Quezi

MS Oasis of the Seas, under construction in July 2008 (photo by ComradeWolf - PD)

The Oasis of the Seas is now undergoing its second sea trial before it is due to become operational in 41 days time when it arrives in Florida to board its first passengers. It will then become the largest operational cruise ship in the world.

The ship was built in Turku, Finland. At 220,000 gross tonnes (to be confirmed after the sea trials), the ship outweighs by far any other cruise ship afloat. As a comparison, almost five times that of the Titanic in 1912. The top of it is 65 meters high above sea level, and at 361 metres long, some ports where it is due to visit are making alterations to their berthing facilities to accommodate it. It has been described as ‘the pinnacle of ship building in the world today’, offering speed, safety, comfort and stability. The ship also has the most advanced navigational instruments available and the crew have been undergoing training in a virtual training facility in Florida.

Ordered by Royal Caribbean International five years ago at a time when the economy of the world was in a much better state, the company will now have to work hard to fill the ship in today’s financial recession. It has room for 5,400 guests in 2,700 staterooms, and requires a staff of 2000. However, with a possible working life of 30 – 40 years, it may pay off its cost of $1.4 billion (1).

The ship offers some new experiences for the cruise passengers in its 16 passenger decks. A ‘Central Park’ piazza which is described as the ship’s town square overlooked by staterooms. The space offers alfresco dining and themed garden spaces. There is also a broadwalk with restaurants and entertainments.

For the more energetic there is a rock climbing wall, surf simulators, and a zip-line suspended nine decks high above the broadwalk where you can fly along the length of the broadwalk.

I have experienced a cruise and it will be interesting to see the logistics involved in disembarking and embarking all those passengers in a short time, and the effect it has on the small ports it will visit.

(1) Quoted by Chairman and CEO Richard D Fain.