Finland is building the world’s longest cruise liner

A 1,200-foot-long Royal Caribbean cruise liner being built in Finland got a test run of sorts yesterday, launching into water not far from the country’s capital, Helsinki.

The ship boasts 16 passenger decks, 2,700 cabins and can hold 6,300 passengers and nearly half as many crew. And get this: It’s got an open-air arena that, according to the Associated Press, is the size of a football field!

It’s also got a Greek amphitheater, a skating rink and much more. It cost about $2.5 billion to build.

The official name for the cruise liner is the Oasis of the Seas. Royal Caribbean has ordered another one from Finland, to be launched in 2010.

Shipbuilders say the inaugural liner will be completed in about a year and will then sail to Miami before taking on its first passengers. If you’re a cruise fan, this is one ship you should keep an eye out for.