Harmony of the Seas - RAW Chicken and Poor Health and Safety

Harmony of the Seas – 22-26/05/2016

I'm not able to attach here, but I have photographic evidence of raw chicken that was served in the Windjammer buffet on the Harmony of the Seas and video footage of the ongoing construction, which will be put on Twitter.

The cruise was sold to us as the ship’s maiden/debut/inaugural voyage, however when it became apparent that the ship would not be ready, Royal Caribbean began referring to it as a ‘pre-inaugural’ cruise. Either it was mis-sold or RCI changed their minds - either way it is unacceptable.

Harmony of the Seas is an absolutely beautiful ship and I am certain that it will come into its own when it is finished, however this was not our experience. Of course you expect teething problems but there were hundreds of construction workers, working around the clock and staying in the cabins next to ours. Our cabin attendant told us that ours was the only cabin in the vicinity that wasn't occupied by contractors! Venues were incomplete, entertainment and activities cancelled, deck 15 and 16 windows shattered and missing, staff were not fully trained and the iPad systems did not work - the same issues brought up by others.

But not only this, the ship was so unprepared for this sailing, that basic health and safety standards could not be met. There was no hand sanitizer near the main dining areas and on the penultimate day, we were told by a staff member that the ship had no hot water (?).

On may 24th, in the Windjammer buffet, the guests were served a tray of breaded chicken that was completely raw. Being breaded, it only became apparent after I had begun to eat it. This issue was so severe that the Food and Beverage Manager immediately removed it from service and we spent the following hour in the onboard medical facility. I believe other passengers have reported food poisoning, but we actually have photos of the chicken.

In response to Royal Caribbean’s claim that "As always, Royal Caribbean's highest priority is to ensure the safety of all its guests and crew members", we are bringing this issue to light.

We contacted Royal Caribbean and gave them the chance to resolve the matter privately, but were told that although our complaint had been acknowledged, due to the number of complaints, it wouldn't be dealt with for up to 3 weeks...

Regardless of what label you attach to this voyage, the passengers and crew were put at risk and the ship was just not ready to sail.