Oasis of the Seas Western 2/16/13 w/ cruise compass, and menu pics.

[LAatl]

Just got back yesterday. This was my first cruise on RC and I was with 10 other people (DH's family). I'll get into more detail, but let's hit the basics...

Was Oasis too big? No. There was no problem getting from one end to the other or top to bottom.

Too Crowded? No. At no time could you tell that there were 6,240 passengers on board. It was no more crowded than any other ship I've been on.

New menus? Terrific! There were a few times I needed to add salt, but I'd rather have to add than not be able to eat something too salty.

Service? You'd never know how many people they take care of...they make it seamless!

Drink Package? The 8 adults all did the package. In hindsight, I wouldn't do it again (only because I don't drink that much). But, everyone else in the group easily hit the quota between a few cocktails in the afternoon, two glasses of wine with dinner, after-dinner shooters (which were amazing) and a few cocktails after dinner.

Let's break it down...

Day 1...

Embarkation was perfection. After being dropped off by the parking shuttle around 10, we tipped a porter $20 to grab our stuff and breezed through security. They have the check-in windows set up so that it's broken up by crown & anchor membership. Some of our group of 8 adults and 3 kids were gold members but some were platinum members and we were able to wait with them. We boarded late because they couldn't locate 1 member of the previous cruise. However, once they started, we were on within 20 minutes.

Your Sail Pass card is multi-functional...it's your room key, your casino card, has your folio number to look up your pics taken professionally (they use facial recognition), has your dining table number and the imprint for the soda card or a sticker for the PI (Premium inclusive package). For safety reasons they only have the last three digits of your room number.

Once we got on board, we wanted to grab a bite so instead of heading where the masses were (Windjammer or Park Cafe), we went to Cafe Promenade right next to the guest services. They are open 24 hours and have delicious little sandwiches (egg salad, ham & cheese and roast beef were all great), they have coffee, tea, soda and the best cookies (some the size of a small plate). They were passing out welcome aboard drinks (they charge for these even if you have the package cause of the souvenier glass and you can't get it without). We sat there for about 40 minutes until they made the announcement that our room was ready.

Right at 1:00 we were able to go to our rooms. We had a D3 cabin and it was fine for the two of us. Loved the shower pressure, and the bar for women to put their foot on to shave. It's a little narrow (I'm pretty small but kept bumping my elbows on the sides). Women, bring shampoo and conditioner. They only have a dispenser on the wall and it's better for body wash. The sink is pretty narrow, so when you lean over to wash your face, water drips down your elbows on the floor. And next time I'll bring my own hairdryer. It was ok, but not powerful enough and you have to hold down the button for it to work. You do have to keep the balcony door closed and locked to keep your AC working. There's plenty of space under your bed for luggage and it has a nice-sized closet. Ample shelves in the room and the bathroom, but I'm very glad I brought an over-the-door shoe holder to hold all of the little stuff. I also bought a dozen hangers before we left ($2.99 and well worth it). I left them behind when getting off the ship, but SO glad I brought them. Wouldn't have had enough for our clothes. We had 4 balconies and my DS and his best friend were in an inside cabin right across the hall). I also bought these little square magnets (about 3x3) that had dry-erase markres and put them on each door so we could write where we would be for others to meet us. Anthony (Tony) our steward was the best I've ever had. We told him that we'd like ice and the mini-fridge emptied out. We dropped off our carry-on stuff and went walking. We met up at the little outside bar in Central Park for a drink with the rest of the group.

I've seen previous posts about the servers being rude or indifferent if you have the drink package. This is not the case. There were a few places where they could use another bartender because they were very busy, but they were never rude. Just a note...the bar in Central Park has cushions that are washed down and when you sit on them, the water oozes out on your pants!

After a drink, we went back to the room to unpack (I can't relax till I'm unpacked) and then we found a spot in the British Pub on deck 5 in the Promenade and that's where we would meet everyday during mid-day and before dinner. Conrad was very happy and always remembered us. I tipped him a little extra at the end of the week (in addition to a beautiful wooden pen that my dad makes for me to give out for exceptional service) for my husband the two kids and myself.

We had our assembly drill at 4:30 (our meeting place was the Opal theater) and it was over pretty quickly. (You don't have to wear your lifevest)

We went back to the room to clean up before our first dinner. I'm very impressed with the new menu. They didn't have escargot any night so they substituted a 'salmon and crab gratin' which was served in a garlic butter sauce and was unbelievable! I had the shrimp cocktail and the Mojo Marinated Pork Chop (very tender and flavorful) and for dessert I had the carrot cake (not the best I've had). Everyone raved previously about the horseradish encrusted salmon, but the ones served to us didn't have enough horseradish (IMO).

After dinner, we went to the casino to start our daily deposits. Actually, my DH did ok on the slots the first day. There's so much to do, but our family just likes to cruise to get away and all of the activities don't really matter much to me. My son and his friend (age 16) spent a lot of time in the pools and the arcade) They went to the teen club the first night and never went back.

That was it for the first day. We were pretty spent since we drove from Atlanta the day before. I'll post my next day tomorrow... If anyone can guide me on how to copy pics, I'd appreciate it. I've tried copying and pasting and I've tried attaching. When I try to upload it says I don't have the right security tags.

[MAJPLO]

Woohoo!!! We have been waiting for a new Oasis review! Can't wait to read it all. Welcome home.

[Cupcrazy]

If anyone can guide me on how to copy pics, I'd appreciate it. I've tried copying and pasting and I've tried attaching. When I try to upload it says I don't have the right security tags.

 

Thanks for the review! Great details. Looking forward to more.

 

For the pictures, you need to have them hosted on a website like Photobucket. You then need to link the pictures on here.

[A&L_Ont]

I am liking your review. We love the Oasis class ship, and are glad you did too.

[MAJPLO]

Can you tell me more about the welcome aboard drinks? Was it one kind of beverage offered like a drink of the day? And what was the cost?

[Meggo]

I am so excited for your review! I have not seen a recent full Western review! Thanks!

[spooner11]

We were just off this cruise too! Looking forward to your version of this great trip (minus the crappy weather in the beginning and no Labadee!).

[mistyann]

I'm soooo excited to see all your photos (food porn I hope :o), compasses and the review in general! We're sailing on the Oasis Western this May and have been looking everywhere for a recent Oasis review, woohoo, and it's even a Western review!!!! Thank you, thank you for doing one for us, it's been too long since one was done :eek:

[slimkat]

I'm fairly new here. I am glad to hear that you had a wonderful time on your trip. I'll be on the ship next month and can't wait to see it up close and in color.

 

In advance, I must thank you for bringing home the cruise compasses from the Oasis Western itinerary. I've been dying to see a recent one so I can better plan for my trip.

 

Can't wait to see the rest of your trip review. You are off to a good start. :)

 

Kathy

[poodog]

Nice review, Thanks

[Rbrouss]

First post to forum; sailing on Oasis on 11/2/13 and can't wait to read the rest of your review.

[Terre]

Great review; can't wait for more...also waiting on those compasses and photos...can't wait to see them

Edited February 25, 2013 by Terre

[tyry]

Can't wait to see the photos and hear about the rest of your trip.

[lisa70]

I can't wait.. to see the rest.. Oasis on March 30..

[LAatl]

Can you tell me more about the welcome aboard drinks? Was it one kind of beverage offered like a drink of the day? And what was the cost?

The cost was $4.30 and It was like the drink of the day. In every bar you can ask for the drink of the day without the souvenier glass and it will be included on the drink package. However, when you first board, the drinks they give you are already in the souvenier glasses and you can't get it in a regular one.

[LAatl]

Here's day one Cruise Compass...

 

[LAatl]

Over-the-door shoe holder and you can see how much of the extras it can hold...$5 at WalMart

 

 

 

this was the 'welcome aboard drink' I believe it was around $4.30 or $4.60 and you keep the glass. I believe it was vodka and grapefruit and cranberry, but don't quote me on that.

 

Our Room...no the bed isn't lumpy...it has the most amazing foam topper and was very comfortable...

 

[LAatl]

We really didn't sleep late on the cruise. We met for breakfast in the main dining room all days but one. When we walked in, we were asked if we wanted the character breakfast (for the kids who want to meet Shrek, Donkey, etc) or the regular dining. The menu is the same every morning with the exception that they always have a special (like eggs benedict, special omlettes, etc.). Unless you order fried or poached eggs, you get the scrambled (I'm not sure if they're powdered or liquid) but they taste better than they look. The waiter comes around with a tray full of pastries and donuts and another asks if you want coffee or juice. We were never charged for this juice and never asked if they needed to see our cards. The grits are surprisingly good. We always ordered off the menu and then filled our plates with fruit from the buffet. Stay away from the pancakes...they're gummy. But the French Toast was very good!

 

 

 

I can tell you...it's a very good idea to do the Port Talk at 9:30 am in the Opal Theater. We didn't go, but luckily my son went. The reason I'm saying this is that they give you a huge coupon book (about an inch thick) that has all of RC's port stops. We pulled out the ones for our stops and it had $100 to $300 off certain places (for those who love to shop) but also things like, free key chain in Jamaica, free charm if you pay $5 for the necklace (great souvenier for my son to give the girlfriend!), free shot glasses, etc.

 

We then went to the Crown & Anchor party (BTW, the person who scheduled our Cruise Critic Meet and Greet planned very poorly because they made the party at 11:15 at a different part of the ship when the C&A party for previous cruisers was at 10:45 and went on for at least an hour so we couldn't go to both and since 7 of the members of our family were C&A members, we went to that party. It was at the Aqua theater and was worth going to. They handed out free cocktails (virgin punch, screwdrivers and bloody mary's). Amy Flickert (the current cruise director) was great. She must have toned things down because I had read previous reviews on CC and a lot of people didn't like her. The captain did a skit and they introduced the heads of all of the departments on the ship. They also had a preview of the divers and acrobats.

 

 

This was my DH and me with Captain Patrick. My brother made a wooden carving of the Oasis for me to present to him and we took a pic with him. You can see the rock climbing wall in the background.

