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Harmony of the Seas: Everything you need to know about the world's biggest cruise ship

The 362-metre-long ship has 23 swimming pools, the deepest pool at sea, robot bartenders and a living park in the centre of the ship, article bookmarked.

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The largest cruise ship in the world, dubbed a floating city, has docked in Southampton after setting sale from France.

The 362-metre-long Harmony of the Seas cost $1 billion (£700 million) and is larger than the Eiffel Tower.

The gargantuan vessel docked in the south coast city on Tuesday after leaving the western port town of Saint-Nazaire on Sunday ahead of its inaugural voyage onto Rotterdam.

The 16-deck ship, which has a 6,360-passenger-capacity, underwent 32 months of construction in a French shipyard, where US-based Royal Caribbean Cruises took possession of the liner earlier this month.

Weighing 227,000 tonnes, the vessel also boasts:

• 2,500 state rooms
• 20 restaurants   
• 23 swimming pools
• Central Park – a living park in the centre of the ship with more 10,000 plants and 50 trees
• 24 lifts for guests
• The Ultimate Abyss – the tallest slide at sea, plunging visitors 10 stories from deck 16 to deck 6
• The deepest pool at sea
• A double-story Wonderland specialty restaurant
• 11,252 works of art
• Robot bartenders
• Virtual balconies with real-time views of the destination for interior rooms
• 2,100 crew members from 77 different nationalities

Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, said: “ 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.”

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International: “ 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.

“The ship is the ‘best of the best’… combined with new and thrilling experiences never before found in one place.”

The Royal Caribbean ship will set sail for its first trip, a four-night cruise from Southampton to Rotterdam, on 22 May.

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Southampton welcomes world's largest cruise ship

By Rebecca Gibson | 19 May 2016

The world’s largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, arrived in the port of Southampton, UK on 17 May.

Comprising more than 500,000 individual parts, Royal Caribbean International’s latest newbuild measures 362m long, weighs 226,963gt and took 32 months to build at STX France’s Saint Nazaire yard in France. The US$1billion vessel is the 25th ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, spans 16 guest decks and can carry 5,497 guests at double occupancy.

“Harmony of the Seas is redefining 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 of Royal Caribbean International. “From thrilling onboard activities and experiences to visiting awe-inspiring destinations across the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, Harmony places guests at the forefront and encourages them to create their own adventures onboard and at every destination.”

Harmony of the Seas features Royal Caribbean’s exclusive seven neighbourhood concept, which includes the Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Centre, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone.

Innovative onboard features include robot bartenders, interior staterooms with virtual balconies, an AquaTheater, a theatre, 20 dining venues, 23 swimming pools, whirlpools, two FlowRider surf simulators, the Perfect Storm trio of waterslides, Splashaway Bay waterpark, the first two-storey Wonderland restaurant, and The Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea. In addition to 11,252 pieces of artwork, the ship will also have the Central Park, which features 10,587 plants, 48 vine plants and 52 trees, some over 20ft high. Guests will also benefit from VOOM, the fastest internet at sea.

Harmony of the Seas will sail from Southampton, UK on a series of short getaways to Northern Europe before embarking on her maiden cruise on 29 May, arriving in Barcelona, Spain on 5 June. Her inaugural summer season will include 34 seven-night western Mediterranean sailings, starting on 7 June.

In November 2016, Harmony will arrive at her homeport of Port Everglades, Florida to offer seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings. Here she will join sister ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, homeported in Port Canaveral and Port Everglades respectively, on the east coast of Florida.

Tags: Royal Caribbean International     Port of Southampton     Harmony of the Seas

Rebecca Gibson

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Vacations reinvented as the world’s largest cruise ship sails into southampton.

Royal Caribbean International’s Harmony of the Seas Makes Her World Debut, Featuring the Tallest Slide at Sea, The Ultimate Abyss

MIAMI, May 17, 2016 – The port of Southampton, U.K. was bustling today as onlookers gathered to be among the first to see the world’s largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, upon her first arrival into port. After 32 months of construction, the ship’s arrival marks a major milestone for Royal Caribbean International as Harmony becomes the 25 th ship in the fleet.

“ Harmony of the Seas is redefining vacations and intriguing a new generation of travelers 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. “From thrilling onboard activities and experiences to visiting awe-inspiring destinations across the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, Harmony places guests at the forefront and encourages them to create their own adventures onboard and at every destination.”

Intricately built with more than 500,000 individual parts, Harmony measures 362 meters (1,188 feet), nearly four football (soccer) fields long, and encompasses 226,963 gross registered tons.

The newest addition to the family combines the distinct seven-neighborhood concept that Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class of ships are known for with a lineup of the most modern and groundbreaking vacation amenities. Innovative features include The Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea with a 10-story plunge; robot bartenders at The Bionic Bar, powered by Makr Shakr; virtual balconies with real-time views of the destination and VOOM – the fastest internet at sea – so that guests can stay connected, stream their favorite entertainment and share their adventures with family and friends back at home.

Harmony of the Seas will sail from Southampton, U.K. on a series of short getaways to Northern Europe before embarking on her maiden cruise on May 29, arriving in Barcelona, Spain on June 5. The unparalleled cruise ship and her 2,100 dedicated crew members then will officially launch her inaugural summer season with the first of 34 seven-night western Mediterranean sailings on June 7.

In November 2016, Harmony will arrive at her homeport of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 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 , homeported in 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 thrilling experiences found nowhere else on land or at sea. Harmony  combines the distinct seven-neighborhood concept that sister ships  Oasis of the Seas  and  Allure of the Seas  are known for, with some of the most modern and groundbreaking amenities including imaginative dining, unparalleled entertainment and the latest technology, including VOOM, the fastest internet at sea. From the Ultimate Abyss, a thrilling 10-story tall slide, to unparalleled entertainment including Broadway’s hit musical  Grease  and high-diving, acrobatic performances in the ship’s iconic AquaTheater, world-class dining in venues ranging from Jamie’s Italian Cuisine by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to Wonderland, a unique whimsical culinary adventure for the senses; and robot bartenders, there is an adventure for guests of all ages onboard  Harmony.

