I guess we missed it, but on June 20th RCI issued a press release regarding the Oasis Of The Seas itineraries. You can read it here .

Another tidbit I learned during our recent voyage on the Rhapsody...the lifeboats on Oasis will each hold 375 people, which means they will be approximately twice as large as current lifeboats. I wonder if that size means someone with a masters certificate will have to be in command of each lifeboat? I wonder if they'll have to do the drill in shifts? Imagine corralling 5400 passengers and lining them up on the open deck? Should be interesting to see.

With Nassau on the Easten itin and Jamaica on the Western, it's a good thing it's such a desirable ship. I don't think I'd consider those routes any other way.

Cheers, Neil

Dave, SS Norway's tenders could hold 400 each. I don't know about the requirements to be in command -- perhaps Svein will drop by and let us know. I imagine it wouldn't be much different for Oasis of the Seas, unless regulations have changed a lot.

Neil, that is precisely why you will not find me on the ship any time soon. I'm not fond of very large ships to begin with (my next two hold 1300 and 800, respectively), yet an interesting itinerary would make me think twice.

I can't understand why every time RCI releases a new class of ship they always put them on the least desirable itins starting out. They did the same thing with Freedom and Liberty when they released them. Same ol, same ol itins. I guess they have limited options for such large vessels but Nassau? The one upside, perhaps this will keep demand and pricing from spiraling out of control. Yeah right, I'm dreaming!

Cheers, Neil

I recall being told that officers with masters licenses for X tons (or something like that) had to operate the Norway tenders. I was thinking of Svein when I posted that question.

Yes, other than Cozumel the itineraries do nothing for me. Falmouth may be a "new" port but it is really just a new dock being built in between Mo Bay and Ocho Rios. I'm sure the Jamaican experience will be the same <ahem>. Nassau? Heck, why not add Freeport and really make it exciting?

Lisa,

unless I am mistaken, "Norway's" tenders were classed as coastal ferries. They were not to be used as "lifeboats" in an emergency.

Fortunately, we have never done a eastern carib. So, those ports definately work for us. I am very excited. I am really looking forward to the 3 days at sea. I am going to be all over that ship. I like to walk around alot, and explore. I am not one to sit around and relax. So I really enjoy everything a big ship has to offer. Does anyone know if there is a Flowrider on her?? I will be very disappointed if there is not. I had a BLAST on it on the Freedom. Wiping out and all. Lil' Lori

They haven't mentioned the Flowrider yet, but I'd really be surprised to not see it on the Oasis. Perhaps a larger one!

Dave- are you going to book her? If yes, when do you think? Maybe we can get a little cruise chat cruise on her. You never know. I am open for summer 2010/11, or Jan 2010/11. Yeah buddy, I can't wait. Lil' Lori

Lori, I am going to book the Oasis but not until the ship has 6 months or so of operating time. I really want to make sure any kinks are worked out with a ship that large. Summer 2010 most likely.

Dave,

I understand "Oasis of the Seas" is to have two flowriders, located aft on the top deck (above the end of the boardwalk).

I was thinking. Don't you think it's kinda close, only about a year from booking, till the maiden voyage? You figure the cruise will have to be paid off about sep/oct 2010, so only about 1 year to cough up the kind of money. Plus, most kids are still in school on Dec 10th. I imagine the maiden voyage price will be horrifying. Not to mention the prices over the holidays. I generally like about a year and a half to pay off my cruise. I am just curious, if other people think these factors will hinder her selling out? Just wondering.... Lil' Lori

Raoul, I sure hope you are right. That would be awesome. With 3 days at sea, they would be used more. Lil' Lori

quote:

I understand "Oasis of the Seas" is to have two flowriders, located aft on the top deck (above the end of the boardwalk).

Thanks, Raoul. I must have missed that information. They'll need two of the flowriders given the passenger capacity.

Just a thought but trying to fill that kind of ship every sailing along with all the other ships I would tend to think that there was not enough people to do that. Its not like there is a ration of availabilty on all these ships. Why would they want to charge a high price in this time of gas prices and economy the way it is.Many people are staying close to home for their vacations or at least that is what I have read

Dave,

the flowriders have not been officially announced, yet. The info comes from a source of mine.

quote:

the flowriders have not been officially announced, yet. The info comes from a source of mine.

Raoul, you always seem to be right about these things though.

Dwayne

quote:

Why would they want to charge a high price in this time of gas prices and economy the way it is.

Because they can. When the Freedom Of The Seas first started sailing the prices were higher than other ships. This has since pretty much leveled out. The reason is the ship had new venues aboard and thus drew interest from the public. Bookings sustained the higher fares. Basic supply and demand. If I have something that will sell out every week at $100 why would I want to sell it for $50?

I have no doubts the Oasis will sail full and RCI will have no trouble filling the ship.

quote:

Many people are staying close to home for their vacations or at least that is what I have read

It doesn't seem to be affecting cruise bookings.

I've also heard RCI will not allow any group space to be booked for the Oasis in it's first month of operation, to include the inaugural sailing. The source says there will be no exceptions.

Dave,
That is also what I have heard. I have also heard that the standard cabins (insides, outsides) will be priced "very reasonable". What is reasonable to one, may not be to another.