On board the new Oasis of the Seas: Is it worth the money?
Filed under: Bargains, Extracurriculars, Transportation, Travel, Celebs & Money, Economizer
So here I am, writing this from off the coast of Florida as part of the first two-day preview cruise of the magnificent Oasis of the Seas. Royal Caribbean has launched the largest cruise ship in the world, a towering dagwood of action-packed decks and over-the top superlatives: longest cruise ship, widest cruise ship, tallest cruise ship, heaviest cruise ship.
And as of today, the coolest cruise ship. Rihanna was on here yesterday, and I'm told Richard Branson has come and gone, too. By now, most of America has seen the particulars of this gargantuan, billion-dollar chunk of devil-be-damned engineering. Here on board, one of the stateroom TV channels plays, on a loop, the segments of yesterday's Good Morning America in which Sam Champion and his crew romped around the Aqua Theatre, the Solarium, the cocktail bar that rises and falls between three decks (pictured above), the huge Central Park and Boardwalk atriums (atria?) that carve an airy middle into the ship.The ship is, simply put, astounding. I have never seen anything like it in my years of cruising. It took me about six hours to explore fully from Deck 3 (the Studio B ice rink) to Deck 17 (the stunning, and ridiculously expensive, duplex loft suites with two-story sea views). There's nearly no way to take in the enormity of the endeavor. If you could pack a small shopping mall together with a 2,400-room resort and send it off to sea, you might start coming close (one cynic described it as "a hotel on a barge," which omits the considerable frills and dazzle), but you'd still have trouble wrapping your head around it all.
It is so big as to be humbling, and sometimes, that makes it a little frightening. As we left Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, a police boat rushed a smaller craft that was approaching us and warned its captain to back off, as it was entering "restricted waters." Something this big and this audacious would be an obvious target, and local police are clearly taking no chances.
Royal Caribbean, ever adept at cleverly harnessing social media (remember that unfortunate recent case in which it was nabbed giving freebies to people likely to populate user-review boards with praise?), has invited large numbers of journalists, travel agents, and VIPs to take part on two, free, back-to-back, two-night cruises. Attending for WalletPop, I'm on the first one. For this run only, alcohol is free.
There were some early reports this week that the line would be, in effect, bribing the press for good stories by plying them with booze and by giving them stuff that will actually cost passengers on "real" sailings. Although alcohol is free, I can't say I've seen this accusation to be the case, and the crowd is a lot less drunk than it was for a paid sailing on the Carnival Dream a week ago. Not everything is handed out: I've had to pay for things such as a $2.50 coffee on the Royal Promenade or $2.50 for a hyper-sweet cupcake from its on-board cupcake shop. Whenever anything is offered to us, I ask what the price will be for paying customers.
Again and again, the answer I get tells me that many of the things we're getting are included in the fare anyway. That includes midnight pizza at Sorrento's, afternoon burgers at Johnny Rocket's, and twilight doughnuts on the Boardwalk (where there's a working carousel), and even rides on one of the twin FlowRider sheet wave machines, provided you can score a time slot. So although Royal Caribbean is pioneering obnoxious fees such as surcharges for late-night room service and hefty upcharges for the privilege of eating better food than its main dining regularly serves, I can't say it's using the launch of the Oasis to foist a lot of new ones on us.
There are some issues, of course. The first is lines. Royal Caribbean was wise enough to only pack this ship about half-full, which means we're all likely to get into the shows we want to see and we won't write reviews complaining about crowds. When it's full of paying guests, though, you'll have to make many of your reservations online or in a queue, adding another layer of hassle to what's supposed to be your break from it all. I also suspect the main pool area, on Deck 15, will not be able accommodate everyone who wants to swim. On balance, though, this is a pretty dazzling achievement, and diversion is around every corner.
When I see a ship as marvelously bloated as this one, I have to separate my sense of travel snobbery from my admiration for what Royal Caribbean has done here. I can't deny that passengers who immerse themselves in this floating circus might as well not be at sea at all. It's less a ship than a floating resort, and most of the passengers seem to be hanging out below decks than enjoying the sun and the sea.
