Royal Caribbean International and USA TODAY Announce Winner of 'Reporter at Sea' Contest

MIAMI, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The votes have been tallied and the results are in! Following a six-week long search, Joyce Allison of Simpsonville, S.C. has been named winner of Royal Caribbean International and USA TODAY's "Reporter at Sea" contest. The budding journalist won the assignment of a lifetime: the chance to help cover the debut of Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Oasis of the Seas - the world's largest and most revolutionary cruise ship - for USA TODAY's Cruise Log along with cruise editor, Gene Sloan.

Voters across America selected Joyce from 10 finalists who were vying for the opportunity to represent the United States as the citizen reporter who would nab the inside scoop on one of the biggest and most buzzed about travel stories of the year. Joyce, a 22 year-old student at Clemson University, focused her entry on the ship's innovative amenities, specifically Central Park, the first living park at sea and the AquaTheater a spectacular entertainment venue at the stern of the ship. Her reporting skills and personality in front of the camera truly showcase why America has chosen her as Royal Caribbean's "Reporter At Sea." She will be flown with a guest to board Oasis of the Seas at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. to cover the ship's first preview cruise from Nov. 19 to Nov. 22. Joyce's blog posts and video reports highlighting her experience onboard Oasis of the Seas will be featured on USA TODAY's Cruise Log at cruises.usatoday.com during the cruise.

"It has always been my dream to be a reporter and I am very excited about my assignment onboard the world's largest cruise ship. I want to thank Royal Caribbean, USA TODAY, and everyone who voted for me for giving me this amazing opportunity," said Joyce Allison.

While onboard, Joyce will be joined by aspiring journalists from Canada, Germany, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, who were selected as contest winners in their respective countries. For more information on the "Reporter at Sea" contest and to view Joyce's reports, please visit reporteratsea.usatoday.com.

Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to tout the cruise line's new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.oasisoftheseas.com.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and one under construction. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Travel professionals should go to www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.

Readers can log on to cruises.usatoday.com for an active community of cruise enthusiasts and get an extensive resource of useful information for all their cruise traveling needs. Readers also can check out Gene Sloan's cruising blog and join the discussion at USA TODAY's cruise forum all at cruises.usatoday.com.