[ 08-17-2008: Message edited by: dmwnc1 ]

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Originally posted by Fairsky:
It seems like those who book CP cabins aren't interested in privacy, but rather the chance to 'people watch' from their balcony. For more privacy you should book an ocean view balcony.

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Its not just that. I've read on several boards of folks who have booked stern balconies on several new-build ships not realizing the degree of non-privacy they were getting and after seeing pictures of the ship, rebooked to a side ocean-facing balcony. I am wondering how many people will book the top floors of the Central Park balcony, even just to people watch, not realizing what is just above them, the swimming pool deck.

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Originally posted by dmwnc1:

Its not just that. I've read on several boards of folks who have booked stern balconies on several new-build ships not realizing the degree of non-privacy they were getting and after seeing pictures of the ship, rebooked to a side ocean-facing balcony. I am wondering how many people will book the top floors of the Central Park balcony, even just to people watch, not realizing what is just above them, the swimming pool deck.

By the way, dont the deck plans come out tomorrow?

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I believe the deck plans are released to Crown & Anchor members on August 20, with reservations opening August 21.

I'm one of those people that changed my aft balcony on SOLSTICE based on newly released pictures. They just don't look so great. Some ships really have amazing aft balconies, and others just so-so. For instance I would never book an aft balcony on any of the Voyager/Freedom Class ships. They are pretty bad. Now on the Radiance Class and Grand Class, any day!

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Originally posted by Atlcruiser:
Hope that does not affect the inaugural cruise date. I heard that they will wait until the ship arrives in the US to do all of the plantings in Central Park. Not sure if that is true.

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Gordon,
After much debate my brother and I have opted for the 1/23 sailing. I just feel with OASIS being so big and a prototype, there could be too many inaugural issues.

I remember the first time QM2 called at FLL. It was a disaster. Remember all the luggage issues?

It may all go very well, but I think I will feel more comfortable after the ship has a few cruises under it's belt.

On the FREEDOM inaugural, RCI did not sell the ship to capacity to ensure a smooth operation. It was. Hopefully they will do the same with OASIS.

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Originally posted by Atlcruiser:
Ernie, we thought about moving to a later date but I guess we are going to stick with the inaugural date. We are still trying to decide on a cabin. We are trying to decide on a JS or GS. We really wanted one of the lofts but no way at those prices. I will know more after Thursday morning.

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Lucky you! We are downgrading to a D. Not sure which D yet .... will depend on pricing. Having sailed in a JS, it's nice but I don't think it's worth what RCI is asking on OASIS. Now a GS is really what I call a suite. Upgraded decor and a much nicer feeling. The JS just feels like a larger standard cabin.

You know, I just like to cruise too much so I try not to over spend on any one trip. Moderation has worked for me so far. This being said, I'm spending more on my upcoming QE2 crossing then I have in a long time.

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Originally posted by eroller:

Lucky you! We are downgrading to a D. Not sure which D yet .... will depend on pricing. Having sailed in a JS, it's nice but I don't think it's worth what RCI is asking on OASIS. Now a GS is really what I call a suite. Upgraded decor and a much nicer feeling. The JS just feels like a larger standard cabin.

You know, I just like to cruise too much so I try not to over spend on any one trip. Moderation has worked for me so far. This being said, I'm spending more on my upcoming QE2 crossing then I have in a long time.

Ernie

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Originally posted by Atlcruiser:

I understand that RCI is supposed to send out pricing tomorrow to Diamond/+ with the actual pricing for all categories which I hope that they do. This will make up our minds once we see all prices. Thursday is going to be crazy at RCI.

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I know. The worst part is you have to call to make a reservation. No using cruisingpower.com or royalcaribbean.com. They even have a special number to call.

I'm not too worried about my sailing, but I think the inaugural will sell out Thursday.

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Originally posted by Atlcruiser:
I know that we have seen the length and width of the Oasis but do we have the actual height of the ship and how many more decks does the Oasis have over Freedom? I noticed that RCI eliminated deck 13 on the Oasis and the public rooms start on deck 3 in place of deck 2 like the Freedom.

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I count two additional full decks. As you mentioned, the deck numbering has changed a bit on OASIS. There is no Deck 13, and what is Deck 2 on Freedom/Voyager is actually Deck 3 on OASIS.

Basically, if you look at a rendering of OASIS there are three decks from the waterline to the Promenade Deck. This is the same as VOYAGER/FREEDOM. Then you have the Promenade Deck (or jogging track on OASIS), then all the decks above. Voyager/Freedom each have eight full length decks above the Promenade Deck. Oasis has a total of 10 above the promenade deck (jogging track).

So generally speaking, I would say OASIS is two additional decks higher than Voyager/Freedom.