IT WILL be a combination of one of the world’s most popular musicals with the world’s largest cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship which will arrive in Southampton this autumn, will be bringing the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of CATS to the high seas.

Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, CATS was one of the longest-running productions on Broadway and is the winner of numerous awards including seven Tonys, two Oliviers and a Grammy.

The show has been seen in over 20 countries and translated into more than ten languages. The fully licensed production of CATS will join Oasis of the Seas once it completes its drydock this autumn.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Really Useful Group to bring one of the world’s most beloved musicals to Oasis of the Seas,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, executive vice president of operations at Royal Caribbean International.

“Adding CATS to our already amazing line up of Broadway musicals such as Hairspray, Chicago: The Musical, Saturday Night Fever and Mamma Mia exemplify our commitment to bringing top quality entertainment to our guests at no extra cost.”

Oasis of the Seas features exclusive amenities and concepts throughout its seven themed neighbourhoods, such as an 82 foot-long zip line, a handcrafted carousel, the Rising Tide elevating bar, the Aquatheater high-diving performance venue, and Central Park with more than 12,000 trees and plants.

Oasis of the Seas also offers amenities that can only be found on Royal Caribbean International, such as twin FlowRider surf simulators, whirlpools, an ice-skating rink, the H20 Zone kids aquapark, and the Royal Promenade, an interior boulevard that stretches nearly the length of the ship and is flanked by restaurants, lounges and boutiques.

For an extensive collection of webisodes detailing the variety of experiences aboard Oasis of the Seas, log on to tinyurl.com/bw585wa.

Launched in December 2009, Oasis of the Seas has been heralded as an architectural marvel at sea, spanning 16 decks, with a double-occupancy capacity of 5,400 guests.

Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to tour the cruise line’s concept of seven distinct themed areas, comprising Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Centre, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone.