At a Virtual Travel Show sponsored by AAA Travel in late August, Royal Caribbean International unveiled two more neighborhoods for Oasis of the Seas, debuting in November 2009.
The Pool and Sports Zone and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center were announced shortly before general bookings opened on Sept. 3.
The Pool and Sports Zone contains private cabanas, the first zipline at sea, four kinds of pools and two FlowRider surf simulators, each larger than the single FlowRider found on the Freedom-class ships. The area’s Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center will expand the menu of spa treatments and offer Kinesis group classes (full-body, no-impact workouts using fluid, natural movement to engage several muscle groups simultaneously). Here, clients will find the adults-only Solarium, now two levels with “islands” surrounded by water and a bistro serving spa cuisine, will be there, along with a Beach Pool with a sloped entry where guests can wade into the water or relax in beach chairs under an umbrella. On the opposite side of the ship, the Main Pool with two side-by-side whirlpools will have private cabanas with a dedicated attendant. The colorful signature H2O Zone, separate wading and current pools and a dedicated infant and toddler pool, will be surrounded by adult and child-sized lounge chairs.
The Sports Pool opens for lap swimming in the mornings and for games of basketball, badminton and water polo later in the day.
The Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center will include a Thermal Suite, a kids’ and teens’ spa in which to enjoy specially catered services and the latest cardio and resistance as well as spinning, kickboxing, Pilates and yoga classes.
The 5,400-guest Oasis of the Seas, launching in late 2009, will have seven distinct neighborhoods for different tastes. In addition to the Pool and Sports Zone and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Royal Caribbean has announced Central Park, the Boardwalk and the Royal Promenade.
UBS leisure analyst Robin Farley said that Initial pricing reports indicate Oasis is generating significant premiums (roughly 50 percent) over comparable itineraries on existing (Voyager-class) RCL ships.
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