Review of the Oasis of The Seas

Oasis of the Seas (take 2)

written by sk8erguy1978 posted on 21/02/12

Original Review: http://www.cruiselinefans.com/royal-caribbean-reports-782/oasis-seas-january-16th-2010-a-45412/

Original Photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/103171987728405698008/OasisOfTheSeas (leaves CLF)

New Photos: https://plus.google.com/photos/103171987728405698008/albums/5711803036402698481?banner=pwa (leaves CLF)

I have already written what I feel a very detailed review on the Oasis of the Seas, but since two years have past maybe an update is in order. Since it has been over a month and I have no notes in front of me this is going to be a very poor piece of literature I assure you that.

As always we departed NY 1/5/2012 from Newburgh, NY airport, if anyone is in the area I recommend this airport. While they do not fly many places direct which increases the cost, you can get a Jet Blue flight for about 100 each way to Ft. Lauderdale, FL (nice for a weekend getaway!). The airport only has a few gates and never any lines; we still obey the 90 ? 120 minute policy but do not need it.

Arrived in Ft. Lauderdale and spent 2 nights pre-cruise at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel on 1140 Seabreeze Boulevard. We had our bid of about 150 a night accepted on priceline, however waiting might have yielded a better deal. Overall the hotel was exactly what we wanted. On the beach, had two little restaurants and an extremely friendly staff; oh and free wifi only in the lobby area had to pay to use in room. The free in lobby worked well for us as I have unlimited data so 3G + iPhone worked well and used the lobby to sync a last minute book to her nook; probably not a good idea over unsecured network got lucky this time. I wonder if VPN is possible on the nook ? I bet if it was hacked with the Android software. The room however was not something you would see in a Sheraton, more like a motel. Do not get me wrong, the furniture, carpet, linens and all that stuff was top notch, but the architecture showed some age, as say a beach motel might; we had no choice over the room since it was a priceline bid. The room was a king bed street view at the pool, we would stay at the hotel again but only if we can control where the room is; maybe the tower or something. For anyone who wants a ground room right at the pool, this room might do for you but a bit over priced until they paint and shine up the actual carpentry of the room, IMHO.

Left the hotel about 11am on Saturday January 7th, 2012 via a limo van price was 10 a person (I think ? I believe I gave the guy 25 or 30 bucks total???). We did not prearrange the limo van; we were outside waiting in the taxi chaos when a man approached a small group of us looking to fill his van. Only in FL, at a hotel, near a cruise port can you pull up with a van and say 10 dollars a head and get idiots to jump in. Back home I would have not thought twice about running the other way thinking it was some kind of kidnapping attempt. The guy was great, he gave us his card for return trip, but we took a different limo van back in the same manor. I live within 60 miles of NY and NJ piers, wonder if that would be a good way to make some side cash? Show up on arrival day and fill a rental van ? can probably do two or maybe three round trips from Bayonne to Newark airport. 10pp x 6 (min, 10+ preferred) = 60 x 3 = 180; Maybe not LOL.

Anyway, arrived at the cruise pier and boarded the ship in about 15 minutes or so. Again, top notch, they have this boarding process down. Lots of staff, lots of lines, lots of organization by breaking the process into sections nothing else needs to be said.

Our room was not ready so we went to the Windjammer and all I can say is HOLY COW! It was BUSY, standing room only. We walked around for a bit and fought for some spots at the little bar areas they have, anyone who has been on an RCL ship knows what I am talking about. After that we walked around the ship for a bit and finally to our room. We went with the larger balcony room this time and while the size difference is minimal it seemed a bit larger. The room was also a mirror image which also gave the illusion of more room because the layout was better. None the less nothing to report on the room, it is the same as any RCL balcony stateroom; our room steward, forget his name now (Andrew I think) was top notch. Always in the hallway, 7am, noon, 7 pm, midnight, this guy was around.

