The good, bad and a comparison, Oasis April 16th, 2023

[live2beontheseas]

I usually do not write reviews or post much as you can see, but rather use Cruise Critic to answer my questions about the current situation of cruising.  I feel compelled now though to write a review/comparison of our recent Oasis cruise on April 16^th; comparing with our Symphony cruise a little more than 6 months ago.   

 

A little background on my family.  This was my two daughter’s (8 and 7) second cruise (first being the Symphony) and my wife and I’s ninth I think.  We have cruised solely on Royal as I have never been able to find a comparable cruise/prices on other lines like Carnival or NCL.

 

Condition of Ship:

While I do understand that the Oasis is much older than the Symphony, it just was not up to par as the Symphony.   I know that it was refurbished in 2019, very close to when the Symphony came out, but it just does not have the sparkle.  There a noticeable rust on some of the metal parts of the ship (balconies, upper decks, etc) that I did not notice on the Symphony.  Room condition was actually quite poor for the standards that Royal usually sets.  Stains on the carpet, hard surfaces with scratched/dents.  Vanity chair looked like it was glued together several times and the bathroom needed a full overhaul (finishes coming off the metal fixtures, toilet with scratches and rust on the bottom of the entry and shower door.  Don’t get me wrong the cleanliness of the room and the whole ship was great, but there is a lot that needs to be torn out and replaced.  Now I do understand that the weather plays a role in a condition of a lot of the outdoor areas, but this stuff we just did not see on the Symphony.  And the room layout is far superior I feel on the Symphony.  There is also a severe vibration on the rear of the ship especially on the top decks.  Noticed when they were moving at full speed.  Was shaking quite a bit at El Loco Fresh.  Not too bad in our cabin in the back half on deck 11.

 

Entertainment:

I feel that I can compare the entertainment since both ships are Oasis class.  The aqua show was cancelled for our sailing which was a bummer and they tried to fill the void with a “variety” show of musician, ventriloquist and the high-wire part from the aqua show.  It was ok, but somewhat cheesy and a lot of people left the show.  I can still not understand how there are two production and two ice shows on the Symphony and not on the Oasis.  The shows on the Symphony were probably some of if not the best shows we have ever seen.  My kids enjoyed the content of them.  On Oasis you only have Cats, which was so weird and we could not understand what it was about.  The scenery never changed and there was little dialog to try to help you get the plot.  We have never seen Cats in any form and I hope too never again.  Not sure why there was not another production show like Flight on the Symphony.  Ronn Lucas was good and the girls enjoyed him.  We did not go to the Aeromyth as I did not think my girls would enjoy that type of music.  Ice show was comparable to Symphony, but I think that Symphony has more technical aspects.  I also wish that there would have been some type of family comedy show.  I think several years ago they did have on one evening in the main theater; this was before we had kids.  We just found ourselves somewhat bored on Oasis versus Symphony.  I think if they added another production show or kid friendly shows on the Oasis it would help to match the Symphony.

 

Food:

As I know this topic is always subjective I will preface by saying the my family and I and nowhere near foodies.  Our dining out consists of places like Red Robin, Chili’s, occasionally the Cheesecake Factory and our local “Chinese” buffet.  We are not fine dining in the least.  The food on Oasis was the worst that I have ever encountered on any of our cruises and was much worse than 6 months ago on the Symphony.  I could not believe how much has changed in this time.  I will say pizza at Sorrento’s was fine and similar to Symphony as was the Park Café, but I did notice that they were not toasting sandwiches to order like on the Symphony, but they were under a lamp and crew just grabbed them.  We went to Playmakers for the first time and the food was “meh”.  The onion rings were good, garlic fries were a little soggy and not like the steak fries from Red Robin and the wings were ok.  I will add that we live in the Buffalo, NY region and are spoiled as to true chicken wings.  The ones at Playmakers were a little small and over cooked, but the sauce was tasty.  I do appreciate that they included blue cheese, but people, please stop with all the ranch for wings.  All the tables around us asked for extra ranch.  People, blue cheese is for chicken wings and ranch is for salad.  We had lunch at Giovanni’s Table and it was not like we had had on cruises before.  I felt the flavors were a little bland.  Chicken picatta lemon sauce had no lemon flavor and the garlic “prawns” were not that strong.  And they were not prawns they were shrimp.  I remember several years ago they were actual prawns that you had to remove from the shell.  It left us with a “meh” feeling.  Glad I did not pay full price as I do not feel it is worth the money.  We did not go to the main dining room as I had selected my time and I did not understand that it doesn’t start until 6:45, much to late for my kids.  I should have taken early dining as the menus looked nice and had enough choices for my family.  This was our first time eating at El Loco Fresh and it is great.  I would steer clear of the burritos as they were too many beans for my liking but all the meats were flavorful and the nachos with all the toppings you wanted was a treat.  Kind of upset we passed this up on Symphony.  They are always very busy but the line does move reasonable fast.  Be careful though as it can get windy and you may lose your chips.  That leaves us with the Windjammer, which was pretty bad in comparison to the Symphony.  There are several stations that are missing on the Oasis, like the nightly ice cream and show cooking stations.  Breakfast was decent, but the number of selections has definitely dwindled in the last 6 months.  And I do not know why they cannot cut up the fruit.  Some days it was nicely cubed and others it was just sliced rind and all.  Not really the way I want to eat my pineapple.  I would stick with the fired eggs or the omelets as the scrambled some days were more like “soup”, very runny and no flavor.  I missed the packaged yogurts as my girls enjoy them; but all that I saw was the parfaits with a fruit jelly.  They was not even fresh fruit in them that I saw.  Dinner was abysmal when compared to the Symphony.  There was little variety.  1 station with breads and salad bar.  Another with Caesar salad and other pre-portioned salads that looked like the same every night.  Then you had the American station that most flocked to that had the same every night with a few rotational items.  The last station said Asian, but there was usually always Indian food and only what I would classify as Asian a couple nights.  Then you only had burgers, dogs and chicken fingers.  It seemed like they had larger bowls of food so they didn’t need to have as much variety.   The quality and flavor were just not there and I rated it quite low on my cruise survey.  One good thing was that we usually had very little trouble finding a table as compared to the Symphony and the staff cleaned off tables much faster than on Symphony.

