First Husband. First Cruise. Help!!!

[FirstimeWife&Croozer]

HI! I have spent over an hour reading posts about the Harmony of the Seas! Thank you in advance for everything I have learned so far! A tiny bit about me- I am getting married on July 29th. We are cruising on August 12th-Eastern Carb (Yeah, I am going to eat that much!) tour on Harmony. We have an Ocean View Balcony Room 12182 on Deck 12. We also have a registry through RCL which is gets completely fulfilled will give us about $1500 OBC (I think this means On Board Credit???)

I am a super go-with-the-flow 29 year old school counselor. My fiance, bless him, is a picky 36 year old operations manager of a pretty huge company. He is not easily impressed. He likes gambling, bourbon, golf and steak. A cruise honeymoon was my idea and I don't want to disappoint! I asked him what he was the most excited about the other day and he said "the cruise". :oOMG. I am too- but that is a lot of pressure. Please help me answer these questions and I am sorry for the long-winded into.

1- If you had $1500 OBC how would you spend it??

2-Do we both need a premium drink package or can 1 of us be the cocktail server for the day?

3-Are excursions worth it?

4-What advice do you have for first time cruisers?

5-I keep seeing people super concerned about where the bed is (bathroom or balcony) WHY?! What am I missing?

6-Harmony specific advice??? Shows? Food? Casino? ANYTHING!

 

THANK YOU ALL! :cool:

[Biker19]

1 - I'd spend maybe $300 of it and save the rest for paying off the house.

2 - You can buy just one drink package.

3 - Sometimes, but not at RCI prices - do the same ones booking directly with vendor

4 - Don't plan too much and go with the flow

5 - See above - folks with too many worries in their life

6 - Get the Royal iQ app before sailing

Enjoy and welcome to CC.

[cb at sea]

The daily "tips" will eat up some of your OBC, if you haven't paid the gratuities in advance. Anything else you spend onboard will be deducted from your Onboard Credit. If you have any left over after the cruise, they will refund it to you, either in cash or by check.

 

If you both will be drinking, you both need a package or buy each drink individually....Packages can't be "shared"...but you don't need a package to buy anything.

 

Excursions....hmmm. If you do some research on your ports, you may find what interests you is easy to DIY! We seldom do excursions...but we read up on our ports, and know what we want to do. Libraries have guidebooks...and that's your best resource!

 

Some folks simply like their cabin set up in one way or another. The space is the same, regardless of where the bed is located!

 

Ship casinos are NOTHING like Vegas, or even, Atlantic City (which is nothing like Vegas, either!)....consider it "entertainment" and you won't be disappointed. The odds are much lower than in either gambling city...and slots are tighter than a tick's A$$...

 

A cruise ship is merely your "floating resort" (albeit, with smaller rooms!)...you will have a great time..no worries. Lots to do if you are so inclined, or you can do absolutely nothing but read, sleep, eat, ocean gaze...it's totally up to you!

[Crazy planning mom]

Definitely make dinner reservations at Chops. You may wish to visit the port specific boards for ideas on what to do. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

[tgold]

Congrats! The one fun splurge would be to get the photo disc + printed pictures. I believe the package is $300-350. It is a terrific memory of your honeymoon. You can take unlimited photos each night, on formal nights, as you leave the ship, etc. We had so much fun taking photos on our last cruise. For us it was totally worth it.

[Hey Tina]

I'm going on the Harmony in July so if I had $1,500 I would use it to pay my daily gratuities then I'd buy the $400 drink package. I would also go to the restaurant Wonderland, but other than that I'm not sure how many specialty restaurants I'd spend the money on. If there's sushi probably that for sure.

 

RCL is not like Carnival in that everyone in the cabin doesn't have to purchase the drink package so one or all or anything in between can purchase the package but officially sharing isn't allowed. I think it'll be worth it because it includes juice and sparkling water in addition to the alcohol so probably like 4-5 non free drinks a day is the break even point.

 

I think excursions are "worth it" if you want to do what the excursions are but I usually do independent because they're much cheaper. I'm not familiar with the registry that netted you 1.5K in OBC but if it can't be refunded directly to you I'd say just take the ships excursions, why not, less out of pocket for you. Also if you can use OBC for the decorations and cake/cookies/alcohol RCL can place in the room before boarding do that. That's a lot of money to burn through.

 

Couple pieces of advice for first time cruisers would be:

-In the MDR you can order as much as you want for free. If you want the steak but the pasta also sounds good get them both.

-Room service is free, although I do think on the Harmony a lot of the items/times you order have a surcharge (another opportunity to use up that OBC) and also ALWAYS tip the room service staff who delivers your food.

-Take cash to tip the people who load/unload your bags after disembarkation and also locals at ports who might get you chairs or something.

 

Apparently if the bed is by the balcony (or door) it is cramped. Not sure which is the good way but apparently one is actually preferred.

Edited May 11, 2017 by Hey Tina
Typo

[SpainAlien]

Wow congrats on your upcoming wedding, I'm sure you will have a blast.

 

With $1500 you can use it for speciality restaurants that you fancy, drinks packages (or individual drinks - if you are going to have less than 5 drinks a day each the drinks package isn't worth it) and room service at $7.95 per delivery.

 

Have a look online at your cruise planner to see what tours are available, there is also a spa on board so you can look at couples massages, etc. The ship will also have optional onboard activities like a full ship tour, maybe wine tasting, etc, you can also prebook your shows. I think Harmony allows you to pay on Cruise planner using your OBC.

 

I would definitely buy the photo package. In addition to having your photo taken whenever you see the photographer you can apparently also go down to the photographers studio to have some staged shots done.

 

Obviously you can use your OBC in the casino too.

 

Finally, don't worry if you don't spend it all, you can go to guest services at the end of the cruise and they will return the balance to you.

 

I hope you have a wonderful time

 

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[Merly]

There will be photographers going around the ship taking pictures, they will be on the quay when you disembark, you will have one when you board initially, they will take formal shots when you are all dressed up, casual shots, in the dining room. As someone else commented you could get some prints and the disk.

[Suzieanna]

I LOVE how you refer to this chap as your "first" husband - is this to keep him on his toes???!!!! haha!!!

 

I agree, get the photo package for sure. I don't myself because I am old and ugly, and cruises do tend to blur into one after a while... but you never get a honeymoon cruise (with a "first" haha husband) again!! get all those gorgeous pictures.

 

Gambling on casinos - expect to lose!

 

Golf - maybe there might be an excursion that goes to a golf course? I have seen these things

 

I think the drinks package is good value now if you drink more than 5 drinks a day - am I right in thinking lattes and things and OJ/water are included now?

[grapau27]

Congratulations i hope you have a lovely day and honeymoon.

If you leave the balcony door open for fresh air the beds near the balcony are great but the bed placement near the bathroom means you don't get the cooling breeze from the balcony door being open.

I would definitely take a speciality restaurant package or negotiate on board because these restaurants are much more romantic and intimate compared to the main dining rooms.

Central Park on deck 8 is fantastic and you will find Chops grill,150 Central park and Jamies specialty restaurants here where you can sit inside or outside on the park.Wonderland restaurant captures your imagination wonderfully.

Get the best drinks package so all the top branded drinks are included.

A lot of the Caribbean islands you can just walk off the ship and walk around the shops or you could book tours to suit your interests.

Your autogratuities if not prepaid will also eat into your obc.

Room service is available 24 hours at a charge but you might prefer your own company for breakfast like my wife and i do every morning on a cruise.

The casino is huge so your husband to be will be happy.

All the best and enjoy your wedding and cruise.

[Frick_&_Frack]

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

 

As for you soon-to-be DH, if they offer golf excursions, he will likely enjoy them. My DH used to love to play and took those excursions in many ports-of-call. Sometimes, if there aren't a lot of players, you can even join as a "ride-along" (non-player). Some beautiful courses.

 

Enjoy!

[Clarea]

... If you leave the balcony door open for fresh air ...

Leaving the balcony door open can mess up the A/C for nearby staterooms.

[purescottish]

wow, Congratulations

I agree with everyone above, just wanted to add.......

if you go on a diy excursion, please, please make sure you are back to the ship on time or they will sail without you,

 

for our first cruise we went with ship excursions, as the ship will wait if there is a group missing, so when we done our second cruise we were a bit braver and done some excursions on our own..

Whatever you do, I hope you and your first husband have a wonderful trip, relax and enjoy

xx

[grapau27]

Leaving the balcony door open can mess up the A/C for nearby staterooms.

I didn't think it would affect nearby cabins only us as the A/C dries our eyes and throats and we prefer the fresh air thats why we always book balcony or above.

