Review - Harmony of the SEA. 7/7-7/14/19 Key program and other details.

[Bem15963]

First off a little bit of background of who we are:   I am recently widowed 55 year old school teacher who took with her a 20 year old introvert son,  and extremely extroverted 18 year  old daughter, and a quiet but willing to try anything 12 year old grandson.    We planned this trip as a way to try to start a new chapter in our lives.  Our last cruise was canceled (thankfully we had trip insurance) due to health diagnosis for husband last summer.

 

We live in Pennsylvania and decided to drive rather than fly four of us down to cut expenses.  Luckily I was able to reserve Courtyard Marriots (to earn points) using cerfificates and a corporate code for our travel day and for our stop at Cocoa Beach the night before.  I highly recommend the Courtyard at Cocoa Beach.  We were early and got to see one of the DISNEY cruises sailing away.  Close to the beach for you to walk to and lots of amenities.    We did some shopping at the Walmart which was a ten minute drive and then settled in for the night.  Kids ordered Dominoes to have delivered while I enjoyed happy hour specials.

 

Next morning we packed up and took the short drive to the port - our check in time said 12:30 but I never follow that.  We arrived at 9:35 and Harmony was waiting there -  My husband would have looked at her and said " we're going on that?"   so my kids did it this time instead.  We drove in the parking garage and found a spot on the first floor.  We watched people coming out with their luggage looking sad and tired as they packed up their cars.  We waited until 9:50 and unloaded and walked out luggage to the elevator.  We were met by an attendant who took our luggage -  always the scary part wondering if you will ever see it again.

 

We walked across to the terminal and they were already letting people in.  We walked in and went through security which took a mere two minutes and headed up the escalator.  Since we had purchased the KEY program we were met by a man who had an IPAD.  He looked at our sea passes and took out pictures one by one and then directed us to the roped off section for KEY people to wait.  We were sitting and waiting at 10:12 am.    The area were were in was small but by 10:30 all the chairs were full.  The rest of the terminal was pretty empty.  At 10:30 they announced they were ready to board.   We were one of the first 50 people on board after the Diamond and Pinnacle guests.   Over all this part of the trip was super easy -  not sure if not having the KEY would have been as easy but it was nice to feel a little special and board before others.

 

As this was my grandson's first cruise I was excited to see his reaction and it did not disappoint.  We entered on Deck 5 the Promenade.  I went immediately to Boleros to see about WOW bands but no one knew anything about them.  So we decided to venture up to the pool deck.  Again there was no one on the boat so we pretty much had it to ourselves.  After a few minutes the daughter and I took out bags we walked on with and went down to the GRANDE dining room.  Here the KEY program allowed us to drop off our walk on bags and they would be delivered to our rooms.  We were also given our internet codes and information for special times for the various activities.  Lunch for us was from Chops Grill and it would be served in the GRANDE dinning room.   after we all got back together we went in.  Kids all had hamburgers and fries which they all ate and said were very good.  I had the Shrimp Cocktail which were huge and the filet mignon.  It was delicious - tender and full of flavor.  While we were eating it was announced that rooms were ready.  We ventured up to find ours on deck 14.  

More on the room and the luggage later......

 

 

 

 

 

 

[retdon]

Sounds great, we sail Oct. 6 to eastern Caribbean. I am looking for cruise compass that shows formal nights. We are going to Labadee instead of Coco cay and our first day is a sea day. Also looking for info on what is offered each  night, when bars open, etc. Thanks in advance, looking forward to reading all about it. 

[RazorbackIslandGirl]

Thank you for sharing! I'm so sorry for your loss! Looking forward to the rest of your review. We are back on her in Sept. so, all the reviews help ease the pain of having to wait.

[tcmagnum]

Hope you guys have a great trip...

 

[Lionesss]

Eagerly following.

 

Great start.

 

Sailing next year on Harmony so cannot wait for all the details.

 

Thanks for taking the time to post your review.

[mook1525]

Where did you end up getting your WOW bands? I thought they set up shop at Boleros? 

