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Sunday, November 23, 2008

Oasis of the Seas, World's Largest Cruise Ship, Takes to the Water

In just over one year, Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas will make her long awaited debut. This ship has the cruise internet abuzz with activity from the announcements of all her “neighborhoods”. The ship, under construction at STX Europe in Turku, Finland, reached an important maritime milestone last week when she was “floated out”, meaning it was moved from dry dock to wet dock, to begin the final stages of interior work.

“This is a historic day for our company. After more than three years of intense planning and collaboration and with 65 percent of the ship already complete, it’s exciting to see Oasis entering its final stages,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Oasis of the Seas truly represents the innovative spirit that our company is known for and to see that come to fruition is wonderful.”

The line chose this important milestone to announce that Oasis of the Seas will enter service under the command of Captain William S. Wright and Captain Tor Olsen. Wright, a 15-year veteran of Royal Caribbean International, was also the start up Captain for Freedom of the Seas, currently the largest ship in the world with sister-ships Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas, and 40 percent smaller than Oasis of the Seas. Wright also is one of the few American captains in international cruising and currently serves as the senior vice president of Marine Operations for the cruise line.

When Oasis launches in December 2009, she will feature the unique neighborhood concept that will provide guests with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal style, preference or mood in seven distinct areas of the ship. This unique concept, which also creates a vast array of accommodation choices for guests never before found at sea, is the result of a quantum leap forward in revolutionary cruise ship design.

An architectural marvel at sea, Oasis of the Seas will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons (GRT), carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. She 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, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

For more information on the Oasis of the Seas, please visit www.CruiseCafe.com or call us at 1-800-788-2545.

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