 

Service/Crew:

It was very evident that there are staff cuts/hiring on the Oasis especially with the cabin service.  We knew that we would be down to one service so that was not a surprise.  The surprise was that I had to pick a time to have the service and we needed to make sure we were out of the room.  When the steward introduced himself to us, he had a clipboard that he was filling in times for everyone’s service.  We told him that we wanted evening so that he could get the bed ready for the girls and he was like “oh good” as I have no room for service in the morning.  He seemed so spent and overworked.  He did was he needed to and nothing more.  Not very pleasant and professional; always calling me “man” when passing in the hallway.  He knew our names.  He instructed me on how to close up the bed because he said that he would not come in the morning to close it up.  Staff in Playmakers were slow and uninterested.  We had to wait a while before we got menus and then almost immediately were asked what we wanted.   Other staff around the ship were cordial but not nearly as friendly as the Symphony.  They all seemed like they were super busy and over-worked.  Windjammer staff was nice and quick too clean tables and sports staff were pleasant and patient when my girls did those activities.

 

Fellow Passengers:

We saw some of the worst behaviors I have ever witnessed by a select few passengers.  I will say that this was a relatively small groups and most we encountered we pleasant and friendly.  I think that maybe they need to have a video on cruise etiquette that you watch before you leave like the muster station one.  Some of the stuff I would not expect from people on land either.  Windjammer etiquette was just silly at times.  Picking up food with hands, cutting in line for one thing they want; well, hey I am waiting in line too for one thing like a responsible person.  We ever say a lady put a baby on the condiment table while she got her ketchup or whatever.  And the water bottle filling is ridiculous.  Big signs say not to do it and yet there are always people doing it, are they that ignorant.  Use a cup to fill your bottle like I do.  People not pulling in chairs so others could get by and some even taking things off table that someone else had put there to hold table so they could use it.  Surprisingly elevator etiquette was quite well, no unsupervised kids that we encountered.  Shows were a different story.  People coming in late, waving their hands in the dark so that they could show someone where they are (makes not sense to me), and standing up during the show.  Loud talking during performances or being on their phone.  Why are you there if you are going to be on your phone the whole time.  Unsupervised kids my kids’ age that have no patience or consideration on the mini golf and when asked to wait they look at you with a blank stare.  I know there can be a language barrier, but when this is just basic stuff that no matter what nationality you are is universal.  Again these behaviors were limited and have happened on every cruise we have taken, but they seemed more extreme this time.  It is funny when my kids ask why adults were doing these things as we have raised them to be courteous and polite in public.

 

I really hope that things turn around the other way for Royal.  We really love their ships and amenities but I just don’t think the value for the money is there right now.  Their prices are really getting out of hand even with all their “promotions” and loyalty discounts.  My kids want to go on Icon, so hopefully in a few years things will be back to the good old days (not likely) and we will have a great time like we used to.

Please feel free to ask me any questions and I will do my best to answer them.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

1 hour ago, live2beontheseas said:

I did notice that they were not toasting sandwiches to order like on the Symphony, but they were under a lamp and crew just grabbed them.

I am sure they no longer toast them on Symphony either. All of this is very recent.  All the cut backs....

Other than that, we were very happy with our April 2 Oasis sailing.

