Harmony of the Seas - Aug 4-11 random notes

[Ca5ualCrui5er]

Boarding process was smooth, fast, efficient. We arrived around11:45, 20 minutes later we were onboard. Huge contrast with previous experience in Bayonne where it took at least an 1 hour to board.

 

We picked a SeaPass from outside our stateroom and then wandered around theship.

I had BOGO dinner package, went to CP150 and requested to get CP150 and Wonderland. I was able to get the desired restaurants at the time needed (wehad early shows those 2 days so made reservations for 6PM)

I also tried to make a reservation for a bungalow for Labadee in the ShoreExcursions desk, but they were all booked. I asked to be placed on the waiting list for those and for the beds, but in the end none were released or I was way down on the waiting list. Good thing because I probably would've dropped the reservation as the bungalows were now $360 vs the original price of~$220 I had seen in the CruisePlanner.

 

We had brought wine with us, packed it in the carry-on. 3 bottles for 2 staterooms. When passing through security at boarding we were separated so when the 3 bottles showed up in the xray machine I was asked to show the 2 staterooms, had to call the other party with me (which had already passed security) and once security confirmed we had 2 staterooms I was allowed through.

 

We took the wine to 2 specialty restaurants and MDR. In CP150 we were asked by the waiter if we had brought the wine with us or if it was given to us on the ship, we said we brought it onboard and he said there was a corkage fee and if we were ok with it, we said yes, but when the check was brought the waiter said he had waived the fee. In Wonderland they didn't mention any fees and none were charged, same for MDR.

 

I also had asked stateroom attendant for bottle opener and glasses in case we wanted to enjoy them in the stateroom and they were readily provided for.

 

Our cabins were CP Balcony, and once in the room we found a paper stating the complimentary amenities we were entitled to (a complimentary wine bottle, lunchat either Jamies, Sabor or Johny Rockets and the casino class)

 

Also in my room were the C&A pins for our Platinum status. We had reached the status 2 cruises ago but had not gotten enrolled in the program until our last sailing, so we received the pins during this cruise.

 

With all the activities on board, and the necessary downtimes (a.k.a take a nap) we didn't get to see all the shows (Fine Line, Headliner, stand up comedy,Kieron Cox, etc.), but the ones we attended were ok/entertaining (Grease,Columbus, 1887, Heist). And even though we had made reservations for all, we didn't always attend on the day we had the reservation, but this wasn't an issue, we would always find room available.

 

All staff we interacted with were great, courteous. Stateroom, Windjammer,Wonderland and MDR attendants would always make our daughter laugh, only exception was CP150 where no particular tricks were pulled to have her engaged.

 

Meet n Mingle was held in Dazzles on day 2 at 9:45 a.m., Katy the assistant to Dru was there guiding the meeting, talking about the ship, different activities and then doing the raffles for the attendants. A very low attendance (15 showedup, from a big list which I think was around 50) and in the end a very short interaction. I can't blame people, I'm particularly shy :P

 

We used the common playground of the Adventure Ocean area several times. It is targeted for kids under 6, a couple of slides and many toys. We also made use of the toy-lending of the Royal babies and tots program. For each age group they will have multiple groups of toys and you can request them, return and take another group of toys so your little one is entertained and doesn't get bored with the same toys.

 

 

 

 

 

I had bought a "door poster" to decorate our cabin. I had read on CCof the dimensions and ordered one that would fit, only to realize once on board that the knob, sensor and peephole would all get in the way. But then again youcan also set it up on the other walls. Kiddo enjoyed the surprise and it was also a conversation piece with "alley" neighbors and the attendant.

Ports

St Marteen - we did an island tour. Sadly the island is not quite there yet, a lot of destruction still present in the buildings and boats/docks. Also some construction/fix on the roads meant a couple of jams, at one point we spent about 20 minutes in a one mile portion of the road.

 

Puerto Rico - for some reason our docking time was short and we left by 2PM.We went to the closes fort and then had lunch in downtown area. What I can say is that the sail away from San Juan will give you nice views/pictures as the ship sails next to the coastline passing through the forts.

