Genesis 1

MIAMI, May 23, 2008 -- Royal Caribbean has selected names for its forthcoming "Project Genesis" vessels: Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.

Rendering of "Central Park"
from RCI's Genesis Project

Royal Caribbean is calling it Central Park, but when I read the description in the press release: "a revolutionary design in which the center of the ship opens to the sky and features lush, tropical grounds" that doesn't sound like the temperate (and often snowy) Manhattan park I grew up with.

When RCI decided to code-name their innovative newbuilds Project Genesis, I hope they prepared themselves for some Star Trek jokes. I really can't resist any longer.

At least part Vulcan?
(we mean that as a compliment)

You do remember Star Trek II, right? Ambitious engineers of the future worked on the Genesis Project to turn grey, lifeless ships, er, I mean planets into vibrant, verdant environments.

VICTORIA, June 22, 2007 - The upcoming Genesis Class ships will feature advanced wastewater treatment in support of the Royal Caribbean's "Save the Waves(R)" initiatives. Hydroxyl's CleanSea(R) wastewater purification systems will enable the vessels to reliably treat all biodegradable water streams prior to safe discharge to the ocean.