Oasis of the Seas first revenue cruise on September 5th

[DJLDRUMS]

1 minute ago, Sunshine3601 said:

I am pretty sure Chris is a Casino Host on Odyssey out of FL.

Thanks very much for that info.

[wingatesl]

4 hours ago, DJLDRUMS said:

I was a little surprised too. Normally they'll easily put 12 on a large table, if there are children they can squeez 15. We've had a group of 13 and they put us on two tables next to each other with a 7 and an 8. Seating assignments are done in Miami while it should be easy enough with the reduced capacity to change anything with the Maitre'D. Good luck !

We are a group of 6 families doing their own things and spending time together on various activities. It was by choice. 
 

They WILL accommodate you and they are for our last night

[wingatesl]

16 hours ago, mets123 said:

There's been rumors that the duty free shops now carry Blanton Bourbon. Could you please confirm that and check the price if available?

None there

[wingatesl]

4 hours ago, watertraveler said:

Wingatesl ~  With all the precautions you took before you sailed and with the protocols that RCCL has instituted, how secure do you feel that you will be able to stay healthy?  Are you doing/not doing anything specific while onboard?  We sail next week and my heart really wants to celebrate that we are finally cruising again but my mind keeps throwing up roadblocks.

 

Thanks for all the information you have posted.  I hope that the rest of your week is smooth sailing!

I am vaccinated and have no preexisting conditions. Why would I be worried?

[wingatesl]

4 hours ago, emilysmimi said:

I’ll be on the Oasis on 10/17.  I was wondering if you could ask someone when the Windjammer will start opening for dinner.  On the app, it does show dinner hours.  Thank you for all the news from your cruise and taking the time out of your vacation to post here.

I did ask around about this. No answers

[wingatesl]

4 hours ago, dleahy4444 said:

Hi do you happen to be or know people in suites on this sailing? My question is about the suites lounge for suites guests. Do they still have wine and beer around lunch in the coastal kitchen or are the comp drinks restricted to happy hour? Thanks

We do have some in suites. I asked and they haven’t used those amenities yet

[corthaus]

@wingatesl Thanks for making this thread! Can you comment on how crowded the pool decks and solarium are midday? Any empty hot tubs in the evenings? We’ll be on the 9/26 cruise which I don’t think will have as many people but still curious to hear what we can expect. We’re also planning on doing dinner in the Solarium most evenings, if you’ve had the chance to try any of the food there yet I’d appreciate your take on it!

[DJLDRUMS]

Hoping wingatesl will be able to find out from a crew member if they'll have The Quest. has there been any swimming pool games?  Hope your day at CoCo-Cay goes well and the water's warm.

[nelblu]

On 9/5/2021 at 6:11 PM, DJLDRUMS said:

Yes, if you saw the going away webcam shots the balconies only looked like they were 10% capacity on the starboard side.. HA! maybe everyone wanted to see the Statue of Liberty on the other side??

I did not read all of the response, but was told by Giovanni's MD that there were some 2,800 Paxs.  Saw lots of children on board especially by the kiddy pools.

 

[nelblu]

My first 3 days observations:

 

Had a 11;30 - 12 check in time.  My son drove me from Monmouth County NJ and we made it pier by 10:30.  Expected tow ait until my designated time, but was told to go ahead.

 

Check-in.  I must have seemed that my documents were checked some 5 different times.  Before entering the the building, before security, at check-in kiosk, before going to ship via the suite entrance and finally before taking the escalator.

 

Why so many times especially the C19 vaccine cards.  the first few times it was the seapass card, teh vaccine cards and the test results.  At the kiosk, they scanned/photoed passport, vaccine card, test results & the seapass.  They also asked if I had any symptoms which they verbally mentioned.  The entire process took no more than 15 minutes and it would have been quicker if it wasn't for one agent being a trainee.

