Thread: Oasis of the Seas causing Ft. Lauderdale Traffic Jams

Throngs of people trying to get a look at the Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, created traffic snarls at Port Everglades this weekend.

Oasis is not open to the public for viewing.

The $1.5 billion Royal Caribbean ship sailed into its new home for the first time Friday morning, drawing crowds of onlookers at vantage points surrounding the port.

Since then, the port has been flooded with people asking to get a closer look at Oasis or wanting to take a tour, Ellen Kennedy, spokeswoman for Port Everglades, said on Sunday. Only ticketed cruise passengers and authorized personnel are granted access to Port Everglades for security reasons, she said.

FMI: Oasis of the Seas causes traffic jams at Port Everglades -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

I'm not surprised! The Oasis OTS is quite the center of attention right now since no one has cruised on her yet and folks want a first hand look at this newest addition to the Fort Lauderdale cruising community.

Great article, thanks Tim.

I should set the TIVO...

"Good Morning America will broadcast from Oasis on Nov. 20, offering the public the first look at the massive vessel."

Originally Posted by sk8erguy1978

Great article, thanks Tim.

I should set the TIVO...

"Good Morning America will broadcast from Oasis on Nov. 20, offering the public the first look at the massive vessel."

Never mind, I set my TIVO...

We saw the Oasis on Saturday morning from our cab. Far enough away to know that she is really really huge. And she looks gorgeous.

Please tell me Oasis will NOT be in Port Everglades on Saturday, November 21, 2009!

WOW -- I wish I had brought home the newspapers on the Oasis for her unscheduled -- chartered cruises.

Her main schedule doesn't start until Dec 5 but the newspapers had her listed for several 1 and 2 day charters begining I think around the 20th.

We were on our verandah on the Zuiderdam when all the whistles blew and saw her coming into Ft Lauderdale. Five fire boats spraying water into the air. Tons of other boats all around. Even several of the local tours boats were there -- all sold out for special charters just for the arrival. She was 2 days late getting into port.

She is way too big for us. She made our Zuiderdam look like a row boat.

5400 passengers double occupany -- add children and the number could jump to over 6000 passengers.

Not knowing if the Oasis will be in port on the 21st, you can expect these ships:

Carnival Freedom
Crown Princess
Eurodam
Noordam

'Oasis' of activity on newest mega-ship

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"I did it once on an island in Jamaica, but on a ship, it seems impossible," she said.

Another person who watched the Oasis' grand arrival was Sandra DiVello, 30, of Coral Springs. In February, she and her fiancée will tie the knot on the ship, she said.

The couple heard about the Oasis while on another Royal Caribbean cruise in September 2008. A few months later, she called up and reserved her wedding date, she said.

"I was the psycho bride who called Royal Caribbean and said I want to book a courtesy hold for my wedding date," DiVello said.Here's what's happening aboard Oasis of the Seas while in port.

Nov. 13: The $1.5 billion Oasis arrives from Finland after a two-week journey.

Nov. 13-18: Ship will be inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Public Health Service to make sure it meets international safety and sanitary standards. The ship must pass the inspections to operate from a U.S. port.

Nov. 14: A towering special-purpose crane will install tropical plants in Central Park. This first-ever "park at sea" features 12,175 plants, 62 vines and 56 trees.

Nov. 19: A one-night cruise departs from Port Everglades with top Royal Caribbean executives, the media team from ABC's Good Morning America and other VIP passengers. Pop star Rihanna will perform a special concert that night from the AquaTheater stage.

Nov. 20: Good Morning America will broadcast live from Oasis from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., offering an exclusive first look at the ship.

Nov. 20: A two-night cruise to nowhere will preview the ship for company officials, media, travel agents and invited guests. A second two-night preview cruise leaves Nov. 22.

Nov. 29: One-night preview cruise and fundraiser supporting the local chapters of the United Way and American Red Cross. Royal Caribbean donated more than 1,000 cabins to the organizations to sell to the public.

Nov. 30: One-night preview cruise and fundraiser supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Royal Caribbean donated 1,300 cabins to the organization to sell to the public. Highlights include the official christening and naming ceremony.

Dec. 1: First full-revenue voyage, a four-night trip to Labadee, Haiti.

Dec. 5: Inaugural departure on a regular seven-night itinerary, this one to the Eastern Caribbean, stopping at St. Thomas, St. Martin and Nassau, Bahamas.