OCSC Mike

Can only share recent experience... it asked me to enter CC info when I put in my bids.

My wife's hubby will not be saying yes to suites, lol. TBF, my wife wouldn't expect us to pay for a suite and we've been enjoying cheaper cabins for so long that it's fine. The room was nice, don't get me wrong, but It was the perks we loved. We don't really care about our cabin. We don't use balconies so it's just a bed, shower, and changing room to us. But everyone has their own priorities and that's the beauty of having so many different types of cabins and prices.

It’s free & they didn’t even ask for insurance when I used them on 5/27. NOTE: It was a backup for my older in-laws & they WERE asked for insurance when signing up but didn’t actually get tested there. My guess was it had something to do with Medicare but that’s only a guess.

THIS!

Rodrigo was great! Someone else on our sailing was also onboard the prior week & mentioned him on another forum so I wasn’t surprised when we met him. He was just as she described. We were in a Grand Suite as well, great experience all around. Back to steerage for us next month as that suite was courtesy of my generous FIL. At least I can’t miss CK since Indy doesn’t have one.

This was my experience in the past 10 days.

I rarely pay extra for food but have had multiple excellent steaks in locations that aren't Chops... CK, Giovanni's Table, Beach Club at Cococay. That said, I'm an interior/WJ kinda guy, so I'm guessing our tastes don't align to closely.

On the flip side, DO NOT ORDER THE RIB EYE! It was not like any rib eye I've ever seen in a restaurant or on a grill. It somewhat resembled a slice of prime rib and was terrible.

I read that a while ago and remember thinking I couldn't believe so little research went into it pre-cruise. If you're not a planner, no problem, but this woman didn't have a clue. FYI, that website isn't exactly a beacon of journalism.

Since I believe menus are mostly fleet wide (i.e. same dishes on different ships), filet mignon in CK was excellent and if you see ribs for lunch there (listed as rum and something), loved those too. More like a short rib than a spare rib there was so much meat on each bone.

Doesn't apply to Oasis, but fwiw, had excellent service in CK and from the bartenders in both the suite deck and suite lounge on Harmony. Possibly not an accident that they put experienced and/or highly regarded bartenders/servers in those locations.

Yes, but if there's no blender (there wasn't on Harmony), you'll be limited to shirley temples or whatever other mocktails exist without a blender. No virgin daiquiris or pina coladas or anything.

Congrats! I just finished my 1st stay in a suite last week on Harmony so I know how you feel. Here are some quick thoughts off the top of my head... First, the suite concierges should e-mail you 5-6 days before your cruise. They can do just about anything before you even cruise. Amongst other things, they made us reservations for CK (only required for dinner) and the comedy show. They will also answer as many questions as you have. If you eat in CK, nothing needs to be done with your MDR time with traditional seating. If you have MTD, don't make reservations for those nights (or cancel them). We loved CK but preferred the MDR menu a few nights. I'd suggest checking the menus as your cruise gets closer. We had many breakfasts in CK also. Make use of the suite lounge for the coffee machine (same as the DL if you're Diamond) for free cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, etc., free beer, wine, seltzer, soda, bottled water from 11-11 everyday, and open bar during a 3-hour happy hour every night (there are also hors d'oeuvres served during happy hour, same as the DL). Check out the suite sun deck. Too lazy to check the exact layout of Oasis (it may differ slightly) but on Harmony you take a set of steps up from the pool deck that can only be accessed with a suite sea pass. We spent several mornings up there in free cabanas (first come, first serve). There is also a suite deck bar up there. You don't need reservations to any shows except the adult comedy show. You will automatically be allowed in and there are special suite sections (although you are free to sit elsewhere of course). Just arrive at least 15 minutes early or they may start giving away the suite section seats. Lastly, you can have the suite concierges walk you off the ship at the end of the cruise. You meet them at an assigned time and location (for us it was 7:30, 8:00, or 8:30 in the Bionic Bar) and they will escort you past the line to the gangway. You will receive instructions in your cabin when the time comes. I'm sure there was other stuff but that should get you started.

We each had a set of these, agreed.

Footwear... any type of light hiking boots. I got a fairly cheap pair on Amazon that looked like sneakers and wore them everyday for our 10 days on land and 8-day cruise in 2018. When you hike/walk on a glacier they will give you crampons (sharp metal spikes that attach to your boots). We did this. My wife even ice climbed with similar light, cheap hiking boots that were more like sneakers. We also went dog sledding on a glacier in Skagway and they were fine there too.

Yes, assuming the app is working properly.

One thing of note, Mariner was previously using terminal 1 in addition to terminal 5... it is now exclusively using terminal 5 so that should help a bit with the parking situation at terminal 1.

If you're a cheapskate like me, I got these. They served their purpose last week. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B9WBF18?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

When we uploaded them 45 days out from last week's cruise on Harmony, it took about 15 days to be validated. My young nieces were waiting for their 2nd shots and had theirs uploaded closer to the sail date. They were validated in less than 24 hours. Short answer... don't worry about it. You have to show them at the cruise terminal anyway.

I think it's just one line outside. As I mentioned, some of my extended family was already in line so we politely hopped in with them. Someone mentioned they just call for Pinnacle/Suite guests first. Once inside, yes, you will see clear signs for Suites, Pinnacle, The Key, etc.

Well stated. This should be pinned somewhere. Agree 100% about printed copies.

I cringe on family cruises when my sister in law makes us stop for pictures, lol. It was very smooth for us last Sunday as well. Only waited a short time outside the terminal b/c we were there so early. Hoping it goes as smoothly on Indy next month when we will be commoners, not suite guests.

Thanks for adding these details. Part of my family was already there and in line (suite guests) so we politely joined them. I didn't get to hear the announcements and hierarchy part. Good to know since we'll be 10:30 but no other special categories next month.

If you want to waste/spend a few bucks, Amazon sells passport holders that have a slot for your passport on one side and a window for vax card on the other. Wife wanted a 2 pack and they were cheap but of course a paperclip works just fine. We then stuck our other documents like printed covid test and set sail pass in the middle since we find print outs are faster than going through your phone. Made for a nice little document folder.

You're welcome. Didn't mean to ignore your other questions, just not familiar with The Key. Check the app for which bars open earliest. Finding a drink should not be a problem. We obviously have a short drive as well and also prefer to get on the ship ASAP.