Water slides will feature for the first time on Royal Caribbean International’s new generation Oasis-class ship Harmony of the Seas.
The third in the line’s Oasis class of vessels – currently the largest cruise ships in the world – is due to be launched in April 2016.
Three multi-story waterslides will be positioned over the Central Park area ten decks below. One of the slides also will feature a ‘champagne bowl’ that swirls users around as they approach the end of the ride.
Along with Quantum-class ships Anthem of the Seas, due to enter service from Southampton in April, and Ovation of the Seas, which makes its debut in April 2016, Harmony of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean’s third new ship to emerge over the next 18 months.
Itineraries for Ovation of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas will be announced next month (March).
New specialty restaurants include Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, with a new teppanyaki menu, and the Sabor Modern Mexican restaurant.
The company has made some cabin categories larger on the new 5,479-passenger Harmony of the Seas. Interior accommodation will also include virtual balconies, while single travellers will have studio cabins.
Passengers staying in suites will have exclusive new areas, including a lounge, a dedicated restaurant called Coastal Kitchen and a Suite Sun Zone sun deck.
Like its sister vessels, Harmony of the Seas will feature what Rotnal Caribbean claims is the fastest internet connection at sea, allowing passengers to stream video, make Skype connections and use social media.
A Bionic Bar with robot bar tenders, first introduced last year on Quantum of the Seas, will feature on the ship’s Royal Promenade.
Royal Caribbean International president and chief executive, Michael Bayley, said: “We are orchestrating a medley of new exciting concepts with the best Royal Caribbean innovations to strike the perfect chord for adventurous vacationers. That is why we are calling our third Oasis-class ship Harmony of the Seas.”
Royal Caribbean Cruises chairman and chief executive, Richard Fain, said: “The Oasis class ships continue to astound and delight both new and experienced cruisers. They shatter preconceived notions of what cruising can be and continue to stand in a category by themselves.
“With Harmony of the Seas, we are making the most exciting experience at sea even better.”
The 227,000-ton Harmony of the Seas will have 16 decks and 2,747 cabins and suites.