Live from the oasis - 5/1 - 5/15!

[LuvRam13]

Thank you so much for bring us all with you. We are booked for the Dec 12th cruise on the Allure.

My question is about the dinning time and show times. As of now we have the 8:30 seating time. Our concern is making the shows. Has that been a problem or a rush? Do you have to make reservations?

 

Thanks Again

[dusky]

Hi everybody! Before I continue the travelogue, I want to address the question about the second formal night.

 

It seems as if the chef made the switch to Wednesday night on a lark for this Western itinerary. Not sure why, both Wednesday and Thursday are port days, and we’ll be docked at the respective ports until 8:00 both nights. The crew members seem to be a little confused…one of the restaurant hosts I asked even had to call someone to find out!

 

In total, I asked 2 restaurant hosts and 2 guest services staffers, and was assured that the original daily planner WAS correct, that the second formal night is, in fact, Day 5, Wednesday night, AND the lobster is ALWAYS served on the second formal night!

 

Like I said, they all seemed a little confused, so I’ll give you a first-hand report later in the week.

 

We had lunch yesterday at the Seafood Shack. For appetizers, we had coconut shrimp, chicken drumettes and crab cakes. The shrimp was tasty, made the way it was supposed to be, and came with fries. I thought the wings were terrific - they had kind of a barbeque buffalo sauce - REAL good! We’re from Baltimore - trust me, we know crab cakes, and a couple of years ago, we vacationed in San Francisco where we tried Dungeness crab. These crab cakes were made with Dungeness crab - they were OK, but not even CLOSE to a Maryland crab cake.

 

The sauces were good! The blue cheese with the wings was good, the tarter sauce with the shrimp was good, and the remoulade sauce with the crab cakes was GOOD! For our mains, DW had a hamburger, which gets a thumbs down, she says (we know it has to be well done, but it was WELL DONE PLUS!), and I had ribs with cole slaw and beans. The ribs get about 7.5, the beans were not good, no flavor, and the cole slaw was ok. We ARE going to go back and try some fish!

 

On Monday morning, we bought their book “Live the Oasis”. It’s full of facts, trivia and statistics, and it has a little scavenger hunt, which we thought might be fun. So yesterday afternoon, we got out the book, and started the hunt! There are six sections, and we did section 1 yesterday. It took us back and forth through the top 3 or 4 decks, and it was fun! Except…it was close to 100 yesterday, so after the first section, we were done!

 

I’m not sure what I expected, but the “Come Fly with Me” show in the main theater was typical cruise fare, kicked up several notches. There were 4 main singers, 2 men, 2 women; they sang familiar pop songs. There were acrobats, Cirque de Soleil-like performers, aerial artists and the Royal Caribbean dancers. There seemed to be a lot of performers flying around - you’d have to see it yourself to know what I mean!

 

There was piped-in music, as well as the live band chiming in. On a scale of 1-10, it was at least a 12! The performances were great, the singers were terrific, the sets were spectacular, and the dancers were the cream of the crop! Several of these performers are going to be in 2 other shows that we haven’t seen yet, but have booked. Looking forward to these shows!

 

Dinner was 8:30 at Chops. Got there right on time, and had to wait about 5 minutes to be seated - there seemed to be a problem with a couple in front of us, but after that, we were shown to our table. The waiter was Cosmo from Romania - he was real good. At the end of the dinner, he told us a story about his father, who was really sick, so…we left him a good tip. While he was telling his story, he mentioned that he loves waiting on Americans - we tip well! He said Canadians and Brits - blah!

 

The first thing they brought out was a whole loaf of incredibly tasting bread - hot and delicious! Had to be careful not to fill up on bread!

For appetizers, I had a cured fish trio, and DW had crab and shrimp cake. DW reported not so great - my bite agreed with her. The fish, however, we both liked. Next, we had soup - I had cheese and onion soup, which was delicious and rich, and DW had Forest Mushroom soup, which was fabulous! I had a Caesar salad, which was just the way steakhouses make it - a couple of Romaine hearts, intact, with a lot of shredded parmesan, croutons and a tasty dressing. That was a hit with me!

 

DW had a filet, Cosmo advised her to get the 10 oz. instead of the 7 oz. - same price. She ended up eating only 2/3 of it anyway! I got a bone-in rib eye (my favorite steak), which tasted good, but it was a little tough. The meat itself was delicious, just a little tough. DW loved her filet - we might go there again next week…we’ll see. Onion rings were not good steakhouse quality, but the green vegetables were terrific!

