Royal Caribbean Makes Children's Wishes Come True

When Royal Caribbean International® officially launches the Oasis of the Seas–the world’s most revolutionary cruise ship–on Nov. 30 from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the renowned cruise line will be doing more than making wishes come true for eager vacationers … they will be making more wishes come true for Make-A-Wish® children from across the country.

Royal Caribbean has donated 1,000 staterooms for this inaugural, once-in-a-lifetime event to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The proceeds from all sales will benefit the nonprofit organization, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Wish kids–some having their wishes granted onboard that evening–and their families will participate in the onboard festivities and enjoy the ship’s entertainment amenities.

The event symbolizes Royal Caribbean’s ongoing support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since 2000, the cruise line has hosted more than 1,300 children who wished to go on a cruise to destinations around the world. Additionally, Royal Caribbean has contributed more than $2.8 million in in-kind services and $372,000 in discount savings through its Wishes at Sea program. Through employee and passenger fundraising efforts, it has also raised more than $480,000 and 460,000 frequent flier miles, used to secure airline tickets for children’s wish travel and help the Foundation conserve critical financial resources.

“The generosity of sponsors like Royal Caribbean has greatly enhanced our ability to grant life-affirming, world-class wishes and is critical to the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation to bring hope, strength and joy into the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions,” said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer. “We hope that people across the nation will support the Foundation by joining us for this special inaugural cruise celebration and fundraising effort, enabling us to bring smiles to the faces of even more children–children who are waiting for wishes.”

A magical evening, the one-night cruise will not only share the power of a wish®, but be highlighted by the official christening and naming ceremony, hosted by the godmother of the ship (an honor reserved for heads of state, politicians, and celebrities, who give ships their names and serve as guiding spirits).

Oasis of the Seas’ exciting onboard amenities will be open for guests’ enjoyment, including two rock-climbing walls, the first zip line on a cruise ship, two FlowRider surf simulators, and four unique types of pools in the Pool and Sports Zone. Guests also can make an appointment for a rejuvenating session in the Vitality Spa, then go for a ride on the only carousel at sea in the Boardwalk neighborhood before taking in an acrobatic diving show in the AquaTheater. A special dinner menu will be featured in the Opus Dining Room and certain event packages will provide guests a chance to experience one of the ship’s specialty restaurants. After dinner, guests can enjoy a spectacular theatrical production in the Opal Theater; catch side-splitting comics in Comedy Live; relax in one of the ship’s many lounges; and join in world-class gaming in the Casino Royale.

Anyone interested in attending the Nov. 30 festivities can reserve a stateroom by contacting Cynthia Paez, Royal Caribbean Intl, at 877-202-1520, ext. 12751, or by e-mailing her at cpaez@rccl.com, Monday- Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.