Meh... It was okay.
Harmony of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western
7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)
Sail date: December 03, 2023
Ship: Harmony of the Seas
Cabin type: Suite
Cabin number: 8648
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 5 months ago
Review summary
Harmony overall is a nice, newer ship, but if you've been on other Oasis class ships it's nothing super special. Below was part of my ship review to RC: Before we even boarded we had a horrible experience with our cruise booking. I had started my booking through Royal Caribbean and was booking for a 1 BR Grand Suite. When I went to pick the suite # the website offer me a guarantee to get the 1BR Grand or higher; however, when we actually received our suite # it was a Jr. Suite. I complained to Royal Caribbean through email, C&A, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and a couple of other locations but only got a single, rude response from a RC individual named Candy who said so sorry, that's what you get for a guarantee. I would NEVER had paid as much as I did for a Jr. Suite, and for the first time ever felt royally screwed over by Royal Caribbean. NEGATIVES from the cruise: * Suite was too hot and we requested maintenance to fix it twice. Never become cooler, and the last adjustment only made it warmer. * For being a holiday cruise, the decorations were definitely lacking. All white lights in the promenade were showing but not holiday festive. * There was a small band that played in the promenade, I believe mostly at night that appeared to have an Asian singer. Please save everyone's ears and replace her as she always sang flat and loud. We couldn't enjoy sitting in the promenade when they played and she sang as a result. The saying if you can't sing/play, sing/play loud should NEVER be the case on a cruise ship. * Using the elevators was always a nightmare. Never less than a 5-10 minute wait and many, many times elevators would go flying past our floor with only a few people on it. * A number of people have certain diet requirements, including eating small "healthy" meals later in the evening. Windjammer closes early at 8:30p, and nothing else is open later than 8:30p with healthier food choices. * The Solarium always had kids in the pools/hot tubs and running around. There was no where for adults to relax; at no time could I get in either without kids around. * As a Diamond level I didn't receive all the discounts that I should have on drinks, and especially in a couple of the gift shops. * Whoever in RC Corporate made the decision to switch to the Lavazza coffee makers have really missed the mark. If you want folks to have the specialty coffee options that is fine but you have truly alienated the individuals who just want a regular cup of coffee or hot tea in their suite. * We were exceptionally pleased with the newer non-smoking casino area!!! The problem is that the non-smoking area doesn't have all of the variety and quality of games available in the non-smoking casino. One of the primary games missing was a craps table. That would have kept us in the casino for quite awhile. If it is a matter of not having enough staff, maybe you have a craps table available with a dealer during set hours like 9p-1a. * The wi-fi was not consistently stable, especially in the cabin. We pay a lot of money for wi-fi and would expect it to be available and stable. 3. C&A: I didn’t receive a lot of my benefits: 50% off any glass of wine, beer or soda, Complimentary daily drinks up to $14, Coastal Kitchen access (I’m Diamond and was in a suite and couldn’t access Coastal Kitchen except 2 nights for dinner only), and also no Concierge Suite. Was denied access every time we went in). This was the first time as a Diamond and in a Suite that I felt like I had bought the cheapest inside cabin. POSITIVES from the cruise: * First and foremost your recognition event for our past and present military, and first responders was absolutely incredible, including the playing of TAPS and the singer for the Star Spangled Banner. A++++ * The selection of programs on the Prime One television channel was much improved, but you need a couple more channels of just regular TV shows. We get a Suite to enjoy quiet times through out the day, and that includes lounging in our Suite watching the sea go by while enjoying TV. * The ship was clean and nice. SUPER POSITIVES!!! * All of the staff were great and super attentive. * The food and especially the wait staff were amazing in 100 Central Park, Chops, and Coastal Kitchen. * A special shout out to the Assistant Waiter, Mabena, in the Main Dining Room the one night we ate there. He was the best!Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Boardwalk Dog House
Good hotdog for a quick bite.
Mini Bites
Only got to try it once because of their limitation hours but it was excellent.
Chops Grille
Food and service is always excellent.
Coastal Kitchen
Food and service is always good.
Windjammer Marketplace
Scrambled eggs and bacon are never fully cooked. Taste of the lunch and dinner food were nowhere near as good as in the past. Windjammer closes too early for dinner options. Should be open until at least 9p as there aren't any healthy food options once Windjammer closes.
Room Service
Food is always cold by the time it gets to you.
Park Cafe
I was disappointed with Park Cafe this time around. Most known for their roast beef sandwiches, it was mostly fat and no meat.
Main Dining Room
Always good.
Johnny Rockets
Hit or miss depending on the ship. During our Harmony cruise this month the food was fresh and excellent. We went when they first opened.
Izumi
Their hibachi is good.
Cafe Promenade
Good service, quick coffee and drinks.
Onboard Activities
Suite Lounge
Even though I'm Diamond and was in a Suite, never got to spend any time in there because ship was over filled with Pinnacle members.
Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center
Always get a salt scrub followed by a massaged. It's expensive but the service is good.
Royal Promenade
Nice area to people watch.
Promenade Shops
The shops have gotten too high end. I used to spend a lot in the shops, but don't anymore.
Next Cruise
They are always helpful.
Entertainment
Central Park
Central Park is the best area to relax and chat, especially at night.
Solarium
This is supposed to be an adults only area, but young kids are never kept out so it isn't worth it.
Center Ice Rink
Ice is always too wet or chopped up. Not great for skating.
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ports of call
Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras