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My week on the Oasis. 13th -20th

retnuh281

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retnuh281

retnuh281

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Instead of the traditional review, I would like to take this review day by day and try to relive it as I write this. There is no way to get this all on one post so I will do it in sections and a day by day review with tips and such as I go. I will be happy to answer any questions about anything.

Here we go.................

First a little background, I am 46 yr old guy, married, with one daughter age 16. This was our 5th cruise and 3rd with RCCL. Previously we have sailed the Navigator and Voyager all during the same time of year for Spring Break. This year was really special in that we sailed with 5 other families, 24 of us total, all neighborhood friends for years.

Well, 13 of us were scheduled to leave Friday afternoon on AirTran out of Houston connecting Atlanta, then arriving in Ft Lauderdale about 10:00 p.m.. Had the hotel booked and arrangements to the port on Saturday morning. We checked on line ALL day about our flight and other than about a 20 minute delay all seemed fine. Upon arrival we were informed that because of severe weather in ATL that our flight was CANCELLED. A refund was offered and that was it. Of course we checked every other viable alternative, but as you can imagine there aren't a whole lot of vacancies or any other alternatives during spring break weekend.

Before anyone asks.........none of us had trip insurance. Could have been a very costly mistake.

By this time it was 3:00 CST, we had to board the Oasis the next day by 3:30 EST. The decision was made to get some rental cars and go for it.

My family and luggage in a car. A family of 6 in a van, and a family of 4 in another car. Do you have any idea how much luggage 7 kids (all female) and 6 adults have? Did anyone catch the part about 10 females and luggage? Was this a bad dream? Everyone seemed to think so.

So in an effort not to bore you for the next 20.5 hours we arrived at the port at 11:30 a.m. the day of sailing March 13th 2010. Tired, very tired. We drove straight through from Houston Texas to Ft. Lauderdale Florida in about 20 hours. When we returned the rental cars to Avis, the woman told us that we weren't suppose to be here yet. LOL, well here we stand lady.

One of the other families booked Delta which also had to go through Atlanta. They arrived in FLL at about 3:00 a.m. and at least got a few hours sleep before boarding. The other 2 families left the day of, which I would NEVER recommend, and made it there without a hitch. Wierd thing is, we all arrived at the terminal AT THE SAME TIME, and checked in together.:p

Well embarkation was a breeze, 2 of us had booked suites and we have one disabled girl in our party and they let us all check in together, which was nice. I wish I had all the pictures to go along with this story because a few of us looked more than a little haggard in the boarding pics.

 

Now my first tip. Is everyone paying careful attention?????

No matter how many times you have cruised, take the boarding pictures, even if you have absolutely no intention of buying it. The Oasis has a face recognition system for all of the pictures. If you don't take this boarding picture you will not have all of your pictures together for the remainder of the cruise. This happened to one of the families traveling with us and it became a REAL pain as the trip went on. Because of the way I felt and looked I really didn't want this picture, I'm so glad I did. They take your Sea Pass, and the pictures go with your room number, and everytime a picture is taken it goes in your "folder".

 

So..........we are on the ship and let me tell you, if you've read any reviews about the Oasis you've seen adjectives like WOW, breathtaking, fabulous , unbelievable. Now take all those words and roll them up into one and then you may have an idea what this ship is like. WOWbreathtakingfabulousunbelievable. Kind of like that.

 

Stay tuned for the next episode in which the family arrives at their stateroom at 1:05 and the luggage has arrived...........rivoting.

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Merc

Merc

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Great review, you had me cracking up. Glad your trip worked out in the end, and you stayed so positive. I have 52 more days yaa, i hope my flights are okay. We flying from ri to san antonio, tx to see my son graduate from boot camp at lackland, then same afternoon flt to ft lauderdale, and board oasis next day. <crossing my finger>

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retnuh281

retnuh281

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Please always book your flights a day in advance. If the weather would have been one day difference we would have made it but 7 others in our group would not have. Both families were 1st timers and I told them not to take the risk. It worked out OK in the end, but could have been horrible for them.

 

As last we heard, the Hunters were getting to their room................

We have sailed in an interior room then went to balcony , this trip we booked a Grand Suite. Let me tell you it was worth every penny.

Tip number two..............book as early as you can!! If the price drops you can get the difference through a credit or refund. If the price inflates through the roof then you did good. We did good!! One of the families that booked later paid more for a Boardwalk view and an Interior as we did for the Grand suite.

 

We had 4 in the room. My family and my daughters best friend that has been with us on almost every vacation since they were 6 years old. The room is spacious with a nice balcony. The balcony has two loungers a table and two chairs. Room for more if you need them. The sliding door is in the living area portion of the room and there is another huge window that looks like another door by the queen sized bed.

Tip number three for the men mostly. If you are traveling with more than one female book this suite. I had two teenage girls and my wife (obviously). The bathroom is absolutely perfect. It has marble (or granite I don't know the difference) two sinks, yes I said two sinks, a bathtub with the shower built in. In the room there is a big vanity area with plugs underneath. Great if you're the only guy and have to get dressed and out of the room as fast as possible. Not to mention how much the girls loved it. I'm just giving my perspective.

Tip 4: bring a small exstension cord with the three adapters at the end. Ipods, phones, flat irons, hair dryers, non flat irons, hair this and hair that. Just bring it.

Tip 5 for the guys: We were in room 6260 right by the elevators, if you are'nt too far from the elevators the bathrooms by the stairs are great for you in the morning, spacious and quiet. Thats all I say on that subject.

 

Clearing my throat and continuing on....................We are still on day one, but I know many are interested in the rooms so I'll continue in that vein. In our group, another family had a Royal Family Suite. WOW this is great for big families. It sleeps 8 but they had 6. Two rooms, a HUGE balcony (my balcony was big but I definitely had balcony envy). In this corner we have ONE lone Dad and in the opposing corner three teenage girls and a 12 yr old girl. Guess who won? Although they had two bathrooms , they were much smaller than the GS. My buddy is 6'5" and his head hit the ceiling when standing in the tub I'm 6'2" and mine did as well. We have a picture of both of us in the shower if you don't believe me. The vanities in the bathroom are much smaller as well. So take it for what it's worth.

Two other families had Central Park views. These are nice rooms, typical balconies, except it over looks Central Park (duh). They did love them especially at night. The one problem they had is the room directly across from them decided to store all of their luggage on their balcony, guess you can get a visual of that trailer park-ed across from them the whole week. ( Yes they did call guest relations about the storage issue but alas, "theres nothing we can really do about it") I did notice towels and bathing suits hanging out to dry as well. Not my cup of tea, but they said they loved it, and thats all that matters.

I've seen many questions on CC about what deck is best. We were on the 6th and I would book it again in a heart beat. It's on the Boardwalk level with Aqua Theater and lots to do, eat and drink. If you have young kids don't think twice. The Schooner Bar is here as well with great views of the Promenade and it's larger than the others we have been on. One deck below is the Royal Promenade with everything under the sun to eat, drink and be merry. As well as the level for My Time Dining. Two decks up is Central Park, I just have two words for that deck.........YUM MY.

 

I had really big plans and was so looking forward to sail away on the "hidden" deck 14 area in which I'd read about so much here on CC. We were in a daze and enjoying ourselves so much, that the woman I was talking to said "are we moving"? Crap, we missed sail away out on deck or on our balconies or anything else. Keep in mind, at this point I've not slept since Thursady night. It's now 5:00 somewhere.

Please hand me another Mojito.

 

To be continued.

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retnuh281

retnuh281

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When we first boarded we checked on our excursion to St Thomas, all was well. We then went to the MTD on deck 5. We were asking to have three tables near each other because of our rather large group. They will not "reserve" tables at MTD until the third night. Unless your wife asks very nicely and flashes the gold sea pass, and our friends do the same. All the sudden the Red Sea parted and they would make every attempt.

Tip number 0-100.............shhhhh come closer, book a suite.

Look, we are not ones to show off or ask for anything crazy or out of the ordinary, but RCCL are the ones that advertise suite perks, and in my opinion they came through with flying colors. That night we "did" all the bars and clubs on the Promenade. After careful consideration I liked Boleros the best. First night was great, after being up for more hours than I could count I decided 2:30 a.m. was late enough. I called it a morning.

 

Well hello sunshine.............We travel ahead in time ANOTHER hour!!!!!! Stupid daylight savings time cost me another hour of my vacation.

It's 7:45 on Sunday morning I have my swim trunks, T-shirt, flip flops and camera next to the bed, I slide out creaking on the entrance way and out the door. The entrance way to the GS is wooden and makes lots of noise, so GET OFF THE WOOD PLEASE. Out to the elevator area take a right turn and voila, I'm on the board walk, board walk. Couldn't resist.

Johnny Rockets has a counter set up, I ordered a cup of Joe and the "works". This is a huge plate of potatos with bacon, cheese, onions, well you know, the works. Very good and very filling. I get to the Flo Rider by 9:15 and there is a line of about 5. I wait for my turn and informed I need a bracelet.

TIP # 6 or 7: Even if you sign waivers on line, you still have to get the bracelet that lets you do rock climbing, Flo Rider and Zip Line. If you don't sign the waivers on line, well I don't know, I bet it sucks. So do it online.

