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22nd Sep 2024 | 7 nights | Royal Caribbean International | Harmony of the Seas
You would be hard-pressed to take part in everything on offer on the 5,479-passenger Harmony of the Seas in a week. The sheer number of entertainment offerings, both day and night, is bewildering; it's a bit like being at a massive floating theme park, with everything from simulated surfing to ziplines, an ice rink, rock climbing walls and a 10-story dry slide.
Harmony of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean's hugely popular Oasis class of ships, the largest cruise ships afloat. The ship is almost a carbon copy of its fleetmate, which pioneered a "neighbourhood" concept, with activities grouped into different areas on the ship. So, you have the buzzy, amusement park-style Boardwalk; the serenity of Central Park, with its real trees and plants; the Pool and Sports Zone for outdoor activities, including a large kids splash park; and the Royal Promenade for indoor shopping and entertainment.
The sheer size of Harmony of the Seas is astounding; it's easy to forget you're on a ship, especially when you're hanging out on the Royal Promenade, which feels more like a Vegas hotel than a cruise ship. It also means you're less likely to feel the waves, a big plus for those prone to seasickness.
What Harmony of the Seas excels in is variety, whether you're talking cabins, entertainment or dining. Even cabins in the ship's lowest category are thoughtfully designed and comfortable, with space for relaxing and plenty of storage. Likewise, the entertainment onboard, whether small scale, like an acoustic guitarist, or larger than life, like the production of "Grease," is simply outstanding. The ship's restaurants offer everything from low-key grab-and-go meals to multicourse, hours long culinary extravaganzas, though be prepared for a variety of quality with the extra-cost venues generally being much better.
You'll find lots of space for kids of all ages, fun and entertaining programming and the facilities -- for our money -- are the best at sea. Parents can spend time playing with their kids all day and then feel comfortable heading off on date night knowing their children are in good hands.
If you're happy sharing your cruise vacation with 6,779 other passengers (at full capacity), of all ages and with a lot of families, then Harmony of the Seas is about as good as it gets in terms of activities, entertainment and fun at sea -- throw yourself in, and you'll be kept busy all week.
Daytime: Anything goes, though cover-ups or shirts and shoes are required for indoor dining -- and indoor spaces, in general.
Evening: "Resort casual," which for women means dresses or skirts, capris or slacks and blouses. For men, khakis or trousers paired with button-down or collared shirts work. Formalwear options for women include evening gowns, cocktail dresses or fancy blouses with slacks. Men generally go with dress shirts, ties, jackets and slacks, full suits or even tuxedos.
Not permitted: Cut-off jeans, shorts and swimwear are not permitted in the main dining room.
Harmony of the Seas is a busy, noisy ship, with lots going on day and night. During the day, the action centres on the Royal Promenade, a busy thoroughfare for shopping, eating and the odd "event," such as a sale. This spills out onto the Boardwalk, where you'll find the Carousel and the shops flanking it.
Daytime activities might include, but are not limited to, trivia and trivia-like games, bingo, pub games, dance classes, sports competitions, art auctions, cooking demos, and spa and shop seminars. Ice skating is also open to passengers at Studio B during various times throughout the cruise.
The ship really comes alive at night, when everyone is decked out for dinner and enjoying the electric atmosphere. It's also when it might feel the most crowded, as people compete for limited space at the blockbuster events, especially those on the Royal Promenade.
At night, the bars are all about being loud, offering entertainment and keeping you dancing and singing along late into the night. However, because of the innovative neighbourhood concept (which separates areas), it's quite possible to escape the crowds and enjoy, for example, piped birdsong and classical music in Central Park, the most sophisticated and upscale area of the ship.
The theatre, where you'll find the big productions including "Grease," is magnificent -- and huge -- with seating for 1,380 passengers and with a giant movie screen flanking each side.
The ship's casino is located midship on Deck 4. The casino includes a huge number of slot machines, along with table games like blackjack, craps and roulette. It hosts tournaments throughout the cruise and has a sports book, poker room and bar.
Catch late-night adult comedy shows at the Attic on Deck 4. Late into the night, it occasionally hosts music and dancing as well. The best spot for music is Jazz on 4 (Deck 4). This cool venue just oozes mellow vibes and fantastic live jazz. No reservations necessary, but dancing and music starts late and goes later.