 

Ps, I did not have a suite.😀

 

Entering Oasis, surprised that they did not check the sea pass.  They had an arch made of balloons and they must have had some 15-20 staff members congregating by the entrance welcoming everyone aboard and clapping and excited for the return of Paxs.  It seemed corny, but well appreciated.

 

Cabins were ready and by 11.  I ventured to my cabin to get rid of some carry on luggage.

 

D+ BOGO specialty dinner.  There was some questions if solo Paxs could use this C&A benefit.  Went down to GS and asked.  They weren't sure and tried to get an answer, to no avail as it was too early adn staff was not available .

 

Decided to go to CP cafe for lunch.  You can't help/self serve  yourself, everything has to be handed to you.  Had the famous roast beef sandwich and enjoyed it.  As Johnny Cash mentions in teh song "Sunday Morning" in which he enjoyed a 2nd beer, well I truly enjoyed a 2nd sandwich.😀

 

Sorry to deviate, but since I was on the 8th deck, I decided to visit Giovanni's and see if they would get me the answer.  The individual was so helpful and after trying so many people, she was able to get approval for using the BOGO coupon.  Had a nice Sunday dinner at Giovanni's and excellent the following day at Chops.

 

Ship itself is beautiful with the renovations.  They did a nice job with the kiddy water park, the water slides and the Solarium.  Before, it was almost totally enclosed.  Now, there's a stretch of the Solarium areas you can go out and relax/enjoy as there are no overhanging structures.  It's an open area.  Which reminds me that a bunch of us were there when we departed.  Everyone was anticipating the clearing under the Verrazano.  As we reached the bridge and cleared it everyone cheered and yelled at the successful event.  From my vantage point, it seemed quite close.

 

Entertainment:  Saw Charlie Peachock a juggler.  He was entertaining and funny.  They showed clips when he was on American Got Talent.  One of them, was him on fire form his waist down while juggling.  Of course, he did not do that performance.  This was at the Royal theatre and vaxxed were on deck 4, while others were on teh 5th deck.

 

Last night attended the Aqua Show and it was exciting and thrilling.  This night performance was for vaxxed only.  No social distancing at this event.

 

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is for everyone.  

 

Speaking of social distancing.  From what I've noticed.  YES, at Specialty Restaurants & Windjammer, to some extent at the pool areas.  None that I noticed in the D lounge ,Theatre, MDR. & Casino.  There's is still a smoking area in the Casino.

 

Masks are required indoors and there are constant reminders throughout.

 

A bit of confusion which I laugh a t it.  On Tuesday, which was formal night, I wore a sport jacket and long sleeve shirts. As I entered the casino, I was asked to show my green band as it was obscured by my shirt.  As I was losing, I went out for a walk.  Came back via a different entrance and the same occurred.  It also happened a third time.  So I asked the guard why was this checking necessary as the ship supposedly is 100% vaxxed, except for children.  He did not know the answer.

 

I'll report more as events occur.

 

PS.  Staff members are truly happy and excited at the return of passengers.  They are always nice and constantly acknowledging you as you near them.

[LorraineP]

10 minutes ago, nelblu said:

My first 3 days observations:

 

Had a 11;30 - 12 check in time.  My son drove me from Monmouth County NJ and we made it pier by 10:30.  Expected tow ait until my designated time, but was told to go ahead.

 

Check-in.  I must have seemed that my documents were checked some 5 different times.  Before entering the the building, before security, at check-in kiosk, before going to ship via the suite entrance and finally before taking the escalator.

 

Why so many times especially the C19 vaccine cards.  the first few times it was the seapass card, teh vaccine cards and the test results.  At the kiosk, they scanned/photoed passport, vaccine card, test results & the seapass.  They also asked if I had any symptoms which they verbally mentioned.  The entire process took no more than 15 minutes and it would have been quicker if it wasn't for one agent being a trainee.

 

Ps, I did not have a suite.😀

 

Entering Oasis, surprised that they did not check the sea pass.  They had an arch made of balloons and they must have had some 15-20 staff members congregating by the entrance welcoming everyone aboard and clapping and excited for the return of Paxs.  It seemed corny, but well appreciated.

