HELP---Sunshine or Oasis of thr Seas

[Ozzie26]

We've done both cruiselines 20+ times each and the Oasis twice already with another one booked for May2018. We are sailing on the Sunshine next month. The Oasis is a completely different experience. It's all about the boat and not necessarily the ports. When looking at the itineraries the boat itself is almost irrelevant. Every ship will have its pros and cons. We didn't even leave the Oasis last cruise and enjoyed it immensely. The Sunshine is going where we've never been so we will be off at every port.

 

 

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[meatloafsfan]

I think this one is easy. I would pick Oasis.

 

What exactly is there to do for non-athletes on Sunshine that's not on Oasis? I ask sincerely.

 

Carnival has a higher ratio of trivia, Hasbro game related activities, crafts, magic show, and other stuff that's not rock climbing or flow-riding or whatnot. Although Royal offers a few non-active daytime events, I've found their schedule lacking. Carnival's daytime activities - even while in port - exceed most other lines (in my experience).

[JinxyB]

Hands down, Oasis! The ship is amazing and you won't be disappointed!

[Aquahound]

Carnival has a higher ratio of trivia, Hasbro game related activities, crafts, magic show, and other stuff that's not rock climbing or flow-riding or whatnot. Although Royal offers a few non-active daytime events, I've found their schedule lacking. Carnival's daytime activities - even while in port - exceed most other lines (in my experience).

 

Thank you for the response. I admittedly have not been on Sunshine, so I was curious. Have you been on Oasis? I ask because on Oasis, there was always something going on....whether it was trivia, games, towel folding, cooking, galley tours, dancing lessons, pool games, movies, etc. The list goes on. If anything, I would say my Oasis Class cruises have been my most exhausting cruises because there was always something going on...and I've only climbed a rock wall and rode a Flowrider once in all my RCI cruises.;)

[zephyrhillscruisers]

Not really a fair comparison. Its a middleweight vs heavyweight class. Sunshine is nice for a 4 day cruise. Too small for an 8 day. 1 1/2 pools ( the serenity pool is a glorified hot tub, but nice.)

[Domino D]

NOTHING TO DO IF NOT AN ATHLETE

 

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and yours is certainly as viable as mine. With all due respect to your post, I think it is more accurate to say Royal doesn't offer activities you enjoy. I'm getting ready to try Oasis and have been looking at their Daily Compass from recent (last month) sailings.

 

Here is Day 2, non sport related activities. Some have a cost and are marked with ($). I get that many of these don't appeal to you, but that is not the same as "Nothing to do". I find the activities listed to be pretty similar to Carnival. I am not saying it's better, but certainly not less.

 

24 Hours Games, Daily Trivia, Sudoku, Available Card Room , OpenFacial Rejuvenation Clinic Spa, Guess, thePrice – New Clue Boleros, First timeCruisers Get Together – Ship Orientation, Dreamworks Appearance Puss In Boots, Crownand Anchor Trivia, Introduction to Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, Raffle andPort Shopping Show, Sushi Master Class ($), Guacamole making demonstration ($),Family Drawing contest, Free Pamper Party Spa, Auction Sneak preview, BeerTasting seminar ($), Free Good Feet and Posture seminar Spa, Water safety PADIclass, Snorkel lesson, Move Quotes Trivia, Progressive Trivia, Worlds SexiestMan competition, Snorkel and diving demonstration, Martini Clinic ($), Freeseminar Detox for health Spa, Kids Jewlelry workshop, CAT’s Broadway musical, LineDancing class, Music Trivia, Acupuncture for back pain seminar Spa, Scrapbookingworkshop ($), Family Fun Karaoke, Face Painting, Music Trivia Cartoon Themes, ScavengerHunt, Swimming class, Family Science Adventure,Outdoor Movie, VIP Shopping card giveaway, Frozen Ice Show, Captains WelcomeReception, Free jewelry cleaning and Guess the Carat Weight, Family Disco, DreamworksCharacter appearance, Second outdoor movie, Majority Rules game show, Adultcomedy show, Teens – Free arcade, Finish that Lyric game show.

[meatloafsfan]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and yours is certainly as viable as mine. With all due respect to your post, I think it is more accurate to say Royal doesn't offer activities you enjoy. I'm getting ready to try Oasis and have been looking at their Daily Compass from recent (last month) sailings.

 

Here is Day 2, non sport related activities. Some have a cost and are marked with ($). I get that many of these don't appeal to you, but that is not the same as "Nothing to do". I find the activities listed to be pretty similar to Carnival. I am not saying it's better, but certainly not less.