There's so much to do on the outer decks of Harmony of the Seas, that it's sometimes hard to know where to start. But if you do nothing else onboard, try the Ultimate Abyss.
Even visually, it's a showstopper, with the entrance -- high up on Deck 15 -- designed to look like a giant angler fish. The Abyss has two slides, and riders will fly, at breathtaking speeds, down 10 stories atop mats (that add speed and eliminate friction burns). It's a blast and open to anyone at least 44 inches tall. The ride lasts 12 seconds, long enough to get your heart racing without time to be truly terrifying.
Adrenalin junkies also will adore the ship's zipline, which offers a seven-second ride from Deck 16 to Deck 15 over the wide-open space above the Boardwalk.
The ship features three water slides, collectively called the Perfect Storm. Two, dubbed Typhoon and Cyclone, are racing slides, while the third -- Supercell -- features a "Champagne bowl," which includes clear tubing.
Harmony also has two FlowRiders -- surf simulators where passengers can hone their Boogie boarding or surfing skills.
You'll find two giant rock-climbing walls on Deck 6. A mini-golf course (called Harmony Dunes) on Deck 15 is popular when the weather is pleasant.
Most popular with the kids is Splashaway Bay with its water cannons, a multilevel jungle gym and a drenching water bucket, two covered hot tubs and a lazy river feature.
Virtually all of the middle of Deck 16 serves as a sun deck on Harmony of the Seas, with lots of lounge chairs and little shade.
There are 14 bars aboard Harmony of the Seas, most of them featuring various forms of entertainment, such as live music or DJs.
Highlights include:
Boleros (Deck 5): This Latin-style lounge, located on the Promenade, features live music and dancing late into the night. The bar -- and its dance floor -- really gets going after showtime.
Boot & Bonnet Pub (Deck 5): The best spot for a pint onboard, the Boot & Bonnet is an English-style pub located on the Promenade. This is where you'll find the best variety of beers from around the world; the menu even has a beer-style guide (English Ale, Tripel and IPA, for example) to help novices make decisions. An acoustic guitarist provides entertainment at night.
Rising Tide Bar (Deck 5 through 7): Worth trying once, this bar is more like an elevator with a bar than a place to hang out. It moves between the Promenade Deck and Central Park, a three-deck ride. Rising Tide ride times are listed at the bar's entrances, and it usually offers a number of trips each night.
Bionic Bar (Deck 5): Two "robot bartenders" make your drink (cocktails only) after you punch in your order via tablets. Watch as these bionic arms shake up your cocktail. Because the robots can make only two drinks at once, it could take a little while to get your drink, but the novelty of it is a lot of fun (at least the first time).
Schooner Bar (Deck 6): The nautically-themed Schooner piano bar looks over the Royal Promenade and usually is quite busy. When music from the Promenade doesn't filter in, a pianist/vocalist entertains.
Vintages (Deck 8): A true wine bar, Vintages is located in Central Park. It features a large, tall table that can be used for wine tastings, offered several times a cruise for a fee, as well as smaller, more intimate tables and a bar, as well as a number of outside tables. You can also order nibbles from Jamie's Italian here for a fee.
Dazzles (Decks 8 and 9): This two-deck nightclub has live music and dancing every day. The top-deck is great for watching rather than participating; it overlooks the dance floor and small stage on Deck 8. Wait staff serve both levels. Dazzles stays open late, and getting a table can be tricky, but if you've got your dance shoes on, you won't need one.
Solarium Bar (Deck 16): The Solarium Bar serves passengers using the adults-only space. Because it's the only bar in the area, it's fairly busy, but it's a nice spot to grab a drink pre-dinner.
Spa
The spa features a wide variety of spa treatments, including various massages and facials, along with medi-spa treatments (Botox, Restylane). Haircuts, styling, colouring and blowouts are available at the salon, along with manicures and pedicures, and makeup application. Men's services, such as beard trims, shaves and collagen treatments are available as well.