Back to the line, which of course has grown exponentially. It gave me a chance to watch what was going on and learn while I wait. I hate to brag, but I was good. Mind you this was the boogie board not the surfing, thats tomorrow morning.

Back to the room and the girls are stirring and are gone in a flash, not to be seen for a couple or 4 hours. I get my wifey poo a Diet Coke and we go have breakfast at Johnny Rockets, have I told you about a menu choice called the works?

Excuse me if my times are messed up but i'm going off of memory here. There is a dodge ball tournament at 1:00, you need a team of 6 and lo and behold there are 6 in our group. Problem is...........you need tennis shoes. I mean I didn't bring em, didn't think I would ever need them on a cruise, it's my 5th one. Well there is one boy/man in our group other than the dads and tis kid had size 10 1/2 tennis shoes flowing out of his stateroom and his dad went and siezed 4 pair.

I'll have to leave you guys hanging didn't realize the time.

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JeffersonSea

JeffersonSea

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Lovin' it. Keep it coming!! Sailing on Apr 24th, so close I can almost taste it, and it tastes like roast beef sandwiches and coconut cupcakes. And the Works at Johnny Rockets.

 

We're doing the flowrider lessons, too, so any tips you can offer will be appreciated. Never been on a surfboard in my life, so it should be interesting. Can't wait to be doing this kind of running diary myself!!!!

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retnuh281

retnuh281

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When last we met the "old guys" were in the dodge ball tourny. I realize now I left out dinner last night and I have a few tips on that as well. So I will have a flash back before formal dinner.

Guys don't be embarassed to play in the games or participate in any of the sports, no one gives a rats patooty, just try and relive the glory days. Long story short, it's the best 2 of 3 and we only lasted 2 games. Half of us were praying on the sideline that we didn't have to play another game, you can't imagine how much energy an elementary school game takes out of a bunch of 46-52 yr olds. After the game it was time for beers and DOD's around the pool deck we were on the upper level and had many of our group just hanging out and enjoying the day.

Side note on chair hogs..........I was up fairly early every morning and didn't notice any towels or books hanging on chairs. Every family in our group has a swimming pool in our back yard so the pool thing is really no big deal to any of us. Sorry I can't be more help on the chair hog front. This was formal night so all the women folk headed back to the rooms and a group of us guys headed to the Viking Crown Lounge. Fantastic views, very calming day or night. There was a piano player and a violinist. Very cool relaxing way to end the day and get ready for the evening.

Now MTD the first couple of nights was VERY hectic. The first night we had an early dinner at about 6:45, even with 24 of us we went right in. HOWEVER, by the time we left it was a mad house. People pissed off everywhere. They were serving trays and trays of champagne trying to keep the masses from rioting. Same on formal night as well.

TIP #8.............Go to dinner at a non traditional time. NOT 7:00 or 8:00 6:45, 7:45, 8:30. If you show up at 8:00 on formal night you WILL be waiting, just prepare yourself.

I had the prime rib, can't remember wheather that was the first night or formal night. Very good, and not at all like the past where it was 50% fat and 50% meat.

NOW for a big tip if you order beef in the MDR.

It takes awhile for your meat to get from the "grill" to your plate then out to your table. The meat continues to cook during this whole time. If you like it medium order medium rare, if you like it medium well order medium, etc. I ordered rare and it just didn't look right but tasted just fine. The only time you should be fussy about how the meat is cooked if you are in a specialty restaurant and paying extra, it's just the way it is. FYI... I worked in a restaurant/bar all through college and then some, so I have some knowledge.

Now when I'm wearing a tux it's mandatory that I go to the casino. Another long story short, me and a buddy shut the casino down at 4:00 a.m. Wife happy with me? I think not. I did win about $900.00 which helped.

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retnuh281

retnuh281

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Having 2 sea days at the beginning makes everything kind of meld together, coupled with the fact I've only slept 8 hours in 4 days. I'm doing the best I can, and hopefully some of you can take a few nuggets from this whole thing.

OK it's the second morning right? Johnny rockets by myself again, this time I have the big breakfast with all the traditional stuff and a small side of the "works".

TIP #9 if you ask for extra bacon, you had better really like bacon. Fortunately I really do, and when I left I actually squealled, and snorted and had a crazy urge to roll in the mud.

Instead I headed for the FLO Rider. I took a go at the surfing part. The line isn't as long but it's much harder. I did suceed, not long mind you, but I did it. Took a go 3 times and was up probably 45 seconds total. Yes my butt hurt for the next two days, but thats expected from a 46 yr old who thinks he's still 26.

