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Handling Specialty Wins Royal Caribbean International Contracts for Lift Systems on World's Largest Oasis-Class Cruise Ships
(Grimsby, ON October 28, 2008) Two multi-million dollar contracts have been awarded to Handling Specialty for the design and manufacture of three unique systems for Royal Caribbean International’s next generation of cruise ships – Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. Oasis of the Seas will be the first to debut in December 2009 and claim the title of the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship, followed by sister-ship Allure of the Seas in 2010.
Handling Specialty’s package features a trio of underwater stage lifts for the AquaTheater, the cruise industry’s first amphitheatre at sea located at the stern of both ships. The Underwater Lift System will provide a moving stage for the largest and deepest freshwater pool found on a ship. The lifts will rise or lower to accommodate multiple guest activities including SCUBA diving lessons during the day, and dramatic light and fountain displays, water ballet and high-diving acrobatic performances at night.
The stage system includes two side lifts and a runway lift, with a total capacity of 90,000 pounds, covering an area of approximately 1,000 square feet. These hydraulically-actuated lifts operate with non-toxic water glycol fluid. The platform is perforated with approximately 432,000 holes to allow the stage to travel through the 20 feet deep pool with minimum displacement of water. All three units will be synchronized to maintain a maximum of ± 5/8 inch space between each platform during motion, and ±3/16 inches at rest.
The AquaTheater’s 17 ft x 10 ft Rotating Trampoline System will be positioned adjacent to the pool. The top surface supports a 7 ft x 14 ft trampoline for use by professional gymnasts and aerialists during performances. The system will be rotated 180° in under 5 seconds to store the trampoline and reveal the Mondo gymnastic flooring, matching the surrounding deck.
Two 14-feet professional Duraflex diving boards, mounted on hydraulically actuated tilters, will be positioned on the dive towers located on either side of the pool. The tilters will raise and hold the diving boards vertically for storage and lower the boards into dive position during performances.
Production of equipment for Oasis of the Seas is in process, with work on the second vessel, Allure of the Seas, scheduled to begin later this year.
The AquaTheater will be located at the stern-end of each ship’s Boardwalk, an expansive and festive neighborhood open to the sky and reminiscent of classic shoreside entertainment attractions, including eateries, retail outlets for kids and teens, carnival games and the first original, handcarved carousel.
When launched in November 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, the ship will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons (GRT), carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, Pool and Sports Zone, the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center and the Youth Zone. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Sister-ship Allure of the Seas.will debut in 2010. Additional information is available at www.OasisoftheSea.com
About Handling Specialty
A global supplier of custom lifting equipment, Handling Specialty provides engineered-to-order lift solutions to many prominent companies in the automotive, aerospace and defence, entertainment, metals, and rail industries. Incorporated in 1963, Handling Specialty Manufacturing Ltd. is a privately-owned company headquartered in Grimsby, Ontario, Canada. A second manufacturing facility, Handling Specialty Inc., is located in Niagara Falls, NY. Quality accreditations include ISO 9001:2000. For more information about Handling Specialty, please visit www.handling.com.
About Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, South America and New Zealand. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. For travel professionals, go to www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.
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