A PARENT aboard the world’s biggest cruise ship has told of safety hazards which left them fearing for their daughter's life. 

Harmony of the Seas is “like a construction site” and poses numerous risks, according to some of its first paying customers.

Horrified parents said safety glass was missing from parts of the top deck, claiming it left their children at risk of falling 16 decks into the ocean.

Mum Hayley Lewis told how the exposed drop on the top deck, 70 metres up, made her fear for her daughter’s life.

She said: “We were playing mini golf on the top deck and I sent my three-year-old daughter over to cuddle this dolphin for a photo, but quickly called her back when I saw the safety glass behind her was missing. I felt sick.

“It was later roped off but I cannot believe it had not been spotted before. I then spoke to another passenger who had pointed out two more areas on the same deck with missing panels of glass and he was horrified.”

Operator Royal Caribbean said “finishing touches” were being made to the vessel and safety was always its “primary concern”.

The $1bn ship first left Southampton for its first commercial voyage last week but some passengers are seeking refunds after the four-night cruise.

Overflowing urinals and shattered glass are among the complaints lodged by passengers.

Others reported broken toilets, late-night construction work and a lack of baby food despite charging £140 a night for a nine-month-old.

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Passenger Christopher Hudson said: “It is like a construction site. People shouldn’t be paying to be on there yet – it felt like there were as many site workers as paying guests on board.”

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Frequent cruise-goer Jonathan Hardy said the ship was a “shambles” and up to 100 people were regularly seen queuing to complain.

“The ship would be fantastic if it was completed, but it was a health and safety risk,” he said. “That ship should not have sailed with passengers on it.”

He added: “We were led to believe it was the maiden voyage.

“We could buy items on board that said ‘inaugural cruise’.”

Mr Hardy claimed staff on board wanted to offer refunds but were overruled by head office.

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A Royal Caribbean spokesman said: “The health and safety of our passengers is always our primary concern.

“Three days ago a missing glass panel was reported and the area was immediately secured until the panel was replaced.

“As part of our ongoing checks, deck safety and compliance officers sweep the ship on an ongoing daily basis to ensure the wellbeing of our passengers.

“Whilst the majority of the ship’s features are open and already being enjoyed by guests, as with any new build, we are still making some final finishing touches.

“We thank guests for their patience as we address these areas.”

Around 6,000 passengers joined the ship’s first outing.

Royal Caribbean says the official maiden voyage will sail from Southampton to its summer base of Barcelona on Sunday.