The awesome things you can see and do on world’s largest cruise ship

By Sy O’Neill – From Palm Beach Post

So much anticipation, so many expectations — and the big week is finally here.

We’re talking about the anticipated arrival Saturday of the world’s biggest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International’s Harmony of the Seas, which is taking up residence in Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades.

Boasting seven themed “neighborhoods,” the 5,479-guest ship might seem a bit overwhelming to many cruisers, who will have to do their homework to fit in all the experiences in just seven days.

Here are five things we think should top the list:

1. The Ultimate Abyss. Why shouldn’t the world’s largest ship have the tallest slide at sea? It’s hard to miss the 10-story side-by-side slides, towering more than 150 feet above sea level on the aft of the ship. To get to the slide, riders must cross a clear platform suspended above the 90-plus-foot drop, which is scary enough. The slide — it’s dry, no water involved — takes thrill seekers on a multi-sensory ride from Deck 16 to Deck 6 in about 14 seconds in a 2.6-diameter tube. Why use an elevator?

2. Grease. The thrills definitely are multiplying on this new ship. Headlining the entertainment offerings is a production of the Broadway hit musical “Grease,” specially adapted by Royal Caribbean Productions for the Royal Theater. Don’t fret — it’s all there, from the characters and original choreography to the much-loved soundtrack, including “Summer Nights” and “Greased Lightnin’.”

3. AquaTheater. The high diving, acrobatic performance space (introduced on Oasis Class ships) has been enhanced for Harmony of the Seas, bringing new aerial capabilities for acro-artists. Two 10-meter high platforms and the hydraulic-floored pool below (Royal Caribbean says it’s the largest and deepest freshwater pool at sea) sets the stage for high-diving aerobatics. Along with the awe-inspiring acrobatics of “The Fine Line,” AquaTheater will offer a comedy dive show, “Hideaway Heist.”

4. Boardwalk. Step back in time in this area inspired by famous seaside boardwalks. You can almost taste the hot dogs and french fries. Food, shopping and carnival games make this a family fun spot. There’s a full-size carousel too, custom-crafted for the cruise line. Casual dining venues include Johnny Rockets, and there’s a Starbucks Coffee for the grownups.

5. Pool and Sports Zone. Pack your bathing suit and tennis shoes. This is where the fun is, whether you want to soak in the sun, splash with the kids or zip across the atrium, suspended nine decks above Boardwalk. The Perfect Storm is a trio of multi-story water slides. Two Flow-riders keep surfers happy. Splashaway Bay, a water park for the younger set, features water cannons, slides and a drench bucket. Adults can find a more tranquil, kid-free spot in the Solarium, with its swimming pool and relaxing whirlpools. On the dry side, there’s a nine-hole miniature golf course, the zip line and a sports court for games of basketball, volleyball or soccer.

Of course this is just scratching the surface. The world’s biggest cruise ship surely has the world’s biggest list of amenities.

We didn’t mention the eight specialty restaurants, ice skating show, Central Park, Bionic Bar, rock-climbing wall, kids’ programs, spa and fitness center, Kate Spade boutique or the Puzzle Break escape room.
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Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Harmony of the Seas, will homeport in Fort Lauderdale. (Contributed by Royal Caribbean International)

Those you’ll have to discover on your own.

HARMONY OF THE SEAS: FAST FACTS

227,000 gross registered tons

5,479 guests (double occupancy)

2,100 international crew

2,747 staterooms

16 guest decks

24 guest elevators

More information: www.royalcaribbean.com/harmonyoftheseas

IMAGES:

Guests on Harmony of the Seas can enjoy thrilling performances in the AquaTheatre. (Contributed by Royal Caribbean International)

The entrance to The Ultimate Abyss slide on Harmony of the Seas. (Contributed by Royal Caribbean International)

The Ultimate Abyss slide offers thrill-seekers a long, twisting ride from Deck 16 to Deck 6 on Harmony of the Seas.

“Grease” is the word aboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, which brings the Broadway musical to the stage of the …

Youngsters can be part of the wet set at Splashaway Bay aboard Harmony of the Seas. (Contributed by Royal Caribbean International)

Boardwalk, one of the seven “neighborhoods” of Harmony of the Seas, offers the nostalgic feel of a seaside pier, complete with …

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