New Cruisers Tackle Oasis (6/8-6/15/13)... A Photo Review

[Cruzin-K]

Great review. I just love reading the Oasis/Allure reviews. They get me all excited for my Allure cruise next year :D

[iCruise717]

cabana... #5!

 

Here's the view...

 

Amazing how close we were to you guys! I was seriously envious of those cabanas! Hope you enjoyed it :)

[UNV-IT!!!]

About 3, we decided to head back to the ship. Regis got Willie to give us a ride in the cart. Cabana DEFINITELY worth it.

 

 

We showered, then went to Wipeout Cafe for some frozen yogurt (I had forgotten about the stands in the middle of the pool deck), then up to deck 14 for sailaway. It was VERY windy again.

 

Remember that lumbar I mentioned earlier?

It was going somewhere, I don't know where.

 

C&A had a special champagne Sail A Way on the Helo deck

King Jullian from Madagascar showed up too. We didn't stay long. The wind was too strong.

 

It was another MDR night, and our first disappointment on the cruise. But, you'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out about it. ;)

 

I love doing the sail away party.

[S.A.M.J.R.]

On to dinner. We went to deck 5 dining room for MTD. However, they took us down to deck 4 to seat us and left us standing for a couple minutes in the entry way while they found a table. Slightly confusing. Any way, they take us to one of the "wings" and put us at a table for two. It's Italian night...

The dining room menus are all laid out the same, a chef's recommendation on the left, appetizers in the middle, and main courses on the right.

 

I also noticed the bread was already on the table. When we were on deck 5, the bread was brought to us by the waiter and we selected what we wanted.

 

Tonight was our first disappointment with an RCI employee. Our waiter just wasn't up to the quality of other staff. He seemed rushed and not personable. I don't know if this is because we came in at 6:30 on a "scheduled" dining floor when first seating was at 6, or what. His service is about what you'd expect at a chain restaurant on land. He did nothing wrong, it just wasn't "great" if that makes sense.

 

No food porn (we started eating before I remembered I had the camera):o. During dinner, the waiters did some stunts and they played some Italian music that had everyone waiving their napkins.

The wait staff also serenaded us...

Edited June 19, 2013 by S.A.M.J.R.

[Stevie17]

Your review is amazing! We're sailing next spring on Oasis, and I'm loving every minute of this review. We've also booked an over the water cabana at Nellies...your pictures are incredible. Thank you for taking the time to do this!

[S.A.M.J.R.]

After dinner, we went to the deck 14 balcony. Haiti was still to our port, and we used the binoculars to see what appeared to be three forest fires. We then decided to go to the after deck 12 balcony and they were setting up for Oasis of Dreams...

We couldn't stick around since we had reservations for the comedy show. The ceiling of the venue...

The two comedians were Mike Wilson and Kivi Rodgers. Mike did good impressions, but we weren't impressed with his jokes. Kivi was funnier. Coy & Kayla (from the night 2 dinner) were sitting the front row and Kivi ended up picking on Coy a little bit. Mike & Kivi both had DVDs/CDs for sale after the show.

 

From there, we went right into the Opal Theater for the Love & Marriage show.

Anna said she was tired, but said she’d try to sit through the show with me. The “old couple” was married 57 years!, the “young couple” a week and a half, and the middle couple was celebrating their 15th anniversary. We had never seen the show, but there were some good questions I thought… to the guys “what animal would you describe your MIL” as. The middle guy said “elephant”, AND got it right! (They were Alabama Crimson Tide Fans). “Where’d you go on your first date”, the old guy mentioned some night club, and that they “sucked face” (his words) for four hours after leaving the club. He got that answer right too.

 

That was it for that night.

[S.A.M.J.R.]

Amazing how close we were to you guys! I was seriously envious of those cabanas! Hope you enjoyed it :)

We did! I think I remember seeing you guys. You were sort of floating in the middle of the area, but by the rope line, right?

 

Your review is amazing! We're sailing next spring on Oasis, and I'm loving every minute of this review. We've also booked an over the water cabana at Nellies...your pictures are incredible. Thank you for taking the time to do this!

Aww, shucks. :o Thanks!

[S.A.M.J.R.]

Day 4- Jamaica

Yay! I finally slept in. I didn't get up until 8:15! We watched the ship dock at Falmouth...

I love watching "how" things are done. Falmouth wasn't as exciting as Labadee. Dock, then put the gangways in.

By the time we headed to breakfast, it was almost 11. We elected to try Park Cafe for breakfast. Made to order bagels and other breakfast sandwiches, plus fruit, danish, and muffins.

 

Anna started eating before I could get the camera out...

I had a bagel.

 

Then it was time to head to gangway. A quick note... the electronic boards will show the gangway on deck 2. However, the elevators will take you to deck 3. Follow the signs to the escalator...

Then to the Sea Pass machines so they know you're off the ship.

.

 

As we walked off we were given some more "coupons" (we had the first set from the port shopping presentation), and we wondered around the shops. We got our freebies (including a shot glass and a charm bracelet). A 1K topaz jewel was also free. We had to pay for it to be put in a setting.

 

The jewelry was gorgeous, but simply too rich for our blood. As we were walking, Anna saw a man wearing an 'EKU Department of Fire & Safety' T-shirt. Eastern Kentucky University is the small college (16K enrollment) in our hometown, and our Alma Mater. It turns out the guy is a teacher at the college. Small world connection again. We never saw them again though.

 

It was strange to see the DQ and the Nathan's hot dog shops though.

 

[S.A.M.J.R.]

We went back to a (nearly) empty ship. Had a quick bite in Sorrentos, then played shuffleboard.

 

We also took advantage of a port sale in the spa. 3 treatments for $99. When that was done, more relaxing. Me in the whirlpool, and Anna doing her cross stitch. I can get used to this life.

 

We did walk around to just look at the small touches on the ship. There are some play areas for kids at the back of the Boardwalk.

 

Edited June 19, 2013 by S.A.M.J.R.

[S.A.M.J.R.]

Let's talk about getting around the ship. For as big as the ship is, it's easy to get around. You can easily get from the front to the back in less than 10 minutes. They have signs in all the elevator lobbies.

.

 

Also near the elevator lobbies are the interactive TVs.

You can select what's going on or where you want to go. It will even tell you how busy the restaurants are.

Once you know where you want to go, it will show you directions and a map on how to get there.

You can also see the menus for the restaurants. This should be for Chops.

[villauk]

Thank you for taking the time to post your review :). I'm really enjoying reading about your amazing cruise, especially as we'll be sailing on Oasis in August ;).

[S.A.M.J.R.]

Chops was the second leg of our dining package that night. We remembered our lesson from Giovanni's and just got tap water. Anna wanted Iced Tea and the waiter (Dominic) went outside to get some from a bar because Chops didn't have theirs brewed yet.

 

Anna's salad (they bring you a variety of dressings. This was a vinaigrette)

My 'Cheese and Onion' soup (I know it as French Onion)

We both got the Filet Mignon. Anna just got the Petite (7oz). I got the 10oz.

Sides are served 'family style'. Whatever kind you order, they bring out and put in the center of the table for everyone to enjoy.

Going Left to right, Mashed Potatoes, Mushrooms, Roasted Potatoes, and Green Beans.

 

For dessert, I had creme brule (which they actually lit at the table)

And Anna had the Chocolate Mousse Cake

[S.A.M.J.R.]

Thank you for taking the time to post your review :). I'm really enjoying reading about your amazing cruise, especially as we'll be sailing on Oasis in August ;).

I'm glad you're enjoying. It's nice to relive it.

[S.A.M.J.R.]

After dinner, our timing was right to catch the sunset from deck 14...

 

One other thing I really liked about Oasis. 1/2 of the elevators had interior and exterior glass doors.

It was cool riding the elevators and watching the decks go by.

[S.A.M.J.R.]

Then it was back to the "secret" balcony on deck 12 to watch Oasis of Dreams again. THIS time, I had my camera...

[S.A.M.J.R.]

