RIA Novosti | 31 Oct, 2009
The world's largest cruise liner Oasis of the Seas has begun her maiden voyage after leaving Finland on Friday.

The 1,200 feet ship is worth nearly $1.5 billion. The vessel has 16 decks and 2,700 cabins. It started its journey in the Finnish port of Turku and is en route to Florida.

The ship took over two years to build at a shipyard in Turku by STX Finland Cruise Oy and will first visit the British port of Southampton.

The Oasis of the Seas, which is nearly 40 percent larger than any other cruise ship in the world, can accommodate 6,300 passengers and a crew of 2,100. It also has an ice rink and a small golf course, several swimming pools, other sport venues and parks, as well as a theater.

The new liner will mainly cruise in the Caribbean Sea and be based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. STX Finland Cruise Oy is building the Oasis's sister vessel, the Allure of the Seas, which is due to be completed in late 2010.