This is definitely my favorite cruise thus far. Some things have changed since pre-COVID, but it felt more like normal than my previous cruise in December 2021 (which was still a great cruise). There was just something special about Harmony and I'm planning my next cruise on her as we speak!
Embarkation
4 out of 5
The line was long, obviously with people who didn't show up at their assigned time. However, the line moved fairly quickly and we were on the hip in no time.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The food was generally better than expected. The main dining room food was excellent - breakfast, lunch, and dinners. The buffet food was good with regards to taste, but temperature issues routinely impeded the quality. The exception was the soups of the day - always piping hot and delicious. We also did Jamie's one night. The appetizer and pasta courses were excellent, but the lamb chops main was chewy and over cooked. In fact, we had lamb chops and lamb shanks in the main dining room that were much better. Still, I would do Jamie's again and, like the couples seated on either side of us, send the lamb back until they got it right.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
I used the fitness center and walking/running track daily. The fitness center is awesome - large and lots of equipment options. I also love the covered walking/running tracks on the Oasis class ships. We also attended a Salsa class and it was a lot of fun. There were too many activities to sample. I was very impressed with the variety of activities offered.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
In my opinion, no one else does entertainment like Royal. There was a phenomenal band (typically playing in Dazzles) that I enjoyed almost every night - the Temperature Band. Grease was great, and the ice show was entertaining. The aqua show was only a showcase due to COVID staffing I think, but it too highlighted the many talented performers featured on the ship.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
This was the hardest working, most accommodating, and friendly staff from across all of my years of cruising. Everyone went out of their way to make my vacation wonderful.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Staff were constantly cleaning areas.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The cabin was clean and comfortable. The mattress was a little firm for my liking, but I always slept well. The best part of this cabin was the extended balcony. From deck 12, you definitely hear the bands playing at the pool during the day but this didn't bother me at all. In fact, I loved be able to enjoy the pool entertainment from my private balcony.
Ship tip
Johnny Rockets' free breakfast is a hidden gem. I really enjoyed the cooked to order food without having to go to the main dining room. They offer enough options so that I didn't feel like I was missing anything from the big buffet.
What can I say - it was perfect. Plenty of chairs/umbrellas despite 2 ships docked. The BBQ buffet was great - don't pass on the homemade flour tortillas. Something for everyone - do nothing, do a little, or play all day.
So much easier and faster now with the facial recognition. We were at breakfast until our tag number was called. Despite a long line, i moved quickly and we were off the ship in no time.
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