More Oasis of Dreams...

 

 

 

 

 

 

If anyone has figured out a plot for this, I'm sure there's a lot of people who would like to know. It was basically a showcase of diving, synchronized swimming, and gymnastics.

[S.A.M.J.R.]

We went back to the room for a few minutes, then went to the Improv show in Studio B. Like a fool, I brought the small camera, that doesn't do great in low light.

 

The second from the left is Simeon, the comedy host. The other three are all from Hairspray.

They brought an audience number to help with one skit. This lady is from Louisville.

 

 

The show lasted about 40 minutes. It was "Who's Line is it Anyway", but not quite as funny. We'd probably see it again though.

 

Another towel animal (we ended up with three, I think this is the last one, but I've gotten some days mixed up).

[Snoopycollector]

Yea, Anna emailed me wanting to know what I thought we should do for dinner. My answer... "Windjammer or Main Dining Room?"

 

Your review is the perfect prep course for our Oasis cruise in August -- after we came home from Explorer in February, I started referring to our local Hometown Buffet as the "Windjammer" -- and still do !:D

[papaflamingo]

Great review. We do Oasis in Sep. we've been on the ship before, and also Allure twice. Love them both. We have a Cabana in Labadee reserved. My wife is unsure if its worth the cost. Any opinion?

[S.A.M.J.R.]

Great review. We do Oasis in Sep. we've been on the ship before, and also Allure twice. Love them both. We have a Cabana in Labadee reserved. My wife is unsure if its worth the cost. Any opinion?

We paid $200 and it was definitely worth it. The cost has now gone up to $250, and although it's more "iffy", it was VERY nice. Don't have to worry about towels, mats, or water, more food choices, plus the attendant. If you can afford it, I'd go for it.

 

However, if you're going to spend a good portion of the day doing the zip line, the coaster, or other things, than maybe not. If you have more than 2 people, I think it's definitely worth it.

[Upandadam]

Thanks for the review. Did this itinerary on The Allure awhile back and loved it. Especially enjoyed the photos of The Oasis as we will be on her later this year on the eastern itinerary. And for those who wish they had done the zip line in Haiti, although it is an experience, it's an all day thing with the training and doing it means you miss a great day on the beach and in the water. Kind of wish we had just enjoyed the beach instead.

[papaflamingo]

We paid $200 and it was definitely worth it. The cost has now gone up to $250, and although it's more "iffy", it was VERY nice. Don't have to worry about towels, mats, or water, more food choices, plus the attendant. If you can afford it, I'd go for it.

 

However, if you're going to spend a good portion of the day doing the zip line, the coaster, or other things, than maybe not. If you have more than 2 people, I think it's definitely worth it.

 

Thanks for the info. It'll only be the two of us, but it's my birthday and we don't plan on any other shore activities. Plus we plan to stay on the ship in Falmouth, and only be off for a short time in Cozumel. I think a day in a cabana will be great.

[PathfinderEss]

Great photo's.

[chipandsteph]

I am loving this review! We are doing this cruise for our honeymoon next May. This is helping a lot!

[S.A.M.J.R.]

Thanks to everyone for the compliments. I'm sorry this is taking so long. I hope you enjoy the last couple days.

 

Day 5-At Sea

We had breakfast at Johnny Rockets (free). From there, it was time for some adventure, starting with the zipline. If you've done your waivers online, you can go right to the zipline line. You will only need to go to the desk to get the bracelet for the flowriders.

 

Some pictures...

 

As far as the experience, it only last 7 seconds. You barely have time to register how high you are before you land. You do need TIED shoes (slip ons aren't allowed). A suggestion for photographs is to stand "behind" the landing platform, so the person on the zipline is coming directly at you. It's also in the shade.

 

Then it was time for some rock climbing. Only the starboard side wall was open. I heard people say the purple rocks (which are the far right) are the easiest. I got the red ones in the middle.

I have no arm strength and only made it about a 1/3 of the way up the wall. But at least I could say I did it.

Edited June 20, 2013 by S.A.M.J.R.