Massages start at around $119 for a 50-minute Swedish massage, while facials begin at $125. Haircuts start at $59 and manicures begin at $45. Daily specials are available -- check your Cruise Compass. Passengers who buy multiple treatments will save; book three and you get 10 percent off the first, 20 percent off the second and 30 percent off the third. An 18 percent gratuity is added to all spa and salon services.
Fitness
The fitness centre offers a wide variety of cardio equipment, including stair-climbers, treadmills, ellipticals and stationary bikes, along with a free weight area and a number of weight machines. All equipment is from Life Fitness, and the cardio machines have USB and headphone jacks so you can listen to your own music while training.
The fitness centre includes a cycling room, where spinning classes take place, as well as an aerobics room, which hosts group classes like TRX and lectures. The variety of equipment in the fitness centre is decent, and it's rarely busy, even at peak times. Most classes cost extra, as does nutritional consultations and personal training.
A staircase in the gym leads directly to the jogging track, located on Deck 5. Points along the two-lane track mark different common race lengths (5K, 10K, etc.), and 2.4 laps equals a mile.
We love the sheer variety of venues and cuisine types on offer, and that cruisers are not wedded to the main dining rooms and buffet should they wish to grab a free meal elsewhere -- which is just as well, as Oasis-class ships are known for overcrowding at peak times. On Harmony, you can always find a place to eat, no matter what time of day.
However, we found the quality from venue to venue as well as menu to menu varied; one night, you'll have a great meal, while the next you might be disappointed. That said, the quality and experience are far superior in the ship's additional-fee restaurants. The spaces themselves are comfortable and well-designed. They feel cosy and quiet, in part, because each venue caps the dining capacity to ensure an intimate experience.
American Icon (Deck 3) The Grande (Deck 4) and Silk (Deck 5) Restaurants
Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L) Dinner (D)
Harmony of the Seas has three main dining rooms, though the food is the same in each one. At dinner, American Icon provides set-time dining at either 6 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. (same table, waiter and tablemates every night), while the other two offer the My Time Dining (eat any time between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., though reservations are encouraged). For all meals, vegetarian, no-sugar-added, lactose-free and gluten-free options are identified. Notify your waiter and maître d' about any food allergies or dietary requirements when you first board to ensure they can accommodate specific needs.
Breakfast is served every day in American Icon, with no set dining times or reservations required. You can eat either à la carte by ordering from the menu or use the space's surprisingly extensive breakfast buffet. Or you can do both.
American Icon also serves lunch but only on sea days. Like breakfast, you can order strictly off the menu, visit the buffet or enjoy a combination of both. This is the best spot to get a salad onboard. Dishes are generally heavy on the salt, and we preferred the quality of the buffet options over items from the menu.
Dinner is always a five-course plated affair no matter which main dining restaurant you pick. All courses include a vegetarian option, beyond simple pasta dishes. Menus vary each night, but there's a small selection of always available items as well. Food was OK; we found the sirloin a bit tough but would be happy ordering the escargot every night.
Windjammer Marketplace (Deck 16)
Meals: B, L, D
The ship's buffet, Windjammer Marketplace is loaded with options at all meals, and it's always busy even at dinner. There are hot and cold stations, made-to-order grills and dessert bars. Wait staff are quick and efficient, which helps combat the high volume of people who move through each day.
Breakfast starts bright and early, with an "early bird" continental option. That's followed by a true breakfast, but sadly, you can't get made-to-order omelettes in Windjammer, though you can get custom fried or poached eggs.
Lunch offers a huge DIY salad bar, American favourites, tons of bread (with gluten-free options clearly identified) and a carving station that rotates daily. There is a made-to-order pasta station as well as a rotating custom option that one day might offer paninis, the next German sausages with all the fixings.
Dinner is especially popular on formal nights because, unlike other venues, no dinner dress code is enforced here. In addition to the salad bar, you will find a wide variety of hot items and an exceptional cheese table.
Sorrento's (Deck 5)
Meals: L, D
Located on the Royal Promenade, Sorrento's offers pizza by the slice or made to order.
Café Promenade (Deck 5)
Meals: B, L, D
Café Promenade offers quick bites 24 hours a day. In the morning hours, grab pastries and doughnuts. Lunch and dinner deliver tasty sandwiches. But the best might be the post-dinner time sweets. Cookies, tea and coffee are served around the clock.
