Docked recentlyin the grey fjord of Oslo on its maiden voyage before crossing the Atlantic, the Freedom of the Seas humbles traditional ferries, making them look like miniature in comparison.

Built for US-Norwegian company Royal Caribbean International, the Freedom of the Seas can accomodate 4375 passengers and 1365 crew and is, at 158 000 tonnes, the world's biggest cruiseliner, beating Queen Mary 2 which can take up to 2620 passengers.

"She drives like a sports car"

But big does not mean clumsy, according to the ship's captain, William Wright.

"Once you get the knack of it, despite her size, she basically drives like a sports car," he told AFP.

Two propellers, moveable by 360 degrees, allow a smooth manoeuvering of the ship, which is 339 metres long, 56 metres wide and 72 metres high, he said.

"Size is not really what matters here. What matters is not to be the largest passenger ship in the world, it's to offer the most numerous and the best activities, which our size allows us to," Wright said.

The ship's imposing exterior is reflected inside, with seemingly endless salmon-pink corridors, a plethora of pools and 240 staff in the kitchens alone.

Freedom of the Seas boasts a pool with with artificial waves big enough to surf, a 135-metre long shopping mall, a rock-climbing wall, an ice rink, a mini-golf pitch and, of course, a casino.

Las Vegas of the Seas?

Indeed, the glitzy spirit of entertainment mecca Las Vegas seems omnipresent here, mock antiquity and all. Areas of the ship have names like Pharaoh's palace, the Crypt or Arcadia amphitheatre and are lined with columns and obelisks inspired by ancient Greece.

There are also three F-16 fighter jet replicas, and a real Morgan sports car, just for decoration.

"We're gobsmacked by all the things on offer. So many different things to do," said Anne Steenhamar, a young Norwegian, on board with her friend Haakon Engeby.

"It's really very good even if it's a bit American, for better or for worse," commented Bengt Rasin, a Swede, accompanied by his wife Kerstin.

More security than airports

Security is tight, and includes metal detectors, X-ray scanning of luggage, video surveillance, guards and positive passenger ID measures.

"Typically you'll go through more security measures to board this ship than while boarding any aircraft," Wright said.

The ship, which will predominantly be used to cruise the waters of the Caribbean, arrived in the Norwegian capital from Hamburg, and will set sail this week for ports of call in Southampton, Britain, and New York before arriving in its home port of Miami.

The Freedom of the Seas will leave on its first Caribbean cruise on June 4.

The ship will, however, lose its top slot title soon. In addition to two other twin ships to be delivered in 2007 and 2008, Royal Caribbean International has also ordered an even bigger vessel.

The Genesis is expected to be able to carry 5400 passengers and is due to sail in late 2009.