The floating out ceremony for Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, was held in Finland last week.
The 220,000 tonne Oasis of the Seas, which has been constructed at the Turku shipyard, was floated out in water for the first time in front of the world’s media and scores of senior company executives.
The Royal Caribbean International ship is two thirds complete and is due for delivery in late 2009. Carrying more than 5,000 passengers, it will sail from home port Fort Lauderdale and its maiden voyage will be in the Caribbean.
Royal Carribbean Cruise Line chief executive Richard Fain said: “This is a milestone in a process which began back in 2006. It’s not that people want a larger ship, it’s about giving people choice.”
Meanwhile, sister ship Allure of the Seas, which is the same size as Oasis, is now 15% built. It begins sailing in 2010.