Harmony Of The Seas

The 2016-built Harmony of the Seas cruise ship is the first of four identical Oasis Plus-class Royal Caribbean liners (currently the world’s largest passenger liners), with sisterships Symphony OTS (2018), Wonder OTS (2022) and Utopia OTS (2024). The Royal Caribbean Harmony ship exceeds in size and passenger capacity the original Oasis-class vessels Oasis OTS and Allure OTS. Her building cost is USD 1.35 billion (2014 ship order rates).

The vessel (IMO number 9682875) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311000396) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is a US passenger shipping company, trademarked travel brand, and subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group (RCG/shipowner). RCI was established in 1968 and currently holds over one-fifth of the global cruise market. RCI also operates RCG's largest fleet by both vessel number and GT tonnage (ship sizes and capacities).

All RCI liners have names ending with “of the Seas.”

The 6400-passenger Harmony OTS was ordered from STX France in December 2012. The contract was signed following a failed agreement with the Government of Finland regarding construction at STX Finland. Steel cutting began in September 2013. Often called a floating “megacity,” she offers countless onboard opportunities. The ship comprises seven neighborhoods: Royal Promenade, Central Park, Boardwalk, Youth Center complex, Entertainment Zone, Sports Zone, and Spa/Fitness complex.

Compared to sisterships Allure and Oasis, Harmony OTS is heavier by 1700+ tons, over 3 meters wider, and accommodates 100 more passengers. She debuted in May 2016 in Southampton, UK.

Harmony of the Seas features a multi-deck waterslide area—a first for Royal Caribbean. She is also the first Oasis-class ship with robot bartenders serving drinks in the Bionic Bar, a concept that debuted in 2014 on Quantum of the Seas. Harmony has larger cabins than Allure and Oasis in some categories, and windowless interior cabins outfitted with Virtual Balconies that provide real-time outdoor views (first debuted in 2014 on Navigator of the Seas).

Suite passengers benefit from exclusive new areas, including a suite lounge, a private restaurant (Coastal Kitchen), and the full-service Suite Sun Zone. New restaurants include the Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine eatery (first debuted on Quantum). Also added are the modern Mexican restaurant Sabor (previously added to Allure) and Freedom of the Seas.

Harmony's first cruise with paying guests was on May 22, 2016. Following an initial series of Mediterranean itineraries, she was repositioned to Fort Lauderdale for 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean roundtrips.

A total of 24 elevators (12 forward + 12 aft) provide access up to deck 16, while decks 17 and 18 are reached by 6 lifts. Two escalators (1 forward + 1 aft) connect decks 2–3.

In the next YouTube video, you can see the most prominent features and the construction process of Oasis 3 class—the world’s largest-ever passenger ships.

Decks and Cabins

Harmony Of The Seas staterooms (2745 total, in 37 grades) include 189 Suites, 1293 Balcony, 200 Oceanview, 505 Inside, plus 477 Boardwalk–Central Park Balcony, 78 Boardwalk–Central Park Interior, and 18 Promenade View. Most cabins are 150–180 ft2 / 14–17 m2. Most balconies are 55 ft2 / 5 m2. The largest is the Royal Loft Suite (1530 ft2 / 142 m2 plus an 850 ft2 / 79 m2 terrace with Jacuzzi). There are 46 wheelchair-accessible cabins.

The boat has 17 decks, of which 16 are passenger-accessible and 12 have cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The ship's three-deck Quantum Dining Room is designed as three separate restaurants situated on different decks—American Icon Grill (Deck 3), The Grand (Deck 4), and Chic (Deck 5). Harmony also includes several Quantum-class venues, such as Sabor Modern Mexican, Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine, and Coastal Kitchen. The Bionic Bar—located on the Royal Promenade—is famous for its robotic bartenders. Izumi features a la carte hibachi, teppanyaki, and sushi. A total of 25 onboard dining options are available (14 are complimentary, including room service).

Follows the complete list of Harmony of the Seas restaurants and food bars.

• American Icon Grill (à la carte; open-seating breakfast, lunch, “Brasserie 30” menu; two assigned dinner seatings; Private Dining area)
• The Grand (offers DreamWorks-themed breakfast; two fixed dinner seatings and “My Time Dining”)
• Chic (expansive dinner menu; two seatings and “My Time Dining” program)
• Johnny Rockets (128-seat fast-food restaurant)
• Sabor (Mexican à la carte; reservation-only; with “Playground” kids area)
• 150 Central Park (76-seat specialty restaurant; dinner only)
• Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine (gourmet dishes)
• Windjammer Marketplace buffet (Early Breakfast 6:30 a.m.; Breakfast 7:00–11:30 a.m.; Lunch 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Dinner 6:30–9:00 p.m.)
• Jamie's Italian Restaurant (menu, deck 8), a 132-seat specialty trattoria (surcharge USD 30 pp dinner; USD 20 pp lunch/sea days only) via a partnership with British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver
• Chops Grille (steakhouse/seafood)
• Sorrento’s (Italian)
• Izumi (Asian/Japanese)
• Solarium Bistro (healthy dining)
• Coastal Kitchen (for Grand Suites and above; Pinnacle members)
• WipeOut Café (fast-food bar)
• Boardwalk Dog House
• Park Café (deli; casual dining)
• Mini Bites (casual eatery)
• Harmony was the first Oasis-class ship on which, in 2017, the new Royal Caribbean specialty dining package was introduced.

