Harmony of the Seas in Disharmony?

2016-06-01

A number of media reports hit the headlines this week claiming that Harmony of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship in the world, was not ready to set sail yet.

Passengers present during the vessel’s pre-inaugural four-day voyage from Southampton to Rotterdam and back on May 22 complained via social media citing various ‘flaws’ aboard the new 361-meter long cruise ship.

The passengers reportedly witnessed open holes in floors and walls, long waiting lines in the dining rooms, as well as loud noises at night from workmen aboard the ship. They also claimed that many features and amenities were closed during the voyage, according to The Telegraph.

“While the majority of Harmony of the Seas’ features are open and already being enjoyed by guests, as with any new build, we were making some final finishing touches,” the spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Cruises told World Maritime News in a statement.

“We thank our guests for their patience as we address these areas,” the spokesperson added.

The vessel’s owner confirmed that the 5,479-passenger Harmony of the Seas deployed on its official maiden voyage this Sunday, May 29.

The 227,000 gross ton cruise ship is currently moored in Vigo, Spain, and will continue its voyage to Malaga, where it is expected to dock on June 3, according to AIS data provided by Marine Traffic. The vessel is scheduled to arrive in Barcelona, Spain on June 5.

Starting from June, Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas will sail the Western Mediterranean from Barcelona, Spain, during its inaugural season before arriving at its homeport of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida in November 2016 from where it will sail the Caribbean.

The vessel officially joined its owner’s fleet on May 12 in Saint Nazaire, France.

Source from : World Maritime News

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