World’s largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, arrives in Southampton

The port of Southampton, England, 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 25th ship in the 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, Royal Caribbean International.

“From thrilling on-board 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 on-board and at every destination.”

Intricately built with more than 500,000 individual parts, Harmony measures 362 metres, nearly four football pitches long, and weighs 226,963 gross registered tons.

The newest addition to the family combines the distinct seven-neighbourhood concept that Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class of ships are known for, with a line-up of the most modern and ground-breaking holiday amenities.

Harmony of the Seas will sail from Southampton on a series of short getaways to Northern Europe before embarking on her maiden cruise on May 29th, arriving in Barcelona, Spain on June 5th.

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 7th.

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, home ported in Port Canaveral and Port Everglades respectively, on the east coast of Florida.

Take a look below for more on the ship’s arrival