Live Review - Harmony of the Seas 2/18-2/26 Southern Caribbean

[George C]

Also extremely interested in your review since we have never sailed her and have her booked in November from Galveston in grand suite of course.

[topnole]

On 2/16/2023 at 1:51 PM, DaKahuna said:

 

 We are booked in a Grand Suite and will be dining in the Coastal Kitchen most meals.  Have made pre-cruise reservations for lunch at Jamie's, Lunch at Chop's, and dinner at 150 Central Park.  Also I am sure we will make at least one, if not two trips for lunch to Izumi. 

 

 We have made reservations for Columbus, A Journey in Time, The Fine Line, and Greese.  Additionally, we have requested the Concierge make us reservations at the Comedy Club but do not see it in my daily planner yet.  

 

 We have been to Aruba and Curacao many times so have only booked one shore excursion, Picture Aruba.  

 

Just an fyi for you.  We were on Harmony in December.  CK for dinner (6pm for us) was pretty busy and the food was ok.  I can’t compare to MDR because we only did CK for dinner. But it definitely wasn’t as good as my pre Covid experiences in varying CKs.  It was good several nights, but 1 or 2

nights I was far from impressed.   
 

CK for breakfast was great every morning.   We did lunch in the CK on day 1 and one other day.  Both very good.  Did Solarium for lunch one day and it was great.  
 

We had the same server for dinner who treated us great.  All the CK staff were fantastic.  

The CK/SL is flipped compared to Oasis and Allure   The bar faces the pools (so you face the back wall when seated at

the bar) and is small compared to Oasis.  Much less enjoyable for sitting at the bar IMO.   With that said, the service was outstanding and the bartender even ran and grabbed me beers they didn’t stock just for me to try.  I never even asked.  Just was chatting with him about varying beers and the next night he has some for me to try.  Maybe because I’m a decent tipper, but i think it had more to him/them just catering to the guests.  They were all fantastic and had a beer in my hand the second I walked up to the bar.  
 

The SL concierges were both fantastic.   
 

The suite pool deck is great.  Compared to Oasis/Allure I love that it has a hot tub.  Great place to enjoy a drink and a smaller crowd.  

  

[DaKahuna]

1 hour ago, depplep said:

Can't wait for this review. Harmony is one of the choices we are looking at now. I thought Royal didn't have the vacination/booster requirement any longer. ??

 

 They do not.  They simply ask "Have you received a COVID-19 booster?"  You answer yes or not accordingly.  Not required to sail.  

 

  I am failing misreably at some of the goals I set for myself. 

 

1.  Embarkation - I had every intention of taking picures of the baggage drop off, entrance to the terminal, etc.  Our Lyft driver picked us up three minutes after we confirmed.  He had just dropped off a couple who got off a Norwiegen cruise at The Brickyard which was very close to our hote.  

 

We departed the hotel around 0103 and went directly to bag drop.  There were only two vehicles in front of us at the gate to the port. We dropped our bags and walked directly to the Suites entrance, no one in front of us and then to the security scanner, no one in front of us.  Proceeded to check-in and showed our passports and set sail passes (both on my phone) and were directed up the escalator to the waiting area.  There were three separate areas.  Suites, Key, and everyone else.  We got to the Suites seating area around 1025. So obviously I did not take any pictures of the exterior of the terminal.  But I do have one or two of the passenger holding area that I'll post later (the usb device I use to transfer photo's from my phone/iPad to my laptop (this device) is in our checked bag.  (oops).

At 1050 we were on the gangeay and stepping onboard the ship. We went directly to our muster station and checked in and were seated widow side in the Suite Lounge by 1100.  

 

As would be expected it started getting crowded at that point.  We had a glass of wine each and had a nice coverstaion with a couple that joined us at our seating area in the Lounge.  Lunch opened for CK but we sat there until the line went away and then proceeded to the podium and were taken directly to a table.  Just after we ordered dessert they announced that rooms were available, right at 1300 or so, I did not check. 

 

We finished lunch and came to our stateroom where we are relaxing now waiting for our bags to arrive.  My second failure of the day came when I neglected to get photo's of our lunch items.  I did get appetizers but not mains or dessert, but those have been posted many times by others.  

 

My wife had the Caesar Salad and the Spaghetti Bologanese off the childrens menu with vanila ice cream for dessert.  I had the scallops, braised short rib, and warm chocolate cookie with icec ream for  desser.  For those keeping track, I also had a glass of wine with my meal.  Only two comments regarding the food.  The spaghetti was not as flavorful as what we had on Quantum last Aug/Sep.  The short rib also had a high fat content that the ones I have had previously.  Otherwise both pretty much met our expectations and we enjoyed them 

 

 I am going to need to reach out the the C&A Loyality Ambassador.  We did not receive the amenities we had requested as Diamond + with over 340 cruise points.  Not a huge deal as this is our first cruise since reaching that milestone but my wife's white wine did n ot show up, only my red. 

