A memorex review... Oasis of the Seas March 5th

[Tree_skier]

2 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

The Sand Artist during the ice show is awesome.

I thought so too.  I didn't know it was part of the show as I've never seen it in any other Ice show.  It was a very welcome addition.  At first I thought... "What in the world is this!" but I was quickly captivated.  It's an amazing talent.

[Ocean Boy]

2 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

I thought so too.  I didn't know it was part of the show as I've never seen it in any other Ice show.  It was a very welcome addition.  At first I thought... "What in the world is this!" but I was quickly captivated.  It's an amazing talent.

As far as I know the Sand Artist is unique to Oasis.

[perfect match]

I’m late to the party, but definitely enjoying your review!

The next time we get to Labadee we’re going to have to give the coaster there a try. I’ve watched what I could see of it from the top of the zipline and didn’t think it looked very exciting from that point of view but after seeing your video and a few others recently, I think we should give it a try. I can’t wait to hear about the rest of your adventures on this cruise! 

[dateacher]

Thanks for your review.  We are leaving on the Oasis next Sunday but our trip will bevdifferent.  6 adults and 5 kids.  I don't expect to relax much. 

[BecciBoo]

On 3/20/2023 at 11:31 AM, Tree_skier said:

It took 85 minutes from first call to the hotel to drop off at the hotel. I don't know why I keep making this same mistake over and over again.  I booked a hotel because they have a shuttle and then am frustrated that the shuttle experience is bad.

Ditto here for our Odyssey in Ft. Lauderdale.  About the same amount of time and we booked Holiday Inn Express right near the Port, because they also provided shuttle from Airport.  Such a mixup because most hotels use shuttle venders and nothing gets done efficiently...ended up in a taxi cuz the hotel just couldn't get it to work after multiple phone calls.  Nightmare...never again...next time just a taxi.  Our other go to in FtL is Renaissance with a taxi to port.

[BobNoxious]

31 minutes ago, BecciBoo said:

Ditto here for our Odyssey in Ft. Lauderdale.  About the same amount of time and we booked Holiday Inn Express right near the Port, because they also provided shuttle from Airport.  Such a mixup because most hotels use shuttle venders and nothing gets done efficiently...ended up in a taxi cuz the hotel just couldn't get it to work after multiple phone calls.  Nightmare...never again...next time just a taxi.  Our other go to in FtL is Renaissance with a taxi to port.

Taxi/Uber is so easy in FLL and there are so many.  Our go to is Marriott Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach Resort with a quick taxi to port.

[Tree_skier]

3 hours ago, dateacher said:

Thanks for your review.  We are leaving on the Oasis next Sunday but our trip will bevdifferent.  6 adults and 5 kids.  I don't expect to relax much. 

We've got one like that scheduled next December.  4 adults and 3 teenagers (14, 17, 19)

[Tree_skier]

Day 6: Sea Day

 

 

The next morning began with Coastal kitchen again and after wrapping up breakfast I had just enough time to get to the theatre for the Captains corner.  The captain, the cruise director and the Hotel Manager were the speakers.  I can’t remember the Hotel managers name but he was a Scottish fellow and stole the show. He was very funny.

 

The Q&A that followed was typical.  The usual questions about how much food is wasted.  How much time off do crew get etc…. And the one question that always seems to be asked and never ceases to amaze me that people ask this is “What happens to all the poop”. Not once in my entire life have I ever considered the journey my excrement takes once I push that button or depress that lever. My morning constitutional is completed with slightest curiosity about what comes next.  My mind is on other things.  Perhaps I would concern myself with this if I was a more environmentally conscience individual but alas that is not one of my virtues.

 

 

After that it was straight off to Rising Tide for the veterans tribute.  I met a very nice young lady recently out of the army.  Also, a fellow Canadian who served with the PPCLI who now lives in Brampton. We exchanged a few good Canadian Armed forces stories.  The ceremony began, it was short but tasteful and then it was time for a walk about the boardwalk.

