Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'oasis of the seas'.
-
HI all, I am in port Canaveral sitting in my hotel room this morning and excited to board Oasis of the the Seas today. This is my 27th cruise, but our first time on an Oasis class ship so I am super excited. I have had this cruise booked for a year now, after getting an unbelievable on cyber Monday last year so I have $400 OBC this cruise. This is also our first cruise as diamond, so our first time not getting the drink package in a while. The OBC will help. Because it is a holiday cruise, their were no specialty dining packages available in the cruise planner. We will be stopping in Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten this cruise. I am excited. I have not been to St. Thomas and St. Maarten in a while. I have 2 excursions booked outside of the cruise. For St. Thomas we are doing the "Taphus sips and bites tour" and for St. Maarten, we are doing the Bernard's island tour and then will likely come back to the boardwalk and get some drinks. In Nassau, I plan to just get off and have some drinks and appetizers. Starting at our favorite restaurant in Nassau, Athena cafe. My plan is to get conch fritters and their basil martini. :). We stayed last night at the holiday inn vacation club in port canaveral. I am an IHG credit card holder, so I used my annual certificate to redeem the room. The fee to maintain the card is $75, so I feel that I got a bargain on this room for $75. We arrived here early yesterday morning from Cincinnati. Lyft from MCO to the hotel was $61.72, and super easy! Our room was not ready yet so we checked our bags at the resort, and headed to Grills for lunch right next to where Navigator of the Seas was parked. I had the fish tacos which I was able to choose my fish for. ( I got fresh tuna, sushi style) and an IPA. The tacos were delicious. DL got the burger which also looked great! After lunch, we caught an uber to the taproom and Florida beer company which was a great atmosphere with lots of TV's. I enjoyed their southernmost wheat beer and DH got a flight and then purchased some IPA's for the hotel room. The weather is amazing in florda today, 60's and breezy so I wasn't as inspired to go into the amazing pool and lazy river at the hotel. Once they called and said our room/villa was ready, we headed back to the hotel. I sat out by the pool bar for a while and listened to the band, which was great. I also had a $3 mimosa, and they had a happy hour starting at 4. Our room was perfectly situated facing the channel so my favorite thing about the hotel was watching the cruise ships depart and come into the channel this morning. Yesterday, we watched Carnival breeze, the norwegian EPIC, the Disney fantasy, 2 other ships, and lastly Navigator of the Seas. This morning I woke up early, and saw Oasis come in about 5:30 am. Since then Carnival liberty and Carnival sunshine also sailed in. The lighting was perfect for the Sunshine. My plan is to head to the gym now and then possibly take a float in the lazy river prior or check out the beach prior to boarding oasis this morning. We are less than a mile from the port, so it will be an easy uber or lyft ride. The hotel also has a tram to the beach every 15 minutes, but I have not yet been. I don't have Wifi onboard, so i will update the blog, but it will be delayed. I am hoping to do Chef's table tonight or tomorrow night if I can get a special offer on board and since we have so much OBC. I am also tempted to take the Guacomole class at Sabor on one of the sea days. I did the sushi class on our grandeur of the seas cruise in march, and really enjoyed it!
-
Sorry to say... I'm back again ready to provide another quality LIVEish! This time around I'll be on the Oasis of the Seas for Halloween. For those that want to get an idea of what I'll be posting look back at my last journey on board Also, keep an eye on Twitter/Periscope for any material not posted here. Twitter/Periscope: @CGTLH
-
Hello, I am new to the site and will be cruising Oct 28 2018 on Oasis of the Seas for a 7 night Eastern Carribean Nassau, St Thomas and St Martin. I have been on one cruise with NCL before but I am very excited to cruise on a bigger ship in a Boardwalk Balcony room. I will be cruising with my 3 kids and 2 other families so a total of 20 of us. We will be dining 5:30 with set time dining at the MDR and would like to catch some shows, pool time with some beach snorkelling. A few questions and recommendations would be much appreciated! 1) What are the best free snorkel beaches in Nassau, St Thomas and St Martin? Preferably would like clear, picturesque waters, keeping costs down and not have to take a 45-60 minute boat ride, but share any experiences you have had. 2) What are the best shows to reserve and watch? Kids ranging from 7-14 will be cruising with us? 3) How are the kids' programs, do your kids spend time in there and do they get bored? 4) What day and times are good to do Rock Climbing, Flo Rider? 5) What is a good time to grab loungers? 6) If you had to choose one night for a Specialty restaurant, which one would it be and any other tips on the MDR and entree selections?
-
I thought I would provide a post-cruise recap for those who are curious about experiences with both Disney (DCL) and Royal Caribbean (RCI). We sailed on DCL three times (Fantasy 2013, Wonder 2015, Dream 2016) and our Oasis of the Seas Christmas 2017 cruise was our first on RCI. Here is a quick, high-level comparison between DCL and RCI based upon on our experiences. Of course, this is only our experience and others may vary ? Websites - Overall: DCL is much better RCI's site is notorious for being glitchy; they need some work in their IT department :). That being said, I always had excellent service when I called to follow up on anything that I did online (because I didn't trust that my changes online had been captured correctly) Embarkation process - Overall: RCI slightly better Both were comparable with regards to luggage drop off, parking and security. Both have online check in options which save a ton of time and effort at the port. {Sidebar for my fellow US Citizens: Please take the advice that so many have shared here before: bite the bullet and get a passport for you and your kids. It will make your life so much easier and safer in the event you need it in a foreign location situation. It makes check in simpler as well, as you don't have to carry multiple pieces of information. Times have changed, doesn't matter what the cruise line websites say, everyone should have a passport. End sidebar} On each trip with DCL we had some long lines and waits before we boarded. On RCI (Terminal 1, Port Canaveral) once through the quick security stop around 10:30AM, we went up the escalator, turned left and a quick right, and walked up to an empty queue with about 30 agents waiting to assist us! Because we had passports and all online check in completed, printed and signed, we had our Sea Pass cards in about 7 minutes and headed to the chairs to wait. They began calling for all the specialty boarding around 11AM (all Crown and Anchor levels, special assistance, etc.) and our boarding group (3) was called to board by 11:30. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! Dining food variety and quality - Overall: Slightly better with DCL We found the food (main buffet and formal dining rooms) to be comparable for both cruise lines. On RCI we did My Time Dining and liked being able to pick different dining times depending upon our daily plans. We had breakfast at Johnny Rockets and in the Park Cafe (both included in price of the cruise) a couple of times because it was closer to our room and quicker to get off the ship and both were ok. Kid Feedback: On DCL, the "free" soft serve ice cream was open from around 10am-midnight and there was always plenty. On RCI, it was only open from 11:00am - 7:00pm and many times the machines were not really frozen and/or out of order completely. They ran out of chocolate a lot! This was a BIG downer for our kids who LOVED getting a couple (ok, really more like 4+) ice creams a day, especially that last one right before midnight. Also, the kids really missed the variety of theme-ing and activities/interactions offered on DCL. Dining food allergy concerns - Overall: Both were exceptional Our son has a severe tree nut allergy. Disney was great with this and a chef came out to talk to us almost every day to reassure us that his meals would be without contamination. On Oasis OTS, our Head Waiter (Mariel) and server (Darcey) were WONDERFUL. They were extremely attentive to his allergy concerns. Each night after dinner they brought him the next day's menu where he could pick out what he would have the next evening. This way they could be sure to prepare his meal in the nut free area to ensure no cross contamination. If you are a food allergy parent, you know how wonderful it is to have food service take this issue seriously and alleviate some major worries. Plus, our son thought he was quite special with all the extra attention Staterooms - Overall: About the same experience On Disney, we had a single, ocean view cabin for the 4 of us. On Oasis we had 2 adjoining inside cabins...and it was STILL cheaper than DCL (we'll get to cost later). Cabin layout, cleanliness, etc. are comparable between the two cruise lines. Stateroom attendants on both were exceptional and they really do make you feel so pampered and relaxed on a cruise vacation. Janice on Oasis was a doll and made sure we had everything we needed, any time of day. Our son spent the last full sea