Royal Caribbean International has honoured the crew and project team of the new Harmony of the Seas at a traditional delivery and flag changing ceremony in Saint Nazaire, France.

Following 32 months of construction at the STX France shipyard involving thousands of shipyard employees, sub-contractors and suppliers, the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship is now home to 2,100 crew members from 77 different nationalities.

Joining the festivities in the ship’s signature AquaTheatre were Richard Fain, chairman of Royal Caribbean Cruises, and Michael Bayley, president of Royal Caribbean International together with Laurent Castaing, general manager, STX France.

“Harmony of the Seas is the product of our zealous spirit of continuous improvement, where we have combined revolutionary ship design with the technological strides that have defined the Royal Caribbean brand,” said Fain.

“Thank you to STX France for their ongoing partnership in building our ships, which continue to introduce unexpected industry innovations.”

Costing more than a $1billion, Harmony of the Seas will be the 25th ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet and boasts highly anticipated first-at-sea experiences.

“Harmony is truly magnificent in every sense of the word, from her architecture and design to the level of care and attention to detail with which our incredible crew are taking to prepare for our first guests,” said Bayley. 

“The ship is the ‘best of the best’ of what our guests love most about Royal Caribbean, combined with new and thrilling experiences never before found in one place but it is the passion and dedication of our crew that will make everlasting memories for our guests.”

Harmony of the Seas will homeport in Barcelona, Spain and embark on the first of 34 seven-night sailings in the western Mediterranean on June 7th, exploring some of Europe’s most beautiful locations. 

In November 2016, Harmony will arrive at her homeport of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, FL., from where she will offer seven-night eastern and western Caribbean sailings.

The newest member of the fleet will join sister-ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, sailing from Port Canaveral and Port Everglades respectively, on the east coast of Florida.

Harmony of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship with a bold and unexpected line-up of experiences found nowhere else on land or sea.

An architectural marvel, Harmony of the Seas combines the distinct seven neighbourhood concept that Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class of ships are known for with some of the most modern and ground-breaking amenities.