dinse4par2

We took a sushi making class. Can't remember if they had it in WJ. But overall food was very good on Empress.

 

 

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Let me clarify. Sushi class was in the Viking crown lounge. It was great. We had 2 huge plates we took with us and shared with friends. Not sure if there was sushi in the WJ

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Is sushi ever available in the WJ on Empress?

We took a sushi making class. Can't remember if they had it in WJ. But overall food was very good on Empress.

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To answer some of the questions...

 

 

 

Yes, public restroom are plentiful but be careful with the doors. There are a few that open easily for about a foot then it takes a considerable amount of push to open it fully. If you're not ready for this it can kinda knock you off balance.

 

 

 

There was a kinda formal night where there were pictures taken with the captain and more photo opportunities but that was about it. I saw a few people who were dressed up a little but not a single tux.

 

 

 

As far as mobility I didn't find Cuba to be any different than Europe or some of the other Caribbean islands...no ADA standards.

First of "Go Cats!!!" #BBN. We are in the 5/20 cruise also. Really enjoyed the review and pics. Answered so many of the questions we have. Sounded like you just merged in with people on RCI excursions to get off the boat early. We are also doing a private tour first thing. What's your advise to get off early??

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Thanks for the review. We are sailing on Empress to Cuba 5/20. One of our friends sailing with us is a first time cruiser. Some of the reviews she has read have her a bit concerned, particularly one that mentioned the smell of sewage. Thanks again.

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When we boarded for our last cruise that began in Barcelona, there was a wine shop right on the dock before you board. Several little shops with tourists-y type things. The wine selection was not bad. We each got our wine there and had a balcony party to try out what we found. This was a group of CC-ers that met here and formed friendships.

 

This was a TA, so we had time to have our own private party! Wow, great memories.

 

Margee

 

 

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Is there a limit on what you can buy and carry on the ship? We will be on Royal Caribbean in October

There is another thread called "Freedom of the Seas - September 27, 2015" that is pretty active. You should check that out.

we will be in one of the new balcony cabins on the 12th floor. Would be interested in hearing any feedback about those rooms.

Only 151 days until embarkation!! Can't wait to get back on the Freedom again. Hope to run into some staff from past cruises. Particularly liked Vintages and the wine sommelier's, our head waiter, Fizal, who also managed Cafe Promenade. Great ship and great crew.

we are scheduled for 9/27 western cruise. booked a balcony room on deck 12. anyone have any thoughts on those rooms? they are brand new additions.

anyone stay in a balcony room on deck 12?

Does freedom have the new internet service? Service on oasis was great and affordable.

we are looking at an anthem cruise may 2016. was wondering if there is a bar/lounge in the solarium?

thanks for the review. we are on the oasis eastern cruise 3/21, can't wait. was glad to hear they monitor unused chairs and children in the solarium. you didn't mention any shows. have heard mixed reviews Cat's. have heard others talk about the cheese plate from room service in the afternoon with a bottle of wine. that sounds nice. Again, thanks.

is this available on mobile apps? i can't find a link to "roll call hubs" anywhere.

We were in 14600 on Oasis last November and booked the same cabin again for our next cruises on Oasis and also on Allure. We had no noise from the pool-deck above and were very happy to be so high up! As we spent a lot of time in the Solarium, we could just use the stairs, head one deck up and there we were :).

we have that room for our 3/21/15 cruise. was the balcony large enough for a lounge chair? if so, is that somehting you think the cabin attendant could arrange?

Also be sure to read all the tips and reminders on the RCI website. Particularly about boarding day.

Thank you!!! I was wondering if the drink package is worth it. This helps me make a decision. I'll be taking it on Enchantment with me :)

keep in mind the drink packages include 18% gratuity that's added to every drink. we got it last time and found it was well worth it. I figured that if during the course of the day you would have 5+ drinks you are in the money.

i think this is the link to the thread about drink prices.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=45806308

you can find drink menus by searching the web. look for oasis drink prices. may not be most current but will give you an idea. all the liquor on the ship is premium and most standard cocktails are less than $10. While on here, you might want to add you name to the roll call. There is also a "meet and mingle" scheduled on the boat for other cruise critic members. this is our 4th RCI cruise but first time on Oasis. Really looking forward to it. You will have a blast.

thats why i have the drink package for my 3/21 oasis cruise. will be "in the money" by noon!!

I have a question that I have not seen addressed yet in any of the reviews Ive been reading. Besides room service is there a late night eatery or a 24 hour cafe open? Thanks

There is usually something on the promenade deck that is open 24 hours.

Last evening on the boat is a bummer.

really in the Jade Restaurant area. There wasn't any traffic going through there, they routed it all to the other side. it was actually a pretty intimate setting. We are cruising in a couple of weeks on the Oasis and plan to do the Chefs Table there.

I think they roped off a section by Portofino's before you go into Windjammer Cafe. It was really nice the way they did it. Price included a cookbook and a galley tour.

Out of Port Canaveral? We were on that ship last April. Had a great time. Really enjoyed Vintages. The somaliers(?) were great. Our head waiter in My Time Dining was Fisal (not sure of spelling), he also manages Cafe Promenade. I would also check out the Chef's Table, a little pricey but well worth it. Also, look for the waiter in the Solarium that says "so nice, so nice" when he brings a drink. You'll have a great time.