Oasis Review - Aug 26 to Sept 2, 2018 - Gluten Free, Sky Class, Teen/Tweens

[qa4ever]

Hi,

 

We just returned from a fantastic sailing of Oasis of the Seas. We sailed in a Crown Loft Suite, which entitled us to "Sky" Class. It was myself, and my husband and our two daughters (14 and 11.5 years old). This was our first time on Royal Caribbean, but we have sailed on two prior cruises, one on Disney (Standard Balcony Stateroom), and one of Norwegian (in a 2 bed/2 bath Haven Suite).

 

Embarkation

 

We had rented a car with Budget and dropped it off just before 10 am, but there was a ton of traffic around the port and we didn't get dropped off until about 10:45 am. So be sure to plan for that! Inside the terminal there was a separate line for security for Suite Guests that was slightly shorter, but then we were kind of on our own on where to go next. With Haven on Norwegian, as soon as you get to the Haven check in area, you are essentially escorted around. At the top of the escalators we weren't quite sure where to go next but then were told we needed to go to the check in desks, the line took about 10 minutes and they were starting boarding at this time. At the checkin counter we received our Sky Class cards, as well as our voom wifi codes. The lady gladly hole punched the kids lanyards for them (and got a bit excited and punched min too haha). No one really told us where to go next but we saw the sign for Suite Guests and were let in to a small area that had a few small snacks (cookies/brownies). But before we could even sit down, boarding for sky class was called. I'm not sure who was called before Sky, maybe Star or Pinnacle? As we went on board we were stopped and given a muster station bracelet for my daughter as she was not 13 years or older.

 

At this point, we were basically set free on the ship. This is much different than with the Haven, where we were brought straight to the suite lounge and given snacks, welcome drinks, and told all about what benefits we would be able to use as Haven guests. On Royal, we were basically left to our own devices. We walked around the Royal Promenade a bit, and then went up to the WindJammer for Lunch.

 

WindJammer

 

I was glad to see them encouraging hand sanitizer at the entrance including a lady who would squirt some into your hand if you didn't want to use the automated dispenser. Now, I have been eating gluten free for health reasons. I have read many reviews where people talk to the chef at the WindJammer and he will offer to bring food from the back etc. When I arrived, I asked one of the people adding food to the buffet if he could get the chef for me. The chef came out and basically told me there is a gluten free corner, and to eat from there. I had read they had discontinued this so was glad to see it. It is not very clearly marked though, just one sign on one side of the island. Basically they had each time I ate there white rice, mashed potatoes, some sort of vegetables, a carvable meat like Ham or Turkey, three different gluten free deserts (Pavlova is amazing), and another main dish such as stew, or taco meat, etc. It was good, but definitely not as much selection compared to if you didn't need to eat Gluten free. We did eat several lunches here throughout the course of the week and one breakfast. Breakfast was basically scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage. They also had gluten free bread several days there. There is a huge risk of cross contamination if you are super sensitive as I have a feeling most people didn't even realize it was a gluten free corner. It was not labelled very well at all.

 

The service was decent most of the time. They were for the most part quick to clear dishes, and offer to bring you a drink. We did have one weird event though. When you enter, they tell you to find your table first, and then get your food. I was sitting at a table and my family went to get food. Two waiters came up to me with a disgruntled lady beside them. The one waiter said to me, "Can you move, this lady wants to sit by the window?" I assume they either thought I was done eating and just sitting there, or maybe this lady slipped them some money to try and get her a better seat. Regardless, I told him that sorry, my family is just getting food and will be right back. Was very bizarre and quite frankly rude. There were plenty of empty tables, and if the lady wanted a table by the window she could wait till one was open, but not sure why I should move for her.

 

 

Overall though the food was decent for a buffet and it's great there are some options for Gluten Free.

