Our first cruise of the year could not come soon enough. In all fairness, it is only the first week of 2017, but we have been preparing for well over a year now. Since the ship was announced, the Princess and I have been very excited about sailing on Harmony of the Seas. Reserving our January 7, 2017 cruise on the very first day that bookings opened, we are finally about to set sail. Here are our top reasons why we are excited about sailing on Harmony of the Seas.
Top Reasons We’re Excited about Sailing on Harmony of the Seas
Putting Our Plan into Action
There is just something rewarding, and a bit thrilling, about taking all of the research, planning, and spreadsheets then finally getting onboard and putting our plan into action. Having all of our dinners, shows, and shore excursions mapped out, along with additional plans such as our “Drink Around the Ship” tradition and other cruise favorites, it certainly gets us pumped for vacation and ready to experience all the ship has to offer. Yes, we know it sounds a bit nerdy but that is half the fun.
Of Course We Are Excited about Sailing on Harmony of the Seas
A World Record Holder
Not that we like to brag but sailing on mega-ships is sort of our thing. We have sailed on the “current” world’s largest ship a few times. So, when it was announced that Harmony of the Seas would be replacing Allure of the Seas as the new champ, we knew that we had to book a cruise during her maiden season in the Caribbean. While it would have been great to get out to Europe or even on the transatlantic, we opted for a cruise in the beginning of 2017. Our typical January sailing to escape the cold weather and snow from back home.
The Ultimate Abyss
Zip lines, rope courses, and waterslides are all cruise ship adventures that we have conquered. Not to mention, there is the North Star and iFLY on the Quantum-class ships bringing cruisers to new heights. Our most highly anticipated onboard experience on Harmony of the Seas has to be the Ultimate Abyss. The ten stories of high speed fun is just so us, not to mention, it is perfect for my brand new GoPro Hero 5 wearable camera. I can’t think of a better way to break it in than a plunge on the longest slide at sea.
Excited about Sailing on Harmony of the Seas – The Ultimate Abyss (Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International)
A Return to Wonderland
It is a culinary adventure that one needs to experience to truly understand. Having dined at the first Wonderland on Quantum of the Seas, we were a bit giddy to hear that Harmony of the Seas would feature a two-story Wonderland. With the same style, and slightly different menu, we have plans to dine at Wonderland on the first formal night. The Princess and I are ready for another trip down this rabbit hole.
Excited about Sailing on Harmony of the Seas – Wonderland
Main Theater Production Shows
Here is where the Princess and I differ. For me, the comedy Columbus, the Musical! looks to be one of the highlights of the cruise. Early reviews peg the performance as a funny and lighthearted show in the mold of Monty Python. I am looking forward to enjoying this show on the sixth night of our cruise. For the Princess, Grease is the show that she is most looking forward to during our sailing. Booked for the first night of our cruise, she is hoping for some “summer loving” in the middle of January.
Excited about Sailing on Harmony of the Seas – Grease on Harmony of the Seas (Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International)
Exploring the Ship
If you have been following us, you know that we go a bit overboard on the first day of a cruise completing a photo tour of the ship. We suspect that it will be a bit harder to do on this cruise given that the ship is sure to be very busy. None the less, day 1 and day 2 (our stop in Nassau, Bahamas during which we plan to stay on the ship) will be dedicated to cruising around the ship with our brand new camera. We will be sure to share pictures of the ship on all social media, and maybe even throw in a few Facebook live updates for you all. Stay tuned for more Harmony of the Seas fun!
Getting Wet and Wild on the Waterslides
Even though Liberty of the Seas was the first Royal Caribbean ship to receive waterslides, Harmony of the Seas was the first ship to be built with waterslides as part of the original design. Being a bit more of a water rat than the Princess, I look forward to testing out the Perfect Storm (Typhoon, Cyclone, and Supercell) during what are sure to be multiple trips during this seven day cruise. Good thing we packed a few bathing suits.
Excited about Sailing on Harmony of the Seas – Waterslides (Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International)
Puzzle Break: Escape the Rubicon
Our first puzzle break room experience was on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. Seeing the popularity of that attraction, they have created a room on Harmony of the Seas specifically for this attraction. Escape the Rubicon is billed to be one of the most high-tech and intense escape rooms ever created, especially for a cruise ship. While there is now a small cover charge of $8.99 a person, we were willing to pay the fee and have plans to escape with our fellow cruisers before time runs out on Day 6 of the cruise.
Excited about Sailing on Harmony of the Seas – Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean Cuisine
Eating and drink are the hallmarks of any cruise. We are looking forward to trying the new nightly main dining room menus on Harmony of the Seas. Along with testing out these menus, we are also excited to hit up a few other favorite venues for the margaritas and snacks at Sabor, the roast beef sandwiches at Park Cafe, the dogs at the Boardwalk Doghouse, and who could forget the lattes at the Starbucks on the Boardwalk. Our mouths are already watering!
A Room with a View
On Harmony of the Seas, we are also looking forward to trying out a new category of staterooms. As many of you already know, I tend to be a bit frugal when it comes to booking a cabin as I rather afford my finances elsewhere. Instead of booking a traditional interior stateroom, we decided to book a Central Park View stateroom for this cruise. With 199 square feet of living space and a window view overlooking the luxurious Central Park neighborhood, how will this cabin category compare to others that we have stayed in before? More importantly, after just staying in a junior suite on Oasis of the Seas, will we survive?
