Signs and Wonders (Wonder if our signs will outlast the bandit)

Walking down the long corridors leading to the staterooms you could easily spot a few decorated cabin doors. A lot of zealous passengers do it for many reasons whether it's just because they love creating crafty items, making a celebratory announcement, or just because it'll make it easier for them to spot their cabin (I'm sure it works well for the person stumbling to his room at 3:00 in the morning with altered thinking due to the amount of consumed 'adult beverages').  Ok....well we'll save that for another discussion. Again, it could be for a number of reasons that passengers hang door signs and decorations.


From time to time there will be pranksters onboard who will pull your decorations down and place on someone else's door, seized as a keepsake, or disposed of, never to be seen again.  I was reminded of this again today and had to chuckle when I heard that someone's door sign was anonymously taken down and exchanged for a bottle of wine. Perhaps I'd be so lucky to have that same bandit on my cruise....for 2 bottles of Moscato and 2 bottles of Verdi he can have all four of my signs. I suggested to someone that I would take pictures of them which would probably last longer than they will on my cabin door.  Below are the 3 personalized magnetic and laminated door signs I made. Royal Caribbean has designed our 4th, so I'll unveil it after the cruise.

I chose to use the DreamWorks characters because Royal Caribbean has partnered with DreamWorks and live characters are found onboard the Oasis class ships as well as 3D Movies which can be seen in the onboard theater.

Roll out the Red Carpet

During the last two cruises I'd taken limos to the cruiseport.  I was toiling with the idea of whether or not we should do it for this trip.  Since this cruise is a long awaited celebration for my baby girls graduation, I try to involve her in the entire planning process.  We have a few other reasons in which we're celebrating.  I'll definitely fill you in later.

Here's why it's been a struggle deciding how to get to the port.  My previous cruises were nothing like this one is going to be.  Since this is the largest ship at sea (along with her sister ship Allure of the Seas), alot of funding has gone into making this a trip of a lifetime and we have shoved out probably 1/2 or less of the dough to sail on the previous ships.  So as you can see, we went all out for this.  In addition, we've learned that there is so much to do once you get to the international ports of call, and if you want to experience the various activities....well as we know, "money makes the world go 'round".  We opted to stimulate their economy rather than take a 25 minute ride in a limousine, which will cost about the same for 5 us to do something we really want to in Jamaica, Haiti, or Mexico.

The taxi caravan is reserved (round-trip) and we'll approach it as if the red carpet was rolled out and waiting for us to occupy.  Maybe the driver will realize we're somebody and carry our luggage and open our doors.....you know the same treatment a limo driver would give us.  I'll let you know when he brings us back home.

Everything Must Go!

As I mentioned yesterday, my bags are all packed.  I'll be the first to admit I always seem to over-pack, but there's never a need for me to make purchases once I reach my destination because I make sure I have everything I'll need while away.  Even if means I have to pack my kitchen sink....I take everything! (lol). 

Some of the essential items I picked up are Clorox cleaning wipes to wipe down the door knobs etc. upon our arrival, over-the-door shoe hanger which we'll hang on the bathroom door to hold our toiletries.  I understand the bathroom is limited in space so this will maximize our storage space.  I did a little shopping and picked up more rechargeable batteries, sunblock, after sun coolant, deodorant, toothpaste, travel toothbrush, a beach towel which came with a matching tote bag, and hand sanitizer although this will be found in abundance all over the ship.  The only other things I need to purchase are hair products and a pair of white sandals (I've got just about every color with the exception of white).  I'm not sure where I'll find the room to put them...but they're much needed and I can't leave home without them.  Everything else I already had in the house.  One of the greatest things about being an advanced traveler is you don't have to buy a whole lot of new things, because you have lots of things from the previous trips.  Hence....you have more bucks to splurge while vacationing.

Although I label my bags as overpacked, I'm mindful that 'somebody else' will be handling these heavy bags.  As a former airline employee I know what its like to deal with overweight bags.  Passengers are given a 50 lbs. weight limit and some folks could sometimes be very inconsiderate of others by bringing 75 lbs.+ bags.  The worst part....they wouldn't warn you that they were w-a-y overweight, so you would almost break your back trying to pick up a bag that is very deceptive in looks. 

