Oasis of the Seas narrowly clears Danish bridge

The Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest passenger vessel, found itself narrowly clearing the space under the Great Belt Fixed Link, in Denmark, with leaving a margin of just less thanunder two 2 - feet of clearance as it cruised along its first-ever voyage. The behemoth was on its way to Florida.

The Great Belt Fixed Link is a suspension bridge which is built across the Great Belt. The bridge has a clearance of 65 metres. The Oasis of the Seas, which is as large as a 20-storey building, had to retract its telescopic smokestacks, just so it could squeeze through. This gave the vesselless than 2 two feet (0.61m) of clearance under the bridge, so it could sail along its otherwise stately passage.

A swarm of onlookers waited for hours for a glimpse of the magnificent cruise liner, which signals a new era in the cruising industry. Many were astounded to take in the sight of the mammoth ship, which reportedly made its much-anticipated appearance shortly before midnight.

The Oasis of the Seas is was built at an estimated cost of 1.5 billion dollars, and has 16 passenger decks. It can house 6300 guests and 2100 crew members. It offers guests several amenities like a zip-line, a casino, a mini-golf course, four swimming pools, volleyball and basketball courts, an ice-rink, theme parks and even nurseries for children. On-board activities are classified into seven neighbourhoods that are modelled on the lines of theme parks.

Luxury suites measuring 1600sq ft and two-storey loft suites will be offered to passengers, with balconies overlooking the sea or promenades.