Harmony of the Seas Review - Western Caribbean (7/29/17 - 8/5/17)

[Wildcatfish]

Great review! I'm looking forward to hearing about the rest of your week aboard Harmony.

[JamesEM]

On our first trip to Falmouth we ventured outside the gate went about 30 feet saw the "sights" turned around and went back to the ship, now when visiting Jamaica we just stay on the ship.

[TrojanUSC]

Margaritaville or the jerk chicken place attached to it can be nice change of paces from cruise food but other than that Falmouth is not so fun.

[NaplesGoBlue]

Hopefully -- if anyone is still out there reading this review -- maybe you could help me out. I have a few pictures to post, but I'm not sure how to imbed them into the actual review..... any guidance with that process would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[vrock]

I have one question we have booked the hibachi experience and now I am wondering if we made a mistake. This will be our first time and some of our group do not eat sushi are there other food options. Any details on your experience would be appreciated. Thank you. :)

[RFerrington]

I have one question we have booked the hibachi experience and now I am wondering if we made a mistake. This will be our first time and some of our group do not eat sushi are there other food options. Any details on your experience would be appreciated. Thank you. :)

 

Yes. You can choose steak, shrimp, lobster. You don't have to eat any sushi. In fact, if you order sushi, there is an extra charge for that. It is not a part of the regular hibachi menu.

[ptf2009]

Margaritaville or the jerk chicken place attached to it can be nice change of paces from cruise food but other than that Falmouth is not so fun.

 

We used to feel the same way about Jamaica...not fun, not safe...however, we saw some posts about people going to an all-inclusive resort for a day. We are now hooked on them! We've been to Hilton Rose Hall, Jewel Runaway and next month we are going to Royalton White Sands. We booked these through a third party online site. So if you love beautiful beaches, pools, great food and all you can drink, this may also work for you!

[Blampa]

Hopefully -- if anyone is still out there reading this review -- maybe you could help me out. I have a few pictures to post, but I'm not sure how to imbed them into the actual review..... any guidance with that process would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

Hey Naples,

In order to attach pictures simply use the paper clip on the tool bar, however if you're attaching pictures they have to be very small. I would recommend putting them in a word document then saving it as a PDF as you get a larger size available for upload.

CCAttach.pdf

[Feeling Sand-tastic]

Hopefully -- if anyone is still out there reading this review -- maybe you could help me out. I have a few pictures to post, but I'm not sure how to imbed them into the actual review..... any guidance with that process would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

 

Dear Naples,

I am enjoying your posts and look forward to your photos.

I too am interested in learning how to imbed them in the review. I have tried several times and have given up. (I wasted so much time without success.) I hope someone responds so I can learn along with you.

 

Deb

[vrock]

Yes. You can choose steak, shrimp, lobster. You don't have to eat any sushi. In fact, if you order sushi, there is an extra charge for that. It is not a part of the regular hibachi menu.

 

Thank you :)

[readyk]

love your writing. cant wait for my turn on the harmony

[sweet angel]

Great review so far!

[ptf2009]

Waiting for more....

[NaplesGoBlue]

Day 5:

 

As the morning sun rose over the Caribbean, day number five saw the Harmony of the Seas continuing its westward journey towards Cozumel. We made our daily walk down the promenade towards the ship's aft yet again in our seemingly endless quest for food and drink. Today's breakfast was planned for Johnny Rockets. We arrived at about 8:45 am, and as we approached it appeared at first that there would be a lengthy wait to be seated, as the outside tables were filled to capacity. It was already very hot outside, and I automatically assumed that all inside seating must be occupied as well. However, the waiter greeted us immediately, and asked if we preferred inside our outside. I wiped away a bead of sweat from my brow, and quickly responded "inside, please". We were then guided into a conspicuously nearly-empty air-conditioned dining area. As I looked out the window from my comfortable temperature controlled booth, puzzled, I watched as the other diners shielded their eyes as they consumed their cheese omelets on the sun-drenched boardwalk. I shrugged, and just assumed they must be tourists from northern climates who were dead-set on getting their maximum exposure to that anticipated "cruise-brochure" tropical Caribbean weather.

