I'm late page 12 but started reading yesterday. Enjoying your posts. Will be sailing Harmony with two other couples next May. Enjoy your day and cruise!
I didn't see both types of skates so can't answer that. The skate I had was a hockey boot and blade but with the ice pick on the toe of the blade. All the skates looked the same to me.
I skated in May. It was tough to get a full schedule before and during the sailing. Yes please bring your own skates. The ones they provide are a hybrid hockey/figure skate with an ice pick on the blade. Not good if you are used to hockey skates.
Our Harmony cruise in May is still $88. Only 20% off. Will purchase when it gets to about $65-$70. I check daily. Not D yet so those sales don't help us. Good luck.