Harmony of the Seas

By Ben Costa

 

 

 

 

Harmony of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newest and most innovative ship.  If you are looking for a great for your family, the Harmony of the Seas could be the ship for you. This Harmony of the Seas is also the perfect cruise ship for your family reunions because it features so many activities for children, teens, young adults and older cruises.    

 

If you are looking for a relaxing cruise with peace and quiet, this may not be the cruise ship for you.

 

ShipFacts:

• Harmony of the Seas is the largest Cruise Ship ever built
• Length: 1188 feet -  That’s almost 4 football fields long
• Width:  215.5 feet – This is the amazing part of this ship
• Weight: 226000 Tons
• Passengers: 5400 (double occupancy) 6780 (max)
• Crew: 2100
• Max Speed:  22Knot Forward, 16Knots Reverse and 4Knots sideways

 

 

The Neighborhoods 

Royal Caribbean designed the ship into neighborhoods, each neighborhood has a unique design and highlights some of the most innovative concepts in cruising.

 

Royal Promenade

The Royal Promenade is at the central hub of the ship and located on decks 5&6.   When you first enter the Promenade, you will be impressed by the its design and open space.   You will not feel like you are on a ship.   This is the main indoor area on the ship where many shops, restaurants and pubs are located.

 

 

Central Park

Central Park is a unique open air space located on Deck 8 and runs the entire center of the ship.  The park is landscaped with live trees, flowers and tropical plants.   There are a few restaurants located in central park with outdoor eating areas including Jamie’s Italian.  Jamie’s is probable the best Italian restaurant on a cruise ship.  There are also a few high-end shops located in Central Park.  It’s a quiet area so it’s a nice place to just sit and relax.

 

The  Boardwalk

The Boardwalk is another great open area located at the rear of the ship on Deck 6.  Here you will find a carousel, rock climbing walls and the Abyss., The Abyss is a 10 decks dry slide and the fastest way to get from Deck 16 to Deck 6.   Starbucks, Jonny Rockets and Sabor, a Mexican are some of restaurants on the Boardwalk.  The Aqua Theater is also located on the Boardwalk.   The Aqua Theater is where they perform the Fine Line aquabatic show.   This show is amazing and considering it being performed on a moving ship.  It is mind-blowing. 

                          

 Pool and Sports Zone

 

Pool and Sports Zone There are 3 main pools located on the top deck with plenty of lounge chairs and seats.  The lounge chairs are a bit close so it feels a little crowded on the deck especially on sea days. There are numerous hot tubs including 2 oversized infinity hot tubs overlooking the ship with great views.   There are 4 water slides with one pair used for racing.   They are large so most adults should have no problem with the slides.   There is a big water activity park for smaller children.

 

Entertainment Place

Entertainment Place covers the Royal Theater Studio B and the Casino.   In the Royal Theater, the premier show is a must see unique production of Grease.  The actors are wonderful and the music is fantastic. They offer a second show in the main theatre called Columbus, which is a funny musical about Christopher’s cousin Marvin Columbus.   In Studio B they perform a musical performance on Ice.   The shows onboard are very well performed and entertaining.  The sets are big and the sound is great.  The theaters have plenty of VERY comfortable seats.   You should make it a point reserve your show times before you cruise or on the first day.

 

 

Staterooms

Balcony and oceanview staterooms are average size.  There is ample closet space.   They also have inside balcony staterooms that overlook Central Park and The Boardwalk.  Most of the rooms would be a bit tight if you plan on 4 in a room.   You also should be careful booking 4 in a room, not many rooms have Pullman pulldowns so the third and fourth persons would have to share the sofa bed.  There are many connecting staterooms so if you have a bigger family you would want to consider this as an option.  Beds were hard, but comfortable and very spacious.  The bathrooms are small however, the showers have plenty of room.  There are 46 accessible rooms that are much wider with very ample bathrooms for wheelchairs. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Harmony offers some unique suites onboard for those who are looking for more room and fancier accommodations.   The best suites are the Sky Class located over the Aqua Theatre.  These are 2 story suites some with multiple bedrooms.   Suite guests have access to private restaurants and other places on the ship. 

 

Internet:  Harmony has VOOM a very fast WIFI onboard.   I was very impressed with connectivity and speed.  I had multiple devices connected and had access throughout the trip.   They also have cell phone service at sea, but be careful with your plan.  You will likely pay roaming charges.

 

 

Dining

 

 

Dining:  There are 8 complimentary dining options multiple premium Dining options

• Main Dining Room - food is good, what you would expect for a ship that must prepare 5000+ meals every evening
• Trade winds - is the buffet and a great option for any meal.  They offer your typical buffet foods at multiple stations.
• Jamie’s Italian ($) is probably the best Italian restaurant at sea.   I love their rice balls.  A must order appetizer is the Plank, a wooden plank filled with great antipasto meats, cheeses and olives.  For a main course, I had the Bronzino and it was great. 
• Chops Grill ($) is a 5-star steakhouse where you can order Fillet Mignon, 20oz club steaks and dry aged steaks.
• Izumi ($) is a Japanese steakhouse with Sushi.
• Wonderland is probably the most unique restaurant at sea.  In Wonderland, the chefs prepare an adventure in foods for you to try.  Many of these are specifically designed for the visual, textual and taste experiences.
• Sabor($) is a Mexican themed restaurant
• 150 Central Park ($) is an American fine dining theme
• Jonny Rockets ($) located on the boardwalk and offers burger and other sandwiches.

Itinerary:  The Harmony of the Seas is currently sailing alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.  Ports may vary depending on the sailing.   Prices for the Harmony are a bit higher than some of the other RCCL ships from Florida, but the ship is worth it.   If you want to book a cruise on the Harmony of the Seas or any other Royal Caribbean ship, give me a call or shoot me an email.

 

Ben Costa

(973) 798-2493

ben.costa@cruiseplanners.com