http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/chairmans-blog Just another WordPress weblog Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:39:54 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en I am on a flight home from Turku after another fascinating visit to ALLURE OF THE SEAS.  And no matter how many times I visit the yard, no matter how many times I meet with our people there, no matter how many times I look at the product itself, I ... http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/chairmans-blog/?p=774 I feel like I’ve been away but want to come home.  We just had another review meeting of the start up for ALLURE OF THE SEAS and it was suggested that I restart my blog.  While the prospect of the work involved was a bit daunting, I found myself intrigued ... http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/chairmans-blog/?p=770 We know that many of you are excited about the upcoming launch of Allure of the Seas and still have questions regarding Oasis of the Seas. While our Chairman is taking a small break from his blog writings you can still stay updated by visiting the blog of our President ... http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/chairmans-blog/?p=766 It is hard to believe, but we are underway.  All the construction is finished; all the plants are planted; all the preparations are complete.  Like all projects, even “normal” ones, Oasis still has kinks to work out and refinements to be made, but she is essentially complete and entertaining guests. We ... http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/chairmans-blog/?p=762 Last night, I got a wonderful present.  Joan Blackman gave me the very first copy of the “Wonderbook”, the book describing the art collection onboard Oasis of the Seas.  Joan leads International Corporate Art (ICArt) and is our art advisor and guide.  They have chosen, acquired and installed the wonderful art ... http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/chairmans-blog/?p=758 [caption id="attachment_750" align="aligncenter" width="452" caption="Our first butterfly was sighted in Central Park this morning."][/caption] http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/chairmans-blog/?p=751 Central Park, that is.  The installation of the trees and foliage has been an enormous task and I have enjoyed watching it come to life. The real key to the success of such a project isn’t what has happened the last few days, but the months of preparation and planning.  We’ve ... http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/chairmans-blog/?p=747 We are as proud of the safety and environmental innovations on this ship as we are the guest-facing innovations.  The international body responsible for setting standards in this area is the International Maritime Organization (“IMO”), which is an agency of the United Nations with 169 Member States.  The Secretary General ... http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/chairmans-blog/?p=740 It feels so strange to say that, but it is still thrilling to be able to do so.  I had intended to write something just after the arrival.  I was told that even a short note would be welcomed and I could do it quickly.  Unfortunately, it hasn't been so ... http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/chairmans-blog/?p=738 Also, getting excited. Last night, the ship reached a peak speed of 24 knots.  She has now traveled 4,700 nautical miles since leaving Turku and has a "mere" 1,200 to go to reach the pilot station outside Port Everglades.  This requires less than 18 knots of speed.   Captain Bill says ... http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/chairmans-blog/?p=736