Complimentary venues: Park Café, Windjammer Marketplace (buffet), Main Dining Room, Solarium Bistro/Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, Café Promenade, Sorrento's Pizza, Boardwalk Dog House, Mini Bites, Coastal Kitchen (for suite guests only).

Specialty (surcharge) venues: Johnny Rockets, Sabor, Vintages, Jamie's Italian, Chops Grille (steakhouse), 150 Central Park, Izumi (sushi), Wonderland, Vitality Café (spa).

Changes planned for the 2026 drydock refurbishment include a redesigned Solarium (pool deck), new dining and lounge concepts (Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, Lime & Coconut Bar) and expanding the Casino. In the evenings, Solarium Bistro transforms into the Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse. Lime & Coconut is a poolside bar.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The new Harmony of the Seas is a blend of Oasis-class deck layout and Quantum-class innovations. Brand-new additions include the first-ever Royal Caribbean waterslides (created by ADE—Aquatic Design and Engineering); a climbing play area for kids; Suite Sun Zone; a Starbucks coffee bar and classic video games arcade in the Boardwalk neighborhood; and 15 Studio cabins designed for solo travelers.

Among the new technologies are RFID wristbands (“WOWbands”)—an optional replacement for SeaPass cards—allowing onboard purchases and cabin access. Typically offered complimentary to all guests, on Anthem of the Seas RCI charges US$5. Junior Suite and above guests receive wristbands free.

The Harmony cruise ship also features the DreamWorks Experience—a themed family program in partnership with DreamWorks Animation. It offers movie-themed activities on select RCI ships, including character meet-and-greets (with photo ops). Character Breakfast is offered in the dining room; 3D DreamWorks movie screenings are featured in the Amber Theater; and themed games are provided by the “Adventure Ocean” youth program. A new Adventure Ocean Theater show (“Away We Go!”) was also announced for Harmony of the Seas—a black-light puppet show for ages 3–11. An additional part of the kids’ programming is the YouTube show “Muffalo Potato,” teaching kids to draw using just letters and numbers.

Additional amenities include complimentary 24-hour room service; supervised youth programs Voyagers (9–11 years), Explorers (6–8 years), Aquanauts (3–5 years), Royal Babies and Tots (6 months–3 years); Internet/WiFi access; and laundry.

Follows the complete list of Harmony of the Seas lounges, clubs, and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Royal Theater (features 3D movies, aerial acrobatic performances, and Broadway-style productions)
• Studio B Lounge (indoor ice-skating rink; also used for ice shows, cooking demos, game parties)
• AquaTheatre (2-deck, 600-seat, with a deep pool)
• Entertainment Place nightclub; “The Attic” Comedy Club; Crown Lounge (fka Diamond Club Lounge & Bar for past guests only); Jazz on 4 Bar & Club (aka Golden Room/now functions as a non-smoking Casino Room with 40 slot machines, 1 blackjack table, 1 three-card poker table); On Air Club (karaoke bar); Boleros Latin Bar and Lounge; Boot and Bonnet Pub; Rising Tide Bar (moving cocktail bar); Bionic Bar; Schooner Bar (piano bar); Starbucks Bar; Sabor Taqueria and Tequila Bar; Vintages (wine bar); Trellis Bar; Rising Tide Bar; Dazzles (2-deck music and dancing lounge); Suite Sun Deck, Bar and Lounge; Sky Bar
• Art Gallery; Focus Photo Gallery and Shop
• Boardwalk neighborhood (with games and attractions)
• Carousel (with handcrafted wooden figures)
• Casino Royale; Card Room
• Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center
• Royal Promenade Boutiques (perfumes, jewelry, duty-free alcohol, general store, logo/souvenirs)
• Solarium lounge (includes Solarium Café, pool bar, and adults-only pool area); Solarium Bar
• Video Games Arcade; Explorers, Aquanauts, Adventure Science Lab; The Living Room and Night Club teen areas; Fuel Teen Disco; Royal Babies and Tots Nursery; Adventure Ocean kids lounge area; Kids’ Avenue; Workshop (family venue); H2O Zone family and kids area
• Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, soccer; table tennis); FlowRiders (surf simulators); Zip Line (82 ft / 25 m); Jogging Track; Rock-climbing Walls; Harmony Dunes Mini Golf

Central Park is an outdoor relaxation zone (within the ship’s interior) with ~21,000 live plants. This huge garden features multi-deck-high metal columns and green walls (covered in vines and ferns), several pathways, recordings of various species (birds, insects, animals), and live seasonal plants (flowers, shrubs, trees). Signage boards provide detailed info on all Central Park trees and plants.

