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Oasis of the Seas July 29 - August 5


bellemiche

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I will give a little background about this cruise. My mom (76 years young) and I have traveled together since I was a kid. As an adult we've done all inclusives, Disney/Universal, and cruises. We like cruising best, and me being a teacher we usually go during March Break. We didn't have this trip planned, but in June she said she wanted to get away (hubby and I were just on the Allure July 8 - 15). So with the help of Michelle at MEI, here we are! We originally were interested in a grande suite so we could try out the Sky Class amenities but there weren't any available. It was between a junior suite (which we usually do) or a CLS. Well I decided to go for the CLS!

We left Detroit this morning (yes I know! we usually go the day before) and after a slight delay we landed in Orlando just before noon. When we got to the luggage area, there was a rep from RC waiting for us. She welcomed us and waited while we retrieved our luggage. She then escorted us to the RC desk where they gave us a # and told us to wait until it was called. We didn't wait very long until we were on our way to the ship.

I have to admit that I was a little nervous, since we've never cruised out of Port Canaveral. The last few have been out of Fort Lauderdale and Miami which we are familiar and comfortable with. Not to mention that I had a strange dream Saturday night that the boat started to leave without me and I was hanging on the back of it! 

Needless to say all went well! Everything was so organized. By the time we got to the ship our apartment - I mean cabin was ready! 

We were hungry and missed the CK lunch but the suite lounge had a small buffet of food.  So we had a glass of wine and a bite to eat.  

After lunch we made our reservations for CK for the week. 

***My first attempt at periscoping was today ?. I promise it will get better as I go along! Thanks to @Lovetocruise2002 for the tips! 

https://www.pscp.tv/w/bi5okDFheVFWSlZ6WlBwUXB8MXluSk9ZZGVCbXpLUv8rYMYZbP5hWssYxYe7VvV8iABhW4G-wHbsb2gKwtwm?t=1s

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7 minutes ago, bellemiche said:

 

***My first attempt at periscoping was today ?. I promise it will get better as I go along! Thanks to @Lovetocruise2002 for the tips! 

Don't thank me. Thank @twangsterbot. I was just passing along his info ?

I love the room! Not sure how you will go back after this ? We can deal with the "suite blues" while we are in dry dock together ?

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After the safety drill, we returned back to the room and balcony to relax and people watch.

Our reservation for CK was for 7 PM. It was quite busy when we got there,  after a short wait we were seated.  

For my appetizer I chose the burrata (sorry but I was hungry and forgot to take a picture until I had eaten a bit) and mom had the shrimp cocktail. We both chose the filet mignon (delicious) for our main course.  For dessert, I had the chocolate tart and she had one of the other features for the night (sorry I can't remember the name). 

We decided we needed to go for a walk after dinner.  We didn't have any shows planned, although we could watch Ready Player One from our balcony playing on the Aqua Theatre screen.

It is an early night for us after a long day of travelling. I'm enjoying the comfy bed and we can pick our perfect pillow!received_10155571084932109.thumb.jpeg.1086ff8f0a6c41ecfc6b9d011106a246.jpeg

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Thanks for sharing the CK menu! Not sure if you know, but is CK like the MDR, in that all ships with a CK have the same menu, or does the menu vary by ship? If Anthem has the same CK menu, I will absolutely be having that smoked tomato soup! I suspect it's the same recipe that was served at my Chef's Table dinner on Freedom, and that was SOOOO good that I would love having a chance to have it again!

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54 minutes ago, JLMoran said:

Thanks for sharing the CK menu! Not sure if you know, but is CK like the MDR, in that all ships with a CK have the same menu, or does the menu vary by ship? If Anthem has the same CK menu, I will absolutely be having that smoked tomato soup! I suspect it's the same recipe that was served at my Chef's Table dinner on Freedom, and that was SOOOO good that I would love having a chance to have it again!

We were on the Allure two weeks ago and the menu for night 1 was the same. I'm looking forward to having some of my favourites again!

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2 hours ago, JLMoran said:

Thanks for sharing the CK menu! Not sure if you know, but is CK like the MDR, in that all ships with a CK have the same menu, or does the menu vary by ship? If Anthem has the same CK menu, I will absolutely be having that smoked tomato soup! I suspect it's the same recipe that was served at my Chef's Table dinner on Freedom, and that was SOOOO good that I would love having a chance to have it again!

