"LIVE" From the Oasis of the Seas / March 6, 2010

[shipshape sam]

Radio,

 

How easy was it to get reservations for those events requiring them?

[Trainman-2]

Thanks Trainman-2,

 

I be waiting for your next "LIVE" post ! :)

 

Radio

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

 

.

 

My birthday Cruise will be on the Freedom on May 2nd. I will be posting live again.

 

Why not consider joining us next January 23rd on the Allure? We could do a joint live post! That would be Fun!

 

On a personal note...

 

I have surgery scheduled for this Wednesday the 24th. It will be my 4th on my spine for Spinal Stenosis. Since I have moved I have a new surgeon who is confident that he can cure me completely and that I will be walking by myself again without a cane or walker when I board the Freedom.

 

Wish me luck and light a candle for me...

[CruisingCaraCat]

My birthday Cruise will be on the Freedom on May 2nd. I will be posting live again.

 

Why not consider joining us next January 23rd on the Allure? We could do a joint live post! That would be Fun!

 

On a personal note...

 

I have surgery scheduled for this Wednesday the 24th. It will be my 4th on my spine for Spinal Stenosis. Since I have moved I have a new surgeon who is confident that he can cure me completely and that I will be walking by myself again without a cane or walker when I board the Freedom.

 

Wish me luck and light a candle for me...

Very good luck to you Trainman - I have read and enjoyed your 'live' posts very much. Keep us informed as to how the surgery goes.

 

And thank you to Radio for this live report...I would say it is almost a 'live' book. It is much appreciated as I am jumping on the Oasis in less than three weeks.

[Radio]

>SNIP< Why not consider joining us next January 23rd on the Allure? We could do a joint live post! That would be Fun!

 

 

Hmmm. . . . That might be an idea. I need to go on the Allure of the Seas really bad !

 

I hope that date is Western. . .

 

I will have a smoking buddy as well :o

 

Good luck on your surgery. . .

 

Radio

;);)

[gadawg1979]

great pics and review

[beachbuddy]

Radio,

 

Thanks again for the live postings and pictures!!! They are great and I enjoyed them so much!!!

 

Trainman-2,

 

Best of luck with your surgery and Happy early Birthday!! I will add you and your lovely wife in my prayers.

 

Oh Wow..........that would be amazing!!! Radio and Trainman-2 on the same cruise and both doing a live posting!!! Can't wait to see that!!!

 

Thanks again guys, you both do an incredible job!!

 

Patty

[bobmacliberty]

Why not consider joining us next January 23rd on the Allure? We could do a joint live post! That would be Fun!

 

On a personal note...

 

I have surgery scheduled for this Wednesday the 24th. It will be my 4th on my spine for Spinal Stenosis. Since I have moved I have a new surgeon who is confident that he can cure me completely and that I will be walking by myself again without a cane or walker when I board the Freedom.

 

Wish me luck and light a candle for me...

Trainman - Best of luck for your surgery. The Oasis reports from you and Radio were the 2 best reviews that I've read. A joint LIVE report from Allure by both of you would be pretty incredible.

[Trainman-2]

Hmmm. . . . That might be an idea. I need to go on the Allure of the Seas really bad !

 

I hope that date is Western. . .

 

I will have a smoking buddy as well :o

 

Good luck on your surgery. . .

 

Radio

;);)

 

 

Unfortunately it is the Eastern Itinary!

 

It is through a TA for the International Martini Club and we get a free Martini Party!

 

Let me know if you are interested and I can post the TA's contact info.

 

Jim

[debshomespun]

My birthday Cruise will be on the Freedom on May 2nd. I will be posting live again.

 

Why not consider joining us next January 23rd on the Allure? We could do a joint live post! That would be Fun!

 

On a personal note...

 

I have surgery scheduled for this Wednesday the 24th. It will be my 4th on my spine for Spinal Stenosis. Since I have moved I have a new surgeon who is confident that he can cure me completely and that I will be walking by myself again without a cane or walker when I board the Freedom.

 

Wish me luck and light a candle for me...

 

 

We sailed with you on the Jewel Panama cruise (Nov. 08). Met you and the Mrs. in the concierge lounge. Love your live reports. Best of luck with your surgery!

