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

[KATHYMAC68]

18 hours 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 LOVE Maya Chan!

We went 3 years ago and are going back on our Sept 29th cruise on Harmony.

[c-leg5]

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.

I was also wondering about new pool - Didn’t see it in photos or mentioned?

 

Transport on Roatan has always been an issue but you would think with a place like Infinity they would be more organized.

Edited September 12 by c-leg5

[wolfganghowell]

Transport on Roatan has always been an issue but you would think with a place like Infinity they would be more organized.

 

They usually are.  They could have had a lot of requests and add vendors as needed.  We have been picked up in car/taxi and in their branded shuttle.  Usually the driver will ask you what time you want to leave and she's right - they all hang outside the entrance.  We've even had a few come find us and let us know he's there.

[c-leg5]

27 minutes ago, wolfganghowell said:

Transport on Roatan has always been an issue but you would think with a place like Infinity they would be more organized.

 

They usually are.  They could have had a lot of requests and add vendors as needed.  We have been picked up in car/taxi and in their branded shuttle.  Usually the driver will ask you what time you want to leave and she's right - they all hang outside the entrance.  We've even had a few come find us and let us know he's there.

Thanks that is what I would expect.

[GetToLivin]

6 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

I was also wondering about new pool - Didn’t see it in photos or mentioned?

 

Transport on Roatan has always been an issue but you would think with a place like Infinity they would be more organized.

You know I only saw one large pool that spanned the front of the resort then meandered to the swim-up bar and restaurant at the other end. I didn't notice any other pools or construction.

[GetToLivin]

Last night we managed to get ourselves ready for another lovely dinner at CK but couldn't make it until 11pm for Crazy Quest. Our college-years are well behind us but I still remember when we used to start the night at 11pm 🤣 Not anymore!

 

 

We arrived in Cozumel right on schedule and after an easy morning made our way off the ship around 10am. With 5 ships in port (I counted 3 Carnival and 2 RCI) I thought we would have a long wait for a taxi but to my surprise, no wait at all. We were in our loungers at Nachi Cocom by 10:30am.

 

 

Like many of you, I've been to Cozumel many, many times. It has become a beloved port of mine, the people are always so kind and friendly and I suppose the familiarity of it all is why I love it so much. I've been to Mr. Sanchos and Paradise but Nachi is my favorite! This resort maxes out at 130/ppl per day so in my opinion, it's always a more laid-back beach day. Here I am in my element working hard to bring ya'll along 😉

 

 

Nachi includes all you can drink and a 4-course lunch. The menu...

 

 

You can dine under their covered patio if you need some shade, or beach-side. 

 

 

We opted to eat beach-side and we had two orders of the grilled shrimp and 1 order of the tacos. We also had guac and nachos as appetizers. 

 

 

I know I've mentioned how some AI's tend to serve weak drinks. I always order my drinks as a double here and they did not disappoint!

 

 

The resort also has a pool and swim-up bar, along with hammocks in the shade, a massage station and a very cool dock to get some great photos. 

 

 

 

 

The beach span is a very pretty walk.

 

 

 

There is plenty of shade available whether by palapa or palm tree. We were able to get this space right at the end, next to nothing but more beach and beautiful views! It was so peaceful. We had the last palapa on the left. 

 

 

 

We spent around 4-hours at Nachi today and when we were ready, our beach attendant got us a cab and we were on our way. Until next time!

 

 

We were next to Grandeur today (hey neighbors!) and man...it's just so awe-inspiring to see these two next to each other.

 

 

 

Being the party-animals that we are, I'm sitting downstairs writing my blog and I have both girls upstairs in bed: 1 reading and 1 napping. The plan is CK tonight as they're tempting us with lobster. Tomorrow is a free day meaning we have no plans, no schedule, we're just gonna let it be. We've all been up and at em between 7/8am this whole trip...I think we may attempt to sleep in! Tomorrow I'll get some pics of the ship 😃 

 

We're now on our way out from Cozumel...Grandeur to the left and 2 Carnival ships to the right. 

 

 

Edited September 12 by GetToLivin

[GetToLivin]

Update: Alpha call over the PA and we're heading back, the two Carnival ships and RCI are passing us in the distance. The call happened shortly after leaving, thoughts and prayers 🙏

 

Edited September 12 by GetToLivin

[SteelCityCruiser10]

44 minutes ago, GetToLivin said:

Here I am in my element working hard to bring ya'll along 😉

 

 

Tomorrow is a free day meaning we have no plans, no schedule, we're just gonna let it be. We've all been up and at em between 7/8am this whole trip...I think we may attempt to sleep in! Tomorrow I'll get some pics of the ship 😃 

 

 

 

Love this pic.  My DW has a whole camera roll full of pictures of ME taking pictures.  I’m constantly photo documenting when I’m doing a live.    
 

I ❤️ a good free day!!  Enjoy!

[MrsMuffin]

Ahhh, I can’t wait to visit Nachi again next month! Looks like ya’ll had a great day. Prayers for the passenger with the medical emergency. 

[mandyleighflies]

We are going to CZM on my 40th birthday cruise in February and put Nachi on our list, thank you for the beautiful pictures and honest review. LOVE Lady G (Grandeur OTS) she's still my favorite ship in the fleet, there's something about the classic ships that still draws me. 

[LisaLisa87]

14 hours ago, GetToLivin said:

You know I only saw one large pool that spanned the front of the resort then meandered to the swim-up bar and restaurant at the other end. I didn't notice any other pools or construction.

The new pool was completed earlier this year and is further back from the ocean. My understanding is that it’s for guests of the resort only.

[GetToLivin]

We left Cozumel around 7:30pm and we are enjoying a smooth ride and sunny skies this morning.

 

This view never gets old!

 

[GetToLivin]

On the other hand, I've never been a fan of this view 😭

 

[Aaron3]

On 9/11/2024 at 3:38 PM, GetToLivin said:

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!

Thanks for sharing the pictures of the updated coxen hole with pool, there don't seem to be many about.

We're doing a trip so will be nice for the kids to have a swim there before we board again

[boontj2003]

On 9/11/2024 at 7:23 PM, GetToLivin said:

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 😂

 

 

GM, how much was the taxi to get there?

[c-leg5]

4 hours ago, boontj2003 said:

GM, how much was the taxi to get there?

It was booked through the infinity website. Prices are listed there and it depends on which port you are at.

[ARandomTraveler]

4 hours ago, boontj2003 said:

GM, how much was the taxi to get there?

She gave the link to book through infinity earlier, and said it's an extra $25/person for transport (it's also mentioned on their website).

 

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

[ranchonodinero2024]

Wow!  Your experience was much better than ours.  We were in a room overlooking the boardwalk.  My wife booked a "balcony" but didn't realize it was a balcony overlooking a piece of children's playground equipment!  Untamed children screaming and running in the halls and at every pool.  Even the solarium had kids.  Don't get me wrong, I love children but the wildness and untamed ones that were on Harmony were too much.  Chucky Cheese of the seas should be the name not Harmony!

[GetToLivin]

8 hours ago, boontj2003 said:

GM, how much was the taxi to get there?

The resort charged $25/per person, round trip

[GetToLivin]

1 hour ago, ranchonodinero2024 said:

Wow!  Your experience was much better than ours.  We were in a room overlooking the boardwalk.  My wife booked a "balcony" but didn't realize it was a balcony overlooking a piece of children's playground equipment!  Untamed children screaming and running in the halls and at every pool.  Even the solarium had kids.  Don't get me wrong, I love children but the wildness and untamed ones that were on Harmony were too much.  Chucky Cheese of the seas should be the name not Harmony!

I will say, there were a lot more kids on this cruise than others I've been on during this time frame (I normally sail March/April or Sept/Oct), but maybe our sailing fell under a Kids Sail Free promotion. I wasn't necessarily bothered because we stuck to the suite amenities/areas, just more surprised than anything.

[GetToLivin]

10 hours ago, Aaron3 said:

Thanks for sharing the pictures of the updated coxen hole with pool, there don't seem to be many about.

We're doing a trip so will be nice for the kids to have a swim there before we board again

It was a very nice area to enjoy, especially if you don't feel like venturing out!

[Inconspicuous]

54 minutes ago, GetToLivin said:

I will say, there were a lot more kids on this cruise than others I've been on during this time frame (I normally sail March/April or Sept/Oct), but maybe our sailing fell under a Kids Sail Free promotion. I wasn't necessarily bothered because we stuck to the suite amenities/areas, just more surprised than anything.

I think your cruise was a Kids Sail Free promo - we sailed on Harmony the week before your sailing and ours was definitely KSF (we brought a 9 year old and 20 month old).

 

Thanks for the great pics and ideas for beach excursions for future cruises for us.  Definitely will look at doing Infinity Bay next time we're down there in Roatan.  Your Costa Maya stop looked good as well.  

[ranchonodinero2024]

That would explain it-never again!  The cruise wasn't cheap either and unfortunately, if RCI is going the KSF route, they will lose customers as there is no adults only pool and apparently the folks who are attracted to the KSF sales, never say no.  Every button pressed on the elevator?  How cute!  Let's sprint up and down the halls and scream at 7:00 a.m. Kind of a shame because on Princess, the demographics were so old that it was night of the living dead.  I suppose a travel agent would have warned us about the KSF going on and we would have chose another time.

[GetToLivin]

Sorry for such a delay, I ended up getting sick. But you know what, still totally worth it 😬 

 

I know I haven't posted much for food pics, so let me pick up where I left off. Night 5 in CK was my favorite and here was the menu: Spinach Salad, Lobster, and Baked Alaska (...and a few martinis!). The lobster was amazing, Joe could tell we were still hungry so he brought another platter full of lobster and we didn't mind it 🙃

 

 

 

 

 

And now for this...

 

 

Between the earlier mornings, many drinks, port days and sunning, and then CK feeding us full to the brim, we only managed to stay out past 9pm for the Fine Line. We started out every day with the grand idea that we were "here for a good time, not a long time", but the robes and slippers claimed our late-night motivation 😉

 

 

Day 6 was such a great day. Internally peaceful. We each took it easy in our own way during the morning hours and met up at the suite sun deck for an afternoon of rum runners and sunny skies.

 

 

I really just drank it all in. The sun deck has always been a serene and contemplative place for me and I allowed that last day to be fully present with my friends at sea. We set up shop on this side of the deck!

 

 

Later that evening we decided to head over to Sabor and let me tell you, I was so excited for their guac and pico!

 

 

We all had a variety of options from the menu but I opted for fish with mango salsa and banana/chocolate empanadas (...and a few margaritas!). 

 

 

 

 

The following morning was like every other disembarkation day where you just kind of sit there waiting to leave in some sort of daze 🤪 I will say this though, when you gotta go, the suite disembarkation process doesn't hurt! We were out of our cabin by 8am and headed over for a light breakfast and coffee, said our goodbyes to Joe, and then Francisco hailed the elevator and whisked us down to deck 5 where Jackie led us to officially scan our sea pass one. last. time.

 

Bye, Bye Harmony! (yes, I was prepped and ready for the Huskers game at 6:30pm).

 

 

Reality setting in...is this what my inbox is gonna look like? Probably.

 

 

Our ride back to Houston Hobby wasn't quite as smooth as it was getting to Galveston. There were no texts about who was coming to get us, but we were told to wait in between spots 10-14 right across from the terminal. Easy enough. My only feedback for this shuttle service would be for better communication once the driver arrives. There were 4 vans there waiting and you had to go up to each driver to see if you were on their list (along with everyone else). It would have been nice if they would have gotten out and said who they were there to pick up, or where they were going (which airport, for example). But instead, it was kind of left up to all of us to figure it out. Other than that, again, these are very nice Mercedes vans and the driver was kind and professional. They just need to fine-tune that terminal pick-up process. 

 

Home-sweet-Homaha, Nebraska 🥰

 

 

Before my final sign-off I'll share some ship-pics and final thoughts!

[GetToLivin]

FINAL THOUGHTS:

 

We were in Cabin 1736 on the hump. I honestly didn't know how I'd like the view of the sports deck versus having a room port/starboard (I had 1708 in January) but I LOVED IT! It was nice to see the activity going on but also...the view of the ocean was just superb.

 

 

Also very pretty lit-up in the evening!

 

 

The deck was huge since it was on the hump and they brought in a 3rd lounger so we could all enjoy it...we put it to good use 😇

 

 

They really could fit a table for two out here along with the loungers, and there'd still be plenty of space. Great deck!

 

 

All in all, the CLS is a favorite of mine. I love being on deck 17 close to the suite lounge/restaurant and close to the sun deck. I also like feeling a bit tucked away, they are very cozy cabins despite their size and great for family and friends traveling together with two bathrooms!

 

 

We dined in CK 4/6 nights (one night we used room service, the other at Sabor). We had no complaints whatsoever. The food was always hot and as we ordered, drinks flowed, there was never a long wait, and our waiter Joe was fantastic! I love the atmosphere in CK and the views. Most nights we were seated by 6:45pm, just in time to enjoy the fabulous ocean views and the sunset. 

 

 

The Suite Sun Deck, I mean, what more could you want. There are plenty of spaces for direct sun, little alcoves if you want shade, and a bartender all to yourself. There is a whirlpool and outdoor shower as well.

 

   

 

 

 

The Royal Promenade never felt packed unless there was an event going on (as an aside, we did try the gluten-free pizza at Sorrentos and approved!). I also just want to mention how much I appreciate that RCI still honors military personnel. My dad served in the USAF for 30+ years and hearing taps gets me every. single. time.

 

 

 

I really wish they'd find a new use for this space. Any time we passed by it was never busy.

 

 

Central Park, a personal favorite at night when there is a musician and the stars. However, I grabbed these right before a downpour nailed me 😂

 

 

 

 

The Boardwalk + Aqua Theater:

 

 

 

 

Pool deck views. The casitas were up and running as well. In January I believe they were still being assembled:

 

 

 

I do love Harmony, I think she's a beautiful vessel and every single time I sail Oasis class, I'm shocked at how I never feel crowded given the pax count. Once I'm recovered from this cold and get caught up at work, I'll be looking for more deals, after all, I got my girls hooked! Until next time...

 

Edited Monday at 10:46 PM by GetToLivin