Travel News

Cruise ship to boast floating park

Cruise ship to boast floating park

16 April 2008

A vessel that is set to be the world's largest cruise ship when it launches in 2009 will boast its own version of Central Park onboard, it has been announced.

Royal Caribbean revealed that its new ship, currently codenamed Project Genesis, will have at its centre an open-air park complete with pathways, flower gardens, trees and restaurants.

The area, which will be named Central Park after New York's famous attraction, will be one of seven 'neighbourhoods' incorporated into Project Genesis, each of which will offer a different experience to cruisers.

Located on the eighth deck of the new ship, the park will be 19 metres wide and 100 metres long, with 334 rooms and areas that will host art exhibitions and floral displays.

The cruise liner itself will boast a total of 16 decks and have the capacity to carry 5,400 guests.

Royal Caribbean chairman Richard Fain said: "Building such a large vessel allowed us to add even more of the choices and amenities that our guests value and Central Park is a dramatic addition to our already extensive array of exciting features.

"Central Park is the first of many dynamic neighbourhoods on Project Genesis which will enable each guest to find his or her own space and activity."

One of Royal Caribbean's competitors, P&O Cruises, will see Dame Helen Mirren name its new ship the Ventura at a ceremony in Southampton this week.

Essential Travel - travel insurance for a whole world of holidays - http://insurance.essentialtravel.co.uk/ADNFCR-1337-ID-18554085-ADNFCR