For many years I lived in Southampton, so it is of interest to me that the world's largest cruise ship, the 'Oasis of the Seas', is set to make a brief, but dramatic, appearance in the Solent today.
At 220,000 tons, she is 60,000 tons bigger than the previous record holder, 'Independence of the Seas which operates from Southampton.
The latest information is 'Oasis of the Seas' is expected to be in position close to Lee-on-Solent, any time between 3pm and 4pm.
She is making a brief diversion before beginning her transatlantic crossing to America to disembark hundreds of shipyard workers who have been putting the finishing touches to the monster-ship, which can accommodate more than 5,400 passengers.
The vessel is so big that she has been divided up into seven separate "neighbourhoods'' including one are called 'Central Park' which is open to the sky and features trees, grass lawns and flower-beds.
It is not yet carrying any paying passengers but when it goes into service next month, it will carry 6,300 of them, as well as its 2,100 crew.
To keep them busy, the ship has a 750-seat outdoor amphitheatre, an ice rink, golf course, an indoor theatre seating 1,300 people, volleyball and basketball courts, and several swimming pools.
Its manufacturers claim it will be the "most environmentally friendly cruise ship to date", discharging no sewage into the sea, reusing its waste water and consuming 25 per cent less power than similar, but smaller, cruise liners.
Despite its credentials, some have questioned the need for such ostentatious luxury with a lacklustre US economy and a worldwide downturn.
However, Royal Caribbean International has ordered a second ship of similar size, which will be called 'Allure of the Seas' and enter service in 2010.
(thisishampshire.net and the Daily Telegraph)
