Royal Caribbean to Bring Signature Oasis-class Experiences to Life on Freedom-class Ships

Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas to Feature Popular Groundbreaking Innovations

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May 13, 2010, 04:54 ET

MIAMI, May 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- After revolutionizing the cruise industry with the debut of Oasis of the Seas last fall, Royal Caribbean International continues to set the standard in guest experiences and satisfaction by introducing select Oasis-class amenities and features on the popular Freedom-class ships, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. Rolling out in early 2011, guests of Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas will soon have some of the top-rated features from Oasis of the Seas, including new dining, entertainment, children's programming, and other enhancements.

"Royal Caribbean is always exploring new ways to enhance our guests' vacation," said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president of Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. "We have received such overwhelmingly positive guest responses to amenities, entertainment and programs that we debuted on Oasis of the Seas that we are introducing some of them aboard Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. No matter which Royal Caribbean ship vacationers choose, they are going to love all the enhancements that we are planning."

Additionally, Royal Caribbean is proud to offer three exclusive Cozumel shore excursions, available exclusively to guests of Oasis of the Seas immediately, one of which kicks off a new series of 'voluntourism' activities, enabling guests to give back while on vacation.

Entertainment that WOWs All Ages

Following the acclaimed debut of Tony Award-winning Hairspray on Oasis of the Seas, and the immense response to the cruise line's recent announcement of Chicago: The Musical to run on Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean also will introduce a Broadway production on Liberty of the Seas. Announcement of the show's title will be made at a later date. A family musical geared for children, such as the one playing in the Adventure Ocean Theater aboard Oasis of the Seas, also will debut in the main theaters of both Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas.

A huge hit aboard Oasis of the Seas, Royal Babies and Tots Nursery also will be available for Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas' guests. The nursery care program for babies and tots six through 36 months old offers parents a safe, fun and interactive vacation environment for their toddler too. Royal Caribbean's trained professionals carefully maintain an optimum staff to child ratio, offering various playgroups and activities developed exclusively for Royal Caribbean with partners Fisher Price and Crayola.

Oversized outdoor video screens similar to those wowing guests at Oasis of the Seas' Aquatheater will make their debut aboard Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. The large 18.5-foot video screen aboard each ship will be center of and overlooking the main family pool area and will feature movies and entertainment programs throughout the cruise for families, friends and couples to enjoy an evening under the stars.

Navigating Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas also will be even easier, thanks to the groundbreaking wayfinding system launched on Oasis of the Seas. Onboard activities, real time updates, customized directions and routing, as well as ship factoids will be at guests' fingertips with new plasma and LCD touch screen signs that will be prominently placed throughout each of the ships.

Delightful New Tastes

A runaway hit for sweet treats in Oasis of the Seas' Royal Promenade, the enchanting Cupcake Cupboard will soon charm guests of Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas as well. The specialty bakery boutique will feature a wide array of fresh gourmet cupcakes a la carte, and will also offer hands-on decorating classes, as well as a separate space for guests looking to celebrate special events – birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, and more.

For the wine aficionados, the Vintages lounge aboard Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas also will feature a new trendier decor and offer guests a wide range of fine wines. Guests also can enjoy a self-pour with new Enomatic serving systems, which will be stocked with an assortment of notable wine selections.

New Exclusive Oasis of the Seas Shore Excursions

Guests aboard Oasis of the Seas can exclusively enjoy a choice of three memorable shore excursion options immediately at Cozumel, Mexico, one of which inaugurates a new series of 'voluntourism' opportunities. For an additional charge, the whole family can enjoy a memorable day snorkeling near nurse sharks under the watchful eye of a highly skilled trainer and learn about shark physiology, reproduction and eating habits at Xcaret Eco Park on "Xcaret Shark Encounter" or wine aficionados can choose an unforgettable Mexican food and wine pairing, sample more than 180 delicious Mexican wines on display at Xcaret's newly constructed wine cellar on "Mexican Wine Tasting at Xcaret Park."

As part of a new series of "voluntourism" activities, "Voluntourism: The Mexican Red Cross Landscaping Project" offers guests the opportunity to contribute to the local community of Cozumel, thanks to a partnership with the Mexican Chapter of the Red Cross. As part of a beautification project, guests will be outfitted with materials and tools for this four-hour excursion that will allow them to assist with the planting of trees and shrubs at the local chapter's new facility. Remaining proceeds will be donated to the Cozumel chapter of the Mexican Red Cross.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and one under construction. The line also offers unique cruisetour land packages in Alaska, Dubai, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and South America. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Travel professionals should go www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.

SOURCE Royal Caribbean International