Boardwalk Dog House (Deck 6)
Meals: L, D
A fun addition to the Boardwalk, this serves up Coney Island dogs, bratwurst or chicken sausage, with various condiments, and add-on peppers, onions or kraut. Dogs are served up fresh and messy.
Vitality Café (Deck 6)
Meals: B, L, D
The only "light fare" onboard, the Vitality Café is located in the Vitality Spa complex and is open roughly when the spa is.
Park Café (Deck 8)
Meals: B, L
With its Central Park location, Park Café is a great place to get away from the crowds jamming the buffet and was our favourite spot to people watch. Enjoy a build-your-own bagel sandwich for breakfast and custom-made salads or kummelweck (roast beef sandwich) for lunch, along with hot soups and sandwiches. You can also grab premade items, like egg salad sandwiches or Thai shrimp and noodles for the road.
Mini Bites (Deck 15)
Meals: L
This mini-venue serves mini-foods -- literally, bite-sized treats like pork meatballs, little corn dogs, mini-quiches and tiny empanadas. You also can find single-bite cupcakes and fruit on toothpicks. Mini Bites is tucked away behind a Ping-Pong table on Deck 15.
Solarium Bistro (Deck 15)
Meals: B, L, D
The Solarium Bistro overlooks the adults-only Solarium, a peaceful retreat and another favourite of ours to get away from the crowds; it's completely underutilized by most passengers. For breakfast and lunch, it serves essentially a toned-down version of what is offered in the ship's buffet. But at dinner it really shines, offering a Greek-themed buffet with menu items that include chicken kebabs, skirt steak or grilled shrimp. Lamb chops ($10) and lobster tail ($15) are also available at an extra cost.
Coastal Kitchen (Deck 17): Coastal Kitchen is open only to suite passengers and Pinnacle Club members of Royal Caribbean's loyalty program. All suite passengers can dine at Coastal Kitchen at night, when it serves a fusion of Mediterranean and Californian farm-to-table cuisine.
Pricing was accurate at time of review, but may have changed since.
Izumi Hibachi (Deck 11); à la carte, or $35 or $40 for the Hibachi Experience
M: L (sushi only); D (Hibachi and sushi)
Izumi serves sushi, sashimi, noodle bowls, soups and salads, all priced à la carte; there's also a hibachi grill experience where you'll sit with others in a square around a hot hibachi surface as the chef spends as much time entertaining as he does cooking.
Sabor Taqueria and Tequila Bar (Deck 6); à la carte
Open: L, D
Located on the Boardwalk, Sabor is the ship's Mexican restaurant. The concept is Mexican food made with fresh ingredients, and the menu promises things like guacamole made tableside. We found the venue to be hit and miss when it came to quality and portion sizes.
Johnny Rockets (Deck 6); $6.95
Meals: B, L
Johnny Rockets is a Royal Caribbean favourite. The 1950s-style diner on the Boardwalk serves up hamburgers, French fries (with toppings like chili and cheese), melts and hot dogs for lunch. This is not the spot for a "light meal," though you can get a salad or grilled chicken breast sandwich.
Those in the know head to Johnny Rockets for breakfast, which has no additional charge. Food is very diner-centric: flapjacks, fried eggs and hash browns.
Starbucks (Deck 6); à la carte
Meals: B, L, D
Head here for a fancier caffeine fix. It also serves a limited food menu (pastries and the like), as you'd find on shore.
Chops Grille (Deck 8); $39
Meals: D
Chops Grille is Royal Caribbean's signature steakhouse, and this one, located in Central Park, is always packed. That's because it sticks with the big chophouse faves, like filet mignon, New York strip steak, braised short ribs and veal chops. Dry-aged steaks and Maine lobster are available for an additional fee.
150 Central Park (Deck 8); $45 or $89
Meals: D
Michael Schwartz's 150 Central Park is located in Central Park and features two dinner options: a standard three-course dinner or a premium four-course (including two appetizers) menu, where each course is paired with wine. This is not a quick meal, as a number of courses and drinks are prepared tableside -- a nice touch.
