Tylor

The doghouse concept is odd to me. I understand people enjoy hotdogs (I really don't) but does it really need a dedicated space just for that? If you're going to dedicate a space that sells one specific thing why not make it soup, baked potatoes, cheesesteak, or something more interesting that might appeal to more people. A hotdog seems like something you would be able to get a Park Cafe. I will say I did enjoy the options at Park Cafe, good selection and moved people through the place fast. I haven't eaten at Rita's, but from what I've read the food is less than stellar. Which I cannot understand because Mexican is easy to make and can't you locate staff from origin countries to staff the place and cook the food? Or is that wrong? All the Mexican places in my town are staffed by barely English speaking nice Mexican/Spanish people. They do a great job making great food! Both of those concepts seem like a big miss to me. Also what is the status of Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville rumor replacing Rita's and Seafood Shack. Also heard similar comments about greasy not good food from Seafood Shack. On Oasis the place was basically empty each night.

Who was the cruise director?

I have never seen anyone famous on a cruise except for Micky Dolenz from the Monkeys. He was the entertainment on the Liberty cruise I took back in 2008. I sat next to him on the tender to Labadee. Very nice, down to earth guy.

Hello, my name is Tyler and I'm from Lansing, Michigan. My wife and I love cruising and cruise normally once every two years. I'm a "loyal to Royal" and keep up to date on everything that Royal Caribbean does. We love to travel but love Walt Disney World and cruising the most!

I still think Royal Caribbean could place an Oasis Class in Southampton. Once 4 are built and in service, the could place on in Australia, Asia, Southampton, and Florida.

My dream cruise would be on the 12 night Quantum of the Seas January 11, 2015 to the Southern Caribbean. I've always wanted to go to the Southern Caribbean, but really no larger ships go there. It is amazing to spend a lot of time on ships that have a lot to do and to be on a new ship. Love watching people be envious over what your ship looks like! ;) Having been on Oasis, it is amazing to see how curious everyone was about the ship. Even though they picked a different cruise line, they still wanted to check out and see all that Oasis had to offer.

For me, it depends on a couple of things. #1: I check the menus each afternoon after lunch is served to see what peaks my interest. If I see nothing that is really appealing, then I will book a specialty restaurant. Unlike most people, I don't book specialty restaurants in advance. And to my surprise I normally can get in just by reserving the same day. #2: I've taken cruises where I opted to not participate in formal night activities, and didn't pack a suit. So on formal nights my wife and I ate in specialty restaurants. Nor surprisingly most people eat in the main dining room on formal nights because of the special entertainment, menu, and or formal night activities. Probably us repeat cruisers that know the routine and know what to expect have and done formal nights over and over again opt for something different. Having been on 5 Royal Caribbean cruises I look for certain menu items that I enjoy eating on Royal Caribbean cruises and will pick and choose nights to eat in the main dining room based on when those menu offerings are available. Still mourning the loss of the vidalia onion tart!

Getting checked in and onboard early enables you to: 1. Avoid lines at check in and at lunch venues onboard the ship 2. Eat lunch at peace and on time 3. Explore ship while others are eating lunch 4. Make specialty restaurant reservations before others do 5. Change your dining room table assignment if you're unhappy with its location 6. Swim in the pool or hot tubs before others do 7. Take photos of the ship before it fills up 8. Put your clothes away (after you've done all the other things, obviously)

I always thought Portofino was really good. I've eaten at Chops as well, and thought it was good too. I just the Tiramisu snagged me at Portofino. Never did get to try Giovanni's on Oasis.

I hope so. Obviously that is the best class in the fleet both for onboard options and onboard revenue. Royal Caribbean would be so smart to build a 4th. You could easily have 1 Oasis Class ship in Florida, South Hampton, Australia, and Asia.

Exactly. I can't justify spending what could amount to more than 1 person's cruise fare for 2 people to have the unlimited alcohol package. My wife doesn't drink that much, and not having the alcohol package helps me not drink a lot too.

Not sure if the hammocks are still onboard.

When I was on Freedom I loved sitting in the Solarium in chairs near the windows. It is peaceful.

I started cruising in 2005 when I took my first cruise on Explorer of the Seas. I have sailed with Royal Caribbean 5 times now and have not sailed with any other line simply because I've been satisfied with what Royal Caribbean has provided. Since then, in my opinion, cruising has gotten better, a lot better. The newest ships are the envy of the cruise industry. The onboard entertainment is Broadway quality. The menu, although not as grand as it used to be, still satisfies the masses and the updated menu is a great improvement. Each new ship offers new and exciting things that some may say are gimmicky, but people use these facilities and book these ships because they have them onboard. Options are the way today and Royal Caribbean provides a lot if not the most in the industry.

I arrive early as well. I'm always early in my daily life and that is no different when I'm cruising. Besides, you've paid for the first day, might as well get on the ship as soon as you can!

I use a TA as well. She is a close personal friend, and I like doing business and sharing my business with people in my home town. Obviously if you book directly with Royal Caribbean you're giving them the commission you would otherwise be giving to your travel agent. Like Matt said, I also use a TA because they take care of everything for me. I don't have to call Royal Caribbean, or any of that other stuff. My TA takes care of that, and her agency give me nice perks for coming back as a return customer, i.e. onboard credit, specialty dining certificates, free hotel nights.