Just Off the Oasis...

[PVDCruiser]

Just got off the Oasis' latest Eastern sailing. I'll probably try (and then forget) to write a review, so might as well write a few random thoughts while waiting to fly home. Happy to answer any questions about the ship!

 

 

• Lines were an issue throughout the cruise. I suppose some of this should be expected given the ship's size, but one would hope RCL would have this more under control. Getting someone at Guest Services yesterday afternoon took ~50 minutes -- of course, long lines should be expected on the last day, but it would've been nice if the desk was fully staffed. The Windjammer was often very slammed for breakfast, Park Cafe was often very crowded, and disembarkation was particularly messy this morning (line went from the gangway next to Sorrento's, back to the theater, then back up about a third of the way of the Promenade).
  

 

• Food was very good, other than the line issues noted above. I really enjoyed the MDR options, especially the rack of lamb and the braised beef duo. I don't see much value in specialty restaurants (though I'm sure I would tire of MDR food a bit if I cruised more frequently), but I did try Izumi for lunch. It was fine, but I don't think I'll be back. I quite enjoyed Park Cafe as well.
  
• The service felt a little more impersonal than in past cruises, which I guess can happen when you have so many guests. But, for example, a waiter/waitress never came by at breakfast to ask for drink orders at the Windjammer (is that a new thing everywhere?). That said, our MDR waiter was one of the best I've had.
  
• Only did a few shows, but greatly enjoyed what I did see. The diving show was absolutely fantastic. I'm glad I reserved the first show as later shows during the week were postponed due to rough seas. Ice skating show was also very well done. I also enjoyed the comedy show, though of course your mileage may vary given the line-up....though I felt the RCL employee hosting the show was better than the comedians!
  
• Jazz on 4 was a delightful spot for a nightcap. Wish I started going there earlier in the cruise.
  
• Once again, the Flowrider was a highlight. Lines were a little on the long side during the afternoons, so I'd recommend the morning sessions, especially on port days. In St. Thomas and St. Maarten, there were only about five of us from 8am-10am!
  
• I did not select any drink packages -- just didn't feel it was worth it given how much I usually drink, plus the Diamond Happy Hour was going to give me some free beverages anyway. That said, I felt the a la carte prices were rough. I paid $18 for a martini -- granted, I asked for Goose, but that feels quite steep to me.
  

Overall, I will definitely book again with RCL, but not sure when I will end up on Oasis again. The ship definitely has some wonderful features, but I think those are partially offset by lines/slightly less good service. So I'm not sure if the Oasis class is 'worth' the pricing premium currently being charged by RCL....I think I would be very happy on the Freedom class again, or perhaps with one of the Voyager class ships with a Flowrider.

 

Let me know if you have any questions about the ship!

Edited January 16, 2016 by PVDCruiser

[jagsfan]

I'm glad my memory is going. We sailed on Oasis a couple of years ago and I have conveniently forgotten issues with lines. I say conveniently because I booked her again for June.

I noticed on Princess and RCCL that waiters and cabin stewards have too much piled on them to be as personable as they used to be. Gone are the days when waiters teach guests tricks with spoons or corks.

I also enjoy the Freedom class, which offers a different experience from the Oasis class.

As long as I'm cruising, though, I'm happy.

[rob6465]

Just got off the Oasis' latest Eastern sailing. I'll probably try (and then forget) to write a review, so might as well write a few random thoughts while waiting to fly home. Happy to answer any questions about the ship!

 

 

• Lines were an issue throughout the cruise. I suppose some of this should be expected given the ship's size, but one would hope RCL would have this more under control. Getting someone at Guest Services yesterday afternoon took ~50 minutes -- of course, long lines should be expected on the last day, but it would've been nice if the desk was fully staffed. The Windjammer was often very slammed for breakfast, Park Cafe was often very crowded, and disembarkation was particularly messy this morning (line went from the gangway next to Sorrento's, back to the theater, then back up about a third of the way of the Promenade).
  

 

• Food was very good, other than the line issues noted above. I really enjoyed the MDR options, especially the rack of lamb and the braised beef duo. I don't see much value in specialty restaurants (though I'm sure I would tire of MDR food a bit if I cruised more frequently), but I did try Izumi for lunch. It was fine, but I don't think I'll be back. I quite enjoyed Park Cafe as well.
  
• The service felt a little more impersonal than in past cruises, which I guess can happen when you have so many guests. But, for example, a waiter/waitress never came by at breakfast to ask for drink orders at the Windjammer (is that a new thing everywhere?). That said, our MDR waiter was one of the best I've had.
  
