Royal Caribbean International Sets Oasis of the Seas Afloat

Oasis of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship to ever be built, has been set afloat at the shipyard to be constructed. The 5,400 passenger ship of Royal Caribbean International will stay in Turku, Finland to be fitted for its official launch a year from now.

Richard Fain, the Chairman and Chief Executive of Royal Caribbean International, spoke at the ceremony for the floating out last week, saying what a historical day it was for the company. After over 3 years of collaborating and planning intensely, along with completing 65% of the ship, he continued, it is exciting to see it entering the final stages of construction. He also added that the Oasis of the Seas will truly represent the innovative spirit of Royal Caribbean International, and to see this fulfilled is great.

The Oasis of the Seas is set to launch in December of next year with Captain Tor Olsen and Captain William S. Wright. Wright is a 15-year, American veteran with Royal Caribbean International and was the starting captain for the current largest ship in the world, Freedom of the Seas. He is also the Marine Operations Senior Vice President for the cruise line. Olsen joined the cruise line in 1987 and has been a captain on 5 of the company’s ships.

The ship will feature balcony cabins, a water park amphitheater, apartment suites, 7 themed neighborhoods, and 16 passenger decks. The unique neighborhood concept will provide guests with the chance to have experiences based on their individual style, mood, or preference. This concept, which also develops an array of choices for first time cruisers, is a quantum leap forward for the revolutionary design of cruise ships.

Get more information about this cruise line at: www.royalcaribbean.com