Cruise smackdown: Harmony of the Seas vs. MSC Meraviglia

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Which cruise line has the hottest new ship at sea? Readers, we want to hear what you have to say!

In this, the eighth in our series of Cruise Ship Smackdowns, we’re pitting Royal Caribbean’s new Harmony of the Seas — the world’s largest cruise vessel —against MSC Cruises’ giant new MSC Meraviglia. Click through the photo tours of the two ships in the carousels above and below, then go the comment area to tell us: Which one would you book, and why?

Unveiled in May 2016 and May 2017, respectively, Harmony and Meraviglia are representatives of the two biggest classes of cruise ships in existence — Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class and MSC’s Meraviglia Class. Each boasts all the trappings of a major mega-resort, from deck-top fun zones with massive water slides to multiple restaurants, bars and nightspots. Still, as you can see in the photo tours, each has its own distinct vibe.

Sailing to the Caribbean out of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., the 226,963-ton Harmony features what just might the most thrilling attraction ever conceived for a cruise ship, Ultimate Abyss. Comprised of two swirling slides, it drops nine stories from near the top of the vessel down to one of its lowest decks. Harmony also is home to a multi-deck water slide area, something Royal Caribbean just began adding to ships in 2016. It’s also the first of Royal Caribbean’s record-size Oasis Class ships with a Bionic Bar where the drinks are served by robot bartenders — a concept that first debuted in 2014 on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas.

Sailing in the Mediterranean, the 171,598-ton Meraviglia offers a giant main pool area, a sprawling Aqua Park with three water slides and an adventurous “Himalayan Bridge” sky walk that allows passengers to cross the vessel nearly 200 feet above the water. Other notable features include an amusement area with race car simulators, a flight simulator, a 4D cinema and a full-sized bowling alley. There also is an aft pool that transforms into a dance area at night, a massive kiddie zone and exclusive Cirque du Soleil shows performed in a custom-made entertainment venue.