We have just returned from a 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Oasis, setting sail on May 21st, 2011. It was to be a special occasion, our fiftieth anniversary, and was much anticipated. Maybe too much so as it failed to measure up to previous trips on other cruise lines. We have in the past cruised with Carnival, Celebrity, Princess and Norwegian.

The ship was all it was touted to be and the staff was likewise exceptional. Most disappointing was that the dance floors in the four locations we found were uniformly small, even if measured by small ship standards, let alone a ship that carries 5,500+ passengers. At most, ballroom floors could accommodate about 15 couples in a squeeze that is 30 individuals and then only if it was a slow dance. The Viking Crown lounge could handle about 5 couples, the Blaze lounge about 15, Dazzles about 10 & Boleros about 15 couples. Totally inadequate.

We were extremely turned off by the blatant nickel & diming for services that other cruise lines provide routinely as part of their experience. My wife & I approached one of the fitness center staff to enquire about sauna facilities. We were advised that for $79 we could have a day pass to the sauna or $179 for the week. We assumed that was for the two of us and not per person. This was explained as being necessary to limit the use of the sauna as 5,500+ people were on board. Likewise at breakfast we were advised that an extra charge was involved for a glass of cranberry juice and if we wanted fresh squeezed orange juice that would be $3.95 extra. When we mentioned the charge for Cranberry juice to one of the head waiters he shrugged it off saying "If it's not on the menu it is extra. Sorry but that is company policy." We were forewarned about the $14.95 charge for the filet mignon so we were not taken back by that although other cruise lines provide that for free. Read more