

6) entertainment-shows, karaoke, dancing

7) private island - what is the best area to relax and has a quiet area?

😎 we are taking an inside cabin to have extra $$$ to spend onboard.  It is cabin # 8449. Is that a decent location?

 

any advice would be very appreciated.

 

TY
 

We sailed on Sovereign in 2001 and didn't return to Royal until 2019 on Anthem so I know where you stand. We did sail on Princess and Celebrity in between those years.  People claim that the food in the MDR has gone downhill but I didn't see any difference between 2001 and 2019. However the service in my time dining was terrible on most nights. In 2001 they only had traditional same table same waiter same tablemates so the service was much better.

 

I suspect in Aug 2021 they will still be in the midst of Covid protocol so who knows if they will even offer traditional. Eating with strangers may still be off limits. However, if you are looking for formal nights and service that isn't rushed I would suggest that you choose traditional if it is available. Anytime dining is always a come as you are experience on any given night as far as dress code goes. More people follow the suggested evening dress code in traditional dining Even with the poor service we still prefer anytime dining because we don't like to locked into a set time and we don't dress up on formal nights. 

 

If you can get a good deal on the drink package and it doesn't break the bank I would recommend it. Figure $10 for a glass of wine and $12 for a cocktail plus 18% gratuity if you pay as you go. If you don't drink spirited beverages I would  suggest the refreshment package which includes everything except alcohol.  You can get one Deluxe package and one refreshment package if only one person wants alcoholic beverages. However, you can't purchase it that way online. You have to call on the phone and speak to a customer service rep.

 

Check the cruise planner regularly for deals on drink packages, excursions, specialty dining and Surf and Stream WiFi service.

Edited December 1, 2020 by Iamcruzin

[PigsCanFly]

6 hours ago, Iplayslots said:

My Wife and i have a cruise on hold for the Royal Carib Oasis for August 22 2021. This will be our first cruise in 20 years. So, i know lots have changed we last took a cruise on the Sovereign all those years ago.  However,  we are the type who just go with the flow. And like to sit at the pool, have a few drinks and enjoy our selves.  What can you experienced cruisers tell us greenhorns, what to book as far as upscale dining, bar packages, deals ect.  Here is a shorg list of ehat is important to us.

 

1) premium dining

2) spa

3) casino 

4) formal nights (still ?)

5) pool scene (seams that this large ship has plenty of deck space)

6) entertainment-shows, karaoke, dancing

7) private island - what is the best area to relax and has a quiet area?

😎 we are taking an inside cabin to have extra $$$ to spend onboard.  It is cabin # 8449. Is that a decent location?

 

any advice would be very appreciated.

 

TY
 

We haved for 30+ years, but only the last 5 or so yrs on Royal.  Once we tried Royal, we were hooked.  The crew have been outstanding on the 20+ cruises on Royal.  

As for your list items:

#1 premium dining -- We usually get a 3-day dining package and visit 3 (or more) of the specialty restaurants.  We have tried most of them, but on Oasis class, we like 150 Central Park, Giovanni's, Izumi & Chops.  We also have never been dissappointed by the meals in the Main Dining room.

#2 spa --I do not make use of the spa, but my wife often goes there once for a pedicure of some sort.

#3 casino -- We spend a lot of time in the casino.  Some slot play, but mostly table play for me.  My wife, adult Son & I each are club Royale prime tier of above, which provides free drinks in the casino when it is open.  One or more of us usually gets a free cruise offer and or $ off.  The folks behind the tables are very personable as are the drink stewards.

#4 formal nights? -- They have definitely changed over the last 20 years.  There are some folks dressed to the nines and some very casual.  My son & I will always wear dress pants and a shirt & tie, often a suit coat.  My wife will dress up semi formal, with a nice dress or pant suit.  We fall somewhere in the middle of the range.

#5 pool scene -- Not our thing.  We will occasionally hit a hot tub on a port day.

#6 entertainment, etc. -- The shows on Royal ships have been outstanding for us.  The Broadway show, the Aqua show, and most or all of the other entertainment.

#7 private Island -- We really liked Coco Cay pre-Perfect Day.  We do go ashore now for a swim , an excursion, and/or a lunch.  We do not partake of the amusement park features added recently.  I don't believe we have got off the ship in several stops at Labadee.

#8 inside cabin --  We have not had an inside on a Royal ship.  We like the balcony, or at least, an ocean view room.  We have had a Boardwalk Balcony also which allowed some great people watching of the folks on the Boardwalk.

 

Enjoy your return to cruising.  The oasis will not disappoint!  We will be back on her in early July and mid September.

[Iplayslots]

Thank you all for the Amazing Advice.  There is a lot to process. i remember the Sovereign being a beautiful giant ship standing tall at Miami port. In early 2000. My sister sailed on the Harmony with her family last year.  And she could not stop raving about it and since we live about 45 min from the port Liberty.  It sounded like a good match for us. 
 

Anyway,  you folks have been great.  And we are so excited. Our usual vacation is Vegas, An all inclusive resort. So, be prepared for tons of more questions. 
 

 

[Coralc]

Vegas has all inclusive resorts?  I did not know that. 

[Sunshine3601]

10 hours ago, firefly333 said:

I don't remember dinner being free, but I ate a lot of lunches there.

 

Yes dinner in the solarium on oasis and quantum class is free but you have to make reservation.  I did this the other day for all my future cruises.

You can view sample dinner menu for solarium bistro under dining section on cruise planner.  

I like windjammer for breakfast but will have to see how they handle buffets in 2021.  I love to go to omelet station wherever that may be.

