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

[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 the 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 a bit but we probably won’t do two inside balconies again. Because of the space/price though, we would do two insides – maybe even gamble on next one and do one inside with kids -- ummm..the jury is still out on that.

 

My parents had a JS which was very nice...definitely helped us to remember that we missed the oceanview balcony.

 

 

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]

That fills us in to where I left off before in posting pictures.

 

If I could have just 1 or 2 more people confirm that they are able to see the new pictures, that would be much appreciated.

 

I will hold off of transferring the remaining photos to the new hosting site until I know for sure it did work.

[saintsfan777]

I can see them now!

[madiaka]

I can see them now. Thanks.

[molsonschooner]

pictures are great. Keep them coming

[cruiselovincouple]

I can see them now too!!

 

 

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[jimbri]

Great photos!

[DrDani226]

Very nice photos. Enjoying the review so far! I didn't realize that you could have lunch at Giovanni's on embarkation day...is that the only specialty restaurant open for lunch the first day? Did you make reservations ahead of time? Thanks!

[KGSB11]

Very nice photos. Enjoying the review so far! I didn't realize that you could have lunch at Giovanni's on embarkation day...is that the only specialty restaurant open for lunch the first day? Did you make reservations ahead of time? Thanks!

 

Giovanni's is open for lunch along with Vintages, Sabor, and Johnny Rockets. No charge venues include Solarium Bistro, Park Cafe, Boardwalk Dog House, Wipe Out Cafe, and Windjammer.

 

We did not make reservations ahead of time and our party of 8 was seated immediately -- they are pretty much dead for lunch. The entire time we were there, only two or three other tables were taken; this was also the case when we went on Allure a few years ago.

 

I much prefer this than the elbowing at Windjammer or Park Cafe on Embarkation day.

[DrDani226]

Giovanni's is open for lunch along with Vintages, Sabor, and Johnny Rockets. No charge venues include Solarium Bistro, Park Cafe, Boardwalk Dog House, Wipe Out Cafe, and Windjammer.

 

We did not make reservations ahead of time and our party of 8 was seated immediately -- they are pretty much dead for lunch. The entire time we were there, only two or three other tables were taken; this was also the case when we went on Allure a few years ago.

 

I much prefer this than the elbowing at Windjammer or Park Cafe on Embarkation day.

 

Nice! Sabor is a favorite of ours and we planned to eat lunch there a couple of days anyway. Never thought of it as an option. Thanks again!

[Jkh14cruise]

I can also see them. Great pictures! Keep them coming!

 

 

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[KGSB11]

This was an early to rise day as we had reservations for the Character Breakfast in the MDR...which seemed like a good idea two months ago; but after a long travel day on Friday, coupled with an exciting first day onboard, all four of us were a bit slow that morning -- So keep that in mind when traveling with young-cruisers.

 

We were one of the last to arrive but yet still had plenty of time to get settled and our food ordered before the characters started coming out.

 

No need to worry about body image when being photographed next to a Hippo! -- and when others can't seem to properly focus a cell camera :confused:

 

After the breakfast we headed up to the pool deck for a full day in the sun; which brings me to the next section of discussion:

 

Pool(s)

Most…nay…all of our time spent on the pool deck all week was at the H20Zone, because – kids. DD(4) enjoyed the current pool/lazy river, waterfalls, and the main kids pool while DD(1) spent some time in the Baby Splash Zone but was not too interested to stay for long periods of time. We did bring an inflatable mini pool for the youngest but she was more interested in walking around the pool deck than spending actual time in the water.

 

 

The main kid’s pool gets crowded and is very rambunctious – it didn’t take me long to realize that if you plan on having a drink by the pool, you best have a cover of sorts, lest your drink include chlorine. I also found out that adults in the kid’s pool area are bulls-eyes for the water cannons operated by young-cruisers.

 

We preferred to sit in lounge chairs just outside the immediate area, yet within ear-shot and eye-sight of the H2Ozone – these are the chairs if you proceed straight out of the elevator lobby closest to the kids pool and walk straight to the starboard side without turning forward or aft; they next to the deck stairs going up to 16 – The area is partially covered, but gets some sun which is good with an infant. I also preferred this area because the ocean view is a solid glass wall open to above as opposed to the ocean view windows immediately in the H2Ozone which are covered fully by deck 16 above.

 

DD(1) taking a mid-day snooze -- she enjoyed looking out at the ocean

 

Just before dinner, DD(4) participated in the cupcake decorating class which is hosted in Cups and Scoops in the Boardwalk area. Although she required a little bit of help, all the "major" steps were done by her.

 

 

[KGSB11]

Breakfast in the WJ - We arrived about 10:30am and had a 10min wait to be seated, but we were seated in a nice window seat which was a plus. Although arriving that late when they stop serving at 11am means you have work quick to make sure you get your food because by 11:15am, lunch is already set up and the once sizzling bacon is now a dish of rice pilaf :eek:

 

Getting smiles out of kids can be tough sometimes. At least she had her bag of toys to keep her occupied at meals.

 

I had plans to meet my dad for the Martini Clinic at 3pm and we stalled by exploring the ship and going to Johnny Rockets for Lunch.

 

Finally time had arrived for the Martini Clinic. I had been looking forward to this as I tried the Margarita Clinic on the Allure and had a blast (at least the parts I can remember). So it was off to the...Champagne Bar – which is kind of a misnomer as their martini list is quite good. In fact the head bartender/instructor of the class mentioned that many martinis can only be made in the Champagne Bar due to the ingredients. The Martini Clinic is held twice and different martinis are made in each class; the charge is $25 per class or a slight discount if you register for both classes at once.

 

Chocolate Martini

 

I later suggested to my wife, the Black Forrest Martini and she became a fan instantly -- it became routine for me to get her one every night after dinner with my Premium Package -- a $2 up-charge with the package.

 

The Champagne bar became a de-facto hangout for us and the family for the remainder of the cruise.

[cincicruisers]

Great start, looking forward to the rest.

[RoeC]

I can see them :-)

[DISFANS3]

Great start...

[SmileUSC]

Excited to read more as I'll be on this itinerary in September.

 

 

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[KPfromCT]

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???

 

LOVE the pictures!!!!!:D:D

We never made it out the door!! It was POURING!!!!!!

Retreated to our balcony, which was on the starboard side, so I missed the FlowRider house, which I was looking forward to seeing..:mad:

 

Cannot wait for the next installment.......

 

Maybe we'll spot ourselves in a picture or two......:D

[KGSB11]

LOVE the pictures!!!!!:D:D

We never made it out the door!! It was POURING!!!!!!

Retreated to our balcony, which was on the starboard side, so I missed the FlowRider house, which I was looking forward to seeing..:mad:

 

Cannot wait for the next installment.......

 

Maybe we'll spot ourselves in a picture or two......:D

 

I have ton's of pictures from Maho Beach in St. Maarten and Nellie's Beach on Labadee. I bet if you spent any amount of time at either place, you made it on my camera :).

[KGSB11]

Thank you all for the kind words on the review/trip report thus far.

 

I will be done transferring all the photos to the new site today. Once it is finished, the remainder of the review will be posted as the text was completed last week.

[2kiddomommy]

Anxiously awaiting the rest of your review! Will be on Oasis in less than 2 weeks!

[CruisingMom-2016]

Headed on oasis in 2 days - would love to read more! :)

 

Where's the best place to go for sail away?

[Dolphingrrl23]

Thank you so much for posting the compass and the adventure ocean sheets!!! We're going on the same cruise but on the Allure in May and bringing our 3 year old for her first cruise (our 8th or 9th) so it's VERY VERY VERY helpful!!!