Replies

A great accomplishment by a small country!

Although often associated with their Scandinavian “Viking” neighbors; Iceland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden, the inhabitants of Finland never were Vikings.

But, apparently, they too can build ships.

(Perhaps the following is slightly off-topic, but all the same it might be of interest to some people here)

Furthermore, they also know how to fight. Little, brave Finland is the only country to ever defeat the Soviet Union (with the possible exception of Afghanistan, depending how one views the Soviet-Afghanistan War).

Even before Finland became a sovereign nation, the Finns were feared by the Russians and many others. One major reason to the success my Sweden enjoyed in her wars with Russia, Denmark and the Catholics at the time Finland was a part of Sweden was the role of the elite Finnish light cavalry known as the “Hakkapeliitta”. This name derives from their war cry “- Hakkaa päälle, pohjan poika!”, meaning “Hack on, son of the North” or less literally translated “Cut them down, Nordic sons!”

In fact, “Hakkaa päälle!” still is the motto of the Finnish Army.

Some might view it as barbaric, but that matters little considering they could do what the troops of Hitler could not.

Anyhow, some nice videos featuring this magnificent ship:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thRYv5kzE0Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fqrhmUnPO4

Virtually all the modern cruise ships were built by the Finns or the Italians.

I can't think of worse timing for this delivery. My family and I have taken cruises in the past and are bombarded with brocures from all the major lines. Everyone seems desperate to fill their ships. A two week cruise to Hawaii with we were looking at 2 years ago and which would have cost about $10K for the three of us can now be had for about $6K. I can't imagine how Royal Caribbean is going to fill this monster AND all the other mega-liners that they have in service.

Last Position Received
http://goo.gl/9aem

http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/shipdetails.aspx?mmsi=311020700

Furthermore, they also know how to fight. Little, brave Finland is the only country to ever defeat the Soviet Union (with the possible exception of Afghanistan, depending how one views the Soviet-Afghanistan War).

Welll since we are off topic, Ronald Reagan not only defeated the Soviet Union he destroyed it. My kids barely recognize those words "Soviet Union."