[East Bay Skiers]

My birthday Cruise will be on the Freedom on May 2nd. I will be posting live again.

 

Why not consider joining us next January 23rd on the Allure? We could do a joint live post! That would be Fun!

 

On a personal note...

 

I have surgery scheduled for this Wednesday the 24th. It will be my 4th on my spine for Spinal Stenosis. Since I have moved I have a new surgeon who is confident that he can cure me completely and that I will be walking by myself again without a cane or walker when I board the Freedom.

 

Wish me luck and light a candle for me...

 

 

Hi Trainman & Carol!

 

We'll be saying a prayer for you tomorrow! Hope you'll have a speedy recovery. Please let us know how you are doing!

 

Radio, What a fantastic live report! I can't wait to experience the Oasis (or Allure) myself.

[KG1924]

My birthday Cruise will be on the Freedom on May 2nd. I will be posting live again.

 

Why not consider joining us next January 23rd on the Allure? We could do a joint live post! That would be Fun!

 

On a personal note...

 

I have surgery scheduled for this Wednesday the 24th. It will be my 4th on my spine for Spinal Stenosis. Since I have moved I have a new surgeon who is confident that he can cure me completely and that I will be walking by myself again without a cane or walker when I board the Freedom.

 

Wish me luck and light a candle for me...

 

Good luck Trainman!!! You are in my thoughts and prayers!!!

[HB Cruiser]

My birthday Cruise will be on the Freedom on May 2nd. I will be posting live again.

 

Why not consider joining us next January 23rd on the Allure? We could do a joint live post! That would be Fun!

 

On a personal note...

 

I have surgery scheduled for this Wednesday the 24th. It will be my 4th on my spine for Spinal Stenosis. Since I have moved I have a new surgeon who is confident that he can cure me completely and that I will be walking by myself again without a cane or walker when I board the Freedom.

 

Wish me luck and light a candle for me...

 

Good luck and hope you get to throw those walking aids away FOREVER!!!

 

We will be sailing Freedom May 30th so I cannot wait for that live report.

 

Tim

[Radio]

Unfortunately it is the Eastern Itinerary!

It is through a TA for the International Martini Club and we get a free Martini Party! Let me know if you are interested and I can post the TA's contact info.

Jim

 

Thanks Jim, but I will hold out for the Western on Allure. . . I must go to Labadee ! :rolleyes::rolleyes:

 

 

Radio

;);)

[Into the Sun]

Hi Radio:

Met you in the solarium pool with your wife. Remember my husband called me over and said "do you know who Radio is"? I read all of your posts and you gave the best reviews of Oasis. We also booked for next year doing the Western on the Allure. I think we got a great price on a JS and for as little time we actually spent in the cabin it might even be to much room. Will keep that in mind as it gts closer.

For all those skeptics out there, you don't know what your missing. For me it was another X off my bucket list. Now I am heading for the RCCL to look for Alaska cruises for this summer. Even though my DH said he is not sure he wants to see ICE up close and personal. So carry on Radio your the best.

[Barbiegator]

Back from the Carnival Dream.

Yes, Oasis is better organized to handle more guests. The main problem is the buffet. Dream does not have stations so long buffet lines, especially at breakfast. Everything is in one line so even if you only want a waffle you have to stand in line. There is a omelet line with other options so it is also long. We did find a smaller buffet on lido pool deck. I think the better option for breakfast is the dining room which we used the last day. As always I think Carnival has better tasting food, especially desserts.

Dream did have grill , indian food,pasta bar and wok but not open at night.Pizza was 24 hrs and no hamburgers after 6.Salad bar was on Deck 5 but not open at night.So not many options at night if you don't want to go to main dining or buffet. We were any time dining and never waited.

The entertainment was exceptional on Dream and equal with Oasis.

The comedy club is very large on Dream and we enjoyed the comedians.Didn't go on Oasis as the area was so small and didn't want interaction with comedian.

Casino was a lot smaller on Dream and the slots were much tighter.

We seemed to find more places to sit and enjoy a drink on Oasis but more places to walk outside on Dream.

Had balcony on both ships and cabin was larger and more storage on Dream.