 

24 Hours Games, Daily Trivia, Sudoku, Available Card Room , OpenFacial Rejuvenation Clinic Spa, Guess, thePrice – New Clue Boleros, First timeCruisers Get Together – Ship Orientation, Dreamworks Appearance Puss In Boots, Crownand Anchor Trivia, Introduction to Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, Raffle andPort Shopping Show, Sushi Master Class ($), Guacamole making demonstration ($),Family Drawing contest, Free Pamper Party Spa, Auction Sneak preview, BeerTasting seminar ($), Free Good Feet and Posture seminar Spa, Water safety PADIclass, Snorkel lesson, Move Quotes Trivia, Progressive Trivia, Worlds SexiestMan competition, Snorkel and diving demonstration, Martini Clinic ($), Freeseminar Detox for health Spa, Kids Jewlelry workshop, CAT’s Broadway musical, LineDancing class, Music Trivia, Acupuncture for back pain seminar Spa, Scrapbookingworkshop ($), Family Fun Karaoke, Face Painting, Music Trivia Cartoon Themes, ScavengerHunt, Swimming class, Family Science Adventure,Outdoor Movie, VIP Shopping card giveaway, Frozen Ice Show, Captains WelcomeReception, Free jewelry cleaning and Guess the Carat Weight, Family Disco, DreamworksCharacter appearance, Second outdoor movie, Majority Rules game show, Adultcomedy show, Teens – Free arcade, Finish that Lyric game show.

 

Okay - let's break it down:

 

24 Hours Games - not an actual thing.

Available Card Room - again, not an actual thing - it's a place.

 

Activities that are scams to get you to buy/spend money:

• Open Facial Rejuvenation Clinic Spa,
  
• Guess, the Price – New Clue Boleros,
  
• Introduction to Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine,
  
• Raffle andPort Shopping Show,
  
• Free Pamper Party Spa,
  
• Auction Sneak preview,
  
• Free seminar Detox for health Spa,
  
• Free Good Feet and Posture seminar Spa,
  
• Acupuncture for back pain seminar Spa,
  
• VIP Shopping card giveaway,
  
• Free jewelry cleaning and Guess the Carat Weight,
  

For fee stuff:

• Sushi Master Class ($),
  
• Guacamole making demonstration ($),
  
• Beer Tasting seminar ($),
  
• Martini Clinic ($),
  
• Scrapbookingworkshop ($),
  

Family and Kid oriented stuff:

• Dreamworks Appearance Puss In Boots,
  
• Family Drawing contest,
  
• Kids Jewlelry workshop,
  
• Family Fun Karaoke,
  
• Face Painting,
  
• Family Science Adventure,
  
• DreamWorks Character appearance,
  
• Teens – Free arcade,
  
• Family Disco,
  

Active Stuff (and although there is no $, I know from experience that the water safety PADI class is for fee as is the swimming class and snorkel lesson):

• Water safety PADIclass,
  
• Snorkel lesson,
  
• Snorkel and diving demonstration,
  
• Swimming class,
  

Evening Entertainment:

• CAT’s Broadway musical,
  
• Outdoor Movie,
  
• Frozen Ice Show,
  
• Second outdoor movie,
  
• Majority Rules game show,
  
• Adult comedy show,
  
• Finish that Lyric game show
  

Actual daytime activities for everyone:

1. Trivia - (Daily Trivia / Move Quotes Trivia / Progressive Trivia / Music Trivia / Crown and Anchor Trivia / Music Trivia / Cartoon Themes)
   
2. Sudoku - same on Carnival - they each have a Sudoku puzzle a day to do.
   
3. First time Cruisers Get Together – Ship Orientation,
   
4. Scavenger Hunt,
   
5. Line Dancing class,
   
6. Worlds Sexiest Man competition,
   

And this isn't all in one day either (that wouldn't be too bad - but based on some of the items, I know that it's a mix of days).

[Cruzaholic41]

Now for an opinion from someone who has actually cruised both Sunshine and Oasis. Between these 2 ships, I have a combined 7 cruises - 9 if we include Sunshine's prior identity - Destiny.

 

They actually did a decent job remodeling Destiny into Sunshine. But regardless, Sunshine is not in Oasis's league. No Carnival ship is. These are 2 totally different cruise experiences.

 

Ref the conversation about activities including non athletic activities, it is an absolute joke to pretend Sunshine has more activities. Pure common sense should prevail in that one.

 

I think my recommendation is clear here. Oasis is the better choice by a long shot.

[Yvonne]

Like a PP said, you're going to have to decide if ports are more important to you or the ship is.