• Only did a few shows, but greatly enjoyed what I did see. The diving show was absolutely fantastic. I'm glad I reserved the first show as later shows during the week were postponed due to rough seas. Ice skating show was also very well done. I also enjoyed the comedy show, though of course your mileage may vary given the line-up....though I felt the RCL employee hosting the show was better than the comedians!
  
• Jazz on 4 was a delightful spot for a nightcap. Wish I started going there earlier in the cruise.
  
• Once again, the Flowrider was a highlight. Lines were a little on the long side during the afternoons, so I'd recommend the morning sessions, especially on port days. In St. Thomas and St. Maarten, there were only about five of us from 8am-10am!
  
• I did not select any drink packages -- just didn't feel it was worth it given how much I usually drink, plus the Diamond Happy Hour was going to give me some free beverages anyway. That said, I felt the a la carte prices were rough. I paid $18 for a martini -- granted, I asked for Goose, but that feels quite steep to me.
  

Overall, I will definitely book again with RCL, but not sure when I will end up on Oasis again. The ship definitely has some wonderful features, but I think those are partially offset by lines/slightly less good service. So I'm not sure if the Oasis class is 'worth' the pricing premium currently being charged by RCL....I think I would be very happy on the Freedom class again, or perhaps with one of the Voyager class ships with a Flowrider.

 

Let me know if you have any questions about the ship!

 

Only sailed RCL? I wanted a comparison to carnival. I've only sailed Carnival and never had a problem but now thinking to try out RCL.

[molly361]

What time were you disembarking?? Thanks for the review

[PVDCruiser]

Only sailed RCL? I wanted a comparison to carnival. I've only sailed Carnival and never had a problem but now thinking to try out RCL.

 

I've been mostly Royal -- I tried Princess for the first time last year, but that was only a quick three-nighter so I don't think it's a fair comparison to my RCL experiences.

 

That said, I've always had a great time on Royal, so I'd give it a shot!

[PVDCruiser]

What time were you disembarking?? Thanks for the review

 

I got in line at the Promenade around 9:20 or so. It seems like they were holding people from getting of the ship for a bit. After disembarking, we were again held in the terminal for a bit before being allowed to enter the arrivals hall.

 

While that did jam things up a bit and create some lines, it deep keep crowd size under control while retrieving luggage, so that was nice.

 

But perhaps the tag numbers could be split up a bit more? Our group had six different tag numbers.

[Lionesss]

I do not know if it is a just comparison but having sailed the Oasis and Allure I did find the Allure more friendlier than the Oasis.

 

However we cruise in a heartbeat on the Oasis.

 

Safe travels.

[Artemus]

Did you by chance notice beer prices?

[Ocean Boy]

Good to read your thoughts. I'm on Oasis next Saturday. I've never encountered lines like that on Oasis or Allure before and I hope to not encounter them next week.

 

What did you like about Jazz on 4? I try to always pick out one bar and get to know the bartender for my diamond drinks. Were there any other bars that you particularly enjoyed? Did you go to CATS and, if so, was it worth the investment in your time?

[Ocean Boy]

I do not know if it is a just comparison but having sailed the Oasis and Allure I did find the Allure more friendlier than the Oasis.

 

However we cruise in a heartbeat on the Oasis.

 

Safe travels.

 

And I have found it that way also... and I have Oasis coming up next. I just much prefer Saturday-Saturday sailings. I also figured I'd get one more sailing in on Oasis before it moves to Port Canaveral. I do not like sailing from that port.

[molly361]

Good to read your thoughts. I'm on Oasis next Saturday. I've never encountered lines like that on Oasis or Allure before and I hope to not encounter them next week.

 

What did you like about Jazz on 4? I try to always pick out one bar and get to know the bartender for my diamond drinks. Were there any other bars that you particularly enjoyed? Did you go to CATS and, if so, was it worth the investment in your time?

 

Have fun- Let us know how it went. I was asking about the lines for disembarkation as every time we have been on one of those ships we have walked off with our luggage around 6:30am with no problems, except the last time in November but that was due to late arrival since the passenger unfortunately went overboard. We go again in May

[Ocean Boy]

Have fun- Let us know how it went. I was asking about the lines for disembarkation as every time we have been on one of those ships we have walked off with our luggage around 6:30am with no problems, except the last time in November but that was due to late arrival since the passenger unfortunately went overboard. We go again in May

 

We usually walk off early too.... around 7-7:30 AM. The one exception was the first time we sailed Oasis. When we were about the step off of the ship it turned out my seapass was flagged and I had to go to Guest Relations. It turned out that my credit card info didn't transfer from the pier to the ship during check-in. This apparently happened to many people, including my parents, as there were loads of people in line a GS for the same thing. And the more people started talking to each other the more aggravated everyone was getting.

