Miami and Oasis of the Seas Cruise
South Beach was easy to get, I stayed at the Marriott South Beach last time and this was an excellent location if wanting to experience the nightlife of Miami. The restaurants have outside seating areas where you can watch the world go by which was lovely.
Now to board the ship and the fantastic Oasis of the Seas did not disappoint. The terminal at Fort Lauderdale purposely built for this new enormous ship was excellent, very smooth check in and we were on the boat within half an hour from leaving our taxi - we were early though which I am sure made a difference! I have been on the Voyager Class and Freedom Class ships with Royal Caribbean so this was very exciting to see the next generation of ship and experience the new innovations.
The ever popular Royal Promenade was still there but was wider and had more eating and drinking options, as well as this there was the new neighbourhoods Central Park and the Boardwalk. You would never believe you are on a cruise ship when in these areas and I am sure my photos do it no justice. The Boardwalk is home to the AquaTheater where you can sunbathe and watch films during the day and at night theatre with a difference - water fountains lit up and dancing to the music and their show Oasis of Dreams with acrobatics and high diving like you've never seen! Here you've also got Johnny Rockets, a merry go round, donut and sweet shops and lots more.
Central Park is more laid back and actually has real plants and trees so is really like sitting in the park! Here there is a cafe and a wine bar and also a couple of the speciallity restaurants. The usual bars are present like the Schooner Bar, and the On Air Club where they do Karaoke and Wii tournaments but the newest addition was amazing - the Rising Tide Bar which actually moves three floors - you get on on the Royal Promenade and can get off at Central Park or stay on till it goes back down!!! It was brilliant.
The dining options on this ship had the usual formal dining room with 2 sittings at night, also open for lunch and breakfast. Another excellent option was the MyTime Dining which was organised very well, this is for clients that prefer to eat at different times to the 6pm or 8.30pm set dining, passengers can pre book or simply turn up and see what is available. The Windjammer with its extensive buffet where you serve yourselves, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner was even better than on the other class ships - lots of choice, especially for the more adventurous with Indian, Thai, and Chinese options every day.
There are plenty of other choices though, the Cafe Promenade open 24 hours, Sorrentos offering freshly cooked Italian pizzas, Park Cafe, the Donut Shop, the Vitality Cafe and the Wipe Out Cafe are all included in the price of your cruise. Jonny Rockets is available for breakfast included in your price but you pay a surcharge for lunch or dinner, also on the Boardwalk the Surfside Shack which is open lunch and dinner at a surcharge.
The speciality restaurants, all pre bookable and available at a surcharge are excellent and worth the extra as they are a dining extravaganza! Choose from Izumi offering Sushi and hot rock cooking, Chops Grille offering steaks and seafood, Giovanni's Table offering Italian family style dining, 150 Central Park which is a stylish taster menu and Chefs Table which is an exclusive interactive wine pairing dinner with personalized service. Other fun places to enjoy at a small cover charge is the Cupcake Cupboard, Ice Cream Parlor and Vintages serving tapas and fine wines.
Activities onboard never end - from the rock climbing wall, the ice rink, the zip wire, crazy golf and the 4 swimming pools including fun park for the children, you can never be bored.
Just ask me for more details !!!!
