"LIVE" from Harmony of the Seas - April 28, 2018

[Radio]

Hello everyone . . . I’ve had a very relaxing day here at the Renaissance Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. For some reason, I had trouble sleeping and was up for much of the night. Today, however, I was able to make up for it as I was able to watch news on several occasions. Laying out by the pool has a very positive effect . . . I was very positive today.

I was able to walk over to Starbucks at “Radio Dark30”, and had a great breakfast here at the hotel. I walked up to see Pacific Princess docked in Port Everglades. She is just here for the day as a port call as she will be heading to Aruba this afternoon.

Most of the Cruise Critic members are flying in today that are in our group and we may meet tonight for some Cuban Coffee. The temperature today was as expected with a lot of sunny skies, and very warm. It rained for about 30 min but soon cleared up.

Tomorrow is the big day, as I will be boarding Harmony of the Seas. She used to be the largest passenger ship in the world, but that designation now belongs to her sister (Symphony of the Seas).

It will be a busy day in Port Everglades tomorrow. We will be joined by Freedom of the Seas, Holland America Amsterdam, and Carnival Conquest.

I should be up at the crack of civilization but that OK, as tomorrow is Cruise Day!

Here are a few pics from today. . . Many more pics tomorrow.

Radio

I hung out of the pool for most of the day. . .

I was able to see Pacific Princess

The Lounge area was very nice

The Renaissance really has a Cruise Port theme here

Breakfast Buffet Area

I am really liking the look and feel of this Hotel.

 

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[karena1]

Post lots of pictures if you can. We will be back on Harmony for the President's cruise in September.

[Pumbaamd]

Radio,

Have a great cruise! We are doing the same Harmony itin on May 19. Your updates will be greatly appreciated.

Rick and Deirdra

[Andy C]

Radio, the ship is in port! Where are you, sugar? Where are our photos of the ship sailing into Port Everglades this morning?

[kuddles14]

Enjoy Radio! I will be following along and looking for your pictures to bring back great memories for me. Hope you do the water slides they were great and enjoy the Abyss! Bon Voyage!!

 

 

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[Radio]

Hello everyone. . . Welcome to DAY 1 of “LIVE” from Harmony of the Seas. Today is Cruise Day, and I am ready to go. The sun is coming up strong, and all ships are in port. Carnival Conquest blocks the view from my hotel window, but soon it won’t matter.

I was up early today (imagine that. . .) I was able to grab a nice Starbucks Coffee at 5:30 AM and have a nice breakfast here at Renaissance. I was able to print my Set Sail Pass and Luggage Tags here at the business center.

Now I just need to carry all of my stuff downstairs while Cruise Critic member, MedicKen picks me up for a short transfer over to Terminal 18.

I think that I may have time for just one more coffee before leaving. . . My next post should be from onboard Harmony of the Seas.

Thanks for tuning in.

Radio

Harmony of the Seas approaching Port Everglades slowly

Cruise Ships in Port Everglades today. . . Conquest is blocking my view

A view of Harmony of the Seas from PTZtv

It’s time to pack up the Radio Pressroom and hit the road.

My Set Sail Pass is ready. . .

My Bag tags are all set. . . It’d time to set sail.

.

 

[TheInnocentAge]

Haa! I love all the 'adjustments' to your SetSail Pass, especially the Stateroom and Res numbers...

 

 

My Set Sail Pass is ready. . .

 

Edited April 28, 2018 by TheInnocentAge

[LouisvilleDon]

We are looking forward to cruising with you Radio. We will be on her in November.

Have a Great cruise.

[MacMarauder]

Bon voyage! Loving the pictures, that Renaissance is really cool- I've always had a good experience at their hotels.

[LuCruise]

Happy sailing!

 

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[HotRod3]

Radio,

Have a great cruise! We are doing the same Harmony itin on May 19. Your updates will be greatly appreciated.

Rick and Deirdra

We will be your shipmates! 3 more weeks / sailings and it is our turn.

Thanks Radio for the great review. I am following along and looking forward to your insightful postings during the week!!!

[spender]

Have a great cruise. It’s our turn next week!

 

 

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[A Pisces]

My sister and a friend of hers are sailing with you today. (Flo and Kathy) She is one of the CC people who will be at the sail away meet with you all.

 

I really look forward to following your thread this week! Have a wonderful cruise!:D

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

Yahoooo, another Radio cruise I can tag along with!!!!

Looking forward to all your pictures and posts, have a wonderful cruise!!!!

[Radio]

Hello everyone . . . I made it on board by 11:15. I am having lunch in Park Cafe on Deck 8 in Central Park. It only took a few minutes to get to the pier from the hotel.

Check in was very fast, and Harmony was already boarding when I arrived at the Terminal at 11AM.

I made my all of my reservations, and all Cabins should be ready by 1PM. I am thinking that I will enjoy the next 7 nights. This ship is beautiful.

Muster drill is scheduled for 3:30, and Sailaway should be around 4:30PM.

Here are a few pics from embarkation. Many more pics later tonight.

Thanks for tuning in . . .

Radio

Entrance to Port Everglades

She is waiting for me . . .

The security line was quick.

Check in was a breeze

I didn’t know that mobility scooter rentals were right in the Terminal

It’s time for Welcome Aboard images. . .

 

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[Radio]

Here are a few more. . . More pics coming tonight.

 

Radio

 

We board the ship on Terminal Level 2

 

 

 

On the Gangway

We are almost there !

I went up to Park Café on Deck 8 – Central Park

It appears this area has more seating than Oasis and Allure.

I need to check into this. . .It is available for any Cabin.

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[NolaFireLI]

Loving your review Radio...

This is making my 16 week wait to go on HOTS again real fun!!!

 

Looks like another fast speedy check-in experience, which really surprised me last May when it was as easy as 1, 2, 3....

 

She is quite a beauty of ship, I'm sure you will enjoy her this week - and YES, upgrade for the coffee machine - on my list to do as one of the first things to do. I'm sorry, I'm a NY'er, I like good coffee! (cawfee)

 

Happy Sailing... I'll be watching sailaway this afternoon!

[Andy C]

September 15? We're on that one.

 

 

Loving your review Radio...

This is making my 16 week wait to go on HOTS again real fun!!!

 

Looks like another fast speedy check-in experience, which really surprised me last May when it was as easy as 1, 2, 3....

 

She is quite a beauty of ship, I'm sure you will enjoy her this week - and YES, upgrade for the coffee machine - on my list to do as one of the first things to do. I'm sorry, I'm a NY'er, I like good coffee! (cawfee)

 

Happy Sailing... I'll be watching sailaway this afternoon!

[rilco33647]

Can you please tell me more about the espresso machine? Do you pay for the machine and the pods? Do you get cream/sweetener? This is new to me. Thanks, in advance, for the information.

[NolaFireLI]

September 15? We're on that one.

 

Nope - Sorry 16 weeks is 8/18/18!!!

Enjoy your cruise!!

[Radio]

Hello everyone . . . Harmony of the Seas left Terminal 18 at about 4:30 PM. We are currently at sea heading to Labadee, Haiti. We are scheduled to arrive in Labadee at 8 a.m. on Monday morning. Our forecast is for sunny skies and light winds with temps around 85F.

I had dinner tonight at Coastal Kitchen up on Deck 17. I was very pleased with the choices there and I really enjoyed the steak. I think that my filet was as good or better than at Chops Grille. Our waiter suggested that the filet “Melts in your mouth and not on your hands”

Several of our group are staying in Junior Suites and one of the perks for “Sea Class” is to have dinner in Coastal Kitchen. Grand Suites and above can have all meals there.

I still have to unpack my luggage, and I am surprised that there is =NO= Welcome Aboard show. (Oh, the humanity). There are a lot of other events going on in many areas on Harmony.

I may try to work my way down to Deck Four for some "Radio Friendly" Casino Royale time.

Thanks for tuning in.

Radio

Harmony of the Seas leaving the pier slowly. . .

We are on our way.

We sail past the sandy beaches of Fort Lauderdale

I love the Solarium

I think I may be spending a lot of time here

It is very sunny and warm in the Solarium

 

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[Radio]

Here are a few more pics from today. . .

Radio

I Loved Coastal Kitchen

There were lots of passengers out on deck for sail away

The kids love Splashaway Bay

I like this Cabin

The counter space is enough for the Radio Pressroom

The Balcony is huge

 

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[psupa]

 

I didn’t know that mobility scooter rentals were right in the Terminal

 

I've never seen this in Bayonne or NY. Wow this is convenient and you just ride the scooter onto the ship.

[LuCruise]

Is that a Junior Suite? It looks wider than regular room.

[Radio]

Hello everyone and Good Morning. . . Welcome to DAY 2 of “LIVE” from Harmony of the Seas. I was up bright and early to go to the Diamond Lounge on Deck 4. I worked my way through Casino Royale to get there, and I found out that Casino Royale’s slots are open 24 hours (almost). They only close the slots when the ship enters a port. Hmmm . . . I had to stop in for a minute, but so far Casino Royale seems promising.

The Diamond Lounge was open and offered some wonderful coffee and I was surprised that breakfast fruits and Danish were out at 6 AM. It seems that they are prepared for the early risers. The Diamond Lounge is on Deck 4 and it seems a little small. I only go to the DL in the morning and never at Happy Hour. I can just use my SeaPass Card at any bar or restaurant on the ship (excluding Bionic Bar and Rising Tide) for 3 free beverages each day (from 4:30P-8:30P.)

I met up with a few friends at Windjammer Marketplace. The buffet was not crowded at all, and there were many breakfast choices offered. Only the Port side was open and I am sure it will be all open when it gets very busy around 9:30 AM.

A feature film is being made today onboard Harmony of the Seas, and they picked a good sailing for filming. The sun is out strong with blue skies and calm seas. It seems like perfect weather. They are inviting passengers to appear as extras, but I think I would rather just watch from behind the camera.

Here are a few pics from this morning. Thanks for tuning in.

Radio

The Diamond Lounge offered some delicious coffee

These selections were available before 6 AM

Windjammer is up on Deck 16

Windjammer Marketplace was not very busy today

There were plenty of tables available

I need to start eating healthy

 

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