Disappointed first time cruiser

Item: Oasis of the Seas
Rating: 2.8
Author: Disappointedmom

Oasis of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Disappointedmom

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 57

Overall rating:

2.8 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Western Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 01, 2017

Ship: Oasis of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 11149

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

80% disaster, would never do it again even if I was paid. We were looking for a fun family vacation to bond together with shared family memories through fun activities and there was very little that my entire family could do together within the sleep schedule kids naturally require. The needs of the young children were more than difficult to fulfill with the many restrictions and lack of proper accomodations. The trip was exhausting because of how complicated the ships many different schedules, rules, hidden rules, regulations, physical restrictions, waivers, lines, lines, and more lines. There were blockages for a wheel chair or stroller everywhere we went which slowed us down horribly. With how many lawn chairs and cleaning carts we had to move, we should have worked for the boat. Everything I paid for in advance was either broken or poorly managed with hidden problems like food, drinks, soda, Jamaica excursion timeline and the endless lines and last minute restrictions on 80% of everything we tried. However if I made a mistake like: want to swim with my toddlers from 7-9pm or in the same place as my other children, do an activity or show with all 6 of us without waiting 60+ minutes, turn my towel into housekeeping instead of on the pool deck at two specific places, keep alcoholic beverages away from my kids at the pool and hot tub, get help at guest services before waiting 40 min in line, find a place outside our room all four kids could play together for 30 minutes that didnt require 100% of my attention to keep them from violating ANOTHER silly rule or running into alcohol or tobacco use, find 2 diapers the last evening of the trip (I actually had to beg random parents to get 2 diapers, done at the request of guest services, and shop keepers), get my stroller with two sleeping babies through the hall to my room, get help learning how the ship works and where to go for what my family needs, let my 3 year old who is professionally trained at rock climbing, climb with her brothers, checking babies and toddlers in and out of child care in under 40 minutes, Then I was treated strictly and unforgivingly and turned away. It was more than frustrating, and overwhelming trying to care for the basic needs of my family which made it very difficult to have fun. The ship is not for families because it is unforgiving, and unaccomodating to the basic nerds of little ones. 7 different families complained to me about there concerns as well when they struggled with the same concerns I did. The ship is Unacceptable for families 80% of the time and I was extreemly disappointed is how I would describe this experience. While on the ship, I felt more like I was cattle being herded and pushed in the direction they wanted rather than a family on a trip to build lasting memories together. Of our entire 3 week family vacation in Orlando, including the cruise, the 6 days on the ship were by far the least memory building/ bonding, or fun experience for my family. Sad because I had wanted to try a cruise since I was young and my hubby and I worked overtime many many weekends to try this cruise but after this experience I have absolutely no desire to go on another cruise ever again. The kids liked the endless pizza and ice cream they could have had if I had let them have more than 3 ice cream cones or pizza slices a day. We paid for surf lessons which were really fun and went as described and expected, the zip line, pool, and minigolf were great for my hubby and older kids. The toddlers enjoyed the ever after on ice, glass elevators, and the carousel. The rest had potential to be fun but was thwarted by rules, restrictions, and lines. Wish I would have known in advance this cruise is not for families with young children they want to spend time with, not drop at child care or split apart 80% of the time.

Embarkation

1 out of 5

2.5 hours to get through check in line was excessive

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

Chuck a rama would have been a huge upgrade. Very very disappointed. Was thirsty 80% of the time because it's hard to get water when you need it. Hard to take care of young children properly with all their silly rules and restrictions.

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

I went on a cruise to relax and try fun new activities. The only thing there is more of than people, is restrictions, rules, and amount of time standing in line. I signed all waivers before going to save time and still spent many more hours signing more waivers for activities onboard. After waiting in massively long and excessive lines, was rushed through every activity we did or turned away for something ridiculous. Royal Caribbean has many hidden charges, nobody can figure out what activity, itinerary, or a price because it's so complicated. Nobody helps first timers figure out what to do. Very Disappointed!!!!!!!!

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Ice skating show was fabulous, surf was cool. Dive show was pathetic, bands were not very good.