Jamie's Italian (Deck 8); $20 lunch, $25 dinner
Meals: L, D
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver lends his name and menu to this restaurant, located in Central Park. Dishes are pure, rustic Italian. We recommend the "Anti Plank" appetizers, beautifully prepared with either cured meats or vegetables. The burger entrée is outrageous and delicious, with lots of smoky pancetta and gooey cheddar cheese. The Jamie's Italian lunch menu has fewer options than the dinner menu.
Wonderland (Decks 11 and 12); $49
Meals: D
Spanning two decks, Wonderland's décor, inspired by "Alice in Wonderland," is impressive. But it's the dishes that are truly imaginative. This one is for the foodies and fans of molecular gastronomy; if you don't like fussy food, skip it. Innovative offerings include a baby vegetable garden, with tasty bread crumbs that resemble dirt or a deconstructed caprese salad, with a liquid olive and ricotta powder. The open kitchen is a lot of fun; you can see how the chef actually creates these molecular masterpieces.
Cabins are compact but comfortable with plenty of hanging and drawer space. So much storage space, in fact, you won't be able to fill it all. All are comfortable and well thought out, in terms of space.
What really stands out for us about the cabins on Harmony, however, is the wide variety of configurations available, including dozens of connecting rooms, making the ship particularly well-suited to families and groups of friends travelling together.
Each cabin includes a dresser with drawer space, a sofa, a desk/vanity, wardrobes with space for hanging clothes as well as additional drawers, floor-length mirror, lighted makeup mirror, two beds that can be combined to create a "Royal King" and two nightstands with cubby space. Cabins also have programmable safes, for-fee mini-bar refrigerators, phones, hair dryers and giant flat-screen TVs.
TVs have a variety of channels showing things like sports, news, cruise ship programming and movies. Additional movies are available on-demand for a fee.
Bathrooms for all cabins, except suites, are identical. Each has a shower capsule with a curved glass door, a toilet, a small sink and vanity, a narrow shelving unit and a large mirror. Showers are fairly small, but showerheads are adjustable for even the very tall. Our biggest gripe is that Royal Caribbean only provides the very basics when it comes to amenities in non-suite cabins: You'll get a bar of soap and a shower gel dispenser. We recommend you bring along your own hair care products and lotion.
Interior: Interior cabins start at 149 square feet, while large interiors come in at a more bearable 172 square feet, which includes ones with virtual balconies -- floor-to-ceiling high-definition digital screens that create the illusion of an actual balcony. Interior accessible cabins, with or without the virtual balcony, are larger.
Ocean View: Ocean-view cabins start at 179 square feet (accessible rooms are larger), but not all cabins in this category actually have an "ocean view." Boardwalk- (191 square feet), Promenade- (194 square feet) and Central Park View (199 square feet) cabins offer bay-window seating overlooking some of the ship's busiest neighbourhoods -- without noise thanks to sound-muffling windows.
Family Ocean View rooms come in at 271 square feet and can accommodate up to six people, thanks to a Royal King bed and pull-out sofa in one room, and twin-sized bunk beds in what can best be described as a closet, though it lacks a door and instead has a privacy curtain.
Studio: Harmony of the Seas offers two categories of studio staterooms, designed and priced for just one person: interior and ocean-view cabins. Interior studios measure 103 square feet, though one -- cabin 4660 -- is 96 square feet. They include two small beds that can be combined to create a queen-size bed, narrow wardrobes, a tiny desk and flat-screen TV. Studio ocean views are the same, except they include round windows and are 96 square feet, except for cabins 4682 and 4688, which are 104 square feet.
Balcony: Balcony cabins on Harmony start at 182 square feet. They have verandas ranging from 50 to 80 square feet, depending on location. Accessible balcony rooms are larger and have 80-square-foot verandas. Balconies feature two mesh chairs, a small table and two mesh footrests. Most balconies overlook the water, but some overlook two of the ship's neighbourhoods. Boardwalk- and Central Park View balcony cabins are 182 square feet and have 52-square-foot balconies. Both have accessible versions that run larger. Cabins in this category keep you involved in the action but sacrifice a bit on privacy; people below and above can see you.
