PVDCruiser

What time were you disembarking?? Thanks for the review

I got in line at the Promenade around 9:20 or so. It seems like they were holding people from getting of the ship for a bit. After disembarking, we were again held in the terminal for a bit before being allowed to enter the arrivals hall.

While that did jam things up a bit and create some lines, it deep keep crowd size under control while retrieving luggage, so that was nice.

But perhaps the tag numbers could be split up a bit more? Our group had six different tag numbers.

Only sailed RCL? I wanted a comparison to carnival. I've only sailed Carnival and never had a problem but now thinking to try out RCL.

I've been mostly Royal -- I tried Princess for the first time last year, but that was only a quick three-nighter so I don't think it's a fair comparison to my RCL experiences.

That said, I've always had a great time on Royal, so I'd give it a shot!

Just got off the Oasis' latest Eastern sailing. I'll probably try (and then forget) to write a review, so might as well write a few random thoughts while waiting to fly home. Happy to answer any questions about the ship!

• Lines were an issue throughout the cruise. I suppose some of this should be expected given the ship's size, but one would hope RCL would have this more under control. Getting someone at Guest Services yesterday afternoon took ~50 minutes -- of course, long lines should be expected on the last day, but it would've been nice if the desk was fully staffed. The Windjammer was often very slammed for breakfast, Park Cafe was often very crowded, and disembarkation was particularly messy this morning (line went from the gangway next to Sorrento's, back to the theater, then back up about a third of the way of the Promenade).
  

• Food was very good, other than the line issues noted above. I really enjoyed the MDR options, especially the rack of lamb and the braised beef duo. I don't see much value in specialty restaurants (though I'm sure I would tire of MDR food a bit if I cruised more frequently), but I did try Izumi for lunch. It was fine, but I don't think I'll be back. I quite enjoyed Park Cafe as well.
  
• The service felt a little more impersonal than in past cruises, which I guess can happen when you have so many guests. But, for example, a waiter/waitress never came by at breakfast to ask for drink orders at the Windjammer (is that a new thing everywhere?). That said, our MDR waiter was one of the best I've had.
  
• Only did a few shows, but greatly enjoyed what I did see. The diving show was absolutely fantastic. I'm glad I reserved the first show as later shows during the week were postponed due to rough seas. Ice skating show was also very well done. I also enjoyed the comedy show, though of course your mileage may vary given the line-up....though I felt the RCL employee hosting the show was better than the comedians!
  
• Jazz on 4 was a delightful spot for a nightcap. Wish I started going there earlier in the cruise.
  
• Once again, the Flowrider was a highlight. Lines were a little on the long side during the afternoons, so I'd recommend the morning sessions, especially on port days. In St. Thomas and St. Maarten, there were only about five of us from 8am-10am!
  
• I did not select any drink packages -- just didn't feel it was worth it given how much I usually drink, plus the Diamond Happy Hour was going to give me some free beverages anyway. That said, I felt the a la carte prices were rough. I paid $18 for a martini -- granted, I asked for Goose, but that feels quite steep to me.
  

Overall, I will definitely book again with RCL, but not sure when I will end up on Oasis again. The ship definitely has some wonderful features, but I think those are partially offset by lines/slightly less good service. So I'm not sure if the Oasis class is 'worth' the pricing premium currently being charged by RCL....I think I would be very happy on the Freedom class again, or perhaps with one of the Voyager class ships with a Flowrider.

Let me know if you have any questions about the ship!

 

What about the places where I saw ice cream, cupcakes, cookies, small sandwiches, etc?

I apologize...I was just thinking of specialty dining. You can get free soft serve on the pool deck and as a dessert in the MDR. Ben + Jerry's is extra but I don't know the exact price. Cupcakes are also extra. Cookies and small sandwiches at Cafe Promenade is complimentary, though fancier coffee beverages are extra. The food at Sorrento's is also complimentary.

I have a couple of questions regarding food since I finally just got my husband to discuss the dining and he nearly flipped when I talked about taking khakis and dress shoes for the bare minimum of formal dress. Therefore, it looks like Windjammer for evening meals for us. I was thinking that the WJ served the same thing as the main dining room, is that correct?

Also, in the Jade, they change cuisines-do they have a Vietnam night and do they serve pho? Also, is there bubble tea? Is there bubble tea in St Thomas maybe? I am used to vacationing in California and just like it every once in awhile. I can get it in Kansas City, but it is a vacation drink for me.

Umm, another food question and I'll quit-is there deep dish pizza at Sorrento's? They closed the closest Pizzaria Uno and I really miss that. Thanks so much for any help!

The other ones I can't answer confidently....but Sorrento's is not deep dish.

We will be going on the FOS next July --- I am only familiar with the Radiance Class. Can someone tell me or direct me to a place where I can find out what additional food venues have a cost associated with them.

 

Thanks in advance for your kindness.

 

Karen

The venues that have an extra cover charge (IIRC) are Chops, Portofino, and Johnny Rockets.

I would like to know how the jewelry store is on board, selection, variety, etc. Since I'm sailing 11/8 when we'll be in St. Martin on 11/11, a national holiday and all shops are closed.

 

Also, could you tell me if there are discounts at the spa on the port days. Specifically the day we're in San Juan, I don't plan to get off there anyway.

 

Will they take the kids to dinner when they're in the kids club?

 

That's all I can think of right now, thanks in advance.

I didn't buy any jewelry but they seemed to have a decent selection...they will also have jewelry sales in the Promenade usually.

And if I recall correctly I do remember seeing Adventure Ocean take the kids to dinner.

I am just curious if anyone has ever seen any of the crews areas. I've heard they are terribly cramped. Please fill us in on how you did it and what you saw. I am very curious as to what it's like on the bottom floors of the boat and if RCCL treats their crew any better than the other major cruiselines. Those people have such difficult lives, I don't know how they do it (and with a smile.......)

 

Thanks!

Meredith

No, but I've seen pictures. The rooms seem similar to a college dorm setup. I know that they do have their own exercise room and sunbathing area, and Internet service for the crew is much cheaper.

Whenever I do a jog on the ship, I always do it right after I wake up around 6:30 (yes, I do realize I'm one of the three teenagers in the country that likes getting up early). It's cooler and the only people around are other joggers.

"We've run out of booze!"

Thank you! :D :D :D

@Keith & Laura: Nice to see other Firefox fans! :D

So the further you go in the alphabet, the worse it gets?

So what does Zulu Zulu Zulu mean? :D