Harmony of the Seas Review

4.5 / 5.0
2,078 reviews

Relaxed in comfort!

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Harmony of the Seas
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DLVesely
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Oct 2017
Cabin: Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony

We love the Oasis series of ships and decided to try the Harmony of the Seas. Let's begin with the embarkation - we were checked in and on board in about 15 minutes - amazing! At first we looked for differences of the ship itself, some obvious, some subtle, mostly tweaks of the original plan. The first positive change was the card itself, and the optional bracelet, so easy to handle - tapping, rather than swiping! Another change was the layout of the buffet area - we had trouble moving around on the Oasis - so much so that we did not eat there much. This time, though crowded, we were able navigate through and even find a table! A negative? The "library"; it shouldn't be called that, as it is almost non-existent. Yes, there are still those of us who want to read, and want a quiet place to do so! Another negative was the muster. We were supposed to be outside but it was raining, so they stuffed us in the schooner bar - so hot and stuffy, we couldn't see any screens, and my 87-year-old mom had to stand the entire time! I had a coughing attack and could not get to water or get out, it was so crowded. Back to the positives! We loved our cabin, particularly the storage features - so much room! We enjoyed our balcony as well - that's where I did most of my reading, since we lucked out with some cloudy weather and weren't facing the sun. Still miss the sheer curtains for the cabin - it was either full sun or darkness. The entertainment was great; I had reserved tickets online for the shows, so we almost felt hurried to get to all I booked on the first few days. However, I knew that some shows might be postponed due to weather, and we didn't want to miss one! The concepts/plots of the "diving" (I use quotation marks because there wasn't that much actual diving - the springboards weren't even used) and the ice skating shows were a little random and hard to follow - but the talent was definitely there. So much energy! Missed seeing the divers/gymnast/swimmers/dancers and where they came from - instead, before the show started, we saw random video clips that were entertaining, I must admit (oh, and a guy twirling around for 20 minutes - what was that about?). "Grease" was good - I was disappointed so much raunchiness was left in the show (it really isn't needed). I've seen the ventriloquist before, doing this same act, but I still enjoyed him. The daytime ice skating and diving shows seemed much more entertaining than the night ones, in my opinion. We didn't really visit the ports, other than walking around on our own, as we've been to them many times before (that's what I would suggest - some different ports for these large ships?). We did enjoy coming back early and even staying onboard during the ports - felt like we had the whole ship to ourselves! We were sailing during Halloween, and I did like the idea of the parade; too bad they began the party before all 172 entries had been seen (I felt bad for the mom who kept her young child up until after 11, not ever getting to display their costumes). The "every holiday" parade, however, was a huge success - there seems to be much more organization and choreography at these events, which makes them seems more polished. As for service, I don't think one employee passed us without smiling and saying hello; our own cabin steward and waiters were both friendly and efficient. We missed the little extras we received as "loyal" RC guests (that we got on the Oasis), such as a sailaway party on the helicopter pad - these little gestures made us feel special. Finally, disembarkation - fastest ever, I think! Part of that, of course, is due to the customs people letting up on us "little" people (with few declarations); however, the option for valet service for our luggage and the organization of the staff made our let down from leaving a little less painful!

Cabin Review

Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony

Cabin D8

We loved our cabin. It felt spacious and had plenty of storage space. The balcony was great - Durell, our cabin steward, opened up the divider between my mom and us, which was just the right amount of shared space and privacy. I do miss the sheer curtains - when the sun was shining, we were forced to shut the curtains,making us feel like we got an inside cabin (gypped). The two cabinets on either side of the bed was phenomenal; it gave us each our own cabinet! We didn't even need two of the shelves (and if you know my shopping capability, you'd know that was awesome!) Service, both morning and evening, was great and efficient. Our cabin steward was pleasant and helpful!

Port Reviews

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)

Fort Lauderdale has a great beach and LOTS of shopping. Ate at Bubba Gump's, right across from the beach. It is clean and most areas are very nice.

Labadee

I was surprised that RC cleaned up this little "island" so nicely and quickly. The vendors tend to be a little pushy when you walk by, but the beach itself is clean and relaxing. The lunch was nothing really special, but it was nice not to have to go back onto the ship. I would recommend the all-day pass for the roller coaster, as it's one that I went on several times - once is not enough!

Falmouth

Falmouth is not as pristine as Ocho RIos, but it was nice enough. Sellers are a little too aggressive for my taste, making our shopping not as enjoyable, but I did get a nice vase made from a mango tree that was beautiful.

Cozumel

This port is very nice - the dock was okay (not as nice as Carnival's - yet - but it has grown immensely since the last time we were there!) We did not get to enjoy it for very long, as the weather wasn't that great. We've been to this port many times, and we always enjoy ourselves there!

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