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Tuesday, April 30, 2019

The Gist

Royal Caribbean announces new 'world's largest cruise ship'

Posted By Ken Storey on Tue, Apr 30, 2019 at 11:44 AM

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The new PortMiami Royal Caribbean Terminal, one of the few cruise terminals large enough to handle to the massive Oasis-class ships - IMAGE VIA ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Image via Royal Caribbean
The new PortMiami Royal Caribbean Terminal, one of the few cruise terminals large enough to handle to the massive Oasis-class ships

Royal Caribbean's fifth Oasis-class ship began construction this month with a steel-cutting ceremony, a groundbreaking-like celebration for ships. The yet-to-be-named ship will keep much of the design of the current Oasis ships, including the title of the "world's largest cruise ship."

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Leaders from Royal Caribbean and Chantiers de l�Atlantique, who are building the new Oasis ship, at this month's steel cutting ceremony. - IMAGE VIA BERNARD BIGER/CHANTIERS DE L�ATLANTIQUE

Image via Bernard Biger/Chantiers de l’Atlantique
Leaders from Royal Caribbean and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, who are building the new Oasis ship, at this month's steel cutting ceremony.

Each of the Oasis ships has held the title, starting with the first in the class, Oasis of the Seas, in 2008. A year later, the slightly larger Allure of the Seas was given the title. It held it until 2016 when Harmony of the Seas debuted. Then last year Symphony of the Seas took the title, which it still holds today.

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The Central Park neighborhood on Symphony of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship as of 2018. - IMAGE VIA ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Image via Royal Caribbean
The Central Park neighborhood on Symphony of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship as of 2018.

Details regarding the size of the new world's largest ship are still under wraps (a standard move by cruise lines to ensure that competitors don't attempt to build a larger vessel in the meantime), but Symphony of the Seas clocks in at 228,081 gross tons and is 1,188 feet long. It has a maximum capacity of 6,680 guests with 2,200 crew.

Other details on the new ship are also yet to be shared, but Royal Caribbean did confirm it will "feature a bold and unexpected lineup of thrilling experiences, imaginative dining, unparalleled entertainment and the latest technology."

The Oasis class ships have each made waves with their cutting-edge entertainment technology, including robotic bartenders, ice rinks, FlowRider surf simulators, glow-in-the-dark laser tag and the first ziplines at sea. Symphony of the Seas also has one of the largest family suites at sea, the multi-level Ultimate Family Suite. Other suites on Oasis ships include full floor to ceiling virtual balconies, luxury suites with full-size pianos in them, and suites with direct views of the outdoor AquaTheater.

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The Ultimate Family Suite on the Symphony of the Seas - IMAGE VIA ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Image via Royal Caribbean
The Ultimate Family Suite on the Symphony of the Seas

While each of the Oasis ships offers their own unique entertainment, all of them are organized around neighborhoods. Each of these seven neighborhoods provides a unique theme while helping passengers to not get lost in the massive city-like boats. Royal Caribbean confirmed that the seven-neighborhood layout will remain on the new ship.

When the new ship sets sail in 2021 it won't hold the "world's largest" title for long; a sixth Oasis ship is scheduled to be delivered in 2023.

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The Boardwalk neighborhood on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas - IMAGE VIA ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Image via Royal Caribbean
The Boardwalk neighborhood on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas

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