Helsinki - The world's largest cruise ship is soon to leave the Finnish shipyard where it was built for its home port in Florida, US, reports said Thursday. The 16-deck "Oasis of the Seas" can carry some 5,400 passengers and was built at the STX Finland shipyard in Turku operated by the South Korean group, STX.
On Wednesday, the US Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) took delivery of the vessel at a ceremony in Turku attended also by Richard Fain, chief executive of RCCL.
The 360-metre long vessel that boasts some 40 restaurants cost some 1.4 billion dollars, making it likely the most expensive in its category.
The ship features seven theme areas, including a central park, boardwalk, royal promenade, and a pool and sports zone aimed to cater to the interests of the passengers.
Some finishing touches like planting the trees and plants designated for the central park remain. This will be completed in Florida where the vessel will also be officially named.
A sister vessel is also to be built at the Turku shipyard.
