Tom K wrote:
> Just got back from Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas Event in NYC.
>
> They introduced the new webpage with LOTS of new artist renderings.
> http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/
I've also posted some shots of today's event on Picasa to give you a
flavor of what we saw.
http://picasaweb.google.com/perischacknow/OasisOfTheSeasPreview
I have to say that we were pretty much drooling over what we learned.
Sure, this is a clear case of "ship as destination" instead of pure
cruising (whatever that means these days!), but Royal Caribbean
certainly seems to have nailed the genre.
I was impressed by the Freedom class, and thoroughly enjoyed the
Liberty, but it looks as if Oasis is in a different class both literally
and entirely.
To augment some of what Tom said, some stream of consciousness
reflections...
The Boardwalk area is reminiscent of an old-fashioned seaside promenade,
with a Seafood Shack Restaurant, street performers, and other fun
features. Johnny Rockets will be located here.
Walking aft through the Boardwalk, you arrive at the Aquatheater, based
on the style of a Greek amphitheater, with tiered seating for 750
surrounding a HUGE freshwater pool, the largest swimming pool at sea.
By day, it will be available for guests, at night, it will feature
diving shows, water ballet, light shows and fountains.
There is a new category of staterooms called Loft Suites that are
bi-level and gorgeous. They come in three categories, with the largest
being 1700 square feet.
There are staterooms with balconies that overlook both the Boardwalk and
Central Park, in addition to the standard ocean balcony rooms.
The Royal Promenade on this ship is 100 yards long and two times as wide
as the ones on the Voyager and Freedom class ships.
The ship, at capacity, holds 6300 people.
It's got the Rising Tide Bar which will travel up and down between the
Promenade and Central Park decks.
The stack will telescope down so it can fit under various bridges
(including one as it makes its way out of Denmark on its way here!).
Oasis will home port at Port Everglades, where a new terminal is being
built for her and the Allure.
It will set sail on December 12, 2009, with an Eastern Caribbean
itinerary, and starting in May of 2010 will alternate Eastern and
Western, adding a new port (Falmouth) in Jamaica.
Bookings will open on September 3 of this year.
Wow. Wow. Wow.
I can't wait to hear what's in store for the four remaining
"neighborhoods" they're not saying anything about yet.
I'm afraid to find out what the cost of sailing will be...
~ Peri |