Harmony of the Seas  spans 16 guest decks, encompasses 227,000 gross registered tons, carries 5,497 guests at double occupancy, and features 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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The world’s largest cruise ship Oasis of the Seas arrives in Southampton, England, on Wednesday. The ship will dock into Southampton for a one day stay stop before departing for the US

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I sailed on Royal Caribbean's 2 largest cruise ships. They were shockingly similar for the $1,000 difference

• Royal Caribbean operates many of the cruise industry's biggest ships.
• Icon of the Seas  launched in January, dethroning its predecessor, Wonder of the Seas, as the world's largest.
• Here's how the two mega-ships compare in size, neighborhoods, amenities, dining, cabins, and costs.

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's new mega-cruise ship darling, was deemed a success before it was even built.

In January, the highly anticipated vessel — complete with more than 40 bars and restaurants, a six-slide waterpark, and a waterfall — set sail, dethroning its less than two-year-old precursor, the Wonder of the Seas , as the world's largest cruise ship.

Before its debut, Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, had already repeatedly called Icon its "best-selling product" yet. The company experienced its largest booking day ever when reservations opened for Icon of the Seas more than a year before its launch, it said

Despite all of this fanfare, you might be surprised by how similar it is to its predecessor.

I've sailed on both ships. Let's see how Icon and Wonder compare in six categories: size, neighborhoods, amenities, dining, cabins, and costs.

Both ships stunt the size of their competitors.

Wonder of the Seas debuted in 2022 as the then-world's largest cruise liner, measuring 235,600 gross-tons, 1,188 feet-long, and 18 decks-tall. The ship can accommodate up to 9,288 people, including 2,204 crew.

Icon of the Seas is, comparatively, 13,063 gross-tons heavier, eight feet longer, and two decks taller. It can sail up to 9,950 people, including 2,350 crew, although it's 52 feet less wide than its predecessor.

Both vessels feel more like amusement parks than traditional cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean invited me on complimentary, non-revenue sailings on both ships: two nights on Wonder in late 2022 and three nights on Icon in January.

I spent most of my time lost, overwhelmed, and exhausted.

It's no surprise both ships are operating weeklong itineraries this year. Any less, and you might not have time to experience all the activities and restaurants on your list.

Like other Royal Caribbean ships, Wonder and Icon have eight 'neighborhoods' that serve separate purposes.

The new ship shares three of Wonder of the Seas' neighborhoods : Central Park, Royal Promenade, and Suite.

Icon's other five — Thrill Island , Surfside, Hideaway, Chill Island, and AquaDome — are a first for the cruise line.

Many of the ships' amenities overlap, but in differing quantities.

Wonder has three waterslides. Icon has a six-slide waterpark complete with rafting and racing options.

Both have increasingly popular cruise amenities like decks-long dry slides, mini-golf courses, rock climbing walls, and playgrounds.

But instead of Wonder of the Seas' zipline , Icon of the Seas has Crown's Edge, a thrilling agility course with a small zipline that leaves travelers dangling 154 feet above the ocean.

Wonder’s Boardwalk neighborhood was my go-to.

Boardwalk delivered exactly as it had promised: an open-air space grounded by wood-planked floors, a hot dog stand, a sweets store, and kitschy, colorful decor.

Icon of the Seas' Surfside , designed for families with young children, felt like its closest dupe.

Both neighborhoods had a carousel, an outdoor playground, and family-friendly dining. But Surfside was more toddler-friendly, as suggested by the children's water play area and nighttime story readings.

On to entertainment: Both mega-ships have ice skating performances and exciting multi-disciplinary shows at the AquaTheater.

But travelers who enjoy musicals at sea will want to stick to Icon.

Unlike its predecessor, the new ship shows a rendition of Broadway hit "The Wizard of Oz" — Munchkins, a puppet Toto, and a 16-piece live band included.

The layout of Icon's amenities were better than its cousin.

Some of Wonder of the Seas' enticing outdoor amenities — like the surf simulator, zipline, and mini-golf course — are clustered on the deck above and away from the pools and water slides.

This layout might be difficult for parents with children who bounce from one activity to the next. Wouldn't it be easier to have all of these outdoor extras near each other, or at least on the same deck, for parental supervision purposes?

This is where Icon of the Seas excelled: All its exciting open-air activities were adjacent.

The rows of pools flowed perfectly into Thrill Island's waterpark , rock climbing walls, mini-golf course, and Crown's Edge.

The best part? The adult-only Hideaway — which flexes an infinity pool club with a DJ — is right behind Thrill Island, creating a clear separation between parents and their children without being too far from each other.

'Free' options like the buffet and build-your-own tacos and burritos bar are available on both ships.

But you won't find the larger vessel's five-stall food hall or mini-golf-adjacent finger food stand on Wonder.

As expected, Icon of the Seas has more dining options than its predecessor, although there are some overlaps.

Wonder of the Seas has 11 bars and 21 dining venues (9 complimentary and 12 upcharged).

Icon of the Seas has eight more bars, four more complimentary restaurants, and three more specialty dining choices.

Nor will you find the new ship’s plush $200-a-person Empire Supper Club on any other cruise liner.

The multi-course dinner, paired with cocktails and live music, stunts the cost of either vessel's other dinner options.

But if you love Johnny Rockets, you’ll be disappointed by Icon of the Seas.

Restaurants like the popular burger chain and Southern comfort-inspired Mason Jar are only on Wonder of the Seas. Fine by me: My fried chicken at Mason Jar was as dry as a desert.

The younger ship doesn't have Wonder's robot bartender-armed bar either. It does, however, have new watering holes with dueling pianos and live jazz.

Surprisingly, Wonder of the Seas has 65 more cabins than its new cousin.

But several of Icon's 28 stateroom categories are a first for the cruise line.

This includes the new family infinite balcony cabin, which has a small bunk bed nook for children.

Royal Caribbean assigned me an ocean-view balcony stateroom on both ships.

My Wonder of the Seas' cabin was 20 square-feet smaller than the one on Icon. But my bathroom on the latter was so tiny, I accidentally elbowed the walls at almost every turn.

Sailing on the world's largest cruise ship doesn't mean you'll have the world's largest cabin after all.

Wonder and Icon are both operating seven-night roundtrip itineraries from Florida to the Caribbean.

In 2024, Wonder of the Seas is scheduled for year-round sailings from Port Canaveral to the Caribbean and Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , starting at $700 per person.

Icon of the Seas is spending its first year in service operating nearly identical itineraries but from Miami instead. The cheapest 2024 option is $1,786 per person.

That's a difference of more than $125 per person per day.

"Bookings and pricing for Icon of the Seas can only be described as 'iconic,'" Naftali Holtz, the CFO of Royal Caribbean Group, told analysts in February.

Icon of the Seas’ name speaks for itself.

If your family is looking for a jam-packed kid-friendly cruise with enough amenities to stay entertained for a week, both ships are a great option.

But if you're a seasoned mega-ship-cruiser looking to experience something new, Icon of the Seas is your best bet.

They may be similar, but no other behemoth cruise liner has a waterpark for children and a pool club for adults just dozens of feet from each other.

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Ship Photos of the Day – World’s Largest Cruise Ship Pulls Into Southampton

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The worlds largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, arrives in port for her mayden voyage, in Southampton, Britain May 17, 2016. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

The world’s largest cruise ship pulled into the Port of Southampton on Tuesday ahead of its maiden cruise later this month. 

The Harmony of the Seas was delivered to Royal Caribbean last week  following 32 months of construction at the STX France shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France.

The cruise ship is the third vessel in Royal Caribbean’s record-breaking Oasis -class ,  measuring 362 meters (1,188 feet) long and weighing in at 226,963 gross registered tons. Harmony of the Seas is slightly larger than it’s two predecessors, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas , which are  225,282 GRT. Both ships were built at the former STX Europe shipyard in Turku, Finland (now Meyer Turku). 

STX Europe was won the contract to build Oasis 3 in 2012, providing a much-needed boost to the French shipbuilding industry and a huge blow to Finland, so much so that the Finnish government asked the  European Commission probe deal.  The contract for Oasis 3 at the time was said to be in excess of €1 billion, or approximately US $1.33 billion. 

The ship has the capacity to carry a staggering 5,479 guests in 2,747 staterooms, and is home to 2,100 crew.

Harmony of the Seas will sail from Southampton on a series of short cruises to Northern Europe before embarking on her maiden cruise on May 29, arriving in Barcelona, Spain on June 5, where it will spend its inaugural summer season sailing seven-night cruises to the western Mediterranean.

In November 2016, the ship will arrive at her homeport of Port Everglades, Florida where the vessel will offer seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings.  Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are also homeported on the east coast of Florida in Port Canaveral and Port Everglades respectively.

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They like big boats and they cannot lie.

For many of the first passengers on the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the onboard reality of the $2 billion behemoth lived up to the over-the-top hype.

During back-to-back preview sailings from the Port of Miami in late January, travel agents, special guests, members of the media and selfie-snapping influencers giddily explored as much as they could of the 20-story floating city that boasts eight distinct neighborhoods — and can hold nearly 10,000 passengers and crew at full capacity.

As they ate and drank across the ship a shared sentiment formed: Big is indeed beautiful.

“I think it’s definitely a game-changer,” said Tywana Minor, founder of Live Travel Go, a boutique travel agency based in Atlanta. “You can literally be on the ship for a few days and still not even experience everything.”

The first bunch on board explored the myriad offerings with a sort of collective awe. Couples clinked flutes of champagne at the walk-up Bubbles bar in the Central Park neighborhood, one of 40 bars and restaurants on board.

“You can literally be on the ship for a few days and still not even experience everything” Tywana Minor, founder of Live Travel Go

Adults giggled like nervous adolescents as they blasted down water slides with names like Frightening Bolt and Storm Surge in the 17,000-square-foot water park. Pint-sized passengers, meanwhile, found nirvana at Surfside, a family-centric area complete with a beach-themed carousel and wading pool.

A few lucky souls even had the good fortune to snag perhaps the most coveted reservation on the high seas: the 38-seat Empire Supper Club, an eight-course dinner complete with cocktail pairings and live jazz. The fine-dining experience, which costs $200 per person, is fully booked for the next few months.

But it wasn’t just Icon’s splashy main attractions wowing passengers: Surprises awaited around seemingly every corner of the 1,198-foot ship, including pop-up piano performances, magicians and a duo of donut-costumed employees at the breakfast buffet every morning pointing guests toward rows of sinks and reminding them to “washy washy before yummy yummy!”

For many passengers, adjusting to Icon’s staggering size — it’s nearly as long as four New York City blocks — presented a learning curve in itself. Even with signage everywhere, getting lost at some point was a given. Furthermore, the ship’s design — a vast open-air interior with elevators located forward and aft but not in the middle — almost guarantees that passengers will hit (or exceed) their daily step count.

“If you don’t like walking around a lot, this ship is not gonna be for you,” said Linda Miranda , a Newburgh, NY-based travel franchise owner with Cruise Planners.

As an antidote to the go-go-go vibe, Icon’s massive square footage also includes plenty of tranquil nooks and crannies ideal for kicking back and catching your breath: bed loungers overlooking the ocean; cornucopias of outdoor couches and chairs across various decks; and cozy, nest-like booths in the AquaDome, an area featuring a waterfall and wraparound ocean views.

“There are so many spaces that you’re not going to feel the 7,600 passengers it can hold fully occupied,” Miranda said.

To escape the sensory overload altogether, retreat to their staterooms. There are 28 room categories; the most basic accommodations are 157-square-foot interior plus cabins, with rates starting at $3,600 per week for two people.

Meanwhile, one-percenters can splash out with the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, which spoils eight guests with amenities like a private patio, outdoor hot tub, in-suite slide, cinema and popcorn machine, and kids’ room. The suite costs, on average, $100,000 per week.

So far, passengers are showing an insatiable appetite for Icon and its outsized experience. When the ship was first announced in October 2022, it broke records as the largest booking day and week in Royal Caribbean’s then 53-year history, according to the cruise line. And the remainder of 2024 sailings are almost sold out, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed.

But since Icon is the first of a new class of megaships by Royal Caribbean — two more are on the way, with Star of the Seas scheduled to debut in August 2025 — there’s plenty more big fun on the horizon. It’s a prospect that has the chubby chasers of the cruise community twitterpated.

“These news ships, I don’t know how they keep building them bigger and bigger,” said Howard Schildhouse — a retired accountant who writes about his travels on his blog, “ It Must Be Wanderlust ” — “but they do.”

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The world's largest cruise ship and its supersized pollution problem

As Harmony of the Seas sets sail from Southampton docks on Sunday she will leave behind a trail of pollution – a toxic problem that is growing as the cruise industry and its ships get ever bigger

This article is the subject of a legal complaint made on behalf of Royal Caribbean International

When the gargantuan Harmony of the Seas slips out of Southampton docks on Sunday afternoon on its first commercial voyage, the 16-deck-high floating city will switch off its auxiliary engines, fire up its three giant diesels and head to the open sea.

But while the 6,780 passengers and 2,100 crew on the largest cruise ship in the world wave goodbye to England, many people left behind in Southampton say they will be glad to see it go. They complain that air pollution from such nautical behemoths is getting worse every year as cruising becomes the fastest growing sector of the mass tourism industry and as ships get bigger and bigger.

The Harmony, owned by Royal Caribbean, has two four-storey high 16-cylinder Wärtsilä engines which would, at full power, each burn 1,377 US gallons of fuel an hour, or about 66,000 gallons a day of some of the most polluting diesel fuel in the world.

In port, and close to US and some European coasts, the Harmony must burn low sulphur fuel or use abatement technologies. But, says Colin MacQueen, who lives around 400 yards from the docks and is a member of new environment group Southampton Clean Air, the fumes from cruise liners and bulk cargo ships are “definitely” contributing to Southampton’s highly polluted air.

“We can smell, see and taste it. These ships are like blocks of flats. Sometimes there are five or more in the docks at the same time. The wind blows their pollution directly into the city and as far we can tell, there is no monitoring of their pollution. We are pushing for them to use shore power but they have resisted.”

“The liners pollute, but the road traffic that they and the cargo ships generate is also huge,” he adds.

Royal Caribbean, the US owners of the Harmony of the Seas, said that the latest and most efficient pollution control systems were used and that the ship met all legal requirements.

Industry body Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) added that companies had “invested significantly over the last decade to develop new technologies to help reduce air emissions”.

But marine pollution analysts in Germany and Brussels said that such a large ship would probably burn at least 150 tonnes of fuel a day, and emit more sulphur than several million cars, more NO2 gas than all the traffic passing through a medium-sized town and more particulate emissions than thousands of London buses.

According to leading independent German pollution analyst Axel Friedrich, a single large cruise ship will emit over five tonnes of NOX emissions, and 450kg of ultra fine particles a day.

Bill Hemmings, marine expert at Brussels-based Transport and Environment group said: “These ships burn as much fuel as whole towns. They use a lot more power than container ships and even when they burn low sulphur fuel, it’s 100 times worse than road diesel.”

“Air pollution from international shipping accounts for around 50,000 premature deaths per year in Europe alone, at an annual cost to society of more than €58bn [ $65bn],” says the group on its website.

Daniel Rieger, a transport officer at German environment group Nabu, said: “Cruise companies create a picture of being a bright, clean and environmentally friendly tourism sector. But the opposite is true. One cruise ship emits as many air pollutants as five million cars going the same distance because these ships use heavy fuel that on land would have to be disposed of as hazardous waste.”

Nabu has measured pollution in large German ports and found high concentrations of pollutants. “Heavy fuel oil can contain 3,500 times more sulphur than diesel that is used for land traffic vehicles. Ships do not have exhaust abatement technologies like particulate filters that are standard on passenger cars and lorries,” says Rieger.

Southampton, which has Britain’s second largest container port and is Europe’s busiest cruise terminal, is one of nine UK cities cited by the World Health Organisation as breaching air quality guidelines even though it has little manufacturing.

“Up to five large liners a day can be berthed in the docks at the same time, all running engines 24/7, said Chris Hinds, vice chair of the Southampton docks watchdog group WDCF. “Pollution from the port is leading to asthma and chest diseases. We are now seeing more, bigger liners but also very large bulk cargo ships.”

According to CLIA, the cruise ship industry is now one of the fastest growing sectors in the mass tourism market, with 24 million passengers expected to sail in 2016 , compared to 15 million in 2006 and just 1.4 million in 1980.

“The industry shows no signs of slowing down. It generated $119.9bn (£83bn) in total output worldwide in 2015, supporting 939,232 full-time equivalent jobs,” said a spokesman.

“The luxury sector is seeing the most amazing growth that it has ever seen in its history,” said Larry Pimentel, president of Azamara club cruises.

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World’s largest cruise ship arrives into southampton.

The world’s largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas arrived in Southampton port today.