 

We have sailed with Carnival and Royal, the past several cruises have been with Carnival and we're doing Oasis of the Seas next. I am super excited as the ship is so different than any we've been on in the past. I can hardly wait to see and enjoy Central Park. I debated about a CP balcony, but an ocean balcony won out. There are seating areas in CP so when I want to sit and enjoy the ambiance there I can still do that. And I'm looking forward to the live music in CP in the evenings. Also the water shows, both daytime and at night. Something different for sure! And to ride the carousel (I see it's not just for kids!). So many restaurants to try. And of course the ice skating shows, and free skate. The PP who didn't like Royal and didn't discover the ice rink (Studio B) until the next-to-last day obviously didn't do their homework. For us the ports won't be that important as we've been to them a few times before. We won't even get off at Nassau and maybe not at St. Thomas either, or if we do get off at St. Thomas it will be for just a short while then right back on, so we can enjoy a less crowded ship. We tend to do that on most of our cruises now, there will be at least one port day where we don't get off and it's so nice to have a less crowded ship. As for the daytime activities we never found them lacking on our other Royal cruises (we are both 60 now) and we aren't ones to do the rock climbing or zip lining. But we were never bored.

[BTromboneFrack]

Sounds like two completely different experiences, so it is up to the individual to enjoy whichever one they pick. I just don't see how any of these ships could be boring. Just got off the Paradise and LOVED it. Plenty to do. Been on Disney and some Conquest class ships - loved them too. Never been on the Sunshine or Oasis, but want to try them both. A lot of people really like the Sunshine. I keep hearing about the Serenity deck on that ship. Sounds fun.

[Domino D]

Okay - let's break it down:

 

And this isn't all in one day either (that wouldn't be too bad - but based on some of the items, I know that it's a mix of days).

 

I shortened the quote just to save space. I don't disagree with your analysis of categories. Do the Carnival activities not break down into the same categories?

 

You are free to Google search for Cruise Compasses. This is day 2 of June 25th cruise, if memory serves me right. So this is one day. I'm on my phone and can not post the link, if you would like I will be glad to post the link when in front of my computer. Let me know.

 

It is a matter of opinion as to "better" activities list, and I am making no judgment. My comment was, it is inaccurate to say there are no activities for the non athletic.

 

If you or others want to post: Carnival offers more, or Carnival's list is better, that is your right. It is not true to say, there are NO activities for the non athletic.

 

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[AmberTeka]

To me............RCI had the nicest people in the world. There was a lot of laughing and a few tears at our Table in the MDR and with our cabin Attendant . Extra tips for perfect service.

But then Carnival does too. We ALWAYS get the Above average people when we cruise.

 

But on RCI, and my husband says we have more sea days than most sailors and he was in the Coast Guard Reserve for years.................I felt like I was on an assembly line. The food was not as good as Carnival.

 

There is a vibe.............a feeling on Carnival of having a good time. I am not talking snot slinging drunk. Just having fun in the sun. People are open about it. The Musicals were much better on Carnival. Never waited in line. Got there early........about 15 mins early. Did not sit on front row. BUT on edge of closer rows. Fine Seats.

Like their casinos. NEVER win. Like the Music. A lot. Like the machines............the slots.

 

Maybe I am just Carnival. If I had sailed all of our cruises on Carnival, which I wish we had, we would be closing on 50, God Willing, soon.

 

The ICE CREAM on RCI .....the best is not free. It is Ben and Jerry's. Discovering that was a happy night.

Activities Director on RCI had ONE Trivia. IN small Area. We had to stand to play. Played with Aussies. We called ourselves the STANDING Team..........WE WON. Huge fun though we were chapped at first about not getting seats. Aussies are outspoken. I LOVE them.

 

RCI ....Bored Activities Guy.they had Music Trivia when early dining was going on. Forget that one. The Crown and Anchor was adult stuff. Some racy. Not my stuff. Don't know much . World has changed since I was young thought I consider myself enlightened. Just not enough......felt stupid.

 

From Morning to Night ...RCI Trivia was one goofball..TRIVIA. not researched. Felt like Fellow asked stupid questions.. Too arrogant to put together a Proper one. Mocking people who showed up to play. They were on vacation. then mostly unheard of songs. Stupid stuff. How many angels dance on the head of a pin. Or you Mom is a doctor but she was in the fields farming when your Father died so what was she doing?

 

NEVER again.

After Carnival. Then Princess. Then HAL if we are lucky enough to cruise more.

 

BUT---with athletic vigor.........I see the lure in the Oasis. And RCI ships are lovely. People.....again.........could not be nicer.

 

I bet you could flip a dime and have a great time.

Cost. Ports. would guide me. Then Food. Activities.

