The world’s biggest-ever cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, is all set to make its maiden voyage from Southampton in England to its new home port in Barcelona on May 22. Before it starts sailing on its scheduled cruises for the year, here’s a look at some of the most astounding and exceptional things about this gigantic, resplendent ship that you may still not know. Read on and don’t blame us if it makes you want to cruise pronto!
1. Size does matter:
The colossal ship features a 1,400-seat theatre, a park with 12,000 plant species and a 10-storey water slide. It is capable of housing 8,500 passengers and crew. At 120,000 tonne, Harmony of the Seas is not just the widest ship ever built but its 362m length makes it taller than the Eiffel Tower itself!
2. Astounding attractions for the adventure junkie:
Did you know that the Harmony of the Seas also boasts of the world’s biggest ship-mounted water slide ever? That’s true… the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea with a whopping 10 stories will release you into a chilling 100-foot drop that twists and turns in a serpentine-like movement as you slide down. But that’s not all. To give you your fill of adrenaline, there’s also the FlowRider® surf simulator, a 43-foot tall rock-climbing wall and the signature zip line that takes you on a thrilling ride across an open-air atrium suspended nine decks above the Boardwalk.
3. A tantalising journey for the taste buds:
Harmony of Seas won’t just mesmerise you with its phenomenal scale and grandeur. It will also take you on a culinary sojourn like never before. Harmony offers guests unparalleled variety and flexibility with 20 distinct dining experiences and spots ranging, from an exclusive signature restaurant to neighborhood-specific themed venues and new twists on Royal Caribbean International’s traditions. It has also tied up with celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver and Michael Schwartz to help guests redefine their view of a truly world-class gastronomical experience.
4. Exceptional entertainment:
With Aqua Theater, custom built-Carousal, gaming arcades and Tony award-winning Broadway shows, you’ll never run out of things to do onboard Harmony of Seas. From original stage productions that will have guests dancing and jiving in their seats to high-tech and high-definition ice shows and jaw-dropping high-diving spectacles, Harmony of the Seas sets the stage for an entertainment line-up like no other.
5. Rejuvenation redefined:
No holiday is complete without considerable time spent on reenergizing oneself and really calming the senses. And Harmony will give you plenty of opportunity for that. From blissful spa treatments to workout sessions at the state-of-the-art fitness centres, Harmony boasts of the crown jewel of the cruise line’s Vitality program, the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center neighborhood. The Vitality Café, outdoor pods, the Thermal Suite offering a modern twist to the Turkish bath and the Smile-Spa will ensure that you feel reconnected with yourself and how!
6. High on Innovation:
The highly advanced technology available on Harmony of the Seas with its virtual balconies or with VOOM get high-speed internet, will please, delight and surprise in equal measure. Hop on to the Bionic Bar powered by Makr Shakr and have bionic bartenders serve you lip-smacking cocktails. Worried you might lose your way after a few drinks? Well, there’s the digital wayfinding system at your service all the time. Yes, Harmony does have an answer for it all!
7. Sailing through splendid destinations:
Debuting in May 2016 for her inaugural summer season, Harmony of the Seas will showcase Europe’s most popular cruise destinations on seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries calling on Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Provence, France; and Florence/Pisa, Rome and Naples, Italy.
8. Something for everyone:
From baby tots and nursery, kids avenues, and discos for teens, unparalleled shopping experiences at outlets like Kate Spade, Bvlgari, Cartier, Hublot, and Omega for women and the perfect blend of thrill and serenity and of course mini-golf for men, the ship has something for everyone.
9. Jaw-dropping decor:
With modern decor and state-of-the-art infrastructure, immerse in the beauty of 11,252 works of art featured onboard Harmony of Seas. Experience cruising like never before with floor-to-ceiling double-height windows which are prime for ocean view. The accommodations come with an extensive selection and variety of stateroom categories onboard this Oasis-class ship, including the luxurious, urban-style, two-level Loft Suites.
10 Medical assurance:
The ship also boasts an onboard hospital with high-end equipments catering to all the medical needs of the cruisers. The medical facilities are generally open six hours daily, but medical professionals are available 24 hours a day for acute guest or crew medical needs that may arise
