Winner winner, Cruise Ship Dinner!
Dec 2010, after having cruised just last March, we were sea bound again. I called RCL and booked the Stateroom, called the Fort Lauderdale Hotel where we stayed 2008 and booked a suite, contacted “The Pillars at New River Sound” asked if we could re live our Engagement. Same waiter, same chef, same Cabana set up, this was a neat little spot that we called our own.
After the two days in Fort Lauderdale, which for obvious reasons had become our favourite Embarkation Port, we got to see the Oasis everyone was talking about. Walked the never ending Gangplank and into the Atrium. It was like walking into a Shopping mall, this gigantic Atrium had friendly staff handing out champaign and assisting check in. It smelt of sweet fresh baking, to Janets delight we were standing right beside a boutique called “The Cupcake Cupboard”. Grabbed a bucket of beer and a cupcake, off to the stateroom.
Befor I get into the ports visited, I would be doing The Oasis a disservice not promoting its colossal beauty, attention to detail and thought through features accessible to her passengers. I will do my best to share what we found to be most spectacular about the Oasis, even though our 7 day cruise wasn’t enough time to explore the entire ship. The Atrium was like a shopping mall, not a tall Atrium, it had an outside common area known as “Central Park” on top if it. As Janet and I got thirsty we came across a bar in the middle of the Atrium. As we were enjoying in a cold Cerveza and fruity Janet drink, our bar proceeded to elevate to outside. We ended up finishing our drinks outside, in the heart of the ship, the middle of Central Park.
Before we set sail I had to make a run for the Casino to see where I was going to win the $100K “Poker Royale Tournament”. Lol I didn’t even come close to winning, couldn’t even make it past the first day, but didn’t really care. We had so much to explore. I was able to watch the remainder of the tournament, in the late evenings, on our stateroom TV.
I had made sure to contact our travel agent so we could take advantage of some of the specialty restaurants on board. For a reasonable fee, we were able to book dinners at “150 in Central Park” “Chops Grille” “Izumi Sushi” and “Portofino”. 5 Star dining at every spot. Don’t go cruising expecting to lose weight.
One afternoon we searched for some “Johnny Rockets” Hamburgers and Milkshakes. The American Burger Joint was on Boardwalk, which is outside at the aft of the ship. Walked out the Huge sliding doors, hopped on the life sized carousel (in front of Jonny Rockets) for a spin. Had a hotdog and vanilla shake, Janet did the Burger and a chocolate Shake. This is where the “Aqua Theatre” is.
Got to know a couple from Saskatchewan who had a balcony adjacent to ours. She was an Oasis of the Seas Performer who had brought her Canadian family on this ship to show off the “Cirque du Soliel” show she was a part of. There are no personal pictures from this free show because she added us to the seating beside her boyfriend, mom and dad. We sat front row where there was a “you will get wet” warning. Great time with some great people. Amazingly the performers and acrobats dove, flipped, swung and flew around the aft of the Oasis. This was all around a custom made theatre with a pool, diving boards, trapeze, speakers and Screens. Tougher to get tickets, books up fast, we felt blessed meeting some thoughtful Canadians, eh.
Very tough to not just ramble on about this Mega ship. It did also take us to a few really relaxing ports. We left Fort Lauderdale and shot over to Labadee Haiti where Janet and I decided not to get off the ship. We were recently there for our honeymoon and instead booked a couples massage. “Focus on the feet, please” lots of walking on this ship! Janet had her nails and a facial done. Loving to “steam” I must have spent an hour in the Spa’s Steam Room after the 50 minute couples massage. What an ideal way to spend your first full day onboard. The spa usually offers specials on port days to fill empty slots. Most people are exploring the port of call, a money saving tip to save a few bucks.
Cozumel, Mexico is an up for anything port. If you want to party, they’ll give you whatever you need. If you want to relax, there are white sand beaches with turquoise waters on all sides. As an avid fisherman, knowing we were going to Cozumel, I contacted Cozumel Fishing Charters and reserved a deep sea fishing boat. I do get sea sick so I was sure to put on my motion sickness patch and have a light breakfast. No Sailfin (out of season) but caught a barracuda and bunch of smaller Tuna. Crew was informative, Cerveza was cold, Weather was hot, Janet was beautiful, what a great experience for a trophy Fisherman.
While at Costa Maya, Janet and I booked a tour inland towards the pyramids and Mayan Temple Ruins. This tour was easy to navigate, very accessible and affordable. Beautiful trails through lush vegetation, every breath I remember the fresh scents and “Rainforest” smells.
Next up Key West, Florida. Quaint and clean, a very picturesque family friendly US city in the Florida Keys which is known as the “Southernmost Point” of the United States of America Mainland. On most Cruise Ships you have 3 options for dinner in the main Dining room. The Oasis offered a 6:30 dinner, 8:30 dinner or anytime dining (between 6-9 pm). We chose the 8:30 pm slot. Its fun to pick a designated time over “Anytime” because your seated with the same fellow cruisers every evening.
What a diverse group we broke bread with, all travelling for vacation, they were great company. A couple from England, 2 Friends from Sweeden, a boyfriend/girlfriend from somewhere in the states (Rob and Marnie please forgive me if you ever see this) and a brother sister team from Atlanta. Many stories shared and glasses cheered around this table. Long story short, the ten of us spent the day in Key West bar hopping, it was Robs 30th birthday.
Good Times. Lots of water was guzzled at dinner that night LOL. This was the last port we visited and disembarked the Oasis the next day. Off the ship and onto the direct flight back to… Winnipeg 😦
Click to View for more Cruising Adventures. Next page will be Janet, Kaitlyn and I’s Hawaiian cruise on the Pride of America. Kaitlin’s first cruise at 9 months old.
Cheers!
Seas the day 