 

 

Labadee - as soon as we got off we boarded the ferry that took us to Nellies beach. Once we got there the place already had plenty of people but we found lots of loungers stacked one of top of the other, so we grabbed 4 and found an area that looked to have all day shade under palms and trees. We settled there for the day. We spent the day on the water, the beach in front of the waterpark never got too crowded so we were able to enjoy a great day.

 

NextCruise experience

I had booked this HOTS cruise over a year ago while on board the Anthem. Back then my experience with NextCruise was very pleasant. Overall I received $250OBC per stateroom and the booking fee was $50.

Well, I was aware the policies had changed since my last experience, but I never expected to be so big a change. Booking fee is now $250 per person, if you want a refundable fee the price was higher (although marginally) but the OBC optionis ridiculous for both refundable ($25 per room) and non refundable bookings($75p/room). Net, I once was a firm believer that On Board reservation of a next cruise was a good idea, but now doubt I will be doing it again.

Edited September 4, 2018 by Ca5ualCrui5er
Lots of cleanup of eaten spaces by cc board

[mondsd]

Thank you for the feedback, very helpful!

[mrpayroll]

Thanks for writing. We will be boarding Harmony on the 15th. We also have a CP balcony.:)

[Wanrob]

Thanks for the review. We have a group of 16 on Harmony October 6th. Really looking forward to it. We are doing the ATV adventure through the ship on St. Maartan. Has anyone done that excursion?

[rcprncss]

I would love to know what speciality restaurant you picked that was included with the room. Thanks.

[MoyCoy]

I have 8 year old twins. I was thinking about just walking to the forts flying a kite, Pigeon park, then the fountains. Did your little ones enjoy walking around PR? Was it too hot? Any tips and tricks for PR or the Harmony for young children?

[Ca5ualCrui5er]

I would love to know what speciality restaurant you picked that was included with the room. Thanks.

Our first option was Jamie's, but because we didn't plan ahead we had no reservation and they turned us down as there would be no way they could serve us.

We then moved to Sabor, where the head waiter was very kind to make space for us even though they were also crowded (party of 5). Food was good, but we loaded on apps (guac, chips, grilled corn, tortilla soup) and by the time entrees came we were full.

[Ca5ualCrui5er]

I have 8 year old twins. I was thinking about just walking to the forts flying a kite, Pigeon park, then the fountains. Did your little ones enjoy walking around PR? Was it too hot? Any tips and tricks for PR or the Harmony for young children?

Definitely it gets very hot, but walking around town/parks you will always find shade. Problem came when standing in line for the fort entrance we did get tanned. Also our daughter got sunscreen into her eye and that caused some disruption to our day.

Overall there is a lot of open space in the forts though I'm not sure kite flying is an option. They're definitely fun to walk around, many levels and "hidden areas", dark hallways, some dungeons, great views on the windows, etc.

 

Couple of tips would be

 

• as soon as you get off the ship there will be a Walgreens/CVS outside the port, so you can buy water there (when getting off it isn't too crowded, when getting back on the ship close to sail time it does have huge lines)
  
• for suncreen be careful when applying it to the kids, to avoid eye irritation. Or maybe there are some brands that are better at avoiding this
  

[indy71]

Just a clarification: the kite flying takes place on the big green grassy area near the entrance to El Morro. (the farther-away fort)[emoji4]

 

 

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[rcprncss]

Our first option was Jamie's, but because we didn't plan ahead we had no reservation and they turned us down as there would be no way they could serve us.

We then moved to Sabor, where the head waiter was very kind to make space for us even though they were also crowded (party of 5). Food was good, but we loaded on apps (guac, chips, grilled corn, tortilla soup) and by the time entrees came we were full.

Thanks. Looks like a good menu, especially if you love Mexican food.

[bneems]

Thanks. Looks like a good menu, especially if you love Mexican food.

 

i have been to Sabor on freedom. Truly a great restaurant