Oasis of the Seas Review
Loved the ship activities and crew, food not so much.
Rating by category
Additional details
Oasis of the Seas
Sailed out of Bayonne, NJ on October 3, 2021 on Oasis of the Seas. Excited to cruise again. We had last sailed March 2020 the day before CDC advised not to cruise. On that voyage, one port was closed to us and then San Juan denied us our return debarkation. Scary ending to a trip, but we felt ready now to cruise on a Vaccination Required ship.
First time out of Bayonne, NJ. Wish the ship would get closer to the Statue of Liberty as it’s off in the distance with the beautiful NY skyline. Watching the ship just fit under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge was a treat. Flew into Newark day before cruise. Newark is not a good airport to fly standby as the wide open flights a week out appeared to all leave full, so purchase your tickets early. From our hotel search and reading reviews, area hotels were all over the spectrum for cleanliness, friendly staff, parking rates and dependable hotel shuttles. We stayed in nearby Elizabeth at the Marriott Courtyard with clean rooms, friendly staff (especially Debbie), 24 hour dependable shuttle from Newark and two queen beds (not just double/full). This hotel shares the lot with Embassy Suites, Residence and Country Inn. Wish the Courtyard provided breakfast, but in the parking lot is a IHOP that packs a nice carry out breakfast with senior/kids discounted options. Across the street is a shopping mall with other food options. We used Uber to get from Courtyard to cruise terminal about 1 pm (7 minute wait) and then again departing ship around 9 am (25 minute wait) to airport. The fare for each trip was $30-35 including tolls for an XL which fit 4 adults with 4 suitcases plus 3 carry-ons.
Cabin Review
Ocean View Balcony
We were a family of 4 adults staying in two cabins next store to one another. 9716/9718 and then moved to 9704/9706. Balcony side window in both 9718 and 9704 have broken seals, so view gets clouded up with condensation. They need to install new glass to fix, so not sure when that will ever get resolved. We were able to open partition between balconies right away upon arrival. Enjoyed being on level 9, back of ship where dining is, so easy up and down the stairs for us. Location is midway between dining room on 3 and Windjammer on 16; one up from Central Park walkway with promenade on 5. Cabins were otherwise in good shape. Stateroom has too little storage. For longer than 7 day or more than 2 passengers, expect to live out of suitcase. No drawers by bed or under bed. No cabinets above bed or couch. Just a simple closet with a few shelves inside. Comfortable bed. Balcony has two chairs with high table.
Port Reviews
Bayonne (Cape Liberty)
First time out of Bayonne, NJ. We sailed on Oasis of the Seas on Oct. 3, 2021. Appears to be a lot of construction happening on the route to the port, but wasn’t an issue departing and arriving on Sunday. Costco is close to the port if you need to stop for some wine to take on ship. Debarkation was a big confusing with set arrival times and person manning the lines getting confused himself. Otherwise, clean port, friendly lady porter taking luggage and clean bathrooms. Wish the ship would get closer to the Statue of Liberty departing as it’s off in the distance with the beautiful NY skyline. Watching the ship just fit under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge was a treat. Flew into Newark day before cruise. Newark is not a good airport to fly standby as the wide open flights a week out appeared to all leave full, so purchase your tickets early. From our hotel search and reading reviews, area hotels were all over the spectrum for cleanliness, friendly staff, parking rates and dependable hotel shuttles. We stayed in nearby Elizabeth at the Marriott Courtyard with clean rooms, friendly staff (especially Debbie), 24 hour dependable shuttle from Newark and two queen beds (not just double/full). This hotel shares the lot with Embassy Suites, Residence and Country Inn. Wish the Courtyard provided breakfast, but in the parking lot is a IHOP that packs a nice carry out breakfast with senior/kids discounted options. Across the street is a shopping mall with other food options. We used Uber to get from Courtyard to cruise terminal about 1 pm (7 minute wait) and then again departing ship around 9 am (25 minute wait) to airport. The fare for each trip was $30-35 including tolls for an XL which fit 4 adults with 4 suitcases plus 3 carry-ons. If arriving late and not needing to worry about finding food, might stay near the airport. Taking bus/train to/from NYC was a bit sketchy.