Following the refurbishment in 2026, Harmony OTS will have the fleet's largest Casino. Located midship on deck 4, it will be expanded by adding to the current Casino Royale the Crown Lounge and The Attic (comedy club). In 2023, the Jazz on 4 (club bar) was converted into a Non-Smoking Casino. The Crown Lounge will be relocated to Deck 15, taking part of the teen club (The Living Room).

Next is RCI’s official 1-minute ship tour.

Itineraries

Harmony of the Seas’ itinerary program is based on 7-night Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida). The program features an inaugural season in Europe with Mediterranean itineraries and roundtrip departures from Civitavecchia-Rome and Barcelona.

Harmony OTS is Royal Caribbean's 3rd Oasis-class liner, with sisterships Symphony, Wonder, Oasis, and Allure. These are currently the world's largest passenger vessels. Still, Harmony is “the biggest of them all,” being 2.15 m (7 ft) longer. Royal Caribbean planned Harmony's cost per berth to be lower compared to Allure and Oasis.

On September 15, 2014, RCCL trademarked the ship names Spectrum of the Seas, Joy of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Emblem of the Seas, and Apex of the Seas. In 2015, RCCL abandoned the trademarks Emblem of the Seas, Passion of the Seas, and Pulse of the Seas (September 7), as well as Apex of the Seas, Joy of the Seas, and Spectrum of the Seas (September 14).

The following aerial photo shows an Oasis-class vessel as viewed from above.

Harmony OTS is the most technologically advanced and energy-efficient passenger liner ever built. She is equipped with a new-generation exhaust gas cleaning system (multi-stream scrubbers) and features a hull lubrication system that creates air bubbles around the hull to reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency. Like her sisters, Harmony has telescoping funnels, enabling her to pass under bridges. The vessel was ordered on December 27, 2012. The steel-cutting ceremony (shipyard/hull number A34) was held on September 23, 2013.

The vessel's powerplant consists of 4x Wärtsilä 12V46F marine diesel engines (12-cylinder, total output 57.6 MW) plus 2x Wärtsilä 16V46F engines (16-cylinder, total output 38.4 MW). The diesel-electric propulsion system uses 3x ABB Azipods (360-degree azimuthing thrusters) with a combined output of 20 MW.

Harmony of the Seas left Saint-Nazaire for the first time on March 10, 2016. Departing without passengers, she began sea trials in the Atlantic Ocean to test engines and maneuverability. Only 500 crew (out of 2000) were on board for the trials. Six tugboats assisted her passage from the shipyard to the ocean, and the Captain was supported by three pilots guiding the vessel out of the estuary.

The ship was delivered on March 12, 2016, departing from STX France, St-Nazaire Shipyard for sea trials. Six tugboats helped move her into the Loire River estuary. Three pilots, trained on a cruise ship simulator in Nantes, assisted Captain Gus Andersen in guiding the vessel. Trials continued until March 13. These standard tests assessed seaworthiness and performance (engines, machinery, systems).

On May 12, 2016, RCCL officially took delivery of the ship. The inaugural cruise (maiden voyage) was on May 22, a 4-day roundtrip from Southampton to Rotterdam. Ship’s Master was Captain Johnny Faevelen, who had previously commanded Royal Caribbean ships including Nordic Prince (now MV Ocean Star Pacific), Sun Viking (aka SS Oriental Dragon), Sovereign, Monarch, Splendour, Voyager, Explorer, Adventure, Navigator, and Mariner.

On November 4, 2016, the world’s three largest passenger liners (Harmony, Allure, and Oasis) met off Florida’s coast. The event was officially live-streamed by RCI around 5 pm EST, coinciding with Harmony’s arrival at Port Everglades after a 13-night Transatlantic repositioning cruise from Barcelona (Oct 23–Nov 5).

The christening ceremony was held on November 10, 2016, at Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale). The ship’s godmother was Brittany Affolter, a 23-year-old “Teach for America” educator from Miami-Dade, chosen from over 1000 nominees. The naming featured a robotic Aqua Theater performance, ending with a custom 1-m high Veuve Clicquot champagne bottle sent down the zip-line to crash into a steel plate above the pool. Singer Jon Secada performed live during the ceremony.

