The three largest cruise ships – Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and the new Harmony of the Seas – have held a historic mid-ocean meeting, greeting each other at sea for the first and possibly only time.
The three record-breaking sisters – the Harmony is the world’s largest ship at 226,963 gross tonnes – came together to celebrate the U.S. arrival of Harmony of the Seas on the eve of the ship’s debut in her new permanent homeport of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Each ship features seven themed neighbourhoods, Central Park with nearly 12,000 plants and trees, FlowRider surf simulators; multi-level loft suites with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, the outdoor AquaTheater that hosts dazzling high-diving, aquatic and acrobatic performances, a Boardwalk with a hand-carved carousel, and The Rising Tide Bar, the first moving bar at sea.
Harmony of the Seas, officially claimed the title of world’s largest cruise ship, beating her sisters by a mere foot in length and nearly 1,700 gross registered tons.
Harmony of the Seas has been on her inaugural visits around Europe after taking her first sea trials in March. The Oasis Class ships have proved a big hit for the line, with their amazing features and dramatic size.
It will now start up a permanent schedule of seven-night voyages out of Port Everglades to the Caribbean.
Harmony departed for a first, short sailing from the port, escorted out to sea by a flotilla of JetBoard and Jet pack performers. A week of welcoming events for the vessel also will include its official christening, which will take place on Nov. 10.
Harmony features the Ultimate Abyss, the most thrilling attraction ever conceived for a cruise ship. Comprised of two swirling slides, it drops nine stories from near the top of the vessel down to one of its lowest decks.
See our reviews of the Royal Caribbean ships under our ship reviews section.