MAKE up a POINT system. See which one has the most points when tallied up.

Edited August 9, 2017 by AmberTeka

[Domino D]

There is a vibe.............a feeling on Carnival of having a good time. I am not talking snot slinging drunk. Just having fun in the sun.

 

I would love to be on a cruise with you some time, I bet it would be fun. Trivia is my first choice activity as well. We once had a young guy who wanted to be a stand up comedian. He was awful. He would miss-read questions, and then when asked to repeat, just blurt out the answer. Then he'd tell us how much he hated having to do this, and that he only did it only so he could host the comedy show. On the second day, I had enough and told him to stop taking it out on us that he didn't have enough talent or guts to do what he wanted.

 

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[RHilla619]

I've sailed on both, and would suggest Oasis. Don't get me wrong I absolutely loved my cruise on the Sunshine (and all of my other Carnival cruises), but the Oasis is just in a different class.

[mulan1123]

My parents and their friends LOVED Oasis. And they are in the 70's. It was my brother and I's first cruise ever. We sailed on her about 4.5 years ago. There was so much to do and see. What they really like compared to Carnival was the different venues for live music with different styles. They have sailed with Carnival before this cruise and they it was much better. I do find the food on RCI better in quality and variety (as in ethnic foods like Chinese, port inspired food, etc IN windjammer). However, we have cruised on RCI's Freedom and Carnival's Glory since then, and have a cruise on Magic this December.

 

Unfortunately to the OP, only you can make the decision as you know what you like and don't like. But do give Oasis A chance as it's like try it definitely once. Especially if it's the same price as Sunshine.

[jsglow]

Not really a fair comparison. Its a middleweight vs heavyweight class. Sunshine is nice for a 4 day cruise. Too small for an 8 day. 1 1/2 pools ( the serenity pool is a glorified hot tub, but nice.)

 

I strongly disagree with your statement. While it is absolutely true that comparing a modernized Destiny class ship to an Oasis class is like apples to grapefruits, to say that Sunshine is a '4 day cruise' ship is inaccurate in my view. She was beautifully redesigned. Is she a bit cramped in some spots? Yep. But we thoroughly enjoyed sailing on her and will certainly return. Now if a 7 day Oasis was at the same price point, I'd probably sail her in this instance.

[jsglow]

Sounds like two completely different experiences, so it is up to the individual to enjoy whichever one they pick. I just don't see how any of these ships could be boring. Just got off the Paradise and LOVED it. Plenty to do. Been on Disney and some Conquest class ships - loved them too. Never been on the Sunshine or Oasis, but want to try them both. A lot of people really like the Sunshine. I keep hearing about the Serenity deck on that ship. Sounds fun.

 

We REALLY liked Sunshine. Note that our prior Carnival experience in my signature. Also note our tendency to enjoy 'going small' in our sailing adventures. I really don't think huge floating hotels like Oasis are for us. In our Windjammer days, we called them foo-foos and mooned them as we sailed out of port. So you can sense or minimalist perspective. Hope that helps guides readers as there's something for everyone and we don't all have to like the same thing.

[meatloafsfan]

We REALLY liked Sunshine. Note that our prior Carnival experience in my signature. Also note our tendency to enjoy 'going small' in our sailing adventures. I really don't think huge floating hotels like Oasis are for us. In our Windjammer days, we called them foo-foos and mooned them as we sailed out of port. So you can sense or minimalist perspective. Hope that helps guides readers as there's something for everyone and we don't all have to like the same thing.

 

Yes, what we loved about the Sunshine is the amenities of the bigger, newer ships but in the small ship size.

 

After sailing on the Sunshine earlier this year - even though some of the accessibility left much to be desired - we've decided to do the 13 night cruise in January 2019 because I liked how compact the ship was and what it had to offer.

[Sea Legs]

I will be on the Sunshine next month.....counting the days. I am sailing on this ship because this is the itinery I wanted to do. While Carnival is my favorite line ( I am platinum) I have sailed Princess, Norwegian and RCCI. The only ship, other than a Carnival vessel, that I would love to sail on a 2nd time would be the Oasis. It is incredible. And, I was surprised to see that it gave Carnival a run for their money on being a party ship.

[momof3cruisers]

It very much depends on what you are looking for. We know we prefer more ports and smaller ships. However, we can say that after having sailed on Allure. If the activities on Allure or Oasis appeal to you, and the price is similar, then I would suggest trying the mega ship. See what you think. I mean, it's a cruise...how bad could it be?

[tlsearay]

I cruise mostly Carnival, but had the opportunity to go on the Oasis.

 

It is a beautiful ship. You should go at least once.