We can cease being biblical sounding about the Genesis class. Royal Caribbean announced along with their quarterly earnings, that the new class of ships will be the Oasis class, with the lead ship in the series being dubbed Oasis of the Seas. Her first sibling, and presently the only other unit planned for construction, will be called Allure of the Seas.

The RCI press release:

MIAMI, May 23 — An oasis is commonly defined as a fertile area in an arid region or a place of refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast. Today, Royal Caribbean International adds another use of the term, defining it as the official name for the cruise line’s newest and most awe- inspiring class of cruise ships, until now referred to by the code name “Project Genesis.”

The name Oasis of the Seas was selected from more than 91,000 entries in Royal Caribbean’s “Name that Ship” contest, which the cruise line launched on January 18 in partnership with USA TODAY. Entrants were invited to submit two names ending in “of the Seas” that best encapsulate the universe of experiences a Royal Caribbean cruise provides guests. The contest marks the first time members of the general public, outside of the cruise industry, have been given the opportunity to name a cruise ship.

The winning combination of names, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, was submitted by George Weiser, of Livonia, Michigan. Weiser’s well-chosen names scored the highest among all contest entries considered by a panel of judges, and earned him the honor of naming not only the world’s next largest and most innovative cruise ships, but the entire class of the new ships, the Oasis-class. Weiser is joined by Jennifer Conley, of Robertsville, Missouri, who suggested Mystique of the Seas and also Allure of the Seas. Conley is also a winner in the naming contest for earning the second-highest score.

“Our customers are remarkably passionate about Royal Caribbean,” said Adam Goldstein, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “This naming contest has been a fantastic expression of their interest and commitment. We are thrilled to announce these two names and grateful to USA Today for partnering with us.”

The “Name that Ship” contest was judged by a panel of industry experts including Lauren Teton, founding partner of Name One!, which specializes in finding unique names for products and business entities; John Maxtone-Graham, maritime historian, lecturer and author of numerous books, including the latest, “Normandie: France’s Legendary Art Deco Ocean Liner”; and Albert Mehrabian, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Psychology at UCLA and author of more than 14 books, including “Baby Name Report Card: Beneficial and Harmful Baby Names.”

“Taking into account the remarkable sea-going destination Oasis of the Seas will be, the name selection evokes an appropriate feeling of verdant comfort and luxury,” said John Maxtone-Graham, maritime historian. “I was very pleased with the final selection and for being invited to take part in the contest.”

When launched in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests, and feature 2,700 staterooms. The ship will homeport in Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 2010, she will be joined by a sister ship, Allure of the Seas. Additional information is available at www.oasisoftheseas.com.

With a new location and line of work in place, I’m happy to be returning to my regular blog routine.

I’ve just started as the E-Commerce manager for a private company closer to my native Northwest Ohio, and that line of work is something I’ve long hoped to move into. So I’m pleased that I’ll be able to resume work and progress on both Royal Caribbean Fan and Cruise Aficionados. Indeed, I think the future might be even brighter than ever right now.

In other news, my father announce that he will be taking his second Royal Caribbean cruise this December. Though he evidently hasn’t locked in which specific itinerary he and his will be taking.

With the new job, I’m starting work on what may prove to be my first family cruise during my traditional early January window. Not sure on what ship, or what places we’ll go, but I’m going to set a date, lest I wait too long and not want to book, I’m going to lock something in. In principle anyway.