slimkat

Can't wait to hear the rest. I'll be in a studio cabin on June 5th. Enjoy!

Two Things:

1) I wish NCL would copy RCL's adult-only areas. The ones on the Oasis of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas were fabulous. Truly an oasis and no additional charge. On BA you have to be in the haven or pay for the vibe club which doesn't compare at all to what RCL has.

2) Embarkation and disembarkation out of the NYC pier. Another area that NCL could improve. I traveled on the Oasis of the Seas on spring break week 3 years ago and I have never had an easier time getting on/off a ship. It was amazing that they had over 6k people on that ship and we were allowed to stay in our rooms until disembarkation time and we walked right off.

Great review! Found it very informative. Thanks.

Thanks for the great review of the room. I will be in that room and the connecting room next month. I am so excited right now. I didn't show my DH the configuration of the room so I am sure he will be totally ecstatic when he sees it in person.

Also love the bigger bathroom. Since we will have both rooms we won't miss the split at all. :)

Thanks again!

My family must have been really lucky. When we went on our first cruise in 2011, I was able to book a cabana at 75 days out. I got one of the higher numbered cabanas that day. I was able to switch it to cabana #4 because I kept checking the website and someone freed it up so I grabbed it. We could have had two cabanas and it was our very first trip. Guess times have really changed.

Habe you considered a two bedroom, 2.5 bath suite? You will have a separate room for the kiddos, a living room and a dining room plus a triple wide balcony. It is a great room. They will also provide a full room service dinner with white linens if you request it. If that is too pricey I would definitely suggest getting a connecting room. We are also a family of five, sometimes six when grandma comes along, and a connecting always works well. In our house, extra bathrooms trump everything else.

Good luck:)

Not sure. I am sure some of more seasoned critics will be able to guide you but I just booked the three nighter. Yay!!!! Rooms are going quickly too in the lower categories. I chose it over the two nighter because it is only costing me $200 more in total costs for a family of six. Try to make up your mind soon or at least put it on hold. Especially if you have a larger family like mine. Good luck.

We didn't go outside the fenced area. I did some research and I've been to Jamaica before on a different cruise and remembered being bombarded by children asking for money, people wanting to braid my hair and someone trying to sell us drugs. There's nobody to shield you from this and the people are sometimes relentless not taking 'no' for an answer.

Oh I get it. I see how bothersome that could be. Thanks for the info.

Did you go outside of the fenced areas at all? Just wondering. I notice many people commenting that it is dangerous but no ever attempts to go outside. And then I have read comments from those who actually went outside of the gates and they have had awesome experiences. I was just wondering what your actual experience was. I will be there next month and I have intention of touring the area.

Thanks,

Kathy

Thanks Cindy. I was getting a little nervous there.

Great review!

Quick question. If we share the table with another family at dinner and they decide to not eat in the MDR that night, will the staff place a family with us who requested MTD? Does that mean you could potentially have a new family eating with you ever night if they decide to eat elsewhere? I'm confused.

I'm fairly new here. I am glad to hear that you had a wonderful time on your trip. I'll be on the ship next month and can't wait to see it up close and in color.

In advance, I must thank you for bringing home the cruise compasses from the Oasis Western itinerary. I've been dying to see a recent one so I can better plan for my trip.

Can't wait to see the rest of your trip review. You are off to a good start. :)

Kathy

Fantastic review. I can't wait to read your day-to-day review. Quick question. You said you arrived at the port at 10:15. What time were you allowed to board?

Thank you

Hi DarthGrady! I'm new to this board but not to cruise critic. I used to frequent the Disney board but after returning from my Disney cruise last week I am now considering Royal Caribbean.

I have to say you are doing a fantastic job reviewing this ship. Your pics are outstanding. I considering treating myself to that camera for Christmas. I have two questions for you:

1) What is the difference between the Allure and the Oasis? I was considering the Oasis but after seeing so many comment that Allure is the biggest and the best I am a little confused. I thought the Oasis was the biggest. Please enlighten me.

2) what rooms would you recommend for a family of 3 adults and 3 young children ages 6 &3? Is it better to have a view of Central Park or of the Boardwalk? Is there slot of noise from the aground into these rooms?

Thanks for any info you may have.

Kathy