Oasis windjammer don't waste your time

[thejewgernaut]

This is helpful, as our usual cruise routine/tradition is to board and go right to the "feeding frenzy" with everyone else at the buffet; it part of the fun. However, our first Oasis cruise is coming up, and it sounds like we will want to rethink that plan this time. What do you guys suggest as the best spot to hit for lunch on embarkation day?

 

Park Cafe is popular. It can get a little hectic too, but has more outdoor seating. Per capita, it "feels" less crowded than WJ.

[Harooni]

food was ok , i liked some of it, however i was hard pressed to find a seat many times.

[shutterbug63]

Just back from Oasis May 17th sailing - tip of the day/week/year

 

Don't waste your time or bother going to the Windjammer for breakfast lunch" etc. it has completely lost value, food quality etc. you have so many better options, Park Cafe, Solarium Cafe, even the Wipeout Cafe. Food much fresher, friendlier atmosphere, no "pushing and shoving" cleaner, better organized, must I go on. Bottom line avoid the Windjammer!

 

 

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I could not agree more. We were on the Oasis in March and ate in the Windjammer once. It was absolutely horrid...only bad spot in an otherwise fabulous trip.

[silvermcs]

Just back from Oasis May 17th sailing - tip of the day/week/year

 

Don't waste your time or bother going to the Windjammer for breakfast lunch" etc. it has completely lost value, food quality etc. you have so many better options, Park Cafe, Solarium Cafe, even the Wipeout Cafe. Food much fresher, friendlier atmosphere, no "pushing and shoving" cleaner, better organized, must I go on. Bottom line avoid the Windjammer!

 

 

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When we are on either Oasis or Allure, I can go the entire cruise and never eat in the WJ because there are so many great options on the big ship. On the smaller ships, we do a couple of breakfasts and lunches. I don't really like cafeterias or all you can eat buffets at home so not really excited to do that on vacation...

[rudikins]

Park Cafe is popular. It can get a little hectic too, but has more outdoor seating. Per capita, it "feels" less crowded than WJ.

 

Cool; thanks! Will maybe plan to go here instead. :)

[fla gang]

Last week was my 2nd time on Oasis and I too was not impressed with the Windjammer. We did breakfast every day at the Wipeout and lunch at Park Cafe. Loved both places!

[cindivan]

Our travel agent told us what another poster said is that the windjammer on the oasis class is smaller than the smaller ships because the designers figured there were so many other dining options it didn't end to be as big. Correct or not, I agree with many of the other posters that the food quality is not so great. If we have time we eat at Boticelli for lunch. And usually we do - what else do we have to do? And I LOVE. The make your own pizza at sorrentos.

 

We love the oasis class. I can deal with avoiding the windjammer. Buffets kind of gross me out anyway with the whole spreading of germs with everyone touching all the utensils, then their nose, taking a bite, grabbing the spoon, etc.

 

 

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[setsail]

Am sure after reading this thread, thousands will avoid eating in the WJ:rolleyes:

 

 

Capacity #'s

 

O class- 736

F class-774

V class-670

[thebooth]

Our travel agent told us what another poster said is that the windjammer on the oasis class is smaller than the smaller ships because the designers figured there were so many other dining options it didn't end to be as big. Correct or not, I agree with many of the other posters that the food quality is not so great. If we have time we eat at Boticelli for lunch. And usually we do - what else do we have to do? And I LOVE. The make your own pizza at sorrentos.

 

We love the oasis class. I can deal with avoiding the windjammer. Buffets kind of gross me out anyway with the whole spreading of germs with everyone touching all the utensils, then their nose, taking a bite, grabbing the spoon, etc.

 

 

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I'm not sure that makes sense, the silverware are usually wrapped in a napkin if I am remembering correctly, I don't see a lot of loose silverware...

 

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Edited May 26, 2014 by thebooth

[time4u2go]

I'm not sure that makes sense, the silverware are usually wrapped in a napkin if I am remembering correctly, I don't see a lot of loose silverware...

 

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I believe they are referring to the utensils used by everyone to dish up food onto their plates.

[chadbeck]

I never really found it a problem. However typically I'm getting off the ship first thing so am there at 7-730 and could just walk in and eat with out issue. I'm sure at 830-9 it would be a nightmare once they start seating you. On sea days I always used j.r or mrd so that never was a issue either. I went at lunch one day around noon and that was a mess with people but the group always all went to the same side. I walked right in on the other as no body was waiting. So check both entrances if you do go. As for the food the selection didn't seem any different than another ship. Both sides are the same just like the others just spread out differently. I think a lot of times people forget this is a buffet and buffet caliber food.

 

All of that said if you are going to the WJ every day you are missing out. With so many other options you can really change all the time. MDR, Park Cafe,etc are all great options.

