Royal Caribbean Announces Latest for Oasis of the Seas
The Boardwalk is the latest "neighborhood" to be revealed
The largest cruise ship ever built will have a family-focused amusement area called the Boardwalk that will boast a hand-carved merry-go-round, carnival games and a Coney Island atmosphere -- something that has never been tried before on a cruise ship.
The AquaTheater will offer innovative activities both day and night
The AquaTheater, a massive amphitheater around a pool at the back of the ship that will be the site of water-based acrobatic and synchronized swimming shows. During the day the freshwater pool, the largest and deepest ever on a ship, will be open to passengers for swimming and SCUBA lessons.
Fresh cabin designs unveiled, including the industry's first multi-level lofts
On the blueprints are 28 lofts, two-deck-high "loft suites" that will offer expansive ocean views from soaring floor-to-ceiling windows. Each loft, which begin at 545 square ft., features a downstairs living area with a vanity, LCD television and guest bathroom; the upper-level bedroom overlooks this area and also features a master bathroom with his-and-hers shower heads, fog-free mirrors and limestone mosaic tile accents.
Royal Promenade on Oasis will be bigger and better
The Royal Promenade in the center of the vessel will be twice as wide as the ones found on Royal Caribbean's eight Freedom and Voyager class vessels and will run the length of a football field. It will be linked with the ship's Central Park "neighborhood" on the deck above by giant arched skylights, called Crystal Canopies, which will look into the park and sky above. Plus, the Rising Tide bar -- the first moving bar at sea -- will slowly travel up and down between three decks, bringing guests from the Royal Promenade up to Central Park and back again.
Carnival Dream to Replace Glory in Port Canaveral Next Year
New 130,000-ton, 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream -- the line's biggest ship ever -- will home port at Port Canaveral
The ship, currently under construction at Fincantieri's shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, will debut on September 21 (that's 2009) and will offer a handful of Europe sailings before crossing the Atlantic. Once Stateside, it will offer a few cruises out of New York before heading "home" to Port Canaveral. Carnival Dream's first homeport cruise will depart on December 5.
An innovative twist on Carnival's tried-and-true ship designs
Features include:
-The Piazza, an indoor/outdoor cafe and live music venue that has been inspired -- but is not identical -- by Princess' popular piazzas on its newest models.
-Already recognized as an exceptional choice for families, Carnival ups the ante on Carnival Dream, with the fleet's largest-ever kids' facilities and a WaterWorks aqua park.
-Among stateroom options Carnival is introducing some new family-oriented cabins, including several with two bathrooms, and others specially designed to accommodate five guests.
-A wide variety of lounges, bars and nightspots -- including a new dance club concept offering indoor/outdoor access -- will be accessible via an 11-deck-high atrium whose ground level will offer a cantilevered bandstand atop a massive dance floor.