Why I Won't Book Oasis Class

[Cruiseathoning]

Now keep in mind, I have never booked an Oasis class so I am not criticizing the ship, people, anything like that. But reading Clarea's OP on her birthday being messed up by Grease being moved to a ridiculously late time, especially for the east coast, reminds me of why I prefer the midsizes.

 

For one, I cruise to be fed, entertained, meet people, feel peacefully small in the expanse of the sea, and relax. If I want Vegas-I go to Vegas.

 

So if in order for me to get Broadway, I have to book months in advance, no thank you. We rarely book cruises far in advance, so if I were to take Royal up on its deal now, and book Allure for January, we would probably get no chance to reserve dining or shows. Dealbreaker. Don't want to book a ship I can't fully enjoy.

 

Now this is not to imply I don't enjoy Royal-I do. And I reiterate, I HAVE NO personal experience with these class ships, so do not take this post as a slam against their quality. I am simply stating my preference for a more relaxed process.

 

If we book an NCL midsize, any Carnival, or Freedom class RCCL, this is not an issue. We have done a mega NCL, and were lucky to book Rock of Ages and dining on relatively short notice. This is uncommon, and from my understanding, RCCL is even worse about pre-booking.

 

To me, I will gladly give up a few bells and whistles to get a fun show, good fun, and public space, because one other thing: ever notice that the bigger ships are unfriendlier? Not the crew, the people. That is because THEY are stressed out, having argued to no avail with customer service, having their plans rearranged, and their mood is not one of a chill cruiser, but a Vegas bruiser.

 

Part of the negative deal with Vegas on the sea is the same as with Vegas on the strip-crowds, elbows, expense, timing, and logistics.

 

Cruise for the sea, the people, the food, and the fun-a good cheesy magician is a lot more fun than a high-gloss production if you can strike up a convo with a guy from Kansas whose son looks like Clark Kent. Or a woman from Louisiana only too happy to share a gumbo secret. You see where I am going?

 

Cruising is about reconnecting with people, and disconnecting with STUFF.

 

I believe fully these ships to be wonderful marvels of the sea, and that if you are booked with them, they will perform to your expectations. Just be sure your expectations are not Vegas strip entertainment and Black Hills serenity.

 

-T

Edited December 20, 2016 by Cruiseathoning

[Ourusualbeach]

Now keep in mind, I have never booked an Oasis class so I am not criticizing the ship, people, anything like that. But reading Clarea's OP on her birthday being messed up by Grease being moved to a ridiculously late time, especially for the east coast, reminds me of why I prefer the midsizes.

 

For one, I cruise to be fed, entertained, meet people, feel peacefully small in the expanse of the sea, and relax. If I want Vegas-I go to Vegas.

 

So if in order for me to get Broadway, I have to book months in advance, no thank you. We rarely book cruises far in advance, so if I were to take Royal up on its deal now, and book Allure for January, we would probably get no chance to reserve dining or shows. Dealbreaker. Don't want to book a ship I can't fully enjoy.

 

Now this is not to imply I don't enjoy Royal-I do. And I reiterate, I HAVE NO personal experience with these class ships, so do not take this post as a slam against their quality. I am simply stating my preference for a more relaxed process.

 

If we book an NCL midsize, any Carnival, or Freedom class RCCL, this is not an issue. We have done a mega NCL, and were lucky to book Rock of Ages and dining on relatively short notice. This is uncommon, and from my understanding, RCCL is even worse about pre-booking.

 

To me, I will gladly give up a few bells and whistles to get a fun show, good fun, and public space, because one other thing: ever notice that the bigger ships are unfriendlier? Not the crew, the people. That is because THEY are stressed out, having argued to no avail with customer service, having their plans rearranged, and their mood is not one of a chill cruiser, but a Vegas bruiser.

 

Part of the negative deal with Vegas on the sea is the same as with Vegas on the strip-crowds, elbows, expense, timing, and logistics.

 

Cruise for the sea, the people, the food, and the fun-a good cheesy magician is a lot more fun than a high-gloss production if you can strike up a convo with a guy from Kansas whose son looks like Clark Kent. Or a woman from Louisiana only too happy to share a gumbo secret. You see where I am going?

 

Cruising is about reconnecting with people, and disconnecting with STUFF.

 

I believe fully these ships to be wonderful marvels of the sea, and that if you are booked with them, they will perform to your expectations. Just be sure your expectations are not Vegas strip entertainment and Black Hills serenity.

