Oasis 11/26 cruise

[azann]

Well.....not so enthused about the giant ship. Some things were amazing to see and the quality of food (for such a large crowd), entertainment, service etc. was excellent. After a quick tour in Falmouth, we stayed onboard to better explore this magnificent ship...lots to see and do. Definitely, recommend the Art Tour to fully understand some of the details in the design (over 10 mil in art on the Oasis!). Our main complaint is too many people...dining tables are closer than normal and no space between lounges on deck. The last day was windy and rainy so most of the passengers were in the interior space and it was packed. Seemed like the "day after Christmas sales" with the hoards of people trying to buy $10 sale items...ridiculous. Also, difficult to enjoy the parades etc. The casino was very smoky and difficult to enjoy.

 

On the final night, the lead entertainers for Hairspray attempted to entertain & sing in the Dazzles Lounge. Unfortunately, there was a wedding in the afternoon and several of the guests remained and were drunken & disorderly... ruined the evening for everyone else. Security was called by several people but the response was very slow and most of the audience left. Truly felt sorry for the entertainers.

 

All things considered, the cruise was a great "experience" but no one in our group will repeat it. We'll stick to ships that are little easier to navigate and manage. :)

[firefly333]

I was on the same cruise and saw the line for Dazzles for the Hairspray singers. I guess I had had enough lines and didnt wait to get in. Sounds like I made the right choice.

 

I had no complaints in the dining room of close tables. Seemed the same to me?? A family at our table ran the waiter and asst waiter ragged, with their 3 kids and constantly wanting more of this or that.

 

I recommend the city park tour I took the last sea day at 9:30. It lasted a whole hour. I wouldnt have thought there were that many things to see. Very interesting. Turned out my roomie had booked the ship tour at the same time last minute and gotten it, but I didnt know. The one you had to be diamond or higher to ask to get on. Im sorry I missed it.

 

I really have no complaints and enjoyed the cruise, except this time did inside cabins. It turns out the insides, every other one is reversed, same as the balconys. If you get the one where the beds are nearer the door, the beds can only be separated about 6 inches... which we both thought was a huge issue. (and then my roomie got a cold) and I was sleeping almost on top of her.

 

Anyone who cares if the beds can be separated, needs to make sure they have the inside cabin to the right in the pair, when you are looking at the two doors next to each other. We had the one to the left and our cabin steward said it was every other one.

 

I wouldnt say that ruined the cruise .. but it was a big issue.

[Dave85]

Out of curiosity, when were the parades held (if you remember?)

 

I seem to recall that they were at strange times during my Oasis sailing.

[azann]

Sorry...would have to look @ the Daily Compass to know for sure but you're right with the odd times. I think a couple of the parades/events were around 5:30ish when we were busy with cocktail hour or getting ready for dinner & a couple of Promenade events were 11:30ish and very crowded.

I have to applaud the crew for their ability to handle so many people efficiently week in, week out and with a smile on their face!

[gelo7]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Familygoboston]

Out of curiosity, when were the parades held (if you remember?)

 

I seem to recall that they were at strange times during my Oasis sailing.

 

We never went to a parade because we don't like them on the other ships; but they mostly seemed to be middays on sea days with the exception of the farewell surprise and the 70 s night which were evening parades.

We just got back yesterday...I'm starting my Oasis Eastern review tonight and will be posting the Eastern Cruise Compasses and a full day by day review(LIVE- one month later!) right after the holidays. One of the main point I'm making is if you don't like the crowds ( shopping or gathering for parades)...just get off the Promenade, there are so many other beautiful places on this ship to be and if most people are beating each other up for a $10 scarf, you will be all by yourself in one of the ore areas of the ship;)

[azann]

Absolutely....one of the good things about this beauty of a ship is "the space". I do think some of the popular events (parades, 70's party, $10 scarves etc.) could be handled a bit differently. Maybe it's because we have enjoyed these "events" on other ships but this was over-the-top. Our sailing had some groups who fell into the rude category....this was also a first for us. Every sailing day is a good one & we are glad we sailed the Oasis but we'll stick with a bit smaller ship in the future.

[Familygoboston]

Absolutely....one of the good things about this beauty of a ship is "the space". I do think some of the popular events (parades, 70's party, $10 scarves etc.) could be handled a bit differently. Maybe it's because we have enjoyed these "events" on other ships but this was over-the-top. Our sailing had some groups who fell into the rude category....this was also a first for us. Every sailing day is a good one & we are glad we sailed the Oasis but we'll stick with a bit smaller ship in the future.

 

I see your point- I'm torn, because on the one hand I liked how this ship offered all the top services and amazing spaces, and activities and shows, but on the other I missed the intimacy of seeing the same people more than once on onboard ;) I also think because so many of my other trips are very planning intensive and busy, I like having "less" to do or plan so you can truly relax. I guess my feeling right now is I would like to repeat on Allure with my teens, but would be likely to make my annual get away and relax cruise on a smaller, more intimate ship. I'm thinking based on how I liked the Solarium space on Oasis, I might prefer a different line that offers that kind of experience.

[RoyalDiamond]

We've been on Oasis twice, and Allure once. We have found them to be LESS crowded than other ships. Of course, that all depends upon the event or activity that you are doing. With several main deck pools, the solarium pool, etc, we never had trouble finding space to enjoy. We also found the elevators to be fantastic. We never waited more than 30 seconds for an elevator. On other ships, the elevators are painfully slow. The Windjammer is not huge, but there are so many other eateries (free, too) to enjoy that we rarely went there. ANY ship is crowded when you get a bunch of people trying to buy $10 scarves and other junk...we just avoid those areas at that time. We love the smaller ships, too. But, after experiencing the megaships, the smaller ones seem somewhat dated and not as exciting....especially the ones without several eateries......We have always been able to find quiet places on any ship we've been on...even Oasis!

[Susie51]

Thank you for sharing.