Quite frankly this whole day is a bit fuzzy. At some point we went to the Solarium and soaked in the cantilever hot tub and the "round pool" which I love.

Side note: The Solarium is adults only and it was. Most adults there have been adults for about 60 years already. NOT the spring break crowd that is out on the pool decks. Was that politically correct or what? Lots of men in wiener bikiners too. I felt like Charles Atlas in board shorts.

Solarium food is good, fish entrees, wraps, soups etc. buffet style.

OH!!! This is the first day I had the roast beef sandwich in the Park Cafe. It wasn't my last. They also had a tomato egg drop soup that really stands out as one of my favorite things. (I had some really good things too). Also sampled the seafood soup, believe it was shrimp and crab. Good, but not as good as the other. Well, I believe there was some more eating and drinking going on this day. The girls went to Hairspray and they all loved it. If you are looking for show reviews here, I'm sorry but you are reading the wrong review. I went to ONE and it was the diving one, not even sure of the name. It was very good, anything having to do with swimming or diving i like, but thats the end of my show participation aboard the Oasis. Now, ask me about all the different drinking establishments on board and I can review every one EXCEPT the Jazz club. I am still shocked that I didn't go there, it was top on my list of things to do. It's kind of out of sight out of mind thing. It's down on 4 by Studio B and as I've said I wasn't around that area much.

Well this is our special night!!!

We have reservations at the Chefs Table, all 12 of us!!!! I had made these reservations well in advance and went to the Concierge right after boarding to confirm.dinner.jpg.36f6fb9d26e1deb0c221bf6dc94124b4.jpg

I hope this picture works. This dinner was Excellent!!! Our host name was Jaques De Kock. Believe it or not, it's one of only two names I remember from the whole cruise. It was a wine pairing extravaganza. The food was supurb and the wine presentation off the charts. The dinner is limited to 14 people per night, so it's not an easy ticket. Search this thread and you can find an e-mail address. $75.00 includes dinner, wine, (a lot of wine) an apron and an autographed cook book from one of the chefs. The cook book is awesome if you have a chance to buy one I suggest you do. I have a picture of me just wearing the apron, any one wanna see it?

Tomorrow St Thomas.

I really love St Thomas, wish I were still there. TTFN

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retnuh281

retnuh281

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You said that a extension cord is needed to plug camera and mobile charger. My question is: where the electric outlet is located? on the floor? it is the standard 2 flats or the European 2 rounds?

Wotan

 

In regular rooms there are outlets under the desk and behind the nightsatnd. Not convenient at all. Suites the same thing, but a little more accessible. It is both standard and they have the European as well. A short extension cord worked perfectly for us.

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retnuh281

retnuh281

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[ATTACH][ATTACH]150782[/ATTACH][/ATTACH]

 

This was my favorite day of all. The whole crew was scheduled to meet at the dock at 1:45 for our excursion to Turtle Cove, which we booked through RCCL. I had done TONS of homework before the cruise and at the end of the day it was actually cheaper for us to book through RCCL. Go figure. All of us were booked accept two of the Dads, they were off on a golf adventure. We had breakfast somewhere on the ship and then a group of us waddled into town for shopping.

Women/Ladies...........Tip #1

If you are going to shop on this trip this is the stop to do it. Don't wait and look for better bargains, don't procrastinate, this IS the place. It's not getting ANY cheaper than here. For those shopping for jewelry, well, you can't swing a dead cat and not hit a jewelry store. After looking at the 6000th watch, I saw a table and chairs down an alley way. Wish I could remember the name but it had a cool little bar, burgers etc. If you're ever there tell em I said hey. The pic attachment was a little place overlooking the water called the Surf Shack. Great frozen drinks and from the picture they have shots as well. Hmmmmm

Our Excursion took us to Turtle Cove for snorkleing, they guaranteed we would see turtles and they delivered. Bring your underwater camera. It was soooooo cool swimming with sea turtles. Our captain was from Texas so we hit it off great, the name of the crew is Bones. I believe they do private charters as well and in my opinion couldn't have made it a better day. While we were loading up, they let us jump off the side of the boat. It's a pirate boat mind you, so walking the plank is common place. After we were under way they broke out the rum punch, and the rum bottles and did I mention rum. By the end of the trip we were talking like pirates and walking like, well, pirates I guess.

Took a little siesta after that, had dinner in the MDR and went to the diving show. Oasis of Dreams? Little help.

1948324928_dancingBoleros.jpg.75d57fffab1d7847e907b74b207b797a.jpg

Heres a pic from Boleros.

Another from Dazzles

dazzles.jpg.631573b6cbc6b621bd3a453249ffde7b.jpg

 

Tomorrow St. Martin.

Best food in the Caribbean.

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