This was our 11th cruise and our 7th with Royal Caribbean. We are Platinum members, almost Emerald, yet we are thinking of switching to another cruise line. We couldn't wait to sail on the Oasis, but by day 4 of our 7-day cruise, we couldn't wait to get home.

Embarkation at Port Canaveral is handled smoothly. The lounge opened at 9:30, but boarding for all passengers began at 11:30. The special area for Diamond level passengers is just some seats roped-off closer to the front of the line. People from all loyalty levels stand at the front waiting to be called, even though they are asked not to block the flow of boarders. Free cups of water are offered, and the drink packages are sold in the waiting area. We found that buying the soft drink package here was better than buying it prior to cruising. We got our cups immediately and didn't have to wait to get our cups in our cabin when we pre-paid. Cabins are not available until 1:00 and the hallway doors are closed with a sign indicating this. So, it's better to have those cups before 1:00!

We boarded at 11:30 and went straight to the Excursion Desk to see if we could reserve an over-the-water cabana at Nellie's Beach. We were first on the waitlist. We then went to the Solarium for lunch. The food was delicious and it was peaceful there. I can only imagine the pandemonium at the Windjammer (Deck 16) as the ship was completely booked. Read more