some quick Oasis thoughts -- just back

[zurich72]

Hi all -- unfortunately back at work after a week on the OASIS.. My husband and I always make a "5 positives and 5 negatives" list after each cruise... so here I'll share them with you.. in no particular order -- start with the positives:

1. we both have major sweet tooths...so, the cupcake shop ($2.50 per cupcake) and the donuts on the boardwalk (free) -- yum yum yum.

2. the gym was the best I've ever seen at sea.. and they do let you use the spin bikes when no classes were on.

3. the shows were all incredible, esp the dive show and hairspray

4. room layout was nice, had a D2 balcony -- rooms definetely seem bigger --easy to get around ship too.

5. the solarium has breakfast and lunch buffets -- less crowded, and the pancakes and turkey sausage were great.

 

negatives:

1. hard to find water, lemonade, or soft serve ice cream -- very limited locations and times -- I guess they want you to drink the in room evian.

2. felt very mall-y, yet the shops had nothing good at all...they were kind of weird

3. no late night buffets or parties, plus very little pool side entertainment, most stuff was in the promenade, lending to the "I'm in a mall feel"

4. the casino SMELLED HORRIBLE. OK, I know this is where most people smoke, and I realize I am pretty much as anti-smoking as you can get...but this was outrageous... I guess cause it's on one of the lower floors with no ventilation at all. Kept us from gambling.

5. Missed the ocean!! Unless you were on your balcony, or in the main pool area or windjammer -- you did not see the water -- our favorite spot on most ships has always been an aft pool or bar, but the aft on this ship is taken up by the dive pool and screens.

 

Overall -- we love any cruise, and we are super glad we saw this ship because it's pretty amazing -- but we would not do this or the allure again, mostly due to reason #5 above....

 

Hope this helps, also hope this didn't cloud anyone's opinion who hasn't sailed yet... if so, have a donut, you'll feel better :)

[Lizcourt]

Sailing Oasis this Saturday, so appreciate your post very much. Two questions -- who is the current headliner performer, and did you say you LIKED the donuts? Seriously, that is the very first review I've seen that didn't trash the free donuts as being deliberately bad enough to force people to the cupcake cupboard for their sugar fix.

[cruzkitty]

Thanks for posting! I usually drink A LOT of water and get it from the Windjammer. I'll get several glasses a day of ice water from there. Is it not doable on Oasis? Guess I'll be drinking a lot of Evian, too. How was the service on board & which dining did you have? Comments re: dining/food?

 

Thanks, much!!

[Ocean Boy]

Sailing Oasis this Saturday, so appreciate your post very much. Two questions -- who is the current headliner performer, and did you say you LIKED the donuts? Seriously, that is the very first review I've seen that didn't trash the free donuts as being deliberately bad enough to force people to the cupcake cupboard for their sugar fix.

 

I'll glad that I don't like sweat stuff. The cupcake shop and I will not become aquainted with each other next week.

[Crewzer33]

Okay, well I beg to differ with this person's opinions and I usually don't. We were on the Oasis over Christmas. We hung/sat out by the Flow Riders every day and loved the area. You could see the ocean all around you. I agree you can't see it at all in Central Park, but beyond that, in all outside common areas you can see the ocean!!!! There was the Wipe Out Cafe right next to the Sports Court, which is next to the Flow Riders. You could go in there all day long and get soft serve ice cream (three kinds every day), and ice water in the beverage dispenser, along with lemonade and ice tea. The Wipe Out Cafe was great!!!! You could walk in there wearing your bathing suit, so need to change. They also had hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and a fantastic taco bar (kid/teenager food). You can also go up to any bar and ask the bartenders for a glass of ice water, and there are bars galore on the ship....... As for the donuts, make your decision, since they are "free."

[Aquahound]

3. no late night buffets or parties...

 

They didn't do Club 20 on your cruise? It's a late night South Beach style dance party in the Solarium.

[dennbr9]

Water and some goood flavored water (free) was availble in Solarium Bistro, WJ, Park Cafe and Promenade Cafe too I believe. Maybe Wipe Out also where Soft Serve Ice cream was available most of the time. Never saw one Bartender who had a problem giving you an ice water either.

 

Saw numerous Poolside games around the Main and Sports Pools and the Belly Flop contests etc back at Aqua Theatre, also the Splish Splash Comedy Water show there was pretty good-no reservations taken for that one. They did have the Miami Beach Party in Solarium as well as the Parades and 70's Party in the Promenade which I thought was a great place to People watch. With all the shows and entertainment going on, not sure what the OP was looking for in entertainment. Dazzles Nightclub, the Jazz Club, etc had bands and dancing every night.

