Royal Caribbean International has introduced the Oasis of the Seas, the largest cruise ship ever to set sail, complete with onboard fitness facilities equipped by Life Fitness.

Launched in December and with a maximum capacity of 5,400 passengers and 2,100 crew members, the ship offers two fitness centres: a 1,060sq m facility for guests, and a separate 240sq m gym for use by the crew.

"Fitness is becoming an integral part of the cruise experience, so we needed to build a facility that would impress our guests," says Joe Schlipman, director of onboard revenue for Royal Caribbean International. "Life Fitness offered products that were durable, fit for heavy usage and innovative."

Royal Caribbean installed 30 Elevation Series treadmills, 18 elliptical cross-trainers and 11 exercise bikes in the Oasis of the Seas' passenger fitness centre, along with a full line of strength equipment and LeMond group cycling bikes. Group exercise classes are also available.

Other passenger attractions onboard include an ice rink, 21 swimming pools and whirlpools, an open-air Central Park, the Rising Tide Bar - a bar that rises between decks (the ship has 16 passenger decks) - a water theme park, a full-size carousel and the Royal Promenade with