Published by Shawn Kaufmann
Royal Caribbean Newset Ship
VIEW THE NEW VIDEO Oasis of the Seas at www.zanza.com/podcast.aspx
The buzz over the last year regarding Royal Caribbean International’s Geneses Class was very mixed. This included our own Travel Concierge’s (If you are unaware Zanza Travel Concierges are all ex-crew members). We all new someone would come along and build bigger and better. When you look at the cruise industry as a whole it really seems to be “Who has the newest toys” which is great for cruisers.
Many of us can remember the launch of the Carnival Fantasy Class and the RCI Sovereign Class, then came Carnival with the Destiny Class and we can even note Cunard’s Queen Mary. The one that topped everyone in the game was the RCI Eagle Class which latter would be called Explorer of the Seas. That was truly innovation in motion and created a big buzz. It was risky considering the money put into that project and all of the obstacles. Many of us held our breath during those sea trials. End result RCI pulled it off with flying colors.
Since that time pretty much every cruise line has spruced up every new ship similar to Automotive Manufacturers presenting new models, the concept is the same, four wheels, engine, doors, etc. with the new add-on’s being great but not a show stopper.
When many of our Travel Concierges (keep in mind less then 20 Concierges are listed on Zanza.com but there are well over 75 in total) started to talk about the Geneses the conversation bounced back and forth with all of us thinking roughly the same thing “Cattle Call” and “Packed Like Sardines”. We all figured she would have the RCI Standards, Rock Climbing Wall, Ice Rink, etc etc. But come on “Geneses Class” was a bit of a stretch (seemed like RCI wanted more paying Guests per voyage). This comes from a group of Concierges that remembers “The Next Level” presented to the crew of RCI by the office. It had a great ring to it but it really meant many cost cutting measures for the crew. To give you an example it included many of us crew only having cabin cleaning services and fresh towels every other day. In actuality that was a very good move by RCI in searching to cut costs without effecting clients.
After tracking and logging the information that was released the picture started to change, that’s when the “back office” buzz really stated to get heated. Then came the first video, not to impressive video wise “Big Ship Being Built”, many of us at Zanza has physically been in the yards with the builds, refurbishments and dry docks. To the general public these video’s show visions of grandeur. For many of us here at Zanza we get a slight chill remembering those times being on the ship with no air conditioning, no showers, temperamental toilets and the occasional black out “which always seemed to happen while in the shower soaped up”. Well that video left us with more questions then before. It pretty much confirmed what we already knew.
Like an unfinished house it was not until everything came together and it was spelled out did the “Wow” factor truly hit. The new video put it all together. Not only do our clients want in on the oasis action but so do many of the Concierges. Get in line! It appears RCI has done it again, just when Carnival and some of the other lines were getting close to the bar RCI set a few years back RCI bumped it way up. We feel this ship truly is a floating resort. The AuqaTheater is brilliant along with all of the other new innovations. The inside cabins having balconies is another great move. Once you see the layout we wonder what might be best for our Clients. Outside cabins have the sea, inside cabins with balconies now hover over all the action. Which view is better? Water? Action? Of course the cabins near the aft that overlook the AquaTheater and have views of the ocean and the action is the best option. Normally we never recommend aft cabins due to movement and the possibilities of storms but this ship changes the game.
Considering another one is on the build we can see RCI’s commitment. We will get into the cost consideration regarding booking the Oasis in a future blog so stay tuned campers!
In closing, it’s interesting to see how many changes have happened in only a decade. If you need a helping hand finding the right ship for your needs feel free to contact any of our Concierges. If you cannot decide shoot us an email at Travel@zanza.com and we’ll pick one for you.
Take Care, and stay tuned!
