STX Europe lays keel of Oasis sister

The keel of ‘Allure of the Seas’, the second in the series of two of the world’s largest cruise ships was laid recently at the Turku yards of STX Europe. The “keelblock” of this size of vessel weighs several hundreds of tonnes and is but one of the 180 blocks, the biggest of which measure 22 metres long, 30 metres wide and weight 600 tonnes.

STX Europe in Turku has on its orderbook two huge luxury cruise vessels of the Oasis class to be delivered for Royal Caribbean in 2009 and 2010. Behemoth, leviathan, colossal, overwhelming are words that have been used to describe these giants; and the truth is they will be the world s largest cruise vessels taking an enormous step into the future with their bold design, daring innovation and technological advancements.

The vessels called Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas will be 47 metres wide and 360 metres long with a height over the water line of 65 metres.

Allure of the Seas will be like a floating resort with seven neighbourhoods – themed areas offering experiences for passengers of all ages: the Promenade, a shopping mall with boutiques and restaurants, Boardwalk with the first amphitheatre at sea, Vitality Spa, Pool & Sports Zone with water park activities, Youth Zone with playing possibilities from babies to teens, Entertainment Place with casino and dance hall. The most innovative feature is the Central Park in which the centre of the ship opens to the sky. With the length of a soccer field, some 110 metres and a width of 19 metres the park will have growing lawn, trees and other vegetation. Sun will be shining to this unique open outdoor space surrounded with restaurants, shops and cafés.