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Delivering the very best in overall guest experiences is the central motivator behind the design of Royal Caribbean International‘s newest ship, Oasis of the Seas. When she debuts in December 2009, the most cutting-edge amenities and activities ever seen at sea will be complemented with a variety of retail venues – 13 stores, including open-air shopping that cover more than 10,000 square feet. With many products exclusive to Oasis, the shopping experience will be one of a kind in terms of both the items offered and the setting on the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. Guests of all ages and styles will find their retail therapy of choice in outlets that range from children and teen-favored shops to jewelry and duty-free stores for adults.
Not only will Oasis of the Seas provide the broadest selection of boutiques and shops industry wide, but several international brands also will be making their debut. Perhaps the most eagerly awaited store onboard will be Coach. Located in the Central Park neighborhood, the iconic maker of luxury leather goods will unveil its first dedicated store at sea. Custom built to the brand’s standards, the Coach store will showcase the signature line of beautifully crafted designer handbags, leather goods, sunglasses and scarves. Among the recognizable jewelry and clothing designers establishing a presence at sea for the first time are Breitling, watches that are instruments for professionals, and Italian jewelry designer Pianegonda, as well as apparel companies including Lucky Brand, Eileen Fisher, DC Apparel and Forest & Fauna, makers of 100% organic t-shirts and garments. Oasis of the Seas also will carry a number of brands never before seen in the Royal Caribbean fleet, including elegant jewelry from Roberto Coin, Charriol and Yvel, as well as offer long-time favorites, such as cosmetics by iconic brands Chanel and Christian Dior, among many others.
The next generation of cruise enthusiasts will have their choice of stores throughout the Boardwalk neighborhood to satisfy anything from clothing and gadget needs to a sugar fix. Star Pier will be an interactive, hybrid shop touting an electronics wall adorned in the latest technology, tween and teen apparel by Roxy, Quiksilver and DC Apparel, as well as a DJ station and Nintendo Wii game area making it a truly innovative shopping experience. Younger cruisers will be drawn to Pinwheels featuring everything from clothes and toys by kid-favored brands, such as Crayola, to impromptu playtime in the store’s dedicated area equipped with LEGO stations and a number of other popular games. Candy Beach will be the ultimate boardwalk candy store, offering more than 72 varieties to mix and match into a customized candy grab bag, as well as vintage candy treats from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.
“We are consistently pushing the envelope with the retail selection offered on our cruise ships, and with Oasis of the Seas we sought out to fully transform the shopping experience at sea by introducing new brands and new concepts,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “We’ve been fortunate to gain the support of a number of iconic brands that are eager to be part of the Oasis experience and are pleased that we can deliver upon guest feedback to offer more shopping opportunities onboard.”
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