Harmony of the Seas Tips and Casino Slot review

Just off the Thanksgiving week sailing of the HOTS. This ship is amazing! I sailed with my husband (46) and two teenage sons ages (17) and (14). We have sailed Oasis, Allure, Disney Dream, Norwegian Getaway and Escape as well as Carnival Breeze, so my perspective is comparing HOTS to those ships. Instead of periscoping and writing a full review, I am going to give you tips that I haven't seen on cruise critic, and things that I wanted to know before cruising on HOTS.

Tips:

Obvious- Book everything early and before you get on the ship.

On day one, get to the port early, get your WOW band first before you eat, you will be eating all day, every day on the ship, so park cafe can be second.

While you are in the Prominade, walk by the casino kiosk and spin the wheel for free prizes. I won free drinks at the casino bar.

If you are an adult and you purchased the drink package, don't bother buying the soda package for the kid in the room, because a soda cup comes with your package. Especially, if your family aren't big soda people. The worst thing about the soda package is the big cup you have to lug around everywhere, and the majority of the kids and I'm assuming the adults forget the cup and leave cups everywhere. Besides, having a cherry coke from the pub "boots and something" is everything.

A little known place that your drink package covers is the vitality spa cafe. Its on the same side as Starbucks and you can get smoothies, coffee, protein shakes and if you want to be totally healthy, get freshly made juices.

Did you know that fountain drinks are complimentary at Johnny Rockets? I didn't, until day 4 when I ate there (Wish I had this list). I love free stuff!!

The Spa---- Bought the couples spa pass on day one. This was a disappointment coming from Norwegian Escape. There is only 6 maybe 7 hot bed loungers in the thermal spa area. When we were there, people were doubling up. We got our money back and enjoyed the vast beauty of the solarium, which is free. We really enjoyed this area at night and found that hideaway area in the front of the solarium that has the glass bottom.

You don't need sneakers to slide down the abyss. But, listen to the instructions, I skinned my elbow coming down the second time. Still super fun.

Ladies, it was not super cold on the ship. I wanted to know this for packing purposes because I get cold easily and I wanted to wear my cute tube tops and spaghetti strap outfits.

The waterslides are super fun, did all three. My suggestion is to do the yellow first, the blue (which is super fast and fun) and then the green which the toilet bowl one.

Here's a huge tip, I've noticed on most ships I've been on, Lunch has the best and most options. Instead of rushing and waking up early to catch the breakfast buffet, just order room service and have your coffee in bed or on your balcony, a slowing enjoy you beautiful vacation morning. Enjoy lunch around 1ish at the hot dog place or any of the vast restaurants that are only available at lunch time. Then you will be good and hungry for dinner reservations.

Add garlic sauce and/or pizza sauce to your already made pizza slice, you'll thank me later.

So much more to add and I have't gotten to the slot machines yet; let me know if you want some more........

... So much more to add and I have't gotten to the slot machines yet; let me know if you want some more........

Yes!

Ok, I'm back......

If you are a early riser, go to the solarium bistro for breakfast. I really wanted pancakes without having to wait for little kids to grip the tongs to get them in the windjammer. They have everything you would want, and if you don't see it they probably have it on the back counter, like oatmeal and grits (I'm southern). The lunch is good there, too.

The Bionic Bar is cool and busy the first day, after that pretty empty.

There are always two lines for show and restaurants. Lines with reservations and lines without reservations. Bottom line, I saw everybody get in eventually.

Take advantage of the movies they show on board, we saw Ms. Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children, Ghostbusters, Secret Life of Pets and Trolls.

The bartenders with the heaviest hands were in the Sabor bar on the Boardwalk and the Casino. BTW- Chips and Salsa are free and go well with a drink.

Now for the casino and slot review-

For starters, I won over a grand in the casino, so I enjoyed my time there. It was never really busy. Was it smoky? Sometimes, but I have experienced worst. I did see many people who were not playing the slots or the tables just stand and smoke in there so that contributed to most of the smell, but I was winning so I just fanned away the smoke and kept playing.

The first three days were luckier than the last so I had gotten enough money put away that I was way ahead.

No one wins the lotto that they offer, save your money.

People were winning big on the tables, but I stayed on slots.

Wonder 4 slots are not rigged to stop at a certain wheel section like on land. Slot players may know the reference.

Lots of machines to choose, but no bombay or stinking rich.

I'll answer any questions.

Glad to hear someone won in the casino. 😀 I'll add that it was nice to have so many modern games.

I just hope I played enough to get an offer on a future cruise.

I am looking at going on this ship so I am glad that there are a variety of casino games. One question is. Is the casino big or is it a small one. I have been on the allure and loved there casino.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Ok, I'm back......

 

 

The bartenders with the heaviest hands were in the Sabor bar on the Boardwalk and the Casino. BTW- Chips and Salsa are free and go well with a drink.

 

 

I'll answer any questions.

FREE chips and salsa?! Was this in the Sabor bar where you found these? Is that only if you are dining in the Sabor restaurant which has a fee OR can you get chips and salsa free at any time? That's one of our favorite "snacks" and always disappointed you can't find this very often when sailing. Especially when drinking! ;)

Thanks.

Did you know that fountain drinks are complimentary at Johnny Rockets? I didn't, until day 4 when I ate there (Wish I had this list). I love free stuff!!

 

That wasn't the case on Majesty, this is the first I have heard this reported. With the $5.95 charge this wouldn't be a bad thing.

