Oasis 5/28-6/4/11 - rants, raves & ramblings, a review

[FloridaPalms]

metairiegal - Thank you. Yes, I would recommend the zip line for your 65 year old DH if he is up to it healthwise. I was leery because I had surgery last fall, followed by 5 months of rehab, to repair a very bad rotator cuff injury. But with the Oasis zip line, you sit in the harness so there is no weight on your shoulders and you do not have to pull any brakes.

 

pediatric-rnp - Yes, I was VERY pleased with the MDR experience also. In addition to the great service, the Chef seemed to have done a better job for the most part with the standard RCCL menu. DH commented that all the steaks he had were tender and cooked to order. And our room attendent Carl Neptune was the best we ever had! I also wrote that on our comment card.

 

mferris77 - Yes, the comedy show at Comedy Live is the same show repeated several times. There might be a few minutes of different material based upon who the comedian talks to in the front row but basically the rest is all the same joke routines. All I can tell you is The Quest is an adult scavenger hunt where teams race to get whatever items the cruise director tells them to get from their sections of the audience. It can get a little raunchy but it's all in good fun. While I've never watched more than a few minutes of one, for some it's a not-to-be-missed thing. Some say alchohol enhances the show.

 

alamogirl - My camera was an inexpensive Fuji Z30. Nice that its compact to fit in my pocket but I definitely don't recommend it. Despite numerous settings, it's hard to get good night shots and the red-eye reduction setting doesn't really deliver. It take pretty good videos however. That is really a shame about your New Years Eve cruise. We felt the same way about our Independence Thanksgiving cruise. Despite being a larger class, it was way more crowded than our previous spring break cruises and last year's Navigator Thanksgiving cruise, and way too much rudeness from the passengers.

 

~ Judy

[FloridaPalms]

Day 7, at sea

 

Friday, our last full day on Oasis. Someone, PLEASE stop them from changing the days of the week on the elevator! I don’t want Saturday to come!!!

 

After room service breakfast, we walked around a bit and then headed to Studio B where DGS ice skated for the last time on this cruise.

 

At 12:30 we returned to the Aquatheater to catch the Splish Splash Comedy Dive Show. Standing room only (our fault for not getting there early). DGS took a seat in the splash zone. I contemplated seeing if DH could make it up to deck 7 but he sat on one of the stools in the back and watched in on the monitor. So I stood in the aisle. I politely tried at the beginning and nearer the end of the show to get a young woman to give up a seat next to her in the last row that was just holding her purse. Her older family around her also shooed me away, “No! Saved! No!” It was clear, at least to me, whomever they were saving it for was a no show. It stayed empty the entire performance. So I had fun shooting her dirty looks toward the end of the show and, when it was over, asking if the empty chair enjoyed the show. I know I enjoyed it! You will meet rude stupid people on any cruise. Roll with it and, if possible, have fun with it. Splish Splash was very enjoyable.

 

 

 

 

We decided to go to Johnny Rockets for lunch, simply because it was right there. Big mistake. Because DW and I were at the rear of the Aquatheater, we got a table with no problem. Waiter brought us onion rings and water (forgot the fries) and took our order promptly. But the other tables quickly filled up and service became terrible. Over 20 minutes after we finally got our food, we still hadn’t got our milkshakes and our waiter was nowhere to be seen. Eventually we caught the attention of a manager who apologized and shortly brought us our waiter and the shakes. Now done eating, we asked them to put the shakes in to-go containers. It would have been a nice gesture if they comped them. They didn’t. Anyway, my advice is avoid Johnny Rockets after any Aquatheater shows.

 

 

We had reservations for Come Fly With Me at 3:00. Spacey warmed up the audience with his history of dance routine. Funny! He said the Opal Theater was specifically built for this show. It was very impressive with fantastic sets, routines, acrobatics and aerial acts. I don't know if it was just the songs or what, but DH and I didn't really enjoy any of the numbers sang by the female lead singer. The rest of the cast and the show overall was excellent.

 

After the show, I stayed for the 4:30 snowball jackpot bingo. Didn't win. While no longer buy 2 get 3, I saw many people still purchase multiple hand-held machines. While I would have been thrilled to win it, the jacket turned out to only be $2800 - about half of what I recall from previous cruises.

 

Time for our last dinner on the Oasis. We all had shrimp cocktail and I also had the spinach dip. DH has strip steak while DGS and I had Shrimp & Mahi Mahi Tempura for entrees. Very good. While we lingered over dessert, DGS left for his last night at the club so Rose made up a covered plate with Key Lime Pie for us to bring back to the cabin for him.

 

There was so much I still wanted to do but NOOOOOOO!!! I had to go back to the cabin and pack if I wanted to go to the improv show later - they were kicking us off the ship in the morning! :(:(:(

 

~ Judy

[FloridaPalms]

Day 7 continued

 

Later I headed to Studio B for the 10:15 Throw Me a Line improv show. Like The Quest and Love & Marriage shows, this is open seating (no reservations) and not repeated during the week. Host was Simeon and comedians included guy who played father Wilbur Turnblad and lady who played the mean Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray. The audience was rather subdued and it reflected in the show which I expected to be funnier. Afterwards, I wandered around the ship taking pictures and paid a visit to Casino Royale.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At midnight, I went to pick DGS up from the late night party zone at the kids club. What a sight!!! The kids had toilet papered the whole room, including the youth staff!!! They had a blast doing it! Those that weren’t leaving at midnight were going to get to play “which team can make the biggest mound of toilet paper”. Nice way to get them to clean up the room. ;) In leaving, DGS was awarded a certificate for science lab participation and a "real gold" medal for gaga ball.

 

 

We headed down to the Royal Promenade to grab one last fix of Sorrento’s pizza and Café Promenade cookies before calling it a night.

 

 

~ Judy

[Puffinater]

Day 6 continued

I couldn’t decide between the Dungeness Crab and Shrimp Cake or the Oysters Duet (Chops’ new menu)

 

If you like oysters give these a try next time. Very good.

[FloridaPalms]

Disembarkation

 

We docked port side at Ft. Lauderdale, a rare occurrence. I don’t remember the time but, through the glass elevator shafts I could see a line down in the Royal Promenade for those waiting to disembark, and I think it was running late. I picked up some coffee and breakfast sandwiches at Park Café and brought them to our cabin for our last breakfast on the balcony. Then we went down to the Mondo Coffee Bar to request and wait for wheelchair assistance. While DH had a cane with him, there was no way he was going to be able to stand in the lines and trek through the terminal today. I know, to a few clueless people at least, it seemed unfair that wheelchairs bypassed both the gangway and custom lines but what they don’t realize is that we’ve already been waiting inside for RCCL personnel and then waited again after we’re off the gangway for port personnel. I really have to compliment both the RCCL and port staff for the way they treated DH and others needing wheelchair assistance. Very friendly and with the utmost courtesy. The RCCL crewmember that wheeled DH off the ship would not accept a tip, saying they are not allowed. We tipped both the baggage porter and the port lady who wheeled DH outside and right up to a waiting shuttle van from our hotel. Talk about timing!

 

 

Suggestions and some final thoughts and pictures

 

For those wanting the chocolate breakfast but not into the Dreamworks scene, I suggest you pre-book the Dreamworks character breakfast and then ask onboard if there is any other chocolate breakfast option if you sit on the other side of the MDR. There were lots of adults without children at the character breakfast and the characters are not really intrusive. Children are told to stay in their seats and the characters will come to their table.

 

Vitality Spa - deck 6 (As close as I got this cruise)

 

Just a monetary cautionary note to parents: Even if you don’t give your children charge privileges, RCCL has it set up so that children can charge unlimited arcade credits to their sea pass card. We allowed our DGS a daily arcade allowance. Still, it would be easier if RCCL used arcade cards instead, along the lines of Disney resorts, where an adult would charge the arcade card to their sea pass.

 

DGS was in the Voyagers 9-11 group. With that age group you have the option to give them permission to sign themselves in and out. We allowed our DGS to sign himself in but we did not allow him to sign himself out. You can also call the club on any ship phone and ask to speak to your child at any time.

 

I won at the casino! Well sort of. Usually, I’m up very late on cruises, hitting the casino and then strolling around the ship when it is quiet and empty after most people have bedded down for the night. But, with all the activities and because I was the one picking up DGS from his club this cruise, I was usually back in the cabin shortly after midnight and only played in the casino a couple of times. So I actually brought home most of my gambling money with me. Yay me!

 

 

 

 

Champagne Bar - deck 5

 

 

I was really impressed by the caliber of entertainment on the Oasis, especially the high divers and the cast of Hairspray. I know the very talented Londoner Michael Quinn played Link in Hairspray. Does anyone know who played Seaweed? That guy really is a star waiting to be discovered! They were also the lead male singers/dancers in Come Fly With Me.

 

Does anyone know the statistics for our sailing? How many passengers, children, etc. I’m sure the ship sailed full but that can range from 5400 double occupancy to 6360 at maximum capacity. It never really felt too crowded. Also, I didn’t notice as many teenagers as on our previous cruises but that could just be because most of them found more interesting places to be and things to do besides riding the elevators, etc.

 

Would we cruise Oasis again? Maybe. There were some things I didn’t get to do but I did do most of the things I had planned. For the western sailing, the ship was our destination and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Whether it be the Oasis or Allure, this class ship truly offers something for everyone. For now, we will enjoy the memories of Oasis and look forward to our upcoming cruise on the Navigator.

 

Thanks to all who took the time to read my ramblings and special thanks to all the CC’ers who previously posted Oasis reviews saying how great a ship she is. You were right!

 

 

 

 

~ Judy

[Beth C]

Lovin' your review!

 

Would you recommend the zip line for my 65 year old dh? Yesterday he told me he wants to do it. :eek: :D

 

My at the time 68 yo father did it once on the Oasis - said it's a tick on his bucket list (had no idea he even had one :p) and at a ripe age of 69 did it about 5 or 6 times on the Allure.

