Cruise line Royal Caribbean International (RCI) has recently announced that its third Oasis-class vessel, Harmony of the Seas, will be the biggest cruise ship in the world. Slated for launch a year from now, the behemoth will weigh in at 227,000 tons and will boast 16 decks with accommodations and entertainment for up to 5,479 cruisers.
Of course, Harmony’s immense size is only part of the story. Company officials have indicated that the new ship will offer an array of innovations for cruisers lucky enough to sail aboard her. Some types of cabins, for example, will be larger than those on Harmony’s Oasis-class sister ships, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. Interior cabins, which lack windows, will instead feature “virtual” balconies that pipe in a real-time, rain-or-shine outside view for the enjoyment of guests. Suite passengers, too, will find a number of upgrades in their rooms, while all passengers will benefit from high-tech Royal WOWBand bracelets that serve as a cabin key, electronic wallet, and scheduler.
Like other Oasis-class ships, Harmony features several “neighborhoods,” each with a distinctive character and focus. Among the many decks, cruisers will find a number of unforgettable dining and entertainment experiences. Harmony will also host several restaurants that have recently debuted on other RCI vessels, including Sabor, which serves contemporary Mexican food, and Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine. Passengers can also enjoy a uniquely high tech experience at the Bionic Bar, where robot bartenders serve up precision-mixed custom cocktails.
Perhaps the most striking addition to Harmony will be three colorful waterslides perched atop the ship. Situated directly above the Central Park neighborhood, the slides will provide hours of fun for the whole family.
Harmony of the Seas will officially launch in April 2016 in Europe. She will sail the Mediterranean on her maiden voyage, visiting Barcelona, Rome, and other popular ports during that summer. Then she will sail to Florida in autumn 2016. From Port Everglades, her permanent homeport, Harmony will sail 7-night Caribbean itineraries.
