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Deciding between Harmony and Allure

mds556

By mds556,
in Royal Caribbean International

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mds556

mds556

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Posted (edited)

Hello all!  We are starting to plan out next cruise. Both Harmony and Allure have cruises that go out on January 3, 2021.  The one on Harmony goes to St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and Coco Cay.

The one on Allure goes to Coco Cay, St. Maarten, and San Juan. We would be picking an inside cabin with no view.  I know that the ships are pretty close to the same, and that Allure will be getting updated before we go, but are the shows and food about the same also?  Looking at the deck plans Allure's inside cabins might be smaller. (but not a deal breaker)

We have always managed to do Western Caribbean, so this will be our first Eastern Caribbean, and I'm not sure which itinerary is best for us.  I have looked at the excursions, and again about the same for the things we would enjoy.  Prices are pretty comparable on either as well.  So I am looking for some opinions. Ultimately I know it is our decision, but some opinions will help us weigh the good and bad, pros and cons. Thanks!

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queenfrostine22

queenfrostine22

Posted
Posted

My preference would be Allure. I like the pool in the Solarium. (no Solarium pool on Harmony). I enjoyed Mamma Mia more than Grease.  As far as the ports, how important are they to you? Been to them all and thought st. Kitts was lovely but thought st. Thomas was a little underwhelming with excursions.

Enjoyed walking Old San Juan in P.R. and visiting the Forts. 

Last time we visited st. Maarten they were still dealing with hurricane damage, but so was st. Thomas.

They are both great ships Harmony is a little more updated but that wouldn't stop me from booking Allure. 

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LeeW

LeeW

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Ships are close to identical except for Solarium design, the musical, and a couple of dining options.  Harder to get to the port for Harmony.  Harmony is slightly newer, so tends to be more expensive. 

 

You really need to check the port boards and see which have things you would prefer to do.  Also check ship excursions and tour consolidators like ShoreExcursioneer and ShoreExcursionsGroup for what are generally offered.  All have been hit by hurricanes and are rebuilding (French side St Martin is still in bad shape) and need your tourist dollars.  We like them all; Sant Maarten, St Thomas, St Kitts, San Juan in descending order of preference.  If you decide to go to San Juan and have a National Parks pass, take it for fort entry.

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reallyitsmema

reallyitsmema

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18 minutes ago, LeeW said:

Ships are close to identical except for Solarium design, the musical, and a couple of dining options.  Harder to get to the port for Harmony.  Harmony is slightly newer, so tends to be more expensive. 

 

You really need to check the port boards and see which have things you would prefer to do.  Also check ship excursions and tour consolidators like ShoreExcursioneer and ShoreExcursionsGroup for what are generally offered.  All have been hit by hurricanes and are rebuilding (French side St Martin is still in bad shape) and need your tourist dollars.  We like them all; Sant Maarten, St Thomas, St Kitts, San Juan in descending order of preference.  If you decide to go to San Juan and have a National Parks pass, take it for fort entry.

 

Oasis and Allure might be close to identical, but not Harmony and Allure.  The pool deck alone is completely different.  The entertainment neighborhood is very different.  Diamond Lounge is a huge difference.  Harmony has the two wardrobes in the balcony cabins (maybe other cabins too) instead of the closet that was hard to get to because of the bed or the sofa.  Showers are the larger ones with the glass door, not the beam me up Scottie capsules.  Many, many differences in these two ships.

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John&LaLa "Live from...." Rare

John&LaLa

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Posted (edited)
18 minutes ago, reallyitsmema said:

 

Oasis and Allure might be close to identical, but not Harmony and Allure.  The pool deck alone is completely different.  The entertainment neighborhood is very different.  Diamond Lounge is a huge difference.  Harmony has the two wardrobes in the balcony cabins (maybe other cabins too) instead of the closet that was hard to get to because of the bed or the sofa.  Showers are the larger ones with the glass door, not the beam me up Scottie capsules.  Many, many differences in these two ships.

 

Pretty sure OP is considering Allure post drydock, so Deck 4 and DL should be quite similar. Same goes for pool deck. 

Edited by John&LaLa
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Artemus

Artemus

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I just got off of harmony and have been on Allure twice. Harmony would be my choice without a doubt. Harmony is now my fav RCCL ship. Best balcony cabin I’ve ever had. Excellent storage and cabin layout. It felt the least cramped of any balcony cabin I’ve ever had. The shower was by far the nicest I’ve ever experienced on any ship. The Harmony dining room dinner food was the best I’ve ever experienced. Food was always hot and very good. We also experienced excellent service in the dining room but that was the luck of the draw to get two excellent waiters. The ice show was excellent as was the water show. We did get to see the debut of their new water show.

Edited by Artemus
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amzgirl

amzgirl

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 I have not been on the Allure, but I just got off the Harmony and it was an amazing ship. Can’t wait to go back. As far as ports of call, Saint kits is really nice, I liked it better than San Juan, and I like St. Thomas better than Saint Martin. Of course, we had a really amazing experience with a tour operator in Saint Thomas, so it could just be my fond memories talking, but I really thought it was a neat port. 

 

 I’m not quite sure why anyone would say that Port Canaveral is more difficult to get to. Of course I’m a local, but it seems ridiculously easy. Our traffic is practically nonexistent.  Maybe they’re talking about by air? 