 

Teen Club

 

My older daughter is very shy and my younger one is very outgoing. During the open house the first afternoon we went to the Teen Club and asked if my 11.5 year old could partake in the 12-14 year old activities. At first they said that no, she should go to her own age group first, but my older daughter basically said she wouldn't go unless they could both go, so the teen club staff said it was ok. I did have to sign a form. However, if your child is not 13, as a parent you still need to go and supervise when they do Ice Skating, Rock Climbing, Flow Rider, or Zipline, even if they do it with the Teen Club.

 

I understand it is a safety thing, but 13 seems a bit old. My 11 year old is more than capable of rock climbing without me being right in the vicinity. I think they should lower the age. It would have made our cruise much more enjoyable as my husband and I could have done more adult activities instead of sitting and watching my more than capable 11 year old do the kid stuff.

 

Anyways, I strongly encouraged my girls to go the first night to the mix and mingle at 8 pm to meet other kids just like I've heard all cruiselines do. However, they basically said it was just an hour of the going over rules. They had teen club rules, security came and told them more rules and then a lifeguard came and gave them more rules. There was no mixing or mingling. They then went to play dodgeball which also isn't really a great way to get to know one another.

 

My kids participated in Teen Club Harry Potter Trivia, Teen only Speed Rock Climbing, Teen only Pool Party, Teen Only Ice Skating, Teen Only Flow Rider, and Scrapbook craft. They did enjoy those events, but didn't really make new friends. They said that on the first mix and mingle night, many of the kids seemed to already know each other and it was a bit cliquey at the other events. They were content to hang out together though.

 

Main Dining Room

 

We had early seating and had requested tablemates. We were matched up with an amazing family. We had so much in common that Royal Caribbean would have had no idea about, so it was almost funny how well they did. I actually didn't see a lot of other families dining together, so I'm glad the request was honored. It really made our cruise so much more enjoyable.

 

Our waitstaff was amazing! Our water/drink glasses never even got to 2/3 full before they were refilled. Anything we asked for was given with a smile. For example, one night my husband ordered ravioli and found the portion size small so asked for another and it was brought instantly. Our tablemates asked for fresh ground pepper and our waitstaff arranged to get it from one of the speciality restaurants! They had bread and fruit available for the kids. And they really learned our habits, so had our drinks ready, etc.

 

Being Gluten Free, I ordered the first night from the options listed on the menu, but every other night, I was given the menu for the next night and could select whatever I wanted. So, for example, if I wanted the Spaghetti Bolognese, it was no problem, they would make it Gluten Free so I could eat it. All the food was amazing. Everything was hot, flavourful, and fast. The desserts tasted so fresh.

 

Activities

 

We all enjoyed the zip line, mini golf, rock climbing, merry-go-round, skating, etc. There really was a lot for the kids and families to do. The biggest hit was the flow rider. My 11 year old especially really loved it. On the day we stopped in St Martin, instead of getting off the boat as soon as it docked, we went to the flow rider, and she got to turn it on for the day and was the only one on it for the first 40 minutes until 2 other boys came, and then for another 30 min it was only the 3 of them! Curtis was amazing with her, getting on the flowrider at the same time to really help instruct her, not just stand by and watch like some of the other staff. My daughter went many times throughout the week. At times it did get busy, and they would split it into 2 sides so more could go at the same time.

 

We also did the adult mini-golf competition which was fun, we watched the Sexiest Man competition, and also did the Q and A with the Captain. Would have liked to have seen more activities such as the Sexiest Man show! I've seen on other cruiselines like Biggest BellyFlop contest etc.

 

Shows

 

We watched the comedy show in the Comedy Venue (was ok, but not as funny as Norwegian), Come Fly With Me (amazing), Skating Show (amazing), Cats (what the heck is going on there.... We left at the intermission), Aquatheatre show (amazing), Family Friendly Comedy show (was ok), Headliner show (pretty good). Overall we were quite happy with the entertainment and enjoyed our routine of eating our early dinner, walking around a bit and then seeing a show.

 

We did see the Cruise Director at the end of a couple of the shows (Come Fly with Me, Headliner), and he was there at the Q and A with the Captain, but not sure if that is typical or not, but we saw the Cruise director a lot more on Norwegian.

 

Breakfasts

 

At dinner the first night I asked about gluten free breakfasts and was told that in Coastal Kitchen they can do gluten free pancakes, waffles or french toast. The first morning we went there and I asked and was told no, they don't do them there. I mentioned again that the Headwaiter told me the evening before they could and the waiter went to the kitchen and asked and said they would do it but next time I have to pre-order it, and it was a big ordeal. It took about an hour for the food to come.

 

The second morning we tried again at Coastal Kitchen and this time I pre-ordered the night before, but again it was a miss, waiting a really long time and my food not timed with everyone else at the table. We also didn't find the wait staff in the Coastal Kitchen to be nearly as friendly as in the Main Dining Room. It seemed almost cliquey where they were quite huggy, gushing over certain people (I think repeat cruisers) and almost cold/rushed with us. Breakfast also took way too long, even for those not waiting on gluten free orders.

 

The third morning we gave up and just ordered room service. It came promptly and was quite good. We did that every morning, so we could all eat at the same time. The Gluten Free french toast was quite good and a real treat. We did try the windjammer one morning but found the food overall quite "greasy".

 

The Room - Crown Loft Suite

 

The room, overall, is amazing and great for even 4 people. There is plenty of storage, which is important, so you can fully unpack. Suitcases fit under the bed. The sofa turns into a double bed, but we requested a cot so the kids didn't have to sleep together and that was not a problem. We had a balcony that overlooked the mini-golf/boardwalk area, which we loved! You can easily see the sea, but also can people watch. It was a constant noise so was able to nap out there if you wanted. We used our balcony A LOT.

 

The upstairs bed was quite comfortable, but we do like a firmer mattress. The upstairs bathroom was nice in the sense that two people could easily shower together, but we didn't enjoy the bathroom as much as on Norwegian where we had double sinks (we really missed this when getting ready for bed!), and no tub or natural light. The shampoo/conditioner/body wash were quite nice! One annoying thing was there seemed to be no way to turn off the light on the stairs at the top. I assume it is a safety thing but it was so bright we had to drape a towel over them.

 

The room was cleaned twice a day. The attendants told us it takes 1 to 1.5 hours each time, but it never took that long and they cleaned when we went for dinner and when we went for breakfast or out for the day. They always did a great job and the room was more than clean.

 

Lunch

 

As I said earlier, we ate in Windjammer most lunches. We did try the main dining room one day which was unexpectedly quite hectic/busy. They have a buffet or menu, but if you order off the menu you can go to the buffet also. I pre-ordered my Gluten Free meal the night before and asked for a burger, with lettuce and tomato only, no cheese, and fries. When I arrived in the MDR I explained I pre-ordered and the guy had no idea what I was talking about or what the process was for that. He told me to just tell him what I wanted. I told him. It took about 45 minutes before they brought out a burger, with cheese on it, and mushrooms and sauce. With no fries. I told him again what I wanted. 20 minutes later a burger came, with just lettuce and tomato, but the fries didn't come for another 25 minutes after that. My kids had long eaten and just left. Definitely a fail in my eyes.

 

On the Labadee day, the headwaiter told me she wanted everything to go smoothly, so asked me what I wanted. Again, I told her a burger, with lettuce and tomato and fries. We were in the private beach area because we were sky class and she told me who to ask for. When I arrived, the guy had no idea I was coming and basically just pointed to a few things on the buffet and said "gluten", "no gluten" as he quickly pointed to things. I asked about a gluten free bun for the burgers, and it turned into a big ordeal with them having to get on walkie talkies, and not sure if they had any on the island, etc. Not sure why this was so disorganized. They eventually got me a bun about 25 min later.

 

My headwaiter was no impressed and insisted on pre-arranging a gluten free burger/bun for me at the Windjammer on the last day and said she would personally go there and ensure it was ready for me, which it was.

 

I asked the headwaiter and she said she was managing 180 guests that week and had 3 that were Gluten Free and 1 Dairy and Gluten Free. Seems like for 1-2% of Guests on the ship, that is still 60-120 people per week this shouldn't be so confusing/disorganized.

