Glass takes to the ocean on the Harmony of the Seas

THE latest addition of Royal Caribbean’s vast fleet of cruise ships, Harmony of the Seas is a lesson in superlatives. When it comes to cruise ships, size speaks volumes and having recently rolled off the production yard in Saint-Nazaire, this sea-bound behemoth comes laden with eye-catching figures: costing $1bn to construct, the world’s largest cruise liner weighs 230,000 tons and hosts almost 7,000 people in 2,500 rooms – plus 2,100 staff from 77 countries – and is as tall as the Eiffel Tower. Following her maiden voyage to Rotterdam, the Harmony of the Seas is currently making waves in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic later in the year.

Superior Ocean View Stateroom With Balcony

So what’s it like on board? At first overwhelming, the ship’s 24 lifts send guests across 18 storeys that divide into a warren of corridors leading to compact suites – some blessed with sea views and balconies. Divided into seven neighbourhoods, this floating city has been designed to cater for the younger demographic now being attracted to cruising.

At its heart is Central Park, an open space that features 50 trees – yes, real trees – and vertical gardens, while the Royal Promenade features shops and cafes and the Boardwalk area has a more laid-back aesthetic with hand-painted merry-go-rounds and fast-food diners.

Central Park on the liner

A spa and well-stocked gym provide a vast array of well-being amenities at the front of the ship and, for those after an adrenaline rush, there’s a 10-storey slide snaking down the back of the ship, 23 swimming pools and outdoor climbing walls.

A general view into Central Park

In the evening the ship’s many restaurants spring into life, among them a Mexican taqueria, sushi bar, a steakhouse and even a floating outpost of the Jamie’s Italian franchise, before a full schedule of entertainment gives passengers the choice of taking in Grease sing-alongs, ice shows, stand-up comedy or live jazz. Meanwhile two robots operate a bionic cocktail bar that – just like the Harmony of the Sea’s maiden voyage – draws quite a crowd.

Royal Promenade

by Ben Olsen

A seven-night western Mediterranean cruise costs from £1,037pp all-inclusive.