Harmony of the Seas Review
Marcus Adams
Harmony of the Seas is the latest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet and the largest cruise ship in the world. At over 225,000-tons, she has the total capacity for up to 6,410 passengers. I sailed on her maiden voyage to Rotterdam with my partner, experiencing all this amazing ship offers.
Harmony differs from her sister-ships Oasis and Allure of the Seas (both of which I’ve sailed). Like other RCCL Oasis-class ships, Harmony of the Seas is broadly divided into a series of 7 neighbourhoods. However, she also boasts a number of newer features first introduced on Quantum of the Seas.
The Boardwalk
Taking inspiration from nostalgic boardwalks, the new Boardwalk on Harmony of the Seas features a number of casual eateries. You can grab a bite at Johnny Rockets Diner or Sabor Modern Mexican. The Boardwalk also offers a number of retail outlets, including Starbucks; a Carousel and other family-based activities.
Harmony also boasts the most notable feature of the Oasis Class, the Aquatheatre. This unique entertainment space presents unique water and light shows. These performances feature professional aquatic acrobats and synchronised swimming as well as circus skills such as the tight rope (an addition to Harmony !). I highly recommend grabbing one of Sabor Bar’s superlative margaritas and enjoying one of the fabulous performances here!
Central Park
Carved through the center of the ship, Central Park is a unique outdoor space with tropical grounds spanning the length of a football field. The area features various sitting spaces and walkways where passengers can sit and unwind. A number of boutiques, bars and restaurants span the length of Central Park, including Chops Grille, the line’s signature steakhouse; 150 Central Park, a signature restaurant serving simple, elegant cuisine; Park café. This area also includes Dazzles, a dedicated lounge providing a variety of music experiences. Plus, Central Park contains the new-to- Harmony Jamie’s Italian, which rustic Italian dishes made from seasonal ingredients. (My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed everything we ate here!)
Finally, Wonderland, an adventure in molecular gastronomy, makes its debut on Harmony. I’ve loved Wonderland on each ship I’ve tried it on, but I think this was the best experience I’ve had to date. Royal Caribbean has devoted more space to the concept, enabling it to grow across two decks (and now including a great new bar). Harmony’s version of Wonderland also boasts an enhanced menu, whilst not compromising on the unique service the venue offers.
The Royal Promenade
At the very heart of the ship sits the Royal Promenade, Royal Caribbean’s signature entertainment space. On Harmony the design of this familiar feature has a more simplified, contemporary design. However, the pub, the karaoke club On Air, the Latin Bar Boleros and the Schooner bar all appear here, giving Harmony’s Promenade a familiar feeling which longtime Royal Caribbean fans will appreciate.
You’ll also note some differences between Harmony’s Promenade and those of other RCCL ships. The Rising Tide Bar benefits from a cosmopolitan makeover, with comfy chairs to sit and people-watch as the venue moves. The popular champagne bar, does not appear here. Instead, Harmony’s Promenade boasts one of the line’s quirkier venues, Bionic Bar, where you order your drink via an app and a robot bartender will mix it in front of your eyes. In spite of these cosmetic differences with other ships, the feeling of the space has not changed. The sense of bringing people together to enjoy time with one another remains. We could easily see this with people enjoying all the venues, joining in activities as well as partaking in a little shopping.
Entertainment Place
A deck below the Royal Promenade you’ll find Entertainment Place. The centerpiece of this is the Royal Theatre which plays host to a number of shows. On our cruise, the offerings included the latest Royal Caribbean Broadway production, Grease , as well as a new and unique show, Columbus: The Musical. The theater also shows 3D movies.
Additionally, Entertainment Place features a number of other venues. Frequent RCC cruisers can avail themselves of the Diamond Lounge here. Other Entertainment Place options include Jazz on 4 and the Attic (a multi-purpose venue for art auctions, comedy shows, and a night club). Plus this space contains Studio B, the signature ice skating venue. Here you can ice skate at sea or watch an amazing new ice show, 1887: A Journey in Time. If puzzles are your thing, then head up to Deck 14 for Escape the Rubicon, a steam punk-inspired escape challenge.
Pool and sports zone
The pool and sports zone sit at the top of the ship. Here grownups can relax and soak up the sun in the various pool areas while children enjoy Splashaway Bay water park. New to Harmony are a selection of water slides, called the Perfect Storm.
Head toward the back of the ship to find other activities and thrill rides. You can choose from a large mini-golf area, as well as two flow rider surf simulators, a sports court and a zip line descending 10 decks to the Boardwalk. You’ve probably already heard of the Ultimate Abyss, the 10-story slide hanging over the back of the ship. Themed around a deep-sea Anglerfish, you walk up through the fish’s head to spectacular views aft of the ship. You are then propelled down one of two tubes through a multi-sensory ride to the Boardwalk – A must when you get on board! Because of the speed of the ride queues don’t seem to be a problem either!
Spa and fitness center
When it comes to fitness and relaxation Harmony does not disappoint. The ship has a state-of-the-art gym, together with new fitness studios that overlook the sides of the ship. Harmony also benefits from one of the biggest spas at sea, including a health café which specialises in various smoothies and shakes. Finally, at the top-front of the ship is the Solarium, a large semi-enclosed space where adults can unwind and on board Harmony the solarium has been expanded by an additional deck.
Youth zone
Kids and teens will not be bored on this ship. The ship abounds with activities which encourage multi-generational participation. Decks 14 and 15 feature the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery which can provide care for children 6-26 months. Children will also enjoy Harmony’s DreamWorks experience, where various DreamWorks characters pop-up across the ship for activities and photos opportunities.
Harmony of the Seas Accommodations
Harmony of the Seas is wider than the other Oasis class ships. This extra space translates directly into the cabin space. Harmony’s cabins, including the bathrooms, feel spacious and contemporary. The cabin design seemed to have an added French flair, perhaps echoing the French builders of the ship. Passengers in the ship’s suites and loft suites now benefit from the new Royal Suite Class, including the newly introduced Royal Genies, Royal Caribbean’s answer to Butler Service.
So what do I think of Harmony of the Seas ? Royal Caribbean has built an amazing ship with wows around every corner. This line has a reputation for being very LGBTQ friendly and you could definitely feel this vibe throughout the ship. Although there weren’t any formal LGBTQ meet-ups or receptions on our voyage, we made a number of friends at the various bars and activities taking place. I definitely recommend the ship to any LGBTQ couples, families or groups that are looking to sail on her, I personally can’t wait to get back on board one day!
Harmony of the Seas is will sail the summer 2016 season around the Mediterranean before homeporting out of Fort Lauderdale for 7-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries year-round.
Author bio and photo credit
Marcus Adams is a UK-based travel writer and cruise blogger. He has had a passion for cruising since he was very young and in his spare time you can find him blogging about the travel industry for a number of years. His blog, sparkx.org aims to be a quick, simple and easy go-to place for information. He’s also very active on social media and can be found on twitter @sparkx and Instagram sparkx_a.
Pictures © Marcus Adams