 

Speaking of gluten free, they did have gluten free cookies most times I asked at the Cafe Promenade that were quite good.

 

Sky Class

 

We are not fancy people so didn't use a lot of the perks available. We did enjoy the bottled water which they had most times in the suite lounge. However, we did not "hang out" in the suite lounge, use coastal kitchen, except for those 2 breakfasts, and found better seats available than those reserved for suites. We did enjoy the private beach on Labadee with the floaties, and the escort upon leaving the ship back in Port Canaveral. For us, the biggest perk was the room itself, as with the kids we really do prefer 2 washrooms and a little more space. If it was just the two of us, it likely wouldn't have been worth it. We did try the suite sunbathing area once, but didn't find it very enjoyable as people were smoking cigars up there (not sure if that is permitted?), and we preferred our balcony anyways.

 

Overall we had a great time!

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask. Sorry this is so long!

[DigiPro]

Thank you for your very detailed review. We sail on her in November in a Grand Suite, so interested in the Sky class service experience. Our last RCL cruise was in the Royal suite on Brilliance of the Seas a few years ago. No Sky class service, but the Concierge was quite accommodating. Sorry you didn’t have the greatest experience with GF service.

[liser123]

My family was on the same week as you! Overall a fantastic week. The 4 teens went to the meet and mingle the first night, saw the circle of kids, and quickly hightailed it out of there. They were happy to hear from your review that they missed all those rules. They didn't end up making use of the teen club after that. I found the Norweigan escape teen room much more friendly and inviting.

I agree with you about all the shows. The "Quest" adults only game show was quite hilarious and entertaining.

I've been on a few cruises, but sadly my family was actually quite disappointed with the food. Service was excellent, but I didn't have any "wow" moments.

Overall, an incredible cruise, too many activities to count, but the food could have been more varied (and more late night choices).

[Tee & Chilli]

Excellent review

[qa4ever]

Thank you for your very detailed review. We sail on her in November in a Grand Suite, so interested in the Sky class service experience. Our last RCL cruise was in the Royal suite on Brilliance of the Seas a few years ago. No Sky class service, but the Concierge was quite accommodating. Sorry you didn’t have the greatest experience with GF service.

 

Thanks, the food was quite good when I got it, but I was confused how the process wasn't smoother to get it!

 

I never got sick once though and the headwaiter did try to make things go more smoothly!

[qa4ever]

My family was on the same week as you! Overall a fantastic week. The 4 teens went to the meet and mingle the first night, saw the circle of kids, and quickly hightailed it out of there. They were happy to hear from your review that they missed all those rules. They didn't end up making use of the teen club after that. I found the Norweigan escape teen room much more friendly and inviting.

I agree with you about all the shows. The "Quest" adults only game show was quite hilarious and entertaining.

I've been on a few cruises, but sadly my family was actually quite disappointed with the food. Service was excellent, but I didn't have any "wow" moments.

Overall, an incredible cruise, too many activities to count, but the food could have been more varied (and more late night choices).

 

Agreed! Definitely a fantastic week! My kids said the rules just went on and on and on. Not sure why they didn't do 5 or 10 min of rules and then move on to get to know you type games. We missed the Quest and Love and Marriage unfortunately.

 

We absolutely loved the food! It was all hot, tasteful and varied we thought. Service was excellent for sure. Agree though, should be more 24 hours food options!

[qa4ever]

Excellent review

 

Thanks :)

 

Let me know if you have any questions.

[Katfam17]

Oasis was our first cruise and we were in Sky Class. We loved Coastal Kitchen. I agree there were repeat people that the staff gushed over, but it didn’t interfere with our enjoyment. I loved lunch and dinner there! It was so relaxing!

[Hopetotravel]

Thanks, the food was quite good when I got it, but I was confused how the process wasn't smoother to get it!

 

I never got sick once though and the headwaiter did try to make things go more smoothly!

