The world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, will make its North American debut on Nov. 13 when it calls at its home port of Port Everglades, Florida. The Oasis is currently on its maiden voyage from a shipyard in Turku, Finland. The transatlantic crossing is being chronicled on OasisoftheSeas.com as new “webisodes” are posted daily and via Twitter by following @OasisandAllure.
Oasis spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons and carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy in 2,700 staterooms. It is the first ship to tout Royal Caribbean’s new neighbourhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, including Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center and Entertainment Place.
Accommodation includes 28 multi-level urban-style loft suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows. Other amenities include an amphitheatre, ice skating rink, four pools, volleyball and basketball courts, and a variety of retail venues – 13 stores, including open-air shopping that cover more than 900 square metres.
The official naming ceremony for Oasis of the Seas will take place on Nov. 30 during a one-night inaugural celebration-fundraiser to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Tickets for the once-in-a-lifetime event begin at US$750 p.p. and guests who wish to continue their adventure onboard will receive an exclusive discount price, beginning at US$650 p.p., on a four-night cruise package sailing to the cruise line’s private beach destination, Labadee, departing the morning following the event on Dec. 1 (rates based on double occupancy and stateroom package).
(http://www.oasisoftheseas.com , http://www.cruisingpower.com)