 

No Cruise lines do the late Buffet thing much anymore, ok with me. Some do offer more choices for late night snacks though. Smoking was only on one side of Casino which is twice the size of most ship Casinos. Granted you could smell the smoke at the entrance, but no so much if you went over to the non-smoking side after entering.

 

Central park was a wonderful place for coffee in the AM, lunch, etc and if you really want to see the ocean like we do too, get a Balcony on the water as they are less than the ones facing the CP and Boardwalk and you don't have other Balconies across the way looking back at you:-)

 

Not in a big hurry to sail on Oasis again due to limited Itinerary, but loved the ship itself.

 

Everyone has a right to their own opinion though.

[Sashamcg]

We just got back Saturday too. The cupcakes were delicious and I am glad we waited to try them at the end of the week otherwise it would have cost a fortune! My husband had a donut and I had a bite. Not much of a donut person myself so I would say they were ok. There are free cookies in the Cafe Promenade that are yummy too!

 

We LOVED eating at the Park Cafe but my only fault with that is that you could not see the ocean from there. But we just basically ate there. Spent most of our time hanging out in the Solarium where you had a front row seat to the ocean! Loved it!

 

I agree, the shows were great! Richard Spacey is hilarious and we went to most of the events that he put on.

 

There was no Midnight Chocolate Buffet but I guess that would have been a madhouse trying to do that for 5000 people so probably better they skipped it. Still plenty of food around to eat, no one was going hungry! LOL

 

I wasn't that impressed with the shops either...but it saved me money! LOL

[Yin&Yang]

We were just on the Feb. 12 Oasis sailing as well and as a smoker, I would have to agree that towards the end of the week, I even found the smoking side of the casino to be quite smoky but a quick wander over to the non-smoking side helped.

 

We had a D1 cabin on deck 10 and really enjoyed having a larger balcony. Our stateroom attendant Freydy accommodated my request for a lounger and there was plenty of room on the balcony for the two chairs, table and lounger. Had a great nap out there a couple of times during the week. We found there was plenty of storage space for our clothes, shoes, etc. We actually didn't use all the space provided for storage. We put our suitcases under the bed and had lots of room.

 

Cruzkitty, we had no trouble finding cold water at many venues on the ship. The Promenade Cafe and Sorrentos on deck 5 have water stations. The flavoured waters at the WJ and Solarium Cafe were yummy. I really liked the mango one!

 

I would also agree with Sashamcg - the donuts were just ok. The icing/frosting on them seemed waxy and not too tasty and I found the donuts themselves to be dry and tasteless.

 

Eight of our group of 20 had dinner at Giovanni's Table one evening and we all agreed it was a fabulous meal. Because there were more of us, we were able to try more appetizers and pastas and each of our entrees was delicious. Raul was our waiter and he was awesome.

 

DH and I had lunch at Seafood Shack and Johnny Rockets and both were good. DH had the ribs at Seafood Shack and it was a lot of food for the $4 they charged and he said the ribs were good.

 

No more midnight buffets anymore but apparently there was a chocolate breakfast in the MDR one day. We were given incorrect information by our dining room waiter so missed out. DH was not impressed as that was the only reason he went for breakfast the day we were told it was supposed to be so he just left.

 

DH and I were invited to the Helipad sail-away in St. Thomas and it was an awesome experience. The bagpiper was so cool and it was amusing watching the four people running for the ship so they wouldn't get left behind.

 

We were also invited to the galley tour and it gave us good insight as to how big the whole operation really is and you do get an appreciation for how much the kitchen and dining staff do to try and make your dining experience an enjoyable one.

 

My one complaint, and it has nothing to do with the ship itself, but with RCI policy or head office(?) - my dad has a US funds credit card and at check-in we elected to opt out of the RCI currency conversion for our stateroom accounts. On the last night of the cruise my parents got the statement and upon review, they had converted the charges to CDN. When I went to Guest Services to ask them to change it back, they said there was nothing they could do as it was the last night but if we had asked them earlier they could have changed it. I asked what the point was then, of indicating at check-in that we didn't want our charges converted and all the agent could say was sorry, there was nothing they could do and she gave me the number for head office. I called them this morning and until my dad gets his credit card statement, there's nothing they can do. The agent did say that they would issue a refund for the difference but depending on what the rate of exchange is that day, that may or may not make up for their accounting glitches. Lesson learned - go to Guest Services during the week.

 

Aside from that one issue, we all had a great time on Oasis and wished we were doing a back to back. We were a group of 20 family members and we all agreed it was a spectacular ship and there was something to do for each of our age groups. One week isn't enough time to fully experience all there is to do on the ship and I would definitely like to go back and also try the Allure!

 

C.

[Kevdog71]

did you say you LIKED the donuts? Seriously, that is the very first review I've seen that didn't trash the free donuts as being deliberately bad enough to force people to the cupcake cupboard for their sugar fix.

 

Haven't seen too many donut reviews, but I'd have to agree that they're about as bad as a donut could possibly be without being poisonous.

[Florida_cruisers]

I cruised on the Freedom a few years ago and I felt the same way about it, kind of mallish, did not feel like I was on a ship. For that reason I love the Radiance class ships, you can see the Ocean from just about every place on the ship. Also I did not like that there were so many people on the ship that none of the dance clubs or entertainment venues (except for the main shows) were populated because people were spread out every where and mostly in the promenade. I did not like that, though my son and I really enjoyed the H20 zone, that part we do miss. I guess each ship has its negatives and positives, something for every taste.

[beckercruise6]

We just returned on sat (2-19) from the Oasis of the Seas. We had a balcony room on the Deck 8 that overlooked the boardwalk and the aqua theater. We loved the location of it because we could see the ocean, dive show, and what was happening on the Boardwalk. I suppose it does matter where your cabin is located. We would walk on the jogging track and then stand at the aft so we could see the ocean. We didn't buy much in the shops either but I saw this as a GOOD thing. The donuts were delicious to me but I normally never eat donuts so just happy to have had a few. The entertainment at night was pleniful in our opinion. We loved the 70's show and Richard Spacey is one funny man. To each their own...we disagree...we will be sailing the Oasis again hopefully sooner than later.

[Ocean Boy]

Okay, well I beg to differ with this person's opinions and I usually don't. We were on the Oasis over Christmas. We hung/sat out by the Flow Riders every day and loved the area. You could see the ocean all around you. I agree you can't see it at all in Central Park, but beyond that, in all outside common areas you can see the ocean!!!! There was the Wipe Out Cafe right next to the Sports Court, which is next to the Flow Riders. You could go in there all day long and get soft serve ice cream (three kinds every day), and ice water in the beverage dispenser, along with lemonade and ice tea. The Wipe Out Cafe was great!!!! You could walk in there wearing your bathing suit, so need to change. They also had hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and a fantastic taco bar (kid/teenager food). You can also go up to any bar and ask the bartenders for a glass of ice water, and there are bars galore on the ship....... As for the donuts, make your decision, since they are "free."

 

You are making me smile.:)

[zurich72]

wow, it's a little crazy how angry and testy people get when you have a differing OPINION. Let's see if I can step up the angry responses.....

 

 

the donuts in the buffet = yuck, the FRESH donuts on the boardwalk = great....

 

also, I didn't say it's IMPOSSIBLE to get water, but after late dinner and drinks, when we wanted a water or lemonade before bed, and usually there are stations on ships outside the buffet -- there is no access to them if the windjammer is closed. same with the soft serve.. wipeout cafe IS great, but not open late...

 

OK, ready to get angry???? The flow rider area is filled with kids...loud kids...loud because they are having fun and surfing and playing basketball. This is not, by my description an area to relax and enjoy a cruise FOR US. I wanted to mention no aft pool or bar because on most other ships I have been on, this has been our favorite,"place to escape", and so without such a place, it was something we missed. The solarium was this retreat spot, but again, not as nice as an aft space, and no bar at night.

 

I like this board when we can all learn from each others experiences, all while forming our own. Glad some of you found my observations helpful.

 

We had to think hard to find negatives, and these are just some things that came to mind -- they certainly did not make or break the trip or the ship.

 

again -- the shows and the cruise director richard spacey is great!!

[Ocean Boy]

Could you tell me how you found being in port in Nassau on Sunday like? We have never been in a port of call on a Sunday. Were things open or closed?

[jt1120]

So I'm guessing there was no "tropical night" themed party? That's too bad, I love those.

 

Also, I'll second Florida cruisers comment above (post #11), the Radiance class is the best RC has to offer. Absolutely awesome ships. Still, when you are dedicated to sailing on every cruise ship afloat, you have to bend a little.

[kaykels]

No worries, Nassau doesn't close on Sundays. There will be plenty of ppl trying to sell you something !!!

[Cruzaholic41]

I wanted to mention no aft pool or bar

 

No aft pool, but Oasis does have an aft bar. You didn't see it?