After 32 months of construction,  Harmony becomes the 25th ship in the Royal Caribbean International  fleet.

“Harmony of the Seas is redefining 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.

“From thrilling onboard activities and experiences to visiting awe-inspiring destinations across the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, Harmony places guests at the forefront and encourages them to create their own adventures onboard and at every destination.” Built with more than 500,000 individual parts, the ship measures 362 metres (1,188 feet), nearly four football pitches long, and weighs 226,963 gross registered tons. It combines the seven-neighbourhood concept that Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class of ships are known for, with a lineup of modern holiday amenities.

Innovative features include Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea with a 10-storey plunge; robot bartenders at The Bionic Bar, powered by Makr Shakr; virtual balconies with real-time views of the destination and VOOM – the fastest internet at sea – so that guests can stay connected, stream their favourite entertainment and share their adventures with family and friends back at home. Harmony of the Seas will sail from Southampton, UK on a series of short getaways to Northern Europe before embarking on her maiden cruise on May 29, arriving in Barcelona, Spain on June 5.

The unparalleled cruise ship and her 2,100 dedicated crew members then will officially launch her inaugural summer season with the first of 34 seven-night western Mediterranean sailings on June 7. In November 2016, Harmony will arrive at her homeport of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 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, homeported in Port Canaveral and Port Everglades respectively, on the east coast of Florida.

For more information visit RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com/harmony

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TERMS PRIVACY

The largest ship to ever dock at Southampton

• Hampshire & Isle of Wight
• Monday 12 March 2018 at 8:22pm

Watch Emma Wilkinson's full report below

The seventh biggest ship in the world has visited Southampton on her maiden voyage

The 400m-long CMA CGM Antoine De Saint Exupery is the biggest ship to ever call at the port.

Due to changes in the global shipping industry and the drive to be as economical and efficient as possible, the port is seeing fewer vessel calls but the vessels are much bigger.

And the company behind the ship, CMA CGM, says its vessels are getting greener and greener all the time.

It says not only is this ship technically advanced in terms of fuel efficiency and her green credentials, it will soon become the first shipping company to choose liquefied natural gas for its even bigger ships being delivered in 2020.

In a bid to be at the forefront on the industry, the Port of Southampton has invested hundreds of millions of pounds in recent years expanding, building bigger cranes and creating deeper channels so it can handle the bigger ships.

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What Is The Biggest Cruise Ship In The World?

The biggest cruise ship in the world is currently Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas . This impressive ship is a marvel of engineering and design, boasting a staggering 18 decks and a capacity of 6,680 passengers and 2,200 crew members.

Symphony of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class of ships, which are known for their size and innovative features. This ship measures 1,188 feet long and 216 feet wide, making it almost as long as the Empire State Building is tall.

One of the standout features of Symphony of the Seas is its Central Park. An open-air space located in the middle of the ship that is lined with trees, plants, and cafes. This unique feature gives passengers the feeling of being in a lush garden oasis while at sea.

Other notable features of Symphony of the Seas include its 10-story slide, zip line, mini-golf course, rock climbing wall, ice-skating rink, and the tallest slide at sea, the Ultimate Abyss. There are also multiple swimming pools and hot tubs, as well as a variety of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.

In terms of accommodations, Symphony of the Seas offers a wide range of options, from cozy interior cabins to spacious suites with private balconies and personal butlers. There are also family-friendly staterooms with bunk beds and play areas, as well as suites with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms that can accommodate larger groups.

Despite its size, Symphony of the Seas is designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all of its passengers. The ship features advanced technology to reduce motion and noise, as well as a variety of activities and entertainment options to keep everyone entertained.

Overall, Symphony of the Seas is a truly impressive ship that offers a one-of-a-kind cruising experience. Book your next voyage on the biggest cruise ship in the world by calling us on 02380 658 386 for more information and prices.

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Sailing away: World's largest cruise ship which is bigger than The Titanic leaves Southampton on her maiden voyage

• Harmony of the Seas, which cost almost £800million and weighs 227,000 tonnes, has been docked for a week now
• Huge ship will burn 1,147 gallons of fuel an hour, equivalent to 376million cars, environmental campaigners claim 
• Ship, nearly 330 foot longer than Titanic, set sail 5.30pm Saturday on four-night cruise to Rotterdam, Netherlands  
• Vessel made in France and stretches to  1,187 feet which means it is 165 feet longer than the iconic Eiffel Tower 

By James Dunn For Mailonline

Published: 21:06 EDT, 22 May 2016 | Updated: 02:24 EDT, 23 May 2016

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The world's largest ship which is 330ft longer than the infamous Titanic today set sail from Southampton on its maiden voyage to Rotterdam. 

Harmony of the Seas, which cost almost £800million to build and weighs 227,000 tonnes. sailed past the Isle of Wight last night on its way to the Netherlands on the four-night cruise.

The huge ship, which it is claimed burns 1,147 gallons of fuel an hour - equivalent to 376million cars - will return later this week before heading off to Cherbourg for a three-night cruise, then to Barcelona later this month.

The Royal Caribbean ship has capacity for 6,000 people and has facilities including waterslides, an ampitheatre, and high-street restaurants. 