Children's Programs

1 out of 5

My older children complained of being bored and went to see two shows with me so they didn't have to go to the kids club ages 11 and 10. The 3 year old area my daughter went once and was beat up by 2 kids and started sobbing, her older brother saw it through the glass and wanted to help her but we instead waited in line for another 20 minutes while the other people in front of us checked their kids out. Meanwhile she's crying the entire time and begging for me or her brother to hold her because they couldn't find her blanket or get the line moving any quicker. After that we decided to stick together as a family the entire trip, wasn't worth letting our daughter get beat up and cry for 30 min for a hug while we watched as the clueless staff maintained the ships super strict rules.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Helpful. Nice. Courteous. Swift. Accommodating.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Cleanliness and maintenance gets 5 stars. Design does not. Cold water and cups should be easily accessible at all times every 200ft. Get cold water fountains with footpedals for cleanliness and waterbottle fillers. The lack of ability to get water easily is unacceptable.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Fridge was broken the entire cruise, so they brought us a medical fridge for the babies breast milk but it was cumbersome and took a lot of room from our already tight quarters. Rose was amazing. Kept the room looking great. Was told by travel agent we had two rooms one of which was a larger family room but we didn't. That was hard to manage a family with. Nobody got what they needed (sleep, rest, water, food, basic entertainment) most of the week.

Ship tip

Get your money back or don't go at all, not for families with all different age levels. Especially the young ones. The ship wants you to drop them at day care all the time and pay a fortune for it. It is perfect if u use casinos and arcade a lot because those are the only things available 24 hours, well maintained, and functioning properly. Royal Carribeans priorities were very clear, spend all your money, wash your hands often, with as many people as can possibly fit legally.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Labadee (Cruise Line Private Island)

3 out of 5

Good, food wasn't good but zip line was

Thumbs Up 0

Falmouth, Jamaica

3 out of 5

Excursion was rushed. People need to be warned that even though they offer activities that is 6-8 hours worth of entertainment, they only get 4 hours to do it so they have to pick 2 favorites because they can't do everything that's offered. Especially when transportation takes over half of the time they have planned.

Thumbs Up 0

Cozumel, Mexico Did not visit port

Hurricane

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

2 out of 5

Getting off the ship was smooth. Retrieving tagged luggage was a big nightmare. We put multiple tags on our items, all with the same number, and the carseat we had was picked up wrong and it tore the lining and padding off which pulled 2 luggage tags off and hid the other one. Finally found the luggage in a random corner of the baggage claim all beat up with hiddent tag. Actually found some of the used tags on the ground. We waisted more time in long lines to retrieve that as well. To be honest, the entire last day and a half my husband and I kept looking at each other and asking, is this over yet. Get me off this terrible boat. One disaster after another, the entire cruise except for the excursion days was horrible and I found myself wishing I was home instead of stuck on that ship, waiting in line for the next disaster royal carribean put our family through that I would have to endure. Being home is much more relaxing and accommodating to the basic needs of my family than that ship. We booked it as fun family vacation and left feeling like it was anything but a family friendly vacation 80% of the cruise.

39 Comments

traveler01 7 years ago

Well I think everyone has covered about everything that can be said as for you not having a great cruise. Now you know what happens when you fall victim to the four P's of travel, "p___ poor prior planning". But what hasn't been mentioned is how many others you inconveniented due to your planning skills. Nothing more fun than playing "dodge the walker" and listening to kids that have no self control/or parents that just can't control little ones. Perhaps you should vacation closer to home next time, I dont think even Disney would has helped.

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ColoradoK2 7 years ago

Wow, it sure seams that this cruise line would have needed to provide you with a free daycare provider for each of your children and your own personal express line for all events and excursions for you to be even particularly happy. Do you really think it is the cruises responsibility to provide your child’s diapers? Please be reasonable! You were in several ports and could have purchased some if you were running low. We are all very sorry you had a poor experience, but I think you need to assume much of the responsibility for your lack of planning and preparation . My husband and I have and continue to travel extensively with all 3 of our children from the time they were infants through adulthood, the reason we have an enjoyable time is that we did our planning, and have reasonable expectations. We never went somewhere expecting the staff to “split the waters” for us because we were a large group who didn’t want to wait in line. We would arrive early and bring an age appropriate activity for our children to do so they were not to rambunctious. Rather than blame others, try looking at what can be done to improve the next vacation.

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Travelwizard1 7 years ago

I think your handle " Disappointed mom" says it all. My daughter travelled extensively with me over the years (now 38) but I never took her on a cruise until she was 10. Even Disney wasn't a place we went to until she was 5 or 6. Just setting yourself up for a bad time dragging toddlers to places they will never remember.

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alleycat51699 7 years ago

also, if your children are still in diapers, I GUARANTEE that you did NOT create lifetime memories. Next time, wait until they're about 8 or 9 so they remember it.

