CGTLH

Not to make things more confusing... Just happened to be looking my Symphony sailing today... $11.99 and it is flagged at 20% off...

Know the feeling too well. Think this the second or third time I've done an upgrade within the four week window. I'm still surprised at how suites have started to fall on this sailing. Then again the prices were jacked up fairly quick after bookings had opened.

CK still isn't showing up for me on the May sailing for Harmony and disappeared on the Anthem sailing in August. Both cases in a GS.

Yeah, on the phone last night they said all sorts of issues were going on. Got the wrong discount on one of mine, other none. Now if the Casino folks would only get the discounts in their system I'd be set. Not talking about the play certificate/$ amount discount.

Same sailing, full suite. No CK listed for me either. Starting to think it might be something that shows up after final payment date (90 days). Same thing with an Anthem sailing end of August, no CK.

Just got back Jan 22, 2017. The going rate was 1 USD to 18 MXN. The market rate was in the 21.5 range. The places what will let you deal in Pesos it does work to your advantage. For example, a purchase from Los Cinco Soles that came up as $51.50 USD was $926.25 MXN. Once charged in Pesos/MXN (this case they did a dynamic currency conversion on the CC terminal in error, 3.5% fee) it wound up being $43.89 USD. Another purchase from Los Cinco Soles was $46.50 USD/$836.33 MXN, hit the card at $38.57 USD (This time it was charged in MXN, no foreign transaction fee CC). Then a cash transaction that was $60 MXN. After conversion it was $3.33 USD. Gave $4 USD, got back $10 MXN. On the flip side, some places will down right refuse to work in Pesos. Diamonds International was one, would not budge one bit from working in USD. Sure it might have been different if I had a pile of notes I could have dumped on the counter. Amount was $270 USD, trying to push them to $5500 MXN. In the end, I think it all comes down to comfort level. It really doesn't bother me to use a credit card internationally, never use a debit. In the event a card does get compromised, have backup a card that can be used. Unless you are able to get and exchange Pesos locally in the US at a reasonable rate I wouldn't bother. I would be very hesitant to use an ATM card unless you have a "burner" bank account with a very small amount of funds in it. Plus you would run in to potential ATM and conversion fees. Also, most ATMs that I saw the lowest note dispensed was $200 Pesos.

From what I understand you use the Set Sail Pass until you can retrieve the Sea Pass.

Thanks for the heads up, booked while on Oasis... Now if those dang dining reservations will open up.

Yes, a single day can be purchased.For surf is it in the $20 range and stream is $27 I think.

I've seen the Coca Cola one printed for the longest time. May 2013 on Freedom when I pre-purchased the soda package and again May 2015 with RR. On Oasis I saw the Coca Cola logo as well.

I just wonder once they run out of the UP stickers if they won't move to the PP ones. Heck, my card from Dec 18 has PP printed on it. Best move ever: On Vision, the guy at the coffee bar put a strip of tape over the sticker.

Here are the my last three cards from Oasis. What is really interesting is the UP sticker one, that was from the Sip and Stream offer back in November. The others Deluxe and Premium were purchased in advance. Odd, the replacement card from the Dec 11 cruise had to have the sticker applied. Note: I'm not part of the lanyard club, just put all my old cards on a key ring,

Was fun sharing it, 110 days until Harmony...

Matt has posted the Compasses for anyone looking for them: http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compasses/oasis-of-the-seas/tue-2017-01-17-0000

