After 32 months’ construction, a giant is born. The incredible Harmony of the Seas has made her first arrival in port.
Royal Caribbean’s 25th ship attracted a big crowd to the Southampton waterfront in the UK as the mighty vessel billed as “Europe’s biggest hotel” docked in readiness for her initial short break cruises.
To put the size of the ship in context, at 362 metres, she is more than twice the length of the MCG or 40 metres longer than the Eiffel Tower is high!
Here’s some more numbers to blow your mind.
- Cost: $1.5 billion
- Passenger capacity: 6360
- Crew: 2100
- Staterooms: 2500
- Decks: 16
- Swimming pools: 23
- Storeys: 10
- Dining venues: 20
- Hours to build: 10 million
- Also includes: Casino, movie theatre, ice skating rink
Sure, this is not for those who prefer an intimate cruise experience but regardless of personal preference, you have to admit – as a feat of engineering if nothing else – this lady is pretty darn impressive.
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As you’d imagine with this level of over-the-top grandeur, the on-board entertainment is also out of this world and includes The Ultimate Abyss, the tallest waterslide at sea with a 10-storey plunge; robotic bartenders at The Bionic Bar and even virtual balconies with real-time views of the destination.
The megaliner will sail from Southampton on a series of mini getaways to Northern Europe before embarking on her maiden cruise on May 29 arriving in Barcelona on June 5.
She will then officially launch her inaugural European summer season with the first of 34 seven-night western Mediterranean sailings on June 7.
“Harmony of the Seas is redefining cruise holidays and intriguing a new generation of travellers with a bold and unexpected line-up of first at sea innovations, while enticing them to explore the world from a new perspective,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.
One of the fantastic customer initiatives Royal Caribbean has introduced for this ship is a range of cabins designed for solo travellers who won’t be slugged a single supplement for the privilege.
*Please note, information validated at time of publishing – May 2016 – and may be subject to change.
