Read It With A Pinch Of Salt!

I am of course talking about all this negative criticism about the Harmony Of The Seas. I hope by now you all have got totally fed up reading it and want to know the truth?  I said in my last blog to you that I wanted to see for myself what the ship was all about. It is fab to hear my colleagues reports and see photos but if you have not seen it first hand you really cant make a comment, can you?

Firstly, where has all this negativity and bad press come from?  I was on this ship for 3 days and did not see any of the work going on which was so heavily reported by certain newspapers.  Yes, there were bits and bobs which had not been finished OR getting the final touches to however, it is a new ship, things are still going to crop up. Yes, in a ideal world they should be finished but it is not a ideal world and for one reason or another it happens. Most of the unfinished work I saw was really not worth mentioning, honest!

Rant over! Harmony is one hell of a big girl! I still can not get over how big she is. Yes, she is like a floating city, something from the future if you know what I mean!  If you are in the middle of the ship, say in Central Park area, you would never know you are actually at sea!

The check in procedure was the quickest and easiest I have ever had.  NO queues at all. After handing in our luggage we were met outside the terminal building by a lady with a I pad. Took our photo, checked our ID and away we went, straight on board! I kept thinking, but where are our key fobs to get into the cabin. They are in a envelope on the wall outside the cabin, easy peasy! We had a balcony cabin, overlooking the Central Park area. Cabins are very nice, great shower, lovely beds. Could do with a bit more wardrobe space but other then that, smashing.

Despite the size of Harmony I did manage to find my way round her very well. That is a first for me, as I always get lost!  The ship is divided into seven “neighbourhoods.” These are, Central Park, Broadwalk, Royal Promenade, pool and sports zone, spa and fitness centre, entertainment place and finally the youth zone.  On every floor by the lifts, there are interactive deck plans which are really easy to use. No problem to find anything!

The shows on board have to rate as the best I have seen. We went to the Ice show the first night which was amazing, very professional. Second night we saw Grease. This was brilliant just like being in the west end. On our last night we were booked to watch the comedy show but on arrival found out we were not booked. Slightly disappointed but as there is so much more to see and do it did not really bother us. Most of the good pubs, lounges are found in the Royal Promenade area. There was a fab singer in the pub, which we usually ended up in – as you do!  We also went to the silent disco, casino, jazz club – tiring is not the word. Only disappointment I felt was the aqua show was not ready, which was a shame. The water was too cold for them and they were waiting to get into the Med. From what we saw of the rehearsals though, it is going to be fab!

One thing for sure, you will never be bored on the Harmony. Day time is as jam packed as the evenings. The pool areas are great, plenty of hot tubs. You can wizz along over the top of the ship on the zip line. Fling yourself down the Ultimate Abyss (have to admit I am a chicken!) sample your skill or not on the Flowriders, try mini golf, basketball, water slides, climbing wall, sample the gym or go to the spa.  If that is just too much for you head off to the Solarium area, which is adults only. Great place to sit or lie and catch the rays with no little ones around. The little ones have great kids areas. Teenagers in particular have X boxes to play on and films to watch with fab seating areas.

The food on board is really very good. The main restaurant is lovely, fab entrance too. The buffet restaurant is really very good for a buffet. Not everyone wants to go formal of course.  Then there are the speciality restaurants. You have Jamies Italian, 150 Central Park, Wonderland, Chops Grille, and Izumi Hibachi, the sushi restaurant. Unfortunately for us we were unable to secure a table in any of these as so busy. Point of note, book before you get on board! We did have a good look around them though and they are lovely. Chops Grille in particular appeals to me!  During the day you could go to Johnny Rockets the 50’s diner (always a queue to get in) or there is a Mexican place right opposite which we tried, very nice too.  Kids can try the mini bites by the pool or there is a good hot dog unit by the carousel in the Broadwalk area.  Do not forget the Solarium though which has a lovely bistro.

For family’s this ship really does have it ALL. If you love a jam packed holiday with just about everything on board then the Harmony is 100% for you. I do however, have my reservations which I must point out. Not to criticise at all but to be honest.  The full capacity of this ship is over 6000 people. When we were on board there were roughly 4000. We did find it difficult to find a seat in the bars, breakfast in the buffet was not good, heaving! If this is what it is like at 4000 people what is it like with a full capacity?  For me, Harmony is just too big but I do like more intimate and smaller ships. If this is the ship which “floats your boat” (pardon the pun!) then do not hesitate to book.

If you would like anymore information just let me know!