 

After an excellent breakfast, we strolled back through the doors on deck 6 and took our seats inside the Schooner Bar for another lively session of morning trivia. The venue was about half-full with eager players seeking to add Royal Caribbean zipper pulls to their personal collection of Harmony of the Seas cruise vacation memorabilia. I don't recall much about the game, except for the fact that we didn't win. My mind has an efficient built-in defense mechanism that completely deletes all memory cache from my brain's hard-drive whenever I lose. Hence, this entire 30 minute period of my vacation is predictably a little hazy.

 

The next thing I remember was standing in the registration line for the second table tennis tournament of the cruise. And, the much-anticipated return of "White Shirt Guy".....

 

Unlike tournament number one -- where a full-page sign-up sheet was utilized allowing as many players to participate as could register in the allotted time -- today's tournament was strictly limited to 16 competitors. The host was a different staff member from the first tournament, and he arrived with 16 small pieces of paper which were arranged face-down in a pile on the front ping pong table. Prospective participants each chose a random slip of paper, and the number on the reverse would determine the players match time-slot and first opponent. In a little over five minutes, all papers were selected, and the rosters were complete. Just as the first matches were to begin, "White Shirt Guy" appears literally out of nowhere, marches up to the sports staff member, and begins protesting. All I could make out was something about how he was not allowed to play in the first tournament, and now it was happening to him again. He was late a second time for sign-ups, and again, it was clearly all due to Royal Caribbean's negligence. The staff member explained in vain that the only way to complete the tournament bracket with a two-person final and on-time was to limit the roster to 16 players. In spite of the obvious mathematical accuracy of the staff member's explanation, "White Shirt Guy" was having none of it. A few seconds later, "White Shirt Guy" is joined by another protester who is now pleading his own case as to why he should also be playing despite missing the initial registration. This spectacle continued for what seemed like an hour, but was really probably about 5 minutes. I couldn't help but wonder during the melee if either of the two dolts at any point realized that we were all basically playing for a Royal Caribbean championship medal made entirely from recycled Dinty Moore Beef Stew cans, with an actual street value of 47 cents.

 

Finally, the RCCL staff member gives in, and allows "White Shirt Guy" and his tardy sidekick to play. However, this requires a complete restructuring of the tournament bracket and yet another 7 or 8 minute delay to sort it all out. Moments later, our fickle friend "Karma" rears it's ugly head, as "White Shirt Guy" is matched up in the first round with some table tennis savant from China, who was essentially the ping pong equivalent of 1927 New York Yankees. The guy mopped the proverbial floor of the sports deck with "White Shirt Guy" who then quietly gathered up his personal belongings, and exited the arena. His late-coming sidekick suffered a similar fate, ensuring that these two actually spent 6 times longer trying to register for the tournament than they actually did playing in it.

 

Being a sea day, we made our way to the MDR's "American Icon Grill" for lunch. I believe I may have heard angels singing upon entering the dining room, as I was again greeted by that magnificent "table of cakes". They weren't nearly as large as on the first day, but there were more of them, and they looked wonderful. My family ordered from the menu, while I decided to check out the buffet. There, I found some excellent spaghetti with meat sauce. I deliberately took only an amount of pasta that, upon its consumption, would still allow me ample room for cake. I brought a few slices back to our table for us to share -- the most memorable being some type of triple chocolate deal, one white cake with white icing and strawberries, and one praline themed concoction. They were all pretty fantastic.

 

We spent part of the afternoon doing nothing in particular, visiting the casino, participating in trivia, and taking a brief nap back at the staterooms before dinner. Somehow we completely missed watching the dodge ball tournament, which is normally on my list of "must-do"'s. There's something about watching a bunch of adults trying to incapacitate each other with rubber balls while locked inside a virtual cage at sea that strangely appeals to me. Oh well, I'll catch it for sure on our cruise next summer.

 

Tonight was formal night, so we dressed for dinner, and headed down to the main dining room. It was lobster night, so even the tables that were occasionally vacant earlier in the week were at full capacity. Our service was exceptional as always, and our waiter brought each of us an additional lobster without even having to ask. From appetizers to dessert, the entire meal was excellent.

 

We returned to the cabins to change, and then took an elevator back down to the promenade. We played some movie scene trivia in On Air, and then off to Studio B for the "1887 - A Journey in Time" ice show. Just after we were seated, there was some kind of commotion in the seats on the other side of the rink. People were getting pretty vocal, and soon it became apparent that someone's attempted seat-saving scheme was starting to unravel. Amateurs. It got pretty heated, until RCCL security eventually stepped in and promptly escorted the failed seat-savers and (I believe) the guy who was letting them verbally have it, outside the venue. The remainder of the audience broke out into a Bronx cheer of thunderous applause.

 

We definitely had our share of jerks on this ship, but the fact is, based on average statistics 1 in 20 people are basically idiots. We had 6,460 people on board. The ship's total length is 1,188 feet. That equates to about 323 idiots inside a total area less than 1/4 mile long. So, when you think about it, your statistical odds of running into a few of these individuals is fairly high. As in all walks of life, be vigilant.

 

We have seen a number of different ice shows on RCCL cruises, but production-wise "1887 - A Journey in Time" was one of the best. The talent of the performers is always top-notch on every ship, but the special effects they create on the ice surface, along with the costumes on Harmony were simply outstanding. Don't miss this show.

 

We ended the evening on the promenade for the "Totally Awesome 90's Street Party". This is apparently the replacement for the old stand-by RCCL "70's Disco Night Party" that has taken place for years. I was never a huge fan of the 70's theme night, and I'll admit I was skeptical about the "90's" version as well. But the thing was really pretty good. On top of everything else, I managed to catch an LED light-up ring, and a "90's Dance Party" T-shirt thrown by the performers on the balcony, so my pile of Royal Caribbean loot I accumulated throughout the week was really starting to look impressive at this point.

 

After the street party, we stopped by the Cafe Promenade for some cookies and banana bread, then headed back to our rooms. I finished the night reviewing the following day's Cruise Compass, and prepared for our day in Cozumel. Tomorrow was already day six. This cruise, like all others before, was flying by way too quickly.....

Edited August 29, 2017 by NaplesGoBlue

[big al]

We used to feel the same way about Jamaica...not fun, not safe...however, we saw some posts about people going to an all-inclusive resort for a day. We are now hooked on them! We've been to Hilton Rose Hall, Jewel Runaway and next month we are going to Royalton White Sands. We booked these through a third party online site. So if you love beautiful beaches, pools, great food and all you can drink, this may also work for you!

 

Are there no beaches or pools in Falmouth? Only shops? Which all- inclusive ( s) have you tried & how much $$ were they? Thanks! :cool:

 

Big Al

[Wingman2010]

Once again, thanks for the top notch trip report installment.

 

I particularly liked your idiot to passenger ratio theory, but would add one more quantifier: Idiots on vacation are a much more obnoxious strain of idiot.....:evilsmile::evilsmile:

[sweet angel]

Are there no beaches or pools in Falmouth? Only shops? Which all- inclusive ( s) have you tried & how much $$ were they? Thanks! :cool:

 

Big Al

$99-$139 per person. Deposit paid ahead, balance paid on arrival.

 

Have not tried it, but considering Hyatt Zilara for this trip...or maybe one in Cozumel.

[cruiseturbo]

Are there no beaches or pools in Falmouth? Only shops? Which all- inclusive ( s) have you tried & how much $$ were they? Thanks! :cool:

 

Big Al

 

We usually camp out at the Margaritaville inside the port at Falmouth. They have a pool with a swim up bar and a waterfall. It is free to use the pool and chairs, although we do buy plenty of drinks and some munchies! :cool: It gets pretty full so we get there early to get a chair. Of course we could do the same thing onboard at the pool and get free food, but we enjoy the vibe at Margaritaville.

[ramja96]

Unlike tournament number one -- where a full-page sign-up sheet was utilized allowing as many players to participate as could register in the allotted time -- today's tournament was strictly limited to 16 competitors. The host was a different staff member from the first tournament, and he arrived with 16 small pieces of paper which were arranged face-down in a pile on the front ping pong table. Prospective participants each chose a random slip of paper, and the number on the reverse would determine the players match time-slot and first opponent. In a little over five minutes, all papers were selected, and the rosters were complete. Just as the first matches were to begin, "White Shirt Guy" appears literally out of nowhere, marches up to the sports staff member, and begins protesting. All I could make out was something about how he was not allowed to play in the first tournament, and now it was happening to him again. He was late a second time for sign-ups, and again, it was clearly all due to Royal Caribbean's negligence. The staff member explained in vain that the only way to complete the tournament bracket with a two-person final and on-time was to limit the roster to 16 players. In spite of the obvious mathematical accuracy of the staff member's explanation, "White Shirt Guy" was having none of it. A few seconds later, "White Shirt Guy" is joined by another protester who is now pleading his own case as to why he should also be playing despite missing the initial registration. This spectacle continued for what seemed like an hour, but was really probably about 5 minutes. I couldn't help but wonder during the melee if either of the two dolts at any point realized that we were all basically playing for a Royal Caribbean championship medal made entirely from recycled Dinty Moore Beef Stew cans, with an actual street value of 47 cents.

 

As much as I am enjoying your review .... and that's a LOT ..... ^this^ is - without a doubt - the BEST paragraph of all paragraphs .... from any review ..... EVER!!! :'):'):')

[ptf2009]

Are there no beaches or pools in Falmouth? Only shops? Which all- inclusive ( s) have you tried & how much $$ were they? Thanks! :cool:

 

Big Al

We've been to Hilton Rose Hall and Jewel Runaway. In a couple of weeks we are going to Royalton White Sands. We book through third party sites, not RCCL. These places are all inclusives, have pools with swim up bars and transportation is included. We know look so forward to Jamaica!

 

Happy Cruising!

[ptf2009]

Are there no beaches or pools in Falmouth? Only shops? Which all- inclusive ( s) have you tried & how much $$ were they? Thanks! :cool:

 

Big Al

The price is usually@99pp., however, I think Hilton Rose Hall is a little more than that now. They all include transportation:)

[buzzard05]

The price is usually@99pp., however, I think Hilton Rose Hall is a little more than that now. They all include transportation:)

 

We did Royalton White Sands (also had access to Blue Waters but didn't visit that resort) for $99.00/person including transportation last month and loved it. The resort was great (and close to the port), and our driver was extremely nice and worked with us on our pick up time. They met us right in the port, so it was very convenient. I would highly recommend Royalton, it was a lot of fun and very nice. I was dreading our Falmouth day based on many things I had read, and it turned out to be my favorite "land day" of the cruise.

 

 

The one bit of advice I would give is check the terms of final payment if you go through a third party site. Ours charged a 15% service charge if you chose to pay your balance with a credit card. I read that before we left on our trip and brought extra cash to pay that balance and avoid the service charge. The family that was also on this tour with us did not know that and were a little upset to realize that their bill was now over $50.00 more than they thought.

[ptf2009]

Yes I noticed that extra charge for using a cc:( No prob, we plan to pay in cash.

 

Thanks for the info:)

[Theone2]

AHHHHHHH! what happened to day 6 and 7? It's liking reading a murder mystery on your e-reader and the detective has all the suspects in the room and just as he says "And the murderer is........" the battery dies.

[loungelady55]

AHHHHHHH! what happened to day 6 and 7? It's liking reading a murder mystery on your e-reader and the detective has all the suspects in the room and just as he says "And the murderer is........" the battery dies.

 

He is waiting until the commercials are over, then will do a recap of events, then will tell us the ending.