 

-T

 

 

Actually our experience has been just the opposite. Our last two cruises, Oasis and Allure had some of the friendliest staff that we have encountered.

Edited December 20, 2016 by Ourusualbeach

[Ourusualbeach]

Now keep in mind, I have never booked an Oasis class so I am not criticizing the ship, people, anything like that. But reading Clarea's OP on her birthday being messed up by Grease being moved to a ridiculously late time, especially for the east coast, reminds me of why I prefer the midsizes.

 

For one, I cruise to be fed, entertained, meet people, feel peacefully small in the expanse of the sea, and relax. If I want Vegas-I go to Vegas.

 

So if in order for me to get Broadway, I have to book months in advance, no thank you. We rarely book cruises far in advance, so if I were to take Royal up on its deal now, and book Allure for January, we would probably get no chance to reserve dining or shows. Dealbreaker. Don't want to book a ship I can't fully enjoy.

 

Now this is not to imply I don't enjoy Royal-I do. And I reiterate, I HAVE NO personal experience with these class ships, so do not take this post as a slam against their quality. I am simply stating my preference for a more relaxed process.

 

If we book an NCL midsize, any Carnival, or Freedom class RCCL, this is not an issue. We have done a mega NCL, and were lucky to book Rock of Ages and dining on relatively short notice. This is uncommon, and from my understanding, RCCL is even worse about pre-booking.

 

To me, I will gladly give up a few bells and whistles to get a fun show, good fun, and public space, because one other thing: ever notice that the bigger ships are unfriendlier? Not the crew, the people. That is because THEY are stressed out, having argued to no avail with customer service, having their plans rearranged, and their mood is not one of a chill cruiser, but a Vegas bruiser.

 

Part of the negative deal with Vegas on the sea is the same as with Vegas on the strip-crowds, elbows, expense, timing, and logistics.

 

Cruise for the sea, the people, the food, and the fun-a good cheesy magician is a lot more fun than a high-gloss production if you can strike up a convo with a guy from Kansas whose son looks like Clark Kent. Or a woman from Louisiana only too happy to share a gumbo secret. You see where I am going?

 

Cruising is about reconnecting with people, and disconnecting with STUFF.

 

I believe fully these ships to be wonderful marvels of the sea, and that if you are booked with them, they will perform to your expectations. Just be sure your expectations are not Vegas strip entertainment and Black Hills serenity.

 

-T

 

 

deleted

[TheTruthCanHurt]

So, just to be clear. You wont book the oasis ( A ship from your post you know absolutely nothing about) because you dont want a vegas show? Yet in your post from aug 2016 you are flaming NCL for being overpriced and that you were going to sail liberty of the seas next because of saturday night fever... And yet you said you were still deciding because NCL was supposed to get Jeff Foxworthy and Jim Gaffigan??????? Good thing you want a cheesy magician and not a vegas show? Very very confused by your post. (ps, this is why people get the wrong impression of ships, from something exacttly as misinformed as your post)

 

As the other post said. I think the oasis class is the least crowded and one of the friendliest ships I have been on. And I have done princess, carnival, NCL and over 25 RCCL cruises.

 

But... Just my opinion.

 

 

your post of contradiction below

It would not be fair to continue to hold knowledge to myself, because though NCL puts out a great product, their marketing schemes are at best, dubious.

 

Let me put it like this-if you are debating whether to do a Carnival ship, or an NCL and are deciding solely on the FREE drink package, or FREE dining, don't.

 

Go Carnival. Get on Carnival to find Guy's Burgers, as good as any burgers not named Dyer's on Beale Street in Memphis, and have a ball. Grab some Blue Iguana burritos, get some BBQ, try some cereal crusted french toast. Go get some pasta, and while you are at it, would you grab me some sushi at Taste Bar?

 

Drinks? CHEERS is $50 per day, plus gratuities. Oh you think you have me? Think again.

 

Pick a ship, any ship, that Norwegian is sailing. Find an inside stateroom. Let's say New Orleans, in FEB, on the Pearl. Grab an inside stateroom and your drink package, do a guarantee..oh wait, that inside stateroom is not eligible for the package, you have to upgrade to an...

 

Inside stateroom? You mean instead of paying $499 for an inside cabin you have to pay $649? Yes exactly. But wait..that cabin, with the free drinks, will also run you another $198 or so for drink package gratuities. So now your free drink package with your inside stateroom costs you, roughly, $500.

