World’s Largest Cruise Ship

The Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship – the largest ever built -- is scheduled to arrive today in Port Everglades, Florida to much hoopla. Her maiden voyage will be Dec. 1, so there is still time to book one of the 2700 cabins. We are not really fans of large cruise ships for all of the obvious reasons, but this vessel is truly exceptional – it has have times the volume of the Titanic – so we are taking a look at it this week because a lot of innovate thinking has gone into this $1.5 billion ship, the most expensive cruiser liner ever built.

The new “Oasis of the Sea” cruise ship is 1180’ (363 m) LOA, 154’ (47.4 m) beam, has 16 decks and has room for over 5400 passengers.

See RC video of the four bow thrusters and three propulsion pod drives…

Learn about the ship’s helm, steering and pod drives…

See video of the piloting simulator located in Dana, Fl where the crew was trained…

See video about the boats life boats which each hold over 300 people…

See what will happen if the boat hits and iceberg amidships or is T-boned by another cruise ship…

It took 5800 man-years to build Oasis of the Sea and she will have a crew of about 2600.

Ocean of the Sea is taking two weeks to make its way across the Atlantic, which is over twice the normal steaming time for that trip. This slow passage is giving the crew to test all of the systems, as well as to finish painting the ship.

With lofty cabins, sprawling luxury rooms and spacious balconies which overlook the sea, this $ 1.5 billion boat is also equipped with a 750 seater amphitheatre, a golf course and an ice rink. There is something for everyone. A basketball and volleyball court, nurseries for kids, boutiques, restaurants, spas, gyms, fast food, bars…and did anyone say shopping?

The pool and the sports section of the ship, also hosts the ship’s largest fresh water pool, with a sea spa and fitness center, besides 4 swimming pools. The gardens with 12,000 plants and 56 trees offer “tranquility” to the guests. Attractive shopping arcades with coffee shops and restaurants make it a shopper’s paradise. “Strolling down the Boardwalk is a great recreation for the entire family,” says the press release.

Reminds us of a Hyatt hotel atrium, but it is a good idea thus giving normally claustrophobic inside cabins sunlight and a view.

Its December 1 maiden 7-day cruise is scheduled to visit to St Marten, St Thomas and Nassau in the Bahamas, for the first 3 days and the rest of the 4 days will be spent at Haiti, at the Royal Caribbean port resort of Labadee, which has a new roller coaster for the passengers plus new facilities. The fence around the beach is high and well-patrolled to keep the local Haitians from ruining the passengers vacation with a dose of local reality in paradise.

Special UN ambassador Bill Clinton has visited Labadee Beach and has given it his seal of approval. Royal Caribbean is to be commended for it’s financial help for a country and people that the world has pretty much forgotten (or would like to forget).

A 750-seat outdoor theater provides the thrill of open-air productions that are only possible in a few summer venues around the world such as the theater in Pasadena, California and the Roman Coliseum in Verna, Italy.

From a Royal Caribbean Press Release--

7 UNIQUE NEIGHBOURHOODS!

Oasis of the seas will be the first to feature the unique Boardwalk with AquaTheater, Sky-lit Royal Promenade and Unique Loft Accommodations

The Boardwalk

Boardwalk, will be a breathtaking space for families inspired by the nostalgic seaside piers of yesteryear; the first amphitheatre at sea, AquaTheater, will celebrate water with the largest freshwater pool found on a ship offering a full spectrum of activities and performances for guests; and the urban living concept will take to the high seas with the introduction of industry-first loft suites offering expansive ocean views and luxury amenities.

With Coney Island closing down it is great that Royal Caribbean is keeping the venue going.

AquaTheater

AquaTheater, created to offer two unique experiences, will allow guests to swim in the theatre’s magnificent kidney-shaped pool, relax on sun loungers located on tiered platforms surrounding the pool, and even take SCUBA lessons in the afternoon. At night, it will deliver a complete sensory experience playing on the element of surprise as audience members witness the venue come alive with heart-pounding theatrical performances featuring dramatic acrobatics, synchronised swimming, water ballet, and professional high-diving, as well as elaborate fountain shows synchronised to music and lights.

The largest and deepest freshwater pool at sea will be 21.9 feet (6.6 metres) by 51.6 feet wide (15.7 metres), with a depth of 17.9 feet (5.4 metres). Fitted with three stage machinery devices, the pool’s depth will rise or fall to meet the needs of each performance and for its various functions throughout the day. Underwater cameras will film performers and project images onto two giant Barco LED screens that will flank the stage.

Loft Suites

The loft suites will be the highest accommodations at sea and will offer spectacular views of the ocean with floor to ceiling double-height windows to ensure the view will be enjoyed from every vantage point. Other features among these coveted 28 lofts will be a unique modern design dotted with abstract, modern art pieces, spacious living areas on the lower level with contemporary detailing, and a private balcony with sun chairs and stunning views.

Each loft, which will measure 545 square feet (51 square metres) or larger when combined, and will be fitted in contemporary décor with a Caribbean influence. The impressive design will include an upper-level bedroom that overlooks the living area below and extended ocean views.

The Royal Loft Suite is the largest of all lofts onboard Oasis of the Seas. Spanning 1,524 sq. ft. (141 sq. m.), it will feature its own Baby Grand piano, indoor and outdoor dining rooms that seat eight, private wet bar, a library and extended 843-square-foot (78.3 sq. m.) balcony with its own LCD television, entertainment area and Jacuzzi. The Royal Loft Suite has the ability to connect to a Crown Loft Suite for additional room to accommodate a total of ten guests, providing 2,069 sq. ft. (192 sq. m.) of space.

Kids will love the three-ring circus aboard ship.

Sky Loft Suite: The Sky Loft Suites are larger than the standard lofts and though they stand as singular units, these staterooms also will feature the option of connecting together to satisfy larger groups and families. These Sky Loft Suites, identified as Corner A (722 sq. ft./67 sq. m.) and Corner B (770 sq. ft./71 sq. m.) will feature more living room space, separate dining rooms that seat four, spacious balconies with sun loungers, and dining tables that seats four.

Crown Accessible Loft Suite: The Crown Accessible Loft will feature the same amenities as the standard Crown Loft Suites, but will measure slightly larger, at 737 sq. ft. (68 sq. m.), and will offer an elevator for the convenience of guests with special needs.

In addition to the loft suite accommodations, Oasis of the Seas will offer a variety of suites that appeal to guests looking for additional space and a variety of amenities that exceed the services offered at the stateroom level. While each suite varies in scope, these spaces will provide guests with private balconies, LCD televisions and more.

Starlight productions will be a popular venue for even the most jaded of travelers. Anyone have tickets?

Suites

Royal Suite: This spacious suite – the only of its kind on Oasis of the Seas – sleeps four and will feature one bedroom, two baths, a separate living area with its own Baby Grand piano, plush seating, a full bar, and a 52” LCD television. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors will lead to the suite’s large outdoor balcony with woven chaise lounges. The private master suite will offer an alternative sitting area with large windows facing the sea and a large jetted tub to help guests unwind after an action-packed day.

Additions to Royal Promenade, the heart of the ship, will include a mezzanine level that overlooks the main promenade below. The Royal Promenade will be home to a vast array of shopping, dining and entertainment options including, the Rising Tide bar, the first moving bar at sea, which will traverse three decks and allow cruisers to enjoy a cocktail as they slowly ascend into Central Park. A focal point will be a giant copper globe sculpture built into the facade above the Globe and Atlas Pub, which will “crack open” to create a spectacular, surprise element for guests, as it unfurls on hinged hydraulics and becomes a bridge platform for performances. Other options include the cruise line’s popular Schooner Bar and Champagne Bar; the new Mondo Coffee Bar; Focus, a photo shop and gallery; and the ever-popular Boleros Latin dance club.

Royal Caribbean International reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement on all guests if the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel exceeds $65.00 per barrel. The fuel supplement for 1st and 2nd guests would be no more than $10 per guest per day, to a maximum of $140 per cruise; and for additional guests would be no more than $5 per person per day, to a maximum of $70 per cruise.

To learn more or to book a reservation, visit the Royal Carribean “Oasis of the Sea” website…