Harmony differences Oasis, Allure, Symphony

[Lorey2007]

Thinking of booking a cruise on Harmony we have sailed on Oasis, Allure & Symphony. What is different on Harmony and any pros & cons? Thanks😊

[firefly333]

2 of those in person stations in buffet. Like to make stir fry.

 

No solarium pool. 

 

Solarium dinner apps are pre planted. Allure they were not. 

[PhillyFan33579]

In my book the only con with Harmony is there isn’t a pool in the Solarium. However, if you usually don’t spend time in the Solarium this isn’t an issue. 

[Lorey2007]

17 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

2 of those in person stations in buffet. Like to make stir fry.

 

Solarium dinner apps are pre planted. 

What does dinner apps are pre planted mean?

 

Stir fry on Harmony?

[SummerBeee]

Harmony suite sun deck has a hot tub. Haven’t sailed on Symphony.

Harmony has Columbus the Musical - love that show

[George C]

I know they have different broadway plays, looking forward to seeing Grease, also different specialty restaurants looking forward to Jamie’s and Wonderland.

[firefly333]

1 hour ago, Lorey2007 said:

What does dinner apps are pre planted mean?

 

Stir fry on Harmony?

I saw a write up of dinner in the solarium on allure and harmony.  It's free but the same menu each night but worth booking one night. The writer said lovely service. I think there might have been a pasta station. Mediterranean food it says. No one posts the menu I have seen just pictures of their food.  The writer said it was still good on harmony but the appetizers were already pre planted, not just go up and get or ask for what you want like on allure. He said they were still good. 

 

The 2 stations are in the WJ the buffet. Where they can do crepes or whatever there at the station, fresh. I did allure, harmony booked b2b2b. Later this year. I'll be on oasis next week and might try the solarium once for dinner. 

[Itchy&Scratchy]

11 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

the appetizers were already pre planted

plated.

 

11 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

I saw a write up of dinner in the solarium on allure and harmony.  It's free but the same menu each night but worth booking one night.

I believe on the Allure Solarium Bistro turns into Samba Grill ($$) for dinner.

 

Solarium Bistro dinner menu: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/resources/menus/solarium-bistro-menu-sample.pdf

Edited March 8, 2023 by Itchy&Scratchy

[firefly333]

19 minutes ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

plated.

 

I believe on the Allure Solarium Bistro turns into Samba Grill ($$) for dinner.

 

Solarium Bistro dinner menu: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/resources/menus/solarium-bistro-menu-sample.pdf

Agree. They are different at night from each other.

[taglovestocruise]

Harmony is missing Playmakers, El Loco Fresh and Portside BBQ.

[Grandma Petania]

I just came home from two weeks on Harmony.  Ate at Solarium Bistro one night.  The appetizers and desserts were on the buffet - about six or eight of each offering in individual bowls or small plates.  The entrees were served at the table.  Nice quiet atmosphere as a change of pace for dining.  Two definite pros in our balcony cabin were the two clothing cupboards, and a freestanding table at the vanity, which we could move in front of the couch for playing cards.

 

STRONGLY ADVISE:

Make reservations in advance for Aqua Show and Ice skating Show.  THEN watch the Daily Compass for the *additional* show later in the week at each venue.  Aqua show is called "Big Daddy's Hideaway Heist".  Frankly, I enjoyed it even more than the main show, ("The Fine Line").  More dancing, diving, interaction with the audience, and fun!

 

The second figure skating show is called "iSkate".  Supposedly shows more of what the skaters themselves would choose to skate to.  My DD and I have sailed on all four of these ships, and I think Harmony is the only one with the second show.  These listings don't require reservations, and may or may not be presented on all sailings, depending on whether any of the main productions might have needed to be cancelled earlier in the week.

 

Hope this helps.

[melbur]

1 minute ago, taglovestocruise said:

Harmony is missing Playmakers, El Loco Fresh and Portside BBQ.

and Hooked, my fave on Symphony & Wonder

[firefly333]

3 minutes ago, taglovestocruise said:

Harmony is missing Playmakers, El Loco Fresh and Portside BBQ.

Allure doesnt have these names but has wipe out cafe which serves the mexican "fresh" menu.

 

They need more playmakers, it's so popular. Oasis has this. 

[Grandma Petania]

 I missed snacking at El Loco Fresh!  Also forgot to mention that the Let's Celebrate Parade, is the best I've seen on any of these ships.  It is well choreographed with really nice costumes.  Lots of special dancing in front of the overhead stage and around the Rising Tide (while the bar is kept up on deck 8).  
 

If you are a fan of JAZZ on 4, I am sad to report that it is being repurposed (into a smoke-free casino is what I've heard).  They moved the Jazz performances to Central Park, Dazzles, and above the Promenade.  We had a balcony over Central Park, and really enjoyed the performances there, but will miss JAZZ on 4!  Hanging out in the Diamond Lounge was impacted during our trip because of the new construction.

[Lorey2007]

Thank you everyone for all your great info!

 

Now I need info on Galveston have only sailed to the caribbean out of Florida. Hotels, airport, transportation and things to do when we come a day or two pre cruise.

 

We wanted to do Icon or Wonder but too pricey for me.

 

 

 

 

 

[Ret MP]

1 hour ago, Lorey2007 said:

Thank you everyone for all your great info!

 

Now I need info on Galveston have only sailed to the caribbean out of Florida. Hotels, airport, transportation and things to do when we come a day or two pre cruise.

 

We wanted to do Icon or Wonder but too pricey for me.

 

 

 

 

 

I've cruised out of Galveston a couple of times.  But, before the big shutdown.  Galveston, for RCCL, has a brand new terminal I've read many comments/reviews about the new terminal, and about 99% of them have been positive.  I'll be cruising out of there in January 2024 and can't wait.  I understand parking is easy and convenient but a little pricey.  Wish I could provide more info. 

