Disharmony at sea: Passengers blast Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s launch of the world’s largest-ever cruise ship turned into a PR disaster over the weekend as the first customers onboard claimed that areas of the 6,780-passengers Harmony of the Seas resembled a building site.
Those who had joined a series of pre-inaugural mini-cruises from Southampton to Rotterdam and Cherbourg took to social media to slam Royal Caribbean for allowing the ship to set sail before all the work was finished.
Some passengers Tweeted of a series of health and safety failings, including extension cables and tools left on deck, while others complained that building work was still ongoing, including drilling through the night.
Areas of the ship, including the infinity pool and the whirlpools, were still closed, they claimed. One passenger told a newspaper the lifeboat drill had been abandoned on one sailing while families taking trips over the Bank Holiday weekend claimed 90% of the advertised children’s activities weren’t available.
In a statement, Royal Caribbean said: "The ship has been cleared for operations and the majority of her features are being enjoyed by guests. As always, Royal Caribbean’s highest priority is to ensure the safety of all its guests and crew members and any final maintenance has been being carried out in accordance with strict safety guidelines."
Harmony has now left Southampton on her maiden voyage to Barcelona, her home port for the summer.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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