The world’s largest cruise ship is about to make its maiden Mediterranean voyage

We have been looking forward to the launch of Royal Caribbean’s new Symphony of the Seas ship for ages, particularly as it’s the largest cruise ship in the world. The massive vessel took more than three years to construct, and will embark on its maiden Mediterranean voyage on 7 April from Barcelona. The cruise company took delivery of the ship on 23 March, and it departed on 31 March on a one-off, five-night preview sailing, calling on Naples and Rome.

It took three years and 4700 shipbuilders and crew to construct the ship, which has 2200 international crew members from 77 countries. It will homeport in Barcelona for the summer, and Miami will become its year-round homeport from November. It has thrilling experiences in store for guests, including Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea with a ten-storey plunge, FlowRider, a 40-foot-long surf simulator, and two rock walls that give views from 40 feet above. There is also Battle for Planet Z, a glow-in-the-dark laser tag game, and Escape the Rubicon, a custom-built escape room where guests must solve a collection of puzzles before time runs out.

The 25th ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet is 1188 feet long and 238 feet tall, and it will welcome 5518 guests at double occupancy in 2759 staterooms. The launch of the ship beats the cruise line’s previous record-holding ship, Harmony of the Seas, which has amenities like a 10-storey slide, a robotic bar and a zip-line. “It is a proud and exhilarating moment to welcome a new member to the family,” says Royal Caribbean president and CEO, Michael Bayley. “Symphony will take family vacationing to an all new level with energy and options never before found in one place.”

For more information about Symphony of the Seas, visit here.