Indonesia Traveling Guide

This 220,000-ton cruise ship won't set sail until Dec. 12, 2009, but it's already garnering lots of attention. The 16-deck Oasis of the Seas is big enough to support seven distinct neighborhoods — and to still find room for the largest freshwater pool at sea, two rock-climbing walls, and a zip line suspended nine decks (about 67 feet) above the ship's boardwalk.

One neighborhood, called Central Park, is a living, breathing space on the high seas: The park's grass and trees are the real thing, and visitors can stop and smell the flowers on their way to the sculpture garden. Bring a Frisbee.

Oasis of the Seas is the world's largest passenger vessel, carrying 5,400 passengers when completed. She was designed under the name "Project Genesis". In May 2008 she was named Oasis of the Seas after a contest was held to name the new ship. When completed, she will operate Caribbean cruises out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A sister ship, the Allure of the Seas, will begin construction in the near future.

In addition to the previously announced Central Park neighborhood, the Oasis of the Seas will feature a Boardwalk neighborhood, which has been designed to remind passengers of the seaside piers of the past. The centerpiece will be a handcrafted carousel. The neighborhood will also feature an AquaTheater amphitheater which will be the largest freshwater pool found on a ship and will host activities and performances.

Oasis passengers will be able to access a zip-line cable suspended nine decks above the Boardwalk as well as two rock-climbing walls. And passengers have the option of staying in 28 two-level, loft suites with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Oasis of the Seas as seen on YouTube