Overall, enjoyed the cruise, but I had to shift my expectations from what we've experienced in the past, mostly Disney, but also some other RC cruises. RC app doesn't work well for Android phones. The primary bed in the cabin was not at all comfortable. We were not a fan of "my time dining." While we mostly ended up with the same servers each night, this is only because one of the maitre Ds made that happen for us. We would otherwise have had random servers and not built relationships with any of the crew except our cabin steward. My family has ALWAYS enjoyed seeing their restaurant wait staff around the ship, but if that keeps shifting because of my time dining, there's no real connection ... "MEH" is the best eval I can provide for the MTD option. Harmony of the Seas is, however, a BEAUTIFUL ship with LOTS to do, but it IS BIG and holds a LOT of people who WILL, despite the signs, save lounge chairs for their friends, spouses, children who never use them. I REALLY appreciate that the old-fashioned muster drill has been replaced with some quick videos and a field trip to the actual muster station where you are "checked off" the list without having to stand on the deck in the sun and wait for all assigned parties to arrive. BUT .... where ARE those important life vests located these days??? Thankful we didn't need them, but I never did see them.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
VERY smooth; limited waiting, actually boarded earlier/more quickly than in years past
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The filets at Chops were, hands down, the BEST we have ever had at ANY prime steakhouse! Worth the extra money to dine here one evening. All food we had was excellent. Sampled the hot dogs at the Boardwalk, the Kummelwick roast beef at the Park Café (EXCELLENT), pizza at Sorrento's, breakfast and lunch at Windjammer, dining room 3 for My Time Dining.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
mini-golf, corn hole, running track
Mini-golf probably needed some supervision or at least a crew member who came around more frequently picking up clubs and balls and/or deserted plates, cups, etc. left by previous users.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The aqua shows were, by far, the BEST performances. The production for Grease was equally enjoyable for those who enjoy musicals. With such a large ship, I'm not a fan of having to reserve "tickets" for performances, and the schedule of the performances wasn't what I was accustomed to from previous cruises for late-seating dinner, so the timing didn't feel ideal. Would have appreciated more entertainment options geared to families/families with teens .... a space just for movies, perhaps.
Children's Programs
The youngest person in our party was 11, very soon to be 12, so he was not interested in the Ocean Club (at least I think that's the name of the children's programming for kids his age).
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our cabin steward (deck 9, mid-ship, starboard side) was Christian. He was very accommodating! The servers were exceptional. My Time Dining for 8:30 on the first night was a MESS; fortunately, one of the maitre Ds noticed our frustration and took care of our family the rest of the week.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Other than people leaving discarded food/dishes in spaces they shouldn't be, the ship was spotless. The ship is soooo large, however, getting from one space (entrance to the Abyss) to another (exit for the Abyss) before your child does, for example, is impossible. Also, a way AROUND the casino without having to walk through it to get to a destination would be nice .... so smokey :(
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Cabin was clean when Christian had the chance to get in and tidy up (hibernating teens). Trundle bed pulled out from under sofa made reaching the balcony treacherous; would prefer pullman bed over the sofa to allow for more floor space/walking room. Twin/King bed NOT at all comfortable (waited too long to ask for a mattress topper), and pillows were most all TOO thick for our comfort .... not a very restful sleep for us parents any of the 7 nights we were onboard.
Ship tip
Book entertainment early; show up for the adult comedy shows as "standby" because I don't think any of them were full despite not being able to secure "tickets" to more than one show.
Favorite day of our teen/tween boys. Big French Key snorkeling and then "beach" time --- loved kayaking, snorkeling, swimming in the lagoon, jumping off the "diving" platform at French Key. Husband wished our snorkeling took us closer to the reef's edge (He had visited and snorkeled at Honduras MANY years ago) ... was VERY shallow where we were --- could literally stand up, potentially damaging the coral, and lots of new snorkelers kicking up sand, making it more difficult to see -- maybe divide groups/excursions into beginners and experienced??
Did the "beach break with open bar" at Costa Maya. Transportation there and returning were good. The location itself was not at all what I was expecting ... a restaurant with a pool in front of it and then across the walkway, JAM-PACKED with shops, were lounge chairs packed side by side by side by side and a little area of beach. Not enough seats to accommodate all who booked this; we had to sit in smoking area. Images associated with excursion implied it would be at a resort; would NOT recommend this excursion to others or do it again myself. Bombarded by adults and children selling wares ALL DAY. Tiring.
Didn't get to explore Cozumel because we ferried over to Playa del Carmen to go to Tulum. Ferry was SCARY because the Gulf was ROUGH (outside control of RC). Seriously afraid we were going to capsize, and I had zero idea if there were life preservers on board or where they were. Guide for Tulum was AWESOME! The Cenote was a very unique experience. Spent a VERY small amount of time at iguana "farm" because of the schedule and back-on-board time. Overall, GREAT day with magnificent sea views from Tulum.
Pretty quick. Outside was a NIGHTMARE for people needing transportation. RC said "ample" taxis should be available; NEVER saw one. There was NO ONE outside trying to assist those who had just disembarked because crew was busy trying to assist new cruisers .... need to widen that window of debarkation and embarkation OR help people to know WHERE to go for what type of transportation. Uber app (not under RC control) said to go to PINK ZONES for pick-up ... when that side of the building is for drop-off, so we nearly missed our driver. Better signage/directions needed outside OR include details/a map on the debarkation information paper.
Would have to agree on the MTD...we hated it.
Life jackets will be handed out as needed when you arrive at your mustard station in case of a real emergency ,no longer in rooms.
I agree - MTD is a MESS, and I would never recommend it. I think switching from two dedicated dining times messed up the whole MDR experience for everyone. Glad you enjoyed your trip!
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