Royal Caribbean releases plans for $165 million Oasis of the Seas upgrades

Royal Caribbean announced plans today to spend $165 million modernizing Oasis of the Seas.  The ship, which is now 10 years old, revolutionized the cruise industry when she was first introduced and now Royal is giving her some love to bring her up to the level of the newer ships in the class.

Some of the highlights:
- Completely reworked pool & sports zone
- Ultimate Abyss slide
- Perfect Storm water slides
- New dining options such as Portside BBQ, Royal Caribbean's first BBQ restaurant, and El Loco Fresh Mexican Restaurant.
- A karaoke bar called Spotlight Karaoke

Once complete, she will begin sailing from Miami on Nov. 24, 2019 and then she will transition to Bayonne, NJ in May 2020, becoming the largest ship to ever sail from the New York area.

You can read the full press release below:

OASIS OF THE SEAS, THE SHIP THAT CHANGED THE GAME, SET FOR ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S LARGEST AMPLIFICATION YET

$165 Million Modernization to Raise the Bar for Family Vacations in November 2019

MIAMI, May 21, 2019 – The ship that revolutionized the cruise industry, Oasis of the Seas, marks its 10-year anniversary with a larger-than-ever, $165 million amplification. The first to introduce the unique seven-neighborhood concept and one-of-a-kind AquaTheater entertainment venue, Royal Caribbean International’s original gamechanger will set a new standard for family vacations with first-to-brand experiences and the latest Royal Caribbean hits. Guest favorites making their way to Oasis as part of the 63-day modernization include a reimagined, Caribbean-inspired pool deck that will feature a Splashaway Bay kids aquapark and The Lime & Coconut signature bar; famed Quantum Class staple, Music Hall; the Perfect Storm trio of waterslides, and the Ultimate Abyss – the tallest slide at sea. Debuting alongside this lineup is the cruise line’s first barbecue concept, Portside BBQ, and dedicated karaoke venue Spotlight Karaoke. The amplified Oasis will set sail on Nov. 24, 2019, beginning 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Royal Caribbean’s new, state-of-the-art Terminal A in Miami.

The architectural marvel will break even more records when she heads to the Big Apple in May 2020 as the largest ship to sail from the New York area. Oasis will reposition to her new summer home at Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, offering 7-night sailings to The Bahamas with visits to Royal Caribbean’s newly transformed private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

 “When Oasis of the Seas debuted as the world’s largest and most groundbreaking cruise ship a decade ago, the typical cruise vacation as the world knew it was forever changed. Today, our Oasis Class ships continue to lead the industry and attract vacationers new to cruising,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Now with the opportunity to disrupt the industry once again, we’ve gone all-in with our biggest and boldest amplification yet. Oasis will turn heads when she arrives to Miami this November and the Northeast in May 2020.”

Iconic Top Deck
For all-day Caribbean vibes, guests need look no further than the reimagined Pool and Sports Zone. The transformed neighborhood will feature new ways to relax, celebrate and plunge into adventure, joining the popular twin FlowRider surf simulators, nine-deck-high zip line and twin rock-climbing walls.

The adrenaline is turned all the way up with heart-pumping additions, including the Ultimate Abyss, a 10-story test of courage and the tallest slide at sea; and The Perfect Storm, an action-packed trio of multistory waterslides known as Typhoon, Cyclone and Supercell. For the youngest, the most thrilling Splashaway Bay at sea yet is to come, with a Splash Pad for tots, three waterslides, water cannons, fountains, pools and the first-ever twin drench buckets.

At the center is the new Caribbean-style pool deck with The Lime & Coconut. The signature bar will be one of the liveliest spots on board, day and night, with poolside cocktails, DJs and live music across two locations. Every pool is only as good as its places to chill, and Oasis will deliver a larger variety of seating and shade, including comfy casitas, daybeds, hammocks and swing seats, new whirlpools on the top deck, and a refreshed Solarium for the adults.

Mouthwatering Dining
The boldest Royal Amplified modernization to-date will introduce various new dining venues that will further diversify Oasis’ 23 specialty and complimentary options.

Royal Caribbean’s latest culinary creation and first-ever barbecue restaurant, Portside BBQ, will offer an authentic, meat-packed menu inspired by the best-in-class barbecue across the United States. From smoked marbled brisket, pulled pork and chicken, to beef ribs and burnt ends, the casual eatery on the pool deck will tie it all together with classic sides – including mac and cheese, homestyle cornbread, baked beans and coleslaw – and down-home desserts such as the Banana Dream and a brownie cookie mashup.

Across the way, guests can find Mexican grab-and-go fare at El Loco Fresh, serving up made-to-order tacos and burritos, quesadillas, mini salads and salsas galore. Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade will anchor the lineup in the signature Boardwalk neighborhood. With 80 big-screen TVs, tabletop games, arcade classics, tournaments, an Owner’s Box VIP room, bar fare and ice-cold brews, Playmakers is where everyone in the family wins. Sugar Beach, with more than 220 types of candy and a new walkup ice cream window, is the icing on the already-tasty offering on board Oasis, which includes Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table and Izumi.

Chart-topping Hot Spots
Nights out will take on a whole new meaning on board the newly amplified Oasis. The new Spotlight Karaoke on the Royal Promenade is where budding singers can rock out to their favorite tunes at the dedicated karaoke venue’s main stage or one of two private rooms.

First introduced on Quantum of the Seas, live music venue Music Hall will make its Oasis Class debut. A roster of live cover bands, an expansive dance floor, pool tables and intimate loungers across two levels give vacationers ample room to end the night on a high note at a place where every seat is the best seat in the house.    

Rounding out the list of go-to hot spots is the dynamic duo of robotic bartenders that will mix, muddle, stir and shake cocktails nonstop at the Bionic Bar. The new venues join nightlife favorites on board, including Boleros, Schooner Bar, Blaze Nightclub & Comedy and English pub Atlas & Globe.

Family Time Redefined
Oasis will, yet again, redefine family vacations with a bold combination of programming that brings families together while also providing ways for everyone – from parents, to kids and grandparents – to enjoy time on their own.

Babies, kids and teens are in for a reimagination of their dedicated spaces, enhanced from top to bottom and amplified with technology to offer interactive, personalized and unexpected experiences. Adventure Ocean will receive a total makeover, with newly designed areas organized by activity type and created to fully immerse kids and their families in the adventures they choose based on their interests. Returning offerings include a nursery for the youngest of travelers, and a specialized area with programming for kids 3 to 5 years old. Teens can rejoice in their more off-the-grid hangout. With exclusive features like a “hidden” entrance, gaming lounge, movies, music, and a new, laidback outdoor deck, teens are free to engage however and whenever without interruption.

Adding to the variety of activities, featuring ice skating and mini-golf, Oasis will challenge friends and foes with a new glow-in-the-dark laser tag game, Clash for the Crystal City. Two clans, the Yetis and Snowshifters, must go head-to-head to claim the crystal city and defeat impending extinction. At the new Royal Escape Room – Mission Control: Apollo 18, the year is 1973 and travelers must come together to launch Apollo 18 to the moon by solving every mind-bending puzzle before time runs out.

Oasis of the Seas is the first of the cruise line’s renowned Oasis Class – the world’s largest cruise ships – to be modernized as part of the Royal Amplified fleet modernization effort. Rooted in research and guest feedback, Royal Caribbean’s investment of more than $1 billion in the program spans 10 ships in four years and touches every facet of the guest experience to bring new thrills and signature experiences designed to appeal to every generation.

About Royal Caribbean International 
Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 73 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 16 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards.

Media can stay up-to-date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Pics and video of damage on Oasis of the Seas

Found these pictures and video of the damage on Oasis over at Cruise Ship Crays on Facebook.  Looks pretty bad.

Royal Caribbean cancels next 3 Oasis of the Seas sailings due to shipyard accident

Royal Caribbean provided some updates on the damage to Oasis of the Seas along with how this will impact the ships upcoming scheduled sailings.

The ship sustained damage to some of the Aquatheater Suites along with the Aquatheater itself.

Because of the damage, the line has cancelled the next 3 sailings on Oasis so that repairs can be made.

Reports indicate that the ship will head to Cadiz, Spain for repairs and she will return to service on May 5th.

More photos of Oasis of the Seas after incident in Bahamas

Still not much info coming out about what may have cause this incident, but more photos are starting to surface of the aftermath.

These are from Passionnés de Croisières on Facebook.

Oasis of the Seas shipyard incident - Update

Just found this on twitter from this morning.

Mornin’ World! Monday sunrise from #GrandBahama Shipyard with @RoyalCaribbean #OasisoftheSeas, two cofferdams in place and dry now. Yes, they’ll be working on the Azipods while the Ship is still “wet”. Extremely unique process and I’ll have more videos today from under Oasis. pic.twitter.com/KgBRVOOOjh

— James Van Fleet (@JamesVanFleet) April 1, 2019

Apparently, Oasis was in the shipyard but not drydock.  They were using cofferdams to create dryspaces under the ship to work on the Azipods while the ship is still "wet".

Oasis of the Seas involved in incident at shipyard

Not much info yet on this but the ship is in dock in the Bahamas for some routine maintenance and work.  It appears that at least one crane has collapsed onto the ship and, from some pictures, it looks like the ship itself may have actually "slipped" and is listing slightly to the right.

If it was already in drydock, it's possible that some of the supports under the ship may have failed causing the list.  No word on any injuries yet.

