Sea ViewsFrom President and CEO, Adam Goldstein

Lisa Bauer - Senior VP, Hotel Operations

Today has been exceptionally busy onboard Oasis. Between all the meetings and general activities, it is really hectic. It really reinforces how hard our shipboard teams really work, because in their world, there is no such thing as a Saturday or Sunday. The only reason I knew it was Sunday was because I wasn’t getting inundated with emails from the office in Miami, and because the elevators say it is Sunday.

We had an executive committee meeting today, which is normally comprised of the Captain, Staff Captain, Chief Engineer, Human Resources Manager and Hotel Director. Since John McGirl and I are onboard, we were invited to attend as well. The agenda covered everything from planning our arrival in to Port Everglades to updates on how all the various safety drills were going to how the glass cleaning and painting was progressing onboard. We are also planning an all crew meeting that Captain Bill (he is back to Captain Bill again) and I will host to really get the crew fired up and ready for our arrival.

When I left that meeting, I went to the Boardwalk neighborhood for the grand opening of the Seafood Shack. I got there a little early, and in time to see our divers in wet suits, officially in the Aquatheatre pool for the first time! I can’t even describe the feeling of watching them diving from the platforms into the pool. They weren’t in costume, no music, just their pure athletic skill, and it was a bit surreal. We were also programming the fountains, and they are quite powerful. I’m not recommending sitting in the first six rows – you will get wet!

The opening of the Seafood Shack was fun. The menu is very playful, and entrees include everything from Clam Chowder served in a sourdough bowl, to sweet potato fries, crab cakes and fish sandwiches. Oh, and buckets of beer. But it was lunch, so we didn’t partake. However, on a hot sunny day in the Caribbean, it would be perfect. (Have I mentioned that it isn’t hot and sunny yet?) Children 12 and under eat free and adults are $8.95.

We had a few more meetings, and then we got to see the very first ice show in full costume and with all the scenery and music. I think the costumes are the best we have ever done. The ice cast also told me they are the hardest routines and the most complex show they have ever done. This is sure to be a cruise highlight whether our guests are 8 or 80.

Of course after the ice show it was time to eat again. This worked out well, because it was the official opening of Izumi. Izumi is our Asian fusion concept. My favorite element of this menu offering is the hot rocks. You can cook your own steak, chicken or seafood on your own personal hot rock that is 575 degrees. I actually cooked my steak on the rocks, and I think it was the first time I’ve cooked in a few years, unless decorating cupcakes counts. The other major feature of the restaurant is the large selection of sushi rolls. I tried the signature shrimp, and it was great. This venue has a la carte pricing.

The practice continued, as our Cruise Director Ken Rush hosted our 70’s night disco party in the Royal Promenade, which was well attended by the crew. Even though I wasn’t supposed to know about it, our cast of Hairspray were on stage for the first time last night and did the full 90 minute run through. No costumes, No scenery, and it was still unbelievable. This cast has such a unique chemistry that they look like they are having so much fun on stage. I took three of the lead actors, Natalie (Tracy), Brian (Edna) and Michael (Link) to dinner the night before, and they are so excited to be a part of this show, and it really comes across in their performances. They have formed this bond that is really quite special. This show will bring down the house. We will be hosting the original writers and producers of the Broadway show onboard during the inaugurals, and I can’t wait for them to see these talented actors bring Hairspray to life onboard Oasis.