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Harmony of the Seas

First Oasis Class Experience

Ketchikan

We booked this transatlantic cruise in the depths of the pandemic to have something to look forward to - we never imagined that we'd still be wondering right up until the last minute whether it would go or not.  Along with being our very first time on an Oasis class ship, our experience was certainly different due to the very small number of pax on board: approximately 1300 on a ship designed to hold over 5500.  The TA was 100% vaccinated, so there were no children onboard - we saw just a few teenagers with family but all old enough they could be vaccinated.  All the venues were operating with some limits (no dinner in WJ, limited hours for some of the activities, etc.) and most of the shows and entertainment.  It seemed as if they were using the Transatlantic crossing to train a large number of new crew and staff as every day we saw groups of crew being guided around on tours by officers pointing things out.

General:  We've cruised on Royal before and think of it as comparable to Princess: pretty mainstream and not pretending to be high-end.  Given that preconception, we were VERY pleasantly surprised by how good the service and the food generally were.  The crew seemed genuinely happy to have us on board.  

Thoughts on Oasis Class: Of course we'd watched lots of You**ube videos before we went and knew what we were getting into but it was still interesting to have two weeks on a relatively empty cruise to experience the Oasis class.  None of the venues were full and it was easy to get into shows without reserving.  We can totally see how these ships would be great for families with children and also multi-generational groups.  That said, the "downsides" for us were the lack of views of the ocean from most of the public spaces.  The only restaurants with windows and views are the MDR (if you're lucky enough to get a table by the window), the Windjammer, Solarium Cafe (both casual buffets)  and Coastal Kitchen which is restricted to those with suites.  All the rest could be inside some giant shopping mall.  Most ships have their gyms up high and forward with walls of windows over the ocean - here the gym only has the big round windows on either side and the entire center area feels closed in.  Similarly most ships have a bar/lounge space on the top far forward with windows and there's nothing remotely comparable here.  Except for the various pool bars which are by definition outdoors and exposed to the sun and wind, you're always blocked from the ocean.  Even the Boardwalk back by the AquaTheater, where they could allow an expansive view of the ocean across the back, they block it with the superstructure for the show, and the two giant Jumbotrons that were showing mindless You**ube videos all day long.  Couldn't they design folding or retractable screens and just put them up for shows?  But as I said, we knew all of this in advance and got a Junior Suite with a large balcony so we always had the sound and sight of the ocean.  

Dining: the dining venues (we had the Dining package and the drinks package) were mostly impressive in each of the categories - the buffet was good for a buffet, Chops was good for a steakhouse, etc.  We tried all the speciality restaurants and enjoyed the menu and service the most in Chops and Jamies; we enjoyed the menu in 150 Central Park but the staff seemed to be more "scripted" and stiff.  My partner is vegetarian and there were good options in each venue.  Servers also offered to get him a veggie entree from another restaurant which was very nice when they knew we'd already eaten there before.  We ate in the MDR for one dinner and one lunch and while the service was excellent (a manager recognized us when we came back for lunch and spent some time chatting with us) the food was probably not as impressive as any of our other meals - things seemed like they had been on a warming table.  The only miss for us was Sabor - limited menu of uninspired Mexican, and what we had was not at all fresh or even interesting, frankly.  Indifferent service in Sabors also.  Special shout-out for Solarium cafe and for Vitality cafe - both surprisingly nice spots with attentive staff.  

We used Room Service for breakfast every morning pre-workout, so mostly just coffee, fresh fruit and sometimes cereal and yogurts.  Delivery was prompt and on-time (early!) if we'd used the hanging card the night before, and within 30 minutes if we ordered on the TV when we got up.  We had a "movie night" one evening and ordered pizzas and salads to the room along with a bottle of wine.  The pizzas were still hot in the box and everything was good!

Activities: like many westbound TA's, the weather was cooler and rougher the first half of the cruise and was warmer and milder the second week.  We're not "joiners" on a cruise, meaning we don't generally take advantage of bingo, trivia, etc. but rather walk around and find a quiet spot to read or relax out of the sun.  A friend traveling with us however, did enjoy trivia and some of the other activities and the Cruise Director staff had a steady stream of fun things, dance parties, etc.  