 

We enjoyed both ships as how can you not enjoy cruising.So think you will enjoy both ships but Oasis is just a Wow in all areas and Dream is fun ship.

[Barbiegator]

Back from the Carnival Dream.

Yes, Oasis is better organized to handle more guests. The main problem is the buffet. Dream does not have stations so long buffet lines, especially at breakfast. Everything is in one line so even if you only want a waffle you have to stand in line. There is a omelet line with other options so it is also long. We did find a smaller buffet on lido pool deck. I think the better option for breakfast is the dining room which we used the last day. As always I think Carnival has better tasting food, especially desserts.

Dream did have grill , indian food,pasta bar and wok but not open at night.Pizza was 24 hrs and no hamburgers after 6.Salad bar was on Deck 5 but not open at night.So not many options at night if you don't want to go to main dining or buffet. We were any time dining and never waited.

The entertainment was exceptional on Dream and equal with Oasis.

The comedy club is very large on Dream and we enjoyed the comedians.Didn't go on Oasis as the area was so small and didn't want interaction with comedian.

Casino was a lot smaller on Dream and the slots were much tighter.

We seemed to find more places to sit and enjoy a drink on Oasis but more places to walk outside on Dream.

Had balcony on both ships and cabin was larger and more storage on Dream.

 

We enjoyed both ships as how can you not enjoy cruising.So think you will enjoy both ships but Oasis is just a Wow in all areas and Dream is fun ship.

 

Forgot to say you can walk all around the ship on Deck 5 which has 2 whirlpools. And lots of whirlpools on upper decks. Adult area is prettier on Oasis but lots of shady places with sofas on Dream on 2 levels like Oasis.

[Philly Steve]

Thanks Radio!

 

I really think I would opt to remain aboard during most port calls. I wonder what percentage of passengers never leaves the ship during a 7-day.

[CruiserTK]

Earlier I recall that you were going to write a "report card" of your cruise on the Oasis. Have I missed it? I am putting absolutely no pressure on you.....As always, you do such a wonderful job!

[Radio]

I should have posted this earlier, but I was working on my Oasis of the Seas Video, and preparing for my upcoming cruise on Explorer of the Seas to Bermuda. . . Ooops

 

Here is my Report Card on Oasis of the Seas. . .

 

 

Radio

;);)

 

Oasis of the Seas

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oasis of the Seas

 

 

 

 

I have made lots of comments about my sailing on Oasis of the Seas during this “LIVE” Report, but I wanted to share a Report Card about my sailing.

 

Please note that I do not work for RCI, and I have sailed on many Cruise Lines, and many ships. These are my opinions, and I urge you to read many reviews about Royal Caribbean International, and Oasis of the Seas. I did not pay much attention to the kids programs or excursions that are available on Oasis of the Seas, so I did not give that aspect a grade.

 

 

Embarkation: As I entered the massive Terminal 18, I was processed with the normal security check. It appears that I misread the boarding requirements, as I thought that I was allowed to bring a bottle of wine. Ooops. . . . I was wrong. No Alcohol of any kind may be brought on board. Luckily, we had our car parked in the lot at Terminal 18, and we just placed it in our car.

 

Just past the security check I noticed just how big this new Terminal was. There were 90 Check in stations. . . Wow. Check-in stations were arranged by Deck number, and there were several Diamond Plus check in counters to be seen.

 

The check in process was fast & efficient. RCI has taken an idea from Holland America, and takes your boarding card photo (A-Pass) at check-in. This really speeds things up. I then was guided upstairs and boarded immediately. Be sure to get your Deck Plans from the Check-in Agent. We did not, and were surprised to hear that there are No Deck Plans once onboard the Oasis of the Seas. We were told by several people that they are only available in the Terminal. ReportCard: A

 

Cabin: We had a standard D6 Balcony Cabin on Deck 14 FWD. The cabin had a large Samsung Flat Screen HD TV even if it did only have an analog (Non HD) signal. This included only 29 channels of programming (7 Ship channels, 22 Cable channels). The storage area at first seemed to be much smaller than Freedom or Voyager class ships, but there was room for everything. There was much less closet space, and there is no drawer space under the night tables. The room seemed a little smaller than Freedom or Voyager class, but we fit in nice and found a space for everything.