 

 

 

The drink of the day was the Bahama Mama and could be ordered without the keepsake glass on the PI (Premium inclusive package).

 

 

We ate lunch in the main dining room several days that week and it was VERY GOOD!

 

At 2 pm we did the general knowledge trivia in Schooner Bar (Deck 6) you can see it from the Royal Promenade on Deck 5. It was short and sweet and the winners got a key chain. I also did the 80's music trivia at 5. Only got 1 wrong and I didn't win. Stupid Cyndi Lauper...I blame her.

 

 

 

I'll get to pics of Day 2 formal night and the cruise compasses, but here's the pic of the menu of the British Pub (Globe and Atlas) that we hung out at daily. We kept calling it Fox and Hound, Ferret and Squirrel, Monkey and Rabbit. I don't think we called it by it's correct name once...but we always knew where everyone would be! The 'Bog Fog' and the 'Lava Flow' were big hits in our group. We always used Conrad as our server and he was very attentive! BTW...they really do pay attention to whose drinking on the drink plan. People tried to get a virgin drink for their son with their drink package and they watched the parents to make sure that they drank it and didn't give it to him!

 

 

 

[LAatl]

 

 

 

 

 

[jamer8]

Thank you for doing this! We are going on a Western Oasis in April and I'm taking notes!! I love the shoe holder. I have read about it several times, but your pictures shows how much stuff it can really hold! We will have 4 of us (me, DH,DD(12)DS(14) ) all in one room that size so we need to be organized!

 

I can't wait for the rest of your review! Thanks for sharing!!

[LAatl]

We had cleaned up and gotten ready for our first formal night. I didn't police the dining room, but was pleasantly surprised by how many people dressed up. There is a long line getting into the dining room if you stop and have them take a formal pic, but you can go to the left of the line and go right in. After the first night, when they lead you to your table, you can go yourself the rest of the cruise.

 

My son and his friend...

 

 

 

The Girls...

 

 

 

My DH and his dad...

 

 

 

The leaders of the clan...

 

 

 

The cousins...

 

 

 

My son and I

 

[rpettus]

Just got back yesterday. This was my first cruise on RC and I was with 10 other people (DH's family). I'll get into more detail, but let's hit the basics...

 

 

We were pretty spent since we drove from Atlanta the day before. I'll post my next day tomorrow... If anyone can guide me on how to copy pics, I'd appreciate it. I've tried copying and pasting and I've tried attaching. When I try to upload it says I don't have the right security tags.

 

We are scheduled for the Allure this September and are planning to drive down as well. How long did it take and do you have any suggestions as resting points or driving straight through?

 

Any help will be appreciated.

[LAatl]

I completely forgot to take pics of the dinner...but the Saffron menu is the second night... The table tried mostly everything. The banana rum soup is a MUST! I had the Roman Vignole Salad (terriffic). My son ordered the rum soup and the lobster bisque. And between the two 16 yr-old boys they ate 13 Tenderloins between them! You can order extra main courses without ordering the extra sides if you want. The table had the Barramundi and loved it. Niece had the Shrimp ravioli and S-I-L had the duck. Everyone loved their food. Make sure you ask about the 'after-dinner shooter of the day' It won't make it to your table if you don't. Each night was different and delicious! Most were made with bailey's or kaluha or frangelico. You can find a list on CC. It's different each night and each cruise...if you ask for it in a regular glass it's included in the drink package. Otherwise they charge you and you can keep the shot glass.

 

 

 

Let's get to the important stuff...Dessert...I had the chocolate souffle (my first souffle and only available this night) and DS had the BBB creme brulee and additional bowl of sherbet (available every night) and his friend had the Chocolate sensation most nights

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was the carrot cake from the first night...you can see the after-dinner shooter in the background...

 

[LAatl]

After dinner we went back...wait for it...to the British Pub...Ok I know you're all shocked! and then off to the Oasis of Dreams show at the Aqua Theater at the aft of the ship Deck 6. MAKE RESERVATIONS AHEAD OF TIME! And get there 30 min. early. They scan your sea pass to see if you've got a reservation and if you don't, you have to wait until 10 min. before the show to get in and it was packed! The show was corny in spots but very good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We went back to the casino for our nightly deposit...(Deck 4 mid) and there's several ways to enter there. (1) It's right across the hall from the Opus Dining Room just past the elevators. (2) down the mid-ship stairs...go past the comedy club, the Jazz club and Blaze dance club. (3) There's stairs in the middle of the casino that go from there up to the Royal Promenade Deck 5 in the middle. The thing I like about this casino is that they have a non-smoking section with several blackjack tables, roulette and three-card poker. The thing I didn't like is that they would switch up the minimums on three card between smoking and non. So, some nights the minimum in non-smoking was $5 and other nights you'd have to play in smoking to get a $5 minimum.

We went back to the room to get some sleep and this is what we found...

 

And this was in my son's room

 

The weather was cool enough to sleep with the balcony door open the first two nights. We love hearing the water hitting the ship! I'll get to day 3 tomorrow.

[gelo7]

Enjoying your review.