[vacationlover_mn]

Two points- room service is not completely free anymore (I think 7.95 per delivery, except for suite guests). Breakfast is still free?

 

And, I care about bed placement because I love the couch near the balcony. DH is a napper, and a late sleeper, and sometimes I like to sit on the couch reading and looking at the ocean :)

 

 

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[Clarea]

I didn't think it would affect nearby cabins only us as the A/C dries our eyes and throats and we prefer the fresh air thats why we always book balcony or above.

See explanation by our resident Chief Engineer:

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=52849870&postcount=7

[vacationlover_mn]

To help spend your OBC- don't prepay your gratuities or drink package. That, with some photos, will eat up maybe $1000 of your package.

 

 

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[grapau27]

Two points- room service is not completely free anymore (I think 7.95 per delivery, except for suite guests). Breakfast is still free?

 

And, I care about bed placement because I love the couch near the balcony. DH is a napper, and a late sleeper, and sometimes I like to sit on the couch reading and looking at the ocean :)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

$7.95 for cooked breakfast only but it is a big improvement especially the fried eggs sausage and bacon.

[Rewind]

Bed placement on Oasis class ships I think matters more for an inside cabin than a balcony -

 

A bed by the closet makes it a bit harder to get things in and out of the closet and you have to walk around the bed to get to the sitting area. Things can get a bit cramped when two people are changing clothes for dinner. It's not bad, but you almost have to sit on the bed to get to some items out of the closet. A bed on the back wall puts the sitting area near the closet and makes the room feel a bit more open.

 

As for a balcony room, I don't think it makes too much difference. Some people may like the sitting area closer to the door while others may prefer to have the sitting area near the balcony.

[grapau27]

See explanation by our resident Chief Engineer:

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=52849870&postcount=7

Our balcony door is only open about 2 inches and we nearly always get a central cabin.

Thanks for sending that thread i never knew the dynamics of this,i know that if you opened the cabin door there was a suction of air if balcony door was open thats why even when sitting on the balcony we pull the door to within an inch of closed.

[slyster]

HI! I have spent over an hour reading posts about the Harmony of the Seas! Thank you in advance for everything I have learned so far! A tiny bit about me- I am getting married on July 29th. We are cruising on August 12th-Eastern Carb (Yeah, I am going to eat that much!) tour on Harmony. We have an Ocean View Balcony Room 12182 on Deck 12. We also have a registry through RCL which is gets completely fulfilled will give us about $1500 OBC (I think this means On Board Credit???)

I am a super go-with-the-flow 29 year old school counselor. My fiance, bless him, is a picky 36 year old operations manager of a pretty huge company. He is not easily impressed. He likes gambling, bourbon, golf and steak. A cruise honeymoon was my idea and I don't want to disappoint! I asked him what he was the most excited about the other day and he said "the cruise". :oOMG. I am too- but that is a lot of pressure. Please help me answer these questions and I am sorry for the long-winded into.

1- If you had $1500 OBC how would you spend it??

2-Do we both need a premium drink package or can 1 of us be the cocktail server for the day?

3-Are excursions worth it?

4-What advice do you have for first time cruisers?

5-I keep seeing people super concerned about where the bed is (bathroom or balcony) WHY?! What am I missing?

6-Harmony specific advice??? Shows? Food? Casino? ANYTHING!

 

THANK YOU ALL! :cool:

 

First of all, congratulations! I love the username you picked too LOL! I can't answer all the questions, but I can answer some:

 

1- If you had $1500 OBC how would you spend it??

 

I would use it for gratuities, drink package, and consider a spa treatment. They have couple massages. They aren't cheap, but again, you have $1500 to spend.

 

2-Do we both need a premium drink package or can 1 of us be the cocktail server for the day?

 

Neither of you needs a drink package if you don't drink much. IF you drink 5 or 6 drinks a day (premium coffee, sodas, alcohol), you will probably find the drink package worth it. If you are asking if one can buy the package and "sneak" the drinks for the other, I can't help you with that one.

 

3-Are excursions worth it?

 

Many will say it's better to find your own excursions as the ship excursions can be more expensive.

 

4-What advice do you have for first time cruisers?

 

Be prepared for a small cabin and a small shower. These are not hotel size rooms. I believe you reserve your shows on Harmony so be sure to that in advance. You should be able to do that now. Bring aspirin, ibuprofen as it can be really expensive on board.

 

5-I keep seeing people super concerned about where the bed is (bathroom or balcony) WHY?! What am I missing?

