Cruise With Lori

Oasis of the Seas - Technology to help you find your kids onboard!

This is SO cool! 

When Blanca and I were onboard the Oasis last weekend, we met up with some guys from England who had been on for over a month.  They explained they were setting up a complex telephone system onboard unlike anything that had ever been on a ship.  Today, RCCL announced just what the system was for...

If you've ever been on a ship with kids, especially teenagers, you know how much they love to be independent and do their own thing...well, now you can rent a device onboard that allows you not only to track where they are on the ship, but also text or call them! 

The system is called 'Royal Connect,' and works in two ways:

Firstly, smaller kids are required to wear wristbands in conjunction with their muster stations; these wristbands will have a passive electronic device that will allow their parents to track them in real time as they wander the ship!  How cool is that? 

The other new feature on Oasis is the introduction of Royal Connect Phones. 

Passengers will be able to rent Royal Connect phones for $17.50 a voyage that they can use to track their children, call and text other passengers who have Royal Connect phones and call cabins.  Basically they will be cell phones that work within the ship.  The phones are Apple iPhones configured to only work on the ship (you can't call home).  They will have 800 on board Oasis by January, and will be rented first come, first served.  You will be able to rent them in three locations: the conference center of Deck 3, the Adventure Ocean kids area on Deck 14 and in the concierge lounge.

There's no age limit to who can have one of the phones. A parent could rent one for his or her 10-year-old child to carry so they could call and text each other while roaming the ship. One caveat, though, that may keep some parents from letting their kids have them: Renters who don't return the phones or return them damaged will be charged $1,000. eeek!  If you don't want to rent one of the phones, you can always go to Guest Services to check on the location of your child. (Many a night I have had to hunt down one or both of my kids after midnight!  How wonderful it would be to have this technology!)

At this point, the Oasis (and the Allure) will be the only ships that have Royal Connect, but depending on how popular it is, RCCL may consider adding it to their other ships.

What do you think?  Would you rent one of these phones for your kids?

Oasis of the Seas Review with Photos!

 
Wow!  I can honestly say this is truly the most magnificent ship in the WORLD!  I've been on over a hundred different ships, either on ship inspections, or cruising, and the Oasis of the Seas tops them ALL!

All the photos, videos, publicity and press do not do this ship justice.  You truly have to see it to believe it!  Our journey began on November 19th at noon.  I had earned this 24 hour pre-inaugural cruise by selling lots of Royal Caribbean in a short period of time...So, I invited my friend, and fellow travel agent, Blanca Hurtado to join me.  We breezed through security in no time...there are 10 security screening locations - even more than at the airport!  After security, we were whisked away to one of the 90 check-in counters...all divided up by deck.  After turning in all pertinent paperwork and showing our passports, they took our photo for ship's security right there, so we wouldn't have to do it on the gangway.  We then went over to a table where there was a lottery for Rihanna tickets...there were limited seats for the concert, so it was done by computer.  Joy!!  We got two tickets for the show, so we were able to see her live - all others could watch the concert on the big screens at the aqua theatre.  

FINALLY we were able to board.  I felt like a little kid seeing Disneyland for the first time.  We entered at the Royal Promenade...

 
The Royal Promenade is absolutely gorgeous!  I felt like I was on an exclusive Beverly Hills Promenade, complete with shops and cafes, a beautiful tiled floor, and inviting areas to meet and congregate.

As many of you know, I was waiting to see the Cupcake Cupboard - there it was, across from Sorrento's Pizzeria.  It is SO cute!!!

 

This is Alison...she is one of the bakers, and she is SO sweet!  As sweet as these amazing cupcakes!  We hadn't eaten any breakfast or lunch, so we decided to wait to try one of these delectable treats, and made our way up to our stateroom.

We were given a balcony stateroom up on deck 10 - 10582.  They have ingeniously laid out the ship so it makes it much easier to find your stateroom...all port side staterooms start with their deck number, and then 100-300 range stateroom numbers.  The staterooms that are midship interiors start with their deck number and 400 range stateroom numbers.  Then starboard side staterooms will start with their deck number, and 500-700 range staterooms...so, if you have stateroom 6182, you would be on deck 6 in stateroom 182 which would be on the port side!  If you had 8427, you would be on deck 8, and a midship interior.  We were on deck 10, and had a starboard side stateroom!  Very clever!  PLUS, they have put little notches in the stateroom number displays showing you which direction is forward...here's an example:  Brilliant huh?

Once we got to our stateroom, we realized just how hungry we were, but couldn't resist snapping some photos showing that WE WERE THE FIRST PASSENGERS TO SLEEP ON THESE BEDS!!!  And OH, were they COMFORTABLE!  Probably the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in on a ship...and I've been on a LOT of cruises! 

Here's my token photo in the stateroom, plus a few more photos of the room, balcony and bathroom:

Typical RCCL bathroom...very small, but sufficient.

Yours truly...Note where the closets are...right next to the bed, and very hard to get into if the beds are separated into twins...probably one of the few design flaws on Oasis. 

This photo was when the beds were together.  As twin beds, the bed sits right up against the closet.  Not the greatest configuration...

Here's the balcony:

Once we were situated in our stateroom, and had contacted our room steward to separate the beds, we were ready to venture forth in search of lunch!  Our first thought was to check out one of the neighborhoods...Central Park seemed logical, as they had the Park Cafe that served food without a surcharge, plus we couldn't wait to see it!

Central Park is probably one of my favorite places on the ship...I really didn't think I would feel that way, but all the hype about being surrounded by greenery and sunlight really is true!  I felt a sense of calm when I stepped out onto the tiled walkway...it actually lives up to the artist renderings!  Here's a few photos...

Here is the interior of Chops...getting ready for tonight's service...

 

 
 
We tried several times to get into this restaurant to get photos, but there were high level meetings and luncheons going on throughout the day...everyone was talking about how amazing the food is here...but at $35 per person cover charge, will they pay the price?

Entertainment tonight was filming at the Rising Tide Bar...

And here it is!  The Rising Tide Bar!  It's VERY small and only holds about 30 at once.  There was a line to get on throughout the day...but once you've ridden it, the novelty is...well, diminished!  But still, what a fun innovation! 

Giovanni's Table looks absolutely delightful!  I heard it's booked up for the next 5 months!! If you are sailing on the Oasis, make sure you jump online and try to get reservations for this one!!!

For all you wine lovers out there, Vintages is the place to go!  This stunning wine bar seems to have a plethora of choices, and a wonderful, comfortable setting...

Here's the  Park Cafe...it looks so cute from the outside...

And, here's the inside...

But when we saw what they offered...salad and sandwich bar, we decided to go up and try the Windjammer instead...

Here's the chefs of the Park Cafe...they were very friendly and excited to be finally serving passengers!

And here's some of their pre-made lunch fare...

So, up we go to the Windjammer. 

The Windjammer is called 'Windjammer Marketplace' presumably because there's several stations with different types of cuisine...

Sorry I don't have more photos, but we were too hungry to take pictures.

After a typical Windjammer meal, (salad bar, carved beef, roast potatoes and home made cookies), we ventured out again to see more of this magnificent ship!

Quite near the Windjammer is Izumi, the Sushi Bar restaurant.  OK...I know it's raw fish, but kids, it SMELLED LIKE RAW FISH!  Yeah, those who know me know I'd rather eat a chair than fish, so I quickly snapped these photos and RAN!

So, this takes you through my first three hours onboard the Oasis of the Seas!

More tomorrow with stateroom photos, Boardwalk photos, and exclusive GOOD MORNING AMERICA photos with Sam Champion and Melissa Rycroft! Also photos from the Rihanna concert in the Opus Theatre!

 

Oasis of the Seas Dining Options!

You all know how excited I am for the Oasis of the Seas! Well, one of the COOLEST things about this ship is the myriad of dining options! 

Many of my passengers are asking, "Which venues are free?  Which have cover charges?  How much will they be?"  Here is a list and description of the different dining venues by neighborhood, and the probable charges.  (Please let me know if I am incorrect and I will gladly correct it!)

I will of course double check the prices when I go on November 19th to the Pre-Inaugural!!!

The following venues will be FREE of cover charge (as far as I am aware...)

· Opus dining room

· Windjammers Marketplace

· Room Service (during the day)

· Park Café

· Boardwalk Bar

· Donut Shop

· Mondo Café

· Sorrento’s Pizzeria

· The Wipe Out Café

And here is a list of all the venues and probable prices:

Central Park

·     150 Central Park - The most exclusive dining venue on Oasis of the Seas, 150 Central Park will provide an intimate dining experience that will combine leading-edge cuisine with modern design, creating a trendy upscale ambiance. Signature features will include a tasting menu with customized wine pairings. Open for dinner; $35 cover charge.

 

· Giovanni's Table - This Tuscan countryside influenced trattoria will be a more-accessible, casual Italian restaurant featuring both indoor and al fresco seating. Giovanni's Table will offer rustic dishes with a contemporary flair, including toasted herbal breads, pizzas, salads, pastas, Italian sandwiches, braised meat dishes and stews, all served family-style. Open for lunch and dinner; $10 lunch and $15 dinner cover charge.

 

· Park Café - A casual dining choice providing a high level of variety and flexibility, Park Café will be an indoor/outdoor gourmet market with walk-up counters. From freshly prepared salads and madeto- order sandwiches, to paninis, crepes and hearty soups, guests will order directly from the chefs behind food stations. European pastries, sublime chocolates and decadent fudge will round out the offerings. Open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and late night treats.

 

 

Vintages - Always a popular hot spot for Royal Caribbean guests on Voyager- and Freedom-class ships, the Vintages wine bar will evolve into a larger space on Oasis of the Seas. Great for a pre-dinner rendezvous, Vintages will provide a selection of cheeses and a broad tapas menu to accompany a robust selection of fine wines, from a tropical white Riesling to a mocha-inflected Merlot. Open for lunch and dinner; á la carte pricing.

Chops Grille - Continuing the tradition, Royal Caribbean's popular signature steakhouse will offer premium cut, quality meats. Guests can choose to enjoy the upscale, contemporary setting indoors with views of Central Park or al fresco. Open for dinner; $25 cover charge.

 

Boardwalk

· Seafood Shack - The indoor/outdoor casual family restaurant will bring the surf style of beach side amusement parks to the Boardwalk, serving a variety of seafood, as well an extensive beverage menu of non-alcoholic cocktails and over-sized desserts. Open for lunch and dinner; $7.95 lunch and $9.95 dinner cover charge.

 

·Boardwalk Bar - The main bar in the Boardwalk will offer on-the-go snacks and a variety of prepackaged sandwiches, fruit and salads. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

· Donut Shop - Guests can stop into the classically styled shop for a casual snack any time of day. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

· Ice Cream Parlor - The 1950's styled ice cream venue will display classic sundaes and a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings to choose from and then mixed-to-order on a frozen slab. Open throughout the day; á la carte pricing.

 

·Johnny Rockets - Extending the signature "eat-ertainment" hours, a diner breakfast menu will be introduced. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; $3.95 breakfast and $4.95 lunch and dinner cover charge.

 

 

The Royal Promenade

 

 The Cupcake Cupboard!

- My new favorite thing!  Oasis will have the first Cupcake shop at sea!  The Cupcake Cupboard is designed like an old fashioned bakery, with cake decorating classes, not to mention delicious cupcakes for purchase!  Guests can have private birthday parties, and can order cupcakes by the dozen if they wish!  There will be different flavors offered everyday, but some flavors you may find are Red Velvet, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and of course, Chocolate Chocolate!  You KNOW this is one of the first places I'm headed to!!

 

Here's a photo of the very first cupcake decorating class held onboard...

 

 

·Mondo Cafe - This new addition to the Royal Promenade will feature coffee, sandwiches and pastries native to countries such as Italy, Spain and Cuba. Steps from Boleros and open around the clock, it is sure to be popular after an evening on the dance floor. Open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and late night treats.

 

·Sorrento's Pizzeria - The New York style pizzeria will feature a more extensive menu with madeto- order pizza pies and slices, in addition to the ready-made selections introduced with the Freedom-class ships. Open for lunch, dinner and late night snacks.

 

·Café Promenade - Located on the opposite end of the Royal Promenade from the Mondo Cafe, the popular café will continue serving Seattle's Best Coffee, fruit shakes, pastries and sandwiches throughout the day and night. Open 24 hours; á la carte pricing

 

 

The Pool and Sports Zone

· Solarium Bistro - Located in the Solarium the contemporary bistro will offer health-conscious dining for breakfast and lunch in a casual setting. In the evenings, Solarium Bistro will transform into a romantic and intimate dining setting for specialty healthy-fare dinner and dancing under the stars. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; dinner has a $20 cover charge.

 

· The Wipe Out Café - The casual self-service buffet will offer a variety of options from pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches and fresh salads to quick snacks and desserts, for young cruisers on-the-go. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

 

Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center

· The Vitality Café - Located at the entrance of the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, the Vitality Café will feature healthy snacks, sandwiches, wraps and fruit, in addition to refreshing juices and smoothies from the Vitality spa menu for the calorie conscious guest. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

 

Opus Dining Room

 

 The three-level main dining room will revive the grandeur of the 1920s and feature French art deco design. Catering to guests' varying preferences, the newly introduced My Time Dining and My Family Time Dining, as well as the traditional main and late seating options will be offered. My Time Dining provides guests with the option to enjoy the dining room ambiance with Royal Caribbean's renowned Gold Anchor Service whenever they wish during dining hours. Guests choosing My Time Dining will not have a pre-assigned table, but will be seated in the ships main dining room and will order from the same traditional dinner menu. My Time Dining guests can make daily reservations for specific seating times or choose to walk in. My Family Time Dining accommodates parents and children by offering an expedited 40-minute dining service for young cruisers, ages 3-11. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner

• Windjammer Marketplace - Offering the utmost flexibility for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Royal Caribbean fans will appreciate the multiple islands, each serving a variety casual buffet fare.

 

• Izumi - The new Asian cuisine restaurant will feature a sushi bar and hot rock cooking, as well as other Asian fare in a more formal setting. Open for lunch and dinner; á la carte pricing.

 

• In-Stateroom Service - Guests wanting to enjoy a meal in the comfort of their staterooms will be able to choose from the complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, as well as the recently introduced Dine in Delights menu, which offers name-brand culinary options ranging from the Original Johnny Rockets hamburger to Ghirardelli Chocolate Cookies. Open 24 hours; á la carte pricing for Dine In Delights and $3.95 service charge for in-room deliveries between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.

So, there you have it!  I will be curious how many people will take advantage of the dining venues with the cover charges, especially with such high cruise prices just to sail on the Oasis.  I also wonder as time goes on, and passengers are opting not to pay, will they lower or drop the cover charges altogether?   Any thoughts? 

In the meantime, I'll see you at the Cupcake Cupboard!!!

 

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OASIS OF THE SEAS

Perhaps the most anticipated ship ever to set sail in this Millennium is Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas.  I know my family has been obsessed with this ship even before she got her name!  Royal Caribbean wisely had a contest letting the cruising public come up with names for their new mega-ship, and my son PJ and I eagerly submitted our names.  Alas, the Galaxy of the Seas, Constellation of the Seas, Monument of the Seas and Velocity of the Seas did not make the cut, but we are still obsessed, nevertheless!

The exciting thing is, I GET TO SEE HER BEFORE ANYONE ELSE!  Who-hoo!

RCCL had a sales contest for travel agents, and the prize was an invitation to the Pre-Inaugural on November 19th!  (So, watch this space and I'll be sure to blog and post photos as soon as I get back!)

What's not to be obsessed about? I could bore you with gross tonnage, and length and breadth of the ship, but you can find that anywhere on the internet.  How about this:

16 passenger decks, 2706 staterooms, 24 restaurants and 37 bars! eeek! You won't even be able to eat in all the restaurants on a seven day cruise!

There are SEVEN neighborhoods on board the ship...PJ can tell you about each and every one of them!

First of all is the Boardwalk

Briefly, there is a REAL carousel with gorgeous hand carved horses! 

Here's a video all about the creation of this carousel...

 

As you can imagine, it will be like an old fashioned carnival setting.  There will be carnival-type games, Madame Zamara's psychic and tattoo parlor, lots of fun shops, and of course, places to eat.  Royal Caribbean's alliance with Johnny Rocket'sis definitely still represented on the boardwalk, as well as a seafood shack (oh, yeah)...(for those of you who know me, you know I'd rather eat a chair than any seafood! LOL!)  a donut shop (yum!), Ice cream parlor, and candy shop!  I can just taste the saltwater taffy! 

On the aft end of the Boardwalk is the much talked about Aqua Theatre!  Can you just imagine an amphitheater-style venue with tiered seating platforms that lead down to cruising's largest freshwater pool?  By day the area serves as a spot for sunning, swimming and other water-based activities. By night, the venue is transformed into a performance space.  I can't wait to see the shows they have planned here!

Here's a view of the Aqua Theatre just a few days ago... as you can see, it's still under construction, but I can just imagine how amazing it will be when it's done. 

See those balconies on the far right hand side of the photo?  Those are actual  CABIN  BALCONIES!  How cool would that be to be able to sit on your balcony, overlooking the Boardwalk, and with a view of the theatre!!  Just make sure you are a late night person who enjoys nightly entertainment.  Mom, these balconies aren't for you...(she's in bed by 9pm!) There are 221 of them, so you can pick your view of the Boardwalk!

Here's an actual view of the balconies as the ship is being finished...COOL!

Royal Caribbean is famous for their Rock Climbing Walls, and there will be two giant edifices on either side of the Aqua Theatre.  These walls will soar up SIX DECKS! 

Here's PJ on the Jewel of the Seas Rock Climbing Wall...

The most curious attraction will be the ZIP LINE that spans the Boardwalk!  eeek!  It will be NINE DECKS above Boardwalk's ground level.  Not sure if I want to be one of those passengers down below...are you brave enough? 

Later this week I'll blog more about the other six neighborhoods!

Don't forget, if you interested in sailing on this beautiful, incredible ship, drop me an email and I can get you all the information!  [email protected]

Or check out my website at www.kensingtoncruises.com

More later!

 

 

 

 

Princess Cruises Ships...where are they now?

I always love to hear where the ships of yester-year have gone...so I've put together a list of some of my favorites...

First and foremost is my beloved Pacific Princess - the ship I worked and lived on in 1988:

Original Name:

• Sea Venture (Flagship Cruises) 1971

Then sailed as:

• Pacific Princess (Princess Cruises) 1975

Up until 2010 sailing as:  Pacific with Pullmantur Cruises  (2002)

March 20, 2012: Alas, my beloved Pacific Princess has been slated for DEMOLITION! For the past year, she has been laid up in Genoa, Italy and it was recently announced that she was sold to a Turkish demolition firm for about 3.3 million dollars and will be scrapped for metal and parts. My heart is truly saddened to hear about her demise, but she will be remembered in the hearts and scrapbooks of all who sailed upon her through the years! Many a life was changed, many a romance was borne, and many a memory was made aboard our beloved Pacific Princess!!  

How about her sister-ship, the Island Princess?

Original Name:

• Island Venture (Flagship Cruises) 1972

Then sailed as:

• Island Princess (Princess Cruises) 1974
• Hyundai Pungak (Hyundai Merchant Marine) 1999
• Platinum (Unknown)

Now she is sailing as:  Discovery with Voyages of Discovery (2003)

And of course, the Sun Princess - oh what memories on board that ship!  Anyone remember trying to get dressed in those staterooms down on Capri deck?  One person had to leave the cabin in order to make room! LOL!

Original Name:

• Spirit of London (P & O Cruises) 1972

Then sailed as:

• Sun Princess (Princess Cruises) 1974
• Starship Majestic (Premier Cruises) 1988
• Southern Cross (CTC Lines) 1994
• Flamenco (Festival/First European) 1998?

Now she is sailing as:  New Flamenco with Cruise Elysia's/Travelplan (I can't believe she is STILL sailing! eeek!)

And the lovely Royal Princess - the ship that set the new standard with balconies and NO inside staterooms!!  I will never forget when Princess Diana christened her in 1984...I had just started working at Princess and I thought, "Wow, what an incredible company I work for!"  Our Christmas party was on the set of 'The Love Boat,' and Princess Diana christens our ships!  Oh, how I wanted to attend that inaugural! This ship is still one of my favorites and will always hold a dear place in my heart!

Original Name:

• Royal Princess (Princess Cruises) 1984

Now she is sailing as:  Artemis with P & O Cruise (2005)

However, P & O Cruises just announced they have SOLD the Artemis, and after her world cruise in 2011, she will be transferred to Artania Shipping, and be renamed the mv Artania.

Ok, now for the ship I had my honeymoon on, and a true classic...the Sea Princess.  And yes, it's haunted!  My friend, Jeff Roscoe, was the bandmaster onboard and he has stories about Rosie the ghost, and the shenanigans she liked to pull with his American Express card!  If you are curious, email me and I'll fill you in!

Anyways, the ship has beautiful woodwork throughout, and lovely staterooms - it's the type of ship that has a myriad of stateroom types which made it an adventure to berth back in the days before the computer automatically berthed passengers.  But I LOVED IT!  I still dream about sailing on her...

Check out this photo...love the outfit and the hair!

 

Here is her beautiful dining room...

Original Name:

• Kungsholm IV (Swedish American Line)

Then sailed as:

• Kungsholm (Flagship Cruises)
• Sea Princess (P & O Cruises)
• Sea Princess (Princess Cruises)
• Victoria (P & O Cruises)
• Victoria (Union-Castle Line)

Now she is sailing as:  Mona Lisa with Holiday Kreuzgahrten

  

Two other classic ships that were once Princess Cruises ships...

The first Ocean Princess

Original Name:

• Ocean Princess (Princess Cruises) 2000

 

Now she is sailing as:  Oceana with P & O Cruises (2002-2003)

Princess debuted 4 ships with similar deck plans and these lovely open balcony staterooms... (Sea, Dawn, Ocean and Sun Princess)

 

 

Her sister ship, the Sea Princess was also transferred to P & O at the same time, and both sister ships had a renaming ceremony. She was known as the Adonia and was an adults-only ship from 2003 to about 2005.  Now she is back with Princess and in September of 2009 had a complete refit. 

So, that's all for now.  There's still so many more ships to profile, but this is a good start! 

I'm always looking for more trivia and information on my beloved Princess ships...please feel free to comment or contact me if you have any to add!

Bon Voyage!
Here's some of the 'eighties ladies' from Princess Cruises getting together to reminice about the 'good old days!' 

Susan Picini, Catharine Hooper, Miki Stilt Osborne, yours truly and Vicky, Mimi Samiano Lang, Sonia Ronan and Carmen Allard.