 

Want dinner? Three meals will cost you about $140 bucks all in, but if you want that package you have to go up to an oceanview room. That is another $300 or so. So now to get your FREE drinks, and FREE dining, you had to spend an extra $800. Or, you could just buy a guarantee, pay for a few meals, a few drinks, not try to disqualify your liver for organ donation, and come out way ahead.

 

But let me be real clear, the Jewel class of NCL in no way should garner more of your hard earned $$ than Magic class on Carnival, not even close. Besides the food options running deeper, the entertainment being more plentiful, there are the nightly comedians, an HD movie screen, a waterpark, and a full-sized basketball court.

 

All for ACTUAL free. How nice. And honest. In the end an all-inclusive experience on Carnival will cost you roughly the same price purchased than NCL's "free." All of this on a much nicer ship, with more fun, more energy, and more space.

 

So you think I am writing a commercial for Carnival, do you? Next cruise we take, in probability, will be the RCL Liberty, because Royal has Saturday Night Fever the stage show. But then, Carnival is getting Jim Gaffigan, and Jeff Foxworthy next season, so the battle continues. I don't know how much they will cost, but not as much as FREE on NCL.

I enjoy the Norwegian product, I really do. The food is good, the shows are good, and the ships are pretty. But the marketing practices, well, those are ugly, quite so in fact.

 

On Norwegian FREE is costly. But so is the growing lack of trust in their management.

 

Go Carnival, and save yourself from the expense of FREE.

[setsail]

I am sure thousands will not book O class now

 

 

Another "pre-review"

Edited December 20, 2016 by setsail

[WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot]

Why are you even posting???

[brady19]

 

To me, I will gladly give up a few bells and whistles to get a fun show, good fun, and public space,

-T

 

You wont book an oasis class because you want public space. Are you know what an oasis class is. There is more public space on these ships than any other. Central park, Boardwalk, promenade, etc. Doesnt make much sense

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

Now keep in mind, I have never booked an Oasis class so I am not criticizing the ship, people, anything like that.

 

To me, I will gladly give up a few bells and whistles to get a fun show, good fun, and public space, because one other thing: ever notice that the bigger ships are unfriendlier? Not the crew, the people. That is because THEY are stressed out, having argued to no avail with customer service, having their plans rearranged, and their mood is not one of a chill cruiser, but a Vegas bruiser.

1) If you've never been on an Oasis class, how do you know the customers are "unfriendlier"?

2) What happened to not criticizing the people? :confused:

3) If you don't want to book the larger ships, good. Do what you like. I don't understand how you criticize something you haven't attempted yet, especially something that's so subjective.

[KG1924]

I have to agree with the other posters....and I apologize if this comes across as rude but your ignorance is showing :p:p:p

I get that the Oasis class is not for everyone but you're making a tremendous amount of assumptions about something that you have zero experience in. I've like all of my cruises, but my favorites have been on the Oasis class and the Freedom class, both being larger ships. Yes, it's helpful to have reservations on the Oasis class. Is it completely necessary? Absolutely not! We were a group of 8 total on our last cruise and we had some reservations but were able to get to every show we wanted. The ONLY one complaint I have is that the comedy show venue is too small and you really do need a reservation for that.

This is coming from someone that rarely goes to see/enjoy shows on a cruise....we looked forward to the shows on the Oasis class. They are definitely better then any other class.

 

As for the poster about the Harmony-that does put a bit of a damper on things but there will be other options for the show. If it was the comedy show then that could be harder. I get that she's upset but I can bet they will get into another show without any issues, even being that it's a holiday sailing and having a larger group.

[DisneyDatknee]

Only reason I haven't sailed the Oasis Class is because I don't like the itineraries. But I had no idea people cruised for the shows!

 

 

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[cruisinfanatic]

I have to agree with the other posters....and I apologize if this comes across as rude but your ignorance is showing :p:p:p

I get that the Oasis class is not for everyone but you're making a tremendous amount of assumptions about something that you have zero experience in. I've like all of my cruises, but my favorites have been on the Oasis class and the Freedom class, both being larger ships. Yes, it's helpful to have reservations on the Oasis class. Is it completely necessary? Absolutely not! We were a group of 8 total on our last cruise and we had some reservations but were able to get to every show we wanted. The ONLY one complaint I have is that the comedy show venue is too small and you really do need a reservation for that.

This is coming from someone that rarely goes to see/enjoy shows on a cruise....we looked forward to the shows on the Oasis class. They are definitely better then any other class.