The rest of the ship was amazing as we remember, the artwork, the selection of stores and entertainment is why we keep going back to RCL. We did not do any specialty restaurants this trip so cannot report on that. The Zipline was done MUCH better. There was a line and you just waited, no getting a time a different day to come back which was nice; I zipped again! We did not do much of anything this trip, we just relaxed. We missed the ice show but saw some of the other shows, the same as before and a must see. We did some of the comedy things which were a blast as always and Simon from sunny Ft. Lauderdale was still on this ship (same comedic host as first sailing). You will always see him walking around late at night getting food HA HA. He is a funny guy. The only major difference I suppose is the new Starbucks, which we got some flavored lattes a few times during the week, nice change from Seattle?s Best. While I have had the coffee before and find it ?okay? on the ship in most locations it is just plain nasty. Too strong and not a coffee that should be brewed strong ? tastes very bitter. My guess is they use those pre-bag things and maybe they shouldn?t use the whole bag.

The ports of call were Labadee, Falmouth, and Cozumel. Have to admit having only 3 ports and 3 sea days is really relaxing our next cruise only has 2 sea days.

In Labadee we did the zipline excursion and had a blast, this was not our first time doing it. The views alone are worth the adventure. After the zipline we had some lunch and then napped on the beach after a ?Labadoze.? Later on in the afternoon we decided to take a walk around to see some of the changes to the island and ended up taking the coaster. The coaster was fun, and I scared my G/F a bit. It is attached to a track and has a push forward to move and pull back to brake type mechanism; it reminded me of The Alpine Side at the old Action Park in Vernon, NJ. Anyway, I was keeping the speed moving and we came around a corner to find another ?cart? stopped in front of us?The brakes work well HA HA. After that we started to head back to the ship for a wash up and salad.

In Falmouth we decided to book a beach break and overall had a good time, but will not repeat that excursion, Falmouth Getaway at Breezes Starfish Resort & Spa. Now, that is us, the guide when we arrived said the resort was 5 stars. Now, the resort had 5 star amenities with the included food (which was grill side but excellent), liquor, soda, towels, and even water sports but the resort seemed a bit run down. Now, not sure what the rest of the resort was all about, we hung out around the pool area and beach area. We were not separate from the guests of the resort staying the night and they had these huts where local vendors sold their goods?I do not mind the vendors but the huts could have been presented better, these looked run down. So, we will not return to this resort, but it was acceptable and we had a great time overall. I personally give it 3 stars with a strong maybe. The port was nice and offered a lot for shopping, little spots to grab a light bite to eat and some local entertainment.

Last port of spot was Cozumel and we love it there. Do not have a good or bad opinion of the port stop which but it offers a lot of shipping, some eating and other things like any other port of call. We decided to take another beach break, hey what can I say, she loves the beach. The excursion (Isla Pasion by Twister) was a blast and will do it again! First we get taken to Passion Island in a speed boat that does 360 degree turns. I did not believe it, but we did. The operators of the speed boat also did crazy turns and breaking maneuvers, it was a crazy ride and we got soaked! Once on Passion Island we were free to relax on the beach, enjoy lunch and drinks all included. There were some shops that were also nice although we did not shop. The merchants were friendly and the huts were properly built and looked very clean ? well done. I did not take full advantage of the free food and liquor because of the insane ride back (more 360 twists, crazy turns and extreme braking) but did have some and it was excellent. They also had these blow up things in the water that were fun for kids of all ages (8 ? 80).

Overall the cruise was excellent. We had a great time and really enjoy these mega ships and the RCL experience. The ship did not seem as crowded last time but did this time; I am guessing it was just a full sailing. Either way, it was not a deal breaker, just felt a bit full. Another thing we noticed is the cruise director (AMY) while did a fine job wasn?t around much. No one was around much. They have more activities and the same amount of cruise staff (or so it seems) so we never really got to know them as we have on previous cruises. That will be one of many things we look forward to when we sail a smaller ship again (pax:crew).

Thank you for reading this review, again a more in depth review of the ship can be found at (http://www.cruiselinefans.com/hc/review/show/29370) with links to photos. Again, I will post photos of this cruise soon and provide a link. I hope someone enjoyed reading this, I know it is a bit long.