What's next for Carnival now that Oasis is being so well received

[jerseygirl79]

I must admit after all the reviews and news coverage, I am really getting excited about Oasis of the Seas. I keep telling myself, the ship is too big, but I also feel like I HAVE to experience it.

It's being reported that RCCL is going after the new cruisers and I'm seeing Oasis EVERYWHERE.

So what's next for Carnival? Anything? I've read they won't build a bigger ship than Dream, but is that really true? The reviews I've read on Dream haven't been very spectacular and after watching her launch on Carnival's website I wasn't very inspired to sail her.

What do you think?

[cruiserbryce]

thought I read somewhere that CCL didnt plan on following in Oasis' giant footsteps. I would understand it if that was the case...Oasis just seems to take away from the actual cruise experience...seems more like a Vegas hotel...another draw back is the itinerary. B/c it is sooo large the ports it can go to are limited and the itinerary is bland at best

Carnival will just tie two Conquest Class ships together .
Fill in the middle with Disney world ,then charge you triple for the ride

Bring on the money .

[Cruzaholic41]

Originally Posted by jerseygirl79

I must admit after all the reviews and news coverage, I am really getting excited about Oasis of the Seas. I keep telling myself, the ship is too big, but I also feel like I HAVE to experience it.

I had the chance to tour the Oasis at Port Everglades. I have to say that she is absolutely gorgeous. This is definitely one ship that needs to be seen by everyone before passing judgement on her.

[MrPete]

Originally Posted by jerseygirl79

What do you think?

I think it's a little premature. She hasn't even done a passenger cruise yet.

[scperk]

Originally Posted by jerseygirl79

I must admit after all the reviews and news coverage, I am really getting excited about Oasis of the Seas. I keep telling myself, the ship is too big, but I also feel like I HAVE to experience it.

It's being reported that RCCL is going after the new cruisers and I'm seeing Oasis EVERYWHERE.

So what's next for Carnival? Anything? I've read they won't build a bigger ship than Dream, but is that really true? The reviews I've read on Dream haven't been very spectacular and after watching her launch on Carnival's website I wasn't very inspired to sail her.

What do you think?

I think they are going to have to come down a LOT on their pricing to get people to book it for the second time...I know I won't be cruising with 5,400 passengers any time soon....If you haven't noticed they are doing the same itinerary for about the first three months and they are not going to be able to go to a lot of the western ports......Dennis

[Host Mach]

Originally Posted by jerseygirl79

I must admit after all the reviews and news coverage, I am really getting excited about Oasis of the Seas. I keep telling myself, the ship is too big, but I also feel like I HAVE to experience it.

It's being reported that RCCL is going after the new cruisers and I'm seeing Oasis EVERYWHERE.

So what's next for Carnival? Anything? I've read they won't build a bigger ship than Dream, but is that really true? The reviews I've read on Dream haven't been very spectacular and after watching her launch on Carnival's website I wasn't very inspired to sail her.

What do you think?

I'd expect that Carnival will continue to do what they always do... provide the best value for the vacation dollar and continue to be number 1 by a large margin.

When the novelty of Oasis wears off and the reality sets in that you're on board with 6000 other folks I'm bettin' that the booking numbers will fall by quite a bit...

[falkcor]

maybe something like this...



though i'd hope they'd make her a bit more attractive...



she's got a nice rear end...

and crazy little tram cars...



that go all over...



we shall see...

though all the oasis hub bub is all because it's the 'biggest, latest', and all that... but who knows. watch the first reviews when there are passengers, i wouldn't be surprised if they're worse than the spat of less than stellar reviews of the carnival dream...

i really kinda doubt, though, that carnival will go that direction, unless oasis is just a home run, which is yet to be forseen... if it is, you betcha they'll respond... in one way or another... and that need not be 'bigger'... they're really good at this stuff

[ugh07]

Considering the relative sizes and passenger capacities, the Oasis should not feel as crowded as the Dream.

[MrPete]

Originally Posted by ugh07

Considering the relative sizes and passenger capacities, the Oasis should not feel as crowded as the Dream.

Only if they're all spread out. What happens when they all wish to go on the carousel? Or eat Italian? Or go to the aquashow?

Stick a Carnival funnel on it. I still wouldn't go on it.

[Cruzaholic41]

Originally Posted by ugh07

Considering the relative sizes and passenger capacities, the Oasis should not feel as crowded as the Dream.

You are correct. The Oasis is designed and sectioned in a way to prevent any one area from becomming too crowded. The show venues, for example, are all in totally separate sections of the ship. This prevents everyone from crowding to one part of the ship at showtimes. Photos can all be viewed on your room tv, preventing the crowds looking at photos. There are 3 embarkation gangways. The list goes on and on. Like I said, some folks should take a look at this ship before assuming it will be too crowded.

I, too, was somewhat skeptical when this ship was first announced. Boarding it and touring it completely vanished any concerns I had.

[G'ma]

Originally Posted by jerseygirl79

I must admit after all the reviews and news coverage, I am really getting excited about Oasis of the Seas. I keep telling myself, the ship is too big, but I also feel like I HAVE to experience it.

It's being reported that RCCL is going after the new cruisers and I'm seeing Oasis EVERYWHERE.

So what's next for Carnival? Anything? I've read they won't build a bigger ship than Dream, but is that really true? The reviews I've read on Dream haven't been very spectacular and after watching her launch on Carnival's website I wasn't very inspired to sail her.

What do you think?

Arison, in an interview a few weeks back, said Dream is it for Carnival as far as large ships are concerned. Cruise critic published this interview and you can probably find it on the homepage under "news".

