The world's largest cruise ship, the Harmony of the Seas. is making its trial voyage from a French shipyard . The 227,000 gross-ton ocean liner is a sister ship of the Oasis of the Seas. which was the largest cruise liner up to now. The passenger ship is expected to start its service in May. For some months, tourists have been allowed onboard the ship to see its luxuries .
The 16-deck Harmony of the Seas is slightly larger than its sister ship. It spans a total of 362 metres (1,187 feet) and is 70 metres high.In addition to the more than 6,000 passengers who can travel on the cruise ship, there is a crew of over 2,000.
The Harmony of the Seas will be the first ship of its kind to have a multi-deck water slide and bars where drinks are served by robots . Other facilities include a park, theatres, an aqua show as well as several bars, restaurants and swimming pools. The cruise ship will also have larger and more comfortable cabins than its predecessor. Those on the inside will even offer their passengers a virtual view of the sea.
Construction of the world's largest cruise ship started in 2013. The total costs are estimated at about $1 billion . The Harmony of the Seas will be stationed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. From there it will undertake journeys in the Carribean and the Mediterranean Sea .
Currently, the cruise travel market is growing at a rapid pace. as more and more people choose this kind of holiday. Royal Carribean. the company that has built the ship is not only one of the world's largest cruise operators. but also owns four of the five largest ships on earth.