Royal Caribbean has today made history, the world’s largest cruise ship is delivered to the cruise line and a historic ceremony was held. Harmony of the Seas was delivered to the cruise line at the STX France shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France.
During the traditional ceremony at the ships AquaTheater a flag was exchanged and all the crew and workers were honoured. The ceremony was attended by key personnel from STX France and Royal Caribbean International. Harmony of the Seas has been under construction for 32 months where several major milestones were reached including the first float out on water and the keel laying.
Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd said:
“Harmony of the Seas is the product of our zealous spirit of continuous improvement, where we have combined revolutionary ship design with the technological strides that have defined the Royal Caribbean brand, Thank you to STX France for their ongoing partnership in building our ships, which continue to introduce unexpected industry innovations.”
The large 227,000 gross ton vessel is now home to 2,100 crew members as most of the contractors and workers have completed their work. The crew is doing last-minute setups ready for the ship’s first cruises out of Southampton, UK in just over a week.
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Royal Caribbean has released some stats of the world’s largest cruise ship, the ship will have 10,587 plants, 48 vine plants and 52 trees, 11,252 works of art showcased throughout the ship and 4,700,000 lbs. (2,150 tons) of water spread across many water features around the ship.
Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International said:
“Harmony is truly magnificent in every sense of the word, from her architecture and design to the level of care and attention to detail with which our incredible crew are taking to prepare for our first guests,”
“The ship is the ‘best of the best’ of what our guests love most about Royal Caribbean, combined with new and thrilling experiences never before found in one place but it is the passion and dedication of our crew that will make everlasting memories for our guests.”
Harmony of the Seas is introducing some groundbreaking features including the 100-foot long and 10-story high Ultimate Abyss Slide. The slide which is located at the aft twists and turns from deck 16 to the Boardwalk on deck 6. The ship will also feature Robotic Bartenders, first class broadway shows, dozens of dining venues including Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant and the fastest internet at sea called VOOM.
Harmony of the Seas will home port in Barcelona, Spain and embark on the first of 34 seven-night sailings in the western Mediterranean on June 7. In November 2016, Harmony will arrive at her home port of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, FL., from where she will offer seven-night eastern and western Caribbean sailings.
The world’s largest cruise ship which cost over $1 Billion to build spans 16 decks and can carry 5,479 guests at double occupancy in 2,747 staterooms.
