Posted on Oct 15, 2009

United Ways of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties are the beneficiaries of an overnight cruise on November 29 on Royal Caribbean International's newest ship, Oasis of the Seas. The one-night cruise aboard the world's largest and most revolutionary cruise ship, will offer charitable contributors an opportunity to be among the first to experience this oceanic wonder when it makes its debut in November at Port Everglades. Mahoney & Associates and New York Life Insurance Company are the presenting sponsor of this one-night charity event. Guests aboard this special cruise will enjoy the opportunity to mix and mingle with business and community leaders as they partake in around-the-clock entertainment including receptions, theatrical performances and some of the most creative and innovative amenities afloat at sea. "We are delighted that as Oasis of the Seas makes its new home in Broward County at Port Everglades that our United Way can play a role in welcoming this amazing ship to our community," said Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson, president and CEO, United Way of Broward County. "This ship's arrival means so much to the Broward community, both from an economic perspective as well as a charitable one. We are so appreciative of Royal Caribbean's generosity." An architectural marvel at sea, Oasis of the Seas will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. She will be the first ship to tout the cruise line's new neighborhood concept of seven distinct neighborhoods including Central Park, a lush, tropical garden the length of a football field that opens to the sky; a nostalgic Boardwalk complete with a one-of-a-kind AquaTheater and first-ever Carousel at sea; a floating bar that moves up and down between three decks; an innovative zip line that has guests racing across the open air atrium nine decks high; and so much more. To accommodate this cruise world first, Port Everglades is more than tripling the size of Passenger Terminal 18 making it the largest single-ship cruise terminal in the world. The new $75 million expansion, overseen and built by Hewett-Kier Construction of Pompano Beach, will feature 3,000 seats, a children's playground area, free wireless Internet and accessible outlets to recharge electronic devices. It will also feature a welcoming and dramatic 3,000-square-foot inlaid bronze globe created by international artist Michele Oka Doner. Host Committee Co-Chairpersons include Keith and Doreen Koenig, City Furniture; Bill Mahoney, Mahoney & Associates; and Karla Nickell, Mahoney & Associates. Host Committee members include Martin Alexander, Holland & Knight; Greg and Ann Jensen, New York Life; Ken Keechl, Broward County Vice Mayor; Alan and Marsha Levy, Great American Farms; Bob and Sandra Moss, Moss & Associates; David and Carrie Schulman, DBS Financial Group; and Tom and Maureen Shea, Right Management. Staterooms and sponsorships for this United Way benefit cruise range from $1,000 to $100,000. Reservations close October 31. To learn more about ticket and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.unitedwayoasiscruise.org or call 954-462-4850, ext. 136. Additional information about Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas is available at www.oasisoftheseas.com.