Fitness: we use the gym and/or do something for exercise every day on a cruise, and the gyms on Oasis class ships are impressive for their size and the selection of both weight and cardio equipment.  There were very few fitness classes offered on this cruise given how few passengers there were, but most days there was an abs class in the gym at 8 am with 4-6 attendees, and a spin, boot camp or yoga class offered later in the day - we didn't see if those were attended as we were only there in the mornings.  My partner  ran on the track every other day - probably the best set up for walking or running of any cruise ship because it's dedicated and separate from the pool deck.  I walked on the track most days before or after gym and there was a regular crowd at least at the times I was going.  We didn't try the Flowrider or rock climbing (various knee, foot and back injuries, thanks) but there were regular folks using them every day.  

Bars/venues: friendly and attentive bar staff most everywhere; it's always amazing how the servers can remember you and your drinks!  We were regulars in the Schooner Bar and the Rising Tide bar.  We also used the Trellis Bar in Central Park once the weather warmed up, one of the regular bartenders there was probably the least friendly of any on the ship but the exception proves the rule.

We are on a trans Atlantic crossing from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale on the inaugural cruise of Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas.  We chose a balcony room overlooking the Boardwalk - #11723.

  The room is quite spacious - the king size bed is close to the balcony with two very small nightstands with no drawers.  The bedding is very comfortable.  There is plenty of storage space -  room for empty luggage under the bed.  The hanging closet also has shelves and a quite small safe.  The other closet is larger but only has a top shelf.  A dresser has four deep drawers and a refrigerator.

  The desk serves as a dressing table with a large lit mirror (not bright enough to apply make-up) - a shelf - comfortable seat with hair dryer that is powerful but you need to keep pressure on the button for it to work - tiring for me.

  The bathroom is nice size for a ship - a narrow formica counter with a small sink - glass shelving in the corner - full wall mirror with good lighting and an open shelf beneath the sink for storage.  The glassed in shower is quite nice  - good pressure and water temperature - an adjustable shower head - 2 small hooks for washcloth, shampoo in a pump container and best of all - a small bar to prop you leg for shaving.  Towels are replenished twice daily and are of good quality.

  The pull out sofa is located at the entrance to the room. The large TV does swivel to accommodate this location - but I prefer a room with the sofa near the balcony. Some do have that configuration but the brochure does not differentiate between them.

  Since our balcony overlooked the boardwalk, we had hoped to watch shows from the Aqua theater from our room but two ten story slides called "The Abyss" blocked our view. We could see the Rock Climbing Wall and Carousel.  The room darkening curtains have to be drawn even during the day for any privacy - no shear curtains.  Noise went on late into the evening from shows, movies or games going on in the area.  Central Park rooms have quieter music but still no privacy. Some of the boardwalk rooms on the older ships have a waterview.....because they do not have the slide.

  Room amenities include two fluffy robes, small size bathroom amenities replaced when requested.  Ice buckets also have to be personally requested. To avoid long walks request rooms closer to the elevators.

  The entire crossing was devoid of any international TV channels - CNN, BBC etc..Only shipboard channels - movies and cartoons were available.  Not sure if this was due to being an inaugural cruise or not...

Transatlantic of Harmony of the Seas

Beautiful ship. Service was excellent and so were the shows. The ice shows, Grease, Columbus and the Fine Line shows were really good.

For those who book balcony staterooms facing Central Park....be aware that there are no sheers on glass doors/windows  to the balcony. Only drapes which means no privacy whatsoever so one has to draw the drapes and turn on the lights for some privacy.

Not sure why RCCL didn't realize this but lets hope they address the issue as it really is  a privacy problem.

This is our only criticism of the entire ship... great voyage and truly enjoyable.

The stateroom ( Central Park balcony ) was quite spacious with lots of storage .

Great choices of food in the Windjammer, lots to do and see. Many food venues... 

There were only 2 ports of call and we had been there previously ....did not book any shore excursions.

TA on the Harmony Oct 2016 - Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale

Transatlantics are best value especially when booked early. Cabin had creaking metal overhead which made it difficult to sleep. Otherwise the cabin was fine. Room attendant was very pleasant and efficient. Johnny Rockets was best for breakfast because they serve omelettes and good OJ to your table; no extra fee at breakfast. Mini-bites also makes omelettes and is a nice out of the way option to the Windjammer. Windjammer is much larger than the Allure and has better logistics. Now you have to physically wash your hands at a sink when entering the Windjammer. We had the 4 specialty restaurant package. The highlight for us was Wonderland. The waiter explained all of the menu options and encouraged us to try some things we would not ordinarily order and he was right to do so because it was a delicious experience. David Kirkpatrick, a former Hollywood exec, had a highly entertaining series of lectures. The ship is huge and you get in your daily steps. The elevators only seemed crowded at mealtime when folks were heading to dinner or coming out from the shows. Front elevators tended to be less crowded. Captain Gus was a delight. VOOM Internet worked like a charm the entire cruise. Book internet in advance for discount. Overall they did a great job.

Harmony Transatlantic

A beautiful ship, no doubt about that. No doubt that it is large. I am one of those cruisers who loves to see the body of water on which I'm sailing on. I felt that was missing on this newest RCI ship, if I wanted to be in a atmosphere of forced sunlight I would go to Las Vegas. What happened to the windows on the Schooner Bar? There were lots of activities to keep one busy so no fear there. I can not decide who this ship is best suited for- but I've come to believe that families would appreciate Harmony the most. Sadly on the Trans Atlantic we were on, the ship was short of several items.  I kept trying to get a mojito but was told there was no mint yet the mint seemed to make its way to the dessert trays - to give them credit the desserts were delicious.

Bigger but better?

Overall we really liked the ship. Some nice improvements were the showers, as a plus sized woman, it was nice to have a shower that was easier to maneuver inside, the addition of the shaver bar was nice as well .  We felt the room had more usable space without the coffee table. On previous ships we bumped into the coffee table often and only used it for room service deliveries, on harmony we used the ample sized desk for room service trays and appreciated the extra space provided without the coffee table.  

My husband and I rode the three slides, we liked them all but on the "champagne flute " slide, which we called the toilet bowl, I didn't "flush" successfully, and needed to scoot over to the flush exit! I also managed to get two nice bruises on my legs from hitting something (remember plus sized woman!). But I was not really hurt, just bruised.  My husband had more issue with the abyss , as the glass floor on the entry platform freaked him out. He also had difficulty entering the abyss slide and did not center himself correctly on the mat, the staff member told him to standup and re center himself, which he could not accomplish due to the slippery surface and ended up sliding all the way down with one arm over his head and only one hand holding the mat.   

We both liked the boot and bonnet bar, entertainer Toby-Joe Reilly was wonderful as was Johanna, bartender, it was a nice place to spend time with friends.  As a new ship, with a long time without stock replenishments for the transatlantic sailing, they ran out of a few supplies. No diet soda in the coke machines, the bars ran out of my husbands favorite rum ( oakheart) and no diet sofas in cans except Sprite Zero, since we had purchased the ultimate drink package it was dissapointing to not be able to get our favorite drinks. 

The whole media blitz surrounding the three sisters get together for harmony arriving in America was very fun.   The WiFi was much improved with speed and access and the package prices were pretty good too. Overall, nice ship and nice cruise!

Transatlantic; Fun with Friends

I tend to like longer voyages, especially transatlantics, maidens, and repositioning sailings.  I also look for good value when I cruise.

  I picked an inside cabin with virtual balcony, which I greatly enjoyed onboard Quantum of the Seas.  Unfortunately, at least most of the inside virtual balconies on Harmony of the Seas don't have the sound... so you don't hear the wind, and the sea.  A bigger problem is the exposure latitude on the camera feeding the virtual balcony screen is limited, so (in particular) it looks much darker outside in the early mornings than it appears on (say) the camera feeding the in-cabin TV screen.  It's also disappointing that (unlike Quantum) many of the inside cabins on Harmony don't have virtual balconies.  This is perhaps one of the biggest dumb design decisions that RCL made for Harmony.

  I enjoyed the main dining rooms.  I recommend My Time dining, and ignore the pressure to reserve specific dining times way ahead.  Just show up, and offer to share a table.  You'll meet more interesting people that way (most of the time) and have much greater flexibility.  Don't fail to try some of the other free venues, including Solarium Grill.

  Don't miss the various shows.  Harmony has amazing entertainment.  Be sure to see Grease the Musical, Columbus the Musical, both of the ice shows in Studio B, both the shows at the Aqutheatre, and the headliner shows in the main theatre.  The comedy club show in the Attic, shows in the jazz club, and other entertainment shouldn't be missed, either.

An amazing ship, overall

Recently we have booked most of our cruises based on the ship.  We love both the Quantum Class and the Oasis Class ships.  A cruise on another type of ship to us is now boring.  

