The massive ship left Hamburg, Germany yesterday, and just after 11:30 a.m. the gigantic cruise ship emerged from the fog off Drøbak on its way into Oslo. A large crowd had gathered to get a look at the world's largest luxury liner.
Foreign ships docking at Akershus Quay make the area officially international, and only invited guests are allowed on the world's largest cruise ship. But all of the activities here celebrating the ship's passage to New York, where it will be christened, will be shown on a 40 square meter screen at the City Hall Quay.
On Wednesday afternoon, from 2 until 6 p.m., the public will be able to get a glimpse of onboard festivities. About 2,000 invited guests, from authorities, Norwegian maritime industries, the travel industry and the press will then start on a 15-hour journey where they will get to see the ship's attractions more closely.
There are 1,800 double rooms on the ship, and space for 4,370 passengers. A crew of 1,360 are ready around the clock for their guests, and the vessel includes a 136-meter long shopping avenue on board.
At 9 a.m. Thursday the liner moves on to Southampton, England and after its christening in New York it sails to the Caribbean. Royal Caribbean Cruises has formally taken the ship over from builder Aker Finnyards, and the 18-deck vessel is worth NOK 6 billion (USD 947 million).