So here I am at home typing this up. Looking back this previous week was a blast and a blur. Here is the slightly longer recap of Day 7. This morning was the Diamond Plus galley tour. Start time was 10:00am finish time was a whole 15 or 20 minutes later. Met in the deck 4 dining room lobby, walked in the starboard side entrance. This was where the dirty dishes were dropped off for cleaning. Passed by the bar “cage†heading to the cook line where the turkey breasts were being prepared along with hamburgers that were being served for lunch. After the tour headed over to Windjammer just to do some recon/stepping foot inside during breakfast. Didn’t go away empty handed, grabbed a coffee cup with a few hard-cooked eggs to eat before leaving. I would rather not make the trek to a food venue the final morning. Was going to look at the Solarium Bistro for breakfast as well, but it was closed by the time I made it over. Eventually around 11:00 I made it back to my go to location, the Champagne Bar. Around 11:30 or noon, went to give the main dining room a shot for lunch after seeing the burgers being cooked during the galley tour. Left there stuffed around 1pm after visiting the buffet spread and having multiple appetizers and an entrée. Headed back to the room to recharge my phone/camera then did some roaming where I wound up once again at the Champagne Bar. At 5pm headed over to the Trellis Bar to meet up the folks I was traveling with, 5:30 dinner in the Main Dining Room. Left there and head up to Café Promenade, wound up watching the Dream Works Farewell parade. After that, stuck around in Café Promenade until the casino raffle drawing. To get a ticket for it you either win them from the free spin machine. After the drawing, stuck around in the casino for the last chance of hitting it big. After not hitting it big, I hit the Champagne Bar for one final time. After seeing the “time to wrap up your vacation†message on the TV screen, I knew it was that time. Said my good byes to the Champagne Bar staff and jumped over to Cafe Promenade to tell someone else looking forward to seeing them on Harmony. Finally made it back to the cabin around 1am to finally start packing, around 3am I was packed and went to bed. I normally don’t carry off a large suitcase, but my procrastination and lack of desire to pack before 11pm made it a requirement. The one great thing in Port Canaveral’s Terminal 1 is the switchback ramp going from the second level to the first level. No need to worry about a free hand for an escalator or waiting for an elevator. All in all, from getting number called, ding out with group 15, until waiting for a taxi back to the hotel was about 35 minutes (8:15-8:50).

#3: Aqua Show and CATS. CATS, other than the issue of the story line being slow and hard to follow. I look at it deeper, the technical and talent aspect of it. Amazes me that such a detailed set and choreography is on a ship. #2: Central Park, both views and venues (Other than Giovanni's, forgot once again to visit Vintages). Sitting out at the Trellis Bar is a very interesting experience. It feels like you are no longer on a ship. In a way, it is a nice throw toward an apartment complex/hotel with an interior outdoor plaza with dining and shops. #1: Sounds silly in a way, but being remembered. It was nice when walking to a frequently visited venue that the crew remembered your name, know what you liked. Even the simple "Were you on here just a few weeks ago". I'm gearing up, in 111 days I'm heading off for Harmony. I know for the most part the bones are the same, the personality will be different. One thing I feel I'm going to miss the most is the Champagne Bar. I know Rising Tides carries on the tradition, but the Champagne Bar was a nice and quiet"ish" venue, not the center of attraction, and used some fresh ingredients. Most importantly the bar team was great.

Forgot to post this about 8 hours ago... So here is my quick recap for Day 7. I'll post something more detailed later today. Best summed up as: Galley tour (Diamond Plus), adult beverage, eat (lunch), rest, adult beverage times ???, eat (dinner), mingle (with adult beverage), adult beverage times ???, gamble, adult beverage time ???, say good bye to beverage staff, procrastinate, pack, post.

I have Sprint here... For the most part Sprint covers SMS at no additional when International in the Caribbean. Plus, you'll get slow as heck and just about useless data aswell. Just make sure you sign up for the proper roaming package prior to departure. Just keep in mind, on the ship's cellular network you will be charged. https://www.sprint.com/landings/international-value-roaming/

The screen I hate the most just came up on the TVs

Know it was an appetizer, but the shrimp risotto could have been doubled up. Other thing that might work could be asking for extra shrimp. The portion of risotto was about half cup with 3 shrimp. Also wonder if the removal of just one item could have swung an entree gluten-free (say a sauce).

Line for lunch in the MDR @ 1pm Toss in the menu also

I think the windows might be back in place, did seem cool inside. Then again, it wasn't too bad temperature wise by Florida standards.

The current time is 1:35 am of Day 7 :( … At the start of writing this it is officially the morning of day 7. However, that isn’t the reason behind this post. Rather it is for the recap of day6. As originally thought, mooched a ride from the Port Shopper to the Forum Shops. If I recalled correctly, the Forum Shops use to be way down on the strip, right next to Pancho's Backyard. That location had to been well over three years ago. Due to the otherwise long walk, a taxi is usually a must. Me being cheap, I would rather not pay $16 round trip. Yes, I know it is a flat cost per cab. However, the return trip can be a pain finding more occupants in order to split the fare. Once I the Forum Shops, did some browsing in one of what fells like two hundred Diamonds International on the strip. At times, I swear Cozumel has more Diamonds International locations than there were actual Diamond and Diamond Plus members on board. After my venture in Diamonds International, head over COZ Coffee Roasting Company. Oh, my how I miss the Peanut Butter Coffee. At 60 pesos, it isn’t that bad of a cost wise. Wound up being $3.33 using an 18 peso to 1 USD conversation rate. Gave $4 USD and got back 10 pesos. Did some more browsing of the shops, and eventually wound up at Pancho’s Backyard. Did even more shop browsing inside of the terminal. On the subject of the terminal, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville is now open along with the liquor store. Both places are right at the start/end of the secure zone for the ship. Made it back on the ship at 5pm. Got showered and headed to Solarium Bistro for dinner. I’m not usually a “food porn†person but I made an exception for this misunderstood place. Here is the album for the pictures of the buffet appetizers and desserts: https://mjcwebdesign.com/photos/index.php?/category/64 I was impressed with the food. Service on the other had was questionable. When asked about fries, after seeing them on another table, we were told no. At dessert, once again after seeing it on another table, was told no. Was told it was only available in the MDR. After dinner and raiding the dessert buffet, head over Windjammer to get some ice cream. When I was at WJ, did my observations. Action station was tacos. Had “Shrimp Cocktail†once again. It did look like they might have had King Crab at one point in time, there was some shell bit from crab. Afterwards, talked in Café Promenade then browsed the photo gallery for the free photos. Watched some sort of dance party in the Promenade until it was time for The Quest. This go around of The Quest had to been a bit tamer at times. One section didn’t even have captains from there section. After wards, just did some more walking until now. Tomorrows plans, Galley Tour (Diamond Plus) and enjoy the last day on board... The current time is 2:45am of Day 7… Just wanted to add: If bored, check out the Scopes I did yesterday. I got something interesting during the dance thing in the Promenade and also got The Quest.

Going to double check the Compasses when I get back to see it they didn't show up on Day 4 and just didn't notice it. Thanks, it was a surprisingly quick journey from 140 (Jan 2016) to 210 (Jan 2017).

