Royal Caribbean cruise to benefit charity

The UK cruise market has witnessed exponential growth in the last two years, and a new charity initiative by the Royal Caribbean cruise line is likely to raise the cruise industry’s profile a notch higher.

As part of its countdown to launch the worlds biggest cruise ship- Oasis of the Seas- Royal Caribbean Cruises has announced a special inaugural fundraiser aboard the vessel, with proceeds going to charity.

The Oasis of the Sea is due for launch in December. The behemoth, one of 20 vessels operated by Royal Caribbean, can accommodate 5,400 passengers. It boasts 2,700 staterooms, and 16 decks.

The special charity fundraiser will also see the official naming of the cruise vessel. The fundraiser sailing will depart from Port Everglades Cruise Terminal in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. One thousand staterooms aboard the Oasis of the Seas will be on sale at the fundraiser to be held on November 30th this year, with all proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a charity organisation that helps children suffering from life-threatening medical illnesses.

The fundraiser will see the ship cruise to Labadee, Royal Cribbean’s private beach destination. Guests will be offered exclusive discount prices for the staterooms.

A representative of the Make-A-Wish Foundation has said he hopes people will join in the special fundraising effort to help the foundation.

This will not be the first time Royal Caribbean has teamed up with the charity organization. The cruise line has, since 2000, hosted over 1,300 children who dreamt of going on a cruise, and has contributed over $2.8million in services.