Oasis class full suite questions

[Mark_K]

My last Royal Caribbean cruise was on Oasis 10+ years ago.  
 

There was a lunch in the suite lounge, which included beer/wine.  It sounds like that’s been replaced with Coastal Kitchen, does it also include beer/wine?  And breakfast, can you get mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, etc.

 

Is Coastal Kitchen casual every night or does it observe formal night (such as it is).  

 

Also, it says reservations for dinner, is that really the case or is that just a disclaimer in case you have to wait, kind of like my time?

 

Evening drinks in the suite lounge were for consumption in the lounge only, although people tended to take away drinks in styrofoam coffee cups.  Is that still the case or can you openly stop in, get a drink and go elsewhere?

 

TIA

 

 

[alfaeric]

For full suites, yes, lunch with alcohol is included.

 

While I don't have first hand experience with lunch, I would expect if you want a mimosa, you could get one.

 

We needed reservations for JS/Pin, and I would expect you would too.  BUT- they would not turn you away without them as opposed to JS and Pins.  If you make reservations, you can do it for the whole week (unlike JS/Pin who have to do it every single day in person).

 

And while I've seen the sign for the drinks in the lounge, I've also never, ever, ever seen anyone blink an eye if you take something with you.

 

They will certainly take care of you.  Enjoy your cruise!

[BirdTravels]

4 hours ago, Mark_K said:

There was a lunch in the suite lounge, which included beer/wine.  It sounds like that’s been replaced with Coastal Kitchen, does it also include beer/wine?  And breakfast, can you get mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, etc.

 

Is Coastal Kitchen casual every night or does it observe formal night (such as it is).  

 

Also, it says reservations for dinner, is that really the case or is that just a disclaimer in case you have to wait, kind of like my time?

Costal Kitchen follows the ship's dress guidance. That being said, you will see shorts and un-tucked polo shirts every night (including "formal night") in the Main Dining room and Costal Kitchen. CK, in general is less formal than the MDR. Something that we really hate. Don't expect a table cloth or even decent service. We walked out of CK twice during our cruise last year because the food and service was abysmal. 

 

Reservations are required. Can you show up and wait around, sure, but it will be a long wait if everyone else has reservations and the restaurant is busy. The Concierge will reach out to you on the week of your cruise, send them your CK reservation requests. 

[DaKahuna]

We recently sailed on Harmony, and Oasis class ship in a Grand Suite.

 

Approximately two weeks prior to sailing you will receive an email from the suite concierge give you a lot of details about your sailing. 

 

When you respond to the suite concierge, you can request that reservations in Coastal Kitchen be made for you for the nights that you wish to dine there.  If you are going to be doing any speciality restaurants, shows, etc. you can let them know which dates and times you prefer and they will try and accommodate your request. 

 

As @alfaeric said, beer, wine, soda, and bottle water are complementary from 1100 - 2300 daily in the Suite Lounge which is collocated with Coastal Kitchen.  Thus you can get beer, wine, and or soda with lunch and dinner at no charge.  Mixed drinks are free only during happy hour in the afternoons.  This will be in the letter from your concierge as well. 

 

 

[PompeySailor]

I have worn an untucked T shirt in SL and CK all this week

I don’t get what all the fuss is about 

 

There are football jerseys and baseball caps also 

Edited March 18, 2023 by PompeySailor

[DaKahuna]

8 hours ago, PompeySailor said:

I have worn an untucked T shirt in SL and CK all this week

I don’t get what all the fuss is about 

 

There are football jerseys and baseball caps also 

 

We had a young man, in his late 30's /early 40's who wore t-shirt and shorts in the SL and CK all week on our last Harmony cruise.  Including dinner on formal night.   To say there is no consistent dress code on Royal Caribbean is an accurate statement these days. 

 

[sargemrs]

On 3/17/2023 at 9:59 PM, BirdTravels said:

Costal Kitchen follows the ship's dress guidance. That being said, you will see shorts and un-tucked polo shirts every night (including "formal night") in the Main Dining room and Costal Kitchen. CK, in general is less formal than the MDR. Something that we really hate. Don't expect a table cloth or even decent service. We walked out of CK twice during our cruise last year because the food and service was abysmal. 