Another day down and very few to go. At the time of writing this today is essentially the last “relaxing†day of the cruise. Tomorrow, Saturday, starts the fun filled process of wrapping up the week and trying to stuff you vacation back in to your suitcase. But I still get to look forward to today in Cozumel. At the time of this writing still not sure what my plans are. I’m not much in the way of a beach person, so going to the resorts for the day is somewhat of a waste to me. I have only one shopping request, and that can be done at/near the pier if needed. The other possible plan is to mooch a free ride downtown compliments of the port shopper then figure out a plan once there. For a recap of Day 5… Woke up, the reservation I got for the Diamond Plus bridge tour was at 8:45. Once the tour was over around 9:30, just headed back to the room. I didn’t want to mess up my appetite for the complimentary lunch at Giovanni’s as part of the Eat-Drink-Play promotion for booking a Central Park Balcony room. What isn’t mentioned is the menu (see post 38, http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php/topic/3066-oasis-of-the-seas-liveish-january-15-2017/page-2#entry28692 ) isn’t the standard lunch menu. Rather is an abbreviated version of it with a handful of choices. I’m not a picky person when it comes to food, come on I find the food in Windjammer good at times, but what was offered and came out was somewhat disappointing. Between everyone we were traveling with, we covered just about every menu option. Staring with the Salami E Formaggi, personally nothing wrong with this. Very hard to mess up a plate with cheese, sliced meat, and a jar with some veggies. Biggest con, just about everything on “plank†could have been obtained from Windjammer at dinner and even possibly lunch. Only exception might have been the blue cheese. Next up Insalata Di Rucola, was very light on the lemon vinaigrette and when the balsamic vinegar was added, the small touch just over powered it. I know, should have ask for more of the vinaigrette. Finally, Zuppa Del Giorno this soup was still a mystery to our waiter until about 5 minutes or so after being asked what it was. From what I recall it was still being brought up from the galley. Just in case anyone is wondering, it was some type of cauliflower soup. I think the only complaint might have been it was on the thin side. Time for the “Piatti Principaliâ€! No one ordered the Gnocchi. First entrée, Lasagna Tradizionale Al Sugo Di Carne. The running joke, we thought it was leftovers from the previous night in the main dining room. It looked just like what they offered, a lasagna covered with a béchamel sauce. No melted cheese on top other than a few bits of shaved parmesan. Adding to the other “not use too†thing, it was served in a bowl versus a small dish that could have been thrown under a broiler to melt any cheese. Plus, for safe measures it was also a touch on the mushy side. Next up was the Taglierini Ai Pomodorini, Calamari, Capesante E Pesto. This pasta dish was extremely dry and clumped together. When asked for more sauce the waiter brought out more of the pesto paste. Can’t really what happened when olive oil was asked for, thing the comment might have been they didn’t have any at that time. Just not sure about that. Once again, for safe measues was also told the pasta was overcooked and mushy. Finally, the Filetto Di Polo Pipieno Di Ricotta E Funchi, Salsa Alla Salvia E Chardonnay. Personally, other than it could have been hotter temperature wise nothing really to complain about. The chicken I had was not dry and the prosciutto on the outside was crisp. Also, the cut for the chicken was in the form of an airline breast. So, it still had the drumette attached. Finally, time for Dolci Della Casa! First off, the Tiramisu Classico. This was pulled out of the rolling dessert card. Yes, pulled out. Wait, we weren’t given the entire tray… Oh, sorry for the confusion, the tiramisu was made inside of large shot style glasses. Layer of mousse, soaked biscotto, and another layer of mousse. No more large portion scooped from a pan. Finally, was the Torta All’olio. Was very odd, when served it looked and tasted like a chocolate cake. Even odder was the lack of caramelized pecans. Extremely odd, other people were getting something that eerily looked like an olive oil cake. When pressed, the waiter really didn’t give much in the way of an answer. So overall, if this happened to be the first time I every stepped in to Giovanni’s, it might have been my last. Then again, it might be my last ever after a less than stellar experience on Freedom back in October. I will note, we did bump in the Restaurant Operations Manager/Officer on the way out next to the Trellis Bar. He remembered me from December and asked how everything was going, told him the truth. He did extend the offer to let us give Giovanni’s another try for lunch on Saturday, we declined it. But did make a claim he would follow up with the chef about the entrée issues. After lunch, relaxation and preparation for dinner. Tonight, was the first venture in the main dining room. No wait showing up at 5:30, was able to request the same server we had in December. Only issue that came up was a tough piece of prime rib. The reorder came out just fine. Just for information, lobster tails were cut in half down the middle. We happened to be served two tails/four halves to a plate. Our server jumped, before we had the opportunity, to remove the meat from the tails. Overall amount on meat per half I would say an ounce to ounce and a half. Second plate of tails was dropped even before the first one was finished. Had planned on seeing Come Fly with Me at 7:30, but was too stuffed and wanted to relax. Did, however, swing by Windjammer. Action station was a pasta bar, should have given it a try to see it was better than Giovanni’s. Word of warning, the smell of garlic was strong in the air. It did linger a bit on my clothes after leaving. Headed back to the room, discovered my crystal block for 210 cruise night points. Passed out until about 15 minutes before the 70’s party started. Did a Periscope of the entire event, boy were my arms tired from holding the phone. Finally, by midnight I was back in the room doing a wrap up of the day. So all of you folks, thanks again for reading and have a great rest of you day. Oasis of the Seas Crystal Block