Harmony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, set off on Thursday for its first sea trial from Saint-Nazaire, western France. She will return to port in 3 days.
STX France indicated this first sea trial aims mainly to test her electric power plant and propulsion system, as well as maneuverability tests.

The city’s STX France shipyards began building the €1bn ($1.1bn) mammoth for US shipbuilder Royal Caribbean International (RCI) in September 2013, as the Guardian reports.

There are 500 people onboard Harmony of the Seas, including crew members, STX test teams, suppliers and Royal Caribbean’s customer monitoring team.

Thousands of people gathered at the dock to watch the world’s largest ship setting off.as the 120,000-tonne ship was helped out to sea by six tugs.

The ship, with a height of 70m and length of 362m, has been an imposing presence in Saint-Nazaire and was visible from miles away.

The next trials will take place before the end of April while the delivery is set for 12 May.