Also like Johnny rockets for breakfast and a good milkshake.

Parks cafe is a great spot for lunch.  Love their fresh sliced roast beef sandwich.

 

[Milwaukee Eight]

Welcome to CC....

[bobmacliberty]

Welcome to Cruise Critic!  I'll echo a few things.  Definitely book shows ahead of time, especially the comedy club because it's a small venue.  You don't book specific seats, just the ability to get into the venue ahead of those without reservations.  Seats are first come, first served, other than some seats that are reserved for suite and Crown & Anchor status passengers.  There will be a standby line for every show if you don't want to make reservations and they allow the standby line to enter 15 minutes before the show starts.  Even with reservations, we usually get to a show at least 30 minutes ahead of showtime to ensure that we get a decent seat.

 

I'll simplify the drinking package question...if you drink at least 4-5 drinks per day (including specialty coffee drinks), go with the drink package.  It's nice not to worry about the cost of a drink (e.g. trying something that you might not otherwise want to pay for).  If you like top shelf booze or high end wine, you'll pay the difference between the actual cost of the drink and the max allowable price for the drink package, which is somewhere around $14.  Example...you order a $20 glass of wine, you pay $6 for it.

 

Food is VERY subjective and you'll find people here complaining about the decline in food quality in the free main dining room (aka MDR).  Others say that they are happy with the selection and service and just like the fact that they don't have to cook/clean.  I would agree that quality has gone down a bit but we're still fine with eating in the MDR.  We even occasionally enjoy eating dinner in the buffet (The Windjammer) when we don't want to spend time getting ready for dinner and want a variety from which to choose.  

 

There will still be a couple of formal nights and you will see many people who no longer dress formally.  You will also see many people who do.  Some use those nights to get portrait photos taken.  There will be several photographers with various backdrops set up.  No cost to get your picture taken (other than likely waiting in a line).  You pay when you choose to buy something.  No requirement to buy anything.

 

I'd also recommend a balcony...not just for possible quarantine purposes but so that you have access to fresh air and a private place to relax and stare at the water.

 

Lots of space on Coco Cay to find a relaxing lounge chair.  I'd go ashore somewhat early (doesn't need to be as soon as possible) if you want chairs in the "front row".  The pool can also be fun with a huge swim-up bar and music.  The music can get loud and the bar can get crowded though.  The pool huge so you can find chairs away from the bar/music area.  As others noted, you can use the drink package for drinks on Coco Cay.

 

It's good that you're the "go with the flow" types as the Oasis class ships are huge and have so much to see and do.  You can't do it all in a week.  I've spent many hours working on spreadsheets to ensure all of our shows/activities/meals fit in the schedule.  If I had more of a go with the flow attitude, I'd worry much less about trying to squeeze everything in.

 

[Iplayslots]

10 hours ago, Coralc said:

Vegas has all inclusive resorts?  I did not know that. 

oops... Vegas or an all inclusive resort.

[Iplayslots]

We just booked. And took the advice of several of you and reserved a balcony. As luck would have it we were able to get a promotion the included for Balcony or suite. That the gratuity is included both of us.  So that offset the price a little.  So far you all have been so extremely helpful.  
 

Like I mentioned in a few previous posts. This is only our 2nd cruise after a 20 year hiatus.  It is overwhelming how much this ship has to offer.  In fact,  we still have all our daily compass’ from the Sovereign.  And we cant believe that the Oasis is 4x the size of the Sovereign. and we thought she was a big ship.   But leaving on a cruise without having to first fly, and deal with all the traveling headaches right in our backyard (figuratively speaking) is a tremendous selling point for us.  
 

We also booked the ultimate beverage package. At what seems to be a fair price with the discount. And a few of you mentioned the dining package as well. We took the 4 meal package as well.  
If the price of these packages drop, can I rebook them at the better discounted price?  
 

TY.

[gatour]

If the prices drop on the packages you can cancel and book at the new price.  I have done that several times.

[2chiefs]

17 hours ago, Iplayslots said:

Your suggestion for getting a balcony is extremely tempting. We are going to price it out ASAP. Never even crossed my mind about the possibility of being in an inside if we get quarantined 😷. 
Thank you, i knew signing up on CC was a good idea.  
 

TY

For what it's worth, Central Park and Boardwalk balconies are inexpensive and you can still get some fresh air

[George C]

4 hours ago, Iplayslots said:

We just booked. And took the advice of several of you and reserved a balcony. As luck would have it we were able to get a promotion the included for Balcony or suite. That the gratuity is included both of us.  So that offset the price a little.  So far you all have been so extremely helpful.  
 

Like I mentioned in a few previous posts. This is only our 2nd cruise after a 20 year hiatus.  It is overwhelming how much this ship has to offer.  In fact,  we still have all our daily compass’ from the Sovereign.  And we cant believe that the Oasis is 4x the size of the Sovereign. and we thought she was a big ship.   But leaving on a cruise without having to first fly, and deal with all the traveling headaches right in our backyard (figuratively speaking) is a tremendous selling point for us.  
 

We also booked the ultimate beverage package. At what seems to be a fair price with the discount. And a few of you mentioned the dining package as well. We took the 4 meal package as well.  
If the price of these packages drop, can I rebook them at the better discounted price?  
 

TY.

Congratulations, please keep on checking the prices since they can go down I have seen big swings in price on liquor package, no problem getting the new price if it does. 

[MrSnarkyPants]

Regarding the private island question - last January we were the first ship to use the Beach Club at Coco Cay. It's an upcharge (of course), but the private restaurant was great, it had its own pool, and plenty of loungers with shade. I would pay to go back.