Oasis of the Seas December 2009 by Judy Takemoto and Terry Normington

Oasis of the Seas-THE LARGEST CRUISE SHIP IN THE WORLD!
November 22-24, 2009 

Terry & Judy were fortunate to be able to “see & feel” the newest, most innovative ship in the industry.  However, before boarding this historic vessel, we had to get to Fort Lauderdale.  We flew Southwest Airlines from SFO at 9:50 am, via LAX to Houston with a 2.5 hr. layover, then on to Fort Lauderdale-arriving at 10:45 pm.  Long day, full flights (the weekend before Thanksgiving).  Stayed at the Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Airport – complimentary airport shuttle and complimentary shuttle to Port Everglades.  Next morning, as we approached the port, there “SHE” was – all 220,000 tons.  HUGE. Five times larger than the Titanic.  Can accommodate 6300 passengers in 2700 cabins. Plus 2100 crew.  Although the ship is enormous, getting acclimated has been made easier with “touch screens” near the elevator banks.  Simply touch your desired stateroom, restaurant or venue and the information is mapped out with simple directions.

Our 2-night cruise to nowhere, meant we did not experience how 6000 passengers will disembark
at each port-of-call on a regular 7-night cruise.  Hard to imagine…

With the novelty of the ship, the curiosity to roam every inch and the numerous activities available
while at sea, it’s easy to forget that you are on a cruise-even more so because you feel very little motion.

This ship has 24 different dining options.  Keep in mind that 12 of those carry a charge:
~ Room Service (12:00 am-5:00 am) $3.95 (Terry was on hold for 25 minutes & gave up)
~ Ice Cram Parlor*
~ Cupcake Cupboard*
~ Vintages*
~ Izumi*
~ Johnny Rockets $4.95
~ Seafood Shack $8.95
~ Giovanni’s Table $15.00
~ Solarium Bistro $20.00
~ Chops Grille $25.00
~ Central Park $35.00
~ Chef’s Table $75.00

* = a la carte pricing

My Time Dining – dine 6:00 pm-9:30 pm (must prepay gratuities)
My Family Time Dining – expedited dining for families with children 3-11 yrs. at 6:00 pm

The compulsory Life Boat Drill does not require carrying your life jacket to your designated Assembly Station.

We saw the Elton John impersonator, Frozen in Time (ice show), the comedian & Mosaic (6-man
vocal group-every sound is produced by the human voice, no instruments)

It is recommended that show reservations and shore excursions be made in advance on-line.
While on board, there is the Box Office on Deck 5 to make show reservations.

Judy zip-lined 9 decks above the Boardwalk.  It takes more time to sign-up & get strapped in then the actual experience (82 ft.) but it is the first at-sea zip line.  There are 2 Flowriders (simulates surfing), 2 rock climbing walls, miniature golf course, ping pong tables & full basketball court,
5 swimming pools, ice skating, fitness center and spa.

Besides the Zip Line, the other unique features:
Carousel (hand-carved, full-sized merry-go-round)
Pets at Sea (build-a-stuffed animal)
AquaTheater (750-seat amphitheater) – pool by day, theater by night, deepest pool at sea
37 stateroom categories, including Loft Suites and Interior Balcony staterooms
Rising Tide Bar (levitating bar between Decks 5-8)
First at-sea Park (live flora and fauna)
Hairspray – Broadway Show

So much to see & do in a short period of time but we certainly got a “feel” for the ship.  We took lots of pictures but some need commentary so if you’d like to view them, see one of us.

Stateroom: 9 (access to closet was inconvenient/lacked drawer space, electrical outlets hidden under the vanity)
Food: 9
Entertainment: 9 (without seeing Aqua Show or Hairspray)
Service: 8 (pre-inaugural growing pains?)
Innovations: 10


Thanks to Ernie, Ginny & Royal Caribbean for letting us preview the Largest Cruise in the World!
Fun to be able to say, “Been there, done it!”

Segale Cruisers,
Terry & Judy