Family Ocean View balcony staterooms sleep six and include a Royal King bed, a convertible sofa and the same bunk-bed arrangement used in Family Ocean View cabins. These measure 271 square feet, with 82-square-foot balconies.
Suites: Royal Caribbean leads the way when it comes to the suite life at sea. There are far more suite types than cabin types (nine versus four) -- with a whole range of perks across three suite classes: Sea Class, Sky Class and Star Class. All Suite Class passengers get access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant for dinner, bottled water, luxury bath products, bathrobes and pillow-topped mattresses.
Sky Class passengers additionally get all-day access to Coastal Kitchen (this is connected to the exclusive suite lounge), in-suite dining, complimentary internet access, a one-day pass to the spa's Thermal Room, access to the Suites Beach during the ship's private islands stops, concierge services, priority theatre seats, access to the suite sun deck on Deck 17 and priority boarding and departure.
Star Suite perks include drinks via the line's "Ultimate Beverage Package," free dining at the ship's eight speciality restaurants, in-suite cocktail service, a complimentary mini-bar, Nespresso coffee maker, free fitness classes, included gratuities, in-suite movies and high-end mattresses, linens, towels and bathrobes.
Another unique offering for Star Suite passengers is the Royal Genie, essentially a concierge available at your beck and call to handle any and all requests as well as providing little surprises along the way.
Junior Suite (Sea Class): These 287-square-foot rooms can accommodate two to five passengers. At the lowest end of the suite scale, these cabins come with upgraded amenities, including bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion and shower gel. Each bathroom includes a bathtub/shower combo and sink with shelves flanking both sides. Junior suites also have large walk-in closets and 80-square-foot balconies.
Grand Suite (Sky Class): These suites are 371 square feet, with 105-square-foot balconies and can hold up to four passengers. They feature separate living and sleeping areas and a small bar. Living rooms include two chairs and a couch (some of which convert into a bed), a cocktail table, side tables and flat-screen TV. Bedrooms feature vanities with makeup mirrors and chairs. The bathroom has a tub and shower combo, dual sinks and large mirrors.
Royal Family Suite (Sky Class): Each of these four cabins is a whopping 580 square feet with a 238-square-foot balcony. They have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large living area and a wraparound balcony, which has dining tables and chairs, and two padded loungers. Each cabin sleeps up to eight (a minimum of four is required to book), with pull-out couch and two pull-down beds in the second bedroom. Master bathrooms feature shower/tub combos and separate dressing areas.
Owner's Suite (Sky Class): There are 10 of these, and each is 556 square feet with a 243-square-foot balcony that includes a dining table and two padded loungers. Inside, you'll find a dining table for four, dry bar and living room that features a sofa bed, easy chairs, cocktail table and large leather ottoman. The bathroom has a separate tub and shower, dual sinks and separate bidet and toilet. The master bedroom has a large vanity and closet. Owner's Suites can accommodate four people.
Crown Loft Suite (Sky Class): The 29 Crown Loft Suites can hold up to four people and are split-level, with a main living area on the ground floor and an open bedroom loft. (The accessible room is 737 square feet with a 140-square-foot balcony). Crown Loft Suites run 545 square feet with 114-square-foot balconies. There is a shower room on the ground floor; a second bathroom with tub and shower is on the second level. The living area on the main level includes a sofa bed, dining area, dry bar, table/desk and easy chairs. Balconies include two padded lounge chairs.
AquaTheater Suite (Sky Class): You'll find six AquaTheater Suites onboard, ranging from 604 to 652 square feet and accommodating four to eight people. Balconies range from 589 to 631 square feet. Passengers in these rooms will have views of the AquaTheater and Boardwalk below. Each AquaTheater suite features a separate bedroom and living area, which includes a sofa and two chairs, cocktail table and large TV. The bedroom features a large closet and a second TV; it is attached to a bathroom that includes separating a tub and shower along with a single sink.
The two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites (Star Class) are among the most spectacular onboard, with wraparound balconies that range from 610 to 772 square feet and can be accessed from the main living area and the master bedroom. They feature multiple loungers and a dining table. Inside, the suites range from 673 to 823 square feet and include two full bathrooms, a large living area with sofa bed, an entertainment centre, large window-side banquet seating and dining table. The master bathroom includes a tub and dual sinks.
