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Oasis OTS-West-East Caribbean
  • Laura Folk

Oasis OTS-West-East Caribbean

Trying something different with cruising on a BIG ship. Two weeks aboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. Read more
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  • Trip start
    March 6, 2022
    Laura FolkOasis OTS-West-East CaribbeanTraveler

    Getting there

    March 6, 2022 on the Bahamas ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We departed Indian Rocks Beach at 8, and after a relatively uneventful 4-1/2 hour drive, arrived at the garage. Shuttled to the ship for easy check-in.

    This is a BIG ship. We spent a couple of hours getting settled and trying to figure things out, with lunch at the Mexican El Loco Fresh-.

     Sail-away was interesting. We proceeded inland in the channel to an open area, and basically pivoted (yes, I thought of Ross) so we could go out to sea.

    Dinner was crabcake and fish/scallops/shrimp for me with Key Lime pie for dessert. W had antipasto, the fish, and his favorite creme brulee.

    We were tuckered, so hit the sack.    Read more

  • Laura FolkOasis OTS-West-East CaribbeanTraveler

    Blustery Day at Coco Cay

    March 7, 2022 on the Bahamas ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Coco Cay is a private island owned by Royal Caribbean, located north of Nassau. It has a water park, ziplines, a big tower thing, bars, restaurants, beaches, and all things Caribbean and beachy. Even the braid ladies.

    Our plan was to snorkel. We packed up our stuff, schlepped over to the island, and proceeded to find the snorkel station for information. Too bad for us. It was too windy to snorkel.

    Wayne went over to a bar area in search of conch chowder (there wasn't any.) I planned to meet him, but didn't see him. I stayed put for over an hour, and then discovered he was 15 feet away from me on the other side of a bunch of bushes. 🤷‍♀️

    After lunch, we went to lounge on the beach for awhile before returning to the ship for some iced coffee and snack at Park Cafe.

    Dinner appetizer was puff pastry with seafood for me, and escargot for W. We both had the most unusual interpretation of beef stroganoff we'd experienced, featuring peppers, pickles, celery, a slight amount of gravy, served over linguine. (I don't recommend it. Ever.) Dessert was Bananas Foster for me, and Chocolate Mousse cake for W. Both winners.

    I ended the night by watching the Aqua 80 show. Wow. It was a compilation of dancing, gymnastics, aerial stuff, high wire, synchronized swimming, high diving, and loud music. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

    And so to bed.    Read more

  • Laura FolkOasis OTS-West-East CaribbeanTraveler

    A Lovely Day at Sea

    March 8, 2022, Caribbean Sea ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    It was a laid- back day. Breakfast at the Park Cafe, and just stayed there for awhile because it was so nice in the park. I hit the $10 sale- of course, and found a small purse that's a bit larger than the one I usually use. W had lunch in the buffet, and I chose to return to the Park Cafe for a mozzarella sandwich and Asian shrimp salad.

    I went to the matinee of Cats- a really professional performance. Saw a lovely sunset from our balcony.

    Dinner was in the Main Dining Room- Calimari, Beef Tenderloin, and Carrot Cake for me. W had French onion soup, Seafood Alfredo over linguine, and Cheesecake. Dinner was pretty darn good- 😁.

    We headed to Guest services for details on our follow-on cruise, and to schedule Covid tests . (While in line we saw the bar that rises and lowers from the 5th to 8th decks.) When we got back to the room, there was a sheet that explained everything🤷‍♀️ for Back-to-Back day.

    Tomorrow- Cozumel and excursion to Chicen Itza.    Read more

  • Laura FolkOasis OTS-West-East CaribbeanTraveler

    Cozumel to Chichen Itza

    March 9, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Got up early to see that we were in Cozumel, and watched the sunrise and the town wake up. After a quick breakfast at the Park Cafe, we caught the ferry to Playa del Carmen, then boarded a bus to Chichen Itza. The entire journey was about 3 hours each way,vincluding the 45 minute ferry ride.

    This Mayan area contains the large Mayan Calendar pyramid, and many other temples. The pyramid is aligned to display "dragon teeth" at the equinox.

    It. Was. Really. Hot.

    We returned to the ship, which was berthed across the pier from Odyssey of the Seas. We showered, and saw some sunset. Then headed to dinner- Shrimp Cocktail for both of us, braised short ribs for me and pan seared sole for W, Mississippi mud pie for me, and dark chocolate custard for W. All dishes were winners.

    I saw Frozen in Time-- an ice show based on Hans Christian Andersen's tales. Really good.    Read more

  • Laura FolkOasis OTS-West-East CaribbeanTraveler

    Roatan, Honduras

    March 10, 2022 in Honduras ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Chose to do another laid-back day. Roatan has a lot of resorts further out on the island, and would be a lovely place to come and chill for a week.

    There is a large marketplace on the pier. We walked around, resisted buying all the tourist stuff, but did spring for a frozen coffee and a replenishment of the M&M Almond supply.

    We thought we'd walk around the town, but were surrounded by an overwhelming number of young men who wanted to escort us around. It was too much for W, so we turned around and headed back to the ship.

    Also inport is Norwegian Pearl. First time I've seen her.

    Dinner was Coconut shrimp, yummy medium rare Prime rib, and Pavlova. W had French onion soup, Fish&Chips (and half of a huge serving of Prime rib), and a dark chocolate brownie with ice cream. All winners.

    No show for me tonight. Chillin' and knittin'.

    Puerto Costa Maya tomorrow and more Mayan ruins.    Read more

  • Laura FolkOasis OTS-West-East CaribbeanTraveler

    Dzibanche

    March 11, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Incredible ruins- really beautiful. Again, astronomical significance. Saw a Howler Monkey in a tree above us. It was larger than I expected.

    The Plaza -had seating areas to watch punishment of enemies. It was apparently a great form of entertainment back then.

    And a dragonfly stopped by. Hi, Mom!    Read more

  • Laura FolkOasis OTS-West-East CaribbeanTraveler

    Kohunlich

    March 11, 2022 in Mexico ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    The big attraction in Kohunlich is the Temple of the Masks. And the masks are pretty impressive.

    We got back after All Aboard, but there were 2 buses of us, so... Adventure of the Seas was also in port with us.

    Late entry; saw sunrise this morning 😁, and saw Norwegian Breakaway transiting as we pulled in to port.

    Dinner tonight: Insalate Caprese, Barramundi, and Baked Alaska for me, Minestrone, Barramundi, and Lava Cake for The Husband. Watching scores tonight for UNC vs VT basketball.    Read more

  • Laura FolkOasis OTS-West-East CaribbeanTraveler

    Turnaround Day

    March 13, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    First things first. Virginia Tech won the ACC Basketball Championship last night. GO HOKIES!!!

    Today is back-to-back turnaround day in Miami. It's a bit chilly, but our hearts are warm because we'll be joined by our friends Darla and Rick- worldwide traveling companions.

    Our stuff was mostly packed last night, and the stewards are moving everything to our new stateroom. We will clear customs, then come back aboard for lunch. They need to keep us occupied while they clean rooms.    Read more

  • Laura FolkOasis OTS-West-East CaribbeanTraveler

    Nassau

    March 14, 2022 on the Bahamas ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Had another laid-back day. I chose to stay on the ship, while W took a short stroll past the pier. It was really windy, but I found a less blustery place in the Solarium- after moving away from someone talking loudly on his phone, and a group of people in a hot tub who could probably be heard in Barbados.

    We met up with our friends Darla and Rick-, and spent a couple of hours catching up. They have been traveling for several months- we, for several weeks.

    We had dinner together - I had beef tenderloin, and W had lemon butter cod. Can't remember starters or dessert.

    I spent some time in the casino, doing some slots... Had a couple of decent wins.    Read more

  • Laura FolkOasis OTS-West-East CaribbeanTraveler

    Another Lovely Sea Day

    March 15, 2022, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    I love Sea Days. It's time to not have to even feel like I should be doing something.

    I had a laid-back day, enjoyed fresh air in Central Park. We had a beautiful sunset, and dinner with friends. I had shrimp cocktail, grilled salmon, and bananas Foster. Yum!!! W had lasagne- not too thrilled.Read more

  • Laura FolkOasis OTS-West-East CaribbeanTraveler

    St. Thomas

    March 16, 2022 on the U.S. Virgin Islands ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    St. Thomas, USVI- So beautiful.

    Our mission today: W had been wanting conch chowder. Mission accomplished. We took a taxi to town, (interesting-- open air with seats attached to big pickup truck chassis) and then walked around a bit. Many people wanted to sell us jewelry-- we told one that we were in search of conch chowder. He aimed us toward a restaurant.

    We walked a bit, and asked another jewelry-seller if we were on the right track to that restaurant. "Why would you want to go there?" he asked. He had previously conducted food tours, and suggested that Gladys's would be a better choice. It was great!

    W got his conch chowder. We shared an order of conch fritters and an avacado and lobster salad. SO good!!! Highly recommend Gladys's next time you're in St. Thomas.

    Back to the ship for some balcony time, and saw this guy and several of his friends at the pier.

    Dinner- Shrimp cocktail, sole, and lemon tart; seafood cake, chicken parmesan and Mississippi mud pie.    Read more

  • Laura FolkOasis OTS-West-East CaribbeanTraveler

    San Juan, Puerto Rico

    March 17, 2022 in Puerto Rico ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Happy St. Patrick's Day! A beautiful Day- warm, some breeze, and sunny.

    After a leisurely breakfast in Central Park, we went up to the Fort- a short walk, and we got in our requisite culture for the day. Note to all- if you have a National Parks Pass, bring it along. W got his requisite ballcap.

    Then back to the ship for more requisite chillin'.

    As we left, I saw a Coast Guard boat with a manned machine gun at the bow.

    It was lobster night . Dinner was Caprese, shrimp cocktail, lobster tail, and molten chocolate cake (sort of.). W had Caprese and minestrone, lobster, and baked Alaska (sort of).    Read more

  • Laura FolkOasis OTS-West-East CaribbeanTraveler

    Labadee, Haiti

    March 18, 2022 in Haiti ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    What a glorious day! Labadee is a peninsula leased by Royal Caribbean. It has beaches, water park, jet skis, snorkel trips, etc.

    We went to Columbus Cove with Darla and Rick-, and did the beach. A nice helper got chairs for us, and after hanging out for awhile, we hit the water. I'm still buoyant- had a lovely time floating and bobbing in the water. I eventually felt chilly, so got out, warmed up, and enjoyed the pretty some more before heading back to the ship.

    Dinner was Coconut shrimp, lamb shank, and profiteroles. W had French onion soup, prime rib, and profiteroles.

    The only down to the day, both VT basketball teams got beat in the big dance.

    But then we came back from dinner to this cute creature hanging from our ceiling!    Read more

    Trip end
    March 20, 2022
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