MIAMI, May 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- An oasis is commonly defined as a fertile area in an arid region or a place of refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast. Today, Royal Caribbean International adds another use of the term, defining it as the official name for the cruise line's newest and most awe- inspiring class of cruise ships, until now referred to by the code name "Project Genesis."

The name Oasis of the Seas was selected from more than 91,000 entries in Royal Caribbean's "Name that Ship" contest, which the cruise line launched on January 18 in partnership with USA TODAY. Entrants were invited to submit two names ending in "of the Seas" that best encapsulate the universe of experiences a Royal Caribbean cruise provides guests. The contest marks the first time members of the general public, outside of the cruise industry, have been given the opportunity to name a cruise ship.

The winning combination of names, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, was submitted by George Weiser, of Livonia, Michigan. Weiser's well-chosen names scored the highest among all contest entries considered by a panel of judges, and earned him the honor of naming not only the world's next largest and most innovative cruise ships, but the entire class of the new ships, the Oasis-class. Weiser is joined by Jennifer Conley, of Robertsville, Missouri, who suggested Mystique of the Seas and also Allure of the Seas. Conley is also a winner in the naming contest for earning the second-highest score.

"Our customers are remarkably passionate about Royal Caribbean," said Adam Goldstein, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "This naming contest has been a fantastic expression of their interest and commitment. We are thrilled to announce these two names and grateful to USA Today for partnering with us."

The "Name that Ship" contest was judged by a panel of industry experts including Lauren Teton, founding partner of Name One!, which specializes in finding unique names for products and business entities; John Maxtone-Graham, maritime historian, lecturer and author of numerous books, including the latest, "Normandie: France's Legendary Art Deco Ocean Liner"; and Albert Mehrabian, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Psychology at UCLA and author of more than 14 books, including "Baby Name Report Card: Beneficial and Harmful Baby Names."

"Taking into account the remarkable sea-going destination Oasis of the Seas will be, the name selection evokes an appropriate feeling of verdant comfort and luxury," said John Maxtone-Graham, maritime historian. "I was very pleased with the final selection and for being invited to take part in the contest."

When launched in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests, and feature 2,700 staterooms. The ship will homeport in Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 2010, she will be joined by a sister ship, Allure of the Seas. Additional information is available at www.oasisoftheseas.com.

This new website does not appear to be live at time of posting, but one can assume it will point to the extant Project Genesis website: http://www.royalcaribbeangenesis.com/.

[ 05-23-2008: Message edited by: jsea ]

Sure. they could have gone with "Serenity of the Seas", "Paradise of the Seas", or any number of the other options touted around, but for the millions of new cruisers who think contemporary floating condos are good looking ships, "Oasis" and "Allure" are as good as any other names.

My imagination does run riot though, on how prospective non-English speaking "guests" will pronounce them!

Oasis and Allure sound just like a watering hole around the lake in Epcot Center. $6 a coke and you get a free Mickey Mouse key chain. LOL.

Allure is fitting for Magic Kingdom, like a Cincerella breakfast joint or the little Mermaid. LMAO.

I just wish they would make all the announcements and open up booking so we can get it done and over with.

Well it could easily have been worse, although I would have loved to see Empress & Sovereign used again, they aren't that bad and we will all get used to them quite quickly. At least with the "of the Seas" bit they do at least sound like ships.

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Originally posted by Frosty 4:
Oasis reminds me of the desert not the sea. Maybe they will have palm trees,a water hole , camels and even some tents
Frosty 4

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Originally posted by joe at travelpage:

My initial reaction was Oasis is water so they are essentially saying "Water of the Seas".

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etc. etc. but other cruise lines are using part of the name. LIBERTY and FREEDOM are bad enough the way they are shared with Carnival.

Of course it won't be long before we have a CARNIVAL OASIS and CARNIVAL ALLURE.

Oasis From the Seas will be what those who hate big ships will joke.

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Originally posted by Build Em Bigger:
What does the name matter, its only a name, will it change the design or feature of the ship? of course not. You either want to cruise on the ship or you do not, the name will not change that, I will be on her next year no matter what the name.

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That makes two of us. Just get the bookings open!!!!

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Originally posted by NauticalCities:
Are they now known as Oasis Class rather than Genesis Class?

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Originally posted by NauticalCities:
Are they now known as Oasis Class rather than Genesis Class?

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Originally posted by Atlcruiser:

That makes two of us. Just get the bookings open!!!!

Gordon

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And me makes three

Last email I had from Miami said "late august/early sept" for booking to open....geez why cant they just get on with it.

I love the Oasis name

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Originally posted by Atlcruiser:
That makes two of us. Just get the bookings open!!!!

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