LIVE from Harmony, GIRLS CRUISE!, Sept 8, 2024

[ARandomTraveler]

On 9/6/2024 at 10:21 AM, wolfganghowell said:

You will LOVE Infinity Bay!!!  We loved it so much from a few cruises that we booked a week long stay a few years ago.  Can't wait to go back.  Get a Monkey Lala and the refried bean app is to die for.  This is our favorite Caribbean destination and the prettiest beach and water.  Enjoy!

 

On 9/6/2024 at 10:52 AM, GetToLivin said:

 

This has me so excited, thank you for the recommendations! Did you guys end up sitting by the pool or did the beach have plenty of loungers to choose from? 

Thank you for the recommendations for places to go in these ports. I've also done these ports multiple times and am looking for something else for my wonder cruise in December.

 

I just looked up infinity bay online and can't find a link to day passes. Are you just booking the hotel for 1 night to get the access, or is there another way to do it?

https://www.infinitybay.com/all-inclusive

[GetToLivin]

17 minutes ago, ARandomTraveler said:

 

 

I just looked up infinity bay online and can't find a link to day passes. Are you just booking the hotel for 1 night to get the access, or is there another way to do it?

 

Try this link: https://www.infinitybay.com/explore/activities-events/Day-Passes

Edited September 8 by GetToLivin

[gambler]

Have a great cruise!

[GetToLivin]

Today was a breeze! We Uber'ed to the terminal, handed our bags to the porter, and went straight to the suite check in. The suite waiting area was pretty occupied but we weren't there more than 5 minutes before someone greeted us, scanned our passes, and away we went. I brought the girls straight to the suite lounge to kick off the cruise with some libations.

 

 

Lunch was had and cabins available at 1pm on the dot. Off we went and I had each of them go in one by one so they could get their pics before we "moved in" 😉

 

Lower level living and bathroom:

 

 

 

 

 

Loft bedroom (beds split in 2 for turn down), vanity area and bath:

 

 

 

 

Obviously this room speaks for itself but having two bathrooms is an absolute gem especially for families or friend groups.

 

They love the cabin!

 

 

After a quick stop to the muster station we changed and headed out to the Suite Sun Deck for some sun and sail away fun. Weather was sunny and in the 80s, can't beat that!

 

Luggage was waiting for us in the room when we got back so we were able to get situated before dinner which was nice.

 

We had dinner at CK and as expected it was just lovely. We were even treated to dinner and a show...

 

The further we were getting out to sea the more the wind picked up.  Right now it's between 50 and 55 knots. At dinner we had front row seats as they were closing the pools down very fast, stacking and roping chairs, people were losing hats, drinks, heck, small children were being blown into their parents, and even the stacked/roped chairs were being blown about. 

 

 

People coming around the bend on the left, walking towards the door, were having to lean into the wind to get their bearings. So she's rocking and rolling tonight! What better time than this for some walking so I took Rachel and Holli on a tour of the ship after dinner. They'd laugh every time they felt a jerky movement and get their bearings.

 

When we got back we had these waiting for us 🥰

 

 

So tonight it looks like the ship will be rocking us to sleep. Goodnight from Harmony and the view from our balcony!

 

[Fall2010]

This sounds like a fun cruise!  My friends and I are doing our girls trip\cruise next August and I can’t wait.  Your fur baby is adorable! 

[SteelCityCruiser10]

Hopefully the weather calms down for you.  We had the same problem on Vision last week.  Cheers 🍻 

[SteelCityCruiser10]

9 hours ago, GetToLivin said:

Today was a breeze! We Uber'ed to the terminal, handed our bags to the porter, and went straight to the suite check in. The suite waiting area was pretty occupied but we weren't there more than 5 minutes before someone greeted us, scanned our passes, and away we went. I brought the girls straight to the suite lounge to kick off the cruise with some libations.

 

 

Lunch was had and cabins available at 1pm on the dot. Off we went and I had each of them go in one by one so they could get their pics before we "moved in" 😉

 

Lower level living and bathroom:

 

 

 

 

 

Loft bedroom (beds split in 2 for turn down), vanity area and bath:

 

 

 

 

Obviously this room speaks for itself but having two bathrooms is an absolute gem especially for families or friend groups.

