cindyscruise

As a former school librarian, I can tell you that many times we could not reach parents in emergencies. I am sure that you have a cell phone. You could contract for international calls so that you would be in reach if they needed you. I realize that it would take a while to get back to the port. As for the AO being strangers, unless your children have anxiety problems they will immediately bond with the staff. Each year in school children have to not only learn to interact with a new teacher, but also new students, art teacher, pe teacher, music teacher, and librarian as well as many other support staff. No one can make the decision for you as to whether you will be comfortable with leaving the ship. You asked the question of whether you can and that is all we should address. I would check when you board to make sure about the "closed for lunch" or call beforehand to get the information. Whatever you choose to do is your decision.

My husband said the caddies were excellent and to follow their directions. He did return pretty close to sail time. the first time he went they were really close to sailaway. the next time we did have some time to shop but not a lot. I think he is a bit upset that he is not golfing this time but I wanted us to spend a beach day this time.

My husband has done this twice. He really enjoyed himself. It was a full day.

I don't like to speak for other posters but I believe what they may mean is that the news doesn't report deaths unless they are suspicious or out of the ordinary etc. It may also be possible since it was reported on a NJ channel of CBS that he was a local person of some note.

Make sure you make show reservations for her. With the gold card you don't need reservation except for the comedy club.

We love the Oasis. Be aware sailing in June/July will be LOTS of kids. You may want to look at early June before most of the schools are out or even late May. The entertainment is great and so are the dining choices. You don't feel the crowds most of the time. If you decide to book, make sure you reserve entertainment online. Enjoy, whatever you decide

thanks for the backdoor link - it worked

Its usually easier to buy soda package ahead of time. You will then have a sticker on your seapass card. Not sure but I think if you buy in port then you pay Florida tax. Buffet vs dining room is subjective. I prefer dining room. Don't know about wine. Hair dryer in room. Bring your own shampoo and conditioner. Dispenser has always been empty in my experience unless you are in a suite or in a higher crown and Anchor status.

For embarkation and debarkation, we were told that all members of our party could go together even if they did not have a gold card. You should also be able to make reservation for coastal kitchen for a table of 7 with no problem. Barefoot beach you do have to show your gold card unless you rent a cabana If you opt to put the boys in a non suite they will of course, let them in. the concierge lounge is only for those over 18 after 5PM. If you opt for the non suite for all of you and you have reservations for the shows which you book online ahead of time, then you don't have to wait for long. They scan you card and you go in. As far as not being able to reserve seats in the suite area for shows. that may be the policy but that is not what happens. You would indeed be able to save 2 seats without any problem. they did all around us. there is a thermal suite on the Oasis and you will have access to that for free being in a royal suite with the new suite perks coming after May 2016. Whatever you choose you will have a great time. I love the Oasis class.

Really confused by reading replies. I am in US and have medicare and a suppliment that does not pay outside US would love an annual policy as we take multiply trips outside US. What are our options companies etc.?

Look at deck plans for the ship as this will help you navigate. On the first day the planner had a diagram of each deck. we made sure we saved that the first time we were on Oasis. Don't forget to try to roast beef sandwiches at Park Cafe. Free breakfast is served at Johnny Rockets. Also breakfast at Wipe out cafe. Helps avoid the traffic at Windjammer. For quiet time Central Park at night is wonderful. Definitely go to the observation deck. they have binoculars (not sure if that is the right name) to look through on that deck. My husband really enjoyed the all access tour although it is a expensive but he loved it. check the compass each night and highlight the things you wants to do the next day. Quest was fun. Love and marriage is the same old same old. Don't miss water show and ice show. As soon as bookings for entertainment open up sign up for the comedy show as they go fast. I love the Oasis

I cannot understand how anyone can say this child is horrible. He is stating what happened to him and I must say he expressed himself very well. A spoiled brat? why because he has had the opportunity to go on 12+ cruises. At his age I wish that I had the same opportunity. It is an opportunity that I am giving to my grandchildren. Does that make them spoiled brats? They have not yet reached the level of diamond but will soon. And spoiled brat they are not. Please think twice before you start throwing stones at someone you don't even know.