 

 Dinner tonight, and every night except one is reserved in the Coastal Kitchen and at 1830 pm each evening.   Pictures, unless I screw up again and other comments will follow later this evening. 

 

NOTE: A printed copy of the cruise planner was not left in our stateroom.  I am comfortable using the app but will check with my wife and see if she wants to request a print copy each day or not. 

 

[poocher]

On her last March and again this coming May. We were underwhelmed by CK and the concierge last time.  But loved the ship & looking forward to sailing her again.  Have a great cruise!

[DaKahuna]

17 minutes ago, poocher said:

On her last March and again this coming May. We were underwhelmed by CK and the concierge last time.  But loved the ship & looking forward to sailing her again.  Have a great cruise!

 

Have not had any personal interaction with the Concierge's (Elaine and Junion) but did see them at their station in the Suite Lounge when were leaving after lunch.  I exchanged a few emails with them pre-cruise asking for dinner reservations in Coastal Kitchen which they said was taken care of.  Will find out when we go to dinner tonight. 

 

 What we had for lunch was niether spectaciular nor was it bad, favor or tempreature, just what we are use to receiving onboard.  However, I am not going to judge yet as it's only the first day. 

 

[DaKahuna]

The Internet was problematic when we first came onboard.  Had issues connecting to anything once connected to the ship's WiFi.  It seems to have settled down now and I was able to successfully complete a speed test. 

 

 

I have to be honest, my expectations where higher.  We'll see as the days go by. 

 

 

[poocher]

3 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

Have not had any personal interaction with the Concierge's (Elaine and Junion) but did see them at their station in the Suite Lounge when were leaving after lunch.  I exchanged a few emails with them pre-cruise asking for dinner reservations in Coastal Kitchen which they said was taken care of.  Will find out when we go to dinner tonight. 

 

 What we had for lunch was niether spectaciular nor was it bad, favor or tempreature, just what we are use to receiving onboard.  However, I am not going to judge yet as it's only the first day. 

 

We had different concierges so hope yours are better.  Really got no better service from them than I did at GS and frankly GS was more convenient most of the time.

[DaKahuna]

2 hours ago, poocher said:

We had different concierges so hope yours are better.  Really got no better service from them than I did at GS and frankly GS was more convenient most of the time.

 

So far there have not been any issues with them.   All of the CK dinner reservations and the one comedy show reservation I requested have all been made.  The only thing they said they could not do for me, a hot water kettle for the room, our room steward took care of this evening for us we we are set to have hot water when we want, without having to wake up the neighbords with the Lavaaza machine., or my slepting to the 17th floor and back. 

 

[DaKahuna]

Dinner in the Coastal Kitchen went well this evening.  We went up for a pre-dinner drink around 6 PM and were able to fine seats in the lounge next to a window.  Was not as crowded for the first night as I expected.  Appetizers were pretty standard although I was disappointed there were no chicken wings. 

 

At 1820 we went to the CK Hostess desk and let her know we were there.  She checked us in, verified our reservations for the remainder of the week and took us to a table for two window side.  Unfortunately there is not much to see from the coastal kitchen except the kiddie pool and part of Central Park. 

 

 After dinner we took a stroll around the ship before coming back to the room.  The stores on deck 5 were open and we stuck our head in to see if there was anything we absoutely could not live another day or 7 without.  Did not find anyting.  Liquor prices have gone up since we said on Quantum last year. Does not look like they have what I wanted to get for my SIL and the neighbor who is watching our house so may have to get an alternative for them. 

 

 We then decided to go try our luck at the casino only to find it closed.  Apparently there was a medical emergency which took us back into Florida waters so all slots and games were suspended until we were back into international waters.  They were estimating 45 minutes so we decided to proceed to the room. 

 

 Once we were back and the wife had what she needed, I proceeded to go visit my new best friend, Eloy, the bartender in the Suite Lounge for a night cap.  Had my second Barcardi 8 Old Fashioned, grabbed a couple of cans of soda and came back to the room.  

 

Now to see if I can upload pictures for youl. 

 

[poocher]

We had mentioned a birthday which was not acknowledged, requested a change to our Izumi reservation as my son was sick that they  were unable to accommodate, was never able to reach them on the ship’s phone and got tired of schlepping to the lounge to ask a question.  

[DaKahuna]

The suites waiting area -- 

 

 

The check in area as seen from the 2nd floor

 

 

Health Questionaire

Grand Suite $9254 

 

 

[DaKahuna]

 I had individual pictures of various areas of the suite but there is a complete video walkthough on YouTube. 

 

A couple of items of intereest -- There have been many discussions about stepping into and out of the shower tubes in the Grand Suites.  There is a grab rail on the wall at the very back of the tube, and another on the side up closer to the shower head.  Given that only the forward part of the tub floor has the non-skid dots, you can open the glass partition and use the grab rail there to help with getting in and out of the tub.  Not perfect but better than nothing. 

 

WiFi -- has been a bit of an issue.  I posted the speed I was getting earlier and download has gotten better but uploads are slower.   

'

 

For those of you in the know,  Kracken appears to be well stocked in the Suite Lounge. I'll keep an eye out in other bars as I walk about tomorrow. 

 

Whistle Pig, Crown Royal, Bullet, and a Yellow Rose (and one other Texan Bourbon) was also spotted. I'll try and remember to grab a picture of the various bar stocks as I walk through.  i have not seen Woodford, except in the Ports store, nor any Maker's.  My rum old fashioned were made with Barcardi 8, although I saw Pyrat and the usual Barcardi Superior (white) as well.

 

One thing that was a disappointment and will play into our future cruise planning.  We are use to finding those 'one size fits all' slippers in our suite.  There were none so we asked our room attendant. He said he check and they are no longer being provided.  That will definitely make our post cruise survey comments. I do not know when they stopped but we had them on our last cruise in a grand suite (Quantum Aug/Sep 2022)

 

We are Diamond + with over 340 cruise points so we get two bottles of wine from C&A.  My choice is the usual Shiraz and my wife's is Cabernet Blanc.  It was a welcome surprise to open the mini-fridge and find the bottle of Kim Crawford.  I know a few folks on Cruise Critic will be happy to know that it's back in stock. 

 

A final comment before I call it quits.  Dinner tonight in Coastal Kitchen we good.  Unfortunately I did not realize that the blue mood lights would have such an impact on my photographs.  I ordered the filet medium rare and it came out perfect -- slight char on the outside, great transitioning to red center when I cut it in half.  the blue light totally ruined my picture so I may have to start using my flash if this keeps happening. 

 

 

 

 

[SteelCityCruiser10]

I’m late to the party but following. Cheers 🍻 

[DaKahuna]

Good morning.  
 

We had a nice relaxing breakfast in Coastal Kitchen and I am happy to report the grits were actually good!  This is the first time i had found good grits on a cruise ship.  I added pepper and a dab of butter and they went well with my eggs over easy and corn beef hash. 
 

we’re now just strolling around the ship taking it easy! 
 

[DaKahuna]

@Ret MPThis is Sabor 

 

 

[DaKahuna]

This is Boleros

 

[bobmacliberty]

57 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

This is Boleros

 

 

We like hanging out at Boleros.  The music is enjoyable and some amazing dancing happens there.

[Sea Dog]

12 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

Whistle Pig, Crown Royal, Bullet, and a Yellow Rose (and one other Texan Bourbon) was also spotted. I'll try and remember to grab a picture of the various bar stocks as I walk through.  i have not seen Woodford, except in the Ports store, nor any Maker's.

 

I wonder what the deal is with Maker's, Liberty of the Seas did not have any either? It's not like it's in short supply. Nice that they had Whistle Pig. Do you mean Four Roses instead of Yellow Rose? Shame there was no Woodford either.

 

[Sea Dog]

12 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

Unfortunately I did not realize that the blue mood lights would have such an impact on my photographs. 

 

Does this help?

 

[DaKahuna]

12 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

 

I wonder what the deal is with Maker's, Liberty of the Seas did not have any either? It's not like it's in short supply. Nice that they had Whistle Pig. Do you mean Four Roses instead of Yellow Rose? Shame there was no Woodford either.

 

No, it was Yellow Rose from a distillery in Texas, e.g. Yellow Rose of Texas. 
 

i’ll try and get pictures tonight in the suite lounge. 

[DaKahuna]

9 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

 

Does this help?

 

Much better, thank you. 

[DaKahuna]

Today at noon is Cheers with an Officer and the Diamond + lunch.  I am just doing my prep

[Sea Dog]

18 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

No, it was Yellow Rose from a distillery in Texas, e.g. Yellow Rose of Texas. 
 

i’ll try and get pictures tonight in the suite lounge. 

Interesting I haven’t heard of that brand and I don’t think we get many Texas bourbon/whiskey up here in Missouri.

[SConnolly]

Enjoying your review. We have a GS ourselves for upcoming cruise in March and will be leveraging CK for many meals, in addition to 3 speciality nights.

 

 

[DaKahuna]

Lunch - another well cooked filet.