We did B2B on Adventure and 4 out of 9 of us needed gluten free. There was no dedicated spot in the WJ but was able to request GF toast, pizza, pancakes and just chose meat and veg. and eggs etc. we tried the Main dining room 3 nights in a row and even though we ordered the GF meal the night before we would end up having to order it again and it would take forever to get it. Sitting for 2 hours with 6 kids is not how you want to spend the evening. So we gave up on the MDR and went to the WJ to eat.

I agree that it seemed there was a lack of communication in the MDR. I'm sure that dealing with that many people is hard but they should try to figure out a better way.

[qa4ever]

We did B2B on Adventure and 4 out of 9 of us needed gluten free. There was no dedicated spot in the WJ but was able to request GF toast, pizza, pancakes and just chose meat and veg. and eggs etc. we tried the Main dining room 3 nights in a row and even though we ordered the GF meal the night before we would end up having to order it again and it would take forever to get it. Sitting for 2 hours with 6 kids is not how you want to spend the evening. So we gave up on the MDR and went to the WJ to eat.

I agree that it seemed there was a lack of communication in the MDR. I'm sure that dealing with that many people is hard but they should try to figure out a better way.

 

Yeah it was quite frustrating that there was no official (it seemed) process for how to deal with Gluten Free (or I assume dietary needs in general) in different venues. An official process that all staff knows and follows will streamline things and be more efficient but also result in less stress and time for the guests involved also. I know for myself, and I assume most people with dietary needs, we don't want to cause a lot of trouble and just want to get our food safely in a timely manner. We understand it may take a little longer, but to take 1.5 hours, for example, to get a burger and fries in the MDR for lunch is not acceptable. The food was great I found once I got it though!

[qa4ever]

Oasis was our first cruise and we were in Sky Class. We loved Coastal Kitchen. I agree there were repeat people that the staff gushed over, but it didn’t interfere with our enjoyment. I loved lunch and dinner there! It was so relaxing!

 

Yeah, we just didn't find them overly friendly in there, at all... except for those repeat cruisers. It is like they used all their friendly energy up and had nothing left for the rest lol. They seemed quite annoyed/bothered by my gluten free dietary needs and the service was extremely slow. I also found the food wasn't even that great. The scrambled eggs were cold and runny and the sausages were extremely greasy. We had the best luck with room service, when it was available, for breakfast.

[JaniceB]

Thank you for the very detailed review.

[qa4ever]

Thank you for the very detailed review.

 

Thanks for reading. Let me know if any questions!

[Glide_Path]

qa4ever, thank you for the detailed review. A few question regarding barefoot beach...

-Were the floaties free for all the suite guests?

-For the guests without a cabana, was it hard to find shaded area?

-During lunch, are there actual tables and chairs to eat lunch from, or was it grab your food and eat from your lounger situation.

Sorry for all the Qs, trying to decide if a cabana is really worth it or not (crazy high price imo)

[Clarea]

... -During lunch, are there actual tables and chairs to eat lunch from, or was it grab your food and eat from your lounger situation. ...

There are picnic tables with benches.

[The Sunset Glow]

For the extra cot, where was it stored during the day and do you have any pictures of the loft suite with the cot when set up and also when stored? Thx.

[Glide_Path]

There are picnic tables with benches.

Thank you Bob. Have had sand mixed in with the beach BBQs one too many time before:p.

[George C]

qa4ever, thank you for the detailed review. A few question regarding barefoot beach...

-Were the floaties free for all the suite guests?

-For the guests without a cabana, was it hard to find shaded area?

-During lunch, are there actual tables and chairs to eat lunch from, or was it grab your food and eat from your lounger situation.

Sorry for all the Qs, trying to decide if a cabana is really worth it or not (crazy high price imo)

 

There was plenty of places in both sun and shade to sit, attendents brought us the pool floats and were there to take drink orders the buffet was great , shrimp, steak etc

[Clarea]

Thank you Bob. Have had sand mixed in with the beach BBQs one too many time before:p.

You're welcome. Just beware of the gulls, they will steal your lunch if you leave it unguarded!