 

Edited April 30, 2023 by Itchy&Scratchy

[Russ Lomas]

1 hour ago, live2beontheseas said:

Entertainment:

The aqua show was cancelled for our sailing which was a bummer and they tried to fill the void with a “variety” show of musician, ventriloquist and the high-wire part from the aqua show.

 

Food:

That leaves us with the Windjammer, which was pretty bad in comparison to the Symphony.  There are several stations that are missing on the Oasis, like the nightly ice cream and show cooking stations.

 

There was little variety. 

Too bad you did not get to see the aqua show.  It was by far the best show on Oasis.  Amazing mix of 80s music to back a great show.  We saw it a few times.  Be sure to check it out if you sail on the Oasis again.

 

I, too, was very disappointed in the Windjammer offerings.  Variety was very poor compared to previous sailings on multiple different ships.  I was disappointed all the special stations that are on other ships like Odyssey and Symphony were absent on the Oasis.

[firefly333]

When I was on oasis they were pre toasting the bagels in the park cafe. I asked for one to be toasted fresh. Lol. They retoasted a already toasted bagel and burnt it. I was like nevermind. What I wanted was a hote bagel to kinda melt the cream cheese.

 

My cabin steward  on oasis equally unsocial and didnt even ask when I wanted cleaning. 

 

But radiance 2 weeks later the crew was the best ever. .. so I think it's just oasis. No biggie. I'm still going to cruise. I wouldnt judge on one cruise.

[SG65CB]

For Cats and other sung-through musicals with no dialog I find I really need to read a Cliff's Notes version of the plot to have an idea of what is going on.

[Sunshine3601]

I tend to agree with some of your review.   Our worst sailing with RCL was on Oasis end of August last year.   

We were in a JS - which was really nice and well kept.  

But there was one very large group of very rude passengers and lots of kiddo's.    Which don't get me wrong I love kids just not the ones running wild and being rude with the elevators.   Sure sailing the end of August will have lots of kids.    We knew that but still don't understand why some parents just let them run wild.    The food was mediocre most days (we had horrible burgers from JR's) and a bad experience at Playmakers.   

Lots of problems with this WJ too, especially did not like the layout of it either.     Solarium Bistro was not very appealing for lunch.    We stuck with MDR and enjoyed our breakfast and dinner there most nights.  Just nothing "to write home about".     We did have a brand new waiter and asst. waiter that went above and beyond to make sure everything was ok. 

Our favorite spot was the outdoor area of the Solarium.    This was our go to most days.   

 

I am in no rush to book another sailing on Oasis.    

 

Sorry they didn't have Aqua show as we really enjoyed the 80s remix.   Definitely was one of our favorite Aqua shows.  

[Desert Cruizers]

While we have only been on the Wonder last April, we prefer the Radiance Class up to Freedom. Our 1st Voyager Class will be next April. While we did enjoy the Aqua theater performance on th Wonder, the rest of the shows were lacking so we both agreed, we prefer the small Class ships. food at the WJ was poor on the Wonder but main dining was fine. Our crew were very friendly.

[MysteryKnight]

This is a helpful review. Currently trying to book a cruise and Oasis is one of the ships we have been considering. The other two ships we are considering are Odyssey and Wonder. The food and dining is definitely a very importance aspect to the ship I choose so hearing how poor it was on Oasis is definitely a red flag and something I want to avoid. 

 

How did you feel about the crowds in general? Did it feel like it was always packed while walking around the ship? Did you have to wait in long lines for the buffer and other dining options? The crowds is one of my concerns with going on a big ship like this. 

[Loracpin2]

We are a group of 12 sailing sailing in early August. The OP identified in detail every concern I've had  about sailing on the Oasis.

 

Hopefully RCCI has someone dedicated to reading Cruise Critic reviews in the hopes that the cruise line makes every effort to get their act together as soon as possible to deliver the products thousands and thousands of Passengers paid for and deserve!!!!

[time4u2go]

1 minute ago, Loracpin2 said:

We are a group of 12 sailing sailing in early August. The OP identified in detail every concern I've had  about sailing on the Oasis.

 

Hopefully RCCI has someone dedicated to reading Cruise Critic reviews in the hopes that the cruise line makes every effort to get their act together as soon as possible to deliver the products thousands and thousands of Passengers paid for and deserve!!!!

I wouldn't count on RCCI acting on (or even reading) Cruise Critic.  They are sailing with full ships so they really have little or no incentive to improve the product (although it would most definitely be nice if they did).

[joeyancho]

6 hours ago, live2beontheseas said:

Ooppps

 

Edited April 30, 2023 by joeyancho

[HicksRA]

Sadly, I believe your review could apply to just about any Royal ship currently - not just Oasis. 

