MIAMI, May 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean
International today honored the crew and project team of the new
Harmony of the Seas at a traditional delivery and flag
changing ceremony in Saint Nazaire, France. Following 32 months of construction at
the STX France shipyard involving thousands of shipyard employees,
sub-contractors and suppliers, the world's largest and most
innovative cruise ship is now home to 2,100 crew members from 77
different nationalities. Joining the festivities in the ship's
signature AquaTheater were Richard
Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and
Michael Bayley, President and CEO of
Royal Caribbean International together with Laurent Castaing, General Manager, STX
France.
"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," said Richard D.
Fain. "Thank you to STX France for their ongoing partnership
in building our ships, which continue to introduce unexpected
industry innovations."
"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," said Michael
Bayley. "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."
Costing more than a $1billion,
Harmony of the Seas will be the 25th ship in the
Royal Caribbean fleet and boasts highly anticipated first-at-sea
experiences, including:
- A 100-foot drop with The Ultimate Abyss, the
tallest slide at sea, plunging courageous adrenaline seekers 10
stories down from deck 16 to the Boardwalk on deck 6
- 4,700,000 lbs. (2,150 tons) of water in 23 swimming pools,
whirlpools, two FlowRider surf simulators and waterslides,
including the Perfect Storm, a thrilling trio of
waterslides, and the Splashaway Bay waterpark for young
guests
- The first double-story Wonderland, the specialty
restaurant concept first introduced onboard the global cruise
line's Quantum class of ships delivering an imaginative and
whimsical feast for all the senses
- The debut of Broadway's hit musical Grease in the Royal
Theater and spectacular diving shows in the AquaTheater
- 11,252 works of art showcased throughout the ship and
Central Park, a living park in the center of the ship which
features a total of 10,587 plants, 48 vine plants and 52 trees,
some over 20 feet (6.1 meters) high
- VOOM, the fastest internet at sea, available exclusively
to Royal Caribbean guests, which allows travelers to seamlessly
stay connected, stream their favorite entertainment, video chat and
share their adventures with friends and family at home
Harmony of the Seas will homeport in Barcelona, Spain and embark on the first of 34
seven-night sailings in the western Mediterranean on June 7, exploring some of Europe's most beautiful locations. In
November 2016, Harmony will
arrive at her homeport of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, FL., from where she will
offer seven-night eastern and western Caribbean sailings. The newest member of the
fleet will join sister-ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure
of the Seas, sailing from Port Canaveral and Port Everglades
respectively, on the east coast of Florida.
Harmony of the Seas is the world's largest cruise ship
with a bold and unexpected lineup of experiences found nowhere else
on land or sea. An architectural marvel, Harmony of the Seas
combines the distinct seven neighborhood concept that Royal
Caribbean's Oasis class of ships are known for with some of the
most modern and groundbreaking amenities. Innovative features
include The Ultimate Abyss, a thrilling slide 10 stories high – the
tallest at sea, robot bartenders, virtual balconies with real-time
views of the destination for interior rooms, and VOOM – the fastest
internet at sea – so that guests can stay connected, stream their
favorite entertainment and share their adventures.
Unparalleled entertainment in the air, in water and on ice will
keep guests dazzled with exciting high-diving, acrobatic and
aquatic performances in the deepest pool at sea at the iconic
AquaTheater; an ice show extravaganza and Broadway's hit
musical Grease.
Imaginative dining in the ship's 20 venues include the widest
variety of cuisine from Wonderland, a whimsical culinary adventure
for the senses, to the popular Jamie's Italian by celebrity chef
Jamie Oliver.
Harmony of the Seas will span 16 guest decks, encompass
227,000 gross registered tons, carry 5,479 guests at double
occupancy, and feature 2,747 staterooms. For more information about
Harmony of the Seas, please visit
RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com/harmony.
Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter,
and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional
information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their
travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800)
ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.
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SOURCE Royal Caribbean International