day of our cruise in his bed with a fever (poor thing!) and she continually asked if he needed anything. The only thing we really missed from DCL stateroom-wise was hearing Disney songs playing in all the corridors! Entertainment - Overall: About the same experience We thought the quality of the shows (headliners, stage productions, comedians) were better on Disney. But then again, Disney did not have the Oasis of Dreams water/diving show or the Frozen in Time ice skating, both of which were spectacular! Come Fly With Me in the Opal Theater was a neat production as well, but we missed a lot of it because of where we were seated and due to the big fight – I mean screaming fight - that broke out among several guests seated behind us. After about 10 minutes, my husband got up and asked someone to call security. That was not something we experienced on a Disney ship. Not saying is doesn’t happen but we had not seen that before. Also, we don’t gamble or smoke, so the one short-cut trip we made through the Casino was a mistake – the smell was pretty awful. We missed the movie theater on DCL ships as well – it was fun to watch first run Disney movies while at sea. Pools/Hot Tubs – Overall: RCI was better DCLs adult only lounging area was much smaller, even on their “mega ships” like Fantasy and Dream. On RCI we LOVED the Solarium area. I never had trouble finding a chair or lounger somewhere, despite being one of over 6,000 passengers. There was always room in a pool or hot tub, somewhere on deck 15. Lots of lifeguards around. “Nightlife” Overall – RCI was slightly better The sheer variety of venues, from the Champaign bar, to the jazz club, to Vintages wine bar – so much to choose from and all had their own vibe. We had fun dancing on the Royal Promenade during the 70s and 80s dance parties. They venues were more spread out on RCI than what you have on DCL, but it helped you get your steps in for the day! Cruise Line App- Overall: DCL’s is better, but the new RCI one is getting closer The newest RCI App is getting better with every revision. However, we found it was not kept up to date so the kids were disappointed when they missed something because they looked it up on the app and the information was wrong. The details on the Cruise Compasses were correct, but they didn’t carry that in their pockets like they did their phones. The biggest issue was that we didn’t pay for wireless for the kids so it was hard to keep with them and/or our friends who were also on the ship. On DCL, anyone can text anyone on the ship if they have the app on their phones – at no charge. So on DCL we could catch up easily, plan to meet, etc. On RCI, we constantly wondered where the kids and our friends were and missed out on doing things together because we didn’t know where everyone was. I do not like the idea of walkies, so next time, if they have not added the free texting feature in the RCI app, we will budget Voom for everyone so we can communicate better. DCL also has wave phones to communicate and RCI did not have that as an option. Disembarkation – Overall: Both equally awesome Walked off the ship, luggage found and loaded with porter and through customs - total time = 10 minutes at the most, no exaggeration. It’s a well-oiled machine on both cruise lines, mostly because it has to be. Price/Value Overall: RCI is the clear winner A DCL cruise for the same type of cabin, the same number of days and the same ports is more than DOUBLE the cost of RCI. Whew. That was a lot. Happy to answer any questions or provide feedback on areas I have not already. We are very much looking forward to our next cruise on RCI (no kids this time!) in Sept 2018 - Anthem of the Seas New England/Nova Scotia to celebrate our 25th anniversary!
- 19 replies
-
Going to keep this post sweet and simple. As you might be able to guess from the topic title I'm once again heading off on another voyage onboard Oasis. To get an idea of what to expect from me take a look back at my previous Oasis LIVEish over Halloween. Also, keep an eye on Twitter/Periscope for any material not posted here. Twitter/Periscope: @CGTLH
-
Thinking about doing an Eastern Caribbean cruise, would be flying from Manchester, England. The price of the whole cruise comes out at £3939 for Allure and £4029 for Oasis, so not worried about the price. Are there any differences in service/food quality or any noticeable things that differ these ships from one another?
