My Oasis Experience

[live2vayk]

I posted this review, but thought I would share my experience here as well FWIW.

 

When I saw a short cruise on Oasis of the Seas being offered for a Oct. 21 sailing, I jumped at the chance to see this class of ship for myself. I wasn't willing to pay what a 7 nighter is demanding, but the ship was chartered for 3 days prior to this cruise leaving RCI with days left in the week to fill. So they offered up a 3 day cruise, and I booked it.

 

I couldn't talk my husband into going as he is busy this time of year, and my kids were in school, so my two sisters joined me. We flew into FLL the night before and stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Cruise-Airport. We found the property to be clean and comfortable. This hotel was near the port, and offered an airport shuttle. We opted to rent a car since we had an evening to wander around. The one day rental was only $50.00, I had to put about $15.00 in gas, and when we returned it we grabbed a cab to the terminal for $20.00. I will always rent a car, I like having my own wheels to do what I want when I want.

 

We arrived at the port at around 10:50 am. We were checked in and on board by 11:30. I am platinum with RCI, but that really doesn't mean much.... I am almost to Emerald, so I can loook forward to a beverage and snack, woo hoo! (sarcasm).. anyway...We had to sit in the waiting area for just a few minutes and then they let us board. Painless. First stop was to the Park Cafe to try one of the roast beef sandwiches that everyone raves about. Mission accomplished. It was OK. I didn't ever feel the need to have another, I will leave it at that. We wandered the ship and before long it was time to drop our carry ons in our room.

 

We had an ocean view balcony on deck 14. Our room number was 280. Our cabin steward introduced himself right away, and was very pleasant. He took great care of our room. I will say that I was a little concerned with the location of our room, I had picked it and realized after that it was just below the teen club. But we never had a noise issue, the room was a good location for us.

 

I had asked for My Time Dining, but when I got there it was set for traditional each night for 6 pm. I went to see the host to get it fixed. I was surprised at the reaction I received. I was told I really didn't want that option, I should stay with the traditional 6 pm seating. Now mind you, if they had said to me, "Sorry, we are full, you have to stay with what we gave you." It wouldn't have been a big deal. But that isn't what she said to me. She literally told me she didn't recommend My Time Dining, and gave me my paperwork back to dismiss me. I politely insisted that she make the change if possible, and she did it for me, and that was the end of that. But the interaction was odd.

 

We ate in the American Icon two of the three nights and we were pleased with the service/selection. We ate at Sabor one night. The guac was excellent as was my margarita. But the fajita was pretty bad. I had to look really hard for any traces of chicken. We had lunch at the Park Cafe the first day as I mentioned, it was good. Johnny Rockets which we always enjoy the second day. And the windjammer for lunch on the final day. I do not like the layout of the Windjammer, and I felt like they were lacking on selections. But it was OK. We had our breakfasts in the MDR and that was fine.

 

The shows were all OK, and I spent a little time in the casino and enjoyed that. We didn't get off the ship in Nassau, as the ship was the destination for us this time. My sister enjoyed doing the zip line, but when I went to do it there was about 50 people in line, so I passed on it.

 

The gym facility was disappointing on this ship. Very closed in and very small for the size of the ship. Also, the jogging track is mostly enclosed. I didn't enjoy that.

 

Overall, I liked this cruise. But for me, I think this class of ship is too big. And the way it is laid out, I often felt enclosed. People have said it never felt crowded. Well, I am here to tell you that at times, it is very crowded feeling! You can certainly find areas that are not, but if there is a certain thing you want to do, chances are good many, many others do as well. And getting into shows was harder to do just from sheer volumes of people, as well as trying to use the elevators. I don't mind crowds for the most part, but this trip it seemed excessive to me. Trying to get a soda refill at the machine in the promenade always had a line, and several times the machine wasn't working. I let an employee in Sorrentos next door to the machine know that it wasn't working, and got a very snarky reply that he didn't much care it wasn't working. Well allrighty then!

 

I also wanted to mention that prior to this three day cruise I can't tell you how many times people posted stuff like, "short cruises are booze cruises", "get ready to be in a drunken mob" type stuff. I didn't see any more drinking on this cruise than any of the longer cruises I have taken. People were responsible. I am 44 years old and past the point of party cruises for myself pretty much, but I don't mind when others choose to live it up, but I never felt that vibe on this ship. In fact, perhaps it was the time of year, but it seemed like there were a lot of older passengers on this voyage.

 

Oasis of the Seas certainly a beautiful ship, and well maintained. Most all of the employees were kind and helpful. Would I go on this class of ship again? Probably not, unless it is a too good to pass up deal. But these days, RCI doesn't seem to have deals. Their sales are even expensive compared to other lines. And I know those that are "loyal to royal" feel the price difference is justified, and for them it is. We all have our own cost/value levels. But for me, I have been on Carnival, NCL, and Disney. Royal isn't any better or worse overall, in my opinion. I like them, don't get me wrong, I just don't think there is anything special enough to pay a lot more for them vs. other lines. But again, that is a subjective matter and that is my opinion.

 

I will close with the folks that I spoke to on the ship, many that were clearly Royal enthusiast, loved this ship.

[gatour]

Very fair review.

[wolfganghowell]

Agreed - very fair review. We vowed never to do Oasis due to the size and passenger. We board next week. :rolleyes: Now I'm looking forward to a new experience but feel I will still be happy returning to Freedom and Voyager class ships.

[flacplnj]

Agreed - very fair review. We vowed never to do Oasis due to the size and passenger. We board next week. :rolleyes: Now I'm looking forward to a new experience but feel I will still be happy returning to Freedom and Voyager class ships.

 

I didn't realize you were on the Oasis next week So are we. Maybe we will run into each other.

[Ashland]

We've sailed on many RCI class/ships and were also completely disappointed with the WJ layout and service on this ship...not to mention they kept trying to take our plates and clear the table before we were even done...and we're not ones to take up table space or time. But did see this happening to other's too...not impressed...seems like they wanted more than any other ship we've been on to steer you towards the pay dining instead.

[cincicruisers]

Thanks for taking the time to post your review.

[chanat]

We have been on Oasis twice and will go on Allure in Jan. We haves loved all our RC cruises esp on Oasis and Freedom class. Have done all the classes except the Brand new ships. We have also sailed Princess and Carnival and like RC much better. I still want to try NCL but my husband just wants to stick with RC fr now on. Disney looks appealing esp since we have young kids in our extended family but is very expensive. Thanks for your review. I do agree there were times the ship felt crowded but those were short lived for us as we mostly use the stairs instead of elevators and I made reserv. For all shows.

[wolfganghowell]

flac -we board as you disembark. Have a great cruise though - take care of the ship for us.

[Rocketlady]

Been on the Allure, Oasis and Anthem of the Sea. We are going on the Oasis again in Feb. Love them all. We also are going on the new Harmony of the Sea in 2017.

 

You mentioned you didn't like the enclosed track on the Oasis. For me I loved it. And happy to learn the Harmony of the Sea will be doing it there too. What I didn't like on the Anthem was on the top deck. It was such a waste of time to even try to get in a run or a walk. People wouldn't get off the track or even move over. These people I am sure never used a track and could care less for the ones who take exercising seriously. I wasn't rude but some did get fed up with it. Having the track on the 5th floor was perfect. You still get the people who have never used the track and don't know the rules. But by the end of the week they got educated enough that all could enjoy it.

 

The gym on the Anthem of the Seas was perfect. But it was too hot in there. I am not a person who enjoys gyms anyway. Never went on the Oasis gym.

 

Rest of the ship we loved it.

[TheTruthCanHurt]

One thing I found interesting is that I think hands down the Gym on the oasis/allure is the biggest and nicest of any RCI ship I have been on. In my opinion it rivals many health clubs I have been to. I can see what you mean about the track being so enclosed. But it is SO much better than it being on the pool deck and having people standing all over it the whole time.

[Susie51]

Thank you for sharing your point of view with us. I like reading about the different experiences CC members have had.

[flacplnj]

flac -we board as you disembark. Have a great cruise though - take care of the ship for us.

 

I brought extra field peppers and some Habanero hot sauce I was hoping to share with you. Maybe one day. Hope you both had a great cruise. God Bless have a safe trip home.

[kalliekae]

Thank you for sharing your point of view with us. I like reading about the different experiences CC members have had.

 

I also appreciate your review. Everyone has different experiences on a ship. We've been on Oasis twice and will be on Allure next month and really enjoy what the ship has to offer. The ship is our destination, not the ports. We have also found some of the crew to be snarky at times especially the dining room people. Not sure why they feel the need to be rude, but we will steer clear of the main dining room on our next cruise. Thanks again for your review.

[riclop]

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Big_G]

One thing I found interesting is that I think hands down the Gym on the oasis/allure is the biggest and nicest of any RCI ship I have been on. In my opinion it rivals many health clubs I have been to. I can see what you mean about the track being so enclosed. But it is SO much better than it being on the pool deck and having people standing all over it the whole time.

 

Actually, I love the ships but not a fan of the gym layout with no views. My favorite has always been the Freedom Class gyms. On the Oasis class, the area around the cardio machines isn't bad but the weights and weight machine area is cramped and feels a bit claustrophobic. Just my own preference. I do like the track on five because on other ships, I would never attempt a run on the top deck unless it was at daybreak.

 

Almost forgot, nice review OP.

Edited October 31, 2015 by Big_G

[F27TW]

"Congratulations!!! You added another post to your statistics... Now sit back and ask yourself "did you really contribute to the conversation"? I wonder...People are so concerned with defending themselves that they would rather be rude then be right.

 

Blocking a user is the best way to not have to listen to someone who you feels adds nothing to a conversation. Try it, It's exhilarating .

 

 

An ironic tag-line for someone with the screen name "TheTruthCanHurt" ... admonishing people for giving their opinions and being truthful. Hmmm.

[live2vayk]

...Thanks for your review. I do agree there were times the ship felt crowded but those were short lived for us as we mostly use the stairs instead of elevators and I made reserv. For all shows.

 

I had made reservations too, but trying to get through the throng of people who had not, that were waiting to get in just outside the doors was a trick! I also usually use the stairs most of the time, always like to burn a few extra calories here and there. This time my sister was traveling with a slight injury to her leg, nothing that would prevent her from a flight or two of stairs, but when we were on deck 3 or 4 and we wanted to get back to our room on deck 14, well the elevator it was!

[live2vayk]

Actually, I love the ships but not a fan of the gym layout with no views. My favorite has always been the Freedom Class gyms. On the Oasis class, the area around the cardio machines isn't bad but the weights and weight machine area is cramped and feels a bit claustrophobic. Just my own preference. I do like the track on five because on other ships, I would never attempt a run on the top deck unless it was at daybreak.

 

Almost forgot, nice review OP.

 

I think you nailed it! The gym felt smaller to me because there were no views. I honestly think the gym was smaller than the Freedom class, but maybe not... maybe it was just the layout and the fact that there were no (or very few) windows. I love to run on the treadmill while looking out at the beautiful big blue. Or, doing a very early morning jog out on the upper decks and watch the sunrise. If I get out there early enough I can get in a decent run and am almost by myself out there! Love that. Did not enjoy the enclosed track, it was a little dark in sections when you are an early bird...

[Cruise a holic]

We tried the Quantum and will never go on that class again. We however do enjoy the Oasis Class. If you think that the Oasis was crowded- the Quantum made it look empty. Service was bad, food horrible- and we were in a suite!

[mazzworld]

Thank you for your review! I thoroughly enjoyed my cruise on the Oasis last March. As you can imagine it was at capacity, but rarely did it feel crowded to me. I was deck 10 that time and I'm going again March 2016 and will be on Deck 8. I agree with you that the gym was pitiful. It was very small and you could not use the spin bikes unless you paid for their spin class. They had them all chained up. Chops Grille was delicious! We were only able to get into one comedy show by being one of the lucky stand by people. I know for this upcoming cruise to make reservations ahead of time for shows or I else be SOL.

[TheTruthCanHurt]

An ironic tag-line for someone with the screen name "TheTruthCanHurt" ... admonishing people for giving their opinions and being truthful. Hmmm.

 

 

Never admonish someone for giving their experience or sharing their opinion based on their experience. My tag line is referring to people That makes comments that have nothing do with a post and or just say something snarky to encite a riot and try to get their 50,000 posts

 

xoxox

[sailaway2010]

Agreed - very fair review. We vowed never to do Oasis due to the size and passenger. We board next week. :rolleyes: Now I'm looking forward to a new experience but feel I will still be happy returning to Freedom and Voyager class ships.

 

I felt the same way. But I found the ship is so big, so beautiful with so many things to do, you forget how many people are on board. Never had to stand on any long lines and the only time any area felt crowded was the night of the ladies handbag sale in the promenade. Just rode the moving bar from Deck 5 to Deck 8 to bypass that mob scene.

 

It's one smooth ride, never felt a thing when the ship docked. At one port the ship backs in after turning around.

[sailaway2010]

We've sailed on many RCI class/ships and were also completely disappointed with the WJ layout and service on this ship...not to mention they kept trying to take our plates and clear the table before we were even done...and we're not ones to take up table space or time. But did see this happening to other's too...not impressed...seems like they wanted more than any other ship we've been on to steer you towards the pay dining instead.

 

The staff in the WJ were just trying to keep dirty dishes from piling up on the tables, not trying to clear them or you.