Travel:
'Harmony of the Seas' begins its maiden voyage on May 22
Cruise lines must think bigger is better. Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Holland America are unveiling their largest vessels, says USA Today Travel.
Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, at 227,000 tons, is the largest cruise ship ever made by any line. It can hold 5,497 passengers at double occupancy, a record. Its home ports are Barcelona and Fort Lauderdale.
After an initial series of cruises in the Mediterranean, Harmony will be in port at Fort Lauderdale, from which it will offer seven-night alternating cruises in the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, are the previous record holders for size.
Harmony is a floating megaresort to rival those on land with dozens of eateries, bars, showrooms and multi-deck water slides. Call 866-562-7625 for information.
Most of your favorite cruise lines have new ships this year, but they're not as big as the Harmony. That's fine with customers who don't want to walk so far to get around.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
