Oasis of the Seas is so popular, Royal Caribbean have been able to keep her prices higher than you would normally expect for one of their cruises, however just think what you are getting for your money, a life changing experience or maybe just a unique experience.

All the shows on Oasis of the Seas will be bookable up to 3 months in advance; the venues included in this are the Opal Theatre, Studio B ice-skating rink, Comedy Live and the AquaTheater.

Oasis of the Seas will begin her cruising life in December 2009.

Even though Royal Caribbean says Oasis is three quarters built, there are doubts if she will ever set sail, so does this mean that Oasis of the Seas is sunk? If so what effect will that have on Royal Caribbean?

Well recently Royal Caribbean’s credit rating was lowered as they struggle with cash flow due mainly to people spending less on board. Added to this the current financial markets will make it difficult for Royal Caribbean to gain monies from elsewhere. They do have however government financing guarantees from Finnvera, the export credit agency of Finland. This is for 80% of the financed amount for both Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas which is also currently being constructed. Though the guarantees are in place Royal Caribbean has yet to line up actual financing for the vessels.

So is Oasis of the Seas sunk before she even sets sail, probably not, this ship will create so much expectancy that she will fill her cruises for a couple of years at least and after all Royal Caribbean will need to get some of their money back.

That all said I think very few cruise lines will be announcing new builds in the next couple of years, after all the order books are already full, yet the ships are not!

Let’s hope Royal Caribbean get to bottom of this, let’s hope Oasis of the Seas is not sunk before she even sets sail.

Royal Caribbean has five ship classes of cruise ship, this will expand to 6 when the first of the Oasis class ships, Oasis of the Seas appears later in 2009.

• Oasis Class
• Freedom Class
• Voyager Class
• Radiance Class
• Vision Class
• Sovereign Class

Oasis Class

The Oasis class ships will be the largest cruise ships afloat and are part of what Royal Caribbean once named the Genesis Project.

Freedom Class

Freedom class ships are currently the largest ships Royal Caribbean has. Being innovative Royal Caribbean introduced Freedom of the Seas and it’s unique surf rider on board the Freedom ships. Also you will find a water park, whirlpools, an Everlast boxing ring, and the now usual Royal Caribbean rock-climbing wall. Independence of the Seas, the third and final Freedom class ship cruises from Southampton each summer.

Voyager Class

The Voyager class ships appear to be a smaller version of the Freedom class ships and are perfect for the sports enthusiasts with mini-golf courses, rock-climbing walls, and ice skating rinks.

Radiance Class

Many peoples favorite, the Radiance class ships are known for their unique design with open space balconies and glass walls making you feel closer to the sea than virtually any other cruise ship.

Vision Class

There are two versions of the Vision class ships, the difference being the internal layout of some of the decks, however with a monumental amount of glass canopy these ships are for those who want a great time on the sea.

Sovereign Class

The oldest and smallest class is the Sovereign class ships, they also offer great family fun with programs for the kids and the usual casinos and bars for the adults.

Whatever class of ship you choose and wherever you go, the Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships will give you more than just a cruise!

The cruise ship will feature a unique concept whereby the ship will be divided into seven areas which will enable guests to find an area that best suits their personal style, preference and mood. Guests will also find a wide array of accommodation options to suit all needs and tastes.

Oasis of the Seas will weigh in at 220,000 gross tons and will cater for 5,400 guests in 2,700 staterooms. Facilities onboard will include a sports zone, fitness centre, youth zone and entertainment place on a total of 16 decks.

For the full press release see The Cruise News.

The youth zone will include various themed play areas, a nursery for infants and toddlers, a central boulevard and much more. Many activities will take place in the youth zone including arts and crafts, scavenger hunts and talent shows that will be designed for the different age groups.

Oasis of the Seas will also see the addition of a kids arcade, science lab, a play area for a variety of sports activities and a theatre.

The teen area will see the addition of two FlowRider surf simulators, a golf course and sports courts.

For the full press release see The Cruise News.

There are 37 categories of accommodation on the ship and prices for a 7 night cruise start from £1,299. Royal Caribbean has stated they are not offering the usual £100 per person launch discount for this cruise.

Oasis of the Seas will start her first Caribbean Cruise in December 2009 from Fort Lauderdale.