Written by: Maureen McKeon, Seasite.com Cruise Advisor

OK, I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for feel-good stories (yes, I cry at commercials – especially when kids or pets are involved)! That’s why I’m happy to report on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. There’s a happy ending to this story, so read on…

After nearly six years in the making, the anticipation is reaching a crescendo as the world’s largest and most innovative ship journeys across the ocean to her home port in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. (You can follow her transatlantic crossing being chronicled on OasisoftheSeas.com as new webisodes are posted daily, and via twitter by following @OasisandAllure.)

Ten years ago Royal Caribbean revolutionized the cruise industry when they introduced the first rock climbing wall and ice skating rink at sea on the Voyager of the Seas. Next came the Freedom-class ships with the  FlowRider surf simulators. Now the line is ready to unveil new attractions and engineering marvels sure to amaze even the most jaded cruisers.

What’s all the buzz about?  For starters, the ship’s neighborhood concept – seven themed areas including Central Park, the first park at sea with nearly 12,000 plans and trees; the Boardwalk neighborhood with the first-ever carousel at sea; a thrilling zip line that races nine decks above an open air atrium; an aquatic amphitheater that serves as a pool by day and a dazzling ocean front theater by night; and 28 multilevel urban-style loft suites that boast floor-to-ceiling windows.

Why should meeting and incentive travel planners care? With 2,700 staterooms, this ship has ample space to host large conference and association groups. The Oasis has 26 meeting and function rooms (now that’s a lot of breakout space!) with dedicated conference facilities and a lounge accommodating 1,380 attendees. There are enough activities, dining and entertainment options to satisfy the demands and tastes of everyone in your cross-generational groups – and unlike hotels, meals and entertainment are included in your cruise! With the right-size group, you can pre-reserve one of the ship’s theaters for an exclusive water show, comedy, or Broadway-style production  – complimentary, of course! Take over one of the specialty restaurants. And, who wouldn’t be motivated to qualify for a 7-night Caribbean cruise on the biggest, most-talked about ship ever?

Now, as promised, here’s the feel-good part of the story. Royal Caribbean International not only has the world’s largest ships, they have a lot of heart. When they officially name the Oasis of the Seas on November 30, they will be doing more than making wishes come true for vacationers and meeting planners – they will be granting wishes for children across the country. Make-A Wish Foundation kids and families will be treated like royal celebrities when they participate in the onboard festivities during the once-in-a-lifetime celebration. The cruise line is also hosting an inaugural fundraiser onboard the ship to benefit the non-profit foundation, which brings hope and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Royal Caribbean is proud of its partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Through the Wishes at Sea program, established in 2000, the cruise line commits a certain number of cruise packages to granting wishes each year, and works with local Wish chapters to help create the perfect wish for each child whose desire is to have an unforgettable dream-come-true vacation with his or her family. (To read more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, go to wish.org.).

Royal Caribbean will give a never-before-seen sneak peek at their pride and joy during a special live broadcast of ABC’s “Good Morning America” the morning of November 20 – trust me, you will want to TiVo this show! In the spirit of giving and sharing, the cruise line and GMA producers are searching for people who have done something extraordinary for their community. Three deserving individuals and their guests will win a trip to join GMA for the live broadcast and enjoy an exclusive cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas following the show.

If you’re looking for a spectacular destination for your large group event, meeting or incentive program, Oasis of the Seas just might be your wish come true.

Filed under: Cruise News