[Ocean Boy]

Our travel agent told us what another poster said is that the windjammer on the oasis class is smaller than the smaller ships because the designers figured there were so many other dining options it didn't end to be as big. Correct or not, I agree with many of the other posters that the food quality is not so great. If we have time we eat at Boticelli for lunch. And usually we do - what else do we have to do? And I LOVE. The make your own pizza at sorrentos.

 

We love the oasis class. I can deal with avoiding the windjammer. Buffets kind of gross me out anyway with the whole spreading of germs with everyone touching all the utensils, then their nose, taking a bite, grabbing the spoon, etc.

 

 

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Where?

[Clarea]

Where?

That's the new opera venue they are adding to Oasis in the dry dock.;)

[Ocean Boy]

Am sure after reading this thread, thousands will avoid eating in the WJ:rolleyes:

 

 

Capacity #'s

 

O class- 736

F class-774

V class-670

 

The numbers are a bit more meaniful if posted along with the passenger capacity of the ships in the classes.

[Cruisegirl6]

We didn't find it small at all last week on the Allure, surely there was a line that went very quickly and we were seated at a table. Its a very efficient way they have no seating you and I agree with it, what they do, they now seat you but make sure a staff member gives you from his handheld sanitizer bottle sanitizer, they are making sure everybody gets it, in addition, they now seat you so its a better system for them to have the tables clean and when you get to the table it is already cleaned for you. They also seat you and provide you with silverware and napkin I truly like this system.

As far as the wait, surely the first morning for breakfast the two lines on each side had many people we did not wait longer than 5 minutes for our table it was totally quick and painless.

 

We also didn't find the Windjammer small it wraps around the rear in addition having the port and starboard side of the ship. We ate here for breakfast 6 mornings and every lunches and never did we notice that there were no tables available and that the windjammer was full never!

 

This ship has other venue's to have breakfast and lunch there is no need for a larger windjammer.

Edited May 27, 2014 by lyndamr

[2calgarycruisers]

Yes, Windjammer was crowded but no crazier than many other buffets I've been at and waited in line maximum five minutes, most times no wait at all. My issue was quality of food and service (lousy), not how busy it was. I have to admit though once I had some pretty tasty Indian food... could be indicative of the nationality of the cooking staff. The paneer dish was so good....

[fluffysue]

I have mixed feelings of the Oasis windjammer. It is an absolute zoo on embarkation day and definitely stay away then -- that I won't debate.

 

As far as other options on the Oasis, I think a major strength of the Oasis class is that there are so many other free food options that are great to go to instead of the Windjammer, particularly in the mornings.

 

All that said, I've found the food to be on par with other Windjammers and have pretty good variety. They have surprisingly good Indian dishes that change daily in the international section.

 

There also is a fair bit of space in the back, but most people tend to jam up the entry area so things can seem worse than they are.

 

If you want crowded, I always think it is hilarious how jammed the wipeout cafe is for lunch/snacks. Tons of options on the boat and all people want is a burger, hot dog and fries!

 

I never even ate there. I could have that kind of food at home, I want better food when I am on vacation, especially when it is already included in the cost of the trip! :)

[Irene7]

Too common? It's a buffet and they serve thousands a day at it. You were expecting what?

 

I know your question was not directed to me, but I have read quite a few complaints about WJ on the Oasis class being way to crowded with not enough seating. IMO, RCCL should have made WJ larger with more seating to handle the thousands served a day.

[BillOh]

. We were greeted by staff at the entrance at busy times and we were escorted to a table . No complaints for me.

 

I wish they would be more consistent with that. The first morning we tried to eat at the windjammer for breakast ( This was on Allure) The waiter took us to a table, put down two sets of silverware and asked us if we wanted drinks. When we came back 10 minutes later someone had grabbed our table and drinks. Even though I heard that person speaking English as I walked up, he failed to understand my English. :eek:

[CU64]

That's the new opera venue they are adding to Oasis in the dry dock.;)

 

I am going in Nov, 2014 for bridge cruise on Oasis.....just changed cabins to

be nearer the conference center as I walk stairs. I am hoping the main layout of the ship will stay same....any knowledge?

Thanks.

[Clarea]

I am going in Nov, 2014 for bridge cruise on Oasis.....just changed cabins to

be nearer the conference center as I walk stairs. I am hoping the main layout of the ship will stay same....any knowledge?

Thanks.

I've not heard of any major internal structural changes.

[Big_G]

I know your question was not directed to me, but I have read quite a few complaints about WJ on the Oasis class being way to crowded with not enough seating. IMO, RCCL should have made WJ larger with more seating to handle the thousands served a day.

 

Truth be told, the only time it gets busy is at peak breakfast and lunch. We tend to avoid buffets on any ship at those times and never seem to have a problem. As far as the Oasis Class goes, there are so many other options that we rarely eat in the Windjammer. The few times we've eaten dinner there more than half the seating was unoccupied.

[cindivan]

Where?

 

 

Sorry I'm confusing freedom class with oasis class. And floors of the MDR as well. But the point remains, the MDR serves a nice breakfast and lunch.

 

 

 

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