Traveling with the Jones — Sharing Travel Discoveries

A Look Inside Interior Cabin #10425 on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas

by Janis on June 2, 2014

I just returned from a 7-day cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, one of the world’s largest cruise ships, with 2,704 different cabins.

I traveled with my 12-year-old niece, Justina, and her grandparents (my parents.)

We booked two Category Q inside guarantees, and were upgraded to Category M large interior staterooms on Deck 10 in the front end of the ship. The photo (above) shows the view as you enter cabin #10425.

My parents were in cabin #10428, just down the hallway.

I’ve marked both cabins on the Oasis deck plan for the 10th deck forward (at the front or forward part of the ship.) While there are 494 interior cabins located throughout the ship, many of them are located in this forward section of the Oasis on decks 7-12.

While both cabins #10425 and #10428 appear to be exactly the same on the deck plan, they in fact have different layouts.

Cabin #10425 has the twin beds (or king bed when they are pushed together) located just past the bathroom as you come into the door. The challenge with this layout is that it is difficult to get into the closet, especially when the beds are separated. The walkway around the end of the bed is narrow.

Cabin #10428 is laid out similarly to this cabin, #9675 on the ninth deck. It has the bed or beds positioned against the back wall of the room, with a slightly smaller sofa and desk as you enter the room.

If given a choice, I prefer the layout of cabin 10428 or cabin 9675, as it is much easier to get into the closet. You would need to ask clearly about which type of interior layout a specific cabin has, as it is not indicated on the deck plan.

However, since we had cabin #10425, we made the best of it. Behind the bed is a long sofa, (pictured above), with a small table.

Across from the sofa you will find a flat-screen television that you can position so that it can be viewed from the bed or the sofa, or both. There are several storage drawers in this area, and the minibar refrigerator is located in the cabinet below the television.

The layout of room 10425 does allow for a longer sofa, which gives more space for room service, watching television, etc. In the right side of the photo above, you can see an electrical plug on the desk. There are actually three electrical plugs on the desk, which is nice. (Often, electrical plugs are limited to one or two in a cruise ship cabin.)

The bathroom is compact, with a shower with a plastic sliding door that surrounds you when in the shower.

Although small, the bathroom has lots of storage space, and a well-designed sink. Hooks on the door and the wall are ideal for hanging up wet swimming suits.

In a ship with 2,704 cabins, you might be concerned about being able to find yours. (We were.)

Royal Caribbean smartly anticipated this challenge, and has electronic directories throughout the ship to help you find your way around.

To locate directions to your cabin, you select the “room finder” button on the directory (pictured above.)

A new screen appears, asking you to insert your stateroom number. You type it in, and hit “enter.”

A map appears that directs you from your current location, to your cabin.

The device will also give you directions to dining locations and all of the different venues around the ship.

You do get a lot of exercise getting from place to place on the Oasis. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, however. It helps you justify having one of the delicious desserts at dinner, or another ice cream cone.

My bottom line on the interior staterooms on the Oasis of the Seas:

At 172 sq. ft., the large interior staterooms are a good size, and feel spacious.
If given a choice, I’d prefer the cabin layout with the bed against the back wall, rather than the layout we had in cabin #10425. They appear exactly the same in the deck plan.
Since we paid for a guarantee, and got upgraded, we had no complaint.
The Oasis of the Seas offers non-stop activities from morning to night. We wanted to take advantage of many of them, so we didn’t spend much time in our stateroom except to sleep. Booking an interior cabin saves vacation dollars for shore excursions and in-port activities like para-sailing that were our priorities for this cruise.
If you do plan to spend a lot of time in your stateroom, it would be worthwhile to upgrade to a balcony stateroom, or even a suite.
We appreciated how quiet and sound-proof these cabins were. It does pay to check the deck plan to see what is above or below your cabin that might being noisy, if that is a concern for you.

Have you sailed in an interior cabin on the Oasis or another cruise ship? If so, what did you think? Please share your thoughts in comments below.

If you’d like to follow our entire Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas adventure, check out these other posts:

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Cruising With a 12-Year-Old: Snorkeling and Climbing Dunn’s River Falls from Falmouth, Jamaica

by Janis on May 31, 2014

Justina, my 12-year-old niece, accompanied me this week on a Western Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas.

On Day 4 of our cruise we visited the port of Falmouth, Jamaica.

As you can see from the photo above, the 6,000+ passenger Oasis of the Seas dwarfs the relatively new cruise port at Falmouth.

We took a Royal Caribbean shore excursion called “Snorkel, Cruise and Dunn’s River Falls” that was scheduled for 7 hours.

It was very similar to an excursion that I took on my first cruise to Jamaica 20 years ago, only then my ship docked at Ocho Rios very close to Dunn’s River Falls.

From Falmouth, this excursion required an hour ride each way just to reach the beaches near Ocho Rios and Dunn’s River Falls.

Our ship docked at Falmouth around 10:30 am, and by 11:15 am, we were on our way. Our tour headed to the Shaw Park Beach Hotel near Ocho Rios, where we boarded a snorkel boat.

The Caribbean Sea here is crystal clear, and the nearby reef is ideal for snorkeling.

My niece, who lives in Iowa, had never been snorkeling before this trip, but it was high on her wish list. You can see in the photo above how excited she is as we put on our equipment.

Our snorkel guide was terrific. He got everyone in our group of about 24 people in the water and led us over the reef.

He took special care of “the little one” – as he called my niece Justina.

We snorkeled for about 45 minutes, before all getting back on the boat.

“Nobody needs to change to dry clothes,” we were advised, as “you will be getting really wet at Dunn’s River Falls.

We left our dry clothes and towels with our snorkel guy to transport them to the top of the falls for us. Meanwhile, the snorkel boat pulled up at the base of the falls, and let us out to meet our climbing guides.

Climbing Dunn’s River Falls hasn’t changed in the last 20 years. It’s fun, slippery, scary and exhilarating all at the same time.

We did have a guide leading us (separate from our tour.) We had another guide with us who was creating a video throughout the climb that he tried to sell to everyone at the end of the climb.

Justina loved this climb, and wanted to do the “hard” side when we were given a choice of routes on one steep part of the waterfall.

I want to think I’m as fit as I was 20 years ago, so I agreed.

I thought we were going to drown, and we are both good swimmers.

But we made it up the falls, and we were quite proud of ourselves.

There’s really nothing like this fall-climbing adventure.

Everyone should try it at least once.

At the top of the falls, our snorkel guide met us with our bags and towels. He expected a significant tip, and he had worked hard.

Our falls climbing guide also expected a significant tip. He had also shown us a good time.

Then the video guy wanted $4o for the video. Sorry, no more money.

Then, of course, we had to walk back to the parking lot through a long throng of vendors trying to shove things in our hands to get us to buy them. The unpleasant side of Jamaica came rushing back.

My issue with these tips – what were we paying the $135 a person for on the shore excursion? Basically, we paid $270 for a long van/bus ride from Falmouth to Ocho Rios, the snorkel boat, and lunch.

Speaking of lunch – which was included in our tour – we were hungry, and we had not had any lunch.

It was nearly 4:30 pm by the time we got back to the Shaw Park Beach Hotel, where we were to have a buffet “lunch.”

The view from the hotel reception is beautiful.

But where is the food?

Finally, we are led downstairs to this area to sit at the tables.

Again, the view is nice. I enjoyed it until one of those big umbrellas fell, whacking me and another woman in the back of our heads.

The 12-year-old is starving, but finally, the hotel workers are setting out food.

We have a buffet that includes jerk chicken.

It’s okay if you are really hungry.

Then we make the hour+ drive back to Falmouth, arriving just in time for a little quick shopping inside the port before we head back on board.

Jamaica is a beautiful country. It’s the ideal place to visit via a cruise ship, and then sail on your way.

What’s your take on the Falmouth, Jamaica cruise port? Please share your thoughts in comments below.

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Cruising With a 12-Year-Old: Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s Private Resort in Haiti

by Janis on May 28, 2014

My 12-year-old niece, Justina, was my traveling companion for a Western Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas.At 8 am on Day 3 of our cruise, the Oasis docked at Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private resort on the north coast of Haiti.

I had previously booked us for a zip line adventure on the 2,600 foot long Dragon’s Breath Flight Line while at Labadee.

After we got signed in for our 9:30 am zip line adventure, we walked out to Adrenaline Beach.

Being from Iowa, this was Justina’s first ocean beach, and she was quite excited.

In the background, we could see the Dragon’s Breath zip line.

Those “zipsters” on the 8:30 am departure came flying by us.

They looked like they were having fun.

You are said to travel 40-50 miles per hour on the zip line. The “zipsters” whizzed by, and the hit the stopping point with a thud.

It was time for our “flight.”

We put everything in our rented locker (they cost $8 for the day and you open them with a cool wristband.

Since I had only brought my iPhone to take pictures, I had to leave it in the locker. You can take a camera on the zip line, but only if it can be secured on your wrist with a good strap.

I was disappointed, as the views (and any resulting photos) were amazing.

First, we all got harnessed up into our “chairs”.

Then we headed to a practice course that everyone completes to make sure that they are up for the big “flight.”

People with neck or back problems, or women who are pregnant must avoid this zip line as you land fairly hard.

After completing the training ride, we got in the back of transportation vehicles, and headed to the top of the tree-covered mountain. This is where we took off from as we “flew” down to the beach.

This is one of the most beautiful and fun shore adventures that I have been on in all of my cruise travels. At $95 a person, it’s an expensive ride, but it is a fantastic experience, and one that often sells out.

Justina loved it as well, as you can see in the photo above shot as she was landing.

Spectators can watch from the tables around Dragon’s Cafe. We’d recommend “zipping” in the morning, as it got very hot in the afternoon.

Next we headed up Adrenaline Beach near the Town Square. This area was crowded.

Justina was anxious to swim in the ocean, but the beach is rocky in this area. It is a good spot to watch people on the zip line passing overhead.

We found seats at a picnic table and took turns getting salads and barbecue at the complimentary Cafe Labadee buffet. All of the food served at three different cafes on Labadee is brought out from the ship.

At the Schooner Bar, we were able to get our Coca-Cola® souvenir cups from the ship filled for free under our fountain soda packages bought on the ship. That’s a nice benefit.

After lunch, we shopped in the nearby Artisan’s Market, before setting out to explore more of the private resort.

It can be confusing as there are many different attractions.

Signs like these point you in the right direction, but you need to know what you are looking for.

As we headed back to the pier, we took a detour to check out Nellie’s Beach and the cabanas.

We followed a small path to check out the Arawak Aqua Park, located in Columbus Cove.

The path leads you under the Dragon’s Splash Water Slide.

That looked like fun, but we’d already had our adventure for the day.

We headed to the uncrowded beach near the water slide, and in front of the Arawak Aqua Park.

There is a good view of the ship from here.

Best of all, Justina discovered, the sand is soft and the water is clear and inviting.

She practiced some dance moves as she got comfortable with the ocean water. (Justina is a terrific swimmer.)

A few folks were swimming in this cove.

Soon, Justina was in the water, and loving it.

The water was crystal clear, and warm.

There was some plant life in the water, which may keep this end of Columbus Cove less crowded.

It’s also a significant walk over to the Columbus Cove Cafe.

As a kid that had never swam in the ocean before, Justina had to play in the sand.

We were glad that we discovered this beach. It’s far better for swimming and relaxing than is the Adrenaline Beach on the other side of the resort.

Finally, I was able to drag Justina away from the water, and we headed back to the ship.

We headed to deck 15, where there was a great view of Columbus Cove and Nellie’s Beach.

It was a terrific day at Labadee, Haiti.

Have you visited Labadee on a Royal Caribbean cruise? What did you most enjoy at the private resort? Please share in comments below.

Check out these other posts to follow our entire Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas adventure:

While we only visited this private resort, Haiti was a new country for me. Check out these interesting points I learned about Haiti before the cruise:

20 Interesting Facts About Haiti

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Cruising With a 12-Year-Old: A Day at Sea on the Oasis

by Janis on May 26, 2014

Day 2 of our cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas was a day at sea, perfect for trying to learn our way around one of the world’s largest cruise ships.

12-year-old Justina, my traveling companion for this cruise had already conquered the Zip Line and one of the two Rock Climbing walls on Day 1.

We started Day 2 with breakfast in the Opal Dining Room on Deck 3. The dining room is at the opposite end of the ship from our cabin, allowing us to work up an appetite while getting there.

After breakfast, we headed to the AquaTheater, where I would attend a Crown & Anchor Welcome Back Party for return Royal Caribbean cruisers, and where Justina would tackle another Rock Climbing wall.

Up she went, just about to ring the bell over the last hump.

Oops, she slipped, and down she came, putting that harness to good use.

While we were waiting for the Crown & Anchor party to start, we enjoyed reading the Oasis Fun Facts as they flashed on the big screens.

The party started with the divers – WOW! They are diving from an 18 meter (59.05 ft.) platform into a small pool that’s 17.5 ft. deep.

We are also impressed with the trampoline tricks. These are just a little taste of the Oasis of Dreams Aqua Show, according to Jimmy Rhodes, our cruise director.

Oasis of the Seas Captain Trym Selvag and Hotel Director Martin Rissley entertained the crowd, introduced the key officers and staff, and along with Loyalty Manager Elena Rasmussen, gave a preview of the new Quantum of the Seas ship launching in November of this year.

All of that activity made Justina really for some frozen yogurt. So we headed to Deck 15 to the Wipe Out Cafe.

While we were there, she decided to have a slice of pizza and some French fries. Climbing those Rock Walls takes a lot of fuel.

We headed back to our cabin to rest up and finish unpacking.

After an hour or so, Justina was hungry again and wanted to try room service. (I’m generally not a fan of in-cabin dining, but how can you say no to your niece?)

She did agree to eat a salad, along with her cookies and chocolate milk.

After a few more explorations around the ship, it was time to get ready for a formal evening dinner.

Posing with grandma, all dressed up.

Dinner was the perfect opportunity for Justina to try more new foods. There’s no shortage of options on the menu.

Bay Scallop Gratin. Even with all of that butter and cheese, Justina still does not care for scallops.

I chose the ever-popular shrimp cocktail, which is available every night in the dining room, served in a nice chilled bowl.

Surprisingly, Justina loved her duck entree.

Here’s a look at the chef’s-recommended pan-fried Silver Corvina (fish fillet).

Grandpa enjoyed the beef tenderloin.

After dinner, Justina squeezed in between her grandparents for another quick photo.

Back to the cabin, Justina admires (but destroys) the elephant towel animal.

She changed her clothes and then was off to the teen program, for an evening of ice skating.

Meanwhile, the grandparents and I headed to the adults-only comedy show.

Who thinks that they will be bored on a cruise? I challenge you to sail on the Oasis of the Seas.

If you’ve sailed on the Oasis, what is your favorite dining venue on the ship? Please share in comments below.

Check out these other posts to follow our entire Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas adventure:

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