Short history of 9/12 sailing of Oasis of the Seas.

[watertraveler]

My husband and I just got off the Oasis of the Seas 9/12 sailing.  Here are a few thoughts from this past week.

 

*Armed with passports, vaccine cards, and negative test results, we arrived a little early for our 12:30 boarding time.  We found a seat and prepared to wait until our group was called. just before noon, we were called to get into line and were processed and on the ship by 12:30.  Easy!

 

*Once onboard, we did the safety drill on the app.  For some reason, my husband sailed through, but mine referred me to the muster station to get processed by a staff member.  Not a very smooth start.

 

*Next, because you can't make reservations for shows before you board, I tried to tackle this on the app.  It was probably me but I had difficulty in getting confirmation for the shows.  I searched out a staff member who told me that there was a problem with my account and I needed to go to guest services. They were able to clear up the problem and I was able to make show reservations.  (I was getting a little tired by this time but things started to smooth out after that).

 

*We were initially told the rooms would be ready by 1:00 but an announcement was made that 2:00 would be the time you could access your stateroom.

 

*As a Diamond member, one of the perks was four free drinks any time during the day, not just during happy hour.  This was a nice touch because bottles of water were also included.

 

*Safety protocols were very apparent and reminders were given if you forgot your mask (that was me). All adults had to be vaccinated but there were very clear areas for vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers.  Sound confusing until you realize that children under 12 were unable to be vaccinated therefore, even though the parents were, their group had to stay in the unvaccinated areas.  

 

*Pool areas were carefully monitored for the number of people that were able to go in at one time.  Some people were very courteous about rotating out so other people could have a turn cooling off while others staked their claim to an area of the pool and stayed there long after it was polite to do so..

 

*With only about 2400 passengers onboard, chair saving wasn't really an issue but chairs on the pool deck were measured for social distancing and you weren't really able to move them.  We found the Solarium to be the best place to hang out.

 

*Crew members seemed sincerely happy to be back and welcomed you with 'smiling eyes'.

 

*The entertainment was pretty good. We enjoyed Earl Turner and loved the Aqua80 water show. It was superb!  We saw Cats one evening and, even though its not my favorite production, the cast members really knew how to sing!

 

*We had decided ahead of time that the only time we would get off the ship would be on Coco Cay.  We really used this week to kick back and relax.

 

*Debarkation was a breeze.  Our scheduled time to depart was 8:45.  We had time to get breakfast and then we were supposed to return to the cabin and wait to be called. It was just about 8:00 when our group number came up on the tv screen. We went downstairs, collected our bags, passed through customs using facial recognition and walked out to our car.  By 8:30, were on our way home.

 

I felt really safe onboard and it was good to be back sailing. If anyone has upcoming plans to sail on the Oasis and has questions, let me know.  I will try to answer them for you.  Happy sailing!

[luckyinpa]

thanks for the details

 

newbie here that only has left out of NYC. is customs different in NJ? once off in NYC theres a long walk down the pier to get in the building( fun in winter) and then once inside you go downstairs, find luggage then customs . BUT if you get a porter, he takes your bags and you get to the front of the customs line, also very nice because it's pretty long walk to the car in the winter.  is facial recognition taking the place of in person discussion?

 

when you were waiting to board, did you see/hear anything about suite boarding. i booked late and got a late boarding time but would love to be on earlier of course. 

 

is it ok to drop bags in the cabin and go explore

 

for bfast and lunch at the buffet was it self serve?

 

i notice even though i'm a month out, the MDR menus are on the app. did you notice that too. curious if they were accurate. 

 

notice any hot tub hogging?

 

any elevator issues?

 

where did you sit on the island. ive never been there and undecided where i want to go. 

 

do you need water shoes on the island?

 

with the buffet closed did you eat in the MDR mostly or get some specialties?   i love food reviews and suggestions

 

thanks!

Edited September 19, 2021 by luckyinpa

[LorraineP]

Did you save the entertainment schedule? If so can you post. 

[shari3]

Here’s the entertainment schedule from the 9/12 sailing. 

[LorraineP]

53 minutes ago, shari3 said:

Here’s the entertainment schedule from the 9/12 sailing. 

Thank you 

[watertraveler]

1 hour ago, luckyinpa said:

newbie here that only has left out of NYC. is customs different in NJ? once off in NYC theres a long walk down the pier to get in the building( fun in winter) and then once inside you go downstairs, find luggage then customs . BUT if you get a porter, he takes your bags and you get to the front of the customs line, also very nice because it's pretty long walk to the car in the winter.  is facial recognition taking the place of in person discussion?

