In June 2019 we had an opportunity to sail on on of the world’s largest cruise ships to celebrate the wedding anniversary of friends we’d met on a cruise in 2013. It wasn’t our first time on a ship this large, but it was our first time cruising with a group of over 50 people with more than five thousand other passengers also on board! Despite usually seeking out smaller ships and smaller crowds, we had blast enjoying the amenities of this amazing ship with a lot of new friends! And it never felt like it was crowded!
Some of the more than 50 folks who joined friends on their anniversary celebration cruise!
Harmony of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s “Oasis Class” ships, characterized by a large open area in the middle of the ship, with “interior” balconies that overlook a variety of neighborhoods designed to spread crowds around. This class of ship added a large open air Aquatheater with aerialists, and entertainment pools to their ship design which already boasted a large Royal Promenade for shopping and dining and on board ice skating rink! A top deck dry slide and water slides were added to the already popular surfing simulators for more sporting fun on board.
Boardwalk area Adult Solarium Abyss dry slide Windjammer Cafe
Enhanced technology also makes the ship feel less crowded. Check in is done on line, including uploading you photos for identification so that upon arriving to board the ship, attendants with ipads streamline the check in process. Later, you can purchase a small WOW watch band pre loaded with any of your entertainment schedules and drink packages for easy “touch and go” purchasing and entry to shows. A free app allows you to view entertainment schedules, make reservations and even communicate on board with friends and family, so even if you can’t find them on deck, you can send a message!
We stayed in a standard Ocean View Balcony Cabin- small but well designed with plenty of storage.
While we felt the crowds were hardly noticeable on this large and well appointed ship, the one area that disappointed us was the lido buffet. While the food was good, especially at the live cooking station, there was always a bottle neck at popular times at the hand washing station. Three or four sinks could not hope to handle the busy sea day lunch crowds of thousands looking to dine in the Windjammer Buffet, and no one is admitted without queuing up to wash hands first.
The meal we enjoyed most was at the concept dining room call Wonderland. This is an additional coast dining area, and we enjoyed dinner with the anniversary couple here. We enjoyed the creative and fun ways the food was presented.
This trip also included a stop at Royal Caribbeans newly upgraded private island play area- Perfect Day at Coco Cay. Several comfortable included beach lounging areas surround the island’s new huge pool and extra cost water slide park. Several colorful new grills and bars offer both included and for purchase options, and there will soon be private cabanas available to rent at additional cost.
Additional stops in St Martin and St Thomas gave us the opportunity to explore those islands with our group. By far the highlight was a circumnavigation tour of St Martin with visits to a few smaller satellite islands with on of Captain Bob Soualiga’s speed boat. With stops at Tinte Mare, Orient Beach, and Islet Pinel, we were able to see much of the island both above and below water with the provided snorkel equipment. Rum punch flowed and this specially built speed boat was comfortable to relax in while cruising from location to location. (click here for link). https://www.soualigadestinations.com/
The anniversary couple at Islet Pinel during our Capt Bob boat tour. Despite having a goal of 30 people for their anniversary cruise, the happy couple entertained over FIFTY people in their group!
Our Harmony of the Seas cruise was both invigorating and relaxing, there is as much to do on board or ashore as you like, whether you want to fly down a water slide, hang by the swim up bar at the pool at Coco Cay or just relax in a chair in the solarium, there is literally something for everyone of a cruise ship of this size!
