Oasis of the Seas vs NCL Joy

[hazeleyes46]

Love RCCL and the Oasis class but was looking into NCL as prices are about the same as they have drink packages included (would be an extra for spouse who it would cost more for the alcohol package on RCCL), Wifi included (wouldn't get with RCCL), an excursion included (might benefit us) and specialty dining (would benefit us). 

Looking at the Joy but when I watch videos, the ship just looks so closed up and some activities cost more money.

Has anyone done both and what are the pros and cons of leaving RCCL?

We are also 4 cruises away from Diamond so thinking we should stay right now with RCCL.

[dolfan1980]

I have sailed both, though my Oasis experience was when the ship was brand new.  If you could get both ships and packages for the exact same price I would go with the Oasis, there's just so much to do and so many options.  That said, I sailed the Joy last fall and it was probably my favourite cruise so far, especially love the Observation Deck.  

 

My experience with pricing is that for what I value, the NCL prices are significantly less than the equivalent thing on RCCL.  To get an outside balcony (not central park) mid-ship on the Oasis, plus a drink package, specialty meal and wifi, it would cost significantly more on RCCL than NCL.  That's what has drawn me to NCL in recent cruises.  I do have a RCCL cruise coming up in a few weeks though, so I'm not completely biased!

 

That said, if you're getting the equivalent cabin on Oasis, she's an amazing ship.

[hazeleyes46]

5 minutes ago, dolfan1980 said:

I have sailed both, though my Oasis experience was when the ship was brand new.  If you could get both ships and packages for the exact same price I would go with the Oasis, there's just so much to do and so many options.  That said, I sailed the Joy last fall and it was probably my favourite cruise so far, especially love the Observation Deck.  

 

My experience with pricing is that for what I value, the NCL prices are significantly less than the equivalent thing on RCCL.  To get an outside balcony (not central park) mid-ship on the Oasis, plus a drink package, specialty meal and wifi, it would cost significantly more on RCCL than NCL.  That's what has drawn me to NCL in recent cruises.  I do have a RCCL cruise coming up in a few weeks though, so I'm not completely biased!

 

That said, if you're getting the equivalent cabin on Oasis, she's an amazing ship.

Thanks 🙂  I have priced out the inside rooms for both ships. 

[dolfan1980]

5 minutes ago, hazeleyes46 said:

Thanks 🙂  I have priced out the inside rooms for both ships. 

For me it really comes down to if you value the drink package and other free at sea items like the dinners and wifi.  For me, the drink package I love to have to take the stress out of extra costs in particular.  Royal is quite expensive to add that on top of the cruise fare.  Good luck deciding, there are worse problems to have 🙂  

[hazeleyes46]

5 minutes ago, dolfan1980 said:

For me it really comes down to if you value the drink package and other free at sea items like the dinners and wifi.  For me, the drink package I love to have to take the stress out of extra costs in particular.  Royal is quite expensive to add that on top of the cruise fare.  Good luck deciding, there are worse problems to have 🙂  

Thank you and yes, there are worse problems 🙂

[binro01]

26 minutes ago, dolfan1980 said:

I have sailed both, though my Oasis experience was when the ship was brand new.  If you could get both ships and packages for the exact same price I would go with the Oasis, there's just so much to do and so many options.  That said, I sailed the Joy last fall and it was probably my favourite cruise so far, especially love the Observation Deck.  

 

My experience with pricing is that for what I value, the NCL prices are significantly less than the equivalent thing on RCCL.  To get an outside balcony (not central park) mid-ship on the Oasis, plus a drink package, specialty meal and wifi, it would cost significantly more on RCCL than NCL.  That's what has drawn me to NCL in recent cruises.  I do have a RCCL cruise coming up in a few weeks though, so I'm not completely biased!

 

That said, if you're getting the equivalent cabin on Oasis, she's an amazing ship.

Not necessarily true. I'm on Allure of the Seas (Oasis class ship), have the Deluxe Beverage package (More comprehensive then the included Open Bar package on NCL) in a Balcony. Have the Chops+1 specialty dining and Unlimited WiFi Stream VOOM vs 150 minutes.

