Perfect Harmony

Meet Royal Caribbean International’s biggest and boldest adventure.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL’s newest, biggest, and fastest fleet member arrived in Southampton last May to huge crowds of adoring locals who weren’t out first thing in the morning to catch a glimpse of just any ship. They were standing by to welcome the world’s largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas.

The third Oasis- class ship to join the fleet, Harmony of the Seas, at 226,963 GRT and with 5,479 guests (double occupancy), is nearly 1,700 tons larger and able to accommodate 100 more passengers than her sister Allure of the Seas, which previously held the record as the world’s largest cruise ship. And although all sisters are similar in design and features, Harmony of the Seas boasts her own new additions.

Royal Caribbean touts the ship as its “biggest and boldest adventure to ever set sail,” and I certainly agree. She is geared toward families, couples, and anyone young at heart looking to inject a little adrenaline into their onboard experience as well as delve deep into activities ashore. So let’s have a look at what’s in store for those who take to the high seas aboard the world’s largest, and arguably most impressive, technology-rich cruise ship.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS _ First impressions of Harmony of the Seas (aside from the fact that she is huge) are fun, bold, and colorful. She is a true masterpiece in every sense and a feeling of excitement sweeps over you from the instant you step aboard and realize that adventure lies around every corner.

Each of her seven neighborhoods has a distinct feel and vibe, and each are adorned with some of the most incredible pieces of art at sea. Central Park was one of my favorites — to be in the middle of a beautiful park, at sea! — and that was closely followed by the Coney Island– inspired Boardwalk, with its seaside, summertime fun atmosphere, casual eateries, retail stores, custom-made carousel, and more.

Onboard amenities are similar to those found aboard the other Oasis- class ships as well as the line’s Quantum- class ships: spacious, tastefully decorated, and some of the most innovative must- dos at sea.

RECOMMENDED DINING _ When on the world’s biggest cruise ship, you expect a selection of gastronomically astounding menus, and Harmony of the Seas certainly delivers on her dining options. With no less than 18 venues on board, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The offerings in the Main Dining Room are varied and delicious, and this stunning space is set across three decks — each restaurant offering its own unique menu and design, and each filtering into the other seamlessly. The service was swift and the food flavorsome.

Jamie’s Italian, from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, is certainly worth trying; I recommend the calamari and steak. The restaurant also benefits from a great location: right in the middle of Central Park, where you’ll also find Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, and Vintages Wine Bar. After dinner, grab a drink at the Rising Tide Bar for a unique perspective of the Royal Promenade, as the bar slowly ascends and descends between three decks.

Daytime snacks might include burgers from Johnny Rockets or hot dogs from the Boardwalk Dog House, paninis and coffee

HARMONY OF THE SEAS IS GEARED TOWARD ANYONE YOUNG AT HEART LOOKING TO INJECT A LITTLE ADRENALINE INTO THEIR ONBOARD EXPERIENCE.