[Oceansaway17]

I like the smashed up VW in the promenade on Symphony as well as the musical stairs leading up to buffet.   

I like the Aqua show on Wonder the best but the Ice show on Symphony has those drones over the ice at the beginning.

And poor Oasis might have the BBQ place, but they still have CATS. 

 

Looking forward to Utopia to see what is included or excluded from the 5 sister ships.  

[firefly333]

1 hour ago, Lorey2007 said:

Thank you everyone for all your great info!

 

Now I need info on Galveston have only sailed to the caribbean out of Florida. Hotels, airport, transportation and things to do when we come a day or two pre cruise.

 

We wanted to do Icon or Wonder but too pricey for me.

 

 

 

 

 

The new terminal plan transport ahead of time or book thru rcl if you are staying near the airport. Only lyft paid the port for access so uber sometimes drops off in a parking lot but is cheaper. New terminal is beautiful but parking is pricey. All the sudden there are more ships out of Galveston but not a corresponding number of extra parking. Ezcruise for my 10 day was $200 as was another private lot. I could get port parking for $200 and $220. My march 27 is another 10 day. It was cheaper to book Waterpark Inn with their cruise pkg and use their shuttle, for $150 than to park at the terminal.  Many hotels offer free parking in all price ranges. Quality inn, holiday inn. Beachfront palms. Many others, but you need to pay to shuttle with uber or lyft or a private shuttle. 

 

I like any hotel on seawall, hotels are across from the beach. Grand galvez imo is the nicest. Avenue 0 bed and breakfast had a 2 night stay but will shuttle to the port. The closer you are to the pleasure pier the higher priced the hotel usually runs. It's about the centre of action. Though of course there are tours and the trolley on weekend and the aquarium rain forest. The duck mobile which goes into the water. The strand over by the terminals is historic, but mostly sells tourist shirts and crap any more. Used to be a fish market and good stuff. 

[Lorey2007]

11 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

The new terminal plan transport ahead of time or book thru rcl if you are staying near the airport. Only lyft paid the port for access so uber sometimes drops off in a parking lot but is cheaper. New terminal is beautiful but parking is pricey. All the sudden there are more ships out of Galveston but not a corresponding number of extra parking. Ezcruise for my 10 day was $200 as was another private lot. I could get port parking for $200 and $220. My march 27 is another 10 day. It was cheaper to book Waterpark Inn with their cruise pkg and use their shuttle, for $150 than to park at the terminal.  Many hotels offer free parking in all price ranges. Quality inn, holiday inn. Beachfront palms. Many others, but you need to pay to shuttle with uber or lyft or a private shuttle. 

 

I like any hotel on seawall, hotels are across from the beach. Grand galvez imo is the nicest. Avenue 0 bed and breakfast had a 2 night stay but will shuttle to the port. The closer you are to the pleasure pier the higher priced the hotel usually runs. It's about the centre of action. Though of course there are tours and the trolley on weekend and the aquarium rain forest. The duck mobile which goes into the water. The strand over by the terminals is historic, but mostly sells tourist shirts and crap any more. Used to be a fish market and good stuff. 

Great info thanks. We will be flying not driving. Would we need a car for just one day to see things? Don't really want to rent one. Will you be cruising on Harmony in March?

Edited March 8, 2023 by Lorey2007

[firefly333]

13 minutes ago, Lorey2007 said:

Great info thanks. We will be flying not driving. Would we need a car for just one day to see things? Don't really want to rent one. Will you be cruising on Harmony in March?

Just the 2 in my signature. Oasis flying to miami on Saturday.  March 27 I'm doing radiance 10 day. I had to cancel the last time. I still havent seen the locks. Radiance is going to Columbia and Panama... on allure in sept b2b again, then harmony b2b2b. Then 14 days on carnival for the better ports. 

 

I dont recommend a car. No rental place is open on sunday in Galveston to turn it in. The stuff and beach along seawall is walkable and traffic pretty tight. Hard to park right near pleasure pier. The trolley is for sure running weekends. $1.50 if you dont want to walk. Gaidos isnt that expensive of a hotel and right in the center but it is older and a walk up, no elevator. But they make a breakfast by hand that is good. Gaidos fish restaurant is famous but very very pricey. I'd eat next door. Even a chic a fil across from pleasure pier for budget minded. Personally I'd say dont rent. Walk. Get a central hotel. 

 

This is what I mean when I say pleasure pier is the center of the action. This ..

 

https://www.pleasurepier.com/tickets.html?no_redirect=true

 

 

Edited March 8, 2023 by firefly333

[Ret MP]

37 minutes ago, Oceansaway17 said:

but they still have CATS. 

 

Oh so true.  What a waste of time that show is!  My opinion, of course.

[Oceansaway17]

1 minute ago, Ret MP said:

Oh so true.  What a waste of time that show is!  My opinion, of course.

and I saw the original on Broadway with Betty Buckley

I did like the costumes but really RCI, move the show and get something else.

 

[Lorey2007]

1 hour ago, firefly333 said:

Just the 2 in my signature. Oasis flying to miami on Saturday.  

I so wanted to go on the Bella cruise but the date didn't work for us. I will be following along on the live thread it will be fun.  I only post their once in a blue moon but read it every day.

 

[John&LaLa]

17 minutes ago, Lorey2007 said:

I so wanted to go on the Bella cruise but the date didn't work for us. I will be following along on the live thread it will be fun.  I only post their once in a blue moon but read it every day.

 

 

There may be a reunion😉

[Lorey2007]

1 hour ago, John&LaLa said:

 

There may be a reunion😉

I'll be watching for that.