 

They love the cabin!

 

 

Suite looks awesome!  Hopefully you’ve broke it to your friends that not all cruise ship cabins look like that!  🤣 Once you go suite life you don’t go back!

[Tree_skier]

Awesome... Just what I needed to get me through one more week before my cruise on the 20th 🙂 

[fla33023]

Where are the girls at today? Sunning, shopping, snacking? Any of those sound great! Glad you all are having a great time!

[KATHYMAC68]

I will be on Harmony on the 29th. I want to hear everything!

[GetToLivin]

Taking a moment to get caught up on all the fun! Yesterday turned into quite the rainy day with the wind still holding at 48 knots. Upper decks including the Suite Deck were closed, so we decided to make lemonade and go on a booze cruise! Here are some of our samplings:

 

 

 

 

Last night was formal night so we dressed up a bit in our brightest colors (to deter the gray skies), and enjoyed some more cocktails in the suite lounge followed by a nice dinner.

 

Luckily the more we traveled south the calmer everything became and just in time! Entertainment for the evening was my ALL TIME favorite show: A Fine Line. They had some new performers since the last time I saw the show in January, all did such a fantastic job. The production blew away Holli and Rachel and it was so great to share in something I really enjoy as well.

 

We woke up to abundant sunshine, calm waters, and reservations at Pez Quadro. Hello from Costa Maya!

 

I've yet to go to a beach club in Costa Maya and I picked Pez Quadro due to the great reviews.

 

 

Once our deposit was paid they sent an email with our confirmation and directions out of the port to the taxi stand.

 

 

Of course, you know getting through this particular port makes zero sense but we just stayed left and eventually, we found a sign pointing toward the taxis and an exit. Side note: the flamingos are a sign you're on the right route out of this place!

 

There was only one other ship (Virgin) so lines were low and we only waited maybe 5 minutes for a ride. Taxi ride was 10 minutes tops and $4/pp each way.

 

We were greeted by someone at the front desk and introduced to our beach attendant for the day, who also took the remaining payment and showed us around. There is a restaurant if you need some shade and across the way is their beach club.

 

 

 

They have several beach beds and beach loungers (that resemble the beds). 

 

 

Their beachfront was lovely and there wasn't another property to one side of it which made it feel a little less busy.

 

They have kayaks and paddle-boards to rent.

 

And a massage station with very reasonable prices. You can opt for a massage beach-side or they also have an indoor facility. I paid $45 (plus tip) for a 40 minute-relaxation massage.

 

The food was VERY good, shrimp fajitas were the best we've had yet. We also sampled the chicken quesadillas and nachos.

 

 

As for drinks, they were your typical AI type of drink, meaning, if you like a stronger drink, ask for it upfront. They all tasted wonderful but were on the weak side. Here is their menu for their day pass guests. 

 

 

 

The beach attendants were incredibly hospitable. We were never without a cocktail or bottled water, and overall were very happy with our day spent here! When we were ready to head back to the ship, we notified our beach attendant and he led us to a taxi. Beautiful place and close to port!

 

 

 

Home-sweet-home 😀 

 

 

 

We are SPENT so we ordered room service tonight. Tomorrow we're in Roatan at Infinity Bay. That will be another first for me so I'll be sure to report back!

 

With that, I did have this little surprise waiting for me. It's my first. I feel very RCI official right now 🥰

 

 

Edited September 11 by GetToLivin

[GetToLivin]

On 9/9/2024 at 7:43 AM, SteelCityCruiser10 said:

Suite looks awesome!  Hopefully you’ve broke it to your friends that not all cruise ship cabins look like that!  🤣 Once you go suite life you don’t go back!

They are already talking about booking another one 😂 

[A&L_Ont]

8 hours ago, GetToLivin said:

They are already talking about booking another one 😂 

First time cruisers know after a couple of days if they want to cruise again or not. Sounds like they know what they like. 😀

[GetToLivin]

Good morning from Roatan!

 

 

While we're waiting for our transportation to Infinity Bay I thought I'd post some pics of the newly renovated Port of Roatan (Coxen Hole). When I was here in January much of it was still under construction. 

 

 

 

 

 

We're enjoying a couple drinks at this cute bar... there are several to choose from!

 

 

 

They have plenty of loungers around pools, bars, restaurants and of course shopping. 

 

We're off for our day of fun!

[jcc1025]

Thanks for the post. We will be passing each other on Saturday as we get on Harmony. We have been on many Royal ships but our first time on Harmony and you review really has us even more excited. While we are not going to Cosa Maya this cruise but will be back in April we are really excited to try your beach break location. Have a fun few days left . 

[wolfganghowell]

Can't wait to hear about Infinity.  Looks like you have a beautiful day!

[A&L_Ont]

3 hours ago, wolfganghowell said:

Can't wait to hear about Infinity.  Looks like you have a beautiful day!

Me too.  Always looking for something to do in Costa Maya. 

[wolfganghowell]

Inifinity Bay is Roatan.  As for Costa Maya, we've had friends do Maya Chan and enjoyed it.  I see it mentioned a lot here.  We went to Pez Quadro YEARS ago - it's definitely grown.  However, we keep booking Mariner and since it doesn't arrive until 12 noon, we just stay onboard.  All the prime spots would be taken by the time we would get there!

[A&L_Ont]

1 hour ago, wolfganghowell said:

Inifinity Bay is Roatan.  As for Costa Maya, we've had friends do Maya Chan and enjoyed it.  I see it mentioned a lot here.  We went to Pez Quadro YEARS ago - it's definitely grown.  However, we keep booking Mariner and since it doesn't arrive until 12 noon, we just stay onboard.  All the prime spots would be taken by the time we would get there!

Tarnation, I got the ports mixed up.

[GetToLivin]

53 minutes ago, wolfganghowell said:

Inifinity Bay is Roatan.  As for Costa Maya, we've had friends do Maya Chan and enjoyed it.  I see it mentioned a lot here.  We went to Pez Quadro YEARS ago - it's definitely grown.  However, we keep booking Mariner and since it doesn't arrive until 12 noon, we just stay onboard.  All the prime spots would be taken by the time we would get there!

 

We also arrived at noon and I was worried about the same thing. I think we lucked out because there was only one other ship at port (Virgin), so I'm sure it wasn't as crowded as it could have been. It's also a $95+/pp commitment so that might deter crowds but who knows. We stayed from 12:30 - 5pm (ship left at 7pm) and practically had first pick.

[GetToLivin]

Very excited to share this post and pictures! We left the port and met our driver outside at Exit 1. You will have to walk through the "hallway of excursion solicitors" shouting at you as you try to pass through. It was unnecessarily chaotic and loud and overall made me never want to show up to a port without a plan if I have to go through that to find something to do. Anyway, so out we went. The driver wore an Infinity Bay t-shirt, had a sign for the resort, and repeated my reservation information to me before I confirmed it was indeed me. 

 

The driver was kind, professional, etc, but we had to walk through the street, dirt flying up everywhere, no sidewalks, no smooth pavement, over rocks and mud, to an unmarked car parked around a corner. It would have been very sketchy if the man had not repeated my reservation information to me. That said, the car was nice but it seemed like it could have been a personal vehicle v. the typical marked car/shuttle you'd expect to see with a resort. The drive took around 25 minutes from Coxen Hole and the girls soaked up the jungle landscape once we started up the hill. 

 

When we arrived at Infinity Bay our driver led us inside to the receptionist who took the remaining payment, provided WiFi information, and gave us vouchers for a towel and (1) complimentary drink each. She was very kind and helpful during our initial interaction, more on this later.

 

Once you walk through and see the resort, it is just breathtaking. 

 

 

There is a huge pool that spans the property, tons of loungers, palms and umbrellas for shade. 

 

 

 

Toward the end of the property is an open-air restaurant and bar to your left. The towel station is within eye-shot and is the same place you would sign up for excursions. 

 

 

We opted for loungers on the beach because it was too beautiful not to stare at all day! The water was perfect, the slightest cool which was refreshing, and so clear you could see your feet and the many fish swimming around.

 

 

 

 

We did not have any food but the drinks were fabulous. I enjoy martinis so I got a Cosmopolitan and it kicked my ass. It was so delicious and a true cosmo in a nice, big martini glass. No over-sugary drinks here! 

 

 

Holli got a Miami Vice and said the same in that you could taste the alcohol instead of it being a glorified adult smoothie (we're starting to get over the blended sugary drinks and switching to anything on the rocks). We spent time at the pool bar and enjoyed the Infinity pool as well. 

 

 

 

 

Now, back to the receptionist for day-pass holders. I stood there for several minutes as she looked busy (read: would not make eye contact), but once I realized I was just being ignored I went ahead and asked if she could please page our driver so we could head back to the port. She looked at me like I was speaking another language and told me that she didn't know "WHO my driver was as there are 10 of them" so she wouldn't know who to page. I just kind of looked at her and she again said, "without a name I really can't do anything." So FYI: remember your driver's name (I didn't realize I had to, I thought since I had a reservation and they sent someone for ME that they would have a record but guess not). Also, in case this happens to you...the drivers all hang out under a stand right outside the door. They work FOR the hotel (not a cab service). We found this out when the other girls went out and found him. Ya'll know from my reviews I don't complain. I'm just happy I get to vacation. But for a moment she had me thinking we had no options and needed to call a taxi or something. Not a fun thought to feel stuck when you're nearly 30 minutes away from port. 

 

My last FYI is that the vendors were ruthless. We had just grabbed our towels and not even stepped down to the beach and there were 5 of them hounding us (yes, I really mean hounding) and they just. kept. coming. I've been cruising for a long time, I know this is part of the gig, but it was just too much at one point. Spent a lot of time in the water today just to get a break lol.

 

We were at Infinity Bay from around 9:30am - 1:30pm and while I think I could have stayed there all day, we didn't want to have to make any calls to port authority 🫠 All in all this was an amazing deal for a day pass and this would be a place I'd go back to over and over again. From the good bar service, top-shelf drink experience, and endless views of breathtaking beauty, it was everything we could have asked for. 

 

 

Drive back to port was smooth and we enjoyed some pizza from Sorrentos before heading to the suite deck for sail away. There were a few pax who were late so the ship hung around and we didn't push off until 45 minutes after muster. Glad they made it back safe, that type of anxiety is my worst nightmare!

 

Tonight is dinner at CK followed by the mad attempt to stay up until 11pm for Quest. Wish us luck 😂

 

 

Edited September 11 by GetToLivin

[Tree_skier]

Infinity Bay looks amazing... That will definitely be on my list to try when I get back to Roatan. 🙂 

[wolfganghowell]

I'm so glad you loved Infinity Bay.  The pictures really take me back. 🙂  That is so strange about the concierge there - they are usually so nice.  We've done day passes probably 3-4 times and as noted, stayed there for a week March 2022.  Next time try the food!  The coconut shrimp and the bean dip appetizer that I can't remember the name of is AMAZING.  I'm guessing the new pool is now open.

[GetToLivin]

2 hours ago, Tree_skier said:

Infinity Bay looks amazing... That will definitely be on my list to try when I get back to Roatan. 🙂 

You will love it!

[GetToLivin]

1 hour ago, wolfganghowell said:

I'm so glad you loved Infinity Bay.  The pictures really take me back. 🙂  That is so strange about the concierge there - they are usually so nice.  We've done day passes probably 3-4 times and as noted, stayed there for a week March 2022.  Next time try the food!  The coconut shrimp and the bean dip appetizer that I can't remember the name of is AMAZING.  I'm guessing the new pool is now open.

 

It wasn't enough of a poor interaction to keep me from going back. You never know what's going on in someone's life so I let it slide,  but thought it was important to note to remember the driver's name 🙃 

 

Such a beautiful place!