The cost was significantly less than on NCL for an eastern Caribbean cruise on one of their breakaway plus class cruise ships. 20% less to be specific. My RCCL cruise is costing me 2280.00 with 200.00 OBC vs the NCL equivalent of of 3100.00 and no OBC (2 people 7N cruise)

Edited October 19, 2022 by binro01

[time4u2go]

31 minutes ago, hazeleyes46 said:

Love RCCL and the Oasis class but was looking into NCL as prices are about the same as they have drink packages included (would be an extra for spouse who it would cost more for the alcohol package on RCCL), Wifi included (wouldn't get with RCCL), an excursion included (might benefit us) and specialty dining (would benefit us). 

Looking at the Joy but when I watch videos, the ship just looks so closed up and some activities cost more money.

Has anyone done both and what are the pros and cons of leaving RCCL?

We are also 4 cruises away from Diamond so thinking we should stay right now with RCCL.

Have you posted your question on the NCL board also?  If not, you might consider doing so in order to get more opinions from those that have cruised on the Joy.

[dolfan1980]

5 minutes ago, binro01 said:

Not necessarily true. I'm on Allure of the Seas (Oasis class ship), have the Deluxe Beverage package (More comprehensive then the included Open Bar package on NCL) in a Balcony. Have the Chops+1 specialty dining and Unlimited WiFi Stream VOOM vs 150 minutes.

The cost was significantly less than on NCL for an eastern Caribbean cruise on one of their breakaway plus class cruise ships. 20% less to be specific. My RCCL cruise is costing me 2280.00 with 200.00 OBC vs the NCL equivalent of of 3100.00 and no OBC (2 people 7N cruise)

My experience is certainly true, but I appreciate that yours has been different and I also continue to compare prices over time too.  I'm sure for every time of year and ship the pricing models are different and it pays to price out your specific circumstances and desires.  In your case it doesn't look like you value the drink package which is really, really expensive on Royal.  For my upcoming 5 day Navigator cruise it's currently $1000 for the drink package (which I won't buy at that price) and we only paid $1050 all in for the balcony room.

 

EDIT:  I see you did get the beverage package for that price which is impressive!

Edited October 19, 2022 by dolfan1980

[Cruising89143]

We cruised on the Bliss a few years ago which is a sister ship to the Joy with a few minor differences. Both are Breakaway Plus class ships. While we enjoyed the Bliss if we had not booked the Haven then I don’t think we would have enjoyed the ship as much. Outside of the Haven it was crowded. Very crowded. They only had one pool area for the ship outside of the Haven due to the Vibe Beach club taking up space and it has a cost if you can even purchase. It sells out quickly. The rear Spice H2O only had a water feature. The ship was beautiful and had a very nice forward observation lounge. 
 

Specialty restaurants were good and on par with RCI as was entertainment. The very good thing is that they have an enclosed smoking area for the casino which made those of us wanting a non smoking casino a great experience. 
 

I much prefer the openness of the Oasis class but if it’s the same price then I suggest giving it a try. It’s the only way that you will know if you like it. I’m adding a photo of the pool area which includes the kids play area and the only water area of H2O for adults. 

[hazeleyes46]

Thank you everyone. No, I didn't post the question over on NCL but by looking at videos of the ship, I don't think I would like it. We have gone on the Dawn once before and didn't really care for it and this ship seems very closed too like that one. 

[psac]

On 10/21/2022 at 12:47 PM, hazeleyes46 said:

Thank you everyone. No, I didn't post the question over on NCL but by looking at videos of the ship, I don't think I would like it. We have gone on the Dawn once before and didn't really care for it and this ship seems very closed too like that one. 

I’m not trying to talk you out of your decision, we’ve sailed a lot on both cruise lines, and like them both.  Regarding the closed in feeling,  for the Breakaway and above ships on NCL, they have the Waterfront, which is an outdoor wraparound deck, usually around deck 5 or 6, which puts you close to the water if you like outdoor dining, just walking around, etc.  We haven’t been on the Joy yet (we will be soon.). But our last cruise was on the Oasis, and we would definitely go back on that as well.  

[dolfan1980]

On 10/21/2022 at 12:47 PM, hazeleyes46 said:

Thank you everyone. No, I didn't post the question over on NCL but by looking at videos of the ship, I don't think I would like it. We have gone on the Dawn once before and didn't really care for it and this ship seems very closed too like that one. 

