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Cutting it close: $1.5 billion "Allure of the Sea" passes under bridge
with only 20 inches to spare.

Last October, the Allure of the Seas (which costs a staggering $1.5 billion to build) passed under a bridge with only 20 inches to spare. It required a steady hand... and nerves of steel. Fortunately for the captain, the superliner squeezed under the Danish bridge with ease.

Source: Daily Mail

The Allure of the Seas is the sister ship to Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. Hans Nilsen, an official at the Korsoer Naval Station, said the passage at 2.20pm went well after the Allure had lowered its telescopic smokestacks. He said there was about 20in (50cm) clearance between the bridge and the top of the ship - but swell and weather conditions brought that margin of error down to 1.5in (4cm).

Any sudden movement and it would have been a very different story.

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 cruise liner measures 1,200 feet (360 meters) from bow to stern, and its height from sea level is 236 feet (72 meters). As well as a two-deck high dance hall, a 1,380-seat theatre and an ice skating rink, a number of pools, spas, gyms, it also houses bars, restaurants and cafes as well as a shopping street with a park with trees.

Related Post: The 5 Most Extravagant Cruise Ships