The Harmony of the Seas is terrific.  She is beautiful.  The balcony cabins are very nice. There is so much to do.  The Zip line, though short, is great.  There is a very nice mini golf course, along with ping pong, basketball, ice skating, water slides, and of course, the Ultimate Abyss, which is a dry slide going from deck 16 to deck 6 in seconds.  The entertainment was mostly excellent.  They stage play Grease was terrific, as was Columbus, and most of the boarded entertainment.  Both Aqua shows were wonderful, as were both Ice shows..  For the most part, they food was excellent.  The only time that the ship felt crowded, was when events were held on the Promenade deck.  There are many restaurants to chose for any meal.  Many are free, but there are also the upscale pay restaurants.  We tried Chops, which was excellent.  As with the other Oasis class ships, there is the Boardwalk and Central Park.  The Solarium area is beautiful and includes spas  with Infinity edges.  

There is no doubt that we would take this ship again in a heartbeat.  The problem is that all three of this class of ship only does the Caribbean, which is, by far, not our favorite destination.

Since we were on the transatlantic sailing which brought the Harmony to it's home port, we stopped off the coast of Florida to meet up with the Oasis and the Allure for a photo op.  This was great seeing all three huge ships together.

We highly recommend this ship to anyone.  We have taken the Allure and the Oasis, and the Harmony far surpasses both of them with up to date electronics, very good Wifi,   and the Abyss.

WOW!  What a ship.

We chose this cruise because of the ship the Harmony of the seas.  It was our 4th transatlantic crossing and the best yet.  This ship is amazing and so much to do its just has a fun feeling to it. Our cabin was beautifully appointed. We enjoyed each and every meal.  We ate at Jamies one evening wow the meal was fantastic.  We also ate at Chops and had some good food there as well.The staff was incredible not sure how they do that all the time! We loved hearing the captain he has a very good sense of humor and is an intelligent man.  We went to many of the shows and found them great as well.We had two port stops and went on ships tours the tour operator on one of those was excellent the other not so good. Embarkation was a little slow at first but not bad when you consider they were loading up about 5,000 people.  I think that will improve once the ship settles into it's Caribbean routine. If you get a chance definitely cruise this ship :)  with family and friends.  The ship was built to entertain in warm weather lots of outside fun !!

Amazing ship and amazing transatlantic crossing

Just returned from Spain on the 13n transatlantic  cruise on Harmony of the Seas.  Normally do not write a lot of reviews but read some others on HOTS and thought i should offer some thoughts.

First, we have been on over half of RCs ships including the Oasis and Allure multiple times.  Also have 20 or so cruises on other cruise lines.  So this is my perspective for this review.

The ship is amazing.  Some have complained it is "big".  When you book a cruise on the largest cruise ship in the world, yes it is big.  Bear that in mind.  Having said that, generally they handle the 6000 passengers extremely well.  This particular voyage had 2300 diamond/diamond plus and 200 pinnacle cruisers so there were a lot of seasoned cruisers with status.  We chatted with dozens of people and most were very happy with the service/entertainment/total offering.

I saw a post about beware of all the pinnacles if you are star/sky class.  i could not disagree more - we were a star class cruiser and had incredible service.  in fact the pinnacles were a bit annoyed with it at times.  but you get what you pay for.  The Genie program is outstanding and i am likely to not cruise without it.  it makes the whole trip much easier and is worth the premium if that is an option for you.  we have three more cruises booked with RC and i just made sure we are in the genie level for each.  Our Genie was Alexandra and i hope we have her as a genie again.

The service on the ship was some of the best we have seen on RC.  staff is very friendly and go out of there way to make you happy.  

The entertainment options were very good.  Grease is definitely worth seeing.

The new Wonderland restaurant was one of the most incredible dining experiences i have ever had - our waiter, Marlon made the event for us!!!  ask for him.

Only difference i notices from other Oasis class ships is many of the spaces have been improved upon in terms of usage.  It appears RC studied feedback from the other two ships to improve how HOTS could be laid out.  Nice job on design.

Only negative on this cruise was a few venues closed up early compared to Allure/Oasis - mainly due to everyone in bed early (higher average age on transatlantic).  Casino closed up a bit early and so did several bars.  but there was always something open.

Finally, the Meeting of the Three Sisters was an incredible experience.  Thank you RC for this once in a lifetime experience.  It was really cool to see the three ships together.  We will definitely be on each one of them again.

Cheers

Shout out to Rico, Mohammed, Ivan, Heyn and everyone in the Coastal Kitchen!!  Incredible job!!!!

Incredible Ship/Incredible Experience

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