Carnival Defector Sailing Royal on Oasis for the First Time

Hi guys,

Former Carnival loyalists here cruising with RC for the first time in May aboard the Oasis. I am REALLY excited:D:D:D, my husband not so much because he is a creature of habit and is used to a certain way of doing things. Boo. Hopefully, after he steps foot on the Oasis and sees how she pretty much puts any Carnival vessel to shame, he will be sold. Don't get me wrong, we love the "Fun Ships" we (I) just wanted to try something BIGGER. With so many additional entertainment venues, specialty restaurants and a wider variety of activities, (and not to mention one of the most innovative and uniquely designed ships out there) we (I) figured we (I) couldn't go wrong with Oasis.

We sail on May 28th and with that being said, I've got a few questions for you veterans so that I can check off the few remaining questions on my OCD checklist.

1. One of my husband's major concerns was that everything seemed to cost WAY more on Royal than it does on Carnival including of course the fare. However, I have found that since we first booked this cruise back in March of 2015, that I have been able to rack up $350 in OBC, got a 15% (I think it was) discount on my internet package, 20% off the premium drink package just this past week, and a few other smaller line items. IS THIS NORMAL? The reason I ask is should I wait and book any shore excursions online? Is there a chance they will offer them at a discount later down the road? Any other discounts or specials I should keep an eye out for?

2. We will be on the Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten itinerary. I wanted to double check when the formal nights would be. Carnival does theirs differently so I was hoping someone could tell me how RC runs theirs.

3. Hubby would like to know, is there lobster (sit down somewhere I am sure they have lobster, geez).

4. Adventure Ocean -- I have a very, very hyper 4 year old and she will be spending a good majority of her time in Adventure Ocean. I've seen it mentioned several times on this board that during dinner times, sometimes they will "escort" the kids down to Windjammer to eat. This concerns me -- and I realize I could just elect to pick her up if I am that uncomfortable with it -- but I am just curious, how do they keep a bunch of 3, 4 and 5 year-old's corralled and not running wild and uncontrolled around the ship? Perhaps maybe my child is the only one that acts like wilder-beast when she gets free??? :eek: Hubby said, do they have a bus or a cart or like a rope they tie all the kids to, to transport them? Really a rope? Pretty sure that would be child abuse, Dear. I doubt it.

4. Last question and thank you in advance for reading this ridiculously and unnecessarily long post: Speaking of specialty dining, does anyone know why they charge kids under 5 the whole price for the dinner when booking the reservation online when kids under 5 are supposed to eat free (and no I will not be bringing the wild child to any of the swankier venues, only Izumi and Sabor).

Thank you in advance for any feedback.

We have sailed a lot on carnival. Actually just got back from my 3rd breeze cruise last month. We are going on Allure in June and went on Oasis last June. There are many things we love about both. We love our towel animals on carnival every night, you may only get it a few times on Royal. We love all the food options on carnival, guys burgers and burritos all included and 24 hour ice cream. And MDR food is better on carnival. But Royal ships are beautiful and the entertainment is amazing. Also love carnival comedy every night. Not on Royal. Same guys all week. Well on the big ships anyway. You will still love Royal. But will miss carnival too. Have fun.

The first formal night is usually the second night of the cruise.

The second formal night is usually the night with lobster on the MDR menu.

You will love the Oasis. We first sailed her last year on a "family" commitment. We were pretty non-committal as thought she would just be to big. We have done a couple of big Carnival ships, but they don't compare.

We are now hooked and going on Allure in October taking our youngest DS, DIL, and two grand-daughters (4 & 2).

You will love strolling all the outside areas after dinner and sitting outside al fresco dining at one of the specialty restaurants.

The ship is really the destination. I could go again and never get off.

The Oasis and Allure are destinations on their own. Who cares were they sail. :D

The shows are amazing. Multiple pools, and a great children's program.

Your will have a great time! :D

The Oasis and Allure are destinations on their own. Who cares were they sail. :D

The shows are amazing. Multiple pools, and a great children's program.

Your will have a great time! :D

Agreed!

The first formal night is usually the second night of the cruise.

Okay so the first Port day...that's different.

Thank you.

I don't ever remember seeing a discounted shore excursion.

The second formal night is usually the night with lobster on the MDR menu.

Hubby thanks you for that vital piece of info, lol!

