Kai Tak has been slated to become the prime berthing spot in Hong Kong for some of the world's largest cruise liners. But what is the biggest ship sailing the seas?

FYI: Kai Tak has been slated to become the prime berthing spot in Hong Kong for some of the world's largest cruise liners. But what is the biggest ship sailing the seas?

The largest cruise ship currently ploughing the oceans belongs to the Royal Caribbean International

line. Launched in 2006 and called Freedom of the Seas,

if it were to venture into Victoria Harbour this massive ship would almost make the Star Pisces look like a tug boat in comparison.

Measuring almost 340 metres in length, the 154,407-ton Freedom of the Seas was produced in the Aker Finnyards drydock in Turku, Finland, taking more than 6.8 million working hours to build at a cost of US$947 million. The phrase 'all hands on deck' takes on a whole new meaning on this vessel, given its ability to carry comfortably more than 5,000 people, of which 1,360 are crew, on its voyages. The largest accommodation suite measures 1,216 sq ft, sleeps 14 people and has five flat-screen TVs, a private whirlpool and a wet bar.

The 18 decks house an ice-skating rink, promenade, rock-climbing wall, water park and a solarium that includes whirlpools overlooking the sea at a height of 122 metres. It also has a Ben and Jerry's ice cream parlour, a pizzeria, hair salons and other commercial ventures. One of the ship's main attractions is the FlowRider wave generator, which gives passengers the chance to surf on the ship's top deck, high above any real waves.