At a meeting at Royal Caribbean International's UK HQ in Surrey in October, I heard about the innovative "green" aspects of the giant new Oasis of the Seas.
I also heard how building was progressing fast, prompting me to ask if, as with other new ships of late, it would launch earlier than planned. Very unlikely, I was told.
I asked the question again in November, when I went to Turku for the Oasis float out and heard sea trials would be in June and September. Same reply.
But now - surprise - Royal Caribbean has announced that Oasis will indeed enter service earlier than originally scheduled.
A new four-night cruise departing December 1 2009 will call only at Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island - to celebrate the opening of new facilities and excursions there - while the seven-night Eastern Caribbean inaugural will now depart December 5.
Anyone booked on the original December 12 inaugural has until January 11 2009 to switch to the either of the new sailings, or they can put the two new departures together to make a longer cruise and get $200 per cabin on-board credit as well.
Jane Archer
