Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas will feature the Boardwalk, an area where passengers can play carnival games and ride a carousel, the line revealed on Wednesday.

Norwegian Cruise Line launched a new class of upscale private shore tours that offers more choices and convenience. From a private horseback riding lesson through the Tuscan countryside to chartering a catamaran to sail through the glacier-carved fjords of Alaska, these VIP tours provide options for small groups of two to 18 people.

First Central Park, now a Boardwalk and Royal Promenade. Royal Caribbean International has a flare for the dramatic when introducing the new amenities and areas aboard its newest ship, Oasis of the Seas, launching in late 2009.

When Carnival Splendor debuts next month in Northern Europe, it will be accompanied by almost 100 different shore excursions. The ship will operate a series of five 12-day cruises July 13 to August 30, from London, visiting Copenhagen, Berlin, Helsinki, St. Petersburg (two-day call), Tallin in Estonia and Amsterdam.

The Oasis of the Seas will sail seven-day eastern and western Caribbean itineraries when the Royal Caribbean ship debuts in December 2009.

The World, the only private residential community at sea, has announced its itinerary for 2009, which includes a stop in Seoul, South Korea, the ship’s first visit there. The itinerary features several stops in the Caribbean, including Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; and Roseau, Dominica in January.