 

If he's a healthy 65 yr old - go for it... just be prepared for him to be telling everyone and showing photos of it forever when you get back :D

[FloridaPalms]

My at the time 68 yo father did it once on the Oasis - said it's a tick on his bucket list (had no idea he even had one :p) and at a ripe age of 69 did it about 5 or 6 times on the Allure.

 

If he's a healthy 65 yr old - go for it... just be prepared for him to be telling everyone and showing photos of it forever when you get back :D

 

See, I won't be telling everyone and showing this photo of it forever ...

 

 

I, ll be showing them the video!!! :D:D:D

 

~ Judy

[WeLove2CruiseRCI]

Great review Judy!! Thanks for all the great pics!! Yeah for you zip lining!! I can't wait for November to get here!!!:D

[mpillen]

pediatric-rnp -

I am staying in room 6592 next month...can you tell me anything about the room? Did you like the location and was the bed near the balcony or the closet? Where you able to hear noise from the clubs below?

 

Thanks!!!

[fdthird]

Thanks Judy for a great review with excellent pictures! I enjoyed coming across this today and reading about your adventure. We were on the Allure JUne 26th and loved the ship too. Several very different entertainment options so there is something different there too! Loved seeing your grandson dressed to the nines in his tux...very classy! We loved seeing the little guys dressed up on the two formal nights on the Allure and most looked like they liked it too!

[pediatric-rnp]

pediatric-rnp -

I am staying in room 6592 next month...can you tell me anything about the room? Did you like the location and was the bed near the balcony or the closet? Where you able to hear noise from the clubs below?

 

Thanks!!!

 

6592 bed was next to window, which we preferred, having seen the bed in the other position in our sons room, 6594. Next to closet allows little apce to get what you need from closet! Cabins are a bit smaller than on FOS or LOS, which we were a bit dissappointed in. Mark was our cabin steward and he was absolutely terrific! We were ok with the location. Absolutely no noise from anywhere was heard. Only thing was when you look over the balcony, you will see the lifeboats below you. But it wasn't bad, as how often do you look directly below. It didn't impede any other view. Balcony was a nice size. Enjoy!!!:)

[piggypiggy]

thanks judy! love your review. I can't go on my trip this sept :)

[nativetexan]

Just reread your review. I forgot how good it was!! We sail in 10 days and despite reading everything under the sun - I still picked up new stuff!

 

Thanks for taking the time to put all this together - you're a doll. And your grandson is quite handsome in the tux! What a lucky family!

 

NativeTexan

[FloridaPalms]

fdthird - Thank you. Glad you enjoyed your cruise on the Allure. If the price is right, we would like to try the Allure sometime in the future. Yes my grandson really enjoys dressing up in his tux - he even wanted to wear it to Adventure Ocean kids club (but his meanie grandma wouldnt let him :)). I love seeing all the kids that dress up on formal nights - they are so cute.

 

piggypiggy - I hope you meant to say you "can't WAIT TO go" on your cruise. You'll love the Oasis! Have a great cruise.

 

nativetexan - You must be so excited! Yes these boards were so helpful in planning our cruises, especially for Oasis where there were so many tips and things to know to help make it even more special. Thanks for your compliments and have a great cruise!

 

~ Judy

[BillOh]

This get's my vote! Great Job, I hope Allure is just as good!

 

Loved Allure. The only thing, is no big cushy round chairs in the solarium, but what a great ship(s)

[RealDeal]

Judy: Were there a ton of kids on your cruise? Considering Allure next May 27 & I'm wondering if we'll feel "overrun" with children.

[Denise5374]

Thanks for sharing! A great review!!!

 

Can't wait to sail on Oasis for Thanksging 2011.

[klingoncruiser]

Thanks for the nice review and pictures.:)

[BrianAlt]

Great review! Thank you so much! :)

[shonandsuzie]

Remarkable review and pictures! A nice Friday afternoon read as we anticipate our upcoming cruise on Oasis!

[Dancnlizard]

Enjoyed reading your review and the pictures! Trying to convince my parents to do a cruise on the Oasis with my family next year as she does look amazing!

 

Gwen

[Tam Tam]

Was on the Allure last May and going again next Sunday. Enjoyed your pictures and review as a reminder of all the things I forgot to do last year! Plan on trying much harder this year to accomplish more.

[ScrapHappy44]

I really enjoyed reading your review and looking at your photos! Thank you for taking the time to post it. We sail on the Oasis mid-June and we can't wait! Your grandson is a very handsome guy and you could easily win grandmother of the year! Sounds like you all had a fabulous time!

[4ofusreadytocruise]

Hey Judy - great review. Silly question, but could describe the breakfast sandwiches at the Park Cafe? My 7 year old's favourites are breakfast sandwiches from Tim Horton's here in Milton, Ontario and I am curious if these are the same type or completely different. Thanks!

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for the review of your cruise. Glad you had a good time. Nice photo's.