We'll keep an eye out for any additional news.

https://www.newsherald.com/news/20190401/crane-falls-on-florida-based-oasis-of-seas-cruise-ship

https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/crime/2019/04/01/port-canaveral-based-ship-oasis-seas-struck-crane-bahamas/3335309002/

https://www.clickorlando.com/news/florida/crane-falls-on-florida-based-oasis-of-the-seas-cruise-ship

Quick Review: Oasis of the Seas, September 2018

We were at it again just a couple of weeks ago, sailing on-board Oasis of the Seas to the Eastern Caribbean and, as usual, we had a great time.  We last sailed on Oasis back in October of 2017 and, in my opinion, she and her sister ships are still the best in the business.  No other ship compares to the Oasis Class, not only in size but in sheer amount of things to do.  You will never be bored on an Oasis Class ship, unless you want to be.

Oasis docked in St. Maarten

This was an Eastern Caribbean itinerary departing from Port Canaveral, with stops at St. Maarten, San Juan, and Royal Caribbean's private destination of Labadee.  Port Canaveral is just a couple hour drive from home and we love leaving from there.  Very happy that Harmony of the Seas will be leaving from there next year.

As usual, we didn't plan anything or have any excursions booked for any of our stops but we did get off the ship to do a little walking around in St. Maarten and San Juan.  On St. Maarten, we just wandered around the port area and did not go into town since it requires a water taxi.  In San Juan, we did some walking around town, window shopping and ducking in here and there to get out of the heat.  It was pretty hot even though it's getting later in the year.  San Juan seems to be recovering from the affects of last year's hurricanes, though some areas are better than others.

Downtown Old San Juan

For this cruise we had a standard inside cabin which was plenty comfortable for the two of us.  Only time we were in the cabin was to sleep or shower and get dressed, that's about it.  Plenty of space for two people and their stuff.  No real complaints about the cabin except that we noticed a bit of a "funky" smell in the cabin when we first got onboard but that either went away or we got "nose blind" to it after day one.

We also chose not to visit the dining room on this trip, opting instead to "graze" on the selection of free dining options on-board Oasis.  Some days we had a big breakfast at the Wipe Out Cafe (made to order omelettes still available there) and a late lunch at Windjammer, followed by the mandatory slice....or three....of pizza late at night.  Other days we skipped breakfast and hit Park Cafe for a delicious roast beef sandwich or the Doghouse for a couple of tasty dogs, then went to Windjammer for late dinner.  We found dinner in the Windjammer to be very good on this cruise.  The options are literally endless on Oasis.

*On a side note, we have heard that Royal has been working hard on improving the pizza at Sorrentos and it shows.  It was actually pretty good on this cruise.

Central Park on Oasis

Overall, Oasis is in good shape but she could use some freshening up soon.  She is pushing 10 years old now and could benefit from some new carpets, furniture, and paint in some areas.  Even with her minor imperfections, she's still one of the most amazing cruise ships in the industry today.

One of our favorite things about Oasis is her Diamond Club.  It has to be the largest in the Royal Caribbean fleet.  The Diamond Club is open to all guests who are Diamond level and above in Royal Caribbean's loyalty program and the one on Oasis is huge, consisting of two floors on decks 11 and 12 with a floor to ceiling wall of windows overlooking the Boardwalk area of the ship.  I believe it is the same space that is occupied by the Wonderland restaurant on sister ships Harmony and Symphony.  Unfortunately, there are rumors that the Diamond Club will be turned into Wonderland on Oasis next time she is in for drydock.  If/when that happens, I believe the plan is to move the Diamond Club downstairs to deck 4 next to the Jazz Club, where it is on Harmony and Symphony.

As usual, we had a great time and we're counting the days till our next cruise.  We won't have to wait very long either since we actually have 2 more booked between now and February 2019.  One in December onboard Brilliance of the Seas and another on Allure of the Seas in January.  Looking forward to Brilliance since we have never been on that class (Radiance Class) of ship before.

Hits:

• Diamond Club
• Pizza at Sorrentos has improved quite a bit
• Temperature band in Dazzles
• Meeting new friends

Misses:

• Ship showing its age in some areas
• Aqua show postponed or cancelled several times due to rough seas (can't do anything about that)

Quick Review: Oasis of the Seas, October 2017

Another cruise in the books.  We can now say we have sailed on all the Oasis Class ships, at least until next Fall when Symphony of the Seas debuts.  Don't worry, we're looking at bookings for that one as well.

Oasis in Labadee

I'm sure by now, you are all well aware of all the innovations introduced with the Oasis Class of ships so I won't go into much detail.  If you haven't been on one of these engineering wonders, you really should try it.  I know there are some people who are very wary of these ships because they carry almost 10,000 people (6,296 max passengers and 2,394 crew) but they never feel overcrowded to me.  At times, the Windjammer Café may be a bit crowded at lunch and breakfast but there are other options for those meals (Café Promenade, Sorrentos, Park Café, Wipeout Café, etc) that most people avoid or don't seem to know about.  There is just so much to do and so many venues, that no one spot is ever really overcrowded.

This was a Western Caribbean itinerary with stops in Labadee, Falmouth, and Cozumel.  We've been to all 3 more than once so nothing new to report there.