Sounds like you're nearing a decision, though I wouldn't compare the Dawn and the Joy at all, they're significantly different classes/sizes/ages.  Comparing the Dawn and Joy would be like comparing the Oasis and Jewel.  NCL certainly doesn't have the royal promenade model so if that's what you're looking for then it certainly doesn't have it as open over those decks.

[aubreyc1988]

I have been on both and both ships have pros and cons

 

I *love* NCL bars and drinks...WAY more than RCI. I also find that NCL dining blows RCI out of the park, both in quality/variety/number of venues to eat at. These are subjective opinions. But I have spoken to many people who do agree with me

 

NCL's entertainment has gotten a lot better, especially in terms of their smaller events that go on during the daytime and their non production show activities (Trivia, game shows, dance parties, etc). These activities I find more unique and varied than Royals. HOWEVER, Royal's production shows are slightly better (I mean, how can you compete with the aqua show)...BUT Cats is, in my opinion, the worst  broadway show RCI could have picked and I believe that is on Oasis still. Elements on NCL Joy was one of the BEST shows I have seen on a cruise. Footloose was also REALLY good, WAY better than Cats. 

 

Non show related, the Joy has a lot of really interesting spaces because she was initially designed for China, then quickly refitted for the US market. The Spice H2O on that ship is MASSIVE with the biggest hot tub I have ever seen. The waterfront is BEAUTIFUL, with many padded seating/loungers, alfresco bars and restaurants...just STUNNING. There is a HUGE observation lounge that is breathtaking with the floor to ceiling windows...love the small buffets they hold in there, and there are TWO starbucks on the ship. One of them is on deck 6 I believe and the other one is in the observation lounge. I like the Oasis areas too, especially central park, but tend to feel a "mall like atmosphere" on Oasis class ships...not bad per se, just a different vibe. 

 

The joy casino is NS with a smoking room, which is really nice especially if you a NS gambler. 

 

Just some thoughts I have, can't go wrong with either. 

[aubreyc1988]

On 10/19/2022 at 3:12 PM, cruisingator2 said:

We cruised on the Bliss a few years ago which is a sister ship to the Joy with a few minor differences. Both are Breakaway Plus class ships. While we enjoyed the Bliss if we had not booked the Haven then I don’t think we would have enjoyed the ship as much. Outside of the Haven it was crowded. Very crowded. They only had one pool area for the ship outside of the Haven due to the Vibe Beach club taking up space and it has a cost if you can even purchase. It sells out quickly. The rear Spice H2O only had a water feature. The ship was beautiful and had a very nice forward observation lounge. 
 

Specialty restaurants were good and on par with RCI as was entertainment. The very good thing is that they have an enclosed smoking area for the casino which made those of us wanting a non smoking casino a great experience. 
 

I much prefer the openness of the Oasis class but if it’s the same price then I suggest giving it a try. It’s the only way that you will know if you like it. I’m adding a photo of the pool area which includes the kids play area and the only water area of H2O for adults. 

 

The Joy pooldeck is quite different than the Bliss...but honestly crowded pool decks are pretty much the norm on most Caribbean cruises. 🙂

 

 

[swmichigan cruiser]

 Hope some day you can try both and then you will be sure which one is best for you..we have done the Oasis and the Allure but quite awhile ago but we do have the Oasis booked for ten nights in January and looking forward to it. We have never been on the Joy but do have it booked for 26 nights in April and looking forward to those cruises also. We have been on the Bliss and the Encore that are similar to the Joy and really enjoyed those ships. Guess what I am trying to say is you should enjoy either so pick one and go and enjoy and don't second guess your decision.

[MaryZ]

On 10/19/2022 at 3:26 PM, hazeleyes46 said:

Love RCCL and the Oasis class but was looking into NCL as prices are about the same as they have drink packages included (would be an extra for spouse who it would cost more for the alcohol package on RCCL), Wifi included (wouldn't get with RCCL), an excursion included (might benefit us) and specialty dining (would benefit us). 

Looking at the Joy but when I watch videos, the ship just looks so closed up and some activities cost more money.

Has anyone done both and what are the pros and cons of leaving RCCL?

We are also 4 cruises away from Diamond so thinking we should stay right now with RCCL.

We sail both lines.  I'd stick with Royal and get your diamond status and then try NCL. 
The Joy is a beautiful ship, much nicer than the Oasis.  But....I'm not really sure what it's like to be in a regular cabin.  We only sail NCL now in Haven.  So our experience is totally different. 
We last sailed Oasis this past July and will be going again next June.  But we take one of our kids and their families and that's why we choose an Oasis class ship because we are bringing grandkids. 

