At a virtual travel show sponsored by AAA Travel in Miami, Royal Caribbean International unveiled two more neighborhoods for its highly anticipated Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship when she launches in November 2009. The Pool and Sports Zone and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center were announced at the consumer Internet event. General bookings for Oasis of the Seas begin on Sept. 3.

The Pool and Sports Zone and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center – coupled with the previously announced neighborhoods of Central Park, Boardwalk and Royal Promenade – will provide guests with the widest array of experiences from which to satisfy their personal styles, preferences or moods on a cruise.
Stretching the length of the ship, the Pool and Sports Zone is an ample playground for guests of all ages, featuring private cabanas, four types of pools and two FlowRider surf simulators – each larger than the single FlowRider found on the line’s Freedom-class ships.

Building on the Royal Caribbean’s popular Vitality wellness program, guests will be able to soothe mind, body and soul in the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center. New to the spa services menu and fitness line-up are unique spa treatments and Kinesis group classes, a full-body, no-impact workout utilizing fluid, natural movement to engage several muscle groups simultaneously.

The first Beach Pool at sea will have a sloped entry where guests will be able to wade into the water or relax in colorful beach chairs under an umbrella as the water rolls gently beneath. Two whirlpools will flank either side of the “beach” for guests who prefer warmer waters. Located on the opposite side of the ship from the Beach Pool and separated by Central Park six decks below is the Main Pool with two side-by-side whirlpools. Overlooking both pools will be private cabanas, complete with a dedicated attendant.

Families looking for fun in the sun will easily spot Royal Caribbean’s signature H2O Zone, marked by a giant octopus with its slides and water-spraying tentacles and surrounded by fellow water-spouting ocean creatures. Separate wading and current pools, as well as a dedicated infant and toddler pool, will be set in the interactive aquatic playground and surrounded by adult and child-sized lounge chairs.

The more competitive set will find haven in the Sports Pool, where afternoon water team sports will include basketball, badminton and water polo, while morning hours will be dedicated to lap swimming.
Adults looking for a retreat from the bustle of every day life will find solace in the grandest Solarium yet. Boasting a redefined layout, guests will have the sensation of floating on air from the two-deck high, glass-paneled enclave designed with seating on various “islands” surrounded by water. The open-air Solarium will offer a tranquil swimming pool, two serene whirlpools, and four cantilevered whirlpools suspended 136 feet above the ocean. The mezzanine level of the adult-dedicated area will overlook the pool deck below, offering additional chaise lounges and seating. The new Solarium Bistro will offer casual fare from the Vitality spa menu during the day, and in the evenings, transform into a romantic and intimate setting for specialty dining and dancing under the stars. It is also the perfect venue for the late-night dance club experience – Club 20 – made popular on the line’s Freedom-class ships.

The Sports Deck in the Pool and Sports Zone also will boast the first zip line at sea. Royal Caribbean favorites such as the nine-hole miniature golf course, Oasis Dunes, will challenge golfers of different abilities, and the Sports Court will allow for friendly games of basketball and volleyball. Spectators will be able to cheer flowboarding guests from the Wipe Out Bar or enjoying casual dining at the Wipe Out Cafe.

The new Vitality at Sea Spa will include a Thermal Suite, featuring heated tile loungers, saunas and steam rooms; three couples massage suites and seven individual treatment rooms - the largest collection at sea. Kids and teen guests also will find their own dedicated Spa in which to enjoy specially catered services. The Fitness Center will offer vacationers a plentiful and varied selection of the latest cardio and resistance equipment for working out alone or for joining one of the several classes, including spinning, kickboxing, Pilates and yoga. Whether after a satisfying workout or a soothing spa session, the Vitality Cafe will be a convenient stop for healthy snacks, light meals and refreshing juices. 

When she launches in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world. The 220,000-gross-register-ton ship will span 16 decks, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. (www.oasisoftheseas.com)

With the 100th anniversary of Tel Aviv approaching, plans to revitalize the Shlomo Lahat Promenade, the long boardwalk stretching along the Mediterranean shoreline, have been announced. The estimated $75-million project will expand the promenade to 8½ miles all the way along the coast from Bat Yam through Jaffa and Tel Aviv to Herzliya. Upon completion, the walkway will connect several of the city's parks and boast new restaurants and shops.  (www.tel-aviv.gov.il)

Princess Cruises has introduced new ways for passengers to stay active on their vacation, including the industry’s first in-room fitness program and yoga classes for kids and teens.

 Led by celebrity fitness trainer and bestselling fitness DVD host Gillian Clark, passengers can participate in a series of Fitness@Sea classes in the comfort of their own staterooms. The classes are designed as a way for passengers to comfortably start off their day with beneficial exercise. Clark leads nine different classes shown exclusively on the line’s Wellness Channel, including core strengthening, arm and leg strengthening, cardio training, stretching and breathing to enhance the workout. On ships with Movies Under the Stars, morning sessions are offered on the signature 300-square-foot-screens for those passengers who want to enjoy the open air on deck and work out in a group setting.

With the worldwide popularity and widely known benefits of yoga, Princess brings this mind and body exercise to kids and teens ages 3-17. The program promotes building coordination, breathing, balance and emotional strength with an element of play incorporating music, chants and singing. With yoga mats provided, kids can participate in a variety of yoga animal poses from Downward Dog to Cat and Mouse. Classes range from 30 minutes to one hour, and parents are welcome to participate. (800-774-6237, www.princess.com)

GrandLuxe Rail Journeys is closing down operations on Aug. 29, the company announced internally Tuesday morning. Employees were called into a meeting by Tom Rader, chairman and owner of GrandLuxe, who told them the company would cease operations with the return of the train to Tacoma on Aug. 28. In a letter drafted to send to clients, Rader wrote: “We are financially unable to continue operations.” Later in the letter, Rader said he was aware that consumers with booked trips will want their money refunded, but, he wrote, “At this time we just do not have many answers to your questions. … I am personally deeply sorry that we have failed to provide your trip.” He urged those who paid by credit card to contact the card company for refunds. Evergreen, Colo.-based GrandLuxe, formerly known as American Orient Express, operated train journeys around the U.S. and Mexico. For more information, call 800-320-4206, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.grandluxerail.com.