Modern Architecture- A floating City

Name: Oasis of the Seas
Owner & Operator: Royal Caribbean International
Port of Registry: Port Canaveral, Florida
Cost: $1.2 billion
Estimated Completion: This year
The Challenge: Build an 18-story-tall superliner with more outdoor space
Route: Caribbean (Late 2009)
Builder: STX Europe, Turku, Finland
Class and type: Oasis Class cruise ship
Displacement: app. 100,000 tons
Tonnage: 220,000 GRT
Length: 1,181 ft (360 m)
Height: 213 ft (65 m) above water line
Capacity: 5,400 passengers double occupancy (about 7,300 including third and fourth passengers)
Maiden voyage: December 1, 2009 (planned)

MS Oasis of the Seas is a cruise ship presently under construction. She was ordered in February 2006 and designed under the name "Project Genesis". Her keel was laid down on December 11, 2007 at STX Europe (formerly Aker Yards) in Turku, Finland. Once completed, she will displace the Freedom-class cruise ships (also owned by Royal Caribbean) as the world's largest passenger vessel, carrying 5,400 passengers. A competition was held to select the name of the new ship and in May 2008 she was named Oasis of the Seas. After completion in late-2009, she will operate Caribbean cruises out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

To maneuver this new giant, three 20-foot-tall propellers pull rather than push the boat through the water. The propellers are mounted on swiveling pods along with electric motors (powered by diesel generators in the ship) delivering the equivalent of 30,000 horsepower. This system is more efficient, because it eliminates the need for a long drive shaft, which typically creates drag under the ship. The propellers can rotate 360 degrees, so they also act as the steering system, allowing the captain to make adjustments in port of as small as one foot.

Oasis of the Seas will offer passengers innovations such as two-story loft suites, an amphitheater with poolside performances, zip-lining and a carousel.

Accomodation

The Oasis of the Seas will include a new concept in cruise ship design--one that bears resemblance to theme park planning. She will have seven "neighborhoods" on board, each with its own distinct characteristics.

Boardwalk

Royal Promenade

Central Park

Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center

Pool and Sports Zone

Entertainment Place

Youth Zone

Oasis of the Seas