Mon Nov 24 2008, credited and written by Travel Trade Staff
With just a little less than a year until its debut, Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas, currently under construction at STX Europe in Turku, Finland, was “floated out” from drydock to wet dock late last week. The final stages of interior work will be completed while the ship remains in wet dock.At official ceremonies held at the shipyard, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. executives, Richard Fain, chairman and CEO, and Harri Kulovaara, executive vice president, maritime, were joined by Martin Landtman, president, STX Finland Cruise Oy, and Toivo Ilvonen, project director, Oasis-class, to turn the valve releasing 87 million gallons of water into the wet dock area.
“This is a historic day for our company,” Fain said. “After more than three years of intense planning and collaboration and with 65% of the ship already complete, it’s exciting to see Oasis entering its final stages. Oasis of the Seas truly represents the innovative spirit that our company is known for and to see that come to fruition is wonderful.”
In other news, Royal Caribbean International has introduced new procedures fleetwide to ease the departure process on all ships, as well as provide a seamless transition for consecutive cruisers — guests who are immediately continuing on the following voyage aboard the same ship.
On departure day, guests will have extended access to their staterooms, as well as continued in-stateroom TV entertainment. Guests also will receive an “As You Depart” notice, which explains the new enhancements and the location of departure lounges offering refreshment and entertainment.
Among the departure lounges will be a dedicated Family Zone, which will offer refreshments, toys and games geared toward younger cruisers.
Guests in suite category staterooms will be treated to an exclusive continental breakfast hosted by guest services or the concierge.
Guests may also take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s Express Departure option, a window of time when guests can hand carry their own luggage. Express Departure allows guests to disembark the ship first and as soon as the gangway is opened and cleared by local authorities.
Guests sailing with Royal Caribbean over multiple consecutive cruises will receive a “sneak peek” Compass, a variation of the daily Cruise Compass program schedule. The special Compass will offer an overview that includes the following sailing’s itinerary highlights — such as entertainment and dining events — as well as special events exclusively for consecutive cruises guests.
