Royal Caribbean International's new ship will be launched in April 2016.
The Harmony of the Seas, the next-generation Oasis-classfrom Royal Caribbean International, will be launched in April 2016.The third ship in the Oasis class (currently the largest in the world) will continue the company's philosophy of constantly innovating and reimagining to offer unique vacations to its passengers.
“We’ve orchestrated a blend of exciting new concepts with the best and most innovative from Royal Caribbean to create a perfect ‘chorus’ that resonates with our adventurous guests. That’s why we’ve named our third Oasis-class ship Harmony of the Seas,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
The Harmony of the Seaswill feature the seven distinct themed neighborhoods for which the Oasis class is known and will offer the most incredible collection of amenities, experiences, and activities at sea. Passengers can test their courage on waterslides with different courses that twist and turn over Central Park. One of them will feature a champagne-glass-shaped platform that will spin riders around at the end of the ride.
“The Oasis-class ships continue to amaze and delight both seasoned and new cruisers. They shatter any preconceived notions of what a cruise is and become something unique, a category unto themselves,” commented Richard D. Fain, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “With Harmony of the Seas, we are making the most exciting experience at sea even better.”
Harmony of the Seas will also feature a new Bionic Bar on the Royal Promenade. The Bionic Bar, a first on Quantum of the Seas, features robot bartenders serving unique, handcrafted cocktails while dancing to the music. In addition, Harmony of the Seaswill enjoy RFID technology with Royal WOWBands (electronic wristbands) that will allow them to access their staterooms, make purchases, and book onboard services. Like its sister ships, Harmony of the Seas will also offer the fastest internet connection at sea, enabling passengers to stream video, Skype with family and friends, and share their most cherished moments on social media, even while at sea.
While the Oasisof the Seas and the Allure of the Seas already boasted some of the largest staterooms in the Royal Caribbean fleet, the Harmony of the Seaswill feature even bigger ones. The interiors will also include virtual balconies, ensuring everyone enjoys a view. Solo travelers can opt for a studio stateroom. Suite guests will also have access to new areas to enjoy, from an exclusive lounge and a restaurant called Coastal Kitchen to a private area on the pool deck for sunbathing and relaxation called the Suite Sun Zone.
Youngsters, and those young at heart, can hop aboard a handcrafted carousel or enjoy an arcade with classic games in the Boardwalk area. While their parents relax at the Starbucks café, located in the same area, the children can meet up with their new friends in the new climbing play area.
Royal Caribbean's Dynamic Dining will provide Harmony of the Seas guests with a diverse and expansive culinary experience, akin to dining in the world's most cosmopolitan cities, offering more choice and flexibility than ever before. Those who prefer something more traditional can opt for the classic dining option with two seatings. This option also allows guests to rotate through each of the complimentary main restaurants, either during the first or second seating, throughout their cruise, with their party at the same table and with the same server each evening.
The new specialty restaurant concept will offer passengers even more variety with Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, featuring a new teppanyaki menu, and Sabor Modern Mexican, a Mexican restaurant. In addition, the new Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine will give passengers the chance to experience an extraordinary culinary adventure for the senses, showcasing the kaleidoscope of imaginations of Royal Caribbean's chefs.
The Harmony of the Seas will feature 16 decks, 227,000 gross tons, 5,479 passengers at double occupancy, and 2,747 staterooms. It will also incorporate the concept of seven neighborhoods organized around themed areas: Central Park, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, pool and sports area, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place, and the Youth Zone.
Along with the Quantum-class ships Anthem of the Seas (launching in Southampton in a couple of months) and Ovation of the Seas (launching in April 2016), Harmony of the Seas will be the third Royal Caribbean ship to launch in the next 18 months. Itineraries for Harmony of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas will be announced next month.
