I wanted to try a cruise for the first time in 2015. It was a very new experience and I wasn't sure what to choose, so I decided to go with the biggest and best available in the industry, considering that I wasn't sure I would be cruising again.
So obviously I had to go with Royal Caribbean Oasis class ship, and my first cruise turned out to be much more enjoyable than I expected. The experience was so relaxing while visiting different islands and seeing new places each day.
I had 3 Royal Caribbean cruises after that in the following 4 years, but none of them matched the experience and enjoyment I had on Oasis of The Seas. The ship is so big and full of activities you won't get bored for a second even on sea days, but it was the first-time experience that really made it more enjoyable, so if you have never cruised before I recommend starting with a big ship to see the best of what's available in the industry.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Embarkation day at Everglades Port in Fort Lauderdale had much to be desired. Terminal looked old outside and inside, and it was very crowded and hot until check-in. Once we got our sea passes it was a breeze.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
I was excited to know that Oasis class ships have over 20 restaurants on board, and half of them are included in the fare. I did try paid restaurants, but my true enjoyment was the Windjammer. Huge variety of delicious food and very relaxed, exactly how a vacation should be.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
The ship is so big that even in a week we couldn't explore everything in it. From before sunrise until after midnight there is always something happening around the clock every 15 minutes, and we receive the schedule one night ahead so that we can plan what to do the next day.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Lots of entertaining shows we couldn't ask for more. Music parties, ice skating shows, musicals, outdoor water show in the back pool, and much more.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
We didn't have kids but the ship is very children friendly, there is a special care center for toddlers and lots of activities to suite all ages.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Very friendly staff, always smiling and polite. Some of them left a memorable mark in our experience with their vibrant and positive attitude.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
No other cruise ship is yet like Oasis class. The promanade that feels like a downtown street with cafes and restaurants on the sides, the central park with real trees and birds living there and flying around us, the Broadwalk area and the outdoor pool in the back with big screens where I used to enjoy watching movies and shows. Really fascinating experience.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Since this was my first cruise and I wanted to sample the best as much as I could, I went with a balcony stateroom. It was on deck 6 but the view was still great and unobstructed. Cabin was clean, although we noticed scratches inside one of the drawers.
Ship tip
My biggest tip is to go with the largest ship if this is your first cruise. Don't be overwhelmed if you couldn't explore everything in it within a week. Just enjoy the experience of being there for the first time. Check the schedule that's sent to your room each night and choose what interests you the most for the next day's activities.
Again back to the Everglades terminal which could have more to be desired. Outdated building back in 2015, haven't been there since. We had to search for our luggage, but later we learned to go with carry-on only to speed up our travel and have all the flixibility we want.
We have been on Oasis and Allure. Booked on Harmony next year. We love the Oasis class ships and can't wait to take our son on his first cruise next year. Glad you enjoyed your trip!
My husband & I celebrated our 25th anniversary with a cruise on the Oasis of the seas.
It was our first Royal Caribbean cruise we had always done Carnival....
Waiting very patiently for cruising to start up to try Symphony of the Seas next April🚢🚢🚢
We have been on 8 cruises with our 9th scheduled. Never been on an oasis class ship. It could happen at some point but we like longer then 7 day cruises which are on smaller ships.
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