Oasis of the Seas embarks its first passengers

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Category: Oasis of the Seas Coverage

Published on Monday, 23 November 2009 21:08

After six years of design and construction, the 225,282 gross ton and 5,408-passenger Oasis of the Seas welcomed its first guests in Port Everglades, Florida, at the end of November. Cruise Business Review Editor and Publisher Teijo Niemela sailed onboard to review the ship for our December issue.

But before this, we would like to invite you to join us for two special voyages. Together with the team from Cruise Critic, we spent our first hours on Oasis creating Cruise Critic's first-ever Live Stream Video introducing the ship's spectacular highlights. The video, which was directed by Teijo Niemela, can be accessed through the following link:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1051

Secondly, during the last few weeks, we have prepared extensive coverage of the launch of Oasis of the Seas in the form of a slide show. The most recent shots from various public rooms, sun-deck areas, Central Park and the Boardwalk were added as recently as this past weekend, the result of a two-night preview cruise.

Continue to watch this site in the upcoming weeks, as our comprehensive Oasis of the Seas report will appear here in a downloadable PDF format.

Royal Caribbean names seven godmothers for Oasis of the Seas

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Category: Oasis of the Seas Coverage

Published on Thursday, 19 November 2009 14:26

Written by Teijo Niemelä

When Royal Caribbean International officially names its newest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, on Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, the global cruise line will continue its tradition of innovation by putting a new twist on one of maritimes longest standing traditions. While normally bestowing the honor of godmother on one special person, Royal Caribbean has chosen seven extraordinary godmothers to represent the seven signature neighborhoods onboard Oasis of the Seas. Each of the seven godmothers was chosen because they personify strength of character, exemplify the spirit of giving, and are role models for men, women and children alike. The godmothers include:

– Gloria Estefan, world-renowned singer, songwriter, actor and author, who was godmother of Royal Caribbeans Empress of the Seas

– Michelle Kwan, the Olympic Games medalist is an all-time great and the most decorated figure skater in United States history, and is also an American Public Diplomacy envoy promoting education, positive health practices and respect for diversity

– Jane Seymore, a multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor, as well as an Officer of the British Empire, who remains actively involved in the J and J Foundation benefiting children in need. Based on her philosophy that keeping an open heart despite adversity can bring a wealth of love, hope and inspiration into life, she founded the website www.KeepAnOpenHeart.com, a community where people can share stories and engage in a dialogue about living with an open heart.

 – Dara Torres, twelve-time Olympic medalist and oldest female swimmer to compete in a record five Olympic games (1984, 1988, 1992, 2000 and 2008)

– Keshia Knight Pulliam, film and television actress is well-known for her role as Rudy Huxtable on the classic sitcom "The Cosby Show." The youngest actress ever nominated for an Emmy Award when she was only 6 years old, she presently stars on the TBS television comedy "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" and was most recently seen starring in the hit motion picture "Madea Goes To Jail." 

– Shawn Johnson, four-time medalist at the 2008 Olympic games for womens gymnastics and cancer philanthropist, who in addition to serving as a godmother for Oasis of the Seas, will be granting wishes onboard as part of her work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

– Daisy Fuentes, international television personality and producer, beauty and fitness expert, and recognized role model for Latin-American women in the United States, who is committed to improving childrens health and treatments through St. Judes Childrens Hospital, Starlight Childrens Foundation and the March of Dimes 

It is a humbling and equally exciting privilege to have these seven exemplary women take on the responsibility of being godmothers of Oasis of the Seas, said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. We felt it only fitting that our most revolutionary ship be named by an outstanding group of women who embody the same excellence in their respective fields. The seven women will take their posts to officially name the ship at a ceremony during a one-night inaugural celebration-fundraiser onboard Oasis of the Seas to benefit the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Holland & Knight advises on acquisition of Oasis

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Category: Oasis of the Seas Coverage

Published on Friday, 20 November 2009 15:30

Written by Teijo Niemelä

Holland & Knight's International Finance Team recently assisted Finnvera plc, the official export credit agency of the State of Finland, in an international financing in which Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL) acquired the world's largest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, delivered on October 28, 2009, from STX Finland (a part of STX Europe) in Turku, Finland.

Finnvera provided a 95 percent guarantee of the over $1 billion post-delivery financing obtained by RCCL from three international commercial banks, BNP Paribas, Nordea Bank and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB), and Finnish Export Credit Ltd. In addition to counseling Finnvera, the firm provided U.S. and New York legal advice to Finnish Export Credit, Ltd.

The Holland & Knight finance team was led by New York Partner Jovi Tenev and included Richard Crowley, Andrew Holmes, Nana Prempeh (all in New York), and Jim Rollins (Atlanta).

"In a tough global business environment, funding and completing an ambitious project, like Oasis, is especially difficult, and Finnvera, the Lenders, Royal Caribbean, and STX, its thousands of shipyard workers in Finland and world-wide suppliers, are all to be congratulated," stated Tenev. "We are thrilled to be a part of this historic project, which reinforces Finland's preeminence in innovative, high-quality shipbuilding and ship design, beautifully executed and delivered ahead of schedule to boot!"

Oasis of the Seas arrives at base port in Fort Lauderdale

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Category: Oasis of the Seas Coverage

Published on Friday, 13 November 2009 21:21

Written by Teijo Niemelä

Following a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Turku, Finland, Royal Caribbean International's newest cruise ship Oasis of the Seas arrived into its home port at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA. Hundreds of onlookers including Royal Caribbean International senior management, local government officials, residents and media watched the ship's debut in the United States.

Final touches will be applied to the ship over the next six days ahead of pre-inaugural celebrations including an exclusive performance by pop star Rihanna. On Thursday 19 November, 2009, the star will be the first performer to take the stage on Oasis of the Seas. The ship will make its worldwide television premiere on ABC TV network’s Good Morning America show from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (EST) on Friday 20 November, 2009. The ship's pre-inaugural activities can be followed on cruisebusiness.com

The official naming ceremony for Oasis of the Seas will take place on Monday 30 November, 2009 during a one-night inaugural celebration fundraiser in aid of the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, it spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,408 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,704 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to feature Royal Caribbean International’s new neighbourhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship sails weekly from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.