Royal Caribbean release details of Project Genesis

Royal Caribbean has released further exciting details of their Genesis Project, which is set for launch in 2009. The currently unnamed ship weighing in at 220,000 tonnes will feature an industry first with inside balcony cabins overlooking an outdoor area running through the centre of the ship.

The outdoor area is to be named Central Park and will be overlooked by 334 staterooms, 254 with balconies, covering a height of six decks. Central Park will have an array of restaurants, including Chops Grille, a steakhouse, a Tuscan style Italian spot called Giovanni’s Table, and 150 Central Park, serving modern cuisine with an observation window so passing passengers can watch chefs in action.

Central Park will also feature beautiful gardens with an onboard horticulturalist holding classes for guests who are keen to learn about the gardens. The 1,180ft long luxury superliner is at the moment under constructed in Finland and is rumoured to be costing 700 million pounds. It will dwarf Royal Caribbean’s current largest ship, the Independence of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean unveils first marvel of Project Genesis

Royal Caribbean has unveiled the first architectural marvel of Project Genesis. The latest evolution in ship design will bring the best of the land to sea with what will be known as Central Park.

Central Park is a revolutionary design which will involve the center of the ship opening to the sky, revealing lush tropical grounds spanning the length of a football pitch. There will be a glorious public spaces with serene pathways, seasonal flower gardens and canopy trees. Central Park will provide cruisers with unique choices of outdoor space to further enhance their cruise experience.

Central Park is one of the ship’s most ground breaking spaces and will be the first of seven special areas to be revealed on Project Genesis. Each area will offer guests different features, depending on their personal style or mood.

Central park will be an elegant and lively area with a “town square” feel to it, with a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere throughout the day to a gathering place for alfresco dining and entertainment in the evening. Guests will have the chance to enjoy concerts and street performances, with an array of restaurants to choose from.

The dining choices will range from fine dining to casual chic and will be an enjoyable social space for guests to gather. 150 Central Park will be an elegant option; or the more casual Central Park Café for a picnic lunch, where guests can sit outdoors and people watch. Other dining choices will include: Giovanni’s Table, an Italian restaurant; Vintages wine bar; and Royal Caribbean’s signature Chops Grille steakhouse.

There will also be several bars scattered throughout, including the Canopy Bar which will be located at one of two impressive glass domed canopies. The fantastically unique Rising Tide Bar is a feat of engineering as it will give guests the chance to enjoy a cocktail as the bar slowly ascends into Central Park and then back down again into the public space below.

The incredible area will be lined with balcony staterooms rising six decks high with views of the Park below and the sky above. There will be a number of surprises to intrigue guests, including charming pathways and unusual plant life to be discovered, quiet reading corners, a chess garden with large scale pieces and a sculpture garden to name but a few.

Central Park will feature upscale retail boutiques for discerning travelers, including specialty outlets such as The Parkside Gallery, showcasing original artwork for purchase, and Picture This, a portrait studio.

“We are thrilled to debut Central Park, the first of many exciting neighborhoods on the Project Genesis ship, and a thrilling expression of the innovation and imagination for which Royal Caribbean is known,” said Richard Fain, Chairman & CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “This ship is a quantum leap in architecture and design and will deliver an unparalleled vacation experience to all who sail with us.”

Project Genesis is currently on order with Aker Yards in Finland and delivery is projected for August 2010.

PROJECT GENESIS - CONSTRUCTION BEGUN

Frankfurt - The keel of what will be the world's biggest passenger ship has been laid down at the Aker shipyard in Finland marking the beginning of the construction phase of what has been dubbed "Project Genesis."When completed the vessel will be 360 metres in length, have space for 5,400 passengers and be 40 per cent larger than the present record holder, according to the ship's owners, Royal Caribbean International.

The ship is due to start service in autumn 2009 and will be based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Each berth will cost 230,000 dollars to build, making Project Genesis the most expensive cruise ship ever.

Royal Caribbean plans to launch two vessels in this class. The second ship is expected to be completed by August 2010.

Facilities aboard the ships will include a "surf park for wave riders, a climbing wall and an ice rink. The gross tonnage of the 71 metre wide and 73 metre high ship is 220 000 tonnes," the company said.

Currently the largest passenger ships afloat are the Royal Caribbean's two Freedom Class vessels that weigh 160 000 tonnes each.

The Freedom Class is due to get a third ship in May next year when the "Independence of the Seas" is launched.