Great ship and trip but horrible customer service before trip

Item: Oasis of the Seas
Rating: 3.6
Author: wwdirk

Oasis of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

wwdirk

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 31

Overall rating:

3.6 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 22, 2017

Ship: Oasis of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 6312

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

The cruise itself and the ship were both great. Lots to do great staff and good food. My main complaint is precruise customer service. We saved up for this, our first cruise for awhile and picked this trip because we really wanted to go to two ports in particular to relive childhood memories. I understand that hurricane damage is not Royal Caribbean’s fault and they are allowed to change ports. My heart also goes out to the many people still suffering. However, Royal Caribbean’s complete lack of flexibility blew me away. When I asked if we could reschedule for a time in the future or get a discount for the huge change in itinerary I was basically told that they had the right to do whatever they wanted and there would be no compensation and my only remedy was to cancel with a 75% penalty. It took multiple calls just to get someone who did not have a bad attitude.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Pretty painless

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

Really good food and great drinks. Nice bartender quality liquor. Good beer selection.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Loved the surf rider and pools. My son loved kids area and games.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Comedy and headliner shows were awesome. Disappointed that one show was canceled but understand that things happen.

Children's Programs

4 out of 5

Kids club was very nice and seemed cool but my son was not to interested.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Just about everyone was great especially our room steward.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Awesome ship very well maintained and clean.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Little small but adequate. Very comfortable and clean.

Ship tip

Book ice skating early.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida

1 out of 5

Nassau, Bahamas

3 out of 5

Labadee (Cruise Line Private Island)

3 out of 5

Falmouth, Jamaica

4 out of 5

Family adventure excursion was a blast

Thumbs Up 2

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

Busy but good all things considered

Traveler Photos

4 Comments

twangster 7 years ago

They need to protect themselves too. If everyone could make last minute free changes the ship might empty for weeks because people all decide not to cruise for any number of reasons like "I just don't feel like cruising next week, auntie is coming to town so let's reschedule ". It's similar to booking non refundable airfare. Everyone wants a cheap price then get upset when they can't cancel. Ships need to sail full to make money. To provide flexible changes all fares would have to increase to maintain profitability. Or as offered, buy CFAR insurance. Either way you pay more, but who wants to pay more right? Can't have it both ways.

Thumbs Up 8

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Gloworm2 7 years ago

Im glad you enjoyed your cruise overall. As long as I’m on the ship I’m happy. When I must visit a particular place, I fly there. Then hope it doesn’t rain 😂

Thumbs Up 2

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Charlou 7 years ago

@will_work_4_cruise. I totally agree

Thumbs Up 1

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willwork4cruz 7 years ago

It is unfortunate that hurricanes and other unexpected events happen that necessitate port changes but remember, we sign a contract that said we agree that the cruiseline can change or cancel ports for any reason. So we can't be too upset when they change for a very good reason. If the particular port would make or break the cruise then you need Cancel For Any Reason trip insurance.

Thumbs Up 4

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Other reviews of this sailing

Wonderful time with husband and daughter

Great

Family cruise reunion