[Sea Dog]

2 hours ago, Bem15963 said:

 He looked at our sea passes and took out pictures one by one and then directed us to the roped off section for KEY people to wait.  

 

 

 

 

 

Did you mean to say "And took our pictures?" Does this mean they can take your sea pass photos without going to a agent at the counter? If so that is great. I appreciated your detail on arriving times and procedures as you went into the terminal. Following and looking forward to hearing about your experience with the Key as we also have the Key on our Oct. 13 Sailing on Harmony.

[katiel53]

24 minutes ago, Swank Pad G said:

Did you mean to say "And took our pictures?" Does this mean they can take your sea pass photos without going to a agent at the counter? If so that is great. I appreciated your detail on arriving times and procedures as you went into the terminal. Following and looking forward to hearing about your experience with the Key as we also have the Key on our Oct. 13 Sailing on Harmony.

They will take your picture with the iPad instead of going to a counter.

 

[ptf2009]

I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband..... So kind of your to take your son, daughter and grandson on a cruise.

 

It looks like you posted a couple of hours ago, so, like others, I'm looking forward to reading your review.

[Bem15963]

2 hours ago, mook1525 said:

Where did you end up getting your WOW bands? I thought they set up shop at Boleros? 

They never had them on this sailing.  I saw others wearing them but they were brought on board from a previous cruise.  I would have really like to have had them to keep from having to always have your sea pass but wasn't meant to be on this week.

 

[DFW CRUISERS]

2 hours ago, mook1525 said:

Where did you end up getting your WOW bands? I thought they set up shop at Boleros? 

 

We just got off Harmony yesterday and the only people that got WOW bands were suite holders.  We checked all over when we boarded and were finally told that none had arrived except for the suite holders.

[DFW CRUISERS]

1 hour ago, Swank Pad G said:

Did you mean to say "And took our pictures?" Does this mean they can take your sea pass photos without going to a agent at the counter? If so that is great. I appreciated your detail on arriving times and procedures as you went into the terminal. Following and looking forward to hearing about your experience with the Key as we also have the Key on our Oct. 13 Sailing on Harmony.

We were not "KEY" holders and experienced the same when our family checked in.  A agent with an IPAD scanned our passes that were were on my Royal app and then took our pictures. 

[Bem15963]

Back again,  This will be done in parts not by days.  I didn't keep track of things that well.

 

Room;  We had room 14212.  Overall it was a nice room with the bed by the door and the sofa by the balcony.   If I did it again I would move down to 12 as 14 is right under the pools and you can hear the lounge chairs and smoking chairs being dragged.  We were also right over the smoking area but we only really smelled it one night when the winds were kind of bad.  If you are out on the balcony you can hear the music from up stairs but it doesn't last long into the evening as most things seemed to quiet down after six.  It was right in the middle of the ship so it was a hike to either set of stairs, however is also had a direct access to the lower level of the solarium down the hallway which was nice and quick to get out in the morning.  Being on 14 meant we were only one flight of stairs to the pool and two to the windjammer which helped us avoid the elevators but it was a long way down to the Main dining room, casino, theaters or Sorrentos.   Grandson was on a first name basis at Sorrentos as I think he was there many times a day.

I thought there was plenty of storage even with four of us.  There were four drawers across from the sofa with a make up/desk area.  The one cabinet held the refrigerator.   Next to the sofa was a full closet with a fold down rack for a second set of hangers.  we left the beds together so we had small night stands on either side.  Not much room to put anything on them.  I will say with four phones to charge and a small gaming system the outlets were always being used and cords everywhere.  No outlets in bathroom except for a electric shaver I think,

 

On the other side of bed was a smaller cabinet that had six shelves (one had the safe on it) and hanging compartment and below were two larger drawers.   The suitcases all fit under the beds so they slid out of way,   The bathroom was tight but the shower on the Harmony seemed bigger than the Oasis.  There are several shelves on the mirror and a long shelf under the sink.  The sink is very small.  But overall big enough to take care of your needs,

 

Since we had four we needed to have the sofa made up and then under the sofa is a trundle bed.  It was better than the old pull out sofa on Freedom but when it is pulled out at night there is not room to walk out to the balcony.  That was a little disappointing but when pushed in it was fine.  The walls are metal so I took some magnetic hooks and use them to hold up schedules (yes I had one so everyone knew what was planned- I even saw one of the kids look at it) and to hold wet suits and our lanyards and hats.

If I had it to do again I would move up to a larger balcony or the equivalent to a junior suite.  Lots more room in them.   

Our cabin attendant was awesome.  I always make sure to give them some kinds of monetary tip the first day and another on Wednesday.  I have never had a bad experience with doing this and they are very grateful.

 

The room was quiet except for people next door who had that room and one across the hall.  They were constantly in and out and across several times during the night and that was annoying as the doors do not shut quietly.

 

I will say that most days you don't spend any time in the cabin - I know my daughter didn't except to sleep the morning away after being out most of the night but my son spent a lot of time just relaxing and napping.  Grandson and I were in an out exploring most days.

 

I don't do pictures but I will try to upload some I have on another post.

[Bem15963]

1 hour ago, Swank Pad G said:

Did you mean to say "And took our pictures?" Does this mean they can take your sea pass photos without going to a agent at the counter? If so that is great. I appreciated your detail on arriving times and procedures as you went into the terminal. Following and looking forward to hearing about your experience with the Key as we also have the Key on our Oct. 13 Sailing on Harmony.

Yes sorry - fingers type quicker than the mind sometimes.    

[Bem15963]

14 minutes ago, DFW CRUISERS said:

 

We just got off Harmony yesterday and the only people that got WOW bands were suite holders.  We checked all over when we boarded and were finally told that none had arrived except for the suite holders.

Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did....

 

[DFW CRUISERS]

Absolutely  !!   My wife and 3 boys loved it !      Oasis last year, Harmony this year.   Now deciding on either Liberty or Symphony for next year.

[Bem15963]

 Part 3 -  SHOWS

 

On the first night after everyone else went out exploring I made it down to the GREASE show.  I did not have reservations but at 8:25 I walked right in.  I found a single seat in the last room on the lower level right next to the production and dance managers.  It was great to watch them watch the show and critique the performance.  Being a former dancer in my much younger years I loved listening in.  I wasn't sure how I would like the show as I have seen grease in many other forms but I have to say I thought it was well done.  The scenery and stage props were wonderful and it all seemed seamless.  The singing and vocals were loud enough for me to hear which was a nice surprise.  It was a much more adult version with some adult humor and gestures so if you have little ones be prepared but overall I left glad I had stumbled in to watch it.  It is a little long with no intermission.

 

iSkate - this is one of the ice skating shows - this was more of an improv show and not the more structured 1887 show.  We did have reservations but got there late so we didn't take advantage of the KEY seating.  Connor and I went and there were plenty of seats to choose from.  this a was fun show with lots of great music.  Premise was that these skating stars grew up being told what music to skate to so this time they got to pick the music they wasn't to skate with.  Overall I though the talent was good and the costumes were great.  It was just long enough to keep your attention without letting you get bored.  We did not see the 1887 show so can't comment on that one.

 

Headliner -  This was a comedian who juggles many different objects.    I had heard that the music group Mo5aic was on a few weeks before and was hoping to see them as we saw them on Oasis and they were great but no luck.  This guy was good and kept your attention with audience participation.   Noah and Connor both went with me and I saw them laugh and not look at their phones once so it held their attention.  

 

Fine Line. -  This was the Aqua Show.  We had seen the one on Oasis and loved it - this one not so much.  There was really not plot or message to it.  There was a lot of stomping, clapping, and dark costumes.  I will tell you that if you sat in the front three rows you got very wet with the intentional splashing the performers did.  Much of the show was aerial work where the girl came out from the rock wall and performed above you and many times dripped water on you.  It was great work the first time but then I felt like the third and fourth time I had seen what I needed.  There were two performers who did a tight rope like portion that was over the water about five feet or so.  They were very entertaining and it was amazing to see them do what they did on those small rubber band like lines. There were about five or six dives that were impressive and at one point one of the performers moved across the top where the Royal Caribbean sign was -  held my breath as he did this.  I thought that was bad until they had a performer (believe one of the tightrope guys) go out on a line that was at the highest point across the left side of the audience and attached at the rock wall.  Honestly,  I don't think I watched much as it was just way to high for my liking.  

I am just not a person who likes to listen to this kind of heavy stomping music or watch performers stomp and clap and throw water.  I asked my two boys and neither of them said they would watch it a second time.   I do know that they did an afternoon show which seemed to be much more humorous and light hearted.  I didn't get a change to see the whole thing my fault for not reading the Cruise Compass more clearly I think I would have enjoyed that one more.

 

Battle of the Sexes -  I also went to this as I heard my daughter was going with new friends she had met.  I found a seat and saw her across the theater.  The emcee was awesome and it was full of adult humor so beware.  Six men and six women complete against each other doing silly activities for crowd appreciation.   and Yep.... who got picked but my daughter.  I thought maybe I should leave but I stayed and watched.  She didn't know I was there.   It was very funny and lighthearted.  Yep,  the men won....  the ladies tried but no success.  

 

On the next to last night Connor and I went to see Columbus -  I had no idea what I was in for.  It is nothing that you would expect.  Yes Christopher Columbus is in it but its all about Marvin Columbus.  It was kind of silly but the way they intertwined popular musical songs was brilliant.  The dancing, singing, stage sets and performers made the show very enjoyable.

 

there were so many other smaller shows that you could go and watch along with all the karaoke that happened in many of the bars.   We watched the sexiest man and belly flop contest (two different days) and the love and marriage contest -  lots of good times and laughs.    Pick and choose and sometimes just take a chance you can alway get up and leave and move on to the next event.

[Williamsburgcruiser]

4 hours ago, retdon said:

Sounds great, we sail Oct. 6 to eastern Caribbean. I am looking for cruise compass that shows formal nights. We are going to Labadee instead of Coco cay and our first day is a sea day. Also looking for info on what is offered each  night, when bars open, etc. Thanks in advance, looking forward to reading all about it. 

Hey!  We're on the Oct 6 too.... will have to look for you at the meet and mingle party

[Bem15963]

Food:   I am not a picky eater but my kids are....  My 20 year old will try things that I am surprised by...  My daughter picks at her food.  My grandson well he eats like every kid,  chicken nuggets, Mac and cheese and pizza.

 

We have been on cruises where we went to the dining room every night dressed and ready.  This time I made reservations but to be honest we didn't keep them except for the two specialty dining and two nights in the MDR.

 

We ate every morning in the Windjammer.  Some days it was crowded and others not so much.  Depended on how late we slept. The one complaint I have like others is the small number of sinks they have for all those people.  Four on each side.  At times the line was long waiting to go in especially when they only used one side.   Food was hit or miss depending on what you like. Each night has a theme so check the signs in the morning.   I did enjoy the kabobs and the grilled vegetables.  But there seemed to be something for everyone.  Best night was chocolate night.  The desserts were to die for.  Every kind of cake you would ask for and all kinds of parfaits.  This was the only night they made you line up to get your dessert,    The one things my grandson wanted to know was how much food was wasted.  We saw a lot of full plates left on tables.   

 

The kids like the mini bites area up on the sports deck.  Here you could get breakfast- omelets made to order.  Park Cafe also had a Nice breakfast with a bagel bar.  I did see lots of people in the Solarium for breakfast but I never went.

 

Lunch you could have your pick,  again windjammer was always full.  Park Ave had lunch with the famous Roast Beef sandwiches.....  I liked the Park Ave cafe as your could go in and get containers of fruit, yogurt parfaits and pre-made sandwiches to go.  Again my kids choose mini bites for quick nachos, burgers and fries.  Sorrentos also easy for pizza.  We didn't do Johnny Rockets this time - breakfast is free lunch and dinner are not.

 

For dinner we had two speciality dining - Sabor and Hibachi.    We went to Sabor on Tuesday which was our day at Coco Kay.   We got there early and got right in.  To be honest I never saw it crowded.  I had one of their speciality margaritas but it was to peppery and spicy so the waiter did take it back and get me a less spicy one.  I think I would have rather had a regular one.  I did have the beverage package....  We ordered.  I got the empanada and the chicken stuffed jalapeños.   They were good and way to much for me to eat.  Kids demolished the chips and guacamole .   Our dinner came --  Connor got a PLAIN quesadilla and the rest of us got tacos.  Again way too much food to eat.  The food was good but Hasan out waiter was the best.  Took great care of us and spent time telling us about his life in Turkey.  Kids split an order of Churros with two kinds of dip.

 

The next night we were to go to Izumi Hibachi,  it was also a sea day and formal night.  None of use knew what to expect.  My only complaint here was that I really didn't understand what was included.  They give you a menu that lists all kinds of sushi.  Since none of us eat sushi I was a little confused but they told us that was an extra if we wanted it.  The meal started with salted edamame.  The other thing that was slightly annoying was you are put at a table that seats 10 I believe. which is fine.   There was a couple already seated and then we came.  We waited and waited almost 20-25 minutes on the other guests who never showed.  Finally they came and took our protein orders (chicken, filet, shrimp, lobster or you could add on scallops).  They gave out the salad for you to eat and They set everything up and then your cook came and started the presentation.   First he made the fried rice...  lots of eggs and fun stuff he does with them while he cracks them and cooks.  Then he starts on the Chinese vegetables.  He dishes out the vegetables and you eat that while he prepared the main food.  Again,  the size of the portions for the protein was amazing.  I had lobster and filet and could not finish it all.   When the protein is done and dished out you also get your rice.    It was an entertaining dinner and the food was good but it was long....  

 

Two nights we ate in the MDR.  The one reason I like the dining room is you are waited on and you can order as many things as you want.  Two appetizers, two main dishes and two desserts if you want.  You see all kinds of dress in the dining room and all kinds of tables. We had a table of four just for us.  The attendants are always amazing and can't do enough for you.  The food was good some better than other but again you can always as for more.  The one night two of the kids wanted torrtelini but without the blue cheese dressing - one wanted marinara and one wanted Alfredo -  the head waiter who happened to be standing there rushed over and said absolutely he would have the chef whip something up for them....  and they got it.

 

The only complaints I had was at night when I wanted something sweet my only option was the Cafe Promenade and the choices weren't great.  But oh well ..... you can't have everything.  I learned to sneak some cookies from the windjammer back to the room.  The other was in the windjammer --  starting on day 3 it seemed every time I sat down one of the head servicer came over to ask how things were but then went into a sales pitch about the customer survey we would get the day after we disembarked and could we please remember to put a 10+. for their service.   I don't mind being asked once but after four days it got old.  Over all the food depends on what you like.   some people really like it and others not so much.   I found I could always find something and I never went hungry.

 

 

[Sea Dog]

41 minutes ago, Bem15963 said:

 Best night was chocolate night.  The desserts were to die for.  

I've heard great things about chocolate night. What night was it? I think another reviewer said it was on night 5. Do they list anywhere in the cruise planner or on the menu board that the Windjammer will have it's Chocolate Night? I don't want to miss that.

[Judyrem]

Bem I am sorry we did not get to meet up.  I had terrible issues with the WIFI and could not keep in touch with my grandaughter when she was at "kid's club".  I must have spent 2 hours with the Voom guy and guest services Monday morning.

 

I could not get the wrist bands either.  They said they were not available on this cruise.  It was SOLD OUT.

 

I loved Grease and Columbus too!

 

I loved the cruise but at times was completely frustrated with the crowds.

 

The food started great on the first Key lunch day after that, not so much.  I had to send three dishes back back in the MDR because they were awful.

 

Aaaah but the sunsets on my veranda and the guitar player in Central Park.......HEAVEN and worth every penny.

 

B+ for the cruise.

Edited July 16, 2019 by Judyrem

[Mason9]

22 hours ago, Bem15963 said:

First off a little bit of background of who we are:   I am recently widowed 55 year old school teacher who took with her a 20 year old introvert son,  and extremely extroverted 18 year  old daughter, and a quiet but willing to try anything 12 year old grandson.    We planned this trip as a way to try to start a new chapter in our lives.  Our last cruise was canceled (thankfully we had trip insurance) due to health diagnosis for husband last summer.

 

We live in Pennsylvania and decided to drive rather than fly four of us down to cut expenses.  Luckily I was able to reserve Courtyard Marriots (to earn points) using cerfificates and a corporate code for our travel day and for our stop at Cocoa Beach the night before.  I highly recommend the Courtyard at Cocoa Beach.  We were early and got to see one of the DISNEY cruises sailing away.  Close to the beach for you to walk to and lots of amenities.    We did some shopping at the Walmart which was a ten minute drive and then settled in for the night.  Kids ordered Dominoes to have delivered while I enjoyed happy hour specials.

 

Next morning we packed up and took the short drive to the port - our check in time said 12:30 but I never follow that.  We arrived at 9:35 and Harmony was waiting there -  My husband would have looked at her and said " we're going on that?"   so my kids did it this time instead.  We drove in the parking garage and found a spot on the first floor.  We watched people coming out with their luggage looking sad and tired as they packed up their cars.  We waited until 9:50 and unloaded and walked out luggage to the elevator.  We were met by an attendant who took our luggage -  always the scary part wondering if you will ever see it again.

 

We walked across to the terminal and they were already letting people in.  We walked in and went through security which took a mere two minutes and headed up the escalator.  Since we had purchased the KEY program we were met by a man who had an IPAD.  He looked at our sea passes and took out pictures one by one and then directed us to the roped off section for KEY people to wait.  We were sitting and waiting at 10:12 am.    The area were were in was small but by 10:30 all the chairs were full.  The rest of the terminal was pretty empty.  At 10:30 they announced they were ready to board.   We were one of the first 50 people on board after the Diamond and Pinnacle guests.   Over all this part of the trip was super easy -  not sure if not having the KEY would have been as easy but it was nice to feel a little special and board before others.

 

As this was my grandson's first cruise I was excited to see his reaction and it did not disappoint.  We entered on Deck 5 the Promenade.  I went immediately to Boleros to see about WOW bands but no one knew anything about them.  So we decided to venture up to the pool deck.  Again there was no one on the boat so we pretty much had it to ourselves.  After a few minutes the daughter and I took out bags we walked on with and went down to the GRANDE dining room.  Here the KEY program allowed us to drop off our walk on bags and they would be delivered to our rooms.  We were also given our internet codes and information for special times for the various activities.  Lunch for us was from Chops Grill and it would be served in the GRANDE dinning room.   after we all got back together we went in.  Kids all had hamburgers and fries which they all ate and said were very good.  I had the Shrimp Cocktail which were huge and the filet mignon.  It was delicious - tender and full of flavor.  While we were eating it was announced that rooms were ready.  We ventured up to find ours on deck 14.  

More on the room and the luggage later......

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. I live in Eastern Ohio and am planing to drive to Port Canaveral for the Sept. 29 sailing. How was the drive going down there?  Was there much construction along the way?

[Bem15963]

4 minutes ago, Mason9 said:

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. I live in Eastern Ohio and am planing to drive to Port Canaveral for the Sept. 29 sailing. How was the drive going down there?  Was there much construction along the way?

We went down 95 all the way and to be honest had very little traffic except around Fredericksburg VA where it always seems to back up.   I was pleasantly surprised as we have had horrific drives down to Florida and this one was very uneventful.

[Snit13]

Thanks for your review.  Will be on November 17 sailing.  You are giving us views from multiple ages so that is interesting.  Safe travel back to PA.  Originally from Clarion County, PA and a retired teacher.

[Snit13]

3 minutes ago, Bem15963 said:

We went down 95 all the way and to be honest had very little traffic except around Fredericksburg VA where it always seems to back up.   I was pleasantly surprised as we have had horrific drives down to Florida and this one was very uneventful.

From Western PA we would take 79 to 19 to 77.