[live2beontheseas]

3 hours ago, MysteryKnight said:

This is a helpful review. Currently trying to book a cruise and Oasis is one of the ships we have been considering. The other two ships we are considering are Odyssey and Wonder. The food and dining is definitely a very importance aspect to the ship I choose so hearing how poor it was on Oasis is definitely a red flag and something I want to avoid. 

 

How did you feel about the crowds in general? Did it feel like it was always packed while walking around the ship? Did you have to wait in long lines for the buffer and other dining options? The crowds is one of my concerns with going on a big ship like this. 

The crowds were not bad bad I felt for a full ship.  We have been on Oasis class several times so we appreciate the many areas to explore.  WJ was always busy but that is to be expected.  Seemed like crowd was lighter just before 9am for breakfast.  Pool area was busy on sea days but we were always able to find a place to watch the kids in the splash area.  Lines for slides and abyss and flow rider were never too bad either.  Yes there is a lot of people around, but they are dispersed quite well.

[mac_tlc]

The fact that a guest has to close up their own bed is ridiculous. Royal has really cheapened the experience lately, too bad the prices have not followed suit. 
 

We have two Royal cruises that were booked quite a while ago. After those, none on the books and no burning desire to book more. 
 

mac_tlc

Edited April 30, 2023 by mac_tlc

[BennyandBo]

Bad food, bad service. I'm really concerned about next month. 

[Itchy&Scratchy]

20 minutes ago, mac_tlc said:

The fact that a guest has to close up their own bed is ridiculous. Royal has really cheapened the experience lately,

we were in an inside cabin 2 weeks ago and our cabin attendant closed the sofa bed in the morning and opened it back up in the evening. So, it may be the attendant who just didn't want to bother.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

1 minute ago, BennyandBo said:

Bad food, bad service. I'm really concerned about next month. 

we had great service and good MDR food (you can check out my review in the signature). WJ, Sorrento's Pizza, Solarium buffet (not bistro) and Park Cafe definitely suffered from recent cut backs.

[Ocean Boy]

Pretty sad to read that this is what is going on aboard Oasis these days.😐

[John&LaLa]

8 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

Pretty sad to read that this is what is going on aboard Oasis these days.😐

 

I had a great time, but I'm easy going

[live2beontheseas]

1 hour ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

we were in an inside cabin 2 weeks ago and our cabin attendant closed the sofa bed in the morning and opened it back up in the evening. So, it may be the attendant who just didn't want to bother.

I have read several review that stated steward would open or close the bed depending on the time for cleaning, but this guy just kept saying how busy he was and that there was so many kids on board.  Took him until day 3 and several reminders before he got bracelets for my kids.  We did not tip he extra as we felt it was the minimum he did.  By contrast on Symphony we tipped an extra $50 for all he did.

[live2beontheseas]

37 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

 

I had a great time, but I'm easy going

We are fairly easy going and definitely not high maintenance,  hard to be with 2 smaller kids as they are, but things were just so different from the Symphony.  My wife and I work hard so that we can afford to take our children on trips to experience different cultures, etc. (they have been to Mexico twice, two cruises and are going to Africa next year), but the value for the money paid just wasn't there in my mind.  We still had a good time and built some nice family memories, but I could see that the cuts happening currently are not the direction that I want my money to go currently.  I will of course keep my eyes open and hopefully we can find value in Royal again.

[pittnh]

2 hours ago, BennyandBo said:

Bad food, bad service. I'm really concerned about next month. 

 

Don't be, I was on Oasis in March and disagree with just about everything the OP said.  Except room condition, there was a fairly nasty carpet stain in our room, and a mysterious wet spot on the carpet that never seemed to dry up the whole cruise.  But I've stayed in a lot worse places, that's for sure.  Overall the room was clean, and the cabin steward was very friendly and accommodating.  

 

I have a post I could link if you like on my thoughts on mostly the MDR food.  Cliff notes version was that the quality wasn't noticeably different from my cruise on Oasis several years ago with the original menus.

[Orange jeep]

I was on the Oasis this past March as well and everyone has there own opinion and I too disagree with OP.  I have been on many Oasis class ships.  The March cruise on Oasis was the most fun cruise we have had.  We loved the entertainment (can’t comment on cats didn’t go).  The food was very good and I’m glad I didn’t listen to other reviews before I left on my cruise as we thought the food was excellent in MDR, Solarium and Windjammer.  Every cruise is subjective to peoples personal opinions and experiences.

 

Make the most of your time on the ship and enjoy!

[Ocean Boy]

8 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

I had a great time, but I'm easy going

However, I suspect you had reasons to enjoy the cruise that the typical passenger did not have the privilege to be part of.

[kruzerci]

14 hours ago, HicksRA said:

Sadly, I believe your review could apply to just about any Royal ship currently - not just Oasis. 

Yes. It is bad.