Newbie, Oasis, Freaking Out...

[PrincessBelle39]

Can't wait to hear how you went. We love the Oasis. We've cruised twice on DCL and once on the Oasis. We won't go back to DCL. Don't get me wrong, we loved DCL. But we love Oasis of the Seas as was just as amazing and there were a few things (Central Park being one of them) that we liked better.

 

[Minniesgal]

wax your legs then the small bathroom won't bother you

 

[Princess Katelet]

I would love to hear how your cruise went now that you're back!

Thanks for your interest! Got in last night at 3am as we did a few Disney days afterward.

Okay, I didn't love it. I still don't think cruising is for me. I found it rather boring and the port days are no fun if you have little money and aren't able to book the zip lining or parasailing or what have you. I'm not a beach or pool girl, nor do I drink or gamble or smoke, so there's little on the ship or ports to interest me I guess. The size of the room utterly shocked me. It was quite the challenge unpacking and figuring out how to organize three women's things. I HAD to unpack though as there was clearly no room to live out of suitcases. I asked for extra hangers and hung what I could and then used the cubbyholes in the closet as 'drawers'. There are a lot of nooks and crannies for 'stuff' which was nice. Surprisingly the small shower worked for me, mostly because there was a bar to prop my foot on for shaving my legs and I could point the shower head away at that time. When the couch was opened up I often just walked across the room via the bed and couch as the floor space disappeared then.

I found the food pretty mediocre. The only really good thing was the 'warm, dark, chocolate cookie' dessert. I had a truly horrible prime rib the very first night, but the beef tenderloin and another prime rib were fine. The turkey was surprisingly good on the last night but I had to ask for extra stuffing as the serving was literally a tablespoon. The menu really disappointed and appetizers and desserts rarely changed. Windjammer was hit or miss. My absolute favorite thing about the entire cruise was the soft serve ice cream at Wipe Out but they closed every day at 5pm so that was a major bummer. I HATED the WIND. I've never been so windblown in my entire life. It's hard to even enjoy central park with the constant wind. Between a week of that and five days of Disney rides (before and after) I'm surprised I have any hair left!! The smoke from the casino was very annoying and people on the balconies smoked as well. The creaking of the metal ship was unexpected for me and I think the fact that we had a pull down bed in the ceiling added to our noise. My mother's balcony seal must not have been good because she had a constant whistle with her door. The ship had definite wear and tear but you can tell it's a pretty ship.

I did the rock wall, zip line, ice skating, family comedy night, Cats, and Elvis. Cats was high quality but it's not my favorite musical. One of the comedy guys was funny and Elvis was okay but the Come Fly With Me show was just awful. The aquatic show was just okay. Talented athletes but kind of a dumb story, and why they had a ballerina dancing around I couldn't understand. The staff was nice but our dinners came out at all different times. We were a large party of 13 but there was a lot of time between when a few people would get their appetizers and the next people would get theirs. I hated how almost every single night they interrupted dinner and screamed over the speakers about HOW MUCH ARE WE ENJOYING THE GREAT FOOD?? HOW MUCH ARE WE ENJOYING THE GREAT SERVICE?? CLAP YOUR HANDS FOR YOUR CHEFS! CLAP YOUR HANDS FOR YOUR SERVERS! I found that very intrusive and loud and chaotic and not enjoyable or necessary. I'm also not a fan of being served all the time. The attitude of 'you are on vacation, let us do every single thing for you!' was uncomfortable for me. Guess I was right and I'm not a cruise girl! I was also pretty put off by the extra prices--the $14.99 per day per person gratuities, the $120 round trip for trip to and from the port, plus in my case I needed an expedited passport and my daughter wanted to do some excursions with her cousins. I did buy six photos for $99 so my bill was $600 extra at the end with all that I mentioned. Disney Parks are not cheap either, but I do prefer them and feel like I am in more control there. I was most looking forward to not having to grocery shop or think of things to make and then cook them. But as I said since the food was so mediocre and the variety seemed to never change it wasn't the great experience in that regard that I was hoping for. My youngest turned 18 on the trip though and seemed to really enjoy herself so watching her have fun was of course very enjoyable for me and I am glad she had that experience.

