Underway
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 started doing special pre-inaugurals or shakedown cruises mainly for our travel agent partners beginning last Thursday. This is really the most demanding time for a new ship. The crew are still getting accustomed to their new digs and the travel agents are frantically trying to see and do in two nights all that the ship is designed to offer in seven.
But it has been incredibly fulfilling. Seeing the ship come alive with real activities has been even more rewarding than I expected. I have been fortunate to be involved in some wonderful ship introductions – SOVEREIGN, introduced the atrium and mega-ships; VOYAGER showed the potential of a larger platform and weird amenities like ice-rinks; FREEDOM captured the public imagination with even greater amenities like a surfing machine; more recently, CELEBRITY SOLSTICE transformed the world of premium cruising by demonstrating how stunning design could compliment a style of service that awes our guests.
But nothing prepared me for the exceptional response to Oasis. The most frequent comment I heard was “no words or pictures adequately describe her.” Adam Goldstein summarized it well at a “Building Bridges” session when he said that he hoped that the travel agents would succeed in conveying all that is Oasis even though we have had trouble doing so ourselves. That is, after all, why travel agents are so important to us. They are really selling their knowledge and experience.
So, it has been tiring but invigorating. My kids show no great sympathy when I tell them how hard I have been working eating caviar and drinking champagne while thousands of guests compliment me on the work our team has accomplished. It is a tough job, but someone . . .
I did have one further surprise awaiting me. I left my gorgeous, 9 month-old granddaughter (the lawyer) at the Adventure Ocean program and overheard people raving about the ImaginOcean show. I learned it was a black-light puppet show for kids. My own gorgeous granddaughter was too young for the show, but I saw it in the Adventure Ocean Theatre and it was amazing. The puppets were so real that you couldn’t help but feel an emotional link. I can’t imagine the level of imagination and skill that it took to produce. I couldn’t help thinking we should find a way to show it to a broader audience.
Tomorrow is the naming ceremony and the preparations for that are underway. We have a very ambitious program planned which will involve activities throughout the ship. I am looking forward to it.
The naming signifies the end of the construction and the start of normal operations. I am looking forward to seeing her start regular service and I know the crew is as well. I will comment on that and then that will signify the end of my blog. I started out to chronicle my experience with the process. I have enjoyed that more than I expected – and I have enjoyed the responses too – but I need to remain true to the original objective as well.
Filed under: Uncategorized
I have enjoyed reading your blogs and will miss them. I will just have to see everything for myself on the Dec.12th cruise. This is an annual birthday cruise that I take on Royal Caribbean. I am very excited to experience it all.
[Reply]
Blondynka Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 4:41 am
I am cruising on that date too! Like you, I will also be celebrating my birthday! Happy Birthday!
[Reply]
Carol Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Happy Birthday back. What day is yours and where are you from? Maybe we can meet up. My room mate is also celebrating that week. Time to party on this great ship…..
[Reply]
Carol here again. I should have said that I am very excited to experience the WOW!!!!!
Carol from Toronto
[Reply]
Our 1st ever cruise was in Apr this yr on FOS – and that was definitely a WOW experience, so much so that we raved to our friends and so they have booked their 1st ever cruise – for Apr 2010 on Oasis, we shall also be on Oasis in Apr 2010 – and we can’t imagine being anymore Wow’d than we were on Freedom !!! Thank you for doing your Oasis Blogs – I have so enjoyed reading them – Safe Sailing to Oasis & Her Passengers & Crew………….See You in April !!!
[Reply]
Lynn M Reply:
December 1st, 2009 at 6:44 am
I also will be on Oasis in April. I have followed the progress for some time now and am a cruise ship fanatic, have loved them since the Love Boat was on TV. Have only been on one other in Aug, 1992, same week as Hurricane Andrew. I am in awe with this magnificent floating wonder. Can not wait to step foot on it.
[Reply]
So fun to have followed this beautiful, inovative, and daring ship being built. Having sailed with RCCL as a diamond plus member for many years, we have loved every new thing that was brought to the shipsfpr our enjoyment. Sailing on Liberty again in two weeks and then the Oasis March 6th. Can’t wait to say goodbye to an” old friend “and “hello beauty!!!”!!
[Reply]
Both my wife and I cruised aboard Serenade of the Seas two summers ago on the Alaska cruise out of Vancouver. We absolutely loved the cruise, ship and service provided. This January 16th. I will be taking another cruise aboard the Oasis of the Seas and anxiously counting down the days. After following the daily updates since the ship left Finland I feel that I know Captain Wright and look forward to meeting him in person.
[Reply]
We took our first cruise on the FOS last year. I was speaking in a convention and was invited along with my wife. We were apprehensive. Wow what an experience! Going again next year-can’t wait to see the new ship.
[Reply]
As you’ve found this blog to be enjoyable, and as many CEO’s regularly keep a blog to communicate with shareholders, customers, partners, etc.. I strongly encourage you to start a new general blog chronicling your role at RCI. I believe (and there is strong precedent as well) that there is a tremendous value for almost all companies in plain spoken commentary from the top. I could go on about the myriad subjects that you could cover, the different situations that can be addressed, the ways in which the blog can be used for marketing and announcements, etc.. but I wont. I’ll leave you with this:
I know I speak for many who read this blog to share how much we have tremendously enjoyed the experience and I implore you to keep blogging.
No matter you decision, thank you very much sharing. We truly appreciated the blog and the way it helped us all feel like we were part of everything that was going on!
[Reply]
My family ( 9 of them) are boarding Tuesday morning, they are checking it out to bring all 38 of us back next October. Treat them well, their last name is BLASER but don’t worry, you will hear them, they will be the loud family that is having the best time ever. They appear to have had one too many drinks because they are having so much fun but they don’t even drink at all.
[Reply]
I have been following Oasis for a year or more and it will become a reality to me and my wife Kaye when we board on Dec. 12. The Oasis website videos, CEO’s blog, were \fantastic\ to say the least. What a wonderful way to info your customers. With all the Oasis activities, who needs to go into ports?
[Reply]
I am so excited. I have been following it for over a year and will be sailing with you TOMORROW!!!! How exciting.
Wendy Murray
[Reply]
Richard,
Thank you for your time on keeping us updated. I tell everyone I know about “my” ship. I will see you on 12/5/09
[Reply]
Just went on The Oasis on the United Way Cruise, I was not prepare for such a gorgeous ship! I have had a life time of Crusies, I was blown away not only by the ship but the wonderful incredible staff. Truly a first class experience.
[Reply]
HI
congratulations on project Genesis.
Can’t wait to see oasis in person
THANKS FOR THE BLOGS……….. THEY WERE NICE
[Reply]
I am sitting here looking at the last videos on the Oasis from yesterday and today. The next time I see her will be on board tomorrow afternoon. My wife and I have been on almost 20 cruises and still remember how our first one on the Monarch Wow’d us. I feel like we are going on our first cruise again. This has been an awesome way to communicate this ship to the public. Congratulations on a project well done!!
Steve Russell
Milford, Ohio
[Reply]
Mr. Fain, great blog and congratulations on the delivery and successful start-up of the Oasis ofh the Seas. The ship sure is something out of the ordinary and it is impossible to not be impressed.
I look forward to “Get out there” for a cruise with the “Nation of Why Not!”
Suggestion for Allure; Have celebrity godmothers from each corner of the world to represent Royal Caribbean International.
Australia, Asia, Africa, America, Europe, Middle East and the Pacific! That would be a great way of enhancing your international commitment, not least potent marketing!
Greetings from Oslo and minus 4 centigrade, brrr….
[Reply]
Mr. Fain,
.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on the process of building and commissioning the largest and most unique cruise ship ever created. This kind of coverage on any new cruise ship would be interesting but seeing the whole process unfold for such an innovative ship like Oasis of the Seas has been riveting. I know that there are certain media formalities that come with your position but you’ve been able to cut through that and show genuine passion and excitement for the ship and your work. This approach has been consistent with all the staff that I’ve seen during this process. It’s easy to be excited about a great ship like Oasis of the Seas but it’s difficult to show passion and excitement if it’s not driving you.
Please pass on my thanks to Captain Wright for his frequent onboard videos. I can’t imagine a better spokesperson. His reviews of the design features, construction process, and sea crossing were most interesting. Even his even-keeled demeanor couldn’t mask his exuberance for technology and engineering. Those are my favorite parts too. The ship is “amazing”
As far as opportunity for improvement, I would only offer the word “more”. More of everything. More pictures and videos in hi res of the neighborhoods and living spaces; more layouts and schematics of all parts of the ship; menus from the restaurants; programs from the entertainment venues; program of activities available throughout the ship; more interviews of the staff; and now that the ship is in service, interviews with customers.
Thanks again to you, your staff, and the crew for taking me on a fascinating journey. I hope to sail on Oasis of the Seas in the near future.
Warm Regards,
Jim
[Reply]
Hello Richard!
I have been reading your blog since you started it. I have also been following Oasis’ progress since the begining (I am a big fan of ships, cruising and the cruise industry). I must say it saddens me to read that you are going to end your blog…. Please reconsider. Couldn’t you start a more generic blog about RCI similar to Adam Goldsteins? Its great to see what goes on behind the scenes at RCI from the perspective of top level executives like yourself. Its very interesting and there are not enough blogs like this in the cruise industry. It will be a real shame if you end it so please dont.
Oasis looks amazing by the way. I can’t wait to sail on her!
[Reply]
Hi,
I thought the Reporter at Sea was great except for the Canadian. I think he should have provided some English in his report. We in Canada do not all understand and speak French.
See you Dec.12th on the WOW ship.
[Reply]
Awesome. Royal Caribbean has truly outdone it this time. For your next post, now that Oasis of the seas is basically done, could you tell us if Royal Caribbean is building any more ships? ( besides allure of the seas ) and if so, will it be larger than oasis?
