dock in the first quarter of 2011 and RCCL will reload the ships with a number of
key innovations from Oasis. A major focus
will, of course, be on entertainment and
activities, and there will be large outdoor
movie screens pool side, like those found
in the Oasis aqua-theatre. Also, there are
3D movie screens and projectors in the
main theatre, a children’s puppet show on
both ships and even a nursery.
In addition, the interactive digital signage on Oasis, which was touted as one
of the top cruise innovations of 2009, will
also be part of the Freedom and Liberty
new programming.
Other cruise lines are following suite
with improved features and several newto-cruise ship amenities. For instance, the
NCL Epic – which was launched in June
– features the first ice bar at sea. (And
yes, the bar, walls, tables and stools are all
made out of ice.) At the same time, older
ships are being refitted with all the works
from waterslides to nightclubs.
MULTITASKING TO THE MAX
Still, big and splashy is not the only game
in town – at least if you ask the designers
and builders of these floating wonders.
STX Europe, the number one builder of
luxury cruise ships in the world, has been
exploring other options as well. In March
novations and continuous R&D. Ecorizon
2009, STX introduced its latest concept:
of scale, as well, but with a lower gross
the xpTRAY, where all public passenger ar-
tonnage compared with a standard post-
aims to protect water and its ecosystems,
eas and activities are based in one location,
Panamax cruise vessel, delivering the to-
preserve the natural resources of the Earth,
on a wide “tray”, if you will. Here’s the
tal package at 130,000 GT rather than
and limit the impact of the human activity.
math: reducing ship volume by up to 15%
160,000 GT. This results in substantial sav-
This mindset is already evident on Oa-
results in higher space ratios and more ef-
ings in e.g. building costs, electrical load
sis, which shows a 15%–25% energy and
ficient service operations.
and propulsion power.
carbon footprint improvement (per passenger) in comparison to its predecessors.
STX concept comes from the com-
In fact, the Oasis design effort is the most
mon sense observation that ships, no
GREENER HORIZONS
matter how large, have limited space.
STX is clearly preparing for a leaner, green-
extensive for any cruise ship – ever. While
Therefore, cruise ship design should em-
er cruise circuit where the emphasis is
still not exactly “Jolly Green Giant,” the
brace simplicity and versatility.
more and more on efficiency and envi-
ship is e.g. equipped for alternative fuels
ronmental issues.
and features integrated advanced waste
Centralising all the restaurants, for
example, means you have a central gal-
The company has an ambitious stra-
ley that is more efficient in both energy
tegic environmental plan – called Ecorizon
and size. The xpTRAY offers economies
– which is based on STX Europe’s latest in-
handling systems for all waste streams. ■
SAMI J. ANTEROINEN
seatec 2/2010
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