HELP! I don't know how to cruise..

We are leaving for our FIRST cruise on the Oasis of the Sea on Sat Mar 21 (It's actually our first "real" vacation). Our package comes with complimentary dinner at one of the specialty restaurants. I was trying to make online reservations for this at 150 Central Park and I am wondering if I need to enter a promo code because it looks like I have to put in a credit card. Also, I was trying to make reservations for some other events like the Prohibition Event and a second dinner at a specialty restaurant. Do I have to pay for these in advance?

We are also having a difficult time deciding on whether or not to purchase a drink package. We are not heavy drinkers but may have around 3 (alcoholic) drinks per day on vaca, hard liquor/ wine/ beer. Is the drink package something you highly recommend? And if not, should we at least get the Royal Replenish package. If so, what is considered “premium” coffee (we love our coffee drinks). Do you know what the average price is for a martini made with a brand name vodka or a mojito for example.

I am so sorry for the 20 questions. Not only is this our first cruise but it is our first “real” vacation and we don’t know what we are doing.

If you have a free dinner included with your booking promo you must book it on the ship. Anything booked ahead of time is charged ahead of time to your credit card at time of purchase. If you are going to have 3 drinks per day you do not need any beverage package, just purchase as you go.

My #1 recommendation for Oasis is to see the diving show early in the week. Rough weather could mean cancellations later on. Be sure to read the cruise compass left in your room each day for activities and events going on. Enjoy!

Anything you book in advance on the website will be charged immediately to your credit card.

Check the fine print on your free dinner. You may be required to book onboard. That is how our free dinner worked.

We are leaving for our FIRST cruise on the Oasis of the Sea on Sat Mar 21 (It's actually our first "real" vacation). Our package comes with complimentary dinner at one of the specialty restaurants. I was trying to make online reservations for this at 150 Central Park and I am wondering if I need to enter a promo code because it looks like I have to put in a credit card. Also, I was trying to make reservations for some other events like the Prohibition Event and a second dinner at a specialty restaurant. Do I have to pay for these in advance?

 

We are also having a difficult time deciding on whether or not to purchase a drink package. We are not heavy drinkers but may have around 3 (alcoholic) drinks per day on vaca, hard liquor/ wine/ beer. Is the drink package something you highly recommend? And if not, should we at least get the Royal Replenish package. If so, what is considered “premium” coffee (we love our coffee drinks). Do you know what the average price is for a martini made with a brand name vodka or a mojito for example.

 

 

I am so sorry for the 20 questions. Not only is this our first cruise but it is our first “real” vacation and we don’t know what we are doing.

First off, let me tell you how to cruise: Board Ship. Rest Relax Repeat. ;)

OK. If you make dinner reservations prior to boarding you will have to pay ahead of time rather than part of your reservations (or OBC). Haven't been on that ship, but spent time prior to muster drill running around making the reservations I wanted and got everything. There is a thread today with drink prices that looks pretty darn comprehensive and updated. You can make your decision from there. Me and the hubby are not big drinkers so the wine we carried on, plus what we purchased didn't make the package worth it to us. Bombay Martini was around $12 if I remember correctly. Bon Voyage!

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.

Wow you picked a great ship for your first cruise. I'll be back on the Oasis on May 2nd. Enjoy your cruise and I hope you have a great time.

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

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

Oasis can seem overwhelming because there is so much available. My advice is not to become overwhelmed by all the activities.

Each day there will be a "Cruise Compass" on your bed for the next day's activities. Maybe pack a highlighter or pen (there aren't any in the staterooms) to mark anything you see that piques your interest.

As for specialty restaurants - as others have said, any booked with a discount or bonus coupon would need to be booked onboard. And if you're interested in additional nights, they typically offer a discount if booking 2 or 3 specialty restaurants. I can't remember the details, but there will be people walking around the first day offering this special.

Alcohol prices vary but $10 is an average cost. If you drink 5-6 alcoholic drinks per day you would break even. You can also wait till you board to purchase the package. There will be tables set up when you enter the ship. The soda package is another option. That package comes with freestyle Coke machine access. If you don't buy a package at all, your cruise fair includes water (not bottled though), regular coffee, tea and flavored waters. And remember, you can bring 2 bottles of wine aboard with you in your carry on.

For shows, if you don't have reservations in advance you can still see the shows. Go to the venue about 20 minutes before showtime and get in line with plenty of others who don't have reservations. They open the doors to those without reservations about 10 minutes prior to show time. (Reservations don't guarantee a seat - they just allow entry for you to find your own seat prior to those without reservations.) I would suggest reservations for the Comedy show because they're typically very good, and the venue is very small. And like another poster said, try to catch the Aqua Theater show early in the week as weather can sometimes cause issues.

Last but not least, don't try to do it all in one week. It's IMPOSSIBLE. And besides, it leaves plenty to do on your NEXT Oasis cruise! Happy sailing to you. :)

Welcome to Cruise Critic and the Wonderful World of Cruising! :D

The advise from Sherri914 above is very accurate and should be a big help to you.

When you board Oasis, you will be given a sheet of "frequently ask questions" which is very detailed and covers almost everything.

Look forward to having a WONDERFUL cruise! :D

LuLu

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

Register now online or on the ship for the Crown & Anchor (C&A) Society so you, and the ship, won't forget how many nights you will be sailing with RCI. As you amass nights aboard, you'll start to 'earn' C&A status levels and some perks.

You're on the way to Pinnacle status!

It's easy, just add water, mix, and enjoy! We will be the sad ones getting off as you get on. I promise not to use up all the fun.

Apologies if this seems basic, but you never know how much someone reads ahead of time.

Handy list of main areas to remember:

Deck 4 between the elevators: Casino

Deck 5: Promenade

Deck 6 rear: Boardwalk

Deck 6 forward: Spa

Deck 8 between the elevators: Central Park

Deck 14 forward (use left stateroom corridor): Sun deck

Deck 15 between the elevators: Pool deck

Deck 15 rear: Sports deck + flowriders

Deck 15 forward: Solarium (16+)

Deck 16 forward: Solarium upper area w/shaded seats+bar (16+)

I've seen people go days and never find Central Park.

We had a free specialty restaurant on our recent Oasis sailing and as others have said you need to make that reservation onboard. Also I believe it has to be on a port day. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure. We ate at Chops the night we left St. Maarten.