[Reply]
I have enjoyed reading your posts very much. Thank you for taking the time to educate and humor us. I can’t wait to sail on Oasis 12/12. I am now a Diamond Plus member as well as in the top 100 players in Casino Royale Players Club. We will be attending w/ that group. Obviously, I am a Royal Caribbean devotee!
[Reply]
As a minor (but interested) bondholder I have followed Ocean’s elegant and very professionally orchestrated debutanting with great interest. Apart from the wave of (very) nice feel-good stuff, my real take away from all this has been a new view of you and your fellow execs who pushed through this project. Knowing the sort of fog and flood of fears and nay-sayers you must have had to confront and push through during these years making it happen, your personal courage in tackling such a project and making it happen despite the odds deserves everyone’s deepest admiration and deepest respect. Appreciate it if you could pass this on to the others in yr exec team.
[Reply]
Dear Mr. Fain,
As a direct corp incentive customer of 9 years, I was fortunate to be with you for the 11/19-21 Inaugural. I certainly hope you enjoyed the Elton show the second evening as much as the rest of the guests. I’ve never experienced such a fantastic performance and audience participation. I’m sure you were very proud. So many thanks and congratulations.
[Reply]
Hi Mr.Fain,
I don’t know If you would remember. But I am The kid that sent you that drawing,and letter a few years back. I think it was like in 2007. Thanks for the reply I had realy realy appreciated it. I just wanted to say that I have been tracking the progress of Oasis since the begining. I am so impressed by what you guys have come up with. From the pictures she looks like the coolest thing I have ever seen. The ideas and all the new ameneties you guys put on it are just incredible! Congratulations!
[Reply]
Just got off the Oasis yesterday. Can’t rave about it enough. Labadee is so different from what I remember it. The port and new pier are beautiful and efficient. The ship is a marvel. See my report: http://www.carols-cruise-port-itineraries.com/OASISofTheSEAS-Labadee.htm
Thank you for all the information given in your blogs. The Oasis lived up to it all. It is a “must do” for every cruiser!
[Reply]
Cpt. William Wright, is right in his video called “Water, Water Everywhere” – were he says we just missing you – what happened to the marketing strategies why todays (Dec
oasis guest count is about 3000 ?
There’s a lot of work to do not only onboard even shoreside, and about the main source the crew, definetly attention should be given to it, they’re not happy, greet and smile should be not imposed and commanded, make their life easier , why don you enhance your kronos system as example it’s too obsolete, you invest more than 1.5 billion on new projects but remained in obsolet internal systems like handwriten time control. What a shame… A lot of improvement can be done in RCCL, open your eyes, ears and act.
[Reply]
Mr. Fain,
Even though I was a contractor onboard the beautiful Oasis, I read every one of your blogs from the beginning. I most enjoyed one day walking by you on The Promenade as you sat typing behind your laptop and smiled to myself, anxious to see what new thoughts you were posting.
It was an honor to be aboard The Oasis … throughout her crossing, as rough as it was, and throughout the pre-inaugurals. The ship is gorgeous … outstanding … exciting … really? There are just too many superlatives I could use to describe her so will say what everyone has been saying, she is AMAZING!
Good Luck, God Speed and may she be all you envisioned for the future of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
[Reply]
Dear Mr.Fain,
Well done !!!….I think you have really done a wonderful job, and it has been great following your blog…a great idea of keeping us “regulars” well informed…I loved the bit on the carrousel…we’ve booked a short European cruise to introduce first time cruise friends to RC, but I want to bring my grand son on the Oasis…other friends are on the Oasis this December.
Keep at the helm…tell your family we need you there.
Barry
[Reply]
Hi! I’m scheduled for my first cruise ever! As I’ve had trouble in the past with seasickness, I’m wondering if I should be concerned about this on the Oasis. Thanks for your time!
[Reply]
Looking forward on the 17th of Jan.2010, I will be on my birthday week . See you soon!!!!
[Reply]
Now you know from my constant comments, youtube friends, facebook fan, twitter follower, etc that I consider Oasis to be my baby! And I want to report this video I found of someone treating the loft suite like a jungle gym! This is terrible and dangerous might I add. Now I check for new videos here and on youtube 3 times a day and I have never seen anybody treat the facilities as terribly as in this video! Please put a stop to this behavior! Oasis is what I have been attached to since I started staring at the Project Genesis picture, had it enlarged as a poster/desktop background/ profile picture etc…You get it…I REALLY LIKE OASIS OF THE SEAS! Is that such a crime? I do hope this message reaches someone in enough power to create some kind of loft safety guide or something! By the way I would love a job on oasis or allure…But im pretty sure you know that too! Focus on the problem at hand!…then get back to me about the job! You know there really should be free cruise giveaways to ship lovers, oasis stalkers like myself! Or at least the opportunity to tour the ship while in port! I have recommended so many people to go on Oasis because I want to hear their experiences! Ill never get to go on it myself, so i fill my day with you-tube tours and peoples vacation videos to fill the void! Anyway…get these fools out of the loft suite! Thanks!
Video Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ0TiLDE5m4
[Reply]
I think the Chairman should write a book. He is an extraordinary writer.
[Reply]