28 August 2008

Oasis to feature first zip-wire at sea

Two more Ã¢â¬ËœneighbourhoodsÃ¢â¬â¢ on the worldÃ¢â¬â¢s largest cruise ship Oasis of the Seas have been unveiled by operator Royal Caribbean International.

A Pool and Sports Zone and a Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Centre will join Central Park, Broadwalk and Royal Promenade on the 5,400-passenger vessel which is due to enter service in November 2009.

In total the 220,000 ton ship will have seven distinct themed areas.

The Sports Deck in the Pool and Sports Zone also will include the first zip-wire at sea, and two FlowRider surf simulators, flanking either side of the elevated back deck.

The first Ã¢â¬Ëœbeach poolÃ¢â¬â¢ at sea will have a sloped entry where passengers will be able to wade into the water or relax in beach chairs under umbrellas as the water rolls beneath.

Located on the opposite side of the ship from the beach pool and separated by Central Park six decks below, is the main pool with two side-by-side whirlpools.

A family H2O Zone will be marked by a giant octopus with slides and water-spraying tentacles.

A sports pool will feature afternoon water team sports including basketball, badminton and water polo, while morning hours will be dedicated to lap swimming.

A redesigned solarium will offer a sensation of floating on air from the two-deck high, glass-panelled enclave designed with seating on various "islands" surrounded by water, according to the line.

The open-air solarium will feature a swimming pool, two whirlpools, and four cantilevered whirlpools suspended 136 feet above the ocean.

The mezzanine level of the adult-dedicated area will overlook the pool deck below, offering additional loungers and seating.

A new Solarium Bistro will offer casual food from the Vitality spa menu during the day. At night it will offer specialty dining and dancing under the stars.

The Vitality at Sea Spa will include a thermal suite, featuring heated tile loungers, saunas and steam rooms; three couplesÃ¢â¬â¢ massage suites and seven individual treatment rooms. Children will have a dedicated spa.

The Fitness Centre will offer the latest cardio and resistance equipment for working out alone or for joining one of the several classes, including spinning, kickboxing, Pilates and yoga.

Bookings for Oasis, which will sail from its home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, open on September 3. Seven-night fly-cruises start at Ã&#pound;1,299.

by Phil Davies