News & Notes Innovation And Imagination Are The Cornerstones Of The Neighborhoods Onboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis Of The Seas
 Steeped in a philosophy that innovation and imagination contribute to a remarkable cruise vacation, Royal Caribbean International has once again raised the bar with the announcement of the latest amenities on its newest ship, Oasis of the Seas. Launching in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the world’s largest and most revolutionary ship, introducing the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept, which will provide vacationers with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal styles, preferences or moods.
 Boardwalk, will be a breathtaking space for families inspired by the nostalgicseaside piers of yesteryear; the first amphitheater at sea, AquaTheater, willcelebrate water with the largest freshwater pool found on a ship offering a fullspectrum of activities and performances for guests; and the urban living conceptwill take to the high seas with the introduction of industry-first loft suitesoffering expansive ocean views and luxury amenities. Enhancements to the cruiseline’s signature Royal Promenade will include a new design allowing gueststo have a physical connection with the neighborhood above, Central Park, as naturallight cascades down from the sky through the Crystal Canopy sculptured glassdomes. Other surprises include two rock-climbing walls and the first zip-lineat sea suspended nine decks above Boardwalk.
The announcement of the new neighborhoods adds to the previously revealed neighborhood,Central Park, which was introduced in April. Reminiscent of the piers that dotthe coast of England and amusements parks such as Coney Island, the elementsof Boardwalk will dynamically engage the entire family in classic fun – whetheryoung or just young at heart – with eateries, retail outlets and carnivalgames. An original, handcrafted carousel – the first at sea – willbe the centerpiece of this vibrant neighborhood. AquaTheater, created to offertwo unique experiences, will allow guests to swim in the theater’s magnificentkidney-shaped pool, relax on sun loungers located on tiered platforms surroundingthe pool, and even take SCUBA lessons in the afternoon. At night, it will delivera complete sensory experience playing on the element of surprise as audiencemembers witness the venue come alive with heart-pounding theatrical performancesfeaturing dramatic acrobatics, synchronized swimming, water ballet, and professionalhigh-diving, as well as elaborate fountain shows synchronized to music and lights.
 The introduction of 28 contemporary two-level loft suites will redefine cruiseship accommodations with vibrant, ocean-inspired colors in a sophisticated andspacious setting. Never before seen at sea, the lofts will feature spectacularviews of the ocean with floor-to-ceiling, double-height windows to ensure theview will be enjoyed from each and every vantage point. The signature lofts willround out a new portfolio of 37 categories of accommodation options, many withviews unique to Oasis of the Seas.
Additions to Royal Promenade, the heart of the ship, will include a mezzaninelevel that overlooks the main promenade below. The Royal Promenade will be hometo a vast array of shopping, dining and entertainment options including, theRising Tide bar, the first moving bar at sea, which will traverse three decksand allow cruisers to enjoy a cocktail as they slowly ascend into Central Park.A focal point will be a giant copper globe sculpture built into the facade abovethe Globe and Atlas Pub, which will “crack open” to create a spectacular,surprise element for guests, as it unfurls on hinged hydraulics and becomes abridge platform for performances. Other options include the cruise line’spopular Schooner Bar and Champagne Bar; the new Mondo Coffee Bar; Focus, a photoshop and gallery; and the ever-popular Boleros Latin dance club.
When she launches in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and mostrevolutionary cruise ship in the world. Oasis of the Seas will be the first shipto tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themedareas, including Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade.
Nearly 100 Shore Excursions Available In Conjunction With
Carnival Splendor's 12-Day Northern Europe Cruises
 For its first-ever Northern Europe cruise program set to debut aboard the new Carnival Splendor July 13th, Carnival Cruise Lines has assembled nearly 100 different shore excursion choices, providing guests with an opportunity to explore historic cities in Denmark, Germany, Finland, Russia, Estonia, and The Netherlands. Carnival Splendor will operate a series five 12-day Northern Europe cruises from London (Dover) July 13th to August 30th, 2008. Featured ports on these voyages include Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia (two-day call); Tallin, Estonia; and Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Included among Carnival Splendor’s nearly 100 different Northern European shore excursion choices are:  Amalie Palace (Copenhagen) – The winter home of the Danish Royal Family, Amalie Palace was built in 1794 for four different noble families, thus the complex consists of four identical palaces surrounding an octagonal courtyard. The three-hour tour also includes time for sightseeing throughout Copenhagen’s legendary cobblestone streets and centuries-old homes and museums.
Suomenlinna Island Fortress (Helsinki) – Following a 20-minute ferry ride, guests arrive at the Suomenlinna Island Fortress, the largest fortification in Finland which is surrounded by a variety of elegant shops and museums. Built in 1748 and located on a bastion of six rocky islands near Helsinki harbor, the historic fortress has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991. Rostock by Land and Sea (Warnemunde) – On this four-and-a-half-hour tour, guests have an opportunity to marvel at the magnificent architecture of this 800-year-old city, including Europe’s oldest university, the University of Rostock, which was founded in 1419 and distinguished by its ornate Italian Renaissance design. The day also includes a leisurely cruise down the Warnow River and an opportunity to enjoy some traditional German cuisine. Hermitage Museum and Gold Room (St. Petersburg) - Originally founded as a private museum to Catherine the Great in 1764, the Hermitage now houses Russia’s largest art collection with more than three million individual pieces, including original works by Da Vinci, Raphael and Titian. Also included in the tour is a visit to the recently restored Gold Room which features Russian, European and Oriental jewelry dating back to the 17th century.  Rijksmuseum & Sightseeing (Amsterdam) - This historic museum offers one of the finest collections of Dutch paintings in the world, including several classic works by Rembrandt. Following the museum visit, guests can tour Amsterdam’s famed architectural sites, including the 550-year-old New Church, the Mint Tower, built in 1618, and the 15th century Weepers Tower.
Medieval Old Town Walking Tour (Tallinn) – Offering one of the finest collections of medieval architecture in Europe, Tallinn features a variety of preserved structures, some dating back to the 13th century. A highlight of this four-hour tour is a visit to Katarina’s Passage and Müürivahe Lane, a marketplace where guests can purchase hand-made crafts, linens and other items. Following its Northern Europe cruises, Carnival Splendor will operate a special 12-day western Mediterranean cruise from London (Dover) to Rome (Civitavecchia) September 11th-23rd, 2008, with visits to Le Havre (Paris), France; Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Malaga and Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy. From Rome (Civitavecchia), the ship will sail on a 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruise featuring Naples and Venice (two-day call), Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy. Carnival Splendor will then operate two Mediterranean, Greece & Turkey cruises round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia) October 5th and 17th, 2008. These cruises include visits to Naples, Italy; Marmaris, Izmir (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey, Athens (Piraeus) and Katakolon, Greece; and Livorno, Italy, and an overnight call at Rome (Civitavecchia). Each of these ports offers stunning architecture, interesting historical sites and attractions, and a diversity of shopping, dining and sightseeing opportunities. On the 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruise, guests can visit the fabled Montserrat Monastery in Barcelona; Monaco and Monte Carlo in Cannes; the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Livorno; and the village of Fatima in Lisbon. Highlights from the 12-day Mediterranean, Greece and Turkey cruises include the Acropolis in Athens; the Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque in Istanbul; and the Olympia museum and archeological site in Katakolon.
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