 

Reservations are required. Can you show up and wait around, sure, but it will be a long wait if everyone else has reservations and the restaurant is busy. The Concierge will reach out to you on the week of your cruise, send them your CK reservation requests. 

I think I remember you from NCL boards, and you're saying Coastal Kitchen, not too good?  As you know the suite dining room on NCL is amazing, IMO.  Could you give a comparison of cabins, (suites) and service, and food of the two?  We're booked on Allure of the Seas because our dates and itineraries weren't compatible on NCL for 18 of us. I hope we didn't make a mistake, but it seems all cruise lines have suffered since the pandemic and this is our first cruise for 4 years, so here's hoping! 

[alfaeric]

We've had great service and food in CK- on the Oasis last May, Anthem last December, and Allure a month ago.  It's far better than the MDR for us.  Don't give up on it.

[djvcr]

2 hours ago, sargemrs said:

As you know the suite dining room on NCL is amazing, IMO.  Could you give a comparison of cabins, (suites) and service, and food of the two? 

 

I used to sail NCL more and used to sail in Haven. Some of the biggest differences are:

 

• Costal Kitchen changes menu every lunch (I think this is true, never eat lunch except boarding day) and dinner vs Haven is the same all week.
• Like NCL, Costal Kitchen breakfast menu is same every day. For breakfast both have self serve express options with pastries, meats, yogurt, etc. but on RCL, those items are on the suite lounge side vs directly in the dining room (it is really one large shared area for lounge and restaurant).
• As for food quality it is all subjective. I like some things from both menus but I do like having the dinner menu change each night. NCL I think you can get surf and turf every day if you want though so that is a pro there.
• Costal Kitchen you get happy hour from 4 to 8 with mixed drinks, and beer wine soda from 11 to 11 daily so you don't really need a drink package. NCL doesn't give any free drinks in Haven without paying the taxes on the drink package which is still several hundred dollars.
• Haven is ringed by staterooms so the only views outside are from the sun deck or the dining room. Costal Kitchen and Suite Lounge have large 2 story windows overlooking the pool deck and ocean views so it is very bight and airy.
• Overall I think the suites on RCL are larger than NCL, the GS is roomier than the standard Haven suite and there are no lofts on NCL.
• NCL has the Haven complex with a private pool which makes it a little more secluded. Newer RCL ships are moving this direction (Wonder and Icon, though I don't think they actually have a pool, maybe hot tubs).
• The concierge on RCL and NCL do similar things and are about equal.
• NCL has butlers to bring you snacks. The only thing similar to that is Star Class with the Genie but they are more like private concierges that arrange anything you want and give personal attention. I have not sailed in Star class so can't comment further.
• Overall, Oasis class has far more entertainment options and much better flow in public areas than any NCL ship. With boardwalk, promenade, central park, pool deck, they spread out passenger congestion. They don't do many activities in central park though and is usually quiet and there is music at night.
•  

[sargemrs]

34 minutes ago, djvcr said:

 

I used to sail NCL more and used to sail in Haven. Some of the biggest differences are:

 

• Costal Kitchen changes menu every lunch (I think this is true, never eat lunch except boarding day) and dinner vs Haven is the same all week.
• Like NCL, Costal Kitchen breakfast menu is same every day. For breakfast both have self serve express options with pastries, meats, yogurt, etc. but on RCL, those items are on the suite lounge side vs directly in the dining room (it is really one large shared area for lounge and restaurant).
• As for food quality it is all subjective. I like some things from both menus but I do like having the dinner menu change each night. NCL I think you can get surf and turf every day if you want though so that is a pro there.
• Costal Kitchen you get happy hour from 4 to 8 with mixed drinks, and beer wine soda from 11 to 11 daily so you don't really need a drink package. NCL doesn't give any free drinks in Haven without paying the taxes on the drink package which is still several hundred dollars.
• Haven is ringed by staterooms so the only views outside are from the sun deck or the dining room. Costal Kitchen and Suite Lounge have large 2 story windows overlooking the pool deck and ocean views so it is very bight and airy.
• Overall I think the suites on RCL are larger than NCL, the GS is roomier than the standard Haven suite and there are no lofts on NCL.
• NCL has the Haven complex with a private pool which makes it a little more secluded. Newer RCL ships are moving this direction (Wonder and Icon, though I don't think they actually have a pool, maybe hot tubs).
• The concierge on RCL and NCL do similar things and are about equal.
• NCL has butlers to bring you snacks. The only thing similar to that is Star Class with the Genie but they are more like private concierges that arrange anything you want and give personal attention. I have not sailed in Star class so can't comment further.
• Overall, Oasis class has far more entertainment options and much better flow in public areas than any NCL ship. With boardwalk, promenade, central park, pool deck, they spread out passenger congestion. They don't do many activities in central park though and is usually quiet and there is music at night.
•  

Thanks so much for your thoughts on that!  We didn’t really use our butler that much and the treats they bring every afternoon was too much for us!  We should do fine without one but we DO enjoy priority embarking and disembarking and priority tenders!

[dunrobbin]

On 3/17/2023 at 7:16 PM, alfaeric said:

For full suites, yes, lunch with alcohol is included.

 

While I don't have first hand experience with lunch, I would expect if you want a mimosa, you could get one.

 

We needed reservations for JS/Pin, and I would expect you would too.  BUT- they would not turn you away without them as opposed to JS and Pins.  If you make reservations, you can do it for the whole week (unlike JS/Pin who have to do it every single day in person).

 

And while I've seen the sign for the drinks in the lounge, I've also never, ever, ever seen anyone blink an eye if you take something with you.

 

They will certainly take care of you.  Enjoy your cruise!

G'day, 

I Know that Diamond  get 4 free drink vouchers  a day.    Happy hour is now gone correct?

If I am in a suite,  but am say, gold,  there are free drinks at lunch? At which venues please? 

How about in the smaller ships.

What I am reading here is that free wine and beer and soda are free for suites. 

Sorry I am a bit confused.  

Is there a link to all this info?

Thanks

 

[topnole]

The bar isn’t open in the morning so no mimosas.  Bring one with you if that is important.   The CK/SL is far superior to the old concierge lounge.  You will get free beer and wine with lunch and their is additional open bar for a few hours in the evening so dinner will probably be during that unless you eat late.  Beer and wine is included from 11-11 and you can grab and go.  Same with bottled water.  
 

Make reservations for each night, but they can work with you if a change is needed later.  We always reply to the SL concierge with a request for a standing dinner reservation at a certain time.  It is always accommodated.  
 

BTW, we love breakfast in the CK.  Very relaxing and great environment.  

[DaKahuna]

My only complaint about the Coastal Kitchen on the Oasis is the view.  Depending on the ship, you are either looking down at one of the adult pools or looking down on the children's pool/play area.  Neither of these do I find equated to fine dining.  Unless you are sitting in a far corner, where you can at least have a side view of the ocean, you really do not have a view one would equate to cruising, aside of people of all shapes and sizes in bathing suits. 

 

[George C]

My wife did have champagne in the morning in CK several times, we like CK and eat all breakfast there and most lunches, we didn’t care for dinner there so we now get UDP and eat our dinners and some lunch’s in specialty restaurants.

[alfaeric]

22 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

My only complaint about the Coastal Kitchen on the Oasis is the view.  Depending on the ship, you are either looking down at one of the adult pools or looking down on the children's pool/play area.  Neither of these do I find equated to fine dining.  Unless you are sitting in a far corner, where you can at least have a side view of the ocean, you really do not have a view one would equate to cruising, aside of people of all shapes and sizes in bathing suits. 

 

Can always go to the MDR for dinner if you don't like the view.  Forgive me for thinking the CK view is considerably better than the alternative.

[DaKahuna]

1 minute ago, alfaeric said:

Can always go to the MDR for dinner if you don't like the view.  Forgive me for thinking the CK view is considerably better than the alternative.

 

No thank you as the food and service in CK is far better than the MDR.  As I said, my ONLY complaint, is the view.  

 

[alfaeric]

7 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

 

No thank you as the food and service in CK is far better than the MDR.  As I said, my ONLY complaint, is the view.  

 

What do you think the alternative would be?  And, as I can remember, IF you can see any of the upper decks of the ship, you can also see lots and lots of water.   If you are not right along the window, seeing any of the pools isn't exactly a sitting thing.  So I'm not really sure it's worth complaining about.

[topnole]

2 hours ago, dunrobbin said:

G'day, 

I Know that Diamond  get 4 free drink vouchers  a day.    Happy hour is now gone correct?

If I am in a suite,  but am say, gold,  there are free drinks at lunch? At which venues please? 

How about in the smaller ships.

What I am reading here is that free wine and beer and soda are free for suites. 

Sorry I am a bit confused.  

Is there a link to all this info?

Thanks

 

Different ships have different set ups.  Oasis class (and newer) ships have suite class (Star and Sky) which provide access to the SL/CK which is a full bar and restaurant.   There are much better perks for suites when on the newer ships (and that is reflected in the prices typically). Any ship older (Freedom class and older) you only get free beer and wine during happy hour if in a suite and there is only a lounge (no restaurant and full bar).  
 

 

[George C]

2 minutes ago, topnole said:

Different ships have different set ups.  Oasis class (and newer) ships have suite class (Star and Sky) which provide access to the SL/CK which is a full bar and restaurant.   There are much better perks for suites when on the newer ships (and that is reflected in the prices typically). Any ship older (Freedom class and older) you only get free beer and wine during happy hour if in a suite and there is only a lounge (no restaurant and full bar).  
 

 

Definitely wrong on Freedom class and older , we sailed a couple of times on Liberty which is freedom and they had a suite lounge with liquor and snacks for 3 hours , so did our navigator cruises so did our Brilliance cruise. On all you could get scotch, gin , cognac etc. 

[topnole]

11 minutes ago, George C said:

Definitely wrong on Freedom class and older , we sailed a couple of times on Liberty which is freedom and they had a suite lounge with liquor and snacks for 3 hours , so did our navigator cruises so did our Brilliance cruise. On all you could get scotch, gin , cognac etc. 

How exactly was my statement wrong?   I never said you couldn’t get alcoholic drinks as well.  But you only get beer and wine during happy hour, not during lunch (as the OP asked specifically about beer and wine at lunch).  

[FPP777]

On 3/18/2023 at 8:32 AM, DaKahuna said:

 

We had a young man, in his late 30's /early 40's who wore t-shirt and shorts in the SL and CK all week on our last Harmony cruise.  Including dinner on formal night.   To say there is no consistent dress code on Royal Caribbean is an accurate statement these days. 

 

The dress code is consistent, compliance and enforcement is not.

[djvcr]

15 hours ago, sargemrs said:

but we DO enjoy priority embarking and disembarking and priority tenders!

You get both with Royal as well. If sailing on Oasis class they rarely ever do a port with tenders due to size but the Concierge will generally leave a room message each night letting you know the details and where to meet for each port if you want to be escorted off ahead of crowds. 

 

Embarkation you get priority boarding and separate security/check-in space.  Disembarkation they generally have 3 meeting times and the concierge will block an elevator and then bring you to the door of the ship. NCL you then merge with the rest of the line leaving after you leave ship but I found that the land side people direct the suite passengers to a different set of elevators so it is less chaotic.

[sargemrs]

17 minutes ago, djvcr said:

You get both with Royal as well. If sailing on Oasis class they rarely ever do a port with tenders due to size but the Concierge will generally leave a room message each night letting you know the details and where to meet for each port if you want to be escorted off ahead of crowds. 

 

Embarkation you get priority boarding and separate security/check-in space.  Disembarkation they generally have 3 meeting times and the concierge will block an elevator and then bring you to the door of the ship. NCL you then merge with the rest of the line leaving after you leave ship but I found that the land side people direct the suite passengers to a different set of elevators so it is less chaotic.

Oh my…. Sounds wonderful!  Appreciate all the info.

[DaKahuna]

22 minutes ago, djvcr said:

Disembarkation they generally have 3 meeting times and the concierge will block an elevator and then bring you to the door of the ship. NCL you then merge with the rest of the line leaving after you leave ship but I found that the land side people direct the suite passengers to a different set of elevators so it is less chaotic.

 

On Harmony when we left the Suite Concierge met us at a pre-determined time at Bolero's and escorted us off the ship, down the gangway, and all the way to the baggage pickup area.  He worked with the people in the terminal to hold other passengers so we could go down the escalator ahead of those and there was a separate elevator for suite guest that required an elevator. 

 

[Yinster]

I didn't realise that full suite will have the benefit of wine, beer, soda and free water included from 11 to 11. I'm sailing on anthem in May and have the refreshments package. Take it, I can ditch it?