NCL just is not a great line for little kids. 
Wifi on NCL you'll have to pay to upgrade.  You get minutes, not wifi like on Royal.  And it's very slow.
The drink package is ok.  Unless you upgrade you can't get water or coffee.  Plus you pay approx $20 a day pp for gratuities.
The excursion credit is fairly worthless.

I think you should definitely try NCL.  But if you are only doing one or two vacations a year, I'd stick with Royal to get to diamond. 

Edited October 23, 2022 by MaryZ

[PhillyFan33579]

On 10/19/2022 at 3:26 PM, hazeleyes46 said:

Love RCCL and the Oasis class but was looking into NCL as prices are about the same as they have drink packages included (would be an extra for spouse who it would cost more for the alcohol package on RCCL), Wifi included (wouldn't get with RCCL), an excursion included (might benefit us) and specialty dining (would benefit us). 

Looking at the Joy but when I watch videos, the ship just looks so closed up and some activities cost more money.

Has anyone done both and what are the pros and cons of leaving RCCL?

We are also 4 cruises away from Diamond so thinking we should stay right now with RCCL.

If you are almost Diamond you should know the name is RCI, not RCCL. 

[billslowsky]

10 hours ago, aubreyc1988 said:

(I mean, how can you compete with the aqua show)

 

Just some thoughts I have, can't go wrong with either. 

Blazin' Boots is unparalleled entertainment.

 

Otherwise, I agree with your comments entirely.  Differences are good.

[smokeykat]

We just did both ships this year. Joy is a beautiful ship, smaller than Oasis and also newer. That said I am not a fan of Joy. The food in the main dinning room for dinner was not as good as main dining dinner on Oasis. We did 3 speciality restaurants on Joy and the only one that stood out was the steak house and the steak house on Oasis was better. The Italian restaurant on Oasis Giovannis is our favorite on any ship to date. Their filet does not compare to any steak in the past. The seasonings are unbelievable! The casino is much smaller on Joy. The pool area is too. If you have kids Oasis is better with more things for families. 

The aqua show was great on Oasis...Cats is another story lol

We loved Central Park on Oasis at night listening to the guitar player and having a drink.

I was also torn when I booked Joy as I would move up with RCL but we wanted to experience the ship and the deal we got was pretty good.

[F27TW]

9 hours ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

If you are almost Diamond you should know the name is RCI, not RCCL. 

 

And you should know that RCI is the name of the parent company.  RCCL refers to the cruise line. 

[PhillyFan33579]

21 minutes ago, F27TW said:

 

And you should know that RCI is the name of the parent company.  RCCL refers to the cruise line. 

 
The parent company is Royal Caribbean Group. The name of the cruise line is Royal Caribbean International (RCI). 

[3CatsInMA]

10 hours ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

If you are almost Diamond you should know the name is RCI, not RCCL. 

What page of the Diamond Manual is that on? 🤣

[aubreyc1988]

5 hours ago, 3CatsInMA said:

What page of the Diamond Manual is that on? 🤣

People who sail on Royal are SO specific about things, blows my mind. 

 

Example: I made a post somewhere else about about the "CruiseNext program" on Royal Caribbean and people went CRAZY, going "it's called "NEXTCRUISE, not CRUISENEXT"! I am just thinking "But I mean, you knew what I was talking about, right?" I get them confused with NCL's program, which is CruiseNext and Royal's is NextCruise, so sue me 😛

[TexasRon]

What C&A levels do you need to study for prior to testing to obtain them?

 

Correcting people with some snipe added seems to be a hobby around here.

 

It is kind of fun.

[Ottawamomof2]

I truly love Royal AND Norwegian. We went on the Oasis this summer and LOVED it. The ship is just beautiful and unique and Coco Cay is amazing. We’ve been on the Breakaway and Escape which are similar to Joy and really enjoyed them. I actually found the food way better on Norwegian and The Waterfront is so cool! The entertainment is better too. They also have my time dining figured out.

 

I don’t think you can go wrong with either! If the booze package is important, I would go Norwegian. I really dislike paying an additional $1500 CAN for booze on Royal when it’s included on Norwegian! Lol