World's Largest Cruise Ship to Make US Debut in Florida

The world's largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, will make its debut in the United States when it arrives at Port Canaveral Thursday.

The 6,680-passenger Symphony of the Seas has been offering itineraries in the Mediterranean since first setting sail in April and it will make its home at Royal Caribbean's new cruise terminal at the Port of Miami.

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The ship’s first stop at Port Canaveral was scheduled to clear customs and be inspected by the United States Coast Guard. Passengers onboard the vessel will be asked to get off the ship while it is certified, but they will be permitted to board later the same day.

“Port Canaveral is proud of its partnership with Royal Caribbean,” Port Canaveral CEO John Murray told Florida Today. “While Symphony of the Seas is home-ported in Miami, our cruise partner trusts the capabilities of this port. We are ready to support the arrival of the world’s largest and most sophisticated cruise ship in the industry.”

Symphony of the Seas will arrive at Port Canaveral’s Cruise Terminal 1 at around 4 a.m. local time and is scheduled to depart for Miami at 5 p.m. Thursday night. The ship will then sail to Miami for a celebratory ceremony.

After a stint in Miami, Royal Caribbean will base Harmony of the Seas at Port Canaveral starting in May 2019, offering seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.