Thaindian News

London, Nov 1 (IANS) A cruise liner with the capacity to accommodate 8,300 people passed under a Danish bridge with a gap of just an inch-and-a half between its tip and the bridge.

The Allure of the Seas - which cost $1.5 bn - measures around four football fields and accommodates 8,300 people including crew members. It is the sister ship to Royal Carribean’s Oasis of the Seas.

Hans Nilsen, an official at the Korsoer Naval Station, said the passage went well after the Allure had lowered its telescopic smokestacks, the Daily Mail reported.

He said there was about 20 inch clearance between the bridge and the top of the ship - but swell and weather conditions brought that margin of error down to 1.5 inch.

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, Friday and is expected to reach its new home port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in a few weeks.

The cruise liner measures 360 meters from bow to stern, and its height from sea level is 236 feet (72 meters).

Besides having a two-deck high dance hall, a 1,380-seat theatre and an ice skating rink, a number of pools, spas and gyms, the ship also houses bars, restaurants and cafes as well as a shopping street with a park with trees.

The building of the ship began by shipyard owner STX Finland in February 2008. STX Finland is part of the international STX Europe Group, with shipyards in Brazil, Norway, France, Romania and Vietnam.