Earlier this week plans were announced for the autumn 2009 launch of the world’s largest cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean International has ordered a new generation cruise vessel from Aker Yards ASA in Finland for around £616m, making it the most valuable ship ever ordered in the history of commercial ship building.

“It is exhilarating to take such a giant step into the future,” said Royal Caribbean chair and CEO Richard Fain. “Project Genesis truly is a remarkable ship. Its bold design, daring innovation and technological advancements will delight our existing customers and help us draw in new ones.”

Taking a huge leap of 43 per cent in size from the previous record breaking Freedom of the Seas – due to be delivered to Royal Caribbean by Aker Yards in April – the 220,000 gross register ton, 360m long ship is a prototype dubbed Project Genesis.

The cruiser will accommodate 5,400 passengers based on two people per cabin. Although the onboard amenities are yet to be finalized, they will likely include an ice skating rink, rock climbing wall and surf pool; features of Freedom of the Seas.

Harri Kulovaara, Royal Caribbean’s executive vice president of maritime operations, has informed CNN that Project Genesis will be more fuel efficient than current vessels.

The International Council of Cruise Lines has announced that the number of passengers increased 10 per cent to 10.8 million in 2004, an 8 per cent annual growth since 1980. Details: www.akerfinnyards.com