 

The Love and Marriage show was coming up at 10:30 - we probably could have made it, but we knew it would be on the TV over and over and over again….so we could watch it at our leisure. So…we skipped it.

 

Headed back to the room, both very full and content.

 

Day over.

 

This morning we slept in (hey, we’re on vacation!). Our coffee wakeup call came at 8:30, and we VERY slowly got ready to go eat something. Our plan was the MDR for lunch. Went down to the casino first - gambled away $20 - broke my heart - and went to lunch!

 

The menu was the same as lunch on Sunday, so I again got the Moroccan lamb pita, and DW again got the mushroom and leek quiche. This time, we did the salad bar for our app - there must be 35 different items on that salad bar. The vegetables seemed fresh and crisp - DW remarked that next time she’d make the salad bar her whole lunch! No dessert today, so we took off to get back to the Live the Oasis scavenger hunt.

 

We did 2 more sections before the heat was too much for me. I hope I’ll be OK on our excursion tomorrow - I can tough it out, I’ll be OK.

 

After a brief rest stop, we went to visit some shops on the Promenade, and the Guest Services to find out about which night is formal! It’s Wednesday, dammit, they all told me! At some point, DW and I got iced coffee at the Mondo Café - delicious!

 

Then we headed to the Boardwalk and had to try one of the famous corn dogs. Like a McDonald’s burger, it was greasy (too greasy for DW), but good! Went into the children’s shop to look for gifts for the grandkids - we’ll go back there another time to buy for them.

 

In our travels today, we toured the ship just about top to bottom. It’s a marvel…it’s a WOW! If you’re debating with yourself whether to book this ship or not, or whether it’s worth it - it’s worth it to us! It really is something! Book it!

 

About the Comedy show. We saw the 10:30 show - and it was racy - big time. R/X rated. If four-letter words offend you - DON’T GO! Funny as hell, but filthy.

 

More later!

 

Harvey

　

　

This is what rccl replied to me

7 night cruises - are usually on Day 2 and 6

[Jmustang67]

Thanks again, have you any info on cell phone use on the boat?

[the plumbers wife]

"It’s Wednesday, dammit" I had to laugh, it can be so annoying when your trying to get the correct information! Your reviews are great, thanks so much! We are a family of ten sailing the end of June!! Has the ship stayed on ships time so far? I know when we sailed RCCL a few years back they adjusted to Cozumel time? Enjoy your vacation!

[kevinandrenay]

Harvey,

 

Thanks for posting. We sailing on the 15th also. Love the info. We are also from Maryland. I thought it was hot here with temps in the 80's and high humidity. It sounds like you are having August weather. We have had the " Maryland Crab Cakes " on a previous cruise. You are 100% correct. They are nothing like what you get back home. At least on a cruise there is another choice or two, to choose from. LOL Have a great time and we hope you get a nice Caribbean breeze to keep you cool.

 

Kevin and Renay

[Jerzgirl79]

thanks for your review.....the more i read the more excited I get....74 dayssssssssss

[transam84]

Harvey, Thanks for an awesome review. I love your descriptions, very entertaining. I also love all the detailed food descriptions. Only problem is that I get really hungary when I read them and I'm trying to slim down for summer. Going on Allure in a little over a year, western sailing and I'm getting more enthused the more I read. Thanks again, keep them coming.

[mondsd]

Hi Harvey,

Thanks for your live review. Quick question, How much is the "Live the Oasis" book? and where do they sell it at on the ship?

 

Thanks

[bluegirlum]

Thanks so much for the review and taking time out to post this info. I'll be on Oasis in 10 days!!

 

If you think of it, when you get to Cozumel, can you make a note of ship time vs. Cozumel time? Someone may have asked this already, but it's got me all confused. Thanks!!!

[BrianAlt]

Cozumel is in the Central Time zone and is currently following daylight savings time.

 

Current time in Cozumel

 

The ship starts out in the Eastern Time zone, so Cozumel would be one hour behind. (If the ship docks at 8 AM it is 7 AM in Cozumel.) This assumes that the ship does not change it's clock. If the ship does change it's clock, the times will be the same.

 

I've experienced both, sometimes the ship changes the time, sometimes it does not. I suspect that it will, since it will be in the CT zone for the majority of the cruise.

[soxfan7]

Thanks your review Harvey, we are joining you on Saturday and we cannot wait!!!

 

One question I am wondering about, can you find soft pretzels anywhere, maybe on the boardwalk or up on the sports deck?

 

You are getting us so excited with the review... 3 days 3 days !!!

 

Thanks and Happy 60th!!!

[Lv2Vacay]

That is what I was looking for info on, the Mojito class...do you remember which 4 kinds of mojitos you made?

We did not make four different types of mojitos. We learned to make a royal mojito and then they added rasberry flavoring to change up the taste. We also made a drink from Brazil - Caipirinha, Margarita Rocks and an Apple Martini. Hope this helps.

[Kugel]

Thanks so much for your wonderful review and happy birthday. I am also sailing with the other 2 posters today on 5/15. No questions. Just wanted to add how grateful I am that you are doing this and I am going to try to do the same thing when I am aboard.

 

So to clarify they are making #5 formal night for you? Makes no difference to me as I am sure most people will not be formal. I am sure everyone would like to know about that also since either is a sea day.

 

Thanks so much,

Joyce

[cruisinunlimited]

If you have a chance, could you let me know how much any of the bottles of rums are selling for on the ship, and also Grey Goose Vodka...and if they run any specials on buying a certain amount of bottles of liquor.

 

Thanks..Karen

[JackN]

Harvey:

 

Thanks so much for providing this service. We sail on Oasis on the 29th. Tried to make our reservations tonight, but all the times that work for us were taken. How long does the wait seem to be for people without My Time reserverations?

 

Thanks again,

 

Jack

[Mack704]

In reverse order, I’ll answer some questions first…

 

Filomena - we took a walk up to 12624, and you were right - there is NO cabin directly across the hall. What is across from your room is a staff supply closet. It’s at least 15 to 20 feet in either direction before there’s a cabin on the other side of the hall.

 

I’ve read on these boards that RCI stopped putting chocolates on the pillow. Well we’ve got 10 in our stash - 2 left on our pillows every night since we’ve been here. So at least on the Oasis, RCI is giving chocolates!

 

Dusky - DW and I personally experienced formal night tonight, Wednesday, May 5th. I think the Captain, for whatever reason, decided to flip-flop Wednesday and Thursday nights. RCI’s menus are fleet-wide. At each Captain’s discretion he can change the order any way he wants. And…we had the lobster tails and prime rib - more on that later.

 

We’ve eaten in the MDR 3 nights now, and from soup to nuts, it’s never taken longer than 1 ½ hours, and that’s when we take our time. That should give you enough time to make a 10:30 show. BUT…reservations SHOULD be made for everything, preferably online as soon as they become available!

 

DW read that there are about 340 cell phone carriers that can access the satellite used on Oasis. You will be charged International Roaming fees unless you pre-arrange a plan to cover usage at sea.

 

We haven’t seen soft pretzels anywhere - we did see pretzel dogs at the Wipe Out Café.

 

Costa Maya and Cozumel are on Central Time - daylight savings. The ship stays on Eastern time - ships time doesn’t change.

 

The book “Live the Oasis” is $12.99, and is sold at the On Air Club on the Promenade. It goes on sale at specific times - the first one I believe is Sunday at 10:30 am.

 

We’ll try to check into the liquor prices and report back later. We aren’t buying any, but we’ll check for you!

 

From what we’ve seen, the wait for My Time Dining without reservations is maybe 5-10 minutes. There have been open tables available all three times we’ve been there. But…you can still make reservations on board for later in the week, or even for that night.

 

Back to more important things…the travelogue continues…

 

When we first got in the room last Saturday, we decided to book Izumi for Tuesday night. We walked in at 7:00 and were seated immediately. We felt very comfortable in there. For appetizers we had some breaded chicken dish with a sweet sauce - it was good - a lot for one person. We shared vegetable tempura with a great dipping sauce - very tasty. DW had tuna carpaccio, which was pretty good too. I ordered some kind of soup without knowing it - turned out to be pretty good. We shared 3 sushi rolls - they were all delicious! The shrimp tempura one was particularly good.

 

The headliner show was at 10:30. Another Vegas-type entertainer named Earl Turner. He put on a great show - entertaining, and got the crowd involved. Hope next week it’s the Osmonds or the Nelson brothers! I asked at the front desk, but they said they may not know until Saturday.