 

Cabins were ready and by 11.  I ventured to my cabin to get rid of some carry on luggage.

 

D+ BOGO specialty dinner.  There was some questions if solo Paxs could use this C&A benefit.  Went down to GS and asked.  They weren't sure and tried to get an answer, to no avail as it was too early adn staff was not available .

 

Decided to go to CP cafe for lunch.  You can't help/self serve  yourself, everything has to be handed to you.  Had the famous roast beef sandwich and enjoyed it.  As Johnny Cash mentions in teh song "Sunday Morning" in which he enjoyed a 2nd beer, well I truly enjoyed a 2nd sandwich.😀

 

Sorry to deviate, but since I was on the 8th deck, I decided to visit Giovanni's and see if they would get me the answer.  The individual was so helpful and after trying so many people, she was able to get approval for using the BOGO coupon.  Had a nice Sunday dinner at Giovanni's and excellent the following day at Chops.

 

Ship itself is beautiful with the renovations.  They did a nice job with the kiddy water park, the water slides and the Solarium.  Before, it was almost totally enclosed.  Now, there's a stretch of the Solarium areas you can go out and relax/enjoy as there are no overhanging structures.  It's an open area.  Which reminds me that a bunch of us were there when we departed.  Everyone was anticipating the clearing under the Verrazano.  As we reached the bridge and cleared it everyone cheered and yelled at the successful event.  From my vantage point, it seemed quite close.

 

Entertainment:  Saw Charlie Peachock a juggler.  He was entertaining and funny.  They showed clips when he was on American Got Talent.  One of them, was him on fire form his waist down while juggling.  Of course, he did not do that performance.  This was at the Royal theatre and vaxxed were on deck 4, while others were on teh 5th deck.

 

Last night attended the Aqua Show and it was exciting and thrilling.  This night performance was for vaxxed only.  No social distancing at this event.

 

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is for everyone.  

 

Speaking of social distancing.  From what I've noticed.  YES, at Specialty Restaurants & Windjammer, to some extent at the pool areas.  None that I noticed in the D lounge ,Theatre, MDR. & Casino.  There's is still a smoking area in the Casino.

 

Masks are required indoors and there are constant reminders throughout.

 

A bit of confusion which I laugh a t it.  On Tuesday, which was formal night, I wore a sport jacket and long sleeve shirts. As I entered the casino, I was asked to show my green band as it was obscured by my shirt.  As I was losing, I went out for a walk.  Came back via a different entrance and the same occurred.  It also happened a third time.  So I asked the guard why was this checking necessary as the ship supposedly is 100% vaxxed, except for children.  He did not know the answer.

 

I'll report more as events occur.

 

PS.  Staff members are truly happy and excited at the return of passengers.  They are always nice and constantly acknowledging you as you near them.

Thank you for taking the time to post. Much appreciated. 

[Ocean Boy]

24 minutes ago, nelblu said:

 

Masks are required indoors and there are constant reminders throughout.

 

A bit of confusion which I laugh a t it.  On Tuesday, which was formal night, I wore a sport jacket and long sleeve shirts. As I entered the casino, I was asked to show my green band as it was obscured by my shirt.  As I was losing, I went out for a walk.  Came back via a different entrance and the same occurred.  It also happened a third time.  So I asked the guard why was this checking necessary as the ship supposedly is 100% vaxxed, except for children.  He did not know the answer.

 

So masks have to be worn inside on a 100% vaccinated cruise. What happens in the lounges?

 

Oh, and thanks for your very informative post.

[Iamcruzin]

On 9/6/2021 at 5:14 AM, wingatesl said:

 

There was a Manhattan in my hand at noon!

 

 

Rye or Bourbon? Do they have Bulleit?

[Jerseygirl1416]

44 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

So masks have to be worn inside on a 100% vaccinated cruise. What happens in the lounges?

 

Oh, and thanks for your very informative post.

No RC cruises are 100% vaccinated. They allow kids under 12 who can’t be vaccinated. I believe NCL is the only one with 100% vaccinated cruises.

[watertraveler]

13 hours ago, wingatesl said:

I am vaccinated and have no preexisting conditions. Why would I be worried?

As am I. With 'breakthrough cases', I sometimes overthink things.  Thanks for your input.

[Ocean Boy]

1 hour ago, Jerseygirl1416 said:

No RC cruises are 100% vaccinated. They allow kids under 12 who can’t be vaccinated. I believe NCL is the only one with 100% vaccinated cruises.

Kids under twelve have no need being in a lounge anyway. Not being able to be in there is a sacrifice they can make in return for being allowed on the ship unvaccinated. I don't see why vaccinated adults should have a lounge experience diminished just to accommodate unvaccinated kids.

[Jerseygirl1416]

5 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

Kids under twelve have no need being in a lounge anyway. Not being able to be in there is a sacrifice they can make in return for being allowed on the ship unvaccinated. I don't see why vaccinated adults should have a lounge experience diminished just to accommodate unvaccinated kids.

I wasn’t commenting on your lounge question I was just replying to your comment asking if masks have to be worn inside on a 100% vaccinated cruise. They do on RC because it’s not a 100% vaccinated cruise. As far as lounges go I’ve read that some are designated vaccinated only so no masks there and the others as long as your eating and drinking you wouldn’t have to wear a mask. I’m not a mask fan either but I’m going to go with an open mind and try to stay outside as much as possible.

[parrotplay]

9 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

Kids under twelve have no need being in a lounge anyway. Not being able to be in there is a sacrifice they can make in return for being allowed on the ship unvaccinated. I don't see why vaccinated adults should have a lounge experience diminished just to accommodate unvaccinated kids.

I don't know why all the vaccinated adults even need to wear a wristband. I think the children under 12 would like wearing a bracelet. The majority of the ship then would not have to wear one. 

[DaniDanielle]

We were on the Simulation cruise.  The balloon arch was up and the crew genuinely seemed happy to see us.  After awhile you forget you have a band on and the masking is not a big deal.  Then again we didn’t have any kids around!

[Ocean Boy]

35 minutes ago, parrotplay said:

I don't know why all the vaccinated adults even need to wear a wristband. I think the children under 12 would like wearing a bracelet. The majority of the ship then would not have to wear one. 

You are using way too much common sense.😉

[DJLDRUMS]

4 hours ago, nelblu said:

My first 3 days observations:

 

Had a 11;30 - 12 check in time.  My son drove me from Monmouth County NJ and we made it pier by 10:30.  Expected tow ait until my designated time, but was told to go ahead.

 

Check-in.  I must have seemed that my documents were checked some 5 different times.  Before entering the the building, before security, at check-in kiosk, before going to ship via the suite entrance and finally before taking the escalator.

 

Why so many times especially the C19 vaccine cards.  the first few times it was the seapass card, teh vaccine cards and the test results.  At the kiosk, they scanned/photoed passport, vaccine card, test results & the seapass.  They also asked if I had any symptoms which they verbally mentioned.  The entire process took no more than 15 minutes and it would have been quicker if it wasn't for one agent being a trainee.

 

Ps, I did not have a suite.😀

 

Entering Oasis, surprised that they did not check the sea pass.  They had an arch made of balloons and they must have had some 15-20 staff members congregating by the entrance welcoming everyone aboard and clapping and excited for the return of Paxs.  It seemed corny, but well appreciated.

 

Cabins were ready and by 11.  I ventured to my cabin to get rid of some carry on luggage.

 

D+ BOGO specialty dinner.  There was some questions if solo Paxs could use this C&A benefit.  Went down to GS and asked.  They weren't sure and tried to get an answer, to no avail as it was too early adn staff was not available .

