When it comes to designing cruise ships, Royal Caribbean always steals the show in terms of adding features we never thought possible aboard sea-going vessels.  Today in New York, cruise line executives were on hand to release more details about the 220,000-ton Genesis-class ships and it was exciting.  Among the show-stopping features are an outdoor ampitheater, a zip-line nine decks above the sea, a “Boardwalk”-themed neighborhood, the first carousel at sea and two deck high loft suites. 

With a maximum capacity of 6,300 passengers, Oasis of the Seas enters service Dec. 12, 2009 and will sail year-round from Ft. Lauderdale every Saturday on one-week alternating itineraries.    On the Eastern Caribbean itinerary, the ship will visit St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau with three days at sea.  On the Western route, the ship will stop in Labadee (Haiti); Falmouth, Jamaica and Cozumel with three sea days.

AQUATHEATER

Located on the ship’s stern is AquaTheater, an enormous (21.9 ft. by 51.6 ft.) freshwater pool surrounded by amphitheater-style seating on three levels.  Evening performances under the stars will feature acrobatics, synchronized swimming, water ballet and high diving performances.  A giant trampoline will be centered between two diving towers allowing gymnasts and aerialists to flip and dismount into the pool.  During the day passengers may sign up for scuba certification classes.

Suspended nine decks between two rock climbing walls will be the first zip-line at sea which will undoubtedly attract passengers seeking a thrilling ride high above the ocean.

BOARDWALK NEIGHBORHOOD

In addition to the “Central Park” neighborhood with trees, flowers and plants, Oasis of the Seas passengers may also opt to hang out in the “Boardwalk” area.  Similar to Coney Island, this area will feature the AquaTheater and Zip-line plus a full carousel especially hand-crafted for Royal Caribbean with 21 figures suspended from stainless steel poles.   Nearby shops will include a psychic/ tattoo parlor and candy store while restaurants/bars will include Johnny Rockets, an ice cream parlor, boardwalk donut shop, Seafood Shack restaurant and Boardwalk Bar.

Connecting Central Park and Broadway will be Royal Promenade a wide “boulevard” running through the center of the ship, lined with stores, restaurants and bars.  At night you can expect circus-like parades to entertain passengers strolling in the area. 

LOFT SUITES

I was very impressed by the Genesis-class ships’ new category of accommodations:  Loft Suites.  Two decks high, the bottom portion of the suite is a living room with enormous private veranda while in the upstairs section is the bedroom.  Glass overlooking the ocean and balcony span the height of two decks providing an unbeatable panorama.   There are 25 Loft Suites in total, including the 545-sq. ft. Crown Loft Suites; the Royal Loft Suite  with baby grand piano plus indoor and outdoor dining measuring 1,524 sq. ft. and the Royal Loft Suite with 2,069 sq. ft.

CONCLUSION

While I never thought I’d be enthusiastic about a ship larger than the behemoths currently dominating the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean is painting a picture of a sea-going marvel (and we haven’t heard everything yet).  Let’s see:  I can get my ice cream cone and ride the carousel then zip-line directly into the AquaTheater for performances of modern day Esther Williams.  That’s if you can even pry me out of my Loft Suite.

I recommend visiting Royal Caribbean’s special web site with video and more photos by clicking:  Oasis of the Seas.