Just back from our RC Oasis of the Seas 7-day Western Caribbean cruise, July 6, 2013 sailing. One word...AMAZING. I have been on 9 other cruises in my lifetime and it had been nearly 8 years since my last cruise, so I had missed sailing on several classes of ships, which made sailing on the Oasis class all the more surprising. My husband and I sailed without our children this time, we are in our late 40s.

Departure: Was a breeze. We drove to the port and parked. Recommend rolling down your window when you pull up to terminal and yelling "drop off", you will be directed to the end of the loop. Pull up, double-park and start opening your trunk. A terminal attendant will help you the rest of the way unloading bags on a rack going to the ship. We tipped him $2 per bag. Then walk into terminal, with ID in your hand (requirement). We arrived at 10:30am and walked right up to a check-in counter for (Deck 9). Was through check-in within 5 minutes and into a seated holding area. Waited 5 minutes and then they started loading passengers. Was on the Royal Promenade 5 minutes later. This was the one and only time we felt like sardines since everyone was in awe of the Promenade's glitz and was hanging around there. Once we started walking around the ship that feeling passed quickly. Most people went to the Wind Jammer cafe for the big buffet. But we walked around and found the Central Park Cafe and had the most amazing roast beef sandwich and cup of fruit. It was perfect. You will have plenty of time for the Wind Jammer cafe later. Our stateroom was open at 1:30pm. Our luggage arrived at 2pm. Although our neighbors didn't arrive until 8pm.

I won't go day by day, but I will give some highlights that I have not read here that would have been helpful to have known. Read more