 

As for the poster about the Harmony-that does put a bit of a damper on things but there will be other options for the show. If it was the comedy show then that could be harder. I get that she's upset but I can bet they will get into another show without any issues, even being that it's a holiday sailing and having a larger group.

Would you say that to their face? Why would you write it?

[Fouremco]

Cruise for the sea, the people, the food, and the fun-a good cheesy magician is a lot more fun than a high-gloss production if you can strike up a convo with a guy from Kansas whose son looks like Clark Kent. Or a woman from Louisiana only too happy to share a gumbo secret. You see where I am going?

Uh, no. Do you?

[kalliekae]

I think the op just wanted to stir things up. One can't possibly make an intelligent post about a ship he has never sailed on. I liken his post to those on the HAL board who swear that the mega ships are the bane of the industry. Those people refuse to sail on a large ship and probably never will so their opinions of what happens on a mega ship are as baseless as the op's.

[Brit-Cruiser]

Actually our experience has been just the opposite. Our last two cruises, Oasis and Allure had some of the friendliest staff that we have encountered.

 

I completely agree with this statement. We were on the Oasis last week & the staff were all so friendly, happy & helpful.

We were quite overwhelmed when we boarded, but by the end of the cruise, we were so sad to be leaving.

[Ery]

I think the op just wanted to stir things up. One can't possibly make an intelligent post about a ship he has never sailed on. I liken his post to those on the HAL board who swear that the mega ships are the bane of the industry. Those people refuse to sail on a large ship and probably never will so their opinions of what happens on a mega ship are as baseless as the op's.

 

 

Completely agree.

 

I don't think mega ships are for everyone. Personally we love Oasis class ships. We have yet to have a show time changed or cancelled (4 sailings now). I actually like that we book our shows, I don't have to wonder what nights they are and make sure to get there and then wait in a line. I book my show, I show up, I walk in, I sit down and order a drink and relax and enjoy.

 

Public space? Well the size of the ship more than accommodates the number of people. I can't tell you how many times in our 4 sailings that we've been the only two in the hot tub, the only two at a bar, 90% of the time we were the only two at our dining table. Our longest wait has been 10 minutes to wait for captain photos.

 

Entertainment- I can stay up late and always have something to do, our last Carnival trip ever bar and venue aside from the casino and piano bar closed at 10- the pathetic 5 person adult hot tub was drained nightly at 9pm (5 person adult hot tub for 2,500 people- oasis several that total hold over 100 people for 6,000 and at least one is open 24 hours)

 

Dining plenty of complimentary options, but I like the quietness of the specialty restaurants and for $100 I can dine at 4 during the week.

 

NCL and the free drinks is a joke, sorry but it is. We priced a NCL trip for the same week as our next Oasis trip- the total for the two of us for a balcony on NCL with free drinks was $3625. Our Oasis balcony was $1975 another $732 for drink packages for the two of us - $2707 throw in four night dining for two $2907. Still a $700 savings.

 

 

 

 

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[leaveitallbehind]

[quote name='Cruiseathoning;51799984

 

]Now keep in mind' date=' I have never booked an Oasis class

 

And I reiterate, I HAVE NO personal experience with these class ships

 

But reading Clarea's OP on [b']her[/b] birthday

 

Cruise for the sea, the people, the food, and the fun-a good cheesy magician is a lot more fun than a high-gloss production if you can strike up a convo with a guy from Kansas whose son looks like Clark Kent. Or a woman from Louisiana only too happy to share a gumbo secret. You see where I am going?

 

The first two lines are the only accurate statement in your post, as with no experience you really can't criticize or comment on what you don't know.

 

And to further that point, Clarea is a "he", not a "her".

 

As to the last statement, I have no clue what you are saying, let alone where you are going. But I hope you have fun getting there! :rolleyes:

Edited December 21, 2016 by leaveitallbehind

[Ery]

The ships in the Oasis class are also extremely easy to navigate because of the "neighborhoods".

We've always had incredibly friendly staff and met some wonderful people on board. I've yet to meet one who is as you say "stressed out" because of the ship or experience

 

 

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[crosby99]

Now keep in mind, I have never booked an Oasis class so I am not criticizing the ship, people, anything like that. But reading Clarea's OP on her birthday being messed up by Grease being moved to a ridiculously late time, especially for the east coast, reminds me of why I prefer the midsizes.

 

For one, I cruise to be fed, entertained, meet people, feel peacefully small in the expanse of the sea, and relax. If I want Vegas-I go to Vegas.