Excited about Sailing on Harmony of the Seas – Central Park
Our Ports of Call
Yes, this cruise is mostly about the ship. But, we opted for this Eastern Caribbean sailing so we could check off a bucket list item. And when I say we, I mostly mean me! We will be participating in the Yacht Racing Experience in St. Maarten. Deemed one of the top shore excursions in the Caribbean, this has been on my list for a while. We actually had it booked a few years ago, but it got canceled at the last minute. Then, during our stop in St. Thomas, we will be heading to St. John’s Trunk Bay for the first time to do a little exploring, snorkeling, and beaching.
Comments
Have you cruised on Harmony of the Seas yet? Why are you excited about sailing on Harmony of the Seas? Drop us an anchor below to share your reasons for taking a cruise on this newest and largest ship in the world.
12 comments
beth mauskopf
Glad to read about your wonderful cruise! Could you write about the excursions you took(if any)? I’d love to know what you did on the islands. We’ll probbaly do the Atlantis dolphin swim encounter at the Bahamas resort. It’s pricey but I figured since we’re celebrating my husbands birthday this would be a nice surprise.
beth mauskopf
By now you guys must be back from your Harmony cruise! I’d love for you to post how it was! I’m sure you and the Princess had a blast. Any pointers you can provide would be appreciated. My cruise in about 49 days away but who’s counting??? Please post your feedback on your vacation(especially your excursions) Thanks.
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
HI Beth, we are back and we had a blast. We have posted some of our initial impressions of the ship last week. Our day-by-day review will be out next week. The ship is in pristine condition, food excellent, and entertainment exceptional.
beth mauskopf
Help! I’m stuck choosing my excursios for St. Maarten, Bahamas and St. Thomas. I only want to go through RCI because I feel more comfortable knowing I’ll get back in time to leave. I have my heart set on a swim with the dolphins at Atlantis resort but it’s the other islands I’m having trouble with. We’re very much interested in snorkeling. Hope you can let me know what excursions you did when you went on Harmony. Thanks!
Carrie
Ok thanks! We are in an ocean view stateroom not in the Central Park view rooms. I have read where others mentioned getting special drink package discounts and other special offers before they cruise so I wasn’t sure if there were any general tips for those types of things? Happy 60th and thanks for replying so quickly!
beth mauskopf
No worries! RC usually gives discounts on those packages but you have to CATCH THEM! For example, On my last cruise which was on Anthem last year, I reserved the internet plan for 1 device which I paid $11.99 per day. About 1 month before my cruise I checked again on their site and there was an offer for $8.99 per day. I called and they gave it to me for that price. I also had the same situation happen with my excursions. I booked 6 excursions and then about 2 months before my cruise they were 20% off. All except for one. I called and what they have to do is cancel your reservation for the excursion and then rebook it for you(which they did). There is no such thing as a price adjustment with RC. Don’t be shy. Be persistant. Check EVERYDAY on RC site to see any offers. Jot it down so that you can always go back to the price you originally saw and this way you’ll know if you’re getting a great deal. I’m waiting to reserve the internet for 1 device because right now it’s $11.99 per day. I’m waiting for the price to drop. On board they offer the same thing for $12.99. Bottom line is do your homework!
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Great advice Beth. We did the same thing, canceling and rebooking our internet when it was 30%, and getting a discount on two of our shore excursions. With Royal it pays to be diligent. Quite literally. Happy Sailing.
Carrie
Thank you!
beth mauskopf
Sorry but I forgot to mention that we also have a Central Park view(with a balcony) and from what I’ve researched it seems that you get this promo called Eat, drink and play which you are given lunch for 2 at a choice of various restaurants, a bottle of wine waiting in your cabin and casino lesson. Not a bad perk!
Carrie
I am a first time cruiser and taking my hubby for his 50th bday on Harmony in May. You mention perks and special offers. How do you get those?
beth mauskopf
Hi Carrie. Happy 50th to your husband! When you book a Central Park balcony cabin you will receive lunch for 2 in a specialty restaurant that you may choose from, a bottle of wine delivered to your cabin and a casino lesson. Go to RC site and pretend you are booking a cabin in the Central Park area. After getting to that page and choosing your cabin, you then click the to view the cabin and it will come up- Eat, drink and play promo. Just seems like that’s what passengers will get if they book these cabins. Also, we’ll be celebrating my husbands 60th so I made sure to let RC know that there is a special occasion being celebrated. Once they know this they ask you when you would like to celebrate and you tell them what night. Most likely they will provide a nice dessert with a candle to your dinner on the night specified. Hope all this helps. Have an awesome time! Beth
beth mauskopf
So happy for you guys! Well, mainly because my hubby and I are booked on the Harmony for March 4th-11th(same intinerary) so I’m hoping to get some pointers from you! I’m a little unsure about the excursions right now. I know we’d love to do a dolphin encounter but I’ve read many mixed reviews and to spend that kind of $$$ for it would really upset me. PLEASE let me know how this cruise went for you! I’ve planned our shows already but waiting to book excursions mainly because I’m waiting for their 20% off discount as well as their $8.99 internet offer! Bon voyage and have a safe cruise!