Heavy weather delays Oasis arrival

Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, encountered heavy weather while crossing the North Atlantic Ocean on its way to Port Everglades, Florida. Due to the inclement weather, Oasis of the Seas is now scheduled to arrive at Port Everglades on the morning of November 13, 2009, two days later than originally scheduled. The late arrival will not impact any inaugural events, promotional activities or revenue sailings.

In his blog Royal Caribbean Chairman & CEO Richard Fain wrote on Nov. 6:

"OASIS continues to make her way across the Atlantic but the weather has been anything but cooperative. In fact, far from diminishing, the storm has gotten worse and they are now facing significant wave heights of up to 35 feet. Some peak waves exceed 60 feet. Nature is certainly impressive.

"Captain Bill [Wright] chose to take the southerly route to Ft. Lauderdale. However, it turns out that when you start in Finland, even the 'Southerly Route' requires you to spend time in the North Atlantic. He is constantly adjusting his course and speed to accommodate what will probably be the only time in OASIS's life that it will face such a storm.

"Notwithstanding the weather, the entertainment department continues to prepare ... [However] for some reason or another, the divers are reluctant to rehearse in the AquaTheatre with 70 mph relative winds. Apparently, massive waves, heavy rain and 70 mph winds have put a damper on their activities."