
Over The Top Ship Zips Along
Those who travel on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, a $1 billion cruise ship under construction in Turku, Finland, can expect to find loft suites, an amphitheater with the largest fresh-water pool afloat and a hand-carved carousel along a boardwalk.
Concerned that the dimensions of the ship are so huge that satellite imagery could potentially steal the cruise lines thunder as it is being built, Royal Caribbean has been prematurely leaking details of the ship's design elements to the press.
Back in April, reporters learned that the ship will carry seven distinct neighborhoods, when officials divulged that there will be an open-air Central Park promenade complete with live plants and bushes.
Now, we learn that a neighborhood based on Coney Island's Boardwalk will feature a zip-line cable for passengers whizzing nine decks overhead. In addition, an Aqua Theater, at the stern of the ship, will dazzle with aqua-acrobats and synchronized fountains.
Cabins are also being raised to new heights as the first lofts at sea will feature floor-to-ceiling double-height windows for spectacular views. Interior furnishings will resemble urban apartments up to 1700 square feet.
When filled to capacity, the behemoth ship will sail from Port Everglades with 6000 passengers. It is scheduled to launch in November of 2009.
Rival Norwegian Cruise Line is also announcing that its upcoming 2010 ships will include the industry's first ice bar, which will have walls, tables, stools and glasses made of ice.
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