cubalinda

Hi there.

Getting excited about my cruise April 29th and first time in a G category Oceanview cabin. It is said to have an obstructed view as it looks forward over part of the helipad/bow of the ship.

I tried to do all the research possible on that type of cabin, but not many responses/posts.

Does anyone know where the bed is placed in cabin 9102?

Any knowledge about such a cabin?

Thanks in advance.

Thanks Bob for that information.

Do we access it from deck 15's entrance to the Solarium and then take a door/exit out and stairs down to deck 14 beside the Solarium?

Are there any others? Anything around the walking track?

Anything behind the Aquatheatre? Not sure what deck that would be on? etc.

Thank you again

Hi; first time going on Harmony of the Seas and would like some help with where there are good viewing spots out to the ocean.

We don't have the luxury of having a balcony this cruise, so that's out as an option. My travel friend has not been on a RCL cruise before and I want to be able to impress her with the ship and would really hope that there are some open air views out to the water. I'd like her to have the option to see out and not feel so closed in/confined as well as perhaps take in the Sail away during our departure.

Any and all spots are appreciated and how to reach them/get there would be doubly appreciated as well as that will help me show her these spots more seamlessly without getting lost.

I hope to hear from Harmony of the Seas cruisers with their information

Many thanks in advance.

Hi there. I'm looking for some clarification regarding a few conflicting answers to cruisers's Q's about the Royal IQ app.

Can someone tell me if after downloading the app before their cruise, if they were able to open it up in the Pier Terminal before boarding the ship?

Will I be able to pick up Harmony's WiFi in the Terminal? (I will be on Harmony of the Seas April 29th departing from Port Everglades in Ft Lauderdale I believe out of Terminal 18).

If I don't want to incur any roaming/cellular charges I must have my phone in airplane mode correct? If so, obviously being in airplane mode my phone will still be able to connect/use the ship's WiFi necessary for this app?

Am I correct when I say that once opened,the app will ask for personal information to allow you to use the features of the app?

What sort of information do you have to enter at the registration stage?

My travel partner and I need to communicate when apart during the cruise so we need the text/call feature of the app. (Is it still $7.95 per device for the duration of the cruise?)

Dumb question, but where is that fee charged to? To my Apple account or to my SeaPass Account?

Can someone explain the process to sign up/register for the text/call function?

Once operational, how will I know her number to call? How will she be identified in the Text portion of the app?

Very important: Will I receive a traditional ring when she calls and beep when she texts?

Will I receive any notification message on the home page of my phone (iphone 6s) letting me know she has texted me?

If not; is that feasible? If so, does anyone know what I do /adjust in settings specifically to allow her text notifications to come through?

I read another post that we have to have the app on in order to be able to receive calls and texts? Is that true? Any pitfalls to that requirement?

Can I add complimentary/no reservation req'd activities to my Cruise planner from the Cruise Compass (that I think is on the app?) like The Quest, 90's Dance Party etc. as well as changing previously reserved times at our MTD etc and also have those changes appear on the Cruise calendar?

Can someone explain the luggage finder feature? Did it work for you? (Don't know if coming from Canada booked via a TA air/cruise package affects that in any way?? Don't know how it would)

I think this could potentially be a very helpful app to help keep me organized and informed about what's going on by having everything in front of you and the ability to make changes too.

Was it useful for you?

Thanks so much for your assistance/information.

Great review! I'm enjoying your photos of a variety of places and your information.

I'm scheduled for my cruise on HOS April 29th on an Eastern Caribbean itinerary. Looking forward to it, despite some mixed reviews about the ship.

You mentioned some great sea/ocean views on top of the pool deck/deck 16 (Is that is by lounger chairs there?),

the Solarium deck 14 (How do I access that?)

and by the Sports Deck. (Is that deck 15 aft??)

Do you know if there is an open air view/spot to take in the view of the wake of the ship at the aft end of deck 5/running track like there was on Oasis of the Seas?

Do you have any other neat spots to see/investigate on the ship?

Just curious if you know where Muster station AO2 is located?

Hope to glean some of your knowledge.

Thanks in advance.

Happy cruising.

Hi there. I could use some suggestions about a casual/fun restaurant for after my RCL cruise tour which ends in downtown Charlotte Amalie. We may be there/at a restaurant anywhere from 2:30/3:30ish about 5:30/6:00pm.

We would like to keep it within walking distance of 99 Steps/main street/downtown if possible, as we have to taxi it back to Crown Bay Pier when done, but if some restaurant you'd recommend ticked many of the same boxes for you and necessitated a taxi ride please let me know.

I have looked at tons of reviews and am not sure so I was hoping to hear peoples' personal advice/experiences here.

I don't know whether to lean toward the Big Kahuna Rum Shack type place or Glady's Cafe style. (probably the former as my travel friend would like more Americanized fare and a view to the water/people watching?)

Am I on the right track that Big Kahuna's is that type of place? Comments about Big Kahuna's? Others like that?

We are certainly not food snobs but would like good tasting food at reasonable? prices. (I know about the 18% tax and that island restaurants seem to, by and large, have a bit more costly prices than back home) and a fun atmosphere. She is not into Senor Frogs louder party vibe, so that is out. Ideas?

Alternatively I also like the look of some of the places reviewed that have a quaint patio and a historic feel/architecture in some of the alleyways like Glady's Cafe.I may be able to sway the collective decision to that type of place (to further confuse the readers of this post).

Does anyone have any suggestions about this style/type of restaurant? Comments? Are there any that are fun without being too much of a watering hole or conversely being too fancy?

I hope to get some opinions. It would help with organizing our port day.

Thanks very much.

Hi there. I'm going on a cruise in early May and have a Tour stop/beach time at South Friar's Beach and have some questions.

From doing some research, I see there are three different places to eat/drink/lay out in the sun on that beach: Carambola, Discovery Beach Bar, Shipwreck.Is this correct?

I was wondering if there is a requirement that I need to use a credit card to rent a chair/umbrella at each of these places or is US cash okay?

Can someone let me know how much a rental for those items is at each?/any?

Is the food expensive? What types of things are available?

Does anyone have any pictures of the menus? I have tried searching and have come up empty.

My scheduled tour guide: Royston plans to stop near/on this beach (can't get a solid answer as to which one) and provide a small meal and then provides some beach time.

Does anyone know where he might stop/set up shop so to speak in order to do this?

Finally, has anyone gone on the Island Tour with Beach break by Royston? It looks like he gives an interesting tour experience. What was your excursion like?

Thanks in advance for your answers.They are much appreciated.

Hi there. I'm going on a cruise in April and have a Tour stop/beach time at Magens Bay Beach ($5 is included in the tour price)

I was wondering if there is a requirement that I need to use a credit card to rent a chair/umbrella or is US cash okay?

Can someone let me know how much a rental for those items is? Where do I rent it/them from?

(As an aside; is the food expensive? What types of things are available?

Does anyone have a picture of the menu there? It is a concession stand for food/drink correct?)

The Tour takes me there fairly early (I think around noon or a bit before). There are two to three ships I think, in port that day; does anyone know if I stand a chance on getting a pretty good spot on the beach that's not too congested? How was your time there?

I hear it is a very beautiful beach and am looking forward to it.

Thanks in advance for your answers/info/experiences.

Hi there. Looking for some recent information please that will help me with my upcoming cruise on Harmony of the Seas.

What is the fee for Johnny Rockets Lunch and Dinner? The breakfast is complimentary correct?

Is the fee for the other times taxed? If so, by how much?

Is it true that the milkshakes are not included in the fee, but you may order multiples of most everything?

How did you like your food/service there? (I know not to assume a 5 star restaurant)

I plan on using the Royal IQ app for keeping tabs on my cruise calendar and compass, but would really like to try the talk/text feature.

I know that there is a fee for the talk/text component. Does anyone have a recent cost of that? (Is there a tax on that as well? (how much?)

Does the charge go on my onboard account?

Is it easy to set the app up and make calls/texts onboard?

How did it work for you?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Hi there. I was wondering if anyone knows what Dining room I will be assigned to if I have reserved my MY Time Dining times on the RCL site (via the Cruise Planner and received an email confirmation) for my cruise on Harmony of the Seas April 29th on?

When I was finally able to make reservations (after many many "glitches" and various different explanations re the situation from different RCL departments) I looked at anything MTD related and there were two options: One was My Time Dining with no location listed, but had a little blurb explaining the concept of MTD. This option was available for potential booking, so I chose it and success, got my times (crossing fingers).

The second was My Time Dining- Deck 4 option with no explanation/information. It was greyed out and seemingly not available to choose.

I read on here that on past Harmony cruises the MTD was in Grande and Silk (decks 4 and 5. Not sure right now which one is one what deck). Is this the case?

If so; given what option I had available and chose for my weekly times; can anyone tell me with any certainty which Dining room I will be assigned to? If not; will it be on my SeaPass card?

Last yr on Oasis I think there was only 1 MTD room and we of course went to it repeatedly. Will I be going/assigned to 1 DR for all of my reservations?

Can someone chime in on their experience in either of those dining rooms? Decor? Space? Noise? etc.

Does anyone know of any differences between those two?

If I have emailed dining at RCL and spoken to a Rep at RCL and asked for being seated at a table for two; do you know if I will get accommodated?

Sorry for the wordiness. Just looking for clarification/information.

thanks very much.

Sorry about that. I should have edited the original post to say that the responses and helpful pictures got deleted. I wanted to show my travel partner, but now they are gone. Sorry for the misunderstanding/multiple post.

Hi there. I am sorry to sound naive, but I need clarification please. (I have since forgotten about what i did on my last cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas).

Is it a requirement that I bring my Canadian passport to enter the ports of Nassau Bahamas, St. Thomas and St. Kitts when on my port days on my upcoming cruise on Harmony of the Seas?

Before the cruise, I will have of course gone through US Border Patrol/Services and presented my passport then when departing Pearson airport in Toronto Canada and will have to repeat the process in Ft. Lauderdale airport returning home etc., but do I have to have it to show/ in case when entering those places and when returning and entering the ship at day's end?

I know that I need the SeaPass card specifically for ship entry.

Looking for an answer to help get organized.

Thanks

Hi there. Somehow the responses to my original post were deleted.

I would like to pass on this information to my travel partner so I'm re-posting and I'm looking for some help with some more personal information and ideally pictures about the type of cabin I have booked on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas.

I can only find 1 small dark picture online that seemingly reflects the features/configuration of my cabin #9102 which is a "G Category (Obstructed view) Ocean-view cabin" that is at the very forward part of the ship.

I have tried looking this up and can only find pics/info from cabins on Allure or Oasis and I do know the cabin style/lay-out has changed on Harmony of the Seas. (plus personal experiences are much preferred vs RCL info)

If someone can chime in with their experiences/information/comments and hopefully pictures of such a cabin I would really appreciate it. It doesn't have to be cabin 9102, but anything located forward in the same category from deck 7 up would be very helpful.

Supposedly the outer wall is slanted to reflect the angle of the front of the cabins at the front of the ship. Does this pose a problem? How about light?

Being so far forward do you feel any more motion? Any noise from bow thrusters? (or would that be minimized by me being on deck 9?)

I heard that the Obstructed part means that I would be looking out over the helipad/bow of the ship and then out to the ocean. How was the view for you?

How was the size of the cabin for 2 people ? Usual features?

Unfortunately I had to take a connecting cabin. Does anyone know how much noisier this is compared to a non-connecting cabin?

Any help in this regard is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Hi there. I'm looking for advice as to my purchase of a massage for my cruise on Harmony of the Seas April 29th.

On the RCL website it says that there is a 30% discount on the purchase of spa treatments if buying before the cruise. (I don't remember the fine print details about when this "offer" is good until. I did of course see/remember the added 18% tax disclaimer).

The massage treatments I am interested in are listed as either $89/50 min or $119/75 min if I purchase pre-cruise.

Sorry to sound naive, but is this a good deal?

The other discounts listed aren't applicable to me: I will not get massage on Embarkation day,ditto on Port day etc. So no more savings possible.

Does anyone know if I am better off to wait and purchase a massage when I'm on the ship? Do they offer any savings above what I can get pre-cruise?

I booked through a Travel Agent and no deals there darn it.

Any thoughts/advice/prices would be very helpful when planning for my cruise.

Thanks very much.

Thanks to all who have replied with info (and some helpful pics too). As said, I will be on deck 9, so I hope that the view might be a bit more open and a bit higher up (less level with the helipad).

We are the 4th cabin from the left (port) side. Do you think I might get a sliver more of a view of the water?

The noise/vibration of the bow thrusters will unfortunately be a frustration for my travel friend; I'm ok getting up early on port days.

Why may I ask, did you have to close your cabin curtains at night? Was it a distraction for ship's navigation?

By the deck plan map it looks like not that long of a distance to the forward elevators. Is that true?

I realize that it is far to the venues in the aft section of the ship. What was your best route to the Windjammer for instance, as I need to be up early each day to eat for port excursions and also getting to deck 15 poolside to secure a chair.

With the split bed by the window configuration was there a problem with space for the person closest to the window? (did you have to bend over when getting in/out of the bed with the slant?)

Thanks again, and hope to get answers to these further questions.

Hi there. I'm looking for some help with some more personal information and ideally pictures about the type of cabin I have booked on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas.

I can only find 1 small dark picture online that seemingly reflects the features/configuration of my cabin #9102 which is a "G Category (Obstructed view) Ocean-view cabin" that is at the very forward part of the ship.

I have tried looking this up and can only find pics/info from cabins on Allure or Oasis and I do know the cabin style/lay-out has changed on Harmony of the Seas. (plus personal experiences are much preferred vs RCL info)

If someone can chime in with their experiences/information/comments and hopefully pictures of such a cabin I would really appreciate it. It doesn't have to be cabin 9102, but anything located forward in the same category from deck 7 up would be very helpful.

Supposedly the outer wall is slanted to reflect the angle of the front of the cabins at the front of the ship. Does this pose a problem? How about light?

Being so far forward do you feel any more motion? Any noise from bow thrusters? (or would that be minimized by me being on deck 9?)

I heard that the Obstructed part means that I would be looking out over the helipad/bow of the ship and then out to the ocean. How was the view for you?

How was the size of the cabin for 2 people ? Usual features?

Unfortunately I had to take a connecting cabin. Does anyone know how much noisier this is compared to a non-connecting cabin?

Any help in this regard is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Hi there. I'm looking for some help with some more personal information and ideally pictures about the type of cabin I have booked on Harmony of the Seas.

I can only find 1 small dark picture online that seemingly reflects the features/configuration of my cabin #9102 which is a "G Category (Obstructed view) Ocean-view cabin" that is at the very forward part of the ship.

I have tried looking this up and can only find pics/info from cabins on Allure or Oasis and I do know the cabin style/lay-out has changed on Harmony of the Seas. (plus personal experiences are much preferred vs RCL info)

If someone can chime in with their experiences/information/comments and hopefully pictures of such a cabin I would really appreciate it. It doesn't have to be cabin 9102, but anything located forward in the same category from deck 7 up would be very helpful.

Supposedly the outer wall is slanted to reflect the angle of the front of the cabins at the front of the ship. Does this pose a problem? How about light?

Being so far forward do you feel any more motion? Any noise from bow thrusters? (or would that be minimized by me being on deck 9?)

I heard that the Obstructed part means that I would be looking out over the helipad/bow of the ship and then out to the ocean. How was the view for you?

How was the size of the cabin for 2 people ? Usual features?

Unfortunately I had to take a connecting cabin. Does anyone know how much noisier this is compared to a non-connecting cabin?

Any help in this regard is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Hi there. I could use some help/information please with information about gratuities on my upcoming cruise on Harmony of the Seas.

I booked with a Travel Agent in Toronto awhile ago and she said that Harmony was no longer offering the option to pay pre-paid gratuities before the cruise. She said that I would have to pay them onboard. She quickly gave me a price per day in US funds that I have need a reminder of.

This was surprising to me because last year on Oasis I pre-paid my gratuities included with my payment for the entire trip (air and cruise package not from RCL but Air Transat/Marlin Travel (at the time). that was kind of a relief as everything was paid for with no surprises, and I didn't have to worry about what Royal might be using for a US/Canadian exchange rate later onboard.

Does anyone know the gratuities policy/procedure for Harmony of the Seas when booking with a Travel Agent?

(If booking with a Canadian TA maybe that affects things???)

Finally; can someone chime in on how much they are for a 7 day cruise?

Any input/experiences would be much appreciated.

Thanks very much.

Thank you for the replies to my post.

I have gone through some worries about getting to reserve MTD and was/am frustrated still about the subterfuge in explanations with regards to what the problem was.

However, good news. I was able to book my times for the week online, but like many had to put in time for one day, log out and continue. It did give me a curious message to the effect that I check my onboard expense account and speak to my TA. I was surprised because I had already put in my credit card for my expense account as part of the Online Check in process previously and everything went through.

So I called RCL and was bounced around from dept to dept and finally submitted my times over the phone and he assured me that they were logged in/secured. He sent out a confirmation of them via email and they all look good. Fingers crossed!

I hope others don't continue to have problems. I know the ship may still be going through teething problems, but it is frustrating going through this.

Take care.

Hi there. I'm looking for some help with answers if possible, to a few questions about my upcoming April 29th cruise on Harmony of the Seas.

I was able to check in online recently and my Set Sail Pass indicates my Muster station as A02. Does anyone know where that Muster station is located? I believe info re this is on the back of the cabin door, but I'd like to know beforehand if possible please.

When is the Muster station drill with our Departure from Port Canaveral at 4:00 pm? How long before do they you advise to show up there?/get a seat?

What was your Muster drill like?Too crowded? No problem etc?

Unrelated, but does the English pub (forgot its name) on the Promenade serve food? I read a post saying that it was closed during someone's cruise during the 90's Dance Party. Was this true for you? If so, that's too bad as it takes away seating areas during the "show"? Any other seating spots besides Sorrentos?

Where were you located during the 90's Dance Party? Positives?/Negatives?

How early did you have to get out to the Pool deck to secure a chair before chair hogs and other passengers claim their spots? I'm trying to ideally find a spot that would give me some shade and sun but hopefully be near a pool. Is this possible? I heard they did away with the umbrellas and small tables by one pool that are on other Oasis class ships. Darn. (I couldn't get a spot there anyway last yr on Oasis)

I don't need to be poolside, but hope that my only option is not in the upper decks. What were your experiences? Good spots?

Does anyone know what night/when The Quest was on an Eastern Caribbean itinerary on Harmony? Love that show when I saw it on Oasis last year.

I'm thinking of using the Royal IQ app for its cruise compass and my cruise calendar being listed each day? (is this correct?), but will probably spring for the $7.95 per device feature to text/call my travel partner as opposed to relying on more expensive cellphone carrier plan. What was your experience like with this app and its features?

Thanks very much for your help/information.

Thank you very much rum & monkey for your thoughtful detailed information about your entertainment experiences aboard Harmony of the Seas. I also appreciate it that you have read my lengthy post and responded to many of my queries. You should be applauded for your attention to detail and being kind enough to provide such an informative post. It was very helpful indeed. My sincere thanks.

Having said that; if others are still reading this post i would also hope to get some more experiences/feedback about your time taking in the Entertainment on Harmony of the Seas.

Hi there. I know that this is a subjective matter of opinion, but I am looking to hear from others about their opinion of the Entertainment/Shows they have seen on Harmony of the Seas.

I have tentatively booked a few shows for my cruise, but would like some feedback, good and bad about what you saw on your cruise.

If you made reservations, how much time before the show did you get to the venue? Did you have to line up for long? I am a just a Gold Crown and Anchor so I would appreciate comments from the lowly masses (lol) who may have to line up even with reservations.

How were the show line-up(s), seating handled by RCL staff? (organized?)

Did you enjoy any of the Cruise/Activities Director events? I loved The Quest last yr- A lot of fun. Any recommendations?

How was the 90's Dance party in the Promenade?

How did you like the comedian? I've read that it's an MC and 1 comic. Is that true? How was The Attic for watching comedy?

I tried to find out the Headliner on my cruise and RCL emailed back and said tentatively Ron Lucas ventriloquist. I thought he was okay last year but was hoping for someone new. I guess they jump around from ship to ship and it's luck of the draw, but with this new ship I thought they would maybe have some new talent. Oh well.

Last question: How many movies did they show on your cruise? Were they any good/recent? My travel partner was hoping for lots of movies. I told her there might be a few but wasn't sure and I thought they were shown in the Aqua Theater. Is that about right?

Thanks for your input.

Just wondering if downloading The Royal IQ app (free) would help or is feasible?

I have read on here that it has the daily Cruise Compass and your Cruise Planner with all your reservations/activities and excursions on it.You can also make/change reservations with it as well.

The only feature of the app that would cost money ($7.95 per device for the entire cruise) is the text and call feature to anyone else who has the app on-board the ship. It has to be activated in order to used, so you would not get charged if you don't want/need those features.

I know; a print-out is much lass invasive/worrisome to carry around vs a cell phone, but I plan on using the app to connect to my friend when we are in different parts of the ship (Harmony of the Seas) and need to find each other.

I'm the type that feels better having my daily events/plans at hand.

Hope this helps and didn't waste your time.

Hi there. I have read a number of threads with peoples' concerns about various things on Harmony of the Seas. I know it is going through teething problems, but I could use some advice for my late April cruise particularly about the poolside/chairs/spots.

My good friend and I will be cruising together. She has sailed Holland America and Carnival; me: Carnival yrs ago and a wonderful cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas last April.

I am used to the larger Oasis class ships and some potential pitfalls: reservation snafus,waits for things and especially chair hogs and not being able to secure chairs by the pool(s) unless I wake up at the crack of dawn.

My travel partner is used to sleeping in, so I have to do the spade work and get out early to hopefully find a spot with 2 chairs that will have both sun and a bit of shade.

Reading a recent review about the pool-deck on a full cruise, it looked like bedlam with chairs all over the place and people waiting for seats. The Op pointed out that they went to the rock climbing wall aft deck? for some peace and quiet.

Could someone please chime in on their experiences getting chairs on Harmony of the Seas? If you found a nice spot could you pass it along too? (I know; stand the risk of letting a nice secret out lol)

Do you know if there is anyone monitoring the reserved but abandoned chairs? If so, what did they do? Was it effective?

Are there any poolsides that you feel are better than others?

I never was able to get a chair with table and umbrella on Oasis, but was disappointed to hear that Harmony doesn't have that feature.

How was the poolside drink service? Space between chairs looks very tight even compared to Oasis. Your feedback?

Many thanks in advance.

I'm also interested in finding out information about "Discover St. Thomas & Magen's Bay" and have been inquiring for some time now and hope to finally get some feedback about it.

I also may consider a local tour operator Marian's Taxi Service for a Sightseeing Tour and Beach time excursion.

There are many things to consider for my choice: which sights they go to (hoping to avoid the touristy sales push), quick drive-by or stop and explain the sights, and a guarantee to go to Magens Bay Beach or not (I know it may be busy, but I really want to go to Magens).

I asked about the Discover St. Thomas excursion on another site and a resident replied that a plus about it was that you get to the beach earlier in the day based on its placement in the itinerary, as opposed to many other tours who place it at the end of the tour and it would be busier then.

What I don't like as much about Discover St. Thomas is that most of it is self-guided and that you have a bunch of time in downtown Charlotte Amalie at the end of the excursion and that mostly means looking at stores and although there may be some interesting buildings there I'm not interested in shopping; I would prefer more time either at interesting sites or the beach. You may have different priorities/interests with your excursion choice.

You probably are aware that at the end of the Discover St. Thomas tour you have to make your own way back to your ship by taxi.On a positive note for this tour for me is that it starts at 10:45 am as our ship arrives at 10am. (Marian's starts at 12:30) Don't know if this is pertinent or not.

Bottom line after all of this is: I'm still undecided but hope that I may have helped a bit.