As for Oasis (and it's sister, Allure)? I think it is a 1 Billion $$$ boondoggle and will worsen RCI's financial statements for a long time. Its high priced cabins, 12 or so "for-fee" dining venues, noise and long lines will not be attractive to many after the "new" wears off.

IMHO, of course. I'm not a fan of cruising with 5400-6200 people.

[Nunu]

Originally Posted by Host Mach

I'd expect that Carnival will continue to do what they always do... provide the best value for the vacation dollar and continue to be number 1 by a large margin.

When the novelty of Oasis wears off and the reality sets in that you're on board with 6000 other folks I'm bettin' that the booking numbers will fall by quite a bit...

Why is it a novelty? Is the Dream a novelty? I think it's a whole new cruising experience. Who knows if it will succeed but to call it a novelty is a bit odd.

[UpstateCruizer]

Originally Posted by ugh07

Considering the relative sizes and passenger capacities, the Oasis should not feel as crowded as the Dream.

That may be true when passengers are in their cabins and on sea days if there in different locations but what about embarkation, debarkation and getting off in ports in general? Sometimes it's a nightmare getting on and off with just a few thousand passengers on Carnival I just can't and don't want to imagine what it would be like doubled. As it is when we go off the ship for the day we always return an hour minimum before they require just to beat the long lines that happen later.

[browneyes7]

Originally Posted by Cruzaholic41

You are correct. The Oasis is designed and sectioned in a way to prevent any one area from becomming too crowded. The show venues, for example, are all in totally separate sections of the ship. This prevents everyone from crowding to one part of the ship at showtimes. Photos can all be viewed on your room tv, preventing the crowds looking at photos. There are 3 embarkation gangways. The list goes on and on. Like I said, some folks should take a look at this ship before assuming it will be too crowded.

I, too, was somewhat skeptical when this ship was first announced. Boarding it and touring it completely vanished any concerns I had.

This sounds like "wishful thinking" to me. I hope you are correct about this, but I really doubt it. There will still be 6000 + people on this ship at one time!! I don't like crowds, but I am curious and will probably book it one of these days. I'm waiting to hear the reviews.

[falkcor]

Originally Posted by Cruzaholic41

The Oasis is designed and sectioned in a way to prevent any one area from becomming too crowded. The show venues, for example, are all in totally separate sections of the ship. This prevents everyone from crowding to one part of the ship at showtimes. Photos can all be viewed on your room tv, preventing the crowds looking at photos.

the way the ship is sectioned off, is irrelevant though, if everybody wants to see the same thing... and 6000 is a lot of people

say, just hypothetically, they have one really great show... which everyone wants to see... everyone crowds to see that... and then, when that venue is full, the others have to... walk a mile and a couple decks to see something... they don't really want to?

i don't think it's as simple as you propose. that's like saying that on a night when you can have filet mignon and lobster (though, i don't think they do)... most people would just prefer and opt for the buffet. nah. some, yes... but, it remains to be seen how that'll all work...

i think there's a lot of optimistic planning at play. let's see how it pans out.

and people crowding at photo stations has never been a huge concern i've noted?

[travelntreats]

I will be on the Oasis Friday for a 2nt CTN and looking forward to it. I am not worried about it's size at all. The ship is the destination more than the ports of call, and for some that is important and for others not as important. Their "Pay For" dining venues are of more variety and less expensive than CCL offers....and the beauty is, you don't have to go to them if you don't wish to pay regardless of which cruiseline you choose.

Personally I think Carnival needs to come up with something new and over the top (not to the excess that RCI has done with the Oasis perhaps), rather than the same ol- same ol but on a newer ship with a different decor and thats about it regarding innovative ideas. Basically what I see CCL is missing is the "WOW" factor that Royal Caribbean seems to be leading with.

The Oasis will come well received I think based on the media blitz they have done an excellent job on......will the staterooms remain filled at the pricing they are commanding ??? That is yet to be seen.......JMHO

[UpstateCruizer]

Originally Posted by Nunu

Why is it a novelty? Is the Dream a novelty? I think it's a whole new cruising experience. Who knows if it will succeed but to call it a novelty is a bit odd.

Comparing the Dream to the Oasis is like comparing a mini van to a bus! I do imo believe that the Dream may have it's own set of issues if the price point becomes too high and the reviews continue to be less than desirable. Anyone who sails on the Dream and is hesitant about booking the newer and bigger is not always better type ships may very well shy away from booking a bigger ship again.

I think it's great that Royal has the Oasis and that they are offering a new unique product to the market. It will draw those that enjoy a big is better cruise experience while it will confirm to others that they prefer the smaller less bells and whistles type of cruise. The ability to choose is wonderful

[71Corvette]

I personally would love to sail on Oasis (and Dream as well), but will wait for pricing to come down a bit. I must admit there's nothing quite like a brand new ship!

As for her size, back when RCCL launched Voyager, then the largest ship ever built, people made the same arguments (too big, too crowded, bookings will drop, etc). Fast forward ten years and even the Dream is on par with RCL's voyager class of ships size-wise. Certainly some people want a more intimate experience, but LOTS of folks want a floating resort - which is exactly what Oasis is.

[mumofsons]

I think there are alot of people (my family included) that just don't want to be on that huge of ship. We tried the voyager class and it was just too big. My favorite class ship is the spirit class and we also loved the Disney Magic and felt it was a good size. I have no idea the price of the cruise since I wouldn't consider even sailing on it, but if the posts from people can be believed - I wouldn't feel like I got my money's worth.