What's beyond 'gigantic'? Ship for 6,300 passengers
October 31, 2009
The world's largest cruise liner began its maiden voyage to Florida on Friday, gliding out from a shipyard in Finland with an amphitheater, basketball courts and an ice rink on board.
The 16-deck Oasis of the Seas spans 1,200 feet from bow to stern. Its 2,700 cabins can accommodate 6,300 passengers and 2,100 crew members.
Commissioned by Royal Caribbean International, the ship cost $1.5 billion and took 2½ years to build.
The giant cruise ship also has four swimming pools, volleyball and basketball courts, and a "youth zone" with theme parks and nurseries for children. There is also an ice rink that seats 780 spectators and a small-scale golf course.
AP