The launch of the world’s largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, is drawing ever closer with the Royal Caribbean vessel just weeks from carrying her first passengers. Despite Royal Caribbean launching new ships at a tremendous rate in recent years (and in the coming years), there is more to get excited about with the Harmony of the Seas than many of her sister ships – not least due to her impressive size and capacity.
Here we’re listing just a few of the things we’re most looking forward to aboard the Harmony of the Seas.
Broken Records and World Firsts
The most headline-grabbing feature of the Harmony of the Seas is her sheer size, taking the crown of the world’s largest cruise ship from sister vessels, Oasis and Allure. Harmony will surpass her classmates by an impressive 2,000 gross tons, and will offer an increased capacity – capable of accommodating more than 6,000 guests at any one time.
World first features found aboard the Harmony of the Seas include 3D technology-boosted live performances. The ship’s entertainment team will project 3D images onto performers in the AquaTheatre whilst they are performing high-octane, high-diving stunts.
Quantum Class Features
Despite being a card-carrying member of the Oasis Class of ships, the Harmony of the Seas will incorporate features made famous by the Quantum Class ships. Creating a more high-tech experience on the seas, the ship will feature the RFID WOWBands introduced on the Quantum of the Seas – in lieu of cabin cards – helping passengers find their way around the ship and make restaurant, spa and excursion bookings.
The ship will also boast a number of dining options which first featured aboard Quantum Class ships including the popular Jamie’s Italian, and the awe-inspiring Wonderland with its molecular gastronomy.
Mediterranean Itineraries
Royal Caribbean have been showing Europe a lot of love in recent times with many of their new ships spending debut seasons sailing out of Southampton and ports on the mainland. And the Harmony of the Seas will be no different, spending the lion’s share of her maiden cruise seasons sailing around the Mediterranean from her homeport of Barcelona.
The sailings around the Med take in the beautiful port cities of Florence, Rome, Naples, Mallorca and Marseilles – introducing some of the continent’s most cultural sites.
The Ultimate Abyss
And like the big kids we are, we are super excited for the Ultimate Abyss – Royal Caribbean’s first ever water slide and the biggest cruise ship water slide ever! The 10 storey mega slide promises to be an exciting, thrill-a-second affair, plunging guests from the top deck of the ship, down and down into the abyss.
The twisting slide even features audio effects to create fully immersive experiences throughout the two 216 feet slides. Not for the faint of heart.
For more information about the Harmony of the Seas as her launch draws ever closer, keep coming back to the Cruise1st blog. Or for our huge range of great cruise deals, including sailings aboard the Harmony, visit our homepage or called our dedicated team on 0808 2746 777.
Image credits: Royal Caribbean