 

About 5 minutes after we got out of there, the 70’s Disco Party was about to start in the Promenade. First, a couple of singers from the mezzanine level belted a few disco tunes, but as the minutes went by, the crowd was building. They kept forcing us back ‘til we decided to leave, and had to get out through Sorrento’s. There were so many people there, it was too much for us - DW got a little worried about the number of people crowded together.

 

That was the only time this week we felt crowded.

 

This morning, we slept in, and putzed around until lunchtime. At 11:00 it was announced that Giovanni’s and the MDR would be open for lunch from 11:30 - 1:00, even though we were docking in Costa Maya. DW and I kind of favor the MDR, so that’s where we headed, and were the first ones in.

 

Different lunch menu this time. Before ordering, I tiptoed over to the hot part of the buffet to check it out - there were some tasty looking baked chicken thighs staring at me, so I snagged a couple for my appetizer. DW ordered Caesar salad with grilled salmon, and so did I. I love their Caesar salad! Plus, I had a pulled pork barbeque sandwich. The roll was toasted hard, so I used a delicious roll from the bread basket - it was truly wonderful! The waiter offered me another one, but I had to turn him down. Hope they have the same menu for lunch on Friday.

 

We had 2:30 reservations for our excursion. We went on a caravan of mini jeeps, called Mini Rhinos through the Costa Mayan jungle. Boy - did we get dirty! In our ears, up our nose…dust everywhere (it hasn’t rained in 3 months) - but we had a great time! Took a short dip in the ocean after the ride, and then back to the ship - exhausted!

 

Took showers, got dressed, headed for the MDR. Guess what? It’s formal night! So we had the lobster, and it was pretty good! But first - seafood salad with a great dipping sauce! Roasted peach soup and asparagus soup - also pretty good. I had Caesar salad - love it! And I also had Prime Rib - which this time seemed to be better than last time - tasted like Prime Rib.

 

Dessert was a berry tart - tasty - we hustled it down so we could get to the Aqua Theater for “Oasis of Dreams”. Ten after 9:00 was too late to get there for a 9:30 show, even though we had reservations. We ended up finding seats at the side of the stage - it was OK - we still saw everything. Great show - high divers, low divers, synchronized swimmers, trampolines - it was a lot of fun. We recommend it!

 

That brings us to now…more later.

 

Harvey

[Merc]

Thanks Harvey for the update, sounds like you and your dw are having a fabulous time!!! Have a wonderful rest of your week. we leave one week from today to start our adventure on her.

 

Debbie

[mondsd]

Thanks for the info about the "live the oasis" book!!!

[bernerlover]

Thank you so much for taking the time to keep us "live" from the Oasis!

We sail May 15th and really appreciate the updates.

 

Carol

[BethV114]

Hi Harvey - Thanks again for your wonderful review. Just wondering if you could tell me which side was facing the port when you docked in Costa Maya. Thanks!:D

[Carameltwist]

Hello Harvey,

I can't wait til the end of month. Oasis here we come! My question is does the ship have washer/dryer and ironing boards for us to use? Await your reply.

[kmcphee26]

Hello Harvey,

I can't wait til the end of month. Oasis here we come! My question is does the ship have washer/dryer and ironing boards for us to use? Await your reply.

 

 

There are no washers, dryers, or ironing boards (you aren't allowed to bring an iron). If you want anything washed or pressed, they have a laundry service. Reasonably prices, IMO, if you are only washing/pressing a few things. I always get my formal wear pressed.

[FMcruiser]

Thank you so much for taking the time to check out the cabin location for me, I really appreciate it. I guess during the night it should be quiet across from our cabin.

My concern was it being some kind of storage with equipment that made a lot of noise. I hope not!

Anyway, your reviews are really wonderful and make me want to get on that ship ASAP!

Oh yea, one more thing. I'll be bringing my little notebook and plan to purchase the minutes package. Where exactly do I have to be to use my laptop?

Thanks again. Enjoy!

 

Filomena

[lisamarie_30809]

I have loved reading your review! Thanks so much for doing all this!

 

We are in a C1 balcony cabin overlooking central park...in your opinion, is there enough privacy in that type of room? My husband is worried.

 

Thanks so much!

[HGK]

I am going on the Oasis on 5/29 and just pre-booked some of the shows like Hairspray, etc. Do they also have the nightly shows with the Cruise Director before and/or after dinner?

 

Thanks

:)