LIVE from Harmony, NYE Cruise, Dec 31, 2023

[A&L_Ont]

23 minutes ago, GetToLivin said:

Ahoy! We are headed to Costa Maya first, followed by Roatan, then Cozumel 🌞 

We are here until Thursday morning so I’ll have to wave from afar. 

[GetToLivin]

A taste...

 

[GetToLivin]

5 hours ago, Lorey2007 said:

@GetToLivin Do you need to use your seapass to get in to the suite sun deck on Harmony?

I can verify that I did indeed need to scan my seapass in order for the gate to open. 

[Lorey2007]

23 minutes ago, GetToLivin said:

I can verify that I did indeed need to scan my seapass in order for the gate to open. 

Thank so much for checking.

 

[GetToLivin]

Yesterday was a whole lot of nothing which is exactly what I like before 3 straight port days. Good morning from Costa Maya!

 

 

We grabbed a quick bite at CK for breakfast then headed down to the gang way. We're spending our day at the Mayan Kingdom Adventure Park:

 

 

We booked this through the cruise line and transportation was included. This is a short 5 minute drive away and while you could technically walk there, I wouldn't. The sidewalks are very rough and I'm not even sure if it's paved the whole way. If you don't book through the cruise line there were plenty of cabs lined up. We have a 16 and 19 year old in tow and wanted something activity driven, this place has it all: watersides, zip lines, loungers, food, coffee shop and a bar. Here is the entrance, you will sign a waiver for everyone in your party before you are granted entrance:

 

 

Inside coffee shop, they also have soda and water available for purchase:

 

 

Then right through the doors is the waterpark. It's really an impressive venue, everything is very manicured and pleasant with plenty of maps throughout:

 

 

 

 

Okay I need to take kids to Windjammer, hate to break up a post but I will finish when I get back...Kids are eating their cruse fare for sure 🤑

[Tree_skier]

Sorry I'm late to the party... I'll be following along from here 🙂 

 

We loved our CLS on Oasis.  

[GetToLivin]

Well it was our first time in Windjammer this trip, it was a zoo. Food was subpar unfortunately. We've eaten at CK and Sabor and have had great meals, Windjammer not so much.

 

Back to our day!

 

The waterpark is great for small kids, teens and adults alike. There are loungers