Today, while I was having lunch in the Windjammer Marketplace buffet on Deck 16, I looked down at the smooth blue water to see dolphins playing alongside the ship. While I was admiring that sight, the couple behind me was engaged in a lively debate about the quality of this buffet compared to those on other ships. They were oblivious to their surroundings. It's typical of the attitude on board the Oasis, which is so loathe to share any glory with the oceans than most of its vantage points over the seas are sheathed in glass.
That's all right. This ship is a product, and whether you're a theatre reviewer or a travel writer, you have to remember the audience for whom you're reviewing the product. This audience is agog. I myself can't help but be impressed. For the next year or so, until its sister ship the Allure of the Seas matches her feats, this will be the ship to book, and rates are likely to be at around $150 a night or more (I wrote about upcoming deals to be had that were even better). I can't say that if I paid that price, high for the industry right now, that I would ever find that I was feeling ripped off.
Now that I've seen this ship, though, I might consider any other vessel that dared to charge me so much would be a rip. In this way alone, the Oasis may have changed the industry: It will be difficult for less exuberant ships to charge the same price, and if they do, they'll have to find some other hook, be it a boast about smaller crowds, better food (Royal Caribbean's food is not widely considered its strong point), Mickey Mouse appearances, or larger cabins. The sheer magnitude of the Oasis, its biggest selling point, will also be the very thing that convinces some customers to choose a sailing with more modesty.
And more importantly, remember that traveling is not always the same thing as vacationing. Not everyone wants to engage with other cultures; for many people, the floating fishtank of a cruise ship is all the exploration they need. The Oasis is a fabulous vacation machine, but it's about the universe it has created for itself, not about its place in the outside world. In that, it's a home run.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)
11-21-2009 @ 6:32PM
Doug said...
Great article. Thanks for not sugar coating.
Reply
11-25-2009 @ 11:28AM
Al Schrader said...
I remember the Posieden Adventure movie. Wow, think they will make a movie about this one ?
Cost of it is $1.5 billion. At $150 per day for a cabin, they will have to sell 273 thousand years worth of cabins. No problem.
Simply get it stuck on a sandbar & serve free drinks ! Al.
12-05-2009 @ 1:15PM
King David said...
Can you say: "Terrorists on board with a 'smart bomb' (small nuclear
device to wipe out the size of a city for those of you who don't know
the size) and then they detonate it in the middle of the ocean, where
no rescue is able?????? Stupid assed people who have nothing to do
with their disposable income except to eat and lay around. If you
want to eat then go to a buffet instead of putting yourself in
danger. Speaking of eating: IF there would be any survivors think :
Shark!!! Chomp, chomp...
11-21-2009 @ 9:55PM
Jennifer Rohleder said...
I want to thank you for putting these pictures up of Oasis of the Seas. I have been watching this ship being built from the ground up. I have watched every detail there was being planned and watched her cross the ocean. I am in love with her and her mass size. I wish to go and stay in the lofts but we shall see since I am in school full time to be a nurse. Anyhow, I am so happy to know that someone got to go and not only that, enjoy themselves but at the reduced cost. Great job I must say with those perks.
Thank you so much for posting your trip. I really apprieciate it more then you know.
Reply
11-21-2009 @ 11:35PM
Mrs. Monahan said...
I have never cruised, ever. I once went on the ferry to Cape May and was seasick the whole time. Putting that aside though, your article seems to be saying that there is much to do and see on RC lines but the only thing you get when you pay enormous ticket prices is a room. Is that true?
Could you tell me when you plunk down 800.00 for a room with a balcony over the water do you at least get sheets?
Many thanks for an answer and explanation.
Mrs. Monahan
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11-25-2009 @ 10:30AM
Larry G. said...
Hello! My wife and I are in love with RC. We have booked the Oasis for July 2010. I had no desire to sail and my bride wanted to go and off we went. The Oasis will be our third cruise. RC treats you very well and we hardly felt like there we any crowds on the ship. There were/are a number of amenities on the cruise. I think you would enjoy yourself. Larry G.
11-25-2009 @ 10:55AM
dheepa630 said...
You do get sheets! yoru room is treatedjust like it would be if you were staying at a hotel with daily clean-up, new toiletries, and change of sheets (if requested). RC also recylces water which is great for the ocean it calls home.
you can literally eat all day long while vacationing on most cruise ships. there are also a host of activities on cruises. from shows (free) to movies (free) to food (free) to some exercise (free - deck walking as a group during sunrise, or yoga) and even some 'sports' (free). there are also to be paid for services like drinking, spa services, casino/gambling.
Every day you wake up and your somewhere new - and you get off the ship and you explore. try dramamine or ginger if you get sick. my first cruise i was horridly sick, but we were following a hurricane so we had unusally rough water. i love travelling, and cruises are a great deal. find a short trip (3 days) that may be close to home. (Unless you live in an expensive port city, or cold weather - then it's worth it to fly to somewhere like miami or port canaveral)
11-25-2009 @ 11:52AM
Debbie said...
I have cruised for years with my family. If you have any questions feel free to email me.
Yes, the sheets are free!
11-25-2009 @ 12:34PM
Mr. TRINIDAD said...
Hello Mrs. Monahan.
My family and I have taken two cruises in the past 4 yrs. We have traveled in two different ship name brands. I can tell you that you get what you pay for. But that is not necessarily the case. ( you have to do your homework.) The first was with Carnival for 7 days. The second cruise was with Disney for 4 days. Comparing the two. Disney was the cleanest (rugs, public bathrooms and the restaurants were of excellent service ) The cabins you ( our case was for 2 adults 2 teens) do get the finest sheets (350 ct.) or higher on both cruises, their beds are very conformable. If you are sensible to noise , we recommend a higher floor. On Carnival we stayed on a 2nd Floor. (it was noisy) On Disney we stayed on a 6 floor (no noise). You have to remember that all cruises (our exp.) will ask you for a credit card or cash on deposit for all of your Extra expenses like excursions, drinks even a bottle of water is expensive, spa service, ect. Comparing a cruise to a land vacation you do get more out of a cruise. Remember the key (card) to your cabin is also the Ship's Charge Card for all of the EXTRA services. If you don't want surprises at the end, do your homework before the cruise and if traveling with teens let them know the golden rules. Overall we are looking forward to our next cruise. Have Fun.
11-25-2009 @ 4:20PM
DJ said...
Yes, you have to bring your own bedding AND you have to pay extra to leave your room. Why would you make sarcastic comments when you have no intention of taking a cruise?
11-25-2009 @ 1:33PM
KittyC said...
It will cost you alot more than $800 for a room with a balcony but whatever you pay, crusing represents a great value -- honestly. Been on11 so far and awaiting #12! AHOY!
11-22-2009 @ 7:42AM
j said...
Mrs. Monahan cruising is great and you get alot for your money. A good cruise in the caribbean or alaska can be a nice experience with almost none of the problems that you had on the small cape may ferry (Just make sure you travel when you have your best possibilities of calmmer seas and that the ship is not going for long distances). A florida to bahamas cruise would be perfect for you. That being said- the point that the author of the article was trying to make was that cruise lines in order to make themselves standout are offering more and more to get people on the boat and pay for the added space. To do that they are adding more things for the people who have to have something different. And since they are doing that they are charging them. OK. My answer to this is why are these people cruising? If you want to rock climb- go rock climbing If you want to ice skate stay where there is ice. If you don't want to eat at the great restaurant and the great food that the ship serves with your trip but fill compelled to overspend at some other fancy restaurant wait until you're on shore and one of the stops and then overspend to your hearts desire and then come back and tell us about it your incredible dining experience at Ruth Chris. If that is not enough over-overtip your waiters and waitresses for the incredible service that you get on a cruise. Be happy with that.
But I do see the author's point that as large as this ship is and with all the cabins it has their is only so much room at the pool side, only so many seating for the restaurant that you want at the time you want, and only so many seats for the shows at the time you want. So what does that do for the passengers forces them to go to places where they have to spend money. And boy is everything expensive at sea. And didn't you go on the cruise to relax have most of your vacation expenses budgeted and paid for and stay in budget (because face it being able to not worry about the budget makes it easier to relax) and have a great time and experience.
The author is saying as a passenger you are probably going to have a better experience on a smaller ship- and that's the same advice you would have gotten years ago from the passengers on the Titanic.
But if you want to gawk this is the place.
