Family Oasis Cruise in Review - St Maarten/San Juan/Labadee

[KGSB11]

I tried to be a bit more prepared for this trip report than my failed attempt at an Allure review nearly 3 years ago...mostly because this time I was too busy chasing around two young daughters and ended up with less pictures to go through and frankly my phone didn't crash this time thereby loosing all my cruise notes. But alas, I am starting with a completed outline and I have separated this report from the compasses which eased the workload a bit.

 

Cruise Compasses and Adventure Ocean Programs Here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2370219

 

This is not going to be a full "day-by-day" retelling of my daily activities, but I will post a few pictures chronologically and give my overall summaries on different aspects of the cruise where appropriate. With any luck, I'll have everything posted shortly.

[KGSB11]

The cruisers for this 7 day journey are myself, wife, DD(4), & DD(1).

 

Day started with a 2:45am alarm to get ready for an AIS of 3:45am -- my kind way of telling everyone "Get Your A$$ In Seat by a certain time (i.e. not putting on your shoes at that time).

We arrived at 4:35am to Terminal 1 at ORD for 6:30am flight. Security wait was 15min despite recent struggles including a meltdown from DD(4) refusing to take off backpack – My wife was sure TSA may have been getting ready to tackle her :D. Other PAX and one TSA woman were very kind -- I was letting other people go through ahead of us during my hostage negotiation. There was also a lot of miscommunication between agents as far was where exactly our stroller would go. These directions regarding strollers need to be unified between airports and agents to help expedite the process.

I received quite a lot of praise from gate agents for requesting a “Gate-Check” tag early for the stroller -- I guess they have a lot of people wait until they are boarding to get these tags. We then had on-time departure for 2.5hr flight.

This is them doing their best "Don't put my face up on CC with all those crazies :D"

My Parent's, Sister, and Niece would also be flying from ORD to FLL to join us, but on a different airline. So we enjoyed the simplicity of traveling while it lasted.

We scheduled Q&S Transportation for a pickup from FLL and went to Hyatt Pier 66. Ended up eating at the Orchid Pool Bar & Grill – Phenomenal Cuban sandwiches…because South Florida.

It's always best to travel light, when you have kids!!

The kiddos played in outdoor rec area pedal cars until the rest of the family arrived. We swam in pool for a bit until mandatory afternoon Florida storm arrived then retreated to the Lobby Lounge for drinks for a few hours until the rooms were ready. It was then my Dad decided to crash a Tiki convention there that ended up having free rum samples -- he came back a bit looser to say the least

 

 

The room we had came with a newly renovated demo patio that much larger than others; It was about 2 weeks old and was being considered as a possible retrofit across others; it was a large deck with large patio furniture and a fire-pit.

[KGSB11]

Our expectations with two young (dependent) kids was as follows – lots of activities geared towards occupying them and trying to find ways to relax while doing so (Small intermittent breaks for things that queued our interests). This was our fourth cruise (3rd with Royal) and 2nd cruise bringing young-ones. There were a lot more families on this cruise than in my previous “shoulder” season experiences which was expected – though we did run into quite a few of the “Really? You brought kids onboard?!” stares.

We ended up leaving the hotel at10:30a with the same Q&S driver from the day before. FYI: The Hyatt Bell Service will copy luggage tags for free whereas I paid $8 for Business desk and printing day before. Also a note regarding Q&S, we annoyed another family that arrived a few minutes before us and started loading their luggage despite our reservation made the previous day. The problem is Q&S contracts with hotel and is also independent so the Bell desk may not be aware and will just load guests as they are ready -- be sure to let them know of any reservations you have.

Arrived to Terminal 18 at 10:45a with no wait and by 11:15 we were in GOLD waiting seats. Promptly at 11:30am we were called for boarding.

Ate at Giovanni’s for Lunch as before – Cyril our waiter was awesome but there was a grumpy couple next to us that gave us the "Kids Stare".

 

DD(4) being sociable as usual

 

FYI: Rain makes for a wet sailaway

 

Didn't keep my niece from having a good time though.

[KGSB11]

We had 10201 and 10199 connecting C1 balcony rooms for the four of us; 1 for kids, toys, and the perpetual mess – 1 for adults and space. Having the Pack and Play next to Closet (ie: Bed by Balcony layout) was best for stroller access and storage.

 

2 bathrooms were an absolute blessing but we did miss the ocean view. We just didn’t end up using it as much as other OV balconies in the past – possibly the addition of 2 kids changed the cruising dynamic but won’t do two inside balconies again; would do two insides – maybe gamble on next one and do one inside with kids???

My parents had a JS which was very nice definitely missed the ocean views.

 

 

View from Balconies

 

Just an FYI for those that wish to know...

 

 

From the Junior Suite on Deck 8 (i.e. my feet, but not my room).

[KGSB11]

I ran out of time for now -- I am off to a small weekend trip to Michigan...I will try to post more later on tonight from my phone -- rest easy though, as there is no doubt more to come!! :D

Edited June 24, 2016 by KGSB11

[tlatrice]

From the Junior Suite on Deck 8 (i.e. my feet, but not my room).

[/color][/size][/font]

 

I LOVE those oceanviews!!! Can't wait for more of your review.

[KPfromCT]

</script>ck; width:540px; height:250px" tabindex="1" dir="ltr">

 

I can't see the pictures!!!:(

 

We were on this same cruise with you, and DEVASTATED at the torrential downpours at sailaway.

 

We went all the way forward on Deck 14, to the sun deck and you could barelyl see 2 feet out.:mad::mad:

 

Cannot wait to read more!!!!:D

[Langley Cruisers]

Sorry but your pictures are not coming through. They appear as broken links.

[KGSB11]

</script>ck; width:540px; height:250px" tabindex="1" dir="ltr">

 

I can't see the pictures!!!:(

 

We were on this same cruise with you, and DEVASTATED at the torrential downpours at sailaway.

 

We went all the way forward on Deck 14, to the sun deck and you could barelyl see 2 feet out.:mad::mad:

 

Cannot wait to read more!!!!:D

 

Sorry but your pictures are not coming through. They appear as broken links.

 

I am sorry for those who cannot see the pictures. I am able to see them fine in my browser but I am having issues in the app.

 

I will see what I can do.

[KGSB11]

I am sorry for those who cannot see the pictures. I am able to see them fine in my browser but I am having issues in the app.

 

I will see what I can do.

 

Okay...the problem seems to be Google Photo albums which is my hosting site. Apparently this issue of "Browser vs App" is not unique to me:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2292047

 

Looks like I may have to try a different hosting site or find a way to make the links more reliable for mobile viewing?!

[KGSB11]

Okay...the problem seems to be Google Photo albums which is my hosting site. Apparently this issue of "Browser vs App" is not unique to me:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2292047

 

Looks like I may have to try a different hosting site or find a way to make the links more reliable for mobile viewing?!

...

Edited June 25, 2016 by KGSB11

[Clarea]

... Looks like I may have to try a different hosting site or find a way to make the links more reliable for mobile viewing?!

I'm using a laptop with Firefox browser and cannot see the photos either.

[retiredtoday]

Great review. But can't see the pics either

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[generalchadwick]

You guys are very bold. Flying in the morning of, and with 2 little ones. Playing with fire there.

 

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[KGSB11]

Uploading my images to Flikr to see if that site is better

Edited June 25, 2016 by KGSB11

[retiredtoday]

Nope can't see it

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[KGSB11]

You guys are very bold. Flying in the morning of, and with 2 little ones. Playing with fire there.

 

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

Heavens no...we flew in on Friday morning the day before and stayed at the Hyatt. I am not that much of an adrenaline junkie

[renech]

I'm surprised you experienced any stares over bringing children. It's a family vacation and it's summer! I don't think we ever experienced that in all the years we cruised with our kids. Or, I just didn't notice, which is a good thing.

 

Looking forward to the rest of your review.. and seeing your pictures. ;)

[trevordentist]

Photos are working fine on my iPhone. I'm really enjoying this review, as we are goin on the same itinerary with my 3.5 year old and 10 month old in September. I'd appreciate any tips for the oasis with kids that age.

[madiaka]

Photos are working fine on my iPhone. I'm really enjoying this review, as we are goin on the same itinerary with my 3.5 year old and 10 month old in September. I'd appreciate any tips for the oasis with kids that age.

 

 

I have an iPhone. They are not working on mine. Maybe missing a certain setting or app.

[loubetti]

Can't see them in Chrome on my desktop computer either. :confused:

[KGSB11]

I do hope these new links work -- here are the photos from the first post which was about flying down to FLL and the Hyatt the day before Embarkation day:

 

This is them doing their best "Don't put my face up on CC with all those crazies "

 

It's always best to travel light, when you have kids!!

 

Hyatt Pier 66 Arrival and Kiddos Playing.

 

[retiredtoday]

Works!! Great pics

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[KGSB11]

Our expectations with two young (dependent) kids was as follows – lots of activities geared towards occupying them and trying to find ways to relax while doing so (Small intermittent breaks for things that queued our interests). This was our fourth cruise (3rd with Royal) and 2nd cruise bringing young-ones. There were a lot more families on this cruise than in my previous “shoulder” season experiences which was expected – though we did run into quite a few of the “Really? You brought kids onboard?!” stares.

 

We ended up leaving the hotel at10:30a with the same Q&S driver from the day before. FYI: The Hyatt Bell Service will copy luggage tags for free whereas I paid $8 for Business desk and printing day before. Also a note regarding Q&S, we annoyed another family that arrived a few minutes before us and started loading their luggage despite our reservation made the previous day. The problem is Q&S contracts with hotel and is also independent so the Bell desk may not be aware and will just load guests as they are ready -- be sure to let them know of any reservations you have.

 

 

 

Arrived to Terminal 18 at 10:45a with no wait and by 11:15 we were in GOLD waiting seats. Promptly at 11:30am we were called for boarding.

 

We ate at Giovanni’s for Lunch as we did on Allure – Cyril, our waiter, was awesome but there was a grumpy couple next to us that gave us the "Kids Stare". Not sure what their "deal" was, but I was in vacation mode and gave them my best "C'mon -- lighten up you stiffs"

 

DD(4) being sociable as usual

 

FYI: Rain makes for a wet sailaway

 

That didn't keep my niece from having a good time though.

[KGSB11]

</script>ck; width:540px; height:250px" tabindex="1" dir="ltr">

 

I can't see the pictures!!!:(

 

We were on this same cruise with you, and DEVASTATED at the torrential downpours at sailaway.

 

We went all the way forward on Deck 14, to the sun deck and you could barelyl see 2 feet out.:mad::mad:

 

Cannot wait to read more!!!!:D

 

Yeah, that rain was definitely not fun -- we were planning to be up on 16 over looking the pools and people partying...perhaps even giving out copious amounts of "High-5's". But Mother Nature had other plans -- we went to deck 15 instead and viewed sailaway under cover.

 

That is until the lighting really got close. My niece was looking out the window and jumped back about 20ft when there were a few thunder-claps a few inches too close.

 

How soaked did you end up on 14???

Edited June 27, 2016 by KGSB11