In mid-October 2015, it was announced that before her European inaugural season, Harmony would operate two mini-cruises from the UK (Southampton): May 22, 2016 (5 days / 4 nights Southampton–Rotterdam) and May 27, 2016 (4 days / 3 nights Southampton–Cherbourg). For summer 2016, she homeported in Barcelona and Civitavecchia-Rome, offering 7-day roundtrips.

In the USA, Harmony was homeported in Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida. Her winter 2016-2017 roundtrips offered 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries similar to Allure OTS, calling at ports including Nassau, St Thomas, St Maarten, Jamaica (Falmouth), Haiti (Labadee), and Mexico (Cozumel).

The ship’s first drydock was in April 2021 at Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain. This routine 5-year maintenance included work on propellers, fin stabilizers, bottom valves, hull painting, and classification inspection.

Interestingly, this RCI ship has a namesake—the 2011-launched “COSCO Harmony.” That vessel is among the world’s largest container ships (capacity 13,114 containers) and is operated by COSCO Line.

Harmony OTS refurbishments review

The ship's drydock refurbishment in 2026 (April-May) will be conducted in Cadiz, at Navantia Shipyard.

The multimillion Royal Amplified refit will result in adding 91 new staterooms, including inside, oceanview, balcony and suites.

Most of the new cabins (29 inside, on deck 3) will replace the current Conference Center. Another group of 29 cabins (inside and balcony) will be added on decks 14 and 15, replacing the Wonderland restaurant, and the Adventure Ocean club and the Solarium sundeck.

Replacing the Vitality Cafe (deck 6) are 5 new cabins.

On deck 17, two Crown Loft Suites will be combined into a larger Duplex Suite.

Casino Royale's expansion will make it the fleet's largest gaming facility.

New venues include Samba Grill (Brazilian steakhouse) and the Pesky Parrot Bar (to replace the Bionic Bar on deck 6).

Fun ship facts

All Royal Caribbean Oasis-class ships are the world’s first cruise vessels with a DNV Green Passport—an element of the Clean Ship Design certificate. While not mandatory, it demonstrates Royal Caribbean’s environmental commitment. Their hulls are also coated with a special non-toxic material to reduce friction and save fuel.

Here are some fun facts about Harmony OTS—the world’s largest passenger ship:

• Ultimate Abyss slide is 150 ft (45.7 m) above sea level, with 31 sections, two 360-degree turns, a 27-degree incline, a 92-ft (28 m) serpentine drop, 13.14 seconds average sliding time, 300 LED lights, and graffiti artwork.
• Aqua Theater has two diving boards 10 m (33 ft) above the pool.
• The ship was built from 500,000 individual pieces (27 times more than the Eiffel Tower).
• Construction involved ~2500 workers, 0.5 million liters of paint, and 90,000 m2 (968,750 ft2) of carpet.
• The art collection is worth over USD 6.5 million—more works than the Louvre museum has paintings.
• There are 23 “water areas” (pools, Jacuzzis, waterslides, FlowRiders).
• The ship has 20 restaurants, offering 300+ menu items. Eight specialty restaurants serve over 200 different dishes daily, with seating for 4908.
• Onboard bars offer 127 specialty cocktails, plus the classics.
• 110,000 ice cubes are made daily.
• Daily water consumption: 480,000 gallons (1.87 million liters).
• Daily food consumption includes chicken (9730 lbs / 4.4 tons), eggs (10,000), beef (15,000 lbs / 6.8 tons), ice cream (700 lbs / 320 kg), baking potatoes (20,000 lbs / 9.1 tons), flour (12,600 lbs / 5.7 tons), salmon (2500 lbs / 1.1 tons), French fries (5000 lbs / 2.3 tons), bacon (5300 lbs / 2.4 tons), limes (800 lbs / 360 kg), pineapple (4000 lbs / 1.8 tons), oranges (5000 lbs / 2.3 tons), lemons (1000 lbs / 450 kg), cherries (40 jars), olives (20 jars).
• The food and beverage staff total 1056, including 249 culinary staff, 184 beverage staff, and 91 kitchen stewards.
• The ship weighs more than 17,000 African elephants (male elephants weigh 10,360–13,330 lbs / 4.7–6 tons).
• Filling all 23 water facilities (pools, Jacuzzis, FlowRiders, waterslides, Splashaway Bay aqua park) requires ~2350 tons of water.

In September 2018, RCCL trademarked the Oasis-Class ships’ smokestack area (crown-shaped base with two slanted funnels). In October 2018, the stern design was trademarked, featuring Aqua Theater Suites (with balconies), Ultimate Abyss slides, and the RCCL logo.