 

Decided to go to CP cafe for lunch.  You can't help/self serve  yourself, everything has to be handed to you.  Had the famous roast beef sandwich and enjoyed it.  As Johnny Cash mentions in teh song "Sunday Morning" in which he enjoyed a 2nd beer, well I truly enjoyed a 2nd sandwich.😀

 

Sorry to deviate, but since I was on the 8th deck, I decided to visit Giovanni's and see if they would get me the answer.  The individual was so helpful and after trying so many people, she was able to get approval for using the BOGO coupon.  Had a nice Sunday dinner at Giovanni's and excellent the following day at Chops.

 

Ship itself is beautiful with the renovations.  They did a nice job with the kiddy water park, the water slides and the Solarium.  Before, it was almost totally enclosed.  Now, there's a stretch of the Solarium areas you can go out and relax/enjoy as there are no overhanging structures.  It's an open area.  Which reminds me that a bunch of us were there when we departed.  Everyone was anticipating the clearing under the Verrazano.  As we reached the bridge and cleared it everyone cheered and yelled at the successful event.  From my vantage point, it seemed quite close.

 

Entertainment:  Saw Charlie Peachock a juggler.  He was entertaining and funny.  They showed clips when he was on American Got Talent.  One of them, was him on fire form his waist down while juggling.  Of course, he did not do that performance.  This was at the Royal theatre and vaxxed were on deck 4, while others were on teh 5th deck.

 

Last night attended the Aqua Show and it was exciting and thrilling.  This night performance was for vaxxed only.  No social distancing at this event.

 

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is for everyone.  

 

Speaking of social distancing.  From what I've noticed.  YES, at Specialty Restaurants & Windjammer, to some extent at the pool areas.  None that I noticed in the D lounge ,Theatre, MDR. & Casino.  There's is still a smoking area in the Casino.

 

Masks are required indoors and there are constant reminders throughout.

 

A bit of confusion which I laugh a t it.  On Tuesday, which was formal night, I wore a sport jacket and long sleeve shirts. As I entered the casino, I was asked to show my green band as it was obscured by my shirt.  As I was losing, I went out for a walk.  Came back via a different entrance and the same occurred.  It also happened a third time.  So I asked the guard why was this checking necessary as the ship supposedly is 100% vaxxed, except for children.  He did not know the answer.

 

I'll report more as events occur.

 

PS.  Staff members are truly happy and excited at the return of passengers.  They are always nice and constantly acknowledging you as you near them.

This is a really complete report and thanks for informing us all. Hopefully you or other passengers will be able to find out if The Quest is going to happen on the last sea night. Always an interesting event. Hopefully you'll give us info on your take of Coco Cay that I'm watching the ship on Cruisemapper approach the island about 11:45am . Sunday the 12th is our departure date.

[wingatesl]

KSC tour: The space center itself was pretty awesome, I will still rank it as a bad tour. The tour company was unable to get them to stay open late so they just drove us around for 1:15 on a sightseeing tour of cocoa village. Everyone just wanted off the bus. 
 

Cococay: definitely had a party vibe and was lively. The reduced passenger count definitely made access to things easy. No lines and immediately got a seat at the swim up bar. 

[wingatesl]

3 hours ago, watertraveler said:

As am I. With 'breakthrough cases', I sometimes overthink things.  Thanks for your input.

You have a better chance of winning the lottery than suffering from a breakthrough case. Enjoy life!

[corthaus]

25 minutes ago, wingatesl said:

The tour company was unable to get them to stay open late so they just drove us around for 1:15 on a sightseeing tour of cocoa village. Everyone just wanted off the bus. 

 

I find this hilarious, why wouldn't they just take you back to the boat at that point??

[wingatesl]

14 minutes ago, corthaus said:

 

I find this hilarious, why wouldn't they just take you back to the boat at that point??

Apparently they were contracted for a specific number of hours. I am guessing that RCL would be demanding money back if they only went 4 hours instead of 5. They seriously drove around to burn up time. After driving past our terminal, they took us down to show off the new carnival terminal.