Harmony of the Seas - First time cruise questions

[Urme]

Hello!

 

Me and my wife with two kids (3 and 5 years) will be on the cruise Harmony of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale 28th Jan - 4th Feb. This is our real first cruise if you don't count the 48/72 hours cruises here in Sweden->Finland/Estonia.

 

I have a couple of questions I hope someone could answer:

 

* Is it worth buying the beverage packages? Is nothing included in the meals (My dining time)? I doubt we will be drinking heavily because we have our kids with us :) But I will at least have a couple of beers those days we cruise all day. How much does a regular beer cost onboard?

 

* The formal nights, what happens if you come in a t-shirt? Denied access? :) What about the kids, a shirt or a dress would be enough?

 

* Is it allowed to take the kids into the casino?

 

* Is it necessary to book shows onboard beforehand or can we do that when we arrive at the boat?

 

* What else is it worth knowing/doing before we arrive at the ship?

[Clarea]

Beverages included in the basic cruise fare: water, coffee, hot tea, iced tea, lemonade, milk, and juices at breakfast.

 

It is not mandatory to make show reservations at all. However, you will get a better choice of seats if you have reservations. You may be able to make reservations onboard, if there are slots left.

[vacationlover_mn]

The deluxe package also includes water, soda and fancy (non-Starbucks) coffee drinks (in addition to the alcohol). If you are the only drinker, you could get that and your spouse could get no package. We got the deluxe package on sale for $42 a day, and get our money's worth by having a fancy coffee in the morning, 2-3 bottles of water a day, 2 wines with dinner, 3 or more mixed drinks a day.

 

On our last 2 cruises, we had a guy at our table who wore shorts every night in the MDR, and never got thrown out (though other people here have seen people not allowed in). Kid is fine with a dress, but not sure about if they wore shorts.

 

You can book shows onboard, but you might not get the show times that you want. I've heard of some people not getting the comedy show if they wait to long. We always book in advance, but we've also changed some times while onboard.

 

My tip- I like to get to the port early, like 11, so that we have as much time as possible on the ship.

 

Hope you have a great trip!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[BNBR]

Definitely book shows beforehand. You can always change the reservations on board if you want to and there is no cost to book, so why not? Many are saying stand-by is fine, and for some shows that may be true - but from my experience, even the aqua theater show filled up and we couldn't get a seat. Use the reservation option and your experience will be a lot better.

 

Remember that they have a free kids club on board, and the kids usually LOVE it. Your 3 and 5 year old would be in the same group. It's a great way to get some free time to go to the Casino. We used the clubs a LOT and the kids always begged us to go because they do so much with them - just nonstop activities.

 

If you really only have a few beers a day, then no, the beverage package is not worth it.

[Urme]

Thank you for all the answers!

 

One more thing, we never prepaid gratuities when we booked. Is this still necessary before we can use "My Time Dining"? Or do we fill out a form at arrival and they charge it upon arrival to hour cabin card?

[Clarea]

Thank you for all the answers!

 

One more thing, we never prepaid gratuities when we booked. Is this still necessary before we can use "My Time Dining"? Or do we fill out a form at arrival and they charge it upon arrival to hour cabin card?

My Time does not require prepaid gratuities anymore.

 

No forms to fill out anymore either. If you don't have prepaid gratuities, your onboard account will automatically be charged daily for gratuities.

[Urme]

Alright! So we don't need to put cash in an envelope every day that I read somewhere?

[Clarea]

Alright! So we don't need to put cash in an envelope every day that I read somewhere?

Nope, no tips in envelopes anymore, unless you want to give more than the standard amount, or you don't like the automatic tips, and you want to give cash.

[suss1234]

does anyone know if 1 bedroom aqua suite 11330 and 11730 on HOS has 2 sinks.

 

i know on Allure and Oasis it is only one sink.

 

Thanks.....

[TravelerThom]

Dress Code is rarely enforced. They do ask for long pants and a collared shirt at dinner, and occasionally make a stab at enforcement. For Formal night I'd recommend a collared shirt (pull over polo shirt with a collar would be sufficient).

 

I don't see many kids in the Casino, but while I think minors are not allowed to gamble, I think they are not prohibited. (Most/all casinos within the US do prohibit minors in the casino.)

 

Enjoy the Harmony!

Thom

[rbschultz]

On Allure last December they were making a better effort to prohibit under 18s from being in the casino (including standing behind parents at table games).

[buckeye rob]

Yes they do. They also have a separate shower, where as I believe, Oasis suite 11330 had shower in the tub. Regards Gerry.

does anyone know if 1 bedroom aqua suite 11330 and 11730 on HOS has 2 sinks.

 

i know on Allure and Oasis it is only one sink.

 

Thanks.....

Edited January 4, 2017 by buckeye rob

[suss1234]

Yes they do. They also have a separate shower, where as I believe, Oasis suite 11330 had shower in the tub. Regards Gerry.

 

 

excellent and thanks gerry