The Debut of the World's Largest Cruise Ship
'GMA' will broadcast live from deck of Oasis of the Seas.
Nov. 13, 2009— -- Viewers watched live today on"Good Morning America" as the world's largest cruise ship, the Oasis of the Seas, docked at its new home port, Port Everglades, Fla., for the first time.
The Oasis of the Seas measures 1,187 feet long, nearly the size of the Empire State Building if you tipped it on its side.
In order for the ship to dock the Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., they had to rebuild and widen the terminal. At 225,282 tons, the ship is said to be nearly five times heavier than the Titanic.
The ship can accommodate up to 6,300 passengers and a crew of 2,100.
Owned by Royal Caribbean International, the Oasis was built in Finland at a cost of nearly $1.4 billion. Encompassing 16 decks, there are seven different "neighborhoods" on board including a park the size of a football field that has more than 12,000 plants and trees.
But despite its size, the captain of the Oasis says it is very easy to steer.
"She is one of the easiest ships in our fleet to maneuver, she has so much power she is just a dream to handle," Captain William Wright told Sam Champion on "GMA."
Fifteen lucky viewers and their guests will be on the ship next week as "GMA" broadcasts live from the Oasis Friday, Nov. 20.
"GMA" worked with WABC-TV, New York and KGO-TV San Francisco and four ABC affiliate stations: WTNH, Hartford Conn., WPLG, Miami, WFTV, Orlando, Fla. and KOMO, Seattle, Wash., to hold "'GMA's' Biggest Getaway Ever" contest. There will be three winners from each market. Each winner is someone who has been recognized for giving back to his or her community.
