Oasis of the Seas - Central Park
Besides the size of the new Project Genesis class vessel which upends two existing RCI ships that are currently the world’s largest there will be an area that will resemble New York’s Central Park. The area will be about the size of a football field and will be featured in the center of the ship. It will include live foliage, quiet walkways, restaurants, boutiques, an art gallery and a moving bar.
While describing the ship, RCI chairman and CEO Richard Fain told news people that, “The ‘wow’ is what we’re all about. Getting the customer to say ‘wow’ is our inspiration.”
He said the Central Park concept is “one of just many surprises to come.”
The 16-deck ship is expected to cruise primarily Caribbean waters.
The Central Park design is one of seven “neighborhoods” to be featured on the Oasis of the Seas, officials told the Associated Press at RCI’s announcement festivities, but specific details won’t be released until closer to launching.
Royal Caribbean International is the world’s second-largest cruise company behind Miami-based Carnival Corp. Some 12.6 million passengers took cruises in 2007, with 10.3 million of these coming from North America. The industry expects an increase in worldwide cruise passengers this year to 12.8 million people as lines planned to add eight new ships this year and more than 35 new vessels in the next four years.
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