Thanks, everyone, for all your help and advice!

 

[starvenger]

Sorry it wasn’t the best time for you, but happy that you tried it and are at least able to make future decisions based on first hand experience.

With gratuities, I will say that most people are not fans of seeing those charges pop up. But with that said, the crew doesn’t get paid a lot of salary so they depend on their share of gratuities to earn a decent wage. So it’s an accepted part of cruising and IMO it’s a fair amount to give for everything these guys do.

Glad your girls had fun. If they bug you about doing this again... I dunno. Maybe suggest a resort but you have the same beach/pool issue.

 

[mevelandry]

Based on the things you said you did not like: I honestly don't think DCL cruises are for you either... because what you did not like is pretty much what you would experiment on DCL as well.

At least now you know that cruising is not for you. But it's okay, with each experience as a traveller, you get to know what you like and don't like so you can find something that suits you more in the future.

 

[msjprincess]

Sorry it wasn’t the best time for you, but happy that you tried it and are at least able to make future decisions based on first hand experience.

With gratuities, I will say that most people are not fans of seeing those charges pop up. But with that said, the crew doesn’t get paid a lot of salary so they depend on their share of gratuities to earn a decent wage. So it’s an accepted part of cruising and IMO it’s a fair amount to give for everything these guys do.

Glad your girls had fun. If they bug you about doing this again... I dunno. Maybe suggest a resort but you have the same beach/pool issue.

That's why I always pay mine in advance. I usually wait until a week or so before and call to add them. I know it's the same amount of money but psychologically I like not getting a bill at the end.

 

[John VN]

Thanks for your interest! Got in last night at 3am as we did a few Disney days afterward.

Okay, I didn't love it. I still don't think cruising is for me.................................Thanks, everyone, for all your help and advice!

MAYBE just RCCL isn't for you????? DW and I have been on a number of different cruise lines and just like DW might be a hit while Universal is a no-go, we found it to be the same with cruising.

BTW, when the power went out I had a thought that, if this was DCL, they might charge for the added experience

 

[starvenger]

And it would be well worth it, since it’s DCL and we’re a bit partisan in these forums.

But it’s Nickel and Diming on Every Other Cruise Line...

 

[Princess Katelet]

MAYBE just RCCL isn't for you????? DW and I have been on a number of different cruise lines and just like DW might be a hit while Universal is a no-go, we found it to be the same with cruising.

BTW, when the power went out I had a thought that, if this was DCL, they might charge for the added experience

I don't know...my DCL cruising family does say the food on DCL is better and that there is less wind because fewer areas on the ship are exposed. In RCCL's favor they said that the bathroom on RCCL is FAR superior, even though there is only one. They also felt RCCL had a lot more for preteens and teens. But even on DCL I'm guessing I'd be bored and be broke at the ports and unable to do anything.

 

[mevelandry]

I don't know...my DCL cruising family does say the food on DCL is better and that there is less wind because fewer areas on the ship are exposed. In RCCL's favor they said that the bathroom on RCCL is FAR superior, even though there is only one. They also felt RCCL had a lot more for preteens and teens. But even on DCL I'm guessing I'd be bored and be broke at the ports and unable to do anything.

Food is very subjective. I am not a fan of DCL's food (I always pay extra for Palo or Remy). I find that with a few exceptions, the food at the counters is terrible and the dining room and the buffet are "okay" at best.

I was a DCL hardcore until I have tried Carnival. Now, I prefer Carnival's food and I find that adults have much more to do and it's also much more affordable so we can actually splurge in doing excursions we really want to do and/or upgrade for Spa Cabins (Cabins that give you spa access all week & verandah cabins) and still have some extra money to spend... On DCL, my budget is a bit tight.

I haven't tried a RCCL ship yet so I can't speak about the exposition to wind VS DCL but even on DCL ships, when you sail, it will be windy. I even remember being cold during the Pirate Party.

 

[hdrolfe]

I don't know...my DCL cruising family does say the food on DCL is better and that there is less wind because fewer areas on the ship are exposed. In RCCL's favor they said that the bathroom on RCCL is FAR superior, even though there is only one. They also felt RCCL had a lot more for preteens and teens. But even on DCL I'm guessing I'd be bored and be broke at the ports and unable to do anything.