I think it is time for a room tour.  This was our first CLS and I have to say it was a really impressive room that’ll make it hard when I back in my usual balcony cabin

 

 

Lunch was at DW’s favorite Giovanni’s.  We sat outside this time the temp and humidity cooperated and it made for a comfortable afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

Back to the casino to give back all the money I had won and a little bit more.  Easy come easy go.

 

Dinner that night was Izumi Hibachi and we were seated with a really great family from Minnesota. .  Actually two really nice families of 2 preteen kids each.  Coincidentally, we had the same last name with the exact same spelling.  They had been on a couple of cruises of Royal and a couple of Carnival but this was the their first Oasis class ship and they were just blown away by the experience and now claim to be Royal Loyalists.

 

It was this evening we chose to celebrate our 30th.  I'll forgo the pics of our dinner at Izumi Hibachi and just show you dessert. 🙂 

 

 

That evening was the long awaited performance of Cats.  I first saw Cats in 1986 in Vancouver on its first continent wide off broadway run.  I remember loving it then and 37 years later it was still as fabulous as ever.  Truly a show not to be missed. 

 

Cats seems to draw controversy on these boards which is completely inexplicable to me.  It is an iconic Broadway production that is as timeless as can be.  Royal’s production of it is shortened because of the anti-aesthete aboard the ship.  I think this is tragic but none the less it is still an excellent performance.  When Grizabella, with her haunting performance of “Memory” is chosen to go to the heaven side layer and be reborn into a new Jellicle life a tear welled up in my eye.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the curtain call many justly stood for their ovation of Grizabella.  After that DW went back to the room and I went back to the Casino to double down on my previous losses. I should have gone to the room with her.  Or karaoke or just about anywhere else on the ship…  I’m doing well to assist Royal in its post pandemic financial recovery.

 

 

Edited March 24, 2023 by Tree_skier

[Ocean Boy]

Your cabin video is probably as close to that cabin as I will ever get.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

Thank you for your review! It is very enjoyable and humorous. I love it!

[Tree_skier]

19 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

Your cabin video is probably as close to that cabin as I will ever get.

It was a one off for us.  Typically we are balcony people.  Although the spoiling you receive is pretty special.  Maybe for my 60th birthday or something special like that we'll try it again.

Edited March 24, 2023 by Tree_skier

[Tree_skier]

7 minutes ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

Thank you for your review! It is very enjoyable and humorous. I love it!

Thanks, I'm enjoying doing it.  Getting to relive the experience is good therapy to cure my hunger while waiting for 150 days until I board Navigator.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

15 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

Thanks, I'm enjoying doing it.  Getting to relive the experience is good therapy to cure my hunger while waiting for 150 days until I board Navigator.

I'll relive it for you a week from now. 🙂 However, you'll be reliving it in an inside cabin, lol.

[FionaMG]

41 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

Your cabin video is probably as close to that cabin as I will ever get.

 

+1

[FionaMG]

24 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

Thanks, I'm enjoying doing it.  Getting to relive the experience is good therapy to cure my hunger while waiting for 150 days until I board Navigator.

 

Make sure to save the link because every so often, in between cruises, re-reading your reviews is the way to go.

[Tree_skier]

1 hour ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

I'll relive it for you a week from now. 🙂 However, you'll be reliving it in an inside cabin, lol.

I'll take what I can get. 🙂 

 

1 hour ago, FionaMG said:

 

Make sure to save the link because every so often, in between cruises, re-reading your reviews is the way to go.

I am sure to do that.

[pittnh]

3 hours ago, Tree_skier said:

Day 6: Sea Day

 

 

The next morning began with Coastal kitchen again and after wrapping up breakfast I had just enough time to get to the theatre for the Captains corner.  The captain, the cruise director and the Hotel Manager were the speakers.  I can’t remember the Hotel managers name but he was a Scottish fellow and stole the show. He was very funny.