You answered questions I didn't know I had, but one quick one. Do you play max bet on slot machines??

Thanks. News to me about free salsa & chips. I think you have to order something?

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I play between $2-$4 on slots. And yes, the chips and salsa was at Sabor. I think even if we didn't order, we would get free chips but they want you to order the fresh guacamole. Ask for spicy salsa, if you like a little kick.

Tip on how to win in the slots please.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I usually look for the dirtiest machine. The ones with the most cigarette buds and bottles. Usually people stay longer at a machine when they are winning or the machine has a good rotation. I think that's why you see workers regularly empty cigarette trays and remove bottles. Try this tip to see if it works for you.......

Makes perfect sense! Will try it in March. Thanks!

Just off the Thanksgiving week sailing of the HOTS. This ship is amazing! I sailed with my husband (46) and two teenage sons ages (17) and (14). We have sailed Oasis, Allure, Disney Dream, Norwegian Getaway and Escape as well as Carnival Breeze, so my perspective is comparing HOTS to those ships.

I don't want to take the thread off topic, but here goes anyway . . . :rolleyes:

I would really like to hear your thoughts about your NCL cruises vs. Harmony, Oasis or Allure. We've done Princess and RCL, but never NCL and I find myself wondering whether it would be a good alternative. I know there are lots of reviews elsewhere, but would appreciate your thoughts --- pro's and con's of each. We enjoy the size, activities, entertainment and specialty dining of the Oasis class; how do you think the NCL ships compare? Thanks.:)

I usually look for the dirtiest machine. The ones with the most cigarette buds and bottles. Usually people stay longer at a machine when they are winning or the machine has a good rotation. I think that's why you see workers regularly empty cigarette trays and remove bottles. Try this tip to see if it works for you.......

I would LIKE to think that they remove them because they are trash! :o

I play between $2-$4 on slots. And yes, the chips and salsa was at Sabor. I think even if we didn't order, we would get free chips but they want you to order the fresh guacamole. Ask for spicy salsa, if you like a little kick.

So you really don't know if the chips and salsa are free at Sabor because now you're saying I think.... Does Sabor have a bar you can walk up to and sit down order a drink and order the Guacamole? And then get the chips and salsa for free?

Thanks for the tips! Would you happen to have any of the teen compasses that you can post?

It would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Great information

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thanks for the info!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

I love your tips!

First I've read about the casino slots (which I am very interested in!)

I had read in earlier review (maybe transatlantic) that the ship was very cold. Good to know it's not that bad.

Dee Dee

Regarding the difference between Harmony and Norwegian Escape and Getaway. Of Course, its personal preference, but I think it would be good to try Norwegian. If you are big on formality, you will probably have to get use to freestyle cruising. The great thing about Norwegian is you don't have to get dressed up to go to dinner unless you want to, with no expectations. Which means we pack less clothes. All the food choices and specialty restaurants were better IMO on Norwegian Getaway. Also, O'Sheehan's there 24 hour pub has a better selection of food and is way better than grabbing a slice of Sorrento's pizza at midnight. But, I would still rank Harmony #1.

No, no teen compasses. I can tell you that our teens stayed out late having fun and met alot of new friends and woke up early, just to eat breakfast and hang out. They especially liked the teen silent party, full basketball court, waterslides and teen prom night.

However, they both said that the abyss was just blah. I thought it was fun, but I'm old. I am not a roller coaster type of person and this was just my speed. In case anyone reading is scared to go on the abyss. There is no drop, just turns in the dark really fast.

Here's also an observation, we put onboard credit on our account before we boarded. Since we got a refund for spa passes and an additional credit for jet skiing in Labadee because of choppy waters, I was paranoid about waiting until the last day and minute of the cruise to settle our bill with Guest Services. The lines were nothing compared to what I expected with 6000 guest. There would maybe be about 20-30 people in line at a given time. And many of the people in line were family, so groups of people would go to one representative, so the wait was never more than 15 minutes. Also, they had staff come to the line with I-pads to assist with items.

Royal Caribbean had alot of staff available to assist in the prominade area for voom, excursions, etc.

Here's a random tip.....

The best coffee IMO outside of Starbucks (that has amazing frappe's and chocolate cookies, but for a fee) is the prominade cafe. I brought a sleeve of disposable hot/cold coffee cups because I hate the commitment of lugging an insulated cup and then dropping it off by the room. So I would bring a disposable cup so I can be more mobile and just discard when done.

No, no teen compasses. I can tell you that our teens stayed out late having fun and met alot of new friends and woke up early, just to eat breakfast and hang out. They especially liked the teen silent party, full basketball court, waterslides and teen prom night.

 

However, they both said that the abyss was just blah. I thought it was fun, but I'm old. I am not a roller coaster type of person and this was just my speed. In case anyone reading is scared to go on the abyss. There is no drop, just turns in the dark really fast.

Good to know there is no drop on the Abyss. I am dying to try but do not like big drops.

Thanks for the tips.

No, no teen compasses. I can tell you that our teens stayed out late having fun and met alot of new friends and woke up early, just to eat breakfast and hang out. They especially liked the teen silent party, full basketball court, waterslides and teen prom night.

 

However, they both said that the abyss was just blah. I thought it was fun, but I'm old. I am not a roller coaster type of person and this was just my speed. In case anyone reading is scared to go on the abyss. There is no drop, just turns in the dark really fast.

Thank you! I'm sure my teens will have fun!!!