There has been mass debate regarding the strange spherical object that is tethered to Royal Caribbean’s latest ship Oasis of the Seas since photos were posted on STX Europe’s web site as the ship undergoes sea trials. Speculation about the balloon flying above the 220,000 ton, 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas has been raging and its ideas of its intended use includes a weather station and blimp cam, although a cruise industry website believes it is a trial balloon ride.
The balloon is connected to Oasis of the Seas by a cable to the aft of the ship and it flies 50 metres above the vessel. It can be lowed via the cable to its docking station on the upper deck of the ship and it is believed that a gondola or basket will have space for passengers.
Royal Caribbean’s Chairman Richard Fain has not confirmed the rumours and has posted on his blog: "The idea is interesting, but it has such a cornucopia of practical issues that I give it less than a 50 percent chance of being used on Oasis," he writes. "If we don't use it on the ship, I will consider it just another of the many ideas our people develop that didn't work."