 

So if in order for me to get Broadway, I have to book months in advance, no thank you. We rarely book cruises far in advance, so if I were to take Royal up on its deal now, and book Allure for January, we would probably get no chance to reserve dining or shows. Dealbreaker. Don't want to book a ship I can't fully enjoy.

 

Now this is not to imply I don't enjoy Royal-I do. And I reiterate, I HAVE NO personal experience with these class ships, so do not take this post as a slam against their quality. I am simply stating my preference for a more relaxed process.

 

If we book an NCL midsize, any Carnival, or Freedom class RCCL, this is not an issue. We have done a mega NCL, and were lucky to book Rock of Ages and dining on relatively short notice. This is uncommon, and from my understanding, RCCL is even worse about pre-booking.

 

To me, I will gladly give up a few bells and whistles to get a fun show, good fun, and public space, because one other thing: ever notice that the bigger ships are unfriendlier? Not the crew, the people. That is because THEY are stressed out, having argued to no avail with customer service, having their plans rearranged, and their mood is not one of a chill cruiser, but a Vegas bruiser.

 

Part of the negative deal with Vegas on the sea is the same as with Vegas on the strip-crowds, elbows, expense, timing, and logistics.

 

Cruise for the sea, the people, the food, and the fun-a good cheesy magician is a lot more fun than a high-gloss production if you can strike up a convo with a guy from Kansas whose son looks like Clark Kent. Or a woman from Louisiana only too happy to share a gumbo secret. You see where I am going?

 

Cruising is about reconnecting with people, and disconnecting with STUFF.

 

I believe fully these ships to be wonderful marvels of the sea, and that if you are booked with them, they will perform to your expectations. Just be sure your expectations are not Vegas strip entertainment and Black Hills serenity.

 

-T

 

I love Oasis Class...last time we went on Allure my Mum and Dad came. They have sailed numerous(perhaps over 100 cruises) times across numerous ships across numerous brands. They were incredibly impressed with Allure despite thinking they would not like it

My mothers opinion is interesting in when she is asked for her favourite ship and line in that she would take little bits from all of them.

However; my Dad who does prefer P&O or Princess thinks Allure is the the best RCL he has been on and perhaps the best ship of all lines.

[Ery]

I've also seen plenty of people get in to every show that we've gone to on each trip without reservations- with exception of comedy. Which even on our last carnival trip we arrived 25 minutes before the show and had standing room only where I couldn't even see the guy- we left.

 

People cruise for different reasons and have different expectations and wants out of a cruise. I want to enjoy the hot tub and watch the ocean go by, I enjoy the shows, I enjoy specialty restaurants, I enjoy sitting in Central Park at 11pm with lights and music and a cocktail. Or dressing up for prohibition party or enjoying the jazz club one night, a pub the next, Boleros another or schooners. I love sitting out side watching the aquatheater show or ice skating in the middle of the day.

 

I am on vacation and if I want to meet people great there's always been fun friendly people we talk too, but I also love that we can just enjoy each other's company and on a ship if 6,000 not talk o another soul if I don't want to. Last trip we sat in vintages talking to the bartenders for 3 hours, having tapas and trying new wines- we were the only people the entire time, it was one of my favorite times of our last trip.

 

 

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[OCruisers]

We gave Oasis a try as a "floating resort" which it was (but in a good way). :D

[vacationlover_mn]

Actually, we encountered the rudest, most unfriendly cruisers on Adventure... Allure was pretty great :)

 

 

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[vacationlover_mn]

Oh, and we had the worst drink guy in the MDR on Adventure! He was so bad, it became a running joke at our table! People would make bets on if he'd stop by that night or not (he didn't one night). We made it a habit to always bring a glass of wine with us, cuz we never knew when he'd stop by :). It makes for a great, funny story, in hindsight!

 

 

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Edited December 21, 2016 by vacationlover_mn

[danzig1989]

These are the exact same issues I have with travel on the Space Shuttle...or so I've heard. It's the reason I will not book with them.

 

 

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[John&LaLa]

These are the exact same issues I have with travel on the Space Shuttle...or so I've heard. It's the reason I will not book with them.

 

 

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Space shuttle retired a few years ago, maybe it was because of you. [emoji6]

 

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[George C]

I like reading why someone would or would not cruise a ship that they have sailed , I could care less for some ones thoughts who never sailed the ship. Only thing that has kept us from sailing Oasis size is money, been booking GS on smaller ships Freedom size and below and Oasis would cost us 1k more for a GS. But I am sure we will try one in 2018 or 2019 ( have 2 GS's booked already for 2017)