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rickthemc 7 years ago

Hmmm I am struggling to find the right response here... first, not sure what all of these regulations and restrictions are? Second the schedules of your children and their needs is hardly RCs issue it is your family's problem to manage, third I am guessing that you didn't buy a drink package? Bottled water is available everywhere, all kiosk areas where there is food, decks 15, 8, 6, 14 where all the common areas are have water available. It seems to me that you had a miserable time, but I can't help but wonder how much of it was due to unreasonable expectations and poor planning? I just got off the Allure sister ship with my 3 and 8month old and had a completely different experience. I have also been on Oasis and have had a great time, we are scheduled on the 4th of Feb. Cruising with a gaggle of kids is challenging, especially with the span you were with. If they do not like the kids club, ice skating, rock climbing, flow riders, pools, minigolf, basketball, soccer, water cannons, parades, dance club for kids, crafts, etc... maybe cruising is not the best choice for your family

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Border1 7 years ago

It sounds like you didn't bring enough diapers or pacifiers.

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loves88 7 years ago

a professionally trained 3 year old rock climber.. 80% not true lol

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sarah218 7 years ago

You should have sailed Disney.

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Jborreson 7 years ago

My husband and I are taking this cruise our first without any children after 23 years of marriage. Children make it much more hectic sorry your trip wasn’t good, but please try another cruise sometime!! Kids make vacations much more challenging💗

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unclearthur1 7 years ago

You should try a private yacht next time😂😂

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JasonSan 7 years ago

Why would "7" families "complain" to YOU about their concerns?

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FJcruiZer 7 years ago

Some folks refuse to have a good time. Name kinda says it all

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dansu 7 years ago

I really enjoyed my 3 cruises on the Oasis class ships. Had tons of fun and lots to do. Don't like that your 3 year old was harassed. That is not right but kids will be kids. Wonder where the staff was. As far as smoking and alcohol, the only place I can think of where your children would not encounter such bad habits, which are engaged in by at least 98% of cruisers is at a hospital, but that's no fun. I will be going on my 14th? cruise and enjoy them all. Next time leave the kids at home and guaranteed u will enjoy cruising immensely

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Love2cruise2002 7 years ago

Sorry to hear that you had a bad time. Don't let this one bad experience turn you off from cruising forever. You have to understand that you chose one of the largest ships possible as a first cruise and with very young children. That requires some pre-planning and research. I love cruising and I love the Oasis class ships. However, I have never taken my children on one yet. We cruised before the kids were born and then took a break when they were little like yours. I would not want to work my cruise activities around naps and diaper etc. either. Then when they were 4,6 we started out by taking them on a Disney cruise. Smaller ships, caters especially to younger kids, shows and activities designed specifically for young ones, perfect for families. They think of everything that little ones need right down to the diapers. My kids will have cruised Disney 3 times before we take them on their first RC ship this March. Point is that you should not let one bad experience ruin it for you. Next time talk to people, choose your ship wisely, plan ahead accordingly. It could be a great family vacation. 😊

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Dadm 7 years ago

Disappointedmom ......kinda says it all.

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gilora 7 years ago

Sorry you had a bad experience. Sounds like the ship wasn’t a good fit for your family. Next time, try Disney Cruise Line. We cruised with them when our kids were younger and they are experts at accommodating families with young children.

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twangster 7 years ago

I've cruised with young children and I've cruised without them with grandma looking after them back at home. With both experiences under my belt I can state without a doubt the latter is a much better cruise experience.

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Castiel 7 years ago

Lol what 3 year old is professionally trained at rock climbing

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jenny072 7 years ago

I did carnival with 3 kids 4,5,7 and they had a blast in camp n with us .they were with us most of the time.we went back on ship early at port to have time in pool less crowed the kids had nap times n carnival was great with them all the 5 yr old had autism n they accommodated him n his needs no issues.we did dive in movie..saw trolls .sry u had a bad time..maybe different cruise line next time..we are taking our daughters on a 7 day in 2019 n they are already excited about it.

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cleez 7 years ago

Would suggest trying Disney cruise they are very family oriented

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twangster 7 years ago

Sorry you didn't gave a good time but everything I needed to known to weigh this review was unveiled when you ran out of diapers and expected the ship to supply them. There are height and weight restrictions on activities just like there are at land based theme resorts and young children in diapers can't use the pools, all these rules are for good reason. Yes, people drink alcohol on cruise ships. If the thought of your children seeing an alcoholic beverage being consumed by an adult is upsetting to you or anyone reading this review then cruising is not a good choice for you.