-
Our family booked the very first cruise trip in February, and we have a few questions to ask people have done cruise for more than once: We need to travel from the Orlando airport to Port Canaveral, is baby under 2 sitting on a parent on the Royal Caribbean coach bus? Is there more than one shutter bus travelling between airport and the port? Beside Royal Caribbean coach bus, what transportation will you recommend us? On the Embarkation date, will we have any accommodation get on ship earlier than others given we travel with a baby? We ordered gift from the website, and they mistakenly charged us twice. How do we cancel the wrong order? If I order the drink package, is there really water bottles available or just bottled water dispersed at the water station? Many thanks in advance. We try to figure out as many details as possible with our 18-month old coming along.
-
Anyone going on Oasis, I have both a tip and a request for you... Last week I was on an incredible cruise, on which I was exposed to an awesomely tasty (and somewhat myserious) drink, known as..."The Lindell Special" It was one of those "don't ask what's in it, just drink it" - it's HEAVENLY. It looks similar to a Rum Runner, but it isn't. You can get one by finding a server on the pool deck named Lindell Christie (from Jamaica) - he seems to be the only one who can make this drink, and you need to find him and order one, and experience it in all its goodness. There's my tip... my question/favor is this: Can you please talk to him, and find out what's in it? I asked him once, but after having a few in me already I didn't remember (or write down) what he said it was. He had no problem talking about what was in the drink, but I wasn't smart (or sober) enough to make note of it. All I remember was rum, banana, mango, and either blueberry or strawberry, I'm just not sure. So... your mission, should you choose to accept it... is to find Lindell Christie on the Pool Deck of the Oasis, get a Lindell Special (or 2, 3, or 10), and find out what's in it and report back! Enjoy!
- 14 replies
-
- oasis of the seas
- pool
-
(and 1 more)
Tagged with:
-
Day One live blog: https://iamjohnbamber.com/2017/08/21/cruise-day-1-embarkation/
-
Just wondering if anyone's heard anything about who the headliner act is going to be on the Oasis eclipse cruise?
- 3 replies
-
- oasis of the seas
- eclipse
-
(and 2 more)
Tagged with:
-
Hello All! First time RC Cruiser, I had a question regarding 2017 Theme nights or Prohibition Party on the Oasis of the Seas? Embarking 4/2/17 i've seen several posts about it from last year but I was wondering if they are happening this year as well? I looked through the entertainment and dining events/reservations and haven't seen anything about them. I would love to go to the Prohibition Party with my family in costume but I'd hate to spend the money and the event not occur. Would it be weird to buy the costumes and wear them to the casino if the party isn't happening? Thanks in advance!
- 7 replies
-
- theme night
- prohibition party
-
(and 6 more)
Tagged with:
-
Greetings all! I know I'm a new comer to the Royal Caribbean Blog's Message Board. But trust me this isn't my first message board rodeo. Some of the content here is cross posted on another message board (If they won't let someone mention this site, I'm not going to mention their site!), but if asked I'll be more than happy to provide exclusive content. Trust me, I've provided this site a bit of content already! First off, I want to give Matt a shout out for the hard work he does. Trust me, I know how much of a pain in the rear it can be running a site devoted to a Cruise Line. Many many moons ago I operated one my self with a different format. Because I'm a new comer here I just wanted to give a little info about my self. My name is Michael, live in Tallahassee Florida, and under the age of 35. At the time of this posting I have 30 cruise under my belt and Diamond Plus with Royal. I'm also a "legacy" Platinum with Carnival, 10 cruises. I've also sailed once with Holland America, NCL, and Princess. With all that out of the way let me get started with you guys came reading for. But really that stuff won't start until Sunday, so I'll give some expectations and background information on the next post.
-
So my question is, what is actually free in regards to food or anything liquid you consume? Is the tap water on the ship revolting? Should I even purchase the Evian bottled water? What food is actually free? (I'm aware there are specialty dining that are at additional cost) Is the captains dinner, fancy dining room free? I am purchasing the soda package, will i be charged for orange juice or black coffee in the morning during room service or on the main cafe? Sorry to bombard with so many questions, i've only ever cruised on a Carnival ship 9 years ago... And it feels like Royal Caribbean wants to bleed me dry of my money when they already charge a hefty amount for the cruise itself. :unsure: Thanks in advance!
- 13 replies
-
Hello All! I am travelling on the Oasis of the Seas on 04/02/2017 and was curious about the photo packages, so I have some questions. - How much are the photo packages and what types do they offer? (I tried searching the website linked in another thread but it says my cruise isn't available yet) - Are they worth it? - Are the photos easily taken when getting off the ship at a port? Are they taken during dinners, or several times throughout the trip? - What is the quality of the images? Is it like a theme park picture or are they slightly better? Thank you in advance for your help!
- 5 replies
-
- photo packages
- photos
-
(and 5 more)
Tagged with:
-
Hello All, I'm a first time RC cruiser, when I booked our cruise last January (2016) I was told we could use our $200 on board credit towards the drink packages for our Oasis of the Seas cruise. After paying for the cruise and speaking with customer service, they told me they can't apply it but I can buy the drink package once I board the ship with my credits? Has anyone else ever dealt with this? I was also told by my booking agent that I could purchase liquor at the duty free shop and immediately take it back to my cabin, and the posts on this blog seem to argue otherwise. So I'm quite confused what on earth is right because I feel like the booking agents tell you one thing then the customer service agents say the opposite. Can a recent cruiser clarify any of this for me? Thanks in advance!
-
We're sailing on Oasis of the Seas on Saturday. I intended to go to the terminal around 11:30 or 12:00 based on what I've read - arrive early or late to beat the crowds. Today I got an e-mail and a robo call from Royal Caribbean telling me to check in at 1:30 (based on what deck our rooms are on). Is this normal? When I got the first notification from my TA I thought "Uh, oh... sounds like they have to disinfect three decks..." Soooo..... should I show up early, or wait till 1:30? Here's the salient part of the e-mail from RC: ------- Hello, this is Royal Caribbean International. We would like to provide you with important information regarding your sailing on April 11, 2015, onboard Oasis of the Seas. To enhance the check-in and boarding experience, we ask that guests arrive to the terminal based on the following times. Guests on decks 14, 10, & 3 should arrive for check-in at 1:30 P.M. Guests on decks 9 & 7 should arrive for check-in at 2:00 P.M. Guests on decks 12 & 11 should arrive for check-in at 2:30 P.M. Guests on decks 8 & 6 should arrive for check-in at 2:45 P.M. We invite our Suite guests, Pinnacle and Diamond Plus members, and guests with previously arranged transportation to arrive anytime between 12:30 P.M. and 3:30 P.M. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and look forward to welcoming you onboard the Oasis of the Seas.
-
I am going on my first Royal Caribbean cruise in August for my honeymoon and my fiancé and I are very excited that we will be going on the Oasis of the Seas! We are driving to Fort Lauderdale and my question is- are you able to park at the port where you get on the cruise? Does anyone know who I can contact about this to make sure our car is okay there for a week? Also, any suggestions on hotels close by to where we get the boat? We will be staying there for a few days before. Thanks!
-
Oasis of the Seas, rendered in Minecraft. Yes, really... http://youtu.be/7itRLSeN3y8 Sorry if this isn't appropriate for the board, but this is too awesome not to share.
- 5 replies
-
- Oasis of the Seas
- Minecraft
-
(and 1 more)
Tagged with: