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Oasis of the Seas arrives in Fort Lauderdale

Started by Locutus, November 13, 2009, 01:43:14 PM

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Locutus

November 13, 2009, 01:43:14 PM
South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Oasis arrives at Port Everglades

By Jaclyn Giovis, Sofia Santana and Cindy Kent, Sun Sentinel

November 13, 2009

The world's largest cruise ship slid next to a dock at its new home at Port Everglades on Friday morning after hundreds of spectators lined beaches, rode boats and perched on rocks to watch the mamouth vessel come in from sea.

The $1.5 billion Oasis of the Seas, serenaded by five tugboats shooting streams of water, arrived without incident shortly after 8 a.m.

About 300 people at the south end of Fort Lauderdale beach endured temperatures in the 50s to watch the ship and its towering 16 decks slowly make its way into port. An occasional breeze gave the air an even crisper feel.

As the Oasis of the Seas entered the inlet, onlookers gasped in awe.

"This reminds me of the trucks that move whole houses," said Cindy Martinez, 24, of Fort Lauderdale. "This is like a moving building."

Written near the southern tip of the beach in red and blue paint was a 50-foot-long greeting: "Fort Lauderdale welcomes Oasis of the Seas."

"It's just absolutely amazing, but a bit unfortunate that it's such a gray day," said Pittsburgh visitor Gary Smith, 61, who filmed the ship with his camcorder.

"It's a floating city," said Linda Glassholm, 42, of Dania Beach, who caught a glimpse of the boat while out on her morning walk.

In the Tower of the Americas condo building nearby, at least nine large banners displayed the name of the ship or its owner.

Owned by Royal Caribbean International, the 1,184-foot ship will spend three weeks at the port before it makes its first regular voyage on Dec. 5.

During that time, the cruise ship will host charity and VIP cruises, be loaded with provisions and outfitted with plants, serve as backdrop for a network morning news show, and undergo safety and health inspections.

The best vantage points to view the 226,000-ton ship's arrival were from John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, the 17th Street Causeway or the southern tip of Fort Lauderdale beach.

Near the 17th Street bridge, about 30 people gathered to watch the Oasis. Some were bundled in jackets, while others wore shorts. A few brought binoculars.

The ship's arrival took on a festive air. Several helicopters hovered around the Oasis, while boaters and kayakers took to the water for a better view.

The Coast Guard made sure nobody got too close.

Planes flew overhead with banners welcoming the ship.

Mobs of gawkers lined beaches and perched on rocks.

People started lining up outside John U. Lloyd State Park around 6:30 a.m.

Hundreds of people gathered at the north end of the beach as sponsors handed out free coffee and T-shirts that read "Welcome Oasis of the Seas."

Tammy Micensky, 41, of Coral Springs, will be one of the first to set sail on the ship. Micensky will travel on the ship's maiden voyage to Haiti on Dec. 1, and says she can't wait to see the zip line amusement ride on board.

"I did it once on an island in Jamaica, but on a ship, it seems impossible," she said.

Another person who watched the Oasis' grand arrival was Sandra DiVello, 30, of Coral Springs. In February, she and her fiancée will tie the knot on the ship, she said.

The couple heard about the Oasis while on another Royal Caribbean cruise in September 2008. A few months later, she called up and reserved her wedding date, she said.

"I was the psycho bride who called Royal Caribbean and said I want to book a courtesy hold for my wedding date," DiVello said.

Here's what's happening aboard Oasis of the Seas while in port.

Nov. 13: The $1.5 billion Oasis arrives from Finland after a two-week journey.

Nov. 13-18: Ship will be inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Public Health Service to make sure it meets international safety and sanitary standards. The ship must pass the inspections to operate from a U.S. port.

Nov. 14: A towering special-purpose crane will install tropical plants in Central Park. This first-ever "park at sea" features 12,175 plants, 62 vines and 56 trees.

Nov. 19: A one-night cruise departs from Port Everglades with top Royal Caribbean executives, the media team from ABC's Good Morning America and other VIP passengers. Pop star Rihanna will perform a special concert that night from the AquaTheater stage.

Nov. 20: Good Morning America will broadcast live from Oasis from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., offering an exclusive first look at the ship.

Nov. 20: A two-night cruise to nowhere will preview the ship for company officials, media, travel agents and invited guests. A second two-night preview cruise leaves Nov. 22.

Nov. 29: One-night preview cruise and fundraiser supporting the local chapters of the United Way and American Red Cross. Royal Caribbean donated more than 1,000 cabins to the organizations to sell to the public.

Nov. 30: One-night preview cruise and fundraiser supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Royal Caribbean donated 1,300 cabins to the organization to sell to the public. Highlights include the official christening and naming ceremony.

Dec. 1: First full-revenue voyage, a four-night trip to Labadee, Haiti.

Dec. 5: Inaugural departure on a regular seven-night itinerary, this one to the Eastern Caribbean, stopping at St. Thomas, St. Martin and Nassau, Bahamas.


http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-oasis-wrap-20091112,0,1821428,print.story
One of the gravest dangers to the survival of our republic is an ignorant electorate routinely feeding at the trough of propaganda.   -- Locutus

"We are all connected; To each other, biologically. To the earth, chemically. To the rest of the universe atomically."  -- Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson

Locutus

#1
November 13, 2009, 01:44:36 PM
This ship is a monster!  Huge!  The largest cruise ship in the world.  I started to head over there and check it out this morning, but didn't want to be on the beach for the 6:30 am estimated arrival.

One of the gravest dangers to the survival of our republic is an ignorant electorate routinely feeding at the trough of propaganda.   -- Locutus

"We are all connected; To each other, biologically. To the earth, chemically. To the rest of the universe atomically."  -- Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson

Locutus

#2
November 13, 2009, 01:46:22 PM
http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/

Any of you cruisers going to check her out?
One of the gravest dangers to the survival of our republic is an ignorant electorate routinely feeding at the trough of propaganda.   -- Locutus

"We are all connected; To each other, biologically. To the earth, chemically. To the rest of the universe atomically."  -- Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson

pariann

#3
November 13, 2009, 01:52:23 PM
I just might book one on that ship...since Sovereign of the Seas has been retired.  I've taken two cruises with RC..and I love that cruise line!
Looks like I've come full circle.

Henry Hawk

#4
November 13, 2009, 02:13:05 PM
Me and the Misses are "planning" on a disney cruise in january, IF, I go to my annual business meeting in Orlando...still waiting from the higher ups to make it official...it will be my first cruise, and we are looking forward to it....
"The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left."
Ecclesiastes 10:2 - It all makes sense to me now...


"The future ain't what it used to be."– Yogi Berra

"Square roots are rarely found on any plant." FTW

Locutus

#5
November 13, 2009, 02:25:41 PM
That's awesome HH.  I've had friends go on Disney Cruises and they said it was awesome.
One of the gravest dangers to the survival of our republic is an ignorant electorate routinely feeding at the trough of propaganda.   -- Locutus

"We are all connected; To each other, biologically. To the earth, chemically. To the rest of the universe atomically."  -- Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson

Exterminator

#6
November 13, 2009, 02:43:03 PM
Quote from: Henry Hawk on November 13, 2009, 02:13:05 PM
Me and the Misses are "planning" on a disney cruise in january....

If I was planning a cruise, I'd prefer to take the hits.   :icon_twisted:
Arguing with Christians is like playing chess with a pigeon.  No matter how good I am at chess, the pigeon is just going to knock over the pieces, shit on the board and strut around like it's victorious.

The truth is slow, but relentless. Over time it becomes irresistible.

me

#7
November 13, 2009, 03:47:40 PM
I would love to be able to take another cruise.  I know one thing for sure I'm gonna take some soda crackers and an apple with me..... :puke:
Trump 2020

Anne

#8
November 13, 2009, 06:50:34 PM
I love to cruise, maybe I will get lucky and hubby will take me on this one. RC does have great ships.
"A discontented man will find no easy chair." Ben Franklin

Palehorse

#9
November 14, 2009, 09:59:39 AM
Quote from: me on November 13, 2009, 03:47:40 PM
I would love to be able to take another cruise.  I know one thing for sure I'm gonna take some soda crackers and an apple with me..... :puke:

Never did get your sea legs eh?  :biggrin:

Go see your physician before your next adventure, and tell him you suffer motion sickness and are going on a cruise. As for the patch. You put it behind your ear. Works wonders and you'll enjoy the whole cruise thing much more!  :smile:
R.I.P. - followsthewolf - You are MISSED! 4/17/2013

That which fails to kill me. . .should run!

Any "point" made by one that lacks credibility, is only as useful as toilet paper; and serves the same purpose. ~ Palehorse 4/22/2017

May you find charity when it is needed, and the ability to extend it when it is not. ~Palehorse 7/4/2012

To the last, I grapple with thee; From Hell's heart, I stab at thee; For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee.~Herman Melville

me

#10
November 14, 2009, 12:33:45 PM
Quote from: Palehorse on November 14, 2009, 09:59:39 AM
Never did get your sea legs eh?  :biggrin:

Go see your physician before your next adventure, and tell him you suffer motion sickness and are going on a cruise. As for the patch. You put it behind your ear. Works wonders and you'll enjoy the whole cruise thing much more!  :smile:
I had some Dramamine but didn't use it like a dummy.  I wasn't the only one though.  I found out even some of the crew got sick on that one because it was so rough.  The ship Dr.  is the one who told me about the apple and soda cracker thing.  Fortunately on the return trip it was smooth sailing and you couldn't even tell you were moving. 
Trump 2020

Palehorse

#11
November 14, 2009, 05:23:52 PM
You had better stay off lake Michigan and lake Erie then. I've been on both of those in "seas" that made the saltiest sailors out there chum the waters with their lunch!  :yes:
A bird farts near lake Erie and it begins white capping!
R.I.P. - followsthewolf - You are MISSED! 4/17/2013

That which fails to kill me. . .should run!

Any "point" made by one that lacks credibility, is only as useful as toilet paper; and serves the same purpose. ~ Palehorse 4/22/2017

May you find charity when it is needed, and the ability to extend it when it is not. ~Palehorse 7/4/2012

To the last, I grapple with thee; From Hell's heart, I stab at thee; For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee.~Herman Melville

Palehorse

#12
November 14, 2009, 05:34:06 PM
Ships like this one scream Titanic to me. . .
R.I.P. - followsthewolf - You are MISSED! 4/17/2013

That which fails to kill me. . .should run!

Any "point" made by one that lacks credibility, is only as useful as toilet paper; and serves the same purpose. ~ Palehorse 4/22/2017

May you find charity when it is needed, and the ability to extend it when it is not. ~Palehorse 7/4/2012

To the last, I grapple with thee; From Hell's heart, I stab at thee; For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee.~Herman Melville

Locutus

#13
November 14, 2009, 06:29:30 PM
Quote from: Palehorse on November 14, 2009, 05:34:06 PM
Ships like this one scream Titanic to me. . .

A disaster on this ship would be far worse than the Titanic.  There were 1,517 casualties among the 2,223 people aboard Titanic.  The Oasis of the Seas can carry approximately 5,400 passengers, in 2,700 staterooms.  Oasis of the Seas will span 16 different decks and encompass 220,000 gross-registered tons making its length more than twice the length of Titanic.

Link
One of the gravest dangers to the survival of our republic is an ignorant electorate routinely feeding at the trough of propaganda.   -- Locutus

"We are all connected; To each other, biologically. To the earth, chemically. To the rest of the universe atomically."  -- Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson

me

#14
November 14, 2009, 07:02:00 PM
Quote from: Palehorse on November 14, 2009, 05:23:52 PM
You had better stay off lake Michigan and lake Erie then. I've been on both of those in "seas" that made the saltiest sailors out there chum the waters with their lunch!  :yes:
A bird farts near lake Erie and it begins white capping!
Heck, I get motion sick in the rear seat of a car....
Trump 2020
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