Sky Loft Suite (Star Class): The bi-level Sky Loft Suites can sleep four and feature vast balconies that stretch 410 square feet and dining tables, as well as two padded loungers and two chairs. The cabin is 722 square feet and includes two-deck windows, a dining area with dry bar, a living room sofa bed and cocktail table. The bathroom on the main level has a shower for two. The bedroom is on the loft level and includes a second bathroom, as well as a large closet.
Presidential Family Suite (Star Class): This one-of-a-kind suite has four bedrooms and four bathrooms and is 1,142 square feet. A minimum of eight passengers must book; 14 is the max. Two of the bedrooms are master bedrooms; both are adjoined to master bathrooms that include tub/shower combos. The other two bathrooms include showers. The vast living area includes a dining table, sofa bed with chaise, cocktail table and dry bar. The 476-square-foot balcony includes a long dining table that can seat 14, a wet bar and a jetted hot tub.
Royal Loft Suite (Star Class): The largest cabin on Harmony of the Seas is the Royal Loft Suite, which sleeps six, comes in at a whopping 1,524 square feet and includes an 843-square-foot wraparound balcony. It includes two bedrooms, huge living and dining areas, baby grand piano and dry bar. The master bedroom is located on the second level and includes a large private bathroom with bidet, toilet, jetted tub, shower and dual sinks. The main level has a smaller second bedroom and a second bath that features a combo shower/tub. You'll find large closets on both levels. The balcony includes a jetted hot tub, padded chairs and loungers, and a dining table
Groups, couples and families who like (very) big ships with a vast amount of entertainment, day and night
Those who are after a quiet, intimate, small-ship experience; gourmands; couples avoiding kids
For the most part, Royal Caribbean ships that sail from the United States attract a wide variety of North American passengers, mostly between the ages of 30 and 55 on the seven-night and shorter cruises, and 50 and over on cruises longer than seven nights. Seven-night and shorter cruises are also popular with families, especially during American school vacation periods, when the ships will often be at filled at well past double capacity and carrying more than a thousand kids. Cruises from the U.K. -- as well as Mediterranean, Asia and Australia cruises -- attract a significant number of locals from each area, as well as Royal Caribbean's usual North Americans.
Royal Caribbean's dress code is casual during the day; at night there's either casual, smart-casual or formal dress code depending on the schedule. Casual attire includes jeans and collared shirts for men and sundresses or pants with blouses for women; smart-casual means collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits; and on formal nights, suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns are expected. If you want to avoid dressing up altogether on any night, the extensive Windjammer Café is always casual dress. Caps, tank tops and bathing suits are never allowed in the main dining room or specialty restaurants; shorts are not permitted during dinner and footwear is always required.
No. Royal Caribbean ships really vary in terms of complimentary dining, with the main dining room and huge Windjammer Café as constants. Coffee, tea, milk, lemonade and a few other beverages are available without cost at all times, as well. Most specialty restaurants carry an additional charge, but there are options that are free, including pizza, the Boardwalk Dog House, the Park Café (on select ships) and more, depending on the ship. Ice cream, scooped at mealtimes and from machines in between (apart from Ben & Jerry's) is also free. Other dining choices with additional cost run the gamut from Asian to a steakhouse, deli and Mexican and Italian restaurants. Room service carries a $7.95 cost per order, with the exception of Continental breakfast.
The main pool areas are a magnet onboard any Royal Caribbean ship, as is the peaceful adults-only Solarium. Cruisers line up for the most adrenaline-pumping activities, whether to surf the FlowRider or try out new experiences from simulated skydiving and ice skating to bumper cars and escape rooms. Broadway shows (on the ships that have them) are also quite popular and fill up any night they're on offer. Equally as in demand are the high-flying and diving acrobatics of the AquaTheater and the ice-skating shows on the Freedom- and Voyager-class ships.
When you book a holiday with Royal Caribbean, you’re not just booking a holiday - you’re booking the opportunity to discover a host of new activities and fantastic destinations. Everything you need to enjoy your holiday is included in the price of your ticket, making your experience truly amazing value. Of course, additional options can be purchased if you want those little extras.
Included as standard:
