Oasis 9/19 Cruise with Extended Family

[Lilycat2010]

Hi,

 

Wanted to provide a report on our Eastern sailing on the Oasis of the Seas. There were 9 of us travelling - me and DH, parents, aunt, sister and BIL with their 2 kids (12 and 9). My parents were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and we wanted a fun, family vacation.

 

Overall a really great trip and an excellent choice for a big group. There was plenty to do for everyone and we were all able to stay satisfied. The ship was pretty amazing.

 

We had ocean-facing balcony cabins. The cabin size was great and the balcony was the largest I've had (previously sailed NCL, Celebrity and HAL). Unfortunately, ours was pretty filthy on arrival. There was still trash in drawers, lots of hairs in the bathroom and general gunk on the surfaces. We did point it out and they quickly deep cleaned the cabin and sent us champagne and chocolate covered strawberries for our troubles. Nice touch!

 

We had My Time Dining and got reservations for the times we needed once on board. We got a great waiter the first night - Alfredo, so we asked to be at the same table each time. It worked out great. They had a 'group' desk for check ins for large parties, and that really helped. Overall the food in the main dining room was quite good. One or two items, I didn't like, but that's any restaurant.

 

I did not, however, like the Windjammer. I went for one breakfast and didn't return. I just didn't like the choices, flow or overwhelming crowds. At least on a ship this size - there is something for everyone! We did some MDR breakfasts and a few in the Park Cafe, which was really pretty good.

 

I know food is subjective. The other venues for us were hit or miss. We loved Giovanni's and Izumi for dinner. The hibachi was so much fun with a big group. They squeezed an extra chair for us since we had 9. We had a blast. We had one lunch at Sabor, which we also loved. My DH and I had dinner at 150 Central Park and felt let down. The ambiance and service were impeccable. But the food was just so so. He loved his steak. I disliked the lamb. Dried out! We both disliked the grapefruit dessert. My parents went with my sister to dinner at the Solarium Bistro one night and also reported it was mediocre. Oh, and my DH and dad grabbed a Broadway Dog and were disappointed. They threw them out.

 

The service and entertainment on the ship could not be beat. Everyone we encountered was friendly and upbeat (with the exception of one surly dealer in the casino). The shows were fantastic! We saw the Aqua show and Come Fly with Me with reservations. We also caught the ice show and the headliner without reservations. Didn't make it to the comedy shows or Cats. Really top notch performers!

 

We didn't use any RCL excursions. We all kind of did our own things in the ports. We had been to each before. For us this cruise was about Oasis and being together to celebrate with my parents.

 

I usually get a massage on a cruise, but didn't use the spa this trip. It was a lovely area though, and the gym was really nice. Lots of room and equipment. It was connected to the track, too, so we could walk to get some cardio and then enter to use the weights. Nice!

 

The pool deck was crazy busy. It was a first cruise for me where I didn't even put on a bathing suit. It was just a bit hot for me to lie in the sun, and the pools were so crowded, I just didn't feel it. I did enjoy going up to watch the Flowrider and check things out, but really didn't stay. I'm usually in a hot tub each day, but couldn't handle the crowds. My sister's family did enjoy it, though!

 

This probably caused me to spend too much time losing money in the casino. :) Otherwise, I'm sure I would have come out ahead! Ha! It was smoky, but they had plenty of options for table games and they did have some non-smoking tables open in the evenings.

 

We did try to soak up as much fun as possible. We played trivia, shopped, walked all the neighborhoods. I loved Central Park. Man, that is one cool place on a cruise ship. I had good intentions to try the Rising Tide bar and the zip line, but didn't make either. The Champagne Bar is an elegant stop for a pre-dinner drink.

 

For us, and the occasion, the Oasis was a great choice. However, I don't think I'll choose this large a ship again in the future. For me and DH, a slightly more intimate, relaxed ship is a better fit. Our next booking is actually the Serenade in February. Hope we enjoy it. Glad we did the Oasis once, though!

[cincicruisers]

Thank you for taking the time to post a review. Glad you enjoyed your vacation.

[caseymorgan]

You mention smoke in the casino and "some non-smoking tables." When we were on Allure a few years back the entire casino was divided in half into smoking and non-smoking. I assume Oasis is the same?

[Lilycat2010]

Yes, there was a non-smoking side, but the tables were not all open at all times.