 

3. no late night buffets or parties, plus very little pool side entertainment, most stuff was in the promenade, lending to the "I'm in a mall feel"

 

I want to ask about this complaint. I have been on the Oasis twice. There is a band that plays on the main pool deck on the bridge area between the 4 pool areas. Were they not playing on your cruise? Also, they do a party at night called club twenty. There was also another night where they had music and a buffet set up on the main pool deck. I find it hard to belive they didn't do any of this on your cruise. Is it possible you just missed it all?

[zurich72]

On our second last sea day, the weather was overcast and drizzle-y, maybe some of the activities were cancelled for the outdoors -- also, it is a big ship and things could have been missed -- that's why I did this post, so we can all share our observations....

 

OH, one thing I forgot---we normally don't do the specialty restuarants, just don't find a need to...but, went to IZUMI the sushi restaurant, and it was some of the best sushi I have ever had (but I am by no means, a sushi expert) -- but we really enjoyed this meal!!

 

OB -- did not get off in Nassau...

Also, the aft bar is closed at night -- the solarium bistro turns into a cover charge restauarant for dinner, and that's right below, maybe that's why?

[LTyler]

Sailing Oasis this Saturday, so appreciate your post very much. Two questions -- who is the current headliner performer, and did you say you LIKED the donuts? Seriously, that is the very first review I've seen that didn't trash the free donuts as being deliberately bad enough to force people to the cupcake cupboard for their sugar fix.

 

4 more days for us I can HARDLY wait!!!!

[cnee]

We also just returned from the Oasis on Saturday 2/19. I have to say that is was "okay". We had other issues though. We don't typically like going to the windjammer for meals and are MUCH happier to eat in the MDR. We were told that the MDR didn't do breakfast or lunch - except for their "express buffet". it wasn't until day 5 that we realized we had bad information and you COULD order off the menu for breakfast and lunch. The only day they offer eggs benedict is day 6 (I think), and it's a crab benedict, but you can order regular that day. We found that it was VERY difficult to find lemonade on board. I thought that the roast beef sandwich from the park cafe was good, but it had WAYYYYY too much salt on the bun.

 

We were in room 11318. I mention this because our balcony door shattered...while we were pulling into St. Martin. Now it is "foggy" and doesn't have a clear view out of it. Or at least it didn't when we left.

[cravingthis]

Sailing Oasis this Saturday, so appreciate your post very much. Two questions -- who is the current headliner performer, and did you say you LIKED the donuts? Seriously, that is the very first review I've seen that didn't trash the free donuts as being deliberately bad enough to force people to the cupcake cupboard for their sugar fix.

 

Sailing this Saturday as well, and I've come across quite a few bad donut reviews as well? Could it be the location and the sun that makes them dry? As for taste, I'll have to see for myself :confused:

[cravingthis]

The cupcakes were delicious and I am glad we waited to try them at the end of the week otherwise it would have cost a fortune!

 

Hi Sashamcg - are cupcakes on sale towards the end of the week? What day was this?

 

TIA!

[cravingthis]

My one complaint, and it has nothing to do with the ship itself, but with RCI policy or head office(?) - my dad has a US funds credit card and at check-in we elected to opt out of the RCI currency conversion for our stateroom accounts. On the last night of the cruise my parents got the statement and upon review, they had converted the charges to CDN. When I went to Guest Services to ask them to change it back, they said there was nothing they could do as it was the last night but if we had asked them earlier they could have changed it. I asked what the point was then, of indicating at check-in that we didn't want our charges converted and all the agent could say was sorry, there was nothing they could do and she gave me the number for head office. I called them this morning and until my dad gets his credit card statement, there's nothing they can do. The agent did say that they would issue a refund for the difference but depending on what the rate of exchange is that day, that may or may not make up for their accounting glitches. Lesson learned - go to Guest Services during the week.

 

 

Sorry to hear of your experience, I had posted about this concern in another thread. I have a US credit card as well, and was wondering what box they need to check or uncheck when we check in - ok that was a mouthful!!

 

I thought I would resolve any issues by just paying cash for any outstanding balance on our account, hopefully it won't be too much.

 

We sail this Saturday, so I'm grateful to be reading some more reviews/tips.

[FTLAUDER]

Thanks for posting! I usually drink A LOT of water and get it from the Windjammer. I'll get several glasses a day of ice water from there. Is it not doable on Oasis? Guess I'll be drinking a lot of Evian, too. How was the service on board & which dining did you have? Comments re: dining/food?

 

Thanks, much!!

You just reminded me that when I pack this May for my Oasis Cruise to remember my 4 empty water bottles and my little funnel. I full up at breakfast and have my bottles for the room. My DH likes to bring those crystal lite single serve packettes and he is happy with his ice tea or lemonade, I am fine with the tap.