By the Caribbean Journal staff

Cruise giant Royal Caribbean International has taken delivery of the world’s largest cruise ship, the Harmony of the Seas.

The company took delivery of the ship in a ceremony in Saint Nazaire, France, after 32 months of construction at the STX France shipyard.

The ship is now home to 2,100 crew members from 77 different countries.

Team Harmony of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International

“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 Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. “Thank you to STX France for their ongoing partnership in building our ships, which continue to introduce unexpected industry innovations.”

The $1 billion ship is the 25th in the company’s fleet, including everything from a 100-foot waterslide that is the tallest of any ship to 23 swimming pools.

In November 2016, the ship will arrive in Port Everglades to begin operating seven-night eastern and western Caribbean sailings.