2009-11-05 17:40:41 - After nearly six years in the making, Royal Caribbean International (http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk) today took delivery of its newest and most revolutionary cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, from STX Europe in Turku, Finland.

Oasis of the Seas left Turku with Captain William S. Wright at the helm, en route to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where the ship will make its official debut on Wednesday November. 11. The transatlantic crossing will be chronicled via daily webisodes broadcast on OasisoftheSeas.com and via Twitter @OasisandAllure. A new feature to OasisoftheSeas.com will allow visitors to

view a Google Maps application and follow Oasis of the Seas journey. Richard Fain’s “Chairman’s Blog” on OasisoftheSeas.com and “Adam’s Blog” by President and CEO Adam Goldstein on NationofWhyNot.com also will provide personal updates.

Royal Caribbean International has revolutionised the cruise industry in recent years, with onboard attractions including the FlowRider surf simulator, ice-skating rinks, cantilevered whirlpools, rock climbing walls and the Royal Promenade - an entertainment boulevard stretching nearly the length of the ship. The innovation continues onboard Oasis of the Seas with a range of new attractions and engineering marvels.

Industry “firsts” include a neighbourhood concept – seven themed areas providing guests with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal style, preference or mood. Within these seven neighbourhoods – Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone – are extraordinary elements such as the first park at sea, a thrilling zip line that races diagonally nine-decks above an open-air atrium, an original handcrafted carousel, an aquatic amphitheatre called the AquaTheater that serves as a pool by day and an oceanfront theatre by night.

Oasis of the Seas will be welcomed into its home port of Fort Lauderdale, Florida on US breakfast show “Good Morning America”. The hit show will as also give viewers an exclusive first glimpse of the ship during a special live broadcast on Friday November 20. The official naming ceremony for Oasis of the Seas will take place on November 30 during a one night inaugural celebration-fundraiser to benefit the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.