The world’s largest cruise liner has narrowly passed under a Danish bridge, a feat that has required smooth seas and adjustable smokestacks.
The Allure of the Seas is a twin to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, which made the same narrow squeeze under the Great Belt Fixed Link a year ago. The cruise liner – which cost a staggering £1billion (US$1.5bn) – measures around four football fields and accommodates 8,300 people including crew members.
The Allure passes under the Store Belt Bridge, in Denmark, with just inches to spare
Hans Nilsen, an official at the Korsoer Naval Station, said the passage at 2.20pm went well after the Allure had lowered its telescopic smokestacks.
He said there was about 20in (50cm) clearance between the bridge and the top of the ship – but a small swell and weather conditions brought that margin of error down to 1.5in (4cm). Any sudden movement and it would have been a very different story.
Crowds gathered to watch the £1billion ship pass after it lowered its telescopic smokestacks
He said traffic on the bridge did not have to be stopped during the passage because the voyage was made during daytime, reducing any risks.
The ship left the shipyard in Turku, Finland, on Friday and is expected to reach its new home port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in a few weeks.
The Allure is the size of four football fields and can accommodate around 8,300 people
The cruise liner measures 1,200 feet (360 meters) from bow to stern, and its height from sea level is 236 feet (72 meters).
As well as a two-deck high dance hall, a 1,380-seat theatre and an ice skating rink, a number of pools, spas, gyms, it also houses bars, restaurants and cafes as well as a shopping street with a park with trees.
Scott Snowden
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