If you are using any of the cruise excursions, do it online and this way it is paid for ahead of time. You can also prepay tips ahead of time. I feel that anything I pay for ahead of time takes away from the sticker shock of my final bill. I hoped you shopped around to find a TA that would give you perks. I had a cruise once where my tips were paid and I received $100 onboard credit and reimbursement for my prehotel up to $100.00 $23 is not much for obc. If you only drink 1-2 drinks a day then package won't be for you. Someone once listed the break even point and I think it was 5 drinks. Liberty is a wonderful ship and you will enjoy the experience. I also bring a lot of one dollar bills to use for tips, taxis etc. You can also bring soda and water aboard ship with you. Try to check in as much luggage as you can. I see far too many people lugging around carry ons until the cabins are ready (about 1-1:30) Usually we have 1 small backpack to carry cameras, money, passports, and meds. We always wear bathing suits under our clothes so we can hit the pool or sun deck right away. Explore the ship before it gets crowded. Join your roll call and read reviews. You will love your cruise. Enjoy

I stayed in the OS on the Oasis in June and we had the beds separated.

Tony O,

have you figured another way to send the picture. Would love to see the perks. thanks for trying

can you get on the Oasis?

Too cute!

For our 40th anniversary I planned a cruise but my dh only knew it was a cruise. He did not know which ship. I did tell him to bring his golf clubs. Took him on the Oasis. Booked a crown loft. He was wow all the way. Tried to give him a surprise each day. One day was the all access tour. And of course, golfing in Jamaica. We had the best anniversary.

The suite deck now has a gate. you need your gold card to unlock the gate.

It also has bathrooms and cabanas (first come first serve) that overlook the solarium

Does anyone know how you go about getting an announcement put in the compass?

You might want to do a search for cruise compasses on recent cruises of this ship. that will help you see what the activities are. We usually tip our cabin steward extra at the end. Usually about $20-30. As far as the bartenders - if we get great service we usually will hand out cash as we go. suggestion for the first day - don't carry on too much. we usually carry a small backpack and check in everything else. No fun lugging around suitcase until you can get in cabin which is usually around 1:00 PM. A nice collared shirt or polo with collar and nice slacks will be fine for dining room except formal night. No problem with making your own tour arrangements but make sure you get back on time - the ship will leave without you. Also read the reviews on the Jewel as it will let you know of any special activities such as 70's night. My husband was also very unsure of cruising and he loved it. Depending on how much you drink the package may not be for you. As another poster said you need to consume about 6-7 drinks to make it worthwhile. there is a soda package for the boys. Enjoy

I would try to sit down the adults and teens and look at the options for ships. The larger ships offer more for everyone to do but also have more walking for older ones. Then search for compasses on that ship. Again have everyone check out the things to do. Remember with this large a group especially infants not everyone will be able to be together all the time. Striving for dinner together may be the best to try for. As a group also decide which dinning time would work for all. Next, I would look at the shore excursion options. What appeals to most?? When you book check out if you qualify for group rates. If you have adjoining balconies, you can ask to have the divider opened to give more space. Kids can have inside cabins across the hall. As to type of cabin and location that really depends on which ship you select. Family cabins with 2 bedrooms may be an option for some. My biggest suggestion, is that you do need to meet as a group and make decisions. Just don't try to overplan and be disappointed when those with infants and toddlers can't meet all the plans. What a great time will be had by all. Cruises make family vacations so much easier.

Last November on the Oasis the thermal suite pass was $99 single/ $179 couple & Ultimate pass for two was $250. Not sure what the ultimate pass is

I am sure since it is a "private sailing" it is for renting the entire ship and crew. This would be about the going rate to rent a boat. But if it is per person that is definitely a "WHAT. are you crazy!" It does not say what the limit is but if you had about 20 people that is $60 a person. Not too bad