Royal Caribbean’s next Oasis-class ship, Harmony of the Seas, will feature a mixture of first-introduced-on-Quantum- and Oasis-class experiences, as well as brand-new additions, including the line’s first-ever waterslides.
“We are orchestrating a medley of new exciting concepts with the best Royal Caribbean innovations to strike the perfect chord for adventurous vacationers,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
In a first for the line, passengers will be able to twist and slide their way down three multilevel waterslides. One of the slides will feature a Champagne bowl that swirls riders around as they approach the end of the slide.
Neighborhoods
First introduced on Oasis of the Seas, the line’s distinct neighborhood concept will return on Harmony of the Seas. Seven neighborhoods are featured including the revolutionary Boardwalk and Central Park spaces.
Among other features yet to be announced, the Boardwalk on Harmony will feature a classic games arcade, a kids-only climbing play area and a Starbucks cafe.
Other neighborhoods include the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone.
Dining
Harmony of the Seas will offer passengers a choice of two Dynamic Dining options. Those preferring the more traditional set-time cruise dining style can select the “Classic” option, which puts passengers on a dining schedule that rotates through each of the main complimentary restaurants at an early or late seating time throughout their cruise with the same dining group and waiter each evening. For the more laissez-faire, the standard Dynamic Dining option allows passengers to make reservations in any free or for-fee restaurant, at any time on any given day.
Among other specialty restaurant concepts onboard Harmony of the Seas will be Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, which adds a teppanyaki menu to the sushi restaurant found on several other Royal ships. Sabor Modern Mexican will offer a modern take on traditional Mexican fare, while Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine (pictured above) takes diners on a kaleidoscopic culinary journey for the senses.
Technology
Sticking to its high-tech guns, Royal Caribbean also is bringing some of its most technologically savvy experiences from Quantum of the Seas, like RFID WOWBands, to Harmony of the Seas. The RFID-enabled bracelets give passengers access to their cabins, and can be used for making onboard purchases and reservations. Harmony of the Seas also will feature Royal Caribbean’s high-speed Internet connectivity, currently only available on Quantum, Oasis and Allure of the Seas (and Anthem of the Seas later this spring).
The Bionic Bar, which debuted on Quantum of the Seas, also will make its first appearance on an Oasis-class ship. Located on the Royal Promenade it features robotic arms serving up cocktails while “dancing” to music.
Cabins
Harmony of the Seas also is tweaking some of the Oasis-class cabin categories, expanding the size of some and bringing virtual balconies to all interior staterooms. In a move sure to please single cruisers, Harmony of the Seas also will feature several studio cabin choices.
Suite guests will have exclusive use of the Coastal Kitchen restaurant first launched on Quantum of the Seas. New to Harmony of the Seas will be a full-service Suite Sun Zone sun deck only for suite passengers.
The two Oasis-class ships continue to be among Royal Caribbean’s most popular cruise ships.
“They shatter preconceived notions of what cruising can be and continue to stand in a category by themselves,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. RCCL is the parent company of Royal Caribbean International. “With Harmony of the Seas, we are making the most exciting experience at sea even better.”
The 5,479-passenger Harmony of the Seas will span 16 decks and, at 227,000 gross registered tons, will be the largest cruise ship in the world when it launches April 2016. Itineraries for the ship will be announced next month.