Scroll down for video 

The world's largest ship which is 330ft longer than the infamous Titanic today set sail from Southampton on its maiden voyage to Rotterdam

Harmony of the Seas, which cost almost £800million to build and weighs 227,000 tonnes. sailed past the Isle of Wight last night on its way to the Netherlands on the four-night cruise

Tug boats guide the UASC Al Khor container ship past the moored Harmony of the Seas cruise ship in Southampton

The widest cruise ship ever built, its 362-metre length makes it 50 metres longer than the height of the Eiffel Tower

Children play basketball near the world's largest passenger ship, which welcomed passengers for its maiden voyage earlier today

The ship was packed with holidaymakers who stood on the top deck to wave to those that gathered on the shore to see it set sail

Crowds gathered on the shore to watch the hulking boat leave the port on the first of a number of cruises it will embark upon this month

Harmony of the Seas, which cost almost £0.8billion to build and weighs 227,000 tonnes, was helped from Saint-Nazaire port by six tug boats this afternoon

Although there's no passengers on board yet the ship, which is nearly 330 foot longer than Titanic, has around 500 crew as its continues its sea trial until Sunday

The ship was helped out of the port by several tugs which had to turn the huge vessel and guide it out to the open sea

Three pilots who have trained on a simulator in nearby Nantes for the past year, helped the captain in the tricky manoeuvres needed to guide the hulking ship out of the Saint-Nazaire estuary

Harmony Of The Seas is the biggest ever cruise ship with capacity for 6,000 passengers

Due to the ship's sheer size it could still be seen miles away from the shoreline after the leaving the port in western France

Even when it was miles away from western France the 210 feet tall ship, with capacity for 6,000 passengers, could still be seen from the shore line as thousands of people gathered to see it on the water for the first time.

For months, tourists have been allowed aboard to wonder at the luxury interiors of the ship that has 18 decks and stretches to 1,187 feet.

Three pilots who have trained on a simulator in nearby Nantes for the past year, helped the captain in the tricky manoeuvres needed to guide the hulking ship out of the Saint-Nazaire estuary for tests in March.

For months, tourists have been allowed aboard to wonder at the luxury interiors of the ship that has 18 decks and stretches to 1,187 feet

Guests can expect to be entertained in luxury rooms and suites across all 18 decks of the enormous cruise ship 

There are several breathtaking promenades on the boat which allow passengers to further explore parts of the ship 

There are also two FlowRiders with simulated waves for surfing and two rock-climbing walls. There is ice-skating in the indoor rink, where you can hurtle round or cut a figure of eight

The ship features a state-of-the-art theatre with an award-winning Broadway-style productions and aerial acts

Guests can obtain membership which gives concierge access, complimentary continental breakfast, and evening drinks

 The ship features The Ultimate Abyss which flings thrill-seekers down 10 decks, at more than 150 feet above the waves, in one of a pair of tunnel slides which include scary noises and glimpses of the synchronised swimming and acrobatic diving in the AquaTheater

The ship features a sports court, suites, a youth zone, pool and waterpark as well as a gym and spa

This diagram of the ship gives an idea of its size and the number of areas onboard which passengers can visit and explore

THE SHIP'S FACTS AND FIGURES

Ship's height: 210 feet

Length: 1,187 feet 

Width: 216 feet  

Weight: 227,000 tonnes

Number of decks: 18 

Crew size: 2,000

Passenger capacity: 6,000   

Cost to build: £0.8billion 

The tugs first helped the ship back out of its berth before turning it around and then guiding it out to the open sea. 

The pilots will leave the vessel once it is 12 miles out at sea.

When it is fully operational with passengers it will have 2,000 crew. It is more than three feet wider than the previous two largest ships in the world, Allure of the Seas and the Oasis of the Seas.

Those ships are also owned by Royal Caribbean International which started work on Harmony in September 2013.

The next trial of Harmony will take place before the end of April, with delivery set for May 12. The purpose of trial this weekend is to test the ship's engine and how well it manoeuvres. 

If the trials are a success it will head to the port of Southampton in May before it sets sail for Barcelona for its first cruise around the Mediterranean. 

Construction work still underway in February as it was prepared for its two trial runs and first commercial voyage in May

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With a capacity of 6,000 passengers and 2,000 crew members, the Harmony of the Seas, built by STX France for the Royal Caribbean International, will be the world's largest ship cruise

Harmony of the Seas: The impressive ship is travelling up the English Channel to France then back to Southampton this weekend, ahead of its maiden voyage

HARMONY OF THE SEAS' FEATURES - FROM THE TALLEST HELTER-SKELTER AT SEA TO ITS OWN ICE-SKATING RINK

The ship features The Ultimate Abyss which flings thrill-seekers down 10 decks, at more than 150 feet above the waves, in one of a pair of tunnel slides which include scary noises and glimpses of the synchronised swimming and acrobatic diving in the AquaTheater.

More fun can be had flying through the air on a zip wire for a seagull's eye view of the ship's merry-go-round, deck games, hot dog stand, Johnny Rockets Fifties-style diner and new Sabor Mexican restaurant on the Boardwalk nine decks below.

The Boardwalk is also overlooked by the floor-to-ceiling windows of three-deck-high Dazzles dance lounge.

Head to deck 18 to race down the Perfect Storm trio of waterslides, snaking down above the 40 tall trees and 12,000 other plants of Central Park. One of the slides will swirl you around in a giant bowl before flushing you out.

There are also two FlowRiders with simulated waves for surfing and two rock-climbing walls. There is ice-skating in the indoor rink, where you can hurtle round or cut a figure of eight.

There are 18 decks inside the 227,000 tonne vessel with room for theatres, water parks and fitness facilities

And if you feel like a ten-mile run, just do 25 circuits of the track on deck five, waving to the yoga and spinning classes in the new studios bolted on to the side of the ship.

While the child-free can retreat to the four whirlpools suspended over the ocean in the adults-only, three-deck-high Solarium, small children can play in Splashaway Bay, a big water park with little slides.

The Royal Theatre, which seats 1,380, is the place to see a production of Grease and Royal Caribbean’s original show Columbus, The Musical! 