 

I asked the rep why I could not have been informed when I used my card to make charges on the ship or why was no message left in my cabin? Instead they wait until I'm about to walk off the ship and have the stress of getting my family home. He just shrugged. After running my card, which took about 10 minutes, the guy says I can go. By then the line to get off had grown really long. I said to him in no friendly tone..... I've already stood in line once, I have a plane to catch and I want off of this ship RIGHT NOW. He then escorted us right to the gangway.

[The Fun Researcher]

Thanks for the review. After our 7 night Eastern on the Oasis last year, we don't plan to be back on an Oasis class ship. For all the reasons you mentioned, plus the disconnected feeling from the sea, terrible fitness center, people and more people everywhere, and the feeling like I'm on a floating hotel rather than cruising the seas.

 

I'm very interested to see what the Voyager class is like in a few months. We love the Freedom class so hope it's very similar. (which looks like it is from all my researching)

 

Dan

[Ocean Boy]

Thanks for the review. After our 7 night Eastern on the Oasis last year, we don't plan to be back on an Oasis class ship. For all the reasons you mentioned, plus the disconnected feeling from the sea, terrible fitness center, people and more people everywhere, and the feeling like I'm on a floating hotel rather than cruising the seas.

 

I'm very interested to see what the Voyager class is like in a few months. We love the Freedom class so hope it's very similar. (which looks like it is from all my researching)

 

Dan

 

Voyager class is very similar to Freedom class as the Freedom class is just a stretched version of the Voyager class with some extra venues added. However, now that the Voyager class is being renovated and extra cabins are being added they may become a bit more crowded. I have not been on one since the extra cabins were added. RCI seems to be trending toward getting as many revenue producing cabins into the ships as they can find room for. I am not sure this will make for a better cruise experience.

[wampuscat7]

Thanks for the review. We went on Oasis in December (our first cruise on Royal after three cruises on Carnival). I was astounded by the lack of lines and waits, given the size of the ship.

 

For Artemus, the beers my husband had at Globe and Atlas were $6, I believe.

[marauder20]

Just got off the Oasis' latest Eastern sailing. I'll probably try (and then forget) to write a review, so might as well write a few random thoughts while waiting to fly home. Happy to answer any questions about the ship!

 

 

• Lines were an issue throughout the cruise. I suppose some of this should be expected given the ship's size, but one would hope RCL would have this more under control. Getting someone at Guest Services yesterday afternoon took ~50 minutes -- of course, long lines should be expected on the last day, but it would've been nice if the desk was fully staffed. The Windjammer was often very slammed for breakfast, Park Cafe was often very crowded, and disembarkation was particularly messy this morning (line went from the gangway next to Sorrento's, back to the theater, then back up about a third of the way of the Promenade).
  

 

• Food was very good, other than the line issues noted above. I really enjoyed the MDR options, especially the rack of lamb and the braised beef duo. I don't see much value in specialty restaurants (though I'm sure I would tire of MDR food a bit if I cruised more frequently), but I did try Izumi for lunch. It was fine, but I don't think I'll be back. I quite enjoyed Park Cafe as well.
  
• The service felt a little more impersonal than in past cruises, which I guess can happen when you have so many guests. But, for example, a waiter/waitress never came by at breakfast to ask for drink orders at the Windjammer (is that a new thing everywhere?). That said, our MDR waiter was one of the best I've had.
  
• Only did a few shows, but greatly enjoyed what I did see. The diving show was absolutely fantastic. I'm glad I reserved the first show as later shows during the week were postponed due to rough seas. Ice skating show was also very well done. I also enjoyed the comedy show, though of course your mileage may vary given the line-up....though I felt the RCL employee hosting the show was better than the comedians!
  
• Jazz on 4 was a delightful spot for a nightcap. Wish I started going there earlier in the cruise.
  
• Once again, the Flowrider was a highlight. Lines were a little on the long side during the afternoons, so I'd recommend the morning sessions, especially on port days. In St. Thomas and St. Maarten, there were only about five of us from 8am-10am!
  
• I did not select any drink packages -- just didn't feel it was worth it given how much I usually drink, plus the Diamond Happy Hour was going to give me some free beverages anyway. That said, I felt the a la carte prices were rough. I paid $18 for a martini -- granted, I asked for Goose, but that feels quite steep to me.
  