Embarkation was quick and easy.  Oasis moved to Port Canaveral last year which made it nice and convenient for us to get to.  We were at the port by about 11:20AM and after dropping off our luggage and parking the car, we wound up onboard by 11:45AM.  Our cabin was a Central Park balcony cabin, a first for us.  It's a bit weird having other balconies on the other side of Central Park facing you, and not seeing the ocean.  A couple of times, I looked out and thought to myself, "what ship is that parked next to us in port?".  Of course, it was just the other cabins across Central Park.  Mainly, we booked the cabin because it came with some perks.  You receive a free bottle of wine, free gaming lessons, and a free lunch at Giovanni's Table, Chops, Sabor, or Johnny Rockets.  We don't gamble much so we didn't take advantage of the gaming lessons and the wine was nothing special.  Lunch at Sabor was good. 

View of Central Park from our balcony.

For this cruise we decided to buy the 3 meal specialty dining package.  For $85 per person you get 3 meals at any of the specialty restaurants, excluding 150 Central Park.  Considering that Chops alone is $50 per person, this is a good deal.  We ate at Chops, Giovanni's Table, and Izumi.  The highlight was definitely Izumi.  Chops and Giovanni's were very, very good but we've done those before.  This was our first visit to Izumi and the entire meal was excellent.  Izumi is an a' la carte menu but when you buy this package, they give you a credit per person, $39 each I believe.  You can choose either the Sushi side or the Hibachi side.  We did the sushi and it was fantastic.

There was some excitement and confusion on the morning of day 2, which was supposed to be a sea day, when we awoke to the captain announcing we would be docking in Nassau in about an hour due to a medical emergency.  At some time during the night, a passenger apparently took a spill and required more medical attention than they could provide onboard.  The decision was made to divert to Nassau on our way to Labadee in order to offload the passenger so they could get proper treatment.  We docked in Nassau right next to Allure of the Seas and offloaded the passenger to a waiting ambulance.  We only stayed there for about an hour and then we were back on our way.  Too bad since it would have been cool to get off at the port and get a couple of pictures of the sisters next to each other.  This stop delayed our arrival to Labadee by about 2 hours so the captain announced that we would stay 2 hours later to make up for that.  The good news is that we heard that the passenger that was offloaded was doing fine.  Good to hear.

Allure of the Seas in Nassau

The big change with us this cruise was that this was our first cruise as "Diamond" level on the Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program.  This is where the perks start getting real good.  Each night, there is a "Happy Hour" in the Diamond Lounge for all Diamond and above members from 4:30PM to 8:00PM.  During this "Happy Hour", you can get free drinks from a limited (not top shelf) menu, free sodas and bottled water, and there is a little buffet set up with hors d'oeuvres and other snacks.  If you can't make it to the lounge, you can still get 3 free drinks from the allowed menu at any bar onboard.  This is a pretty nice perk and the lounge was packed every night.  In fact, there was something like 600 passengers onboard who were Diamond or above, so they opened the Blaze nightclub during the "Happy Hour" each night for overflow.  We met so many wonderful people on this cruise, mostly during this event.

As usual, we had a wonderful time.  We love the ship and the crew was awesome.

One little tidbit of info on future cruises from Port Canaveral.  Our captain mentioned that Oasis would leave from Port Canaveral until 2019 and she will then go back into dry dock for freshening up.  He seemed to hint that Harmony of the Seas would take it's place in Port Canaveral after that.  He didn't mention her by name but he did say that it would be a ship 1 foot longer than Oasis. 

Hits:

• The ship is amazing, just like her sisters
• Diamond Club
• Muzik Express band in the Dazzles lounge.  Great band.
• The entire cruise staff was great, especially the bar crew in Blaze during the Diamond "Happy Hour".

Misses:

• Weather wasn't so great a couple of days.  Nothing we can do about that.
• Technical issues caused rescheduling of the Aqua Show a couple of times.  We weren't able to make any of the performances.  Too bad.  We loved the one on Harmony.

Jamaica's Falmouth Port Officially Opens

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas pulled into Falmouth yesterday marking the official opening of the much anticipated and much delayed port of call on the north coast of Jamaica.  Still unfinished, the $213 million undertaking by Royal Caribbean and the government of Jamaica, has had it's share of ups and downs but now it finally is welcoming cruise travelers to Jamaica.  The construction should be wrapped up and all the shops open and fully operational by May.

You can check out an article on the opening of the port on Cruise Critic -
Next Stop, Falmouth: Unfinished, Caribbean's Newest Cruise Port Officially Opens

Jamaica's Falmouth Port Still Not Ready

Royal Caribbean has announced that the port of Falmouth, Jamaica is "still not ready to deliver the high standards we are striving for."   Because of that, they have once again pushed back the schedule for their ships to begin their stops at the new port.  Royal Caribbean was scheduled to start using the port on January 7 with a visit from Navigator of the Seas.  This has been rescheduled to February 17 with the honor going to Voyager of the Seas.  Ships scheduled to call on Falmouth prior to that will instead visit Ocho Rios or Montego Bay.