The next trial of Harmony will take place before the end of April, with delivery set for May 12. The purpose of trial this weekend is to test the ship's engine and how well it manoeuvres 

What was recently just a building site and an ambitious plan is now a majestic, multi-entertainment game-changer for the cruising industry

Friendly staff seem well trained and more than able to help with any difficulties or frustrated passengers

Padding around the spacious veranda walkways it is surprising how relaxing it feels to be aboard such a mighty behemoth

The area is vibrant with an eclectic design that adds a liveliness to the dining experience and has recognisable names such as Jamie's Italian (left) to sample

As only half the ship’s capacity of 6000 are currently aboard the pre-inaugural cruise it feels relatively calm and relaxed. The empty pools and water slides are pictured (left and right)

Although some pools were still being filled today, the much-anticipated water slides drew the excited first passengers to deck 18 

The dining floor has around 100 eateries which are all open and ready to serve curious diners

When it is fully operational with passengers it will have 2,000 crew. It is more than three feet wider than the previous two largest cruise ships in the world, Allure of the Seas and the Oasis of the Seas 

If the trials are a success the ship will head to the port of Southampton in May before it sets sail for Barcelona for its first cruise around the Mediterranean 

A worker cleans a ceiling inside the Harmony of the Seas cruise ship when it was under construction at the STX shipyard of Saint-Nazaire

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The top 10 biggest cruise ships in the world

M odern cruise ships continue to grow in size, with the biggest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas , launching at the start of this year, and her sister ship the Star of the Seas expected to surpass her in size.

Both of these ships are operated by Royal Caribbean International, which operates five of the ten largest cruise ships in the world. Carnival Corporation, arguably the biggest cruise company in the world, features three times on the list through its subsidiaries P&O Cruises and Costa Cruises.

All of the heaviest cruise ships in the world were built within the last 20 years, although the majority – six of the ten – were built within the last five years.

So, here are the top ten biggest cruise ships in the world, by gross tonnage. 

10. P&O Cruises MS Arvia : 185,581 gross tonnes

The MS Arvia is P&O Cruises’ fourth ship to be built by German shipyard Meyer Werft. Weighing in at 185,581 gross tonnes, the 345m (1,130-foot) Arvia is slightly larger than her sister ship, the MS Iona . The 20-deck ship is the largest ship commissioned for the British cruise market and has a maximum passenger capacity of 6,264 passengers, with 1,800 crew onboard. 

The ship is the second liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered Excellence-class vessel for P&O, following the Iona . Arvia is powered by a 61,760kW LNG drive system, with a propulsion power of 37 megawatts. The LNG-powered propulsion system allows the vessel to sail at a maximum speed of 21.5 knots.

After being floated out in August 2022, the Arvia mainly operates itineraries around the Caribbean or the Mediterranean.

9. Costa Cruises – Costa Smeralda : 185,010 gross tonnes

The Costa Smeralda is the first LNG-powered vessel in the Costa Cruises fleet. With a gross tonnage of 185,010gt, the 20-deck Excellence-class ship measures 337m (1,106 feet) in length. The second LNG-powered cruise ship to enter operation in the world, she has a maximum capacity of 6,554 passengers with 1,646 crew and a service speed of 21.5 knots.

Construction of the Costa Smeralda began at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland, in September 2017. Meyer Turku collaborated with the Meyer Werft Papenburg shipyard to develop and integrate the LNG propulsion plant for the ship. She is fitted with four 16-cylinder, Caterpillar MaK 16VM46DF engines, with 15.4 megawatts (20,710 horsepower) output per engine, resulting in a maximum power of  37 megawatts (50,000 horsepower).

The ship, which was named after the Emerald Coast of Sardinia, entered service in December 2019 , departing Savona on its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean, where it has sailed since.

8. Costa Cruises – Costa Toscana : 186,364 gross tonnes

The Costa Toscana is the sister ship of the Costa Smeralda and is also powered by LNG . measuring 337m (1,106 feet) long and weighing in at 186,364 gross tonnes, the Toscana has a maximum capacity of 6,338 passengers and 1,678 staff across her 20 decks.

Like her sister ship, the Toscana was also built at the Meyer shipyard in Finland, with construction completed in 2021. She is also powered by four MaK-Caterpillar engines, with a total power of 57.2 megawatts (76,706 horsepower), and two ABB Azipod motors , resulting in a service speed of 17 knots.

Named in homage to the Tuscany region of Italy, Costa Toscana mainly sails around the Mediterranean Sea but Costa Cruises has also used the ship to sail itineraries further afield, such as around Brazil and the UAE.

7. MSC Cruises – MSC World Europa : 215,863 gross tonnes

The only entry in the top ten from MSC Cruises, MSC World Europa measures 333m (1,094 feet) in length. With 215,863 gross tonnage, she can house more people than any other ship in the MSC fleet: up to 6,762 passengers across 2,633 cabins spread over 22 decks, in addition to 2,138 crew.

Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, the World Europa ’s LNG-power propulsion system was subcontracted to Finland-based Wärtsilä. Five LNG-powered, 14-cylinder Wartsila 46DF dual-fuel engines power the vessel, with a propulsion power of 44 megawatts ( 59,005 horsepower). She also features nitrogen oxide reduction (NOR) units, two Wartsila LNGPac fuel storage and supply systems, seven thrusters, and two fixed-pitch propellers. 

The MSC World Europa was floated out at the end of 2021 and was initially used as an accommodation vessel for fans attending the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with the ship berthed at Doha Port in Qatar during the tournament. Following the competition, the ship subsequently travelled several routes around the UAE, before sailing to the Mediterranean, where it has sailed itineraries since.

6. Royal Caribbean International – Allure of the Seas : 225,282 gross tonnes

The first of many entries on this list operated by Royal Caribbean, Allure of the Seas weighs in at 225,282 gross tonnes. Measuring 362m (1,187 feet), she is only 50mm (2 inches) longer than her sister ship the Oasis of the Seas . The Allure has a maximum capacity of 6,780 passengers and 2,200 crew across 18 decks.