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redmondang 7 years ago

I personally have cruised for many years and knew that a cruise is not for kids under the age of 4 or 5. my kids never went when they were small. I wouldn't feel safe let alone you can't do anything with them at that age except the kids play area. cruises for us are for relaxation not to run around and find as much as you can do.

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Crusise2018 7 years ago

Omg. I’m so sorry. That your first cruise was bad. But if you went through a travel agent then they should of told you that this cruise was not for small children But you should of also done your homework on this cruise ship I’m taking my first cruise. In march. And it took me months to look at the different ships and what they have to offer. For my family and I I’m not going with small children I have heard many many good things about the oasis Sorry you had such a bad experience.

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DerekMire 7 years ago

My point is quit complaining

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Windjam064 7 years ago

I appreciate this well organized trip report. I have been on Oasis twice and didn't have the same experience but I can see her point of view. Cruising isn't for everyone.

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Ree2k12 7 years ago

Let's be positive about it..

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Ree2k12 7 years ago

Well @DerekMire with this wonderful review we got on Oasis of the Seas, you might see fewer families with small children next time you go to hold you up.. Win-win!

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DerekMire 7 years ago

Well she saying she was held up and her four kids and her could not get around like she wanted and had to wait in line we'll people with kids hold me up

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MizCruiseLover 7 years ago

If you don't like her review, just ignore it. There isn't any reason to be rude.

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Dvsdog76 7 years ago

Sorry you had a bad experience and I agree with mizkcutie somewhat bottom line here is it does help others plan ahead I'm a little OCD when it comes to research and planning ahead so please do research and plan a head it could save you time and money and also please.... please disappointed mom don't let one crusie ruin you from trying another !!

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DerekMire 7 years ago

She complaining about everything no one could watch her 4 kids for 30 minutes and she kept having to move chairs by the pool for the stroller

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Ree2k12 7 years ago

@MizKCutie I was wondering the same thing! Not everyone is a vacation planning fanatic to do all the research. A good travel agent would have advised her better. Also why beat up someone who is obviously deeply disappointed by the experience.

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kevinb4321 7 years ago

Unfortunately a ship the size of the Oasis needs to have more passengers than a single family to be profitable. It sounds like you were expecting everyone on the ship to be waiting on you and your family and forget about all the other passengers. Someone so demanding is probably not cut out for cruising. Oh, and by the way I agree with PapaHoffy, the problem seems to be with you and your family not the crew and other passengers.

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MizCruiseLover 7 years ago

Why is everyone being rude? She just gave her review of the ship. Not everyone will have the same experience as her. I'm glad for this review. It lets others know what to prepare for and plan ahead.

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lizzy297 7 years ago

Sorry you had a bad experience. Traveling with little ones (especially in diapers) is just HARD. To me...it in no way makes a vacation for mom and dad.

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Charlou 7 years ago

Of course there’s gonna be rules and restrictions. You’re on a ship with 6000 other people. You have kids, so yes, YOU have to keep an eye on them. You were on a ship, so again, yes, the space is limited. What did you expect? A big field so your kids could play ball and run? Also, keeping alcool and tobacco away from kids and pools is common sens. Your complaining about the waivers? If you would’ve done a little bit of research, you would’ve found out that they can be filled out at home, prior to your cruise. Like @PapaHoffy said, maybe next time try a Disney Cruise. But having done one and from reading your review, I doubt you’ll enjoy it. It’s way to much fun. So you’ve tried a cruise. It’s looks like it’s not for you.

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DerekMire 7 years ago

Leave your kids home then

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Ree2k12 7 years ago

Disappointed Mom as a long time cruiser myself with my kids in tow, I feel for you. That was a truly horrible experience as described. Especially after you spent your hard-earned money! What I would say is that your travel agent should have done a better job of advising you on the best length of cruise, itinerary, and ship suitable for your family needs. I think that is where the breakdown happened. A good travel agent would have also explained many of the restrictions and 'hidden fees' upfront. I do hope you try cruising again but I know how difficult it is to get over a bad first experience. Disney is wonderful for young children. Glad the rest of your vacation was a blast!

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MizCruiseLover 7 years ago

That is terrible. I have heard others say that this ship isn't for families with young children. Try the Disney cruise next time.

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