What’s it Like to Cruise on the Harmony of the Seas?

May 31, 2022 Frances Gertsch

When described as “one of the biggest ships in the world with some of the boldest thrills at sea,” the Harmony of the Seas sounds exciting. This was going to be my first ocean cruising experience and with up to 6,687 fellow guests, I wondered if it might be a little “too” exciting for my liking.

We landed in Orlando and stayed overnight before transferring to Port Canaveral, 45 minutes away. From the moment I caught my first glimpse of the Harmony of the Seas, I was in awe. She really was massive, stretching 18 decks tall and gleaming white against the bright blue sky. 

Our first stop on board was Boleros, on Deck 5’s Royal Promenade, where we grabbed a refreshing drink with a not-so-refreshing name. The “Painkiller” is a Royal Caribbean specialty made with Pusser’s rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut syrup with a dash of nutmeg. We caught our breath, got connected to on-board WiFi, and booked our nightly entertainment: Grease, the Aquatheatre, ice shows, stand-up comedy, and more! There wouldn’t be enough time to fit it all in. (Word to the wise: Don’t miss Grease! What a show!)

My luggage was delivered to my cabin quickly. As I unpacked, I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of storage and the overall size of the room. Knowing I was a first-time cruiser, Bruno, my cabin attendant, showed me all the ins and outs of my room and reminded me not to stub my toe as I stepped up to enter the washroom (a little too late, Bruno, but thanks!). 

I rushed up to deck 16 to meet fellow Canadian Travel News writer and this site’s co-founder, Masha Mowers, to create our own Sail Away party. With a passion fruit Aperol Spritz in hand, we stood at the stern next to the “Ultimate Abyss” (a dry slide that descends 10 storeys that I was never brave enough to try) and waved to the Port Canaveral live cam as we sailed off. 

The conference’s cocktail reception* was held in Solarium on Deck 16 at the ship’s bow. This multi-level, adults-only oasis has a bar, a bistro (great for breakfast), plenty of lounge chairs, numerous whirlpools, great views, and a chill vibe that – had I had more free time on board – made it a place I’d spend my days.

Dinner that night did not disappoint. The menus in the Main Dining Room have a portion that is the same all week and another that changes daily. The food quality and service were top notch for every lunch and dinner I experienced there. Throughout the week I also managed to snag reservations at Jamie’s Italian for two incredible dinners (we ate “family-style” for the first, allowing us to try nearly everything on the menu), and at Wonderland for an “imaginative” gastronomic experience (avocado mousse, anyone?). I ordered complimentary room service daily so that I could sit out on my balcony overlooking Central Park to enjoy my morning coffee. My remaining buffet meals at Windjammer or the Solarium Bistro always turned up healthy and delicious options to satisfy my cravings. Being from the East Coast, our evenings often ended at the Boot and Bonnet Pub listening to live music and having a “sociable” with fellow conference-goers. (Tip: Snag yourself a piece of late-night ‘za at Sorrentos.)  

Our Eastern Caribbean itinerary was well-balanced, including three days at sea and three ports of call. In Sint Maarten we took a water taxi to Philipsburg and then local tour guide, “Gene the Dancing Machine,” took us to Maho Beach to watch the planes land. In St. Thomas, we caught a taxi to Magen’s Bay where we rented chairs, bought a few Leatherback Brewing Company beers, and got a little too much sun. 

It was cloudy when we got to Perfect Day at CocoCay. We still enjoyed the warm temperatures and a few hours of relaxation at Chill Beach. (Another word to the wise: Don’t leave snacks to the last minute…we found the Snack Shack ran out of much of their menu by the time we arrived a little later in the afternoon.) There are a lot of complimentary places to explore at CocoCay in addition to the add-on experiences RCI promoted prior to our sailing; and, if you have drink and WiFi packages these are also valid on the island. 

Before disembarking, I asked RCI’s National Account Manager, Éric St-Pierre, for his list of things not to miss on the Harmony of the Seas. His tips? Ride the merry-go-round on the Boardwalk. (Check!) Check out the walking and running track on deck 5. (Check!) Order a drink at the Bionic Bar. (Check!) Wander the Trellis Trail in Central Park (whose beautiful gardens and two living walls are tended by THREE full-time horticulturalists). (Check!) Celebrate the multitude of nationalities of the ship’s crew! (Check!)

All in all, it was a fantastic week and I have a new-found appreciation for (love of?) ocean cruising, having never ONCE felt crowded or impatient because of lines or too many people. While it may depend on your travel style, I was grateful to have the freedom to choose what I felt like doing each day, rather than having too much planned. And even after filling every spare minute of the week that I did have, there was much left undone. 

I guess this means I have to come back.

*I was on board the Harmony of the Seas as an attendee at The Travel Agent Next Door’s annual conference. 

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