 

Sort of crazy huh? I honestly never cared where the bed was until these threads were started LOL!

 

6-Harmony specific advice??? Shows? Food? Casino? ANYTHING!

 

Haven't been on here but I have been on Oasis. Definitely check out the shows! Oh if you don't smoke, the casino can stink!

[danzig1989]

6-Harmony specific advice??? Shows? Food? Casino? ANYTHING!

 

 

 

THANK YOU ALL! :cool:

 

 

One word...Pinterest!

 

There's TONS of info on there about cruising in general, RCCL tips and tricks, and specifically Harmony.

 

 

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[BillOh]

HI! I have spent over an hour reading posts about the Harmony of the Seas! Thank you in advance for everything I have learned so far! A tiny bit about me- I am getting married on July 29th. We are cruising on August 12th-Eastern Carb (Yeah, I am going to eat that much!) tour on Harmony. We have an Ocean View Balcony Room 12182 on Deck 12. We also have a registry through RCL which is gets completely fulfilled will give us about $1500 OBC (I think this means On Board Credit???)

I am a super go-with-the-flow 29 year old school counselor. My fiance, bless him, is a picky 36 year old operations manager of a pretty huge company. He is not easily impressed. He likes gambling, bourbon, golf and steak. A cruise honeymoon was my idea and I don't want to disappoint! I asked him what he was the most excited about the other day and he said "the cruise". :oOMG. I am too- but that is a lot of pressure. Please help me answer these questions and I am sorry for the long-winded into.

1- If you had $1500 OBC how would you spend it?? It might be tough, but we could do it. I think the most I've ever had on my bill at the end is$700, so it can be done. On the last cruise though, I tried to spend more money, but couldn't. I like t-shirts and polo shirts, but they didn't have my size XL in anything I wanted. I could have bought some Nautica shirts and other brands, but why would I unless I had to use up $1500! With that much credit you could get 2 dirnk packages and be legit ;) I haven't read your replies yet, but I'm sure you have been scolded about that. You can also buy every picture they take of you.

 

 

2-Do we both need a premium drink package or can 1 of us be the cocktail server for the day?

3-Are excursions worth it? Yes and no, I find private excursions to be a better value in many cases, but you can find come good ones through Royal

4-What advice do you have for first time cruisers? My main advice, and its true for all cruises , but especially a ship like Harmony is, "Don't worry about seeing or doing everything, they let you come back again!" Make sure you remember to relax. My 2nd advise is join your roll call for your cruise, you will find out a lot of good information from people who are on your same cruise.

5-I keep seeing people super concerned about where the bed is (bathroom or balcony) WHY?! What am I missing? It makes no difference to me, but I did just come back from my first cruise with the bed away from the balcony.

6-Harmony specific advice??? Shows? Food? Casino? ANYTHING!

 

THANK YOU ALL! :cool:

 

Welcome to cruise critic! Very interesting post, the title caught my eye and I laughed.

[Daghis]

 

2-Do we both need a premium drink package or can 1 of us be the cocktail server for the day?

 

 

If, by this, you mean that one of you would get the drink package and share the package by giving drinks ordered from the package to the other person, then no, that's not permitted by Royal Caribbean rules.

[dwayneb236]

Most everything was answered pretty well so I'll just stick to being on the Harmony specific question. We didn't do any dining in the MDR so we have no opinion there. But my wife was thrilled by the food in the buffett. She's big into healthy eating and was surprised at all the options she had. Me, I'm a meat and potatoes guy so I'm easy. Had no problems eating.

 

The shows were great. We loved the diving shows. They have two, the main show and a more of a fun themed show later in the cruise. Both really showed off the talents of the divers.

 

The Grease show was fun. I thought the actors/singers did a very good job and was just all around good time.

 

The Columbus musical was a bit different but we enjoyed it. I've read some people thought it was horrible but that's just differences of opinion.

 

The ice show was good. I don't know how many times I was worried one of the skaters was going to crash the boards. It's a small rink but they can still throw each other around. We enjoyed it.

 

Saw no other shows than these.

 

It is a very good idea to reserve the shows before the cruise but it's not absolutely mandatory. There were available seats for most of the shows we went to other than the ice show. Small venue and it was pretty packed.

 

You'll love it. Hated to see the cruise end.

 

And I personally don't understand the bed issue. As long as my bed was on the ship I was good with it.