 

when you were waiting to board, did you see/hear anything about suite boarding. i booked late and got a late boarding time but would love to be on earlier of course. 

I didn't notice a line for suite guests.  The process for checking in was really quick.

is it ok to drop bags in the cabin and go explore

The door to the staterooms was locked. It did seem like some decks opened up cabins earlier than 2 but ours was not one of them.

for bfast and lunch at the buffet was it self serve?

There is no self serve in Windjammer or the Solarium Cafe. Crew members were at each station and placed food on your plate. By the way, the Solarium Cafe was definitely my choice over Windjammer. It was smaller and less hectic. In the Windjammer, be prepared to scan your sea pass car both going in and out of the dining room. The Windjammer was not open for dinner.

i notice even though i'm a month out, the MDR menus are on the app. did you notice that too. curious if they were accurate. 

They were accurate.

notice any hot tub hogging?

There were plenty of hot tubs but my favorite were the ones just before you enter the Solarium.  They are huge and extend over the side of the ship.

any elevator issues?

With just about 2400 people onboard, there was hardly any overcrowding on the elevators.  I only had to wait twice for another elevator to come along.

where did you sit on the island. ive never been there and undecided where i want to go. 

If you like the ocean and don't mind sea grass, then head to Chill Island where you can do some decent snorkeling.  Harbor Beach was ok but I really like the Oasis Lagoon,  a huge fresh water pool with swim up bar.

do you need water shoes on the island?

There were people who had them.

with the buffet closed did you eat in the MDR mostly or get some specialties?   i love food reviews and suggestions

We mostly ate in the MDR for dinner.  We had a terrific waiter and assistant waiter.  Pradeep and Karun ran a great section around 268.  If you are lucky enough to get them as your waiters, tell them Miss Nancy and Mr. Edward sent you! My husband had a great sushi lunch in Izumi. On another day, we ate lunch at the Portside BBQ. I highly recommend trying it out.  They smoke their own meats onboard.  The ribs were awesome! We did not try any specialty restaurants for dinner but the Central Park neighborhood has a great atmosphere at night and, if you have the chance, book a table outdoors.

thanks!

Edited 1 hour ago by luckyinpa

 

[luckyinpa]

THANKS  for all that great info. as a first timer i worry about the details. i hope we can get in early for the bag drop, if we do CK for lunch it would be weird with carryons. 

 

solarium menu did look good and i had no idea about the hot tubs over the edge of the ship. thanks will look for some vids of that

[reallyitsmema]

25 minutes ago, luckyinpa said:

THANKS  for all that great info. as a first timer i worry about the details. i hope we can get in early for the bag drop, if we do CK for lunch it would be weird with carryons. 

 

solarium menu did look good and i had no idea about the hot tubs over the edge of the ship. thanks will look for some vids of that

 

I thought you were sailing Star Class?  

[Merion_Mom]

5 hours ago, luckyinpa said:

thanks for the details

 

newbie here that only has left out of NYC. is customs different in NJ? once off in NYC theres a long walk down the pier to get in the building( fun in winter) and then once inside you go downstairs, find luggage then customs . BUT if you get a porter, he takes your bags and you get to the front of the customs line, also very nice because it's pretty long walk to the car in the winter.  is facial recognition taking the place of in person discussion?

 

 

 

Cape Liberty is NOT NYC.  The new terminal situation is very nice and very efficient.  No long walk.  The garage is very nearby if you are driving yourselves.  If you want to be even closer, have the driver drop off the passengers at the door with luggage, then park and walk back.  This is for embarkation.

 

For disembarkation, Cape Liberty has been using facial recognition for YEARS, so it's very fast.  There will be porters if you want one.

[mets123]

6 hours ago, LorraineP said:

Did you save the entertainment schedule? If so can you post. 

Keep in mind the fly in entertainment can change from week to week. The group in the Music Hall, Phoenix, said the other night that they were leaving today. They were on for two weeks.

[LorraineP]

38 minutes ago, mets123 said:

Keep in mind the fly in entertainment can change from week to week. The group in the Music Hall, Phoenix, said the other night that they were leaving today. They were on for two weeks.

Mainly concerned for the main shows.  

