Bucket29 Posted May 23, 2015 #1 Share Posted May 23, 2015 Hello All, Would love to hear recommendations for the best things to do the first few hours on board. We are departing from Barcelona in June and are so excited to explore the ship! Have not been on this class before. I'm thinking about arriving around 10:30-11:00?? Where should we go for lunch? Any suggestions for bargains on booking on board spa treatments, etc. Any places to visit before it gets too crowded? Any tips for appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted May 23, 2015 #2 Share Posted May 23, 2015 Park Cafe for lunch. If you don't mind payng extra, then try Giovanni's Table. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkvillain Posted May 23, 2015 #3 Share Posted May 23, 2015 Park Cafe for lunch and then enjoy the empty Solarium pool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barb in ga Posted May 23, 2015 #4 Share Posted May 23, 2015 We board as early as possible, then go check out our table assignment in MDR. We love to have a leisurely lunch in Giovanni's--it's $15 for lunch, and well worth it! If you don't want a big lunch, definitely go to Park Café for a great panino and soup. The mushroom soup is awesome. By now, cabins are open and we go drop off carry ons, put on swimsuits and go to the solarium pool for my 1st "umbrella drink". This also may be the time to change your dinner seating if you didn't like your table location or size. Now back to the room to unpack then explore until muster drill. Barb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare steamboats Posted May 23, 2015 #5 Share Posted May 23, 2015 Roastbeef Sandwich at Park Café for lunch right after boarding... that´s my plan for tomorrow :D! The rest of the afternoon will be Kids facilities and Spa for photos (as this is the only day they are open for everyone). Unpacking. Muster drill, departure... steamboats Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nomadiccrocodilehunter Posted May 23, 2015 #6 Share Posted May 23, 2015 Great thread topic. I haven't sailed Oasis class before, but I have read too many times about the roast beef sandwich to consider going anywhere else on embarkation, especially as I understand that the Windjammer gets really busy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wirral Girlie Posted May 23, 2015 #7 Share Posted May 23, 2015 We board the Allure next Sunday.... I think lunch at Park Cafe, Cocktail and then spend the afternoon in the pool (swimming costume in hand luggage of course!) [emoji484] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare steamboats Posted May 23, 2015 #8 Share Posted May 23, 2015 Solarium is pretty nice too for lunch on embarkation day. Not too many people find their way up there. steamboats Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OllieMom Posted May 23, 2015 #9 Share Posted May 23, 2015 Solarium is pretty nice too for lunch on embarkation day. Not too many people find their way up there. steamboats Does the Solarium allow children for lunch? I am bringing an 11 and 12 year old. The Park Café was way to crowded for us last time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare steamboats Posted May 23, 2015 #10 Share Posted May 23, 2015 The Solarium Bistro is open for everyone (breakfast and lunch). The Solarium itself is 16 y and up. It´s my favorite place for breakfast as I prefer Bircher Muesli which they don´t have in the Windjammer. BTW, another thing you have to do on embarkation day: As soon as you enter your cabin, check your TV and check your show bookings!! If they are all messed up go to (pretty likely) Studio B and let the folks there get your bookings together again. steamboats Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StlGal Posted May 23, 2015 #11 Share Posted May 23, 2015 Silly question... We are boarding Allure in Rome for the first day of our cruise. It is our understanding that others will already be on the ship from Barcelona. Question is... Since the cruise will already technically "be in progress" won't the cabins be open as soon as we board the ship? How will they block off cabins to some but not to all? I would think that those already on the ship would have to have access to their cabins. However, I understand the need also for the cabin steward to turn around the cabin for newly arriving passengers. Does anyone know the answer to this question? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emdee Posted May 23, 2015 #12 Share Posted May 23, 2015 We love to go straight to Vintages away from the crowds. Sit and have a Sangria with tapas for lunch. It's a nice quiet spot and there is plenty of room to bring your carry on bags as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuCruise Posted May 23, 2015 #13 Share Posted May 23, 2015 Is Solarium Bistro less busy than Park Cafe? From what I hear, the secret is out about Park Cafe in embarkment day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted May 23, 2015 #14 Share Posted May 23, 2015 Is Solarium Bistro less busy than Park Cafe? From what I hear, the secret is out about Park Cafe in embarkment day. Yes, we found the Solarium Cafe less crowded than Park Cafe, especially on embarkation day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dacsmom Posted May 24, 2015 #15 Share Posted May 24, 2015 The first thing I like to do is have lunch at Giovanni's Table. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emdee Posted May 24, 2015 #16 Share Posted May 24, 2015 Is Giovanni's open on embarkation day? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bucket29 Posted June 7, 2015 Author #17 Share Posted June 7, 2015 We love to go straight to Vintages away from the crowds. Sit and have a Sangria with tapas for lunch. It's a nice quiet spot and there is plenty of room to bring your carry on bags as well. Probably a silly question but does Vintages serve food? Would this be a good place to go for lunch on debarkation? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted June 7, 2015 #18 Share Posted June 7, 2015 Probably a silly question but does Vintages serve food? Would this be a good place to go for lunch on debarkation? Vintages on Oasis class serve small snacks called Tapas, for extra cost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted June 7, 2015 #19 Share Posted June 7, 2015 Is Giovanni's open on embarkation day? Yes, on Oasis class. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare A&L_Ont Posted June 7, 2015 #20 Share Posted June 7, 2015 (edited) Silly question... We are boarding Allure in Rome for the first day of our cruise. It is our understanding that others will already be on the ship from Barcelona. Question is... Since the cruise will already technically "be in progress" won't the cabins be open as soon as we board the ship? How will they block off cabins to some but not to all? I would think that those already on the ship would have to have access to their cabins. However, I understand the need also for the cabin steward to turn around the cabin for newly arriving passengers. Does anyone know the answer to this question? We boarded in Rome and the cabins were ready by 1pm. 1,400 guests boarded and we were told that will be the maximum number for Rome. The halls are open like a normal day and guests that embarked in Barcelona go about like a normal day. Muster was at 4:30pm. Our luggage, 2 bags, arrived before 1pm and the second bag while we were at muster. Our embarkation took 10 minutes from getting out of the transfer car to stepping on the ship. They did not keep our passports, but they did for some cruisers, we aren't certain why this occurs. Disembarkation had 4 luggage tag groups, but we walked our suitcases off at 7:55 at the forward elevators. That way they separate the disembarking passengers from the guests from Barcelona. Barcelona guests use the aft elevators to disembark. They will keep your boarding cards to prevent you from re-boarding. That surprised me as I like to keep them, and it also proves that you were on the ship if you ever have a CA points issue. A picture with you on the ship would work as well alng with a few port of call ones. I have never experienced this, but have read about it on CC. I am still adjusting to NA time. My body thinks I should be awake and moving. That's why I am posting at 4:30am. :rolleyes: I am planning on doing a cruise review so watch for it.:) Edited June 7, 2015 by A&L_Ont Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuCruise Posted June 7, 2015 #21 Share Posted June 7, 2015 We boarded in Rome and the cabins were ready by 1pm. 1,400 guests boarded and we were told that will be the maximum number for Rome. The halls are open like a normal day and guests that embarked in Barcelona go about like a normal day. Muster was at 4:30pm. Our luggage, 2 bags, arrived before 1pm and the second bag while we were at muster. Our embarkation took 10 minutes from getting out of the transfer car to stepping on the ship. They did not keep our passports, but they did for some cruisers, we aren't certain why this occurs. Disembarkation had 4 luggage tag groups, but we walked our suitcases off at 7:55 at the forward elevators. That way they separate the disembarking passengers from the guests from Barcelona. Barcelona guests use the aft elevators to disembark. They will keep your boarding cards to prevent you from re-boarding. That surprised me as I like to keep them, and it also proves that you were on the ship if you ever have a CA points issue. A picture with you on the ship would work as well alng with a few port of call ones. I have never experienced this, but have read about it on CC. I am still adjusting to NA time. My body thinks I should be awake and moving. That's why I am posting at 4:30am. :rolleyes: I am planning on doing a cruise review so watch for it.:) The time difference must be rough. :( Would love to see your review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C0untingstars Posted June 7, 2015 #22 Share Posted June 7, 2015 Is it possible to board around noon, drop off bags and eat lunch, then step off the ship to walk Las Ramblas for a couple hours? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted June 7, 2015 #23 Share Posted June 7, 2015 Is it possible to board around noon, drop off bags and eat lunch, then step off the ship to walk Las Ramblas for a couple hours? Yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anandaindonesia Posted June 7, 2015 #24 Share Posted June 7, 2015 We have our embarkation lunch at Solarium Bistro. Nice, hot soup and not so crowded. Booked Rita's Fiesta for dinner, a very fun way to start the cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minniefino Posted June 7, 2015 #25 Share Posted June 7, 2015 Another vote for Park Café for lunch. Tasty sandwiches, soups, and salads. And not as chaotic as Windjammer. After we eat, we hang out on the pool deck until the staterooms open up. Be sure to pack swimsuits in your carry-on luggage if you want to hit the pool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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