First Cruise on the Biggest Ship

Harmony of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

ilaughandlive

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 56

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 27, 2017

Ship: Harmony of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 7-195

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

In my opinion, this boat was way too large and held too many people for my taste, 6,500 people if I remember correctly. Going through breakfast/lunch at the buffet was hectic and it's a bit tough to find a seat if you have a larger group (we had a party of 10!). Remember to find a table that is closest to your group number (I saw plenty of couples sit at a 6 person table when there were smaller tables available) just to help with the crowds. This boat may have quite a few pools and water fun areas but with the sheer amount of people you will notice that every pool is packed with nobody able to swim and everyone standing around. The lounging chairs are the same way, many people came out early to get chairs, and by the mid-day rush almost every chair will be claimed.

Because of the large number of people make sure you have your reservations for everything you can before you get on the ship (makes sure you get into everything you want to). My favorite part o the cruise was the Fine Dining experience, you will feel pampered!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Between the dresser, closet, bath rack, and shelving above the sink + sink space I was surprised that I had room for all the goodies I brought! The only strange thing about my room to me (as I'm not used to cruising) is the lack of daylight, meaning you never know what time it is by looking around. It is a bit disorienting but overall the room was great! Pro Tip! Use ANY card to keep the power on in your cabin (I used a gift card)- especially if you need the fridge to stay on to keep insulin cold, for example.

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

2 out of 5

Labadee (Cruise Line Private Island)

2 out of 5

Falmouth, Jamaica

2 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5

8 Comments

grocetl 7 years ago

On these big ships timing is everything best to plan the activities that you want to do around the rush we learned this on our last cruise (Oasis of Seas)

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ilaughandlive 7 years ago

@papaZee I think that's a great idea and would love to have that included on the ship.

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papaZee 7 years ago

One suggesting I made to the staff for consideration was adding a few lap pools. Those are the ones that have a strong current to swim against and take up little space. After all they have walking and running machines in the weight room when the have a track around the ship! Why not have current pools for those that want to swim! I agree with you, you can't swim in the pools on deck. Not going to happen unless your in the pool early in the morning. The other Oasis class ship have a "cool pool" for standing in in the Solarium, unfortunately this was removed and replaced with a water mister ( in the adult area?)

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MrCruise 7 years ago

Nice review... thank you!

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ilaughandlive 7 years ago

I haven't, this was my first cruise. I may try that one next though! @seasickcyndi

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seasickcyndi 7 years ago

freedom of the seas is our next favorite ship. have you been on her @ilaughandlive?

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ilaughandlive 7 years ago

That's good for you @seasickcyndi, I liked it as well but would definitely go for a smaller ship next time!

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seasickcyndi 7 years ago

We loved Harmony of the Seasð

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Other reviews of this sailing

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Harmony of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western