Royal Caribbean announces “Oasis of the Seas,” the first of two cruise ships in the “Genesis” class (sister ship, “Allure of the Seas,” is not due out until 2010) and will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the industry when she debuts in December 2009.  The ship which will begin its maiden voyage December 2009, is 220,000 gross tons, carries 5400 passengers, has 16 decks, 7 distinctive “neighborhoods,” 2700 staterooms, and 37 different category staterooms.  This ship will sail eastern and western Caribbean cruises which will be round trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

 Itineraries for the 7-night cruises will be embarked from the home port of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  From December 2009 through April 2010, the Oasis will sail to the Eastern Caribbean visiting the ports St. Thomas, St. Maarten & Nassau, Bahamas.        Beginning in May 2010, the Oasis of the Seas will alternate between Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. The Western Caribbean cruise itinerary will include the ports of Labadee (Royal Caribbean's Private Island), Falmouth, Jamaica (NEW PORT), and Cozumel, Mexico.

Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International unveiled two new “neighborhoods” during a press release this past August.  “We have developed the Pool and Sports Zone and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center to give our guests even more choices on a unique and memorable Royal Caribbean cruise."  Neighborhoods are designed to let the guest explore city-like venues while cruising.

The Pool and Sports Zone and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center – coupled with the previously announced neighborhoods of Central Park, Boardwalk and Royal Promenade – will provide guests with the widest array of experiences from which to satisfy their personal styles, preferences or moods on a cruise. Stretching the length of the ship, the Pool and Sports Zone is an ample playground for guests of all ages, featuring private cabanas, four unique types of pools, and two FlowRider surf simulators – each larger than the single FlowRider found on the line’s Freedom-class ships. Building on the Royal Caribbean’s popular Vitality wellness program, guests will be able to soothe mind, body and soul in the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center.

The Pool and Sports Zone will showcase new additions to traditional amenities, including an intimate adults-only Solarium and sports deck that will awe even the most seasoned cruiser.  Located on the opposite side of the ship from the Beach Pool and separated by Central Park six decks below, is the Main Pool with two side-by-side whirlpools, ideal for rest and relaxation in the sun. Overlooking both pools will be private cabanas, complete with a dedicated attendant. Families looking for fun in the sun will easily spot Royal Caribbean’s signature H2O Zone, marked by a giant octopus with its slides and water-spraying tentacles and surrounded by fellow water-spouting ocean creatures. Separate wading and current pools, as well as a dedicated infant and toddler pool, will be set in the interactive aquatic playground and surrounded by adult and child-sized lounge chairs. The more competitive set will find haven in the Sports Pool, where afternoon water team sports will include basketball, badminton and water polo, while morning hours will be dedicated to lap swimming.

Adults looking for a retreat from the bustle of everyday life will find solace in the grandest Solarium yet. Boasting a redefined layout, guests will have the sensation of floating on air from the two-deck high, glass-paneled enclave designed with seating on various “islands” surrounded by water. The open-air Solarium will offer a tranquil swimming pool, two serene whirlpools, and four cantilevered whirlpools suspended 136 feet above the ocean. The mezzanine level of the adult-dedicated area will overlook the pool deck below, offering additional chaise lounges and seating. The new Solarium Bistro will offer casual fare from the Vitality spa menu during the day, and in the evenings, transform into a romantic and intimate setting for specialty dining and dancing under the stars. It is also the perfect venue for a unique late night dance club experience – Club 20 – made popular on the line’s Freedom-class ships.

The Sports Deck in the Pool and Sports Zone also will boast new innovations, including the first zipline at sea, and two of the popular FlowRider surf simulators, flanking either side of the elevated back deck. Royal Caribbean favorites such as the nine-hole miniature golf course, Oasis Dunes, will challenge golfers of different abilities, and the Sports Court, will allow for friendly games of basketball and volleyball. Spectators will be able to cheer flowboarding guests from the Wipe Out Bar or enjoying casual dining at the Wipe Out Café.

Created as the crown jewel of the cruise line’s Vitality program, the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center will encompass various amenities that cater to complete body wellness.  The new Vitality at Sea Spa will include a Thermal Suite, featuring heated tile loungers, saunas and steam rooms; three couples massage suites and seven individual treatment rooms - the largest collection at sea. Kids and teen guests also will find their own dedicated Spa in which to enjoy specially catered services. The Fitness Center will offer vacationers a plentiful and varied selection of the latest cardio and resistance equipment for working out alone or for joining one of the several classes, including spinning, kickboxing, Pilates and yoga, the Vitality Café will be a convenient stop for healthy snacks, light meals and refreshing juices. 

Oasis of the Seas may prove to be the ultimate cruising experience yet!  Happy Traveling

(Photo concepts are taken from Royal Caribbean Cruise Line)