Harmony of the Seas shiptour

Royal Caribbean International recently hosted Cruise Adviser on a shipyard tour of its next Oasis-class vessel, Harmony of the Seas.

The ship, which will be the biggest in the world when it launches in May, is capable of holding a maximum of 6,700 guests, or 5,500 while at double occupancy. When you include RCI staff that means Harmony of the Seas can hold 8,880 people in total.

The vessel will incorporate elements of the company’s more recent Quantum-class ships, including the Bionic Bar, Jamie Oliver’s restaurant and Wonderland. In addition, it is also being installed with the world’s biggest slide, Ultimate Abyss, as well as three waterslides and a room dedicated to the gameshow Puzzle Break.

Passengers will need to be taller than 48inches to board the Ultimate Abyss.

The company also intends on taking some of the technology used on Quantum’s Two70 venue on Harmony’s Studio B.

Speaking during the tour of the STX shipyard, in St Nazaire, France, Ben Bouldin, RCI sales director said: “It’s a real honour to have Harmony of the Seas in Barcelona for her maiden season and for her to be so accessible for our UK guests – Allure of the Seas in Barcelona (Oasis Class) and Anthem of the Seas in Southampton (Quantum Class) were so popular last year that having a ship that combines their many qualities is a very exciting prospect and one our guests are already responding very positively too.

“She is a terrific example of how Royal Caribbean always strive to innovate and improve. The fact that she will be 20% more efficient than her sisters Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas is astonishing, whilst being the largest of the three by 33cms.”

Commenting on the ship’s innovations, Jean-Yves Pean, of STX shipyard, said: “We love challenges, every day. That’s why our clients always ask for more. That, and the French touch.”

Bouldin added: “This is such great news for UK & Ireland holidaymakers, with the opportunity to sail onboard Harmony of the Seas so accessible this summer. With world-class dining, entertainment and facilities onboard, she is going to be the most exciting addition to the fleet yet.”