LIVE REVIEW - OASIS TRANSATLANTIC with Pictures

Hello everyone its Ken and Paulette. We are late 30’s early 40’s “Loyal to Royal” Diamond Plus cruisers from NYC. We had sailed on Allure before and had an amazing time and really looked forward to sailing on her older sister. When we found out Oasis would be doing a transatlantic we jumped at the chance to sail on her, for the post dry dock, westward journey back home to Fort Lauderdale. We booked this cruise on the 1st day bookings opened, with only being on hold for about 20 mins. We got a great price on a Crown Loft Suite, but had to board in Southampton, since this type of suite was not available from Rotterdam. We decided to hold off on buying our flights yet, hoping something would open up from Rotterdam. Thanks to our Roll call, we got wind that European travel agents were selling the 1 day cruise from Rotterdam to Southampton, so we contacted an agent and were able to book the one day in a D7 balcony room. Now our cruise arrangements were all squared away, now it was time to book our flights. As a USAir Chairman preferred frequent flyer, we had to pick a One World carrier to get all of those wonderful miles, so that gave us a “New” American or British Airways option. After combing through the Choice Air website, we noticed the AA/BA business class airfares from JFK to London Heathrow were ½ the price of the airfares from JFK to Amsterdam connecting through LHR. And the economy fare from LHR to AMS was only $70, so we decided to fly from JFK to LHR in Business and LHR to AMS in coach. Now that we had the plan, we had to call Choice Air and explain to them what was wanted, and we needed it on the same itinerary so our bags would be check through to AMS. We were on the phone for an hour with Choice Air before the thoroughly confused, non English speaking representative hung up on me. When I called back, I had to start over with a new agent. At least she understood what we wanted and after another 40 mins was able to make it happen. Right before the final payment was due, this sailing became eligible for the BOGOHO and we were able to get an even better price.

Day minus 1

We would be flying the 9pm American Airlines flight to LHR on one of their brandy new 777-300. We arrived at JFK at 7pm. We enjoyed a very quick check in and a short TSA PRE security line. We then headed to the Admiral’s Club.

Since I am a One World Emerald, we got access to the Flagship Lounge which has unlimited food and drink.

We had Parmesan coated chicken breast with Lyonnaise potatoes

We then boarded the 777-300 to make our way to LHR

Oh this is going to be good.

Enjoy the 777. We went First to and from Europe recently. Very good food and service.:)

This immediately felt like we were already on board the cruise due to the non stop food!!!!!

Warm nuts and rum & coke

A pretty good Filet and it's actually medium.

I was too full from my 2nd dinner, for the ice cream dessert, but I did have a glass of port.

Watched a movie and took a 2 hour nap. Due to the jetstream, there was alot of turbulence. The pilot was very apologetic.

Well if you can't sleep, you might as well eat....Breakfast is served

After 6 hours and 21 mins, we are landing assured at London Heathrow

Must follow my fellow New Yorker!!!

Have a great time - Looks like you already are!!! :D

Bon Voyage :D can't wait to follow along !

Love this! Following

One of the great perks of business class is the Arrivals Lounge where you can take a nice refreshing shower

We then jumped on the free Heathrow Express to Terminal 5

We boarded and had a quick 40 min flight to Amsterdam. We took a pre-booked 37 euro van to the Amsterdam Marriott. We then broke the jet lag law and took a nap. When we woke up we took a great canal cruise and hung out in Dam Square

After a good night sleep it was time to head to Rotterdam. We knew it was going to be a mad house, so we have the taxi pick us up at 9:30 am, for the 1 hour trip to Rotterdam.

Thank you for taking the time to do what looks like it will be an in depth and informative review.

The pictures are also fantastic so far!

Excellent--I'm on board! (So to speak...);):)

Looking forward to hearing about this.

First glimpse

After an hour and 15 mins we arrived at the port. I have to admit we were one of the lucky ones. We have heard horror stories of people waiting outside in the cold rain for 2 hours. When we arrived there were at least 500 people sitting waiting for check in. One of the RCCL employees told us to go to the front to look for seats, as we approached the front someone said check in was now open, and a mob all headed for the check in area at the same time. Order of arrival into the terminal didn't matter, It was a free for all

We were checked in within 15 mins, but clearly the agents were not properly trained on the system and the logistics were not thought out. Although there were 100 check in positions, the agents still has to go to one desk to get the sea pass cards. This created a huge road block.

After we received our sea pass cards there was an immigration check where they stamped our passports, then we were on the ship. Surprisingly the rooms were not ready until 1pm, so we ran around to see the changes. FYI: I had the first pics on cruise critic of the new stuff - hhahah

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2114387

View from the 7276 balcony

4 tankers filling us up

muster drill at the covered part of the Boardwalk instead of the Aqua Theater because of the rain.

following - can't wait for more info!

And another live review, awesome. See you at the M&M tomorrow.

Excellent.

I'm jealous.....have a great trip!

Loving your review.

Subscribed, looking forward to the rest.

Love it Love it love it.

Where have you been hiding all these years.

Great start

MORE-MORE We want more.

Sea Ya

subcribed! Love to hear more!

Loving your pictures and commentary!

Love it! Thanks for showing us the Oasis post-drydock!

Oh, Ken!! I did not know that you were doing this cruise! How fun. Will love to follow along. Y'all have a great time. Can't wait to see more.

This is killer. :D

Thank you so much for taking the time and effort, I know how time consuming it can get.

Great review!! :):)

This is great...I can't wait to read more!