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sjb317

sjb317

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We are currently on Harmony.  If I had to choose a cruise based on ship alone, I would choose Allure.  We have stayed in CP cabins on both Oasis and Allure and don’t recall them being this noisy. Constant noise from the pool areas throughout the day.  Also, no pool in the Solarium, although there is an adult pool across from the kids area. 

 

I just feel  like the other two ships have a friendlier atmosphere than Harmony. 

 

Sherri

Edited by sjb317
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SeaHunt

SeaHunt

Posted
Posted
6 hours ago, Merion_Mom said:

How about looking at access to the ship?  Which port would be more convenient for you as a port of embarkation, Miami or Port Canaveral, i.e., Orlando?

 

I agree - if you're flying down I would find some great nonstop air and pick whichever applies to that one! So much less hassle for those who can't just drive over to the port.

 

I realize 2021 is too far out for air schedules but look at January 2020 to at least get an idea. Just remembering friends we sailed with one time who had three connections to get back home, and they were really not looking forward to that post cruise - especially since it was winter and they had to worry about cancellations of any of those 3 flights LOL.

 

Otherwise my choice would be Harmony, though you really can't make a bad decision - both are wonderful :classic_smile:

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Arzeena

Arzeena

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Posted
On 9/20/2019 at 10:09 AM, mds556 said:

Hello all!  We are starting to plan out next cruise. Both Harmony and Allure have cruises that go out on January 3, 2021.  The one on Harmony goes to St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and Coco Cay.

The one on Allure goes to Coco Cay, St. Maarten, and San Juan. We would be picking an inside cabin with no view.  I know that the ships are pretty close to the same, and that Allure will be getting updated before we go, but are the shows and food about the same also?  Looking at the deck plans Allure's inside cabins might be smaller. (but not a deal breaker)

We have always managed to do Western Caribbean, so this will be our first Eastern Caribbean, and I'm not sure which itinerary is best for us.  I have looked at the excursions, and again about the same for the things we would enjoy.  Prices are pretty comparable on either as well.  So I am looking for some opinions. Ultimately I know it is our decision, but some opinions will help us weigh the good and bad, pros and cons. Thanks!

Anything but the Allure!

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LuCruise

LuCruise

Posted
Posted
18 hours ago, amzgirl said:

 I have not been on the Allure, but I just got off the Harmony and it was an amazing ship. Can’t wait to go back. As far as ports of call, Saint kits is really nice, I liked it better than San Juan, and I like St. Thomas better than Saint Martin. Of course, we had a really amazing experience with a tour operator in Saint Thomas, so it could just be my fond memories talking, but I really thought it was a neat port. 

 

 I’m not quite sure why anyone would say that Port Canaveral is more difficult to get to. Of course I’m a local, but it seems ridiculously easy. Our traffic is practically nonexistent.  Maybe they’re talking about by air? 

Airport isn't as convenient or close for Port Canaveral

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wrcjr98

wrcjr98

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On ‎9‎/‎20‎/‎2019 at 12:23 PM, Artemus said:

I just got off of harmony and have been on Allure twice. Harmony would be my choice without a doubt. Harmony is now my fav RCCL ship. Best balcony cabin I’ve ever had. Excellent storage and cabin layout. It felt the least cramped of any balcony cabin I’ve ever had. The shower was by far the nicest I’ve ever experienced on any ship. The Harmony dining room dinner food was the best I’ve ever experienced. Food was always hot and very good. We also experienced excellent service in the dining room but that was the luck of the draw to get two excellent waiters. The ice show was excellent as was the water show. We did get to see the debut of their new water show.

 

Agree with everything you just said!  We just experienced the best food and servers ever on the Harmony (The Grande) main dining room!

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IHateSnow!

IHateSnow!

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I would pick Allure over Harmony, even before dry dock. Don't get me wrong, I liked the harmony just fine - but my biggest complaint was lack of sweet snacks on the Harmony.  No Ben & Jerry's.  No  cupcake shop.  The cafe promenade usually had pound cake and chocolate bars.    No bar in the center of the boardwalk for Margaritas.   That being said, I'd take St.Kitt's over San Juan any day.

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  • 2 weeks later...
kathy884

kathy884

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For us less expensive flights, more flights, less expensive lodging (great value for the price) all available in Orlando is why we went for the Harmony rather than one of the other large RCCL ships.  I'm sure not a big deal to most cruisers,  but we with this port can also fit in a day at the Magic Kingdom and spend and evening and have dinner with a relative (who we really enjoy seeing) who lives in Orlando, some more big pluses.  // I'm sure it depends on where you live, but from our home city it's way more expensive and a much bigger hassle to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Miami.  I love being able to fly into Orlando (MCO).  That made picking the Harmony an absolute no brainer for us.

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sellwingri

sellwingri

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We’ve been on both in the last 2 months and would take Allure, hands down.  Staff seemed much friendlier and helpful and elevators actually worked.  They were horrible on Harmony last week.  It’s also cheaper to fly in and get to the port in Ft Lauderdale.  

 

If you're a casino person, Allure gets the edge.  Never saw a host or manager on Harmony.  

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