Harmony of the Seas

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We recently returned from the pre-inaugural cruise of Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Harmony of the Seas.  This was a short two day cruise to Nassau to help travel agents get to know all the wonders on board.  And are there wonders on board!  If you want a trip with the family with lots of things to do and wonderful places to see, then this is the ship for you.

 

The Harmony of the Seas is an Oasis class ship.  This is a designation given by Royal Caribbean to it’s next to largest ships.  All of the ships is this category will be laid out in a similar fashion.  This is helpful for those who cruise frequently and love the way a ship is laid out.  It just makes life on board a ship a little bit easier to adjust to.  The Oasis class ships are laid out in “neighborhoods”.  Each neighborhood has features and activities related to that neighborhood.  So what’s on an Oasis class ship?  Probably easier to say what’s not on this ship.

 

Central Park:  This neighborhood is laid out much like a park.  Literally!  The walkways meander around trees, trellises, and park benches.  Located in the center of the ship on deck 8, it’s open to the air and boasts places to eat from specialty dining room from Jamie Oliver’s “Jamie’s Italian” to sandwich shops designed for a quick bite on the run.  You can also find the bar “Rising Tide” which literally rises and lowers from one deck to another every 30 minutes or so.  And let’s not forget about shopping.  You can shop here in what feels like a park or a neighborhood to your hearts content.

 

Royal Promenade:  This neighborhood is laid out much like a normal ship.   Located on Deck 6 it hosts more options for casual dining as well as the “Bionic Bar” which has robots for bartenders.  Even though it has a ceiling it is wide and open and feels a lot like its sister neighborhood on deck 8 that is open to the elements, but it’s not.  There are also opportunities to shop in this neighborhood as well.

 

Sports Zone:  This neighborhood is located up on deck 15 and hosts…you got it, the sports and pool area of the ship.  It would be in accurate to say that it is located on deck 15 only.  It spread up to decks 16 and 17 as well, but it is all easily accessible from deck 15.  In addition to pools and waterslides this neighborhood boasts a zip line, Flowrider (where you can learn how to surf or body surf), The Ultimate Abyss (this non-water slide drops you 10 floors in 13 seconds), and Windjammer Marketplace Buffet (also known affectionately by me as the trough). 

 

Boardwalk:  This neighborhood is located on the back of the ship on deck 6.  This neighborhood is also open to the elements and has more things to do.  Here on the back of the ship is the Aqua Theatre; which hosts one of the most spectacular shows I have ever seen either on or off a ship.  It is worth the cost of the cruise all on its own.  There are two rock climbing walls, the landing area for the Ultimate Abyss, a carousel (yes, an entire carousel!) and more places to eat like Johnny Rockets!!  Because we all like to eat, right!  And variety is the spice of life!

 

Youth Zone:  This neighborhood needs very little explanation.  If you are traveling as a family, you are going to love this neighborhood!  Not only do they have multiple activity zones for the children based on age, it also has a science lab and a theatre just for the young ones!  You may not get to see much of your children once you enter this zone.  The various age defined zones have attendants to track the children and to keep them safe.  I have been on many cruise ships where the children’s areas seemed more like an afterthought.  They are usually scattered about the ship and located in little nooks and crannies.  This one has a one stop planned around the children feel to it.  I’m a fan.

 

Entertainment Place:  This is the first time I have been on a ship with multiple theatres with multiple shows.  Two of the three theatres on board the ship are located in this neighborhood.  The Royal Theater is located in the neighborhood which hosts Broadway worthy shows.  The second Theatre is Studio B which is one of the most unique ideas on this ship.  Studio B hosts an ice skating rink that has a remarkable show.  It’s a production full of humor and some visuals that are not to be missed.  Also located in the neighborhood is Casino Royale…no description necessary.  Gamble to your hearts content.

 

Vitality Spa and Fitness:  Last but not least is the Vitality Spa and Fitness center.  I have seen on board gyms before, but this one really takes the prize!  As gym’s go, it’s beautiful and is loaded with equipment to make your local gym jealous.  If pampering is what you are after the spa is well appointed and has some treatments that will make you look and feel younger.  Beauty treatments not your thing?  How about acupuncture?  Just want a manicure?  You can find it all here in this neighborhood.

 

I could probably write all day about this ship.  It was an eye opener and lived up to its hype.  We only had 2 days to explore Harmony of the Seas and it wasn’t quite enough time.  One place you absolutely have to check out is the Solarium.  Located at the front of the ship this adults only space not only has plenty of sun, but also boasts its own café, and multiple hot tubs.  We found these great “pods” to relax and cuddle up.  They are great for reading, napping, or just enjoying some alone time.

 

Being a travel agent is hard work.  It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it…right!

 

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