Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, has arrived at its home port in Florida ahead of its inaugural voyage.

The ship (pictured) reached Fort Lauderdale after a 14-day transatlantic crossing from the Turku shipyard in Finland.

Final touches will now be applied to the ship over the next six days ahead of pre-inaugural celebrations including a performance by pop star Rihanna on Thursday this week.

The ship will make its worldwide television premiere on ABC TV network’s Good Morning America show on Friday.

Oasis of the Seas spans 16 decks, carries up to 5,400 guests, and features 2,700 staterooms.  It is the first to feature  Royal Caribbean International’s neighbourhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which include Central Park, the Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, and the Pool and Sports Zone.

It will sail weekly from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale and the inaugural voyage to Haiti on December 1.

• Royal Caribbean joins Abta (1 Oct 2009)