First look: World’s largest cruise ship sets sail from Barcelona

The world's largest cruise ship launched today from Barcelona. At capacity, Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, will carry up to 6,000 passengers in almost 3,000 cabins. A staff of 2,000 will cater to the needs of guests.

The latest addition to the company fleet will be the 25th ship of the line and is more than 300m long. Sister vessels Brilliance of the Seas and Independence of the Seas will be calling to Dublin and Cobh during the summer.

The 18-deck vessel has seven zones for entertainment and 10 restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, from fast food to fine dining.

There is also a water park with slides, a zip line, a dive training centre, simulated surfing and an ice-skating rink. Symphony of the Seas also has a helter skelter slide that takes passengers from Deck 17 down 100ft in seconds. Entertainment will initially include the Broadway production Hairspray in a 2,000-seat theatre.

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Also on board, there's a robot bar, where drinks can be ordered on an iPad and delivered by a robot.

The most expensive suite on board - a two-storey apartment - has a slide from floor to floor. It also houses a jacuzzi on deck, swings and two bedrooms. It costs from $30,000 (€25,000) for a week and is sold out for the rest of the year.