Food is very subjective. I haven't been on DCL but I prefer the food on Carnival to RCCL. Both lines have a lot for preteens and teens (depending on the ship). If you have some ideas of things you would like to do, I am sure it would be possible to find a cruise you can do them on. However, if you don't beaches it is a bit more limited And cruise lines tend to have one or more "private ports" where that is what's free. I do also do private excursions though which cost less than the cruise line offerings.

I agree with paying the gratuities up front, it can be a shock to see them added later. Also excursions, if you plan to do any, booking and paying in advance can help spread out the costs (especially on RCL where you can watch for sales). I try and choose one port to do something extra and the rest stick with simpler activities. However we are a beach loving family so that is easier. Taxi to a beach is usually reasonable, rent a chair and umbrella, we are set!

My son does not like to relax and is always on the go, wanting to do something, anything! I find it exhausting at times but have learned to choose ship and ports based on his desire to be active. If it was just me, I'd be happy to relax more! Sorry to hear you didn't enjoy it much, it could be that cruising in general isn't for you, or perhaps a different cruise line. Or maybe a Mediterranean? I think they have more variety in activities though that could also increase costs (I don't think the excursions are cheap).

 

[Denise W]

I have cruised on DCL (8 times), Carnival (once), NCL (3 times), and RCCL (6 times). Food is definitely subjective, as are cruise lines. I loved every one of my cruises, and did not find the food "better" on any one cruise line. All lines have their negatives and positives.
Denise

 

[KashasMom]

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your cruise. Cruising is not for everyone and even those who cruise frequently find things they don't like about cruising! In your case - you knew going in that there was little on the ship or in the ports that would interest you.

Not being a pool or beach girl would be a big issue. Daughter could spend all day at the pool so that's where we usually are. For us, that's where Disney is a big let-down. Literally 1 family pool that is standing room only! At least on the Oasis class we have a choice of 3-4 pools. Since we're usually at the pool we don't worry too much about finding things to do. However, on Disney we do tend to get a little bored during the day - just not enough for families to do together. (We don't smoke or drink either.)

On port days we can always find something to do even if it's just a walking tour. That's always an inexpensive option wherever you are in the world. And usually a great way to learn about the city you're visiting.

I can imagine your shock about room sizes. There are 3 of us as well but we've always been okay. I particularly loved the nooks and crannies. RCI has changed that on the Harmony and there are actually more drawers than nooks and crannies. I kind of missed them.

Food is subjective as mentioned. As far as Oasis class ships I'd rate Allure best, then Harmony, then Oasis. Depends on where you eat. For us just having so many options is great. We do find the food better on those ships than on Disney.

Surprised about the soft serve. Isn't it available by the pool/on pool deck? It is on both Allure and Harmony...I can't remember all the way back to our Oasis cruise but the layouts of the 3 are very similar.

We've never had wind in Central Park. Not sure how that works since it's blocked on both sides but yes, definitely windy on top deck or 2. Again, not specific to RCI. BTW, I'm thinking your mom's balcony door was not locked completely. You would hear the wind that way. If there was an actual issue with the door, you could have called Guest Services. I think they would have taken care of it.

I completely agree with you about the being served thing. I HATE it. I could never cruise in a Suite/Concierge where someone is constantly on top of you. But honestly, we have just not had that super service experience (not even on Disney).

I'm sure you knew about the gratuities before you cruised. I have been on many cruises and never pre-paid them but I'm going to do that for our next cruise (taking 9 people on a cruise). I also don't like the bill at the end! You had other expenses that were not any fault of RCI - getting to the port, passport, and photos. Aside from the gratuities - you can spend as much or as little as you want. There were A LOT of shoppers on our Harmony cruise. We didn't buy anything on board.

I'm glad your daughter had a nice birthday cruise! For us, wherever we are/whatever we do for vacation it's really just about us being together and having fun as a family.

I hope you have a great next vacation, whatever you do!

 

[frank808]

Dont think this will help you now but there are soft serve machines on pool deck next to the stage for the band.

At least you tried and know cruising is not for you.