My View: Family of the Seas takes on Harmony...again (Semi-live)

[APDMOM]

Hello from Harmony of the Seas! 

 

I have to admit that I am bit lazy to write this semi-live review, so it may consist more of pictures and tips.  

 

However, we are on this beautiful ship for a second time, and will be glad to answer questions to the best of our abilities. “Disclaimer”...we may not find all your answers since we are on vacation, but we will try.

 

A little bit of background: We are diamond on Royal, but we are not loyal to just one cruise line.  In fact, DH likes MSC the best (at this stage) while I still like Royal the best.  You can see a link to all our previous reviews in my signature, so I will move on from our history.

 

This cruise is shared with my parents, who traveled from Namibia.

 

Family of the Seas:

 

Edited November 11, 2019 by APDMOM

[APDMOM]

We usually stay at the Raddison by the port, but decided to venture a bit more south for 2 reasons: 

1. Hampton Inn in Melbourne/Viero was half the price

2. There is a large shopping mall for my mom to enjoy.

 

We are glad we made this decision, as there is a whole lot more to do at exit 191 than in Port Canaveral.  I believe this will be our future stop when we cruise from Port Canaveral!

[LuCruise]

Following along. Always love your reviews.  So nice that your parents are joining you this time.

[APDMOM]

Boarding:

 

We left the hotel around 9:30 for the 30-minute drive to the port.

 

Tip:  When you lark at the port, you pay by credit card when you enter.  It is $135 for the week.

 

Boarding was very easy - one of the fastest in 35 cruises.  We were sitting outside Park Café by 10:45.  The café opened just after 11.  Rooms were ready at 1 and the muster drill/safety briefing was quick and easy.

 

The only disappointment of the day was that the spa raffle was at the same time as sail away.  That was poor planning!  I chose sail away from our balcony.

 

We were surprised with a bottle of bubbly on our balcony, compliments of guest services.

 

 

 

 

[Sea Dog]

Following along and enjoying your pictures.

[Ren1216]

Very much looking forward to the rest of your review.  Thanks for taking the time to share your cruise with us.  Have a wonderful cruise! 

[perfect match]

I’m excited to be following you again! We were supposed to be sailing on Brilliance next fall, but the ship was chartered for our dates, so now we’re on Harmony. So much for trying a smaller ship and sailing out of a Tampa! 

 

We have sailed a led a couple of times on Oasis and this past spring on Symphony, so we’re looking forward to giving Harmony a try. While we’re waiting for our turn on Harmony, I will enjoy seeing through your eyes. 🌴😎

[Coralc]

Wow! Your parents live in Namibia, Africa? That is a really long flight away. It is nice that they could join you. 

Edited November 11, 2019 by Coralc

[SoccerMom#3]

Looking forward to following along on your adventure

[mcgore83]

Looking forward to more!  Love your reviews.

[zencruisers]

Looking forward to reading more. Thank you for taking the time to share.

 

[tcmagnum]

18 hours ago, APDMOM said:

In fact, DH likes MSC the best (at this stage) 

 

This cruise is shared with my parents, who traveled from Namibia.

Following you cruise again.  Your review of MSC Seaside is what finally convinced us to try the Seaside.  Looking for a change and the price was right.  February is our chance.

Very neat that your parents were able to fly in for a family vacation.

Have a great cruise!!

[cidymom]

To ADPMOM - I just finished your last Harmony review and have made notes of your tips for our Harmony cruise next year.  When you have time or if you pass by the Vitality Cafe, can you see what food options they have there and the opening times.  I'll be on Deck 6 and thought it would be convenient for breakfast if they have oatmeal.  Thanks so much!

[MrsKC08]

Definitely following along as well. We board as you are getting off.

Can you please confirm that the Starbucks app can be used onboard for paying for coffee? I've seen some post they can and some post they couldn't.

 

Thank you~

[APDMOM]

19 hours ago, Coralc said:

Wow! Your parents live in Namibia, Africa? That is a really long flight away. It is nice that they could join you. 

Yes, they do!  We always joke that they live just across the Atlantic ocean from us... but it sure is a long flight!  Their typical time in airports and planes can stretch between 33-40 hours!  🙂They deserve a cruise after all that!

[APDMOM]

3 hours ago, cidymom said:

To ADPMOM - I just finished your last Harmony review and have made notes of your tips for our Harmony cruise next year.  When you have time or if you pass by the Vitality Cafe, can you see what food options they have there and the opening times.  I'll be on Deck 6 and thought it would be convenient for breakfast if they have oatmeal.  Thanks so much!

Gladly!  I put it on my to do list. 🙂

Edited November 12, 2019 by APDMOM

[MalteseMama2]

I’m so glad I found your review. We are on Harmony for the 1st time in 3 weeks! Reading reviews always helps me get through the days of waiting!

[APDMOM]

It has been an amazing day in Coco Cay today.  Of course, I will be a day behind reporting, as usual!  I will try to get through my pictures tonight to post some. 

 

Thanks to everyone for following along!

[Beav1279]

I always enjoy your reviews. Thanks for sharing!

[APDMOM]

Grease:

 

I was disappointed that the show changed so much from last year.  It was much less family friendly than before.  To be fair, the Compass noted it is for “mature” audiences.  I am glad our son did not attend.  There were some nice new clean humor additions, but unfortunately a large amount of explicit and suggestive content added too.  I will end my opinion there... just want to share for other families who prefer not to have their children become “mature” too soon. 🙂

 

On a positive note, Rizzo and Sandy executed their solos beautifully!  The costumes were also very well done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[APDMOM]

My View: End of Day 1

 

 

 

Edited November 12, 2019 by APDMOM
Pic error

[APDMOM]

Day 1 Cruise Compass:

 

 

 

[#55worktoplay]

Great start.  Thanks for doing this.
 

So far Harmony was my Favourite, second to Liberty but I have not been on radiance class and I suspect I may enjoy the smaller ship.

 

Beautiful sunset!

Edited November 12, 2019 by #55worktoplay

[jagsfan]

51 minutes ago, APDMOM said:

It has been an amazing day in Coco Cay today.  Of course, I will be a day behind reporting, as usual!  I will try to get through my pictures tonight to post some. 

 

Thanks to everyone for following along!

I’m so glad to read that Coco Cay had good weather today. Allure’s passengers ran into bad weather and had to evacuate the island. Timing is everything!

My DD, her DH and 8 friends are on board with y’all.  

Hope this will be a perfect cruise. 

[LisaLisa87]

1 hour ago, APDMOM said:

It has been an amazing day in Coco Cay today. 

 

But has it been a *perfect* day? Just kidding! I’m enjoying your review!