Magical Moments – Welcoming the Oasis of the Seas
When Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas arrived in Fort Lauderdale Friday morning, the colossal new ship was met with much hoopla and media frenzy. Massive traffic jams were reported around the port as locals and tourists jockeyed for a spot along the waterfront to catch a glimpse of the largest ship in the world.
But Landry & Kling CEO Joyce Landry along with Sr. Cruise Events Manager Marisol Rangel were among the lucky few to get an “up close and personal” view of the Oasis of the Seas from a special vantage point. They joined a group of top Ft. Lauderdale hospitality professionals invited to board a chartered vessel that was part of the port’s welcome flotilla.
Joyce admits she was “moved to tears” when the Oasis of the Seas appeared and the group sailed out to welcome the ship. News helicopters swarmed above and fire boats shot plumes of water into the air as they floated close behind the ship. Joyce captured some great moments of this historic event including terrific first views of the ship.
- Gene, Joyce and Marisol on the Oasis of the Seas
Oasis pulling into Port Everglades
Aqua Theater on Oasis of the Seas
Filed under: Cruise News
The advantage to living in South Florida near Port Everglades this past weekend was one of the busiest weekends with the welcome of the Oasis of the seas. Like many others we wanted to participate in the hoopla on Saturday as well. We could see the traffic was lined up on the 17th street causeway and going towards Dania beach. So, we decided to take a bike ride to John Lloyd state park to see what we could see. There were many ships in port and we could see the Oasis from the back side at the tip of the park towards the intercoastal. What was a surprise to me was that we had a close up of the new Seaborne Odyssey ship which is a beautiful new ship also.
You could hear the music playing from across the water and seeing the ships made it even more enjoyable living in South Florida. Yes, there were many snow birds walking in the park to get a glimpse of the Oasis and enjoying the absolutely picture perfect weather that was to be had, blue clear skies. You could hear the excitement in many conversations on what ship to book next or sail on as well as when they can leave. That is the beauty of living in the cruise capital of the world and having access to walk on a ship to sail to your next destination.