[watertraveler]

For the most part, we enjoyed the entertainment. Earl Turner, as one of the headliners, was a good way to start the cruise.  The Edge Effect was different.  They were very talented but the show went too long.  Aqua80 was AMAZING!  Don't miss it.  Cats was well produced and the singing was terrific. The ice show was ok but not the best that I've seen.  We missed Phoenix, didn't see any of the movies and the adult comedy, NerySaenz and Kivi Rogers, was funny but enough with the word f*@k.  I loved the band in Boleros.  Make sure you at least take a walk through on Central Park to here the guitarist.  Schooner Bar and the Promenade had music each night. 

[nelblu]

13 hours ago, luckyinpa said:

thanks for the details

 

newbie here that only has left out of NYC. is customs different in NJ? once off in NYC theres a long walk down the pier to get in the building( fun in winter) and then once inside you go downstairs, find luggage then customs . BUT if you get a porter, he takes your bags and you get to the front of the customs line, also very nice because it's pretty long walk to the car in the winter.  is facial recognition taking the place of in person discussion?

It took me only  10-15 minutes to get form ship to the sidewalk,  Customs was almost non-existent as it was handled via facial recognition technology.

13 hours ago, luckyinpa said:

when you were waiting to board, did you see/hear anything about suite boarding. i booked late and got a late boarding time but would love to be on earlier of course. 

 

is it ok to drop bags in the cabin and go explore

There is an entrance for Suites and it's to the left side of the check-in kiosks.

 

Yes, when once cabins are ready.

13 hours ago, luckyinpa said:

for bfast and lunch at the buffet was it self serve?

 

i notice even though i'm a month out, the MDR menus are on the app. did you notice that too. curious if they were accurate. 

No, everything is handled by staff, including the plates and utensils.  Be ready to wash your hands frequently and social distancing is strictly observed.

 

Did not use the app, but assume it right as menus do not change frequently

13 hours ago, luckyinpa said:

notice any hot tub hogging?

No, there are many hot tubs, plus ship was not at full capacity.

13 hours ago, luckyinpa said:

any elevator issues?

 

Not much. only six at a time

where did you sit on the island. ive never been there and undecided where i want to go. 

Assume you mean Coco Cay.  I stayed at Harbor Beach.  Water was nice and serene.  It's the first after you go over the beach.   However, you should explore for any future reference.

13 hours ago, luckyinpa said:

do you need water shoes on the island?

No,  however it's your choice.  I had sandals and they were fine.  Harbor Beach was all white sand.

13 hours ago, luckyinpa said:

 

with the buffet closed did you eat in the MDR mostly or get some specialties?   i love food reviews and suggestions

Buffet on the Sept. 5 sail was closed for dinner.  Had dinner at both Chops and Giovanni's and both were excellent.  Loved the rack of lambs at Chops.  Remember, you can order multiple appetizers and desserts, but only one entree.

13 hours ago, luckyinpa said:

 

Have a good and happy sailing.

13 hours ago, luckyinpa said:

thanks!

 

[Merion_Mom]

1 hour ago, watertraveler said:

For the most part, we enjoyed the entertainment. Earl Turner, as one of the headliners, was a good way to start the cruise.  The Edge Effect was different.  They were very talented but the show went too long.  Aqua80 was AMAZING!  Don't miss it.  Cats was well produced and the singing was terrific. The ice show was ok but not the best that I've seen.  We missed Phoenix, didn't see any of the movies and the adult comedy, NerySaenz and Kivi Rogers, was funny but enough with the word f*@k.  I loved the band in Boleros.  Make sure you at least take a walk through on Central Park to here the guitarist.  Schooner Bar and the Promenade had music each night. 

 

I love Kivi Rogers.  He didn't used to use F-bombs much, if at all.

[nelblu]

16 minutes ago, Merion_Mom said:

 

I love Kivi Rogers.  He didn't used to use F-bombs much, if at all.

Initially, I thought it  was "Kiwi".😄 The performance that I attended,  there was a gentlemen that had one  too many, and wanted some attention, but he put him in his place. 

 

Regarding Earl Turner, he's always one of the entertainers sailing from Bayonne and seen him some 8 times.  Enjoyed the juggler and was hoping he would replicate the act that he performed at American Got Talent where his pants were on fire while juggling.🤣

 

[watertraveler]

6 hours ago, Merion_Mom said:

I love Kivi Rogers.  He didn't used to use F-bombs much, if at all.

True but nearly every other word from Nery was. It was billed as an adult show so I should have expected that.