This ship should come with a warning.
WARNING: If you want a pool in the solarium, a Viking Lounge or a view of the ocean from any common area, this ship is not for you.
Unfortunately our family decided that despite being loyal RC-only cruisers, after 12 cruises we think the shine has rubbed off and we are going to try a different cruise line. We enjoyed our past RC experiences but it is becoming increasingly clear that RC views us as walking wallets, not valued guests. We are tired of all the extra charges they are adding and frankly the experience we receive does not equate to the additional costs. The ships are being designed for a different type of guest. We feel like we need a break. How many loyal RC cruisers feel the same?
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Show up a few minutes before your assigned time. Showing up too early gains you nothing. They organize the boarding lines by assigned times so you cannot game the system. The process was more Disney-like than we would have preferred. You go from one line to another line, to another... It seemed like you would get through one line and get your COVID status checked and the next line would do the same thing. Then they would send you across the room to another line and they would again check the paperwork that you showed in the previous line. It seemed very inefficient and disorganized. Also, it was very weird boarding the ship without a SeaPass card but we did. It is in an envelope outside your door (not secure). Keep it handy because you still need it if you plan to get off the ship. It is like RC wants us to think they are getting away from the cards but then cannot commit.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The food in the main dining room was similar in quality as past cruises. Food in the Wind Jammer and the Solarium Bistro was noticeably of poorer quality than past cruises. There were fewer choices and the salad options were much reduced. The Solarium Bistro offered only 3 salad dressings and most of the time Ranch and Blue Cheese were not offered. Are they communists?
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Lots to do with lots of people to do them. The slide lines were very long.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
The dinner times were purposefully scheduled to conflict with the shows. We had the second dinner (7:45) and had to leave early from the shows in order to show up to the table close to the start of the meal. They should have moved the dinner time back to 8:00 or 8:30. After a while we just stopped going to the shows because we were tired of the hassle.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
To us the staff seemed less friendly and willing to help. That could have been somewhat because they were always wearing masks but there were many times we were trying to get a drink and the waiters just stood around talking to each other ignoring the guests.
Ship Quality
1 out of 5
Absolutely hated the ship.
Do you enjoy a nice dip in the Solarium pool? Not on this ship.
How about a cocktail in the Viking lounge? Not on this ship.
Fancy a nice walk after dinner on the outer deck to view the stars and the ocean? Not on this ship.
How about enjoying a cocktail in one of the many bars and restaurants with a view of the ocean? Again, not on this ship.
The ship is built like a giant bathtub. You cannot see out unless you go to the top and look down. It feels like a casino. It is almost like RC wants you to lose track of time. There are no windows from any of the common areas and there are no clocks. Bizarre.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
What you would expect from a standard balcony stateroom
Ship tip
Research this ship carefully. If you don't care about the things I mentioned above then you will likely enjoy the ship. However if you rather enjoy the things we prize from other RC ships, you will be disappointed.
We had an RC airport transfer and were in group 1 so the process was very fast. It is confusing that with everything they cram into the app, there is not a reference to the airport transfer. This caused us to visit customer service. Turns out they didn't record our flight information correctly so I am glad I double checked. Don't take it for granted that they have everything correct!
My first cruise on RC was on Symphony of the Seas. The pool in the Solarium was not one I ever had interest in getting in. It was more like a large hot tub but you could see into it and it was always filthy..
Royal hasn’t put a Viking Crown lounge on any ship in 20 years. If you think there is a corporation in existence that does t vow you as a walking wallet, then you have your head in the sand. Stay on land, let the rest of us enjoy ourselves without your whining
Maybe you have never cruised before? Based on your profile you haven't. Your review of Viking Lounge as well as other points has no merit as the Viking Lounge is not on any Oasis Class ships. This is a fake review!!! Harmony is a modern beautiful ship that has all the amenities anyone could ever ask for.
I do agree with some of your points, but, the walking deck, the bar service, the cabin steward and employees friendliness have been fine on recent cruises, but they are not the same size ships either. Symphony in October. I guess we will find out.
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