 

The Q&A that followed was typical.  The usual questions about how much food is wasted.  How much time off do crew get etc…. And the one question that always seems to be asked and never ceases to amaze me that people ask this is “What happens to all the poop”. Not once in my entire life have I ever considered the journey my excrement takes once I push that button or depress that lever. My morning constitutional is completed with slightest curiosity about what comes next.  My mind is on other things.  Perhaps I would concern myself with this if I was a more environmentally conscience individual but alas that is not one of my virtues.

 

 

After that it was straight off to Rising Tide for the veterans tribute.  I met a very nice young lady recently out of the army.  Also, a fellow Canadian who served with the PPCLI who now lives in Brampton. We exchanged a few good Canadian Armed forces stories.  The ceremony began, it was short but tasteful and then it was time for a walk about the boardwalk.

 

IMG_0856.MOV 22.93 MB · 0 downloads

I think it is time for a room tour.  This was our first CLS and I have to say it was a really impressive room that’ll make it hard when I back in my usual balcony cabin

 

 

Lunch was at DW’s favorite Giovanni’s.  We sat outside this time the temp and humidity cooperated and it made for a comfortable afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

Back to the casino to give back all the money I had won and a little bit more.  Easy come easy go.

 

Dinner that night was Izumi Hibachi and we were seated with a really great family from Minnesota. .  Actually two really nice families of 2 preteen kids each.  Coincidentally, we had the same last name with the exact same spelling.  They had been on a couple of cruises of Royal and a couple of Carnival but this was the their first Oasis class ship and they were just blown away by the experience and now claim to be Royal Loyalists.

 

It was this evening we chose to celebrate our 30th.  I'll forgo the pics of our dinner at Izumi Hibachi and just show you dessert. 🙂 

 

 

That evening was the long awaited performance of Cats.  I first saw Cats in 1986 in Vancouver on its first continent wide off broadway run.  I remember loving it then and 37 years later it was still as fabulous as ever.  Truly a show not to be missed. 

 

Cats seems to draw controversy on these boards which is completely inexplicable to me.  It is an iconic Broadway production that is as timeless as can be.  Royal’s production of it is shortened because of the anti-aesthete aboard the ship.  I think this is tragic but none the less it is still an excellent performance.  When Grizabella, with her haunting performance of “Memory” is chosen to go to the heaven side layer and be reborn into a new Jellicle life a tear welled up in my eye.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the curtain call many justly stood for their ovation of Grizabella.  After that DW went back to the room and I went back to the Casino to double down on my previous losses. I should have gone to the room with her.  Or karaoke or just about anywhere else on the ship…  I’m doing well to assist Royal in its post pandemic financial recovery.

 

 

 

great review.  I'll add that on the sea day the winds were really something, along with the rocking. One pool was closed most of the day, it resembled a full force wave pool.

Edited March 24, 2023 by pittnh

[Tree_skier]

2 hours ago, pittnh said:

 

great review.  I'll add that on the sea day the winds were really something, along with the rocking. One pool was closed most of the day, it resembled a full force wave pool.

Yeah I forgot to mention that.  The wind was really really blowing.  I was surprised by how much movement I felt on the ship.

[Lionesss]

@Tree_skier

you must have had Tristan as you suite attendant.  Those puppies look awfully familiar. 
 

Thanks for review. 
Love your pictures with explanations. 
 

😃
 

 

 

[Tree_skier]

7 minutes ago, Lionesss said:

@Tree_skier

you must have had Tristan as you suite attendant.  Those puppies look awfully familiar. 
 

Thanks for review. 
Love your pictures with explanations. 
 

😃
 

 

 

Yes I did... He was amazing!

[BonTexasNY]

Great review and pictures.  Hopefully you'll be able to join us on Bella 02.