You will love the Oasis. We first sailed her last year on a "family" commitment. We were pretty non-committal as thought she would just be to big. We have done a couple of big Carnival ships, but they don't compare.

 

We are now hooked and going on Allure in October taking our youngest DS, DIL, and two grand-daughters (4 & 2).

 

You will love strolling all the outside areas after dinner and sitting outside al fresco dining at one of the specialty restaurants.

 

The ship is really the destination. I could go again and never get off.

That's what I've been trying to tell hubby as he couldn't figure out why were going on a ship that sailed to ports that we had already visited multiple times before. Its not about the ports this time, its about the SHIP!!! LOL

That's what I've been trying to tell hubby as he couldn't figure out why were going on a ship that sailed to ports that we had already visited multiple times before. Its not about the ports this time, its about the SHIP!!! LOL

You will LOVE Oasis for all of the reasons stated in above posts. It's just an absolultely beautiful ship. So much to do and see. Zip line, rock climbing, water show, ice show, ice skating!!! Have a wonderful cruise!

Heehee- I don't have answers to any of your questions but I really enjoyed your post! My DH and I are also mainly Carnival cruisers going on Oasis in January and are also very excited about it!![emoji267][emoji322]

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Heehee- I don't have answers to any of your questions but I really enjoyed your post! My DH and I are also mainly Carnival cruisers going on Oasis in January and are also very excited about it!![emoji267][emoji322]

 

 

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Same here! I too am relieved to hear they have lobster night on this ship!

I'm not going on a bigger ship, but I'm going on Grandeur out of Baltimore in 2 weeks. My first cruise was Explorer, the rest Carnival. The price was right this time and for Bermuda, so we're giving her a whirl. Pride is still fresh in my mind so it'll be fun to compare.

Same with us!:D:D

Love Carnival, but trying out Oasis in June!!

Cannot wait!!!

Go big, or go home!:D:D

We just got off the Oasis in January. We have been on many RCCL cruises but this was our 1st on an Oasis class ship. It really was an awesome experience! Someday I know I will try Carnival but for now RCCL is our game.

I did a live pictoral review of of our Oasis trip, you can check it out in my signature. (It was the western itinerary tho)

Have a good cruise! No John Deere (or CAT) Hats in Main Dining Room!

With regards to the children's dinner they have a set area in the windjammer with kiddie food (the provide menu before you drop kids). The seat children together and they seem to behave. It's a bit like school.

Loved your post!!!!

You and your family are going to be blown away. I like Carnival also, but there is NO comparison to the Oasis/Allure.

As far as excursions go, you really don't need to book them. Your 3 ports are very easy to do on your own and save TONS of money. Are you beach people...adventure....tours....shopping? What is it that you like to do and maybe with can help you with suggestions.

Hi guys,

 

Former Carnival loyalists here cruising with RC for the first time in May aboard the Oasis. I am REALLY excited:D:D:D, my husband not so much because he is a creature of habit and is used to a certain way of doing things. Boo. Hopefully, after he steps foot on the Oasis and sees how she pretty much puts any Carnival vessel to shame, he will be sold. Don't get me wrong, we love the "Fun Ships" we (I) just wanted to try something BIGGER. With so many additional entertainment venues, specialty restaurants and a wider variety of activities, (and not to mention one of the most innovative and uniquely designed ships out there) we (I) figured we (I) couldn't go wrong with Oasis.

 

We sail on May 28th and with that being said, I've got a few questions for you veterans so that I can check off the few remaining questions on my OCD checklist.

 

1. One of my husband's major concerns was that everything seemed to cost WAY more on Royal than it does on Carnival including of course the fare. However, I have found that since we first booked this cruise back in March of 2015, that I have been able to rack up $350 in OBC, got a 15% (I think it was) discount on my internet package, 20% off the premium drink package just this past week, and a few other smaller line items. IS THIS NORMAL? The reason I ask is should I wait and book any shore excursions online? Is there a chance they will offer them at a discount later down the road? Any other discounts or specials I should keep an eye out for?

 

2. We will be on the Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten itinerary. I wanted to double check when the formal nights would be. Carnival does theirs differently so I was hoping someone could tell me how RC runs theirs.

 

3. Hubby would like to know, is there lobster (sit down somewhere I am sure they have lobster, geez).

 

4. Adventure Ocean -- I have a very, very hyper 4 year old and she will be spending a good majority of her time in Adventure Ocean. I've seen it mentioned several times on this board that during dinner times, sometimes they will "escort" the kids down to Windjammer to eat. This concerns me -- and I realize I could just elect to pick her up if I am that uncomfortable with it -- but I am just curious, how do they keep a bunch of 3, 4 and 5 year-old's corralled and not running wild and uncontrolled around the ship? Perhaps maybe my child is the only one that acts like wilder-beast when she gets free??? :eek: Hubby said, do they have a bus or a cart or like a rope they tie all the kids to, to transport them? Really a rope? Pretty sure that would be child abuse, Dear. I doubt it.

 

4. Last question and thank you in advance for reading this ridiculously and unnecessarily long post: Speaking of specialty dining, does anyone know why they charge kids under 5 the whole price for the dinner when booking the reservation online when kids under 5 are supposed to eat free (and no I will not be bringing the wild child to any of the swankier venues, only Izumi and Sabor).

 

Thank you in advance for any feedback.

My family and I are also going on the May 28th sailing on the Oasis. We are also Carnival Cruisers, this will be our first Royal Caribbean Cruise. My Husband went on Royal about 30 years ago and has always said that Royal was alot more grand on everything. So Im very excited and a little nervous about finally going on a RC cruise. I have been researching and have seen a lot of great reviews and some that arent so great but Im hoping that we will all be happy with the choice.

My main concerns our about the food. Yeah that where my mind goes. What we have always liked about Carnival is the food for Lunch and dinner, guys burgers, the taco station and the ICE CREAM 24/7. And we always enjoyed the breakfast on the buffet and and made to order omelet station. I have not been able to find out if Royal has a omelet station at the breakfast buffet. Do you know? Our last couple cruises the Main dining room food has not been that great. But always still went for the experience with the waiters.

On our last Carnival cruise we really enjoyed the Piano bar and My daughter loved going to the comedy club every night. Does Royal have a Piano bar. I did pre book our shows and was only able to get comedy 3 nights but I guess that will have to do.

I did call RC and asked about formal night and they said it is the 2nd and 5th nights. And also men have to wear a suit or at least a sport coat.

How did you get the onboard credit? We did get some credit but it is basically to cover the gratuities.

Any tips you find out would be great.

Just finished the same itinerary you guys are doing:

 

 

 

1. The reason I ask is should I wait and book any shore excursions online? Is there a chance they will offer them at a discount later down the road? Any other discounts or specials I should keep an eye out for?

 

I haven't seen shore excursions change in price. They charge whatever the excursion company charges plus a RC markup. Unless the excursion company runs a special, the price probably won't change.

On that, I can personally recommend the Pinel island eco tour on St. Maarten. Very interesting snorkeling in a newly-restored reef.

2. We will be on the Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten itinerary. I wanted to double check when the formal nights would be. Carnival does theirs differently so I was hoping someone could tell me how RC runs theirs.

Formal nights will be Sunday (you leave Nassau around 2, so you have plenty of post-port time to get ready) and Thursday. Thursday is lobster night.

3. Hubby would like to know, is there lobster (sit down somewhere I am sure they have lobster, geez).

Yes. It's included at the Thursday formal night. You can order more than one if you want. It's Caribbean lobster tail, though, not Maine, which means I usually go for the prime rib instead. I'm spoiled from having lived on the upper east coast for awhile. ;)

but I am just curious, how do they keep a bunch of 3, 4 and 5 year-old's corralled and not running wild and uncontrolled around the ship?

I saw one of the kid groups in the windjammer once on this cruise. They had lots of handlers with them. It was probably a 1:3 ratio. None of the kids got loose - even the ones who were trying to. ;) I don't have a kid myself so I can't personally guarantee it, but from what I saw the kids were handled very well by the staff. The lack of children almost anywhere but the kid-centric pools tells me they were having enough fun in the kid programs that they didn't feel the need to escape and terrorize the rest of the ship. ;)

Last question and thank you in advance for reading this ridiculously and unnecessarily long post: Speaking of specialty dining, does anyone know why they charge kids under 5 the whole price for the dinner when booking the reservation online when kids under 5 are supposed to eat free (and no I will not be bringing the wild child to any of the swankier venues, only Izumi and Sabor).