I do not work for a cruise line. I have been on 4 cruises and I am going on my 5th this Xmas. All have been great and all have been with different cruise lines (this Xmas will be my first repeat on a cruise line). I take my whole family- we all love it my wife and son do not have good sea legs but still can't wait to go again. We can plan, budget and go on a great trip and not worry how much lunch was or how much dinner will be or our entertainment will be or the babysitter if we want to do something that the kids don't want to. That is done. The only surprises come when we are on shore- but with great meals covered and available on the boat, I can easily control the rest.
Reply
11-25-2009 @ 10:04AM
S said...
J - What cruise line are you repeating on? I have never cruised before, but if you are going back to the same line, it must have been great.
11-23-2009 @ 5:36PM
Mike said...
I just cruised on Princess and was on their ship "The Sapphire Princess" and it was perfect. I could not imanage being on a ship with so many people. This new ship "Oasis is way way to big and I would want a cruise that will relax me not kill me.. I can't see the cost being worth spending six hours just looking around or surfing after standing in a Disney attraction line to just fall and maybe hurt your self. Tha's half the day looking and half the day needing ice for the pain!
On the Sapphire it's 10 minutes at the most to get to a huge clean pool or great theme bar or even a great lobster dinner.
Good luck Oasis! I will stick with Princess.......
Reply
11-24-2009 @ 12:29PM
Judy said...
I can't agree with you more, I love the princess line!! I will always stick to princess I have tried the others,
11-25-2009 @ 10:58AM
Ryan said...
I have sailed quite a few times, and I can say that while RC does manage to pack a lot of people onto their ships, the ships are so huge that unless there is a special event going on in a small location, waiting on lines is never an issue. Even the surfing pool has limited lines. I've stood there watching for 20 minutes or so and seen the same few people get through the lines multiple times. There was a comment on how the Royal Caribbean ships don't have a reputation of having good food, but I'm not sure where that person got their information either. There are other cruise lines with sub par food, but RC has always tried to make their food a little better, and it shows. The food is generally excellent. I have never had to stand in line for any of the shows. Ice shows and some of the other events in the smaller theater require that you get tickets from guest relations, but you never have to pay for any of them. The bigger theater is never an issue with seating either. Even though there are thousands of people on the cruise, not everyone is interested in doing the same things or going to the same places every time. I have been able to go to the pool deck and find somewhere to sit in the sun every time without having to look around for more than a couple minutes tops.
So my point is, while the ship does have a lot of people on it, it's so huge that the people are spread out pretty well. If things get too hectic for you, just go back to your room and sit on your own balcony and get away from it all. I personally love the Royal Caribbean ships, and love being able to walk down the promenade and sit at a cafe table, or get a slice of pizza from the pizza place on the corner... and there are only a few occasions where I have ever felt like there was too much of a crowd. There are areas of the ship where people rarely go too. You can always go and play shuffle board, or go up to the game room to play cards or some other table games (they have a lot of various games on the shelves). Those locations are rarely populated. And some of the sunning areas are away from the pools, so those are less populated as well. If you really want to jump in the water, go in the Adult pool area. That isn't as crowded or as noisy. In other words, there are always alternatives, and there are always a lot of places to sit and relax away from everyone else.
11-25-2009 @ 1:38PM
KittyC said...
Have sailed NCL, Disney, Celebrity, Princess, and Royal Caribbean (total of 11 crusies to date and awaiting #12). Have liked them all for various reasons unique to them. RCCL always a good bet, Disney goes above and beyond, Caribbean Princess probably prettiest (and largest) ship I have been on, Great food on Celebrity.
11-23-2009 @ 2:44PM
C.P said...
If you like being at sea for 3 of the 7 days and not enjoying the the islands, then this type of cruise maybe for you. I enjoy the trips to the islands and not looking at the sea for 3 days during the daylight and wonder how much further. When I book a cruise I like to see as much as possible and enjoy the other cultures. The ships have plenty of entertainment going on and I use that time when we are cruising at nights and to arrive at a different port in the morning. Always look and see how you will be spending your money. Do you want to see differents ports of call or do you like looking at the sea?
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11-23-2009 @ 4:28PM
Isabel said...
I have taken cruises in the past and wouldn't travel afar any other way. FANTASTIC,,,,Taking anither this coming weekend, going to Cozumel...Can't wait for the great survice you get on a cruise. Take one it's worth it
Reply
11-23-2009 @ 5:29PM
Bg Bratcher said...
Do cruise ships still dump raw sewage into the ocean?
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