Overall, I will definitely book again with RCL, but not sure when I will end up on Oasis again. The ship definitely has some wonderful features, but I think those are partially offset by lines/slightly less good service. So I'm not sure if the Oasis class is 'worth' the pricing premium currently being charged by RCL....I think I would be very happy on the Freedom class again, or perhaps with one of the Voyager class ships with a Flowrider.

 

Let me know if you have any questions about the ship!

 

nice review...curious about breakfast at the windjammer...what time did you go? when is the crazy time? does it die down as the morning goes along?

[ShyMiss]

Could you share if the MDR menus have changed from the ones posted on this forum?

 

The ones I have bookmarked are labeled: mojo, saffron, pimento, Shi-take, basil, jasmine, pomdoro. Yet, I saw a thread that suggested these may change in Jan 2016.

 

We are sailing Oasis in 75 days! Never been on an Royal Carribean ship. (so excited) and wanting to get an idea of what to expect from MDR. Might pick a few menus to skip in order to try a specialty restaurant.

 

Thanks in advance!!!

Edited January 17, 2016 by ShyMiss

[teacup317]

Very nice review. Would you have a copy of the Compass you could share with us?:)

[mdisher]

Did you by chance notice beer prices?

 

We just came off the Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Oasis as well.

 

Beer prices, at the Atlas pub on the main promenade (Deck 5). All beers were $6.50 each, with like 4 exceptions. (note: that doesn't include the auto 18% gratuity). So you're looking at $7.68 on average for beer.

 

We did not buy a drink package and were better off because of it. Bar service was SLOW, you're off the boat about 1/2 the time, etc, etc. If you are a heavy drinker it's probably a good deal.

 

About mid way through they offered up a 10 drinks for $79 via a punch card. But it's $93.00 when you buy it and they tack on the gratuity up front. We used that for mixed drinks after that day but obviously not for beer as you'd over pay.

 

-=MD

[shakeNbake]

Are you able to use punch card for a martini?

[A&L_Ont]

Good to read your thoughts. I'm on Oasis next Saturday.

 

 

OB if I don't see you around the boards before you set sail, have a great time.:) I wish I was there with you, soaking up the heat. We go to Antigua on the 28th so it isn't all bad. :cool:

[mdisher]

Are you able to use punch card for a martini?

 

We were not denied the use of the punch card for anything. I mostly had Rum and Coke's and/or a glass of wine. My wife mostly had Pina Colada's and Chocolate Martini's.

[TravelerThom]

...I'm very interested to see what the Voyager class is like in a few months. We love the Freedom class so hope it's very similar. (which looks like it is from all my researching)...

Freedom's design/build project name was "Ultra-Voyager". It is basically Block II Voyagers (ie Mariner and Navigator [who had significant changes to balconies etc versus the first 3 Voyager ships]) with a 92 foot stretch - some more cabins and some more public areas. Unless something added to Freedom (eg H2O Zone, etc) is important to you, IMO not much difference between Freedom class and Voyager class. Voyager does have the peekaboo bridge, not available on Freedom, so check that out.

 

Thom

[A&L_Ont]

Just got off the Oasis' latest Eastern sailing. I'll probably try (and then forget) to write a review, so might as well write a few random thoughts while waiting to fly home. Happy to answer any questions about the ship!

 

 

• Once again, the Flowrider was a highlight. Lines were a little on the long side during the afternoons, so I'd recommend the morning sessions, especially on port days. In St. Thomas and St. Maarten, there were only about five of us from 8am-10am!
  

I think I would be very happy on the Freedom class again, or perhaps with one of the Voyager class ships with a Flowrider.

 

Let me know if you have any questions about the ship!

 

Sounds like overall it was a great time with a few speed bumps along the way. If you don't like line ups at flowriders remember a ship with one has lines just as long, but with limitations in regards to hours of stand-up compared to boogie boarding. If you do both no worries. If you do stand-up be prepared to wait, as everyone wants to try it once for the photo/video.;) They also seem to have less advanced riding and do not follow the "advanced" part as well as the Oasis Class ships.

 

Thanks for the mini review.

[Ocean Boy]

OB if I don't see you around the boards before you set sail, have a great time.:) I wish I was there with you, soaking up the heat. We go to Antigua on the 28th so it isn't all bad. :cool:

 

Thanks. Now they are talking about snow moving in on Friday. I'm just a little stressed.:rolleyes:

 

I like Antigua. The area around Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights is beautiful. You will there before I get back from Oasis. Have a great time! :)

Edited January 18, 2016 by Ocean Boy