No clue why they do that. Perhaps people in the past have tried to scam them with a kid booking on a person who was aged out. We never had any problem with the restaurants fixing accounting errors We had some complicated stuff going on with restaurant packages/OBC, but never had to do more than alert the staff who fixed it for us.

Heehee- I don't have answers to any of your questions but I really enjoyed your post! My DH and I are also mainly Carnival cruisers going on Oasis in January and are also very excited about it!![emoji267][emoji322]

 

 

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Thank you! Hope you come back to tell me what you thought!

Just finished the same itinerary you guys are doing:

 

 

 

I haven't seen shore excursions change in price. They charge whatever the excursion company charges plus a RC markup. Unless the excursion company runs a special, the price probably won't change.

 

On that, I can personally recommend the Pinel island eco tour on St. Maarten. Very interesting snorkeling in a newly-restored reef.

 

 

 

Formal nights will be Sunday (you leave Nassau around 2, so you have plenty of post-port time to get ready) and Thursday. Thursday is lobster night.

 

 

 

Yes. It's included at the Thursday formal night. You can order more than one if you want. It's Caribbean lobster tail, though, not Maine, which means I usually go for the prime rib instead. I'm spoiled from having lived on the upper east coast for awhile. ;)

 

 

 

I saw one of the kid groups in the windjammer once on this cruise. They had lots of handlers with them. It was probably a 1:3 ratio. None of the kids got loose - even the ones who were trying to. ;) I don't have a kid myself so I can't personally guarantee it, but from what I saw the kids were handled very well by the staff. The lack of children almost anywhere but the kid-centric pools tells me they were having enough fun in the kid programs that they didn't feel the need to escape and terrorize the rest of the ship. ;)

 

 

 

No clue why they do that. Perhaps people in the past have tried to scam them with a kid booking on a person who was aged out. We never had any problem with the restaurants fixing accounting errors We had some complicated stuff going on with restaurant packages/OBC, but never had to do more than alert the staff who fixed it for us.

Thank you for answering all of my questions and in such great detail. That was very generous of you and you have quelled all my "fears' and or "curiosities". Thank you so much!

My family and I are also going on the May 28th sailing on the Oasis. We are also Carnival Cruisers, this will be our first Royal Caribbean Cruise. My Husband went on Royal about 30 years ago and has always said that Royal was alot more grand on everything. So Im very excited and a little nervous about finally going on a RC cruise. I have been researching and have seen a lot of great reviews and some that arent so great but Im hoping that we will all be happy with the choice.

My main concerns our about the food. Yeah that where my mind goes. What we have always liked about Carnival is the food for Lunch and dinner, guys burgers, the taco station and the ICE CREAM 24/7. And we always enjoyed the breakfast on the buffet and and made to order omelet station. I have not been able to find out if Royal has a omelet station at the breakfast buffet. Do you know? Our last couple cruises the Main dining room food has not been that great. But always still went for the experience with the waiters.

On our last Carnival cruise we really enjoyed the Piano bar and My daughter loved going to the comedy club every night. Does Royal have a Piano bar. I did pre book our shows and was only able to get comedy 3 nights but I guess that will have to do.

I did call RC and asked about formal night and they said it is the 2nd and 5th nights. And also men have to wear a suit or at least a sport coat.

How did you get the onboard credit? We did get some credit but it is basically to cover the gratuities.

Any tips you find out would be great.

Hi there. From what I have read and/or heard, this is what I've found out about the EGGS situation. Funny you should bring that up actually, because one of the few consistent complaints on R/C is that the eggs are BAAADDDD, I mean really bad. However, if memory serves me correctly, you can get omelettes at the Wipe-Out Cafe and then have real made to order (not necessarily omelettes) in Johnny Rockets. If I am mistaken I am sure someone will correct me. I hear the room service is much better because they have hot food like burgers and fries and bacon and things like that -- I always thought Carnival could improve in that area as their room service selection sucks. I will. however miss Guy's and the Burrito spot. I heard Carnival's pizza is better as well. We will see.

Royal does have a Salsa club and I think the pub or one of the other bars has a piano. They have several "live bands" i.e. Dazzles so there should be no shortage of entertainment.

We got the on-board credit from a price decrease last year right after we booked, another promotion they ran I think about 4 months ago that got us $250, and then some sort of survey or sweepstakes or something gave me $25.00 and I was able to get that twice.