[mjkacmom]

When we sail on NCL, there is a similar process for ordering gluten free meals (dd has celiac), she meets with the dietary manager at dinner and orders the following days breakfast and dinner, but calls him/her before leaving the cabin to let them know when and where she is eating. She’s had platters of gluten free food delivered to even the buffet! There is never a wait for her meals.

[qa4ever]

qa4ever, thank you for the detailed review. A few question regarding barefoot beach...

-Were the floaties free for all the suite guests?

-For the guests without a cabana, was it hard to find shaded area?

-During lunch, are there actual tables and chairs to eat lunch from, or was it grab your food and eat from your lounger situation.

Sorry for all the Qs, trying to decide if a cabana is really worth it or not (crazy high price imo)

 

Hi!

 

Yes, the floaties were free for suite guests. It didn't seem to me like there were enough for all the guests/families. When we arrived they asked us if we wanted any and brought over 2 for our family of 4.

 

We were not in a cabana. There was some natural shade from trees. When we arrived (we were the first ones to the beach that am), they asked us if we wanted sun or shade and we said shade and they pulled 4 chairs to the front and then put in an umbrella for us. However, about 20 minutes later they set up another family right in front of us! So much for first come, first served lol. Not sure if that family was star or not, but if an attendant tried to set my family up in front of a family who was already at the front, I would have said no thank you, I don't want to block their view. Kind of rude al around, but I guess maybe they were star or gave a big tip.

 

There were some tables and chairs, but we also saw some people bring their food back to their loungers.

 

They had burgers, hot dogs, nacho chips, pork, ribs, corn on the cob, and some salads. There were a few desserts also. There was water and fruit punch to drink. There was mixed results with regards to pop. We were not on the dining plan and they gave my daughters each a glass of sprite, but when my husband went to get a glass of coke they told him no, you needed a beverage plan. Not sure who was right.

 

Was a really great day though, very relaxing and the water was lovely. Just chilly enough to cool off but not enough it was uncomfortable.

[qa4ever]

For the extra cot, where was it stored during the day and do you have any pictures of the loft suite with the cot when set up and also when stored? Thx.

 

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures. Our steward pushed the table all the way back and placed the bed in between the sofa and the table. It fit perfectly so the kids could still walk to the washroom. During the day she folded it up. It did get in the way when trying to access the drawers, so we sometimes had to move/shuffle it around, but it was better for my kids to get a good night's sleep.

 

The sofa bed did seem quite comfortable, but not the cot. However, my daughter didn't complain. I tried laying on it though and I didn't find it comfortable.

[qa4ever]

When we sail on NCL, there is a similar process for ordering gluten free meals (dd has celiac), she meets with the dietary manager at dinner and orders the following days breakfast and dinner, but calls him/her before leaving the cabin to let them know when and where she is eating. She’s had platters of gluten free food delivered to even the buffet! There is never a wait for her meals.

 

I was not Gluten Free when we went on our NCL cruise, but sounds like they have the system down pat!

[eddiemac43]

qa4ever, thank you for the detailed review. A few question regarding barefoot beach...

-Were the floaties free for all the suite guests?

-For the guests without a cabana, was it hard to find shaded area?

-During lunch, are there actual tables and chairs to eat lunch from, or was it grab your food and eat from your lounger situation.

Sorry for all the Qs, trying to decide if a cabana is really worth it or not (crazy high price imo)

We did Oasis twice, both times in suites. We loved Coastal Kitchen and suite lounge. Very relaxing and food was excellent. We did breakfast and dinner there every day along with lunch twice.

 

Sent from my SM-N950U using Forums mobile app

[qa4ever]

We did Oasis twice, both times in suites. We loved Coastal Kitchen and suite lounge. Very relaxing and food was excellent. We did breakfast and dinner there every day along with lunch twice.

 

Sent from my SM-N950U using Forums mobile app

 

We didn't really use the suite lounge, as we are not drinkers, and preferred people watching on our balcony than sitting around in the lounge.

 

We did try coastal kitchen for breakfasts, but really did prefer the main dining room atmosphere.