When the Harmony of the Seas launches in spring next year, it will become the largest ship in operation – narrowly beating sister ships, Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, to the record. Royal Caribbean have announced plans to celebrate her entry into service with a special trade event sailing from the UK to Barcelona – exclusively inviting UK agents aboard for the occasion.
Although no date has been announced for the maiden sailing, it is expected the new Oasis Class ship will take to the seas for the first time towards the end of May. Although the ship will not fill its 5,200 passenger capacity for the inaugural event – it looks set to be the largest trade event ever organised by Royal Caribbean.
Reports suggest that the construction of the new ship is rapidly picking up pace with more than 80% of the metal sheeting now applied. It is anticipated that the Harmony should be able to float out for the first time in June this year.
When the ship takes to the seas, it will be more than five years since a member of her class debuted. In the intervening years, Royal Caribbean have developed the world’s most technologically-advanced ships in operation – the Quantum Class – and the new ship is set to include a number of the technological advances of the new ships.
The ship is set to take the record of world’s largest cruise ship from the Allure of the Seas – measuring 2.15 metres longer and 5.5 metres wider than her sister ship. With an added emphasis on providing entertaining cruise holidays for the whole family, the cruise ship will become the first in the Royal Caribbean fleet to feature top-deck waterslides.
Royal Caribbean have slated the ship for a debut summer season cruising around Europe from her home in Barcelona, before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale for the autumn.
With the launch date roughly a year away, we will continue to keep you updated about the latest developments from the Harmony of the Seas – as new itineraries, features and dining options are announced.
Images sourced via Royal Caribbean Press Center.
