Articles
Royal Caribbean Brings the City to the Sea with Project Genesis
by Roy Witman © 2008
We all know what cruising is about, don't we?
Balcony staterooms overlooking the open sea,
casinos and Las Vegas-style shows for entertainment
and plenty of restaurant options: Enough to please the
whole family. A few years ago, however, Royal
Caribbean Cruise Line decided to shake things up by
incorporating truly innovative features into their fleet
including surfing machines, rock-climbing walls and
even ice-skating. Royal Caribbean is doing it again
with Project Genesis.
It seem as though every few months someone in
the cruise industry announces the launch of “the
largest ship ever built.” And, for the moment, it's true.
Royal Caribbean isn't satisfied with mere size,
however. Known for industry firsts, Royal always
launches bigger ships, but those vessels also have
surprisingly fun and interesting features. Project
Genesis is no exception.
Open-Air Neighborhood
Genesis' most astonishing feature is Central Park.
Following the example of its namesake, Central Park
is literally an open-air park in the middle of a
neighborhood in the middle of a cruise ship. In fact,
it's the first of seven neighborhoods to be built on
Genesis.
Just imagine, while onboard a cruise ship, walking
down the paved pathways through lush foliage while
surrounded by gorgeous flowers and other flora. Grab
a cup of coffee or tea from one of the nearby cafes and
sit for a spell on a comfortable park bench. As if you
were in New York City itself, you can look around and
fine delightfully unique restaurants and charming
boutiques lining the way. Stop for a moment and
watch the street performers or enjoy alfresco dining
before taking in an outdoor concert in the park.
Central Park is the size of a football field so you'll have
plenty of room to roam.
Above you are balcony staterooms rising six decks
high. With the sky above and the park below, there's
scenery in every direction.
What other wonders does the park hold? Quiet
reading corners, a chess garden with large-scale
pieces, a sculpture garden, an onboard horticulturist
who will provide classes for guests and two crystal
canopies.
These glass domes will be a focal points of the
park providing both a beautiful distraction as well as a
means to allow sunlight into the public areas.
In addition, you'll find an architectural marvel in the
park: Rising Tide bar. Leave it to Royal to create yet
another first at sea: The first moving bar. Enjoy a
cocktail while you ascend at a leisurely pace into
Central Park then descend back to the public spaces.
This is a feat that must be experienced to be fully
appreciated.
Favorites Still Remain
Don't worry. If you're a Royal fan, you can still look
forward to your favorite activities including solariums,
miniature golf course, ice-skating rink, rock wall,
boxing ring and the ever-popular FlowRider™
surfing
machine. Many of your favorite restaurants can be
found onboard Project Genesis as well including
Chops Steakhouse.
About Genesis
Genesis is scheduled for launch in late 2008 and
will be the largest ship in the world at that time. With
16 decks, Project Genesis can carry 5,400 guests in
her 2,700 staterooms. She will hail from Fort
Lauderdale, Florida starting in 2010.
Contact your favorite cruise travel agent today if
you'd like to be notified of when Genesis begins to
book reservations. For avid cruisers or those who
have recently decided to try cruising, this ship
promises to deliver the sun, the moon and the open
sky! Read more about the Royal
Caribbean Cruise Line. |