The sink was much smaller than we were used to, but the bathroom appeared to be about the same size as we were used to. The Balcony was very nice with a large table and 2 chairs. The design of the room is similar to Celebrity Solstice Class. ReportCard: A-

 

Dining: We were assigned to the Opus Dining Room, on Deck 3 AFT, and were very pleased. We only ate there 3 times, as there were many choices for dining on board. We also had dinner at Giovanni’s Table, Izumi, Windjammer, and the Solarium Bistro.

 

All of the meals were good, but not great. The service everywhere was very good, and the presentation was very good as well. I think that as the Oasis staff becomes used to serving so many guests, that the dining will improve. The wait staff was very friendly in all of the dining areas we visited. ReportCard: B+

 

Entertainment: I thought the entertainment might have been the best that I have seen on any Cruise Line. “Hairspray” was a hit, as well as “Come Fly with Me” Production Show. The production value was above average though and the sound quality very good. The Aqua Theatre shows were very good, and I would suggest going at night, as the lighting effects were strong, and the setting is beautiful at night.

There seemed to be “Live” music everywhere, and I think that they were all very talented. All of the live venues seemed to attract a large crowd of passengers.

We were unable to attend all of the shows, and would like to sail on Oasis again, just to see more shows. ReportCard: A

 

 

Public Areas: The Public Areas were clean & comfortable. There was alot of walkong to see everything that Oasis has to offer .From the Small Wonders, to the Art onboard, I felt that there was so much to see. RCI has a book onboard about all of the Art and sculptures that are on Oasis, and that is a great guide to read about the artists and the meaning of the art that is displayed. I really loved Central Park and the Solarium. From the reviews I read, I expected to feel crowded during the week. That was not the case in most areas.

It will always feel crowded after a show, or the first day at the Windjammer. Avoiding the crowds can usually be done through timing, and patience. ReportCard A

 

 

Debarkation: Debarkation process was really helped by being at Terminal 18. Passengers started to leave very early. I was one of the last ones off at 10AM. The terminal was still very busy then, and we waited about 20 minutes in line waiting for customs. The Debarkation was good, but not the best. I think the process will improve as there are more sailings. ReportCard B+

 

 

Overall Grade: A

 

 

 

Radio

;);)

 

 

.

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . . I finally was able to finish the Video I made on Oasis of the Seas.

 

There was alot of video clips and images that I missed, so I guess I will be forced to sail an Oasis class ship again. ;)

 

 

The video can be viewed HERE.

 

 

I hope you enjoy it. . . I had fun making it.

 

 

Radio

;);)

 

 

 

Oasis of the Seas

 

 

 

 

 

.

[PittNet]

Thanks for your Report Card. Everything you mentioned sounded right on with what I experienced. On embarkation day, our set sail pass siad to show up at 2pm. We ignored that and showed up at 10:00am. The porter took our luggage and we waited about 20 minutes for them to open the terminal doors. Once in, no waiting. Checked in then went upstairs and waited about 30 minutes. We boarded at around 11am probably in the first 100 to board. Went straight to the sports deck and reserved our Zip line slot for the first day at sea. Radio is right about the entertainment. It was all excellant. I especially liked the Comedy Show. I almost pulled a muscle laughing so hard. On debarkation day, we did the "self assisted" departure and carried our own luggage off the ship so we wouldn't have to wait later on. We ate breakfast at the Winjammer, came back to the room and grabbed our stuff and left the ship at around 8:15. No waiting at customs. Got outside and grabbed a taxi to KFLL.

[CruiserTK]

Thank you for the report card. I await the day that I can set sail on the Oasis/Allure. Your video, as always, is remarkable!

[cruizinmimi]

Radio - thank you for posting the video. Once again, kudos to you. You always do such a great job. I loved going on the cruise with you (via cc);) and I think your video and report card was great. I can't wait until it's my time. Will September ever get here:D

[Gator0178]

Great Video Radio! Thanks for sharing!:D

[CruiseLover15]

Awesome!!! Thanks for sharing this with us.