Don't worry...if I can't lift them, I don't expect anyone else to.  But I'll be on vacation, so volunteers will be needed ;)

4 Down ~ 1 To Go

The girls and I have began our packing.  Well actually, me and my baby girl are done packing and my oldest is working on her and her hubby's.  My youngest--well, he could use a little motivation so I thought I'd dedicate this song to him.  There's something about this tune from K'Jon that just takes me to a place, and I look forward to being out there on the ocean--ahhh...it's so therapeutic. 

I'm not a light packer so I'm going to need some strong arms to help with my luggage.  Luckily the cruiseline doesn't charge for overweight luggage, otherwise, I'd be in BIG trouble--but more on this later.  Tomorrow I'll tell you all about my luggage and our choice of transportation in getting to the cruiseport.  But for now, let's see if we can get the young man packing.

My dining choices

Royal Caribbean's menus and the days they serve particular dishes are pretty much the same fleet-wide.  These particular menus and photos are contributed by someone who traveled on Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas.  It's lunch time, and I'm hungry so I started marking my choices for dinner on each of the nights we'll be dining in the main dining room known as the Opus Main Dining Room.  I've noted my choices at the end of this post. (see bottom)

On day 5 we'll be dining at Chops Grille located in Central Park.  Their menu consists of  juicy steaks, fresh seafood, hearty side dishes and delicious desserts in an elegant atmosphere. From filet mignon to mesquite-grilled salmon, Chops Grille offers more than simple meat and potatoes.   To dine here, there is an extra charge of $25.  Since the main dining will be serving chicken marsala and tiramisu both which happens to be one of our favorite foods,  my daughter and I have committed to walking off the extra calories from Chops Grille by going to the dining room to order 'take-out' of our favorite dish and dessert.

http://www.cruisegoers.com/mariner/food/menu-and-pictures-day-1/

http://www.cruisegoers.com/mariner/food/menu-and-pictures-day-2/

http://www.cruisegoers.com/mariner/food/menu-and-pictures-day-3/

http://www.cruisegoers.com/mariner/food/menu-and-pictures-day-4/

http://www.cruisegoers.com/mariner/food/menu-and-pictures-day-5/

http://www.cruisegoers.com/mariner/food/menu-and-pictures-day-6/

http://www.cruisegoers.com/mariner/food/menu-and-pictures-day-7/

Chops Grille:

                                    

                                      My Choice

Day 1:  Starters:   Smoked Fish Tapenade, Vidalia Onion Tart
            Entree:     Pan-Fried Pork Medallions
            Desserts:  Low-Fat Blueberry and Peach Cobbler
                         
Day 2:  Starters:    Shrimp Cocktail, Lobster Bisque
             Entree:     Filet of Beef or Roasted Duck
             Desserts:  Double Strawberry Cheesecake

Day 3:  Starters:    Focaccia and Tomato Salad
             Entree:     Roasted Garlic and Herb Rack of Lamb
             Desserts:  Dulce De Leche Cheesecake

Day 4:  Starters:    Caesar Salad
             Entree:     Surf and Turf
             Desserts:  Banana Cream Pie

Day 5:  Starters:   (Chops Grille)
             Entree:             ''
             Desserts:          ''

Day 6:  Starters:    Creamed Wild Mushroom in Puff Pastry
             Entree:     Fisherman's Plate
             Desserts:  Low-fat Double Passion Fruit Cheesecake

Day 7:  Starters:    Spinach Dip
             Entree:     Shrimp and Mahi Mahi Tempura
             Desserts:  Key Lime Pie

Our views

This is what the view will look like from our Boardwalk Balcony cabin.  This is the Aqua-Theater where they host many water shows, high-diving, the Men's Belly Flop Contest and by day it's a swimming pool for guests.  I'm not concerned about the noise, because when we vacation there is much sleep deprivation anyway.  Our thought...."We can sleep when we get back home."  That's probably a misquote because my children don't ALWAYS agree with this.  I bet they sometimes want to give me a sleeping pill so they can get extra sleep while vacationing.  I just hate to miss out, and we know "The early bird catches the first worm".  In addition, from what Royal Caribbean claims, once you close and lock the door to your balcony the noise gets blocked out.  This view also overlooks the Carousel and many of the restaurants on the Boardwalk.  It gives you the feel of being in Coney Island.

My married children will have Central Park Balcony cabin overlooking Central Park.  Yes...exactly...as in a real park which has hundreds and hundreds of live trees and plants, upscale restaurants, park benches, live musicians strolling along the walkway, it just sets a beautiful and romantic mood.  I hear with all the colorful lights at night it's absolutely gorgeous.  Sounds of chirping birds and crickets gives you the feel of really being outdoors.

A look at the inside of the cabin:

A short length You-Tube video of the Oasis of the Seas.

Many thanks to the folks on CruiseCritic.com

Many thanks to the contributors on CruiseCritic.com.  I've learned so much more about cruising over the past couple of years from those who have asked questions and those who provided accurate and precise answers.  Actually....the site is quite entertaining on most days.  People unseemingly become 'trolls' and you sometimes get 'flamed' for asking a question, but all in all....you'll hear from some very experienced and willingly helpful cruise lovers.  I've attached the Daily Compasses for the western itinerary which were from April 2011, but chances are not too much will change during our sailing.  For those who have not had the opportunity to sail yet, just to explain....the Daily Compass is the newsletter in which you receive in your stateroom/cabin nightly to help you plan out the next days activities.  Very handy especially for a ship of this magnitude.  It has been recommended that we carry a highlighter to mark all that we HOPE to do.  I say hope because with all there is to do onboard....one must be hopeful they can get it all done in seven days.  Take a look....

Oasis - Welcome Aboard - Lunch options
Oasis - As You Arrive
Oasis - 7 Day Planner
Oasis - 7 Day Planner - Young Adults 18-20+
Oasis - 7 Day Planner - Teens 15-17
Oasis - Day 1
Oasis - Day 2
Oasis - Day 3
Oasis - Day 3 - Labadee
Oasis - Day 4
Oasis - Day 5
Oasis - Day 6
Oasis - Day 7
Oasis - As You Depart  

Did the reservations agent hear me say local or loco?

Ok, so......I was thinking about starting our vacation just an itsy bit earlier.  Since I live in South Florida home of Port Everglades I don't have to worry about flying out to the cruiseport.  I figured I'd surprise my family with an overnight stay in one of the hotels near the port.  My all time favorite hotel is the Embassy Suites which by the way is completely sold out.  I tried a few more of the other nicer brand hotels and though a lil' more than I'd care to spend for a few hours, I'm sure it would be worth it.  Out of curiosity...I tried one of the 'extended stay' hotels, ok they were reasonable too.  Still trying to find the best rate, I called another.....Whooaaa!  "You mean no free shuttle to the cruiseport, no free breakfast, no oceanview, and you want how much?  Ma'am....I said I'm from the area, I'm local...not un loco!"  Boy...did we both have to laugh at that.  I guess even she knew it wouldn't be worth it to stay overnight.

I've never been one to make a purchase on the first thing I see, I like to browse, but in this case, I booked one of the hotels and for some reason I didn't feel comfortable with my decision.  Within a few hours I called back to cancel.  Sometimes we just have to go with our gut feeling.  Maybe in time things will reveal itself, perhaps a much lower rate is in the works taylor made just for us...who knows?

Time frames

8/16/10 (309 days before departure):  Booked Oasis cruise
1/28/11 (134 days):  Paid in full - Yippee!
1/29/11 (133 days):  Set Sail/Boarding Pass ready to print
1/29/11 (133 days):  Checked in for cruise
2/12/11 (119 days):  Booked private excursion for Mexico
2/21/11 (110 days):  Ordered surprise celebration gifts via Gifts & Gear
3/17/11   (96 days):  Booked onboard specialty restaurants
4/5/11     (67 days):  Ship entertainment open for booking online
4/23/11   (49 days):  Recv'd notification that E-docs & contract is ready to print
4/25/11   (47 days):  Luggage tags available to order
4/28/11   (44 days):  Booked private excursion for Jamaica
4/30/11   (42 days):  Received luggage tags

Why did I choose Oasis?

I had been on smaller cruises with my very first large cruise experience celebrating my sister's 40th Bday onboard Carnival's Victory on April 27, 2003.  Our western itinerary included Cozumel Mexico, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios Jamaica.  While I made every attempt to ensure my children experienced all the "good" life has to offer and expose them to travels most children their ages could only dream of....we sailed without them.

Four years later, my oldest daughter was graduating high school, so I figured since the children were excluded from our last cruise, I would plan an event which would be rewarding, educational, and of course memorable.  That's when I began searching for cruises and somehow stumbled upon Royal Caribbean Cruise Line......now I'm addicted and a loyal Royal Caribbean passenger.  We traveled on the Majesty of The Seas on July 16, 2007 docking in Key West Florida, Coco Cay Bahamas, and Nassau Bahamas.  I told you about my addiction.....I guess it's hereditary because at this point, my children have now obtained the same addiction.

The following year my 2nd oldest was graduating high school and pleaded to have the same graduation gift...onboard a cruise ship.  Being the wonderful mom that I am, her wish was to be my command, but during that time our family was going through some unmentionable issues and the finances had to be re-directed, but still, I was determined to one day fulfill my babies request. 

For two years, I kept hearing her request play out in my head and the repetitive answer...."I didn't forget your graduation gift Bambi, I'm going to take you on a cruise, I promise."  So, in the summer of 2010, I asked her if she still wanted to cruise.  Her reply without hesitation was "Yes, when are we going?"  I had been following the maiden voyage online and knew all that Oasis offered, and remember thinking....now that would be an amazing gift for some amazing people!  On August 16, 2010 I booked our cruise on the largest ship at sea....The Oasis of The Seas! 

We're 19 days away from our June 11, 2011 sailing and s-o-o-o ready to go.  This trip will include myself and my 4 children (my fourth child is my oldest daughters husband who is new to cruising)--can't wait to see if he becomes a cruise addict as well.  Oh-oh...if he does we'll be planning another cruise real soon I'm sure, maybe to celebrate my other son's graduation or maybe just to pacify our addiction.  For this trip, our western itinerary includes Labadee Haiti, Falmouth Jamaica, and Cozumel Mexico.

You're invited to join us as we take our journey onboard this beautiful ship known as the "Floating Nation of Why Not".  Why not rock climb, ice-skate, surf, go to 24 different restaurants in 7 days, see broadway style shows, watch high-diving shows, ride a carousel, all this and more is done on this mighty ship.  I will be adding to this blog daily up until our day of departure filling you in on everything and anything I can think of to hopefully assist you in any of your future cruise plans.  Once we return, I'll be sure to share our photos and videos.

I'll do my very best to capture every detail about the floating nation and hopefully you'll be able to live and re-live the cruise through my eyes.  Just keep in mind, whatever happens on the islands, may have to stay on the islands.  We'll see what happens.

About Oasis of The Seas

Oasis of the Seas is in the fleet of Royal Caribbean International. The first of her class, sails the Caribbean from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida offering eastern and western itineraries. Oasis of the Seas carries over 6,000 passengers, plus crew.

The vessel was ordered in February 2006 and designed under the name "Project Genesis". Her keel was laid down on 12 November 2007 at STX Europe in Turku, Finland. The company announced that full funding for Oasis of the Seas was secured on 15 April 2009.

The name Oasis of the Seas resulted from a competition held in May 2008.

During the first float-out of the vessel the tugboats that were pulling the ship from its dock failed to control the ship, resulting in the port side of the ship colliding with the dock. This resulted in some cosmetic damage and minor damage to the hull, which was repaired and did not affect the final delivery date of the vessel.   The ship was completed and turned over to Royal Caribbean on 28 October 2009. Two days later, she departed Finland for the United States.

Oasis of the Seas offers luxurious accommodations as well as two-story loft suites and luxury suites with balconies overlooking the sea or promenades. The ship features a zip-line, a casino, a mini-golf course, multiple night clubs, several bars and lounges, a karaoke club, comedy club, five swimming pools, volleyball and basketball courts, theme parks and nurseries for children.

Onboard recreational, athletic, and entertainment activities are organized into seven themed areas called "neighborhoods", a concept which bears resemblance to theme park planning.  These neighborhoods are:

1. Central Park - features boutiques, restaurants and bars, including access to the Rising Tide bar, which can be raised or lowered to three separate levels. It has the first living park at sea with over 12,000 plants and 56 trees.
2. The Pool and Sports Zone - features a sloped-entry beach pool and two surf simulators.
3. Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center.
4. Boardwalk - features a handcrafted carousel, restaurants, bars, shops, two rock-climbing walls, and a temporary tattoo parlor. Its outdoor 750-seat AquaTheatre amphitheater hosts the ship's largest freshwater pool.
5. Royal Promenade - features restaurants and shops and is viewable from a mezzanine.
6. Youth Zone - features a science lab and computer gaming.
7. Entertainment Place