The Dutch construction company working on the port has stated that the facilities and shops will not be ready until March and the terminal will not be 100% until April.  Royal Caribbean has been working with Jamaica since 2008 to build this new port with enough space to accommodate the massive Oasis Class ships.  They are developing the entire area to make it a tourist zone complete with an old town 17th century look to celebrate the area's history.

World's Largest Cruise Ships Meet

Just a couple of days after arriving in Florida from Turku, Finland, Allure of the Seas had a chance to meet her older sister, Oasis of the Seas, as the two ships pulled alongside one another outside the port of Ft. Lauderdale making for a unique opportunity to see these spectacular ships sailing together.

Here is the video from Royal Caribbean.

Cool Pics Of Oasis of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas In Cozumel

Check out this post from Royal Caribbean CEO and President Adam Goldstein's blog for some pretty cool aerial photos of the two ships docked side by side in Cozumel.  It's really unbelievable how much bigger Oasis looks compared to Freedom.  I don't think anyone is going to surpass the sheer size of the Oasis Class of ships for quite some time.

Here is one of the photos that best shows the size difference.

Oasis features trickling down to Freedom ships

Royal Caribbean has announced that they will be adding some of the features from Oasis of the Seas to two Freedom Class ships, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas.  Both ships are scheduled for stops at a drydock in the Bahamas for some freshening up in 2011.  Liberty will be out of commission starting January 23, 2011 and Freedom will follow on March 6, 2011.

Along with the new paint, carpet and whatever else they change during these refurb stops, they will be adding some of the more popular features found on Oasis of the Seas.  The first of these will be the Cupcake Cupboard which has been very popular on Oasis of the Seas.  For $2.95 you can satisfy your sweet tooth with some yummy frosted cupcakes.  It will replace the barbershops on Freedom and Liberty.

Next up is the addition of a huge outdoor movie screen to show movies under the stars.  Many other lines jumped on this popular feature ahead of Royal Caribbean but they know a good thing when they see it so it was included on Oasis of the Seas.  It's been so popular that they are bringing it to Freedom and Liberty.  The 18.5 foot screen will be installed in the main pool area.

Liberty will also be getting it's own broadway shows like Oasis of the Seas' "Harspray" production and Allure of the Seas' upcoming production of "Chicago".  Freedom will continue with it's popular "Once Upon a Time" production for at least another year before being replaced.

For the kids, there will be the addition of the Royal Babies and Tots program from Oasis that provides care for children between 6 and 36 months.  Space will be limited to 12 children and there will be a cost of $8 per hour, per child.  Another feature from Oasis that is popular with the kids is the ImaginOcean family theatre show.  A combo puppet show and musical, it will be added to both Freedom and Liberty.

Finally, Freedom and Liberty will be receiving interactive touch screens in the elevator lobbies that will feature deck plans, restaurant info, and the daily activity guide all at the touch of a finger.

Royal Caribbean is holding off making any updates to Independence of the Seas because it has just started it's  first full year sailing out of Southampton, England and they would like to get a better feel of what the mostly British passengers would like to see as far as changes to the ship.

Oasis of the Seas arrives in Ft. Lauderdale

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, arrived at her new homeport in Ft. Lauderdale on Friday, November 13 after a 14 day transatlantic trip from the shipyard in Turku, Finland.

The ship's naming ceremony is scheduled for November 30 and she will be featured on Good Morning America prior to that on November 20.

Oasis of the Seas clears the Storebaelt Bridge

Here is a short video from the Oasis of the Seas website showing one of the more nerve wracking moments of the journey from the shipyard in Finland to her home port of Ft. Lauderdale.  When heading out to sea, Oasis had to successfully pass below the Storebaelt Bridge.  Luckily, with the ability to retract he smoke stack funnels, Oasis just made it with about 20 feet ! to spare.

Oasis of the Seas to be handed over today

Royal Caribbean will take delivery of the world's largest and most revolutionary cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, at a ceremony in Finland at around 12:00 noon EST.  Following that, she will prepare for her departure tomorrow from the shipyard to her homeport in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where her new terminal is completed and awaits her arrival.  Oasis is scheduled to arrive in Ft. Lauderdale on November 11 at around 6PM and her official maiden voyage will take place on December 5.

Oasis of the Seas to make TV debut on Good Morning America

Set your DVRs, or VCRs for those of you a little behind the times, for 7:00 to 9:00 AM on Friday Nov. 20 for Good Morning America's sneak peek aboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. Many of the new features of the ship will be looked at including the seven "neighborhoods" onboard.

Here is the RCI press release:

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL TEAMS UP WITH ABC'S "GOOD MORNING AMERICA" TO BRING VIEWERS FIRST GLIMPSE OF OASIS OF THE SEAS


Emmy-Winning Morning Show to Broadcast Live November 20th from the
World’s Largest and Most Revolutionary Cruise Ship

MIAMI, October 15, 2009 – This November, just in time for Thanksgiving, Royal Caribbean International will unveil their newest and most innovative cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas. ABC’s “Good Morning America” will be there to welcome Oasis of the Seas into her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and give viewers an exclusive first glimpse of the highly anticipated ship during a special live broadcast.

GMA fans across the country can tune in on Friday, November 20, 2009, from 7:00 am – 9:00 am (ET) on ABC to join “Good Morning America” for a never-before-seen sneak peek at the seven distinct neighborhoods and many spectacular elements and features onboard Oasis of the Seas. Some of these unique features include Central Park, the first park at sea with nearly 12,000 plants and trees; Boardwalk, a family oriented environment with a hand carved carousel; a thrilling zip wire ride that races diagonally over Boardwalk 90 feet above the deck; 28 multilevel loft suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows; and the AquaTheater – an amphitheater style space that serves as a pool by day and a dazzling oceanfront theater by night.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to launch Oasis of the Seas than by partnering with “Good Morning America” to show her off on morning television for the very first time” said Adam Goldstein, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Oasis of the Seas is our most innovative and imaginative ship yet, and we are confident that the millions of viewers will be wowed by what they see.”

In addition to the live broadcast, and in the spirit of giving and sharing, Royal Caribbean and “Good Morning America” are working with ABC affiliate stations in six markets – Hartford, Miami, New York, Orlando, San Francisco and Seattle – to execute a contest/search for people who have done something extraordinary for their community, making friends and neighbors thankful for the effort. Three deserving individuals (plus guest) in each market will win a trip to join GMA for the live broadcast onboard Oasis of the Seas, and will enjoy an exclusive pre-inaugural cruise following the show.

When she enters service in December 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.oasisoftheseas.com.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Travel professionals should go www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.

Get your shopping fix on Oasis of the Seas

Following up on the announcement of entertainment options on the Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has announced the myriad of shopping options that will be available onboard when she launches in December. Simply put, it will be the largest selection of retail stores in the entire cruise industry. It will include over 13 stores and more than 10,000 square feet of open air shopping. Most notably, the selections will include a Coach store which will be the first dedicated store at sea for the famous brand.

There may actually be too much to do on this ship. At least too much to do in just one week.

Here is the full Royal Caribbean press release:

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES DIVERSE RETAIL LINEUP OASIS OF THE SEAS PRESENTS LARGEST, DEDICATED COACH STORE AT SEA TO TOP OFF VARIETY OF MERCHANDISE OFFERINGS

MIAMI, September 3, 2009 - Delivering the very best in overall guest experiences is the central motivator behind the design of Royal Caribbean International's newest ship, Oasis of the Seas. When she debuts in December 2009, the most cutting-edge amenities and activities ever seen at sea will be complemented with a variety of retail venues - 13 stores, including open-air shopping that cover more than 10,000 square feet. With many products exclusive to Oasis, the shopping experience will be one of a kind in terms of both the items offered and the setting on the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. Guests of all ages and styles will find their retail therapy of choice in outlets that range from children and teen-favored shops to jewelry and duty-free stores for adults.

Not only will Oasis of the Seas provide the broadest selection of boutiques and shops industry wide, but several international brands also will be making their debut. Perhaps the most eagerly awaited store onboard will be Coach. Located in the Central Park neighborhood, the iconic maker of luxury leather goods will unveil its first dedicated store at sea. Custom built to the brand's standards, the Coach store will showcase the signature line of beautifully crafted designer handbags, leather goods, sunglasses and scarves. Among the recognizable jewelry and clothing designers establishing a presence at sea for the first time are Breitling, watches that are instruments for professionals, and Italian jewelry designer Pianegonda, as well as apparel companies including Lucky Brand, Eileen Fisher, DC Apparel and Forest & Fauna, makers of 100% organic t-shirts and garments. Oasis of the Seas also will carry a number of brands never before seen in the Royal Caribbean fleet, including elegant jewelry from Roberto Coin, Charriol and Yvel, as well as offer long-time favorites, such as cosmetics by iconic brands Chanel and Christian Dior, among many others.

The next generation of cruise enthusiasts will have their choice of stores throughout the Boardwalk neighborhood to satisfy anything from clothing and gadget needs to a sugar fix. Star Pier will be an interactive, hybrid shop touting an electronics wall adorned in the latest technology, tween and teen apparel by Roxy, Quiksilver and DC Apparel, as well as a DJ station and Nintendo Wii game area making it a truly innovative shopping experience. Younger cruisers will be drawn to Pinwheels featuring everything from clothes and toys by kid-favored brands, such as Crayola, to impromptu playtime in the store's dedicated area equipped with a number of other popular games. Candy Beach will be the ultimate boardwalk candy store, offering more than 72 varieties to mix and match into a customized candy grab bag, as well as vintage candy treats from the '50s, '60s and '70s.

"We are consistently pushing the envelope with the retail selection offered on our cruise ships, and with Oasis of the Seas we sought out to fully transform the shopping experience at sea by introducing new brands and new concepts," said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. "We've been fortunate to gain the support of a number of iconic brands that are eager to be part of the Oasis experience and are pleased that we can deliver upon guest feedback to offer more shopping opportunities onboard."

Following is an overview of the new shopping options guests can take advantage of while onboard Oasis of the Seas:

Central Park
- Coach - Located in the Central Park neighborhood, Coach is one of the most exciting additions to the retail lineup on Oasis of the Seas. Coach will debut its largest location at sea with an assortment of chic handbags and accessories, allowing shoppers to appreciate the variety, detail and quality of the Coach offering while getting an overview of the company's lifestyle approach. To celebrate the grand opening, Coach will offer a special gift with purchase - an exclusive leather luggage tag in luxe parchment, embossed with the iconic horse and carriage logo in gold.

The Royal Promenade
- Prince & Greene - With a trendy fashion boutique vibe, Prince & Green offers urban apparel and accessories for men and women alike, all with an electric urban edge. Labels include Betsey Johnson, Calypso and Kenneth Cole for women and Fred Perry, Ed Hardy, Marc Jacobs and Ben Sherman for men.

- Regalia - Regalia is one of Oasis' most opulent boutiques. Home to some of the most iconic names in fine jewelry and timepieces, Regalia brands include Tag Heuer, Roberto Coin, Pianegonda, Olivia and more. - Solera

- Willow - In contrast to the high-fashion finds at Prince & Green, Willow features casual sportswear for guests, ideally suited to the cruising lifestyle. Natural linen and organic clothing options for men and women are offered, as well as brands including Eileen Fisher, JMP, and Forest & Fauna. Willow also will offer products from the World of Good line whose proceeds benefit non-profit organizations around the world, as well as socially responsible artisans. The store also will feature ethnically sourced gifts and products that are supported by the World of Good organization.

Boardwalk
- Candy Beach - A boardwalk isn't complete without a candy shop. And Candy Beach is the ultimate candy store, offering more than 72 varieties of candy for mixing and matching. Vintage candy treats from the '50s, '60s, and '70s are also available.

- Carousel Cart - The hand-carved carousel onboard Oasis is undoubtedly one of the most unique features on the ship. After paying the carousel a visit, guests can browse the selection of apparel, accessories and souvenirs that celebrate this nostalgic pastime and popular Oasis attraction.

- Pinwheels - Younger cruisers can head to Pinwheels to find a range of clothing and accessories for children of all ages. Kid-favored brands such as Crayola as well as Royal Caribbean merchandise in tyke sizes are all offered. Pinwheels also hosts a play area equipped with a number of other popular games for children.

- Star Pier - Star Pier is a hybrid of all things tweens and teens adore. From clothing labels including Roxy, Quiksilver, and DC Apparel to an electronic games and accessories outpost alive with a DJ station and Wii game area, this is not the average teen clothing store.

The Pool and Sports Zone
- Breeze - An open-air shop located on the pool deck, Breeze is conveniently stocked with all the fun-in-thesun must haves that make for a perfect lazy, or not-so-lazy, day in the sun. Light reads, sunglasses, tote bags, and sun care products are all offered here.

When she launches in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons (GRT), carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line's new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center and Entertainment Place. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at http://www.oasisoftheseas.com.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit http://www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Travel professionals should go to http://www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.

Royal Caribbean brings broadway to the seas

Royal Caribbean has announced the variety of entertainment and activities available on Oasis of the Seas when she launches in December. The highlights will be the adaptation of the Broadway hit Hairspray that will be performed four times throughout each cruise as well as the shows in the new Aquatheater. Returning will be the very popular ice shows along with the theme nights and promenade parades.

More details are available in the official press release below:

NOW THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT! ROYAL CARIBBEAN PRESENTS UNPARALLELED ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES ONBOARD OASIS OF THE SEAS

MIAMI, September 2, 2009 - When she makes her debut in December 2009, Royal Caribbean International's newest ship, Oasis of the Seas, will introduce the most unique and varied collection of entertainment and activities ever offered for guests of the global cruise line. From Broadway shows and heart-pounding diving and acrobatic exhibitions, to side-splitting comedy acts and popular theme nights and parades, the world's largest and most revolutionary cruise ship will truly offer something to entertain all ages, interests and personalities.

With so many exciting entertainment options and venues to choose from, Royal Caribbean is making it easier than ever for guests to plan accordingly so as not to miss any of the onboard thrills, spills and chills. For the first time show schedules will be available pre-cruise at www.royalcaribbean.com, allowing guests the opportunity to customize their cruise experience by pre-booking all shows in advance of boarding. Under the Cruise Enhancements page of the Royal Caribbean website, guests can view all show schedules by show name, day and time and make reservations as far out as three months prior to the sail date for shows at venues including the Opal Theater, Studio B ice-skating rink, Comedy Live and the AquaTheater. Utilizing the latest technology, all reservations booked online will be recorded to each guests' Seapass card, which will be scanned upon arrival to the selected venue at show time and will serve as the show "ticket." While guests are encouraged to take advantage of this new pre-booking ability, a traditional Box Office and a ticketing system via the in-stateroom television also will be available for onboard reservations.

Following is a snapshot of the not-to-be-missed headlining shows and entertainment offerings taking center stage onboard Oasis of the Seas.

Opal Theater

As the cruise line's most dramatic and spectacular theater yet, the Opal Theater features a thrust stage and a proscenium extending into the audience to create a more interactive environment. Seating 1,350 guests, the Opal Theater will present three different shows, each performed several times throughout each sailing. Behind-the-scenes videos of the auditions and rehearsals of the productions can be viewed at http://www.OasisoftheSeas.com.

- Hairspray: The eight time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical will no doubt be one of the star attractions onboard Oasis of the Seas. Licensed exclusively to Royal Caribbean, the show is set in 1962 and follows the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big aspirations who wins a spot on the local TV dance program, "The Corny Collins" show, and finds herself transformed into an overnight teen sensation. Boasting an incredible cast of talented performers, who were selected during a four city audition tour in London, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, this fabulous 90-minute show will be performed four times throughout each cruise and will thrill audiences with original costumes, sets, lighting designs and the hottest, high-energy numbers of the Broadway version produced with Royal Caribbean's unique stamp.

- Come Fly With Me: Guests will be taken on a journey of soaring heights, interactive video and powerful singing and dancing during this spectacular 45-minute show, which will be performed four times during each cruise. Bringing the Opal Theater to life, this visually stunning show combines the unique aerial, dance, gymnastic and vocal talents of Royal Caribbean's incredible cast, coupled with the immense talent of the cruise line's award winning costume, video and scenic designers.

- Headliner Showtime: Offered three times throughout each cruise, guests will be delighted by the fabulous acts taking the stage at the Opal Theater, including world class singers, musicians, and magic and juggling acts.

Studio B
The popular Studio B ice-skating rink will continue to awe guests with spectacular and vibrant ice shows and serve as the locale for a variety of themed events.

- Frozen in Time: Marking the 11th ice show Royal Caribbean has produced for this unique venue, Frozen in Time will bring to life the works of Hans Christian Andersen, the acclaimed author most notable for his children's stories. Classic tales such as "The Snow Queen," "The Red Shoes," "The Ugly Duckling," "The Little Mermaid" and "The Emperor's New Clothes" will take the ice during a breathtaking show of spectacular choreography, theatrics, costumes and music. Performed by The Oasis of the Seas International Ice Cast, which features top-rated figure skaters from around the world, this not-to-be-missed ice show will be available seven times during each cruise.

AquaTheater
As the first theater of its kind, this dazzling oceanfront amphitheater-style venue will be home to the most incredible, jaw-dropping shows ever seen at sea. Seating 600 guests and boasting the largest and deepest pool at sea, AquaTheater will host a variety of entertainment, including live music, fun themed events, fountain shows and cabarets, with the most anticipated attractions being two elaborate dive shows that will take place each day and night.

- Oasis of Dreams: Set against the backdrop of the ocean beneath the twinkling nighttime sky, this breathtaking dive show will leave audiences wowed after every performance. The most professional and talented cast of Olympic and NCAA champion athletes from around the world have been selected for this show, including divers, synchronized swimmers and gymnasts. Set to an original soundtrack and synchronized with fountain shows, lighting and special effects, the all-star cast will perform a heart-pounding, dramatic spectacular, making this majestic venue come alive and bringing guests to their feet.

- Splish Splash: Performed five times each cruise, this light-hearted and humorous dive show provides fun and surprises the whole family will enjoy. The AquaTheater's cast of divers will showcase their comedic sides, combining crazy poolside antics with exhibition Olympic-style diving, all performed to an upbeat and dramatic soundtrack.

Comedy Live
Located in the Entertainment Place neighborhood, Comedy Live is one of the signature after-dark venues onboard Oasis of the Seas. The adult comedy club is a fun and intimate space with decor inspired by a New York subway station.

- Comedy Shows: Nightly performances by talented stand-up comics will provide side-splitting laughs and antics. Two comedians will take the stage each night during one-hour long shows performed two to three times nightly.

Theme Nights and Parades
With a Royal Promenade almost double the width of those found onboard Voyager- and Freedom-class ships, Oasis of the Seas will continue the tradition of Royal Caribbean's signature theme nights and parades, and make them even bigger and better!

- Disco Inferno Street Party: Throughout the Royal Promenade on the Atlas Bridge, Rising Tide Bar and the mezzanine, guests will dance to the music of the 70's in this Disco-themed street party.

- The Royal Promenade Parade will transform this neighborhood into a fantastical wonderland, with sights and sounds inspired by popular fairy tales.

When she launches in December 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line's new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at http://www.oasisoftheseas.com.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit http://www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Travel professionals should go to http://www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.

Oasis of the Seas sea trial video.

Some video of the ship's first round of sea trials from the Oasis of the Seas website.