[ReneeFLL]

On 3/22/2023 at 1:41 PM, h20skibum said:

I like it much better when they have the umbrellas up.  In fact, the umbrellas is the photo I used for my exercise challenge group this week.  Those footprints must have symbolized something. 

I thought they were butterflies. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[perfect match]

Great cabin video! Thank you for sharing it. Maybe some day we’ll book a CLS. 

 

We love CATS and have seen it many times. 🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

[Tree_skier]

Day 7: Coco cay

 

 

Breakfast room service again.  I could get quite used to this.  Next week I’m back on my Atkins bar and coffee for breakfast.

 

We walked off the ship to an incredible wind.  It was absolutely howling.  This is our first time back to Cococay since the perfect day renovation.  We were actually there on Mariner on the last sailing before they opened up the Perfect Day concept. So we saw a lot of it we just couldn’t access any of it.  For this time I booked the Chill Island beach bed.  We had bed #3 way off in the corner on the front row. It was a very pleasant spot for spending the day.

 

DW went off to her kayaking excursion that we were both sure was going to be cancelled but she had to go over to at least check on.  It was time to order my first drink of the day.  This was my first and only negative interaction with staff all week long.  The server came by and I placed my order and when she took my card she said “Oh, they will charge you for this”. I replied “No just use my diamond voucher.”  She then told me you can’t use your Diamond voucher here on the island I started to argue with her but stopped and just smiled and said that’ll be fine charge me.  I was just going to get the concierge to fix it once I got back on board.  Shortly after DW returned as expected having had her kayaking excursion cancelled.  She wanted a drink so I told her to just walk across to the bar down the way and get it herself.  I said the server has been gone with my order and card for over 20 minutes and didn’t know what she was doing anyways.  DW returned with drink in hand dutifully charged to Diamond Voucher.  At the 30 minute mark I’m getting annoyed.  I still have no drink, I can’t go get one because I have no card and I’m already a little annoyed that the server was so ill informed.  I find another server in another area and send him on a mission to recover my wayward card and either my server or my drink.  Ten minutes later they both arrive back.  She hands me my drink with a slip to sign for the charge on the drink.  I take the drink set it down to sign the slip and before doing so let her know that my wife has just returned from that bar over yonder with a drink charged to her diamond voucher.  She then starts this big story about how she works on Freedom and she can’t charge Oasis until she swaps receipts with a server from Oasis or some variation of this.  Again I start to argue but stop realizing I’m on vacation. I’m not ruining my day fussing with this server.  I sign the slip, say thank you and go to put my AirPods back in.  However, this server is not done with the discussion.  She keeps trying to explain why she can’t charge my Diamond voucher. I keep telling her “that’s fine” but the more I say that the worse she gets until finally, exasperated, I say “I’m done, I’m not talking about this anymore.”  Yet she still wants to keep expanding on this story about not being able to charge Oasis guests only Freedom guests and she has to swap receipts.  I can’t take any more.  I put in my AirPods back in, lie down on my bed and close my eyes until she stops talking and walks away.

 

Finally, it was all done…   I thought.

 

15 minutes later she comes back with some sort of manager asking me if there was a problem.  He had been told by the server that I wanted a free drink but that she was unable provide that and that I was upset about it. At that point I really did get upset.  I explained all I asked for was she charge my drink to my diamond voucher.  She was completely incapable of doing so. I explained, she told me you couldn’t do that on the island and then tried to explain to me, 40 minutes later after finally returning with my drink, she could only do so by swapping receipts with other servers who worked on the other ship. I said I don’t want to talk about this anymore, I’m on vacation and really am not interested in this kind of aggravation.  Upon hearing this, the manager immediately changed tacks. Apologized for the confusion started explaining they have to manually write out slips for Diamond drinks on the Island.  I stopped him  and said “I don’t care about your internal processes I’ll get this fixed on board.”  Again, he apologized and said that won’t be necessary he was going reverse the charge and comp the drink.  The ill trained server is now standing a few feet behind the manager and is in tears.  I feel bad.  They all leave.

 

She returns 10 minutes later with a slip showing the charge reversed but still wiping tears from her eyes.  She doesn’t want to leave until she knows that it is all good between her and I.  I tell her it is all good.  She says I don’t believe you. I reassure her… “It’s all good”.  Still with tears in her eyes she says she wants me to prove that we’re good by giving her a hug. Yes you read that right, she wants me to get up and give her a hug.  I don’t hug adult women who are not my wife or daughter, we’re old fashioned that way. I look over at DW and she gave me the signal… Go ahead and give her a hug.  The server embraced me like I was returning from war.   

 

I absolutely hate that Royal puts so much pressure on staff that they are living in fear of even one complaint.  It just isn’t reasonable to expect a 10 every time.  Sometimes things go wrong.  At the end of the day, this was a management problem.  Ill-trained staff isn’t the staffs fault but managements fault.  However, if I complain or mention this on my survey an already chastised employee suffers more consequences, more than she should otherwise deserve.

 

Otherwise it was a “Perfect Day at Cococay” and in all honestly after it was all said and done, it makes for a pretty good story LOL. We ate at the chill grill.  The roast beef sandwich was good and the salads were fresh.

 

 

 

 

 

I highly recommend the chill island beach beds if you are just a couple and don’t need the space of a cabana for a larger group. They are off to the side on their own. They are substantially cheaper than a cabana and for two people they are more than adequate space.  You get the bed as well two lounge chairs placed in front of them as well as two floating mats and a cooler with waters in them. Ours was on the front row very close to the water’s edge.

 

Here’s a little video summary of the day.

 

 

DW wanted to stay until the bitter end floating on her beach mat but I got back on the ship around 3 pm and I went straight to Playmakers for some Nachos and a Strongbow. I really recommend Playmakers over Johnny Rockets.  The food is so much better it is almost indescribable. Unless, somehow, JR’s manages to up there game I can’t see it being anything but a ghost town.  They are right across from each other on this ship and the difference is stark.

 

 

 

That evening dinner was back to Giovanni’s. This evening both of choose the Chicken Picata.  This is the one and only meal that was a little less than stellar.  It was Ok but just Ok isn’t what I want when I’m in specialty dining. The carbonara we shared, that was so good the first time, just wasn’t as tastily and the chicken seemed a little rubbery.  The taste was fine but the texture was just off.

 

 

I was planning an early evening since debarkation and a flight home always takes a bit out of me and I had to be sharp and ready to go on Monday morning.  After dinner we went back to the cabin and packed up  but alas, after that, I foolishly decided to go to the casino to see if I could recover some of my losses from the previous day but all I succeeded in doing was losing more.  Easy come easy go.

 

At least I wasn’t the guy I sat next to at the blackjack table.  He kept going on and on about how much he lost.  He claimed he’d lost $4000 on the last shoe alone just before I sat down.  He said he’d lost $20000 that cruise.  He was down to his last $500 in chips and they wouldn’t extend him more on his seapass card.  Apparently they a $5000 limit per day per person that you can charge to your seapass account. I certainly felt bad for the guy but he just kept going on and on about it.  It was really annoying. Everyone at the table breathed a sigh of relief when he finally lost his last $500 and left to try and get the Casino host to lift the $5000 limit.

 

After that it was time for bed.  The worst day of a cruise, debarkation day, is tomorrow morning.

 

 

Edited March 25, 2023 by Tree_skier

[Chris_nj]

Thanks for the great review.  We have booked a CLS on the Oasis for a cruise this summer.  We've traveled a bunch of times on the Oasis and Allure, but never in a CLS, so looking forward to it.  I noticed in your video the extension cord for the machine.  Did you arrange that with the cruise line prior to arriving, or after you boarded?   Is the closest outlet really at the desk?  Seems like a big trip hazard.  (first time for us cruising with the machine, so trying to figure this all out!)  Thanks!