Built at the Turku Shipyard in Finland, the Allure took two years to build , floating out in 2010. She features six Wärtsilä 46 diesel engines with a total power output of 97 megawatts (130,053 horsepower). It is propelled by three electric Azipod azimuth thrusters. The ship can travel at a cruising speed of 22 knots.

With a homeport of Galveston, Texas in the US, the Allure mainly serves itineraries around the Bahamas but she is scheduled to sail routes around the Mediterranean in 2025.

5. Royal Caribbean International – Oasis of the Seas : 226,838 gross tonnes

The oldest ship on this list, the Oasis of the Seas has been in service for over a decade. She was the biggest cruise ship at the time when floated out in 2009, with a gross tonnage of 226,838gt and a length of 360m (1,181 feet). The Oasis has a maximum capacity of 6,699 passengers and 2,181 staff across 18 decks.

The Oasis took two years to build at the Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland, with the keel laid on 12 November 2007 and the ship arriving at her homeport of Port Everglades in Florida, US, on 13 November 2009.

The Oasis is powered by eight Wärtsilä V12 diesel engines, which generate 5.6 megawatts (7,500 horsepower) each, alongside four bow thrusters. The main propulsion system consists of three 20-megawatt (26,820 horsepower) electric Azipod motors, resulting in a combined propulsion power of 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) and a standard cruising speed of 23 knots.

The Oasis mainly operates routes around the Caribbean, but occasionally repositions to offer itineraries in the Mediterranean.

4. Royal Caribbean International – Harmony of the Seas : 226,963 gross tonnes

The third Oasis-class ship built by Royal Caribbean, Harmony of the Seas weighed in bigger than her existing sister ships at launch in 2016, with 226,963 gross tonnage, but she has since been surpassed by newer vessels. With a total length of 362m (1,188 feet), Harmony has a maximum capacity of 6,780 passengers and 2,300 staff across 18 decks.

Royal Caribbean placed an order with STX France for the construction of Harmony of the Seas in December 2012. The first steel for the ship was cut at STX France’s Saint-Nazaire shipyard in September 2013, while the keel-laying ceremony was held in May 2014.

The Harmony is powered by three 18.9-megawatt Wärtsilä 16V46 16-cylinder main generator diesel engines and three Wärtsilä 12V46 12-cylinder engines producing 13.9 megawatts each. The propulsion power is provided by three electric Azipod azimuth thrusters and manoeuvring is assisted by four 5.5-megawatt Wärtsilä CT 3500 tunnel thrusters. The propulsion system results in 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) and enables the ship to sail at a standard speed of 23 knots.

Harmony of the Seas embarked on her inaugural seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain, in June 2016, and currently operates itineraries around the Western Caribbean from her homeport of Galveston, Texas in the US.

3. Royal Caribbean International – Symphony of the Seas : 228,081 gross tonnes

At launch in 2018, the Symphony of the Seas surpassed the Harmony as the biggest cruise ship, weighing in at 228,081 gross tonnes. Measuring 361m (1,185 feet), the Symphony has a maximum capacity of 6,680 passengers and 2,200 staff across 18 decks and was the testing ground for Royal Caribbean's new muster drill . With a total length of 361m (1,185 feet), She is roughly 30 metres (98 feet) longer than the largest military ships , the US Nimitz-class aircraft carriers and the USS Gerald R. Ford .

The keel-laying ceremony for the Symphony of the Seas was held in October 2015 at STX’s Saint-Nazaire shipyard in France, and the ship sailed out in June 2017. She is powered by six diesel sets, each composed of three Wärtsilä 16V46D engines and three Wärtsilä 12V46D engines, as well as three 20-megawatt electric Azipod main engines – resulting in 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower) of propulsion power and a standard cruising speed of 22 knots.

The Symphony commenced her seven-day maiden voyage from Barcelona in April 2018, and since then has mainly operated itineraries around the Caribbean from her homeports of Miami, New York, and Fort Lauderdale.

2. Royal Caribbean International – Wonder of the Seas : 235,600 gross tonnes

Royal Caribbean's flagship, Wonder of the Seas is the fifth Oasis-class cruise ship built for the cruise company. Weighing in at 235,600 gross tonnes, the Wonder was the largest ship in the world when she was completed in January 2022. Measuring 362m (1,187 feet) in length, the 18-deck Wonder has a maximum capacity of 7,084 guests across its 2,867 staterooms, as well as housing 2,369 crew.

Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, Wonder is powered by two Wärtsilä 16V46D engines and four Wärtsilä 12V46D engines; and uses three 20-megawatt electric Azipod engines for propulsion, combining for a propulsion power of 82 megawatts (109,964 horsepower and a standard cruising speed of 22 knots.

The Wonder sailed her maiden voyage in March 2022 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has since served itineraries around the Caribbean from her homeports of Miami and Cape Canaveral.

1. Royal Caribbean International – Icon of the Seas : 248,663 gross tonnes

Weighing 248,663 gross tonnes and measuring 365 metres (1,1967 feet), the Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world. Christened on 23 January 2024, the Icon has a maximum capacity of 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew across 20 decks. She is the lead ship of the new Icon-class, with a sister ship the Star of the Seas due to be delivered in 2025 and another ship planned for delivery in 2026.

Built by Meyer Turku in Finland, the Icon is the first ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet that can be powered by LNG. It uses three Wärtsilä 14V46DF and three Wärtsilä 12V46DF for its main generator engines, which provide 67.5 megawatts of energy to run the ship. She is propelled by three 20-megawatt Azipod thrusters as well as five 4.8-megawatt Wärtsilä WTT-45 CP bow thrusters, with a cruising speed of 22 knots.

After sailing her maiden voyage on 27 January 2024, the Icon now sails year-round itineraries of seven-night trips around the Eastern and Western Caribbean from her homeport of Miami, Florida.

"The top 10 biggest cruise ships in the world" was originally created and published by Ship Technology , a GlobalData owned brand.

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