That menu (at least the first one posted) was also the same CK menu from Harmony back in August 2017 and also from CK on Anthem in March 2018.  And as far as I know, CK and MDR serve different menus.  Go to CK lol.

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37 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

That menu (at least the first one posted) was also the same CK menu from Harmony back in August 2017 and also from CK on Anthem in March 2018.  And as far as I know, CK and MDR serve different menus.  Go to CK lol.

Thanks for the second confirmation. I knew CK and MDR were different menus from each other; just was looking for confirmation that, just as the MDR menu is the same on all ships (with a few exceptions that haven't yet updated to the "new" menu), the CK menu was likewise the same across the CK-equipped part of the fleet.

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42 minutes ago, JLMoran said:

Thanks for the second confirmation. I knew CK and MDR were different menus from each other; just was looking for confirmation that, just as the MDR menu is the same on all ships (with a few exceptions that haven't yet updated to the "new" menu), the CK menu was likewise the same across the CK-equipped part of the fleet.

I vaguely remember when CK first started that it was not standard across all the ships that had one.  But in recent years, since they revamped the CK menu, it now seems to be.  If you like something from the MDR menu, just ask them really nicely to have it in CK.  Best of both worlds.  We've done that before.  

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We got up early and went to the gym around 6:30 am. It was busy but we were still able to get onto a treadmill and bike.  After that we did one lap around the walking track.

Was at CK for breakfast for 8:30/8:45 (not busy at all). I had the eggs Benedict and mom had the traditional breakfast. Both were good. They also had a small selection on the buffet. 

We had a busy morning of events! First up was the Cruise Critic Mix and Mingle, which took place in On Air at 9:30. Not too many showed up.  Mom won a bottle of wine.  

After the Mix and Mingle, we moved onto the C & A Top Tier event at the Aqua Theatre. They served a few different complementary drinks. We chose rum punch but it tasted more like a tequila sunrise. My periscope from it is below.

https://www.pscp.tv/w/bi-nvjFheVFWSlZ6WlBwUXB8MUx5eEJRRE9kTm5KTlk6pUzJ8QofE32Mx-4YGjN-0sm4rqHdAGXWy8cGiFuY?t=1s

After the strong drink we headed up to the Suite Lounge for an exclusive reception (11:30 am). Here they served more drinks (this time it was really a rum punch) and finger foods while the Captain and other officers mingled. They were all friendly and personable. 

We were feeling good after the two drinks (we don't drink much ?) and decided to go back to our cabin before the World's Sexiest Man competition at 1:45 pm.

Well we ended up going past our room and I almost put the key in the wrong door when our room attendant stopped me! We had a good laugh. 

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The World's Sexiest Man competition took place at 1:45 in the Aqua Theatre. We got there about 15 mins early so we could get a seat that was shaded. 

It was good for laughs. I found the group of guys on the Allure a couple of weeks ago to be more dramatic. Plus they made it clear on the Allure that the contestants couldn't touch the judges but that wasn't the case today.

My periscope from it is below:

https://www.pscp.tv/w/bi-yiDFheVFWSlZ6WlBwUXB8MXpxS1ZMVmJRRUFKQnh0oLFXdbcVmXqLdjNRW_tAQgwOpxU-tWmGDVMwzV5E?t=1s

When it was over, we went up to the suite lounge for a sneak peek at tonight's dinner menu.  Tonight was the first formal night. 

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Our dinner reservation in CK was for 6:30 (and will be every night). I chose escargot for my appetizer while mom had the Maine lobster salad. We both had the crab and shrimp crusted pollock which was delicious. For dessert, I opted for the mascarpone cheesecake and mom chose the valrhona chocolate bar (it was a very generous portion which we could have shared). 

We had reservations for the comedy show at 9, but mom didn't feel like going so we watched Oasis of Dreams from our CLS balcony instead. 

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8 minutes ago, Matt said:

It's always weird to me to see this event anywhere but the pool deck

Funny you say that cause while I watched this scope with my daughter yesterday, I was saying to her how great it was to be able to watch events like this and belly flop in the Aqua Theatre. Not crowded and unobstructed views. You are definitely turning into a small ship guy ?

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Yesterday was our first stop - Labadee. Before disembarking, we opted to go to the Suite Lounge for a coffee and a bagel. They also have a toaster set up to toast your bread, bagel.

Once off the ship, we had a short walk to where the suite guests can meet to get a ride to Barefoot Beach. The ride took only a few minutes. We checked in and were then brought to our cabana S6 (we booked a regular cabana with the concierge a week before). It was great for mom as it provided lots of shade.  They provided 6 large bottles of water as well as towels.

Our attendant Guy checked in with us regularly to see if we needed anything. We each had a Labadoozee. ?

At 11:30, the lunch buffet was ready. There was a variety of salads,  mac and cheese, ribs, steak, chicken, shrimp skewers, hamburgers and hot dogs. All was quite good.

Mom stayed in the cabana while I went back and forth between the water and the cabana. The water was clear and warm, and it was relaxing to float around on the mat. 

We stayed until around 2:00 PM before getting a ride back to the suite area by the pier. 

We really enjoyed Barefoot Beach as it was quiter and less crowded. 

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2 hours ago, bellemiche said:

I will try and find out for you! 

Thank you very much. My wife always struggles with the pillows on board, and with flying to each port there isn’t room in the luggage to pack one of her own. Would be happy to pay if they’re available. 

If not, may have to find a suite guest and work a side deal. ?

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Dinner was in CK for our regular time of 6:30. It was quite busy when we got there.  I had the escargot again and mom had the scallop carpaccio (very thinly sliced scallops). For our mains, mom chose the oven roasted cod while I chose the braised beef gnocchi (it was on the appetizer menu but we had this as our main on the Allure and really enjoyed it). I think it's going to be death by chocolate this week, as we both had the chocolate napoleon. 

The headliner act was Adam Kario. I did make reservations online,  but being in the CLS we have preferred seating.  When we got into the Opal Theatre, someone was standing with a sign indicating where we could sit. This is a nice perk! Adam was very entertaining and funny. He also had 3 guests get involved in his act.

My periscope of the headliner show:

https://www.pscp.tv/w/bjHjFDFheVFWSlZ6WlBwUXB8MVJER2xXTFB6V0RLTOByMEX4vzsbUBEa-zaHOJzsHmFKE6ufrD1cMXp51V3y?t=2s

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I am dying a slow death this week with all these CK pics!!!!! I love Braised Beef Gnocchi!  And that Grilled Tofu too!! 220 more days till I can get back to CK!  Way too long!  By the way, in case anyone is wondering, food is subjective but there was no comparison between CK and the Yacht Club on MSC.  CK wins hands down, in flavour, menu variety, and presentation of meals!

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17 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I am dying a slow death this week with all these CK pics!!!!! I love Braised Beef Gnocchi!  And that Grilled Tofu too!! 220 more days till I can get back to CK!  Way too long!  By the way, in case anyone is wondering, food is subjective but there was no comparison between CK and the Yacht Club on MSC.  CK wins hands down, in flavour, menu variety, and presentation of meals!

I agree with you.  Having been on Seaside also. YC perks were great,  but CK food is better!

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We are docked in Falmouth, Jamaica today. While I love Jamaica (my hubby and I were married in Negril), we have been here several times and don't need any souvenirs. That's why we decided to stay on the ship. 

We went to CK for breakfast around 8:30 and it started to get quite busy after that. I've been watching the morning show and this morning went to the ballot box by Starbucks to submit an answer to the trivia question. 

On our way back, we stopped by the Next Cruise desk and ended up booking on Harmony for next March! ? We will be on the same sailing as @Lovetocruise2002 ?.

We decided to go check out the suite sun deck on 17 forward. You access it from deck 16 (near the solarium) and you need to use your room card to open the little gate to go up the stairs. Well we had the whole area to ourselves! We went into one of the cabana areas that overlook the solarium. Nice and quiet! They also have 2 showers to use to cool off.

We just got back from the gym,  which was also pretty much empty.  It was nice not to have to wait for machines. 

 

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It was sail away during our dinner in CK last night. We both had the crab cake for our appetizer (delicious). I chose the steak for my main  (from the classics menu - it was pretty good) and my mom had the grilled barramundi. For dessert, mom chose the vacherin (not really what she expected) and I had the strawberry cheesecake. 

Our show tonight was Oasis of Dreams at 9:30 pm and we took advantage of the preferred seating. We always enjoy this show. 

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