Ocean-going skyscraper sails into Malaga

THE world’s largest cruise liner, ‘Allure of the Seas,’ arrived in Malaga just after 8am today. The ship, described as a floating skyscraper, will only be in port for 12 hours, but in that time, the 6,000 passengers will be taking full advantage of the city’s attractions.

The MS Allure of the Seas is an Oasis-class cruise ship, owned and operated by Royal Caribbean International. At more than 360 meters in length and with a staggering 16 decks, it weighs 100,000 tons. The giant ship took a year to build, and was launched in 2009.

Its twin sister, ‘Oasis of the Seas,’ paid a visit to the port last year that was hailed as a resounding success. The Councillor for Tourism, Julio Andrade, said: “This giant of the sea, and Royal Caribbean, will be returning to Malaga on October 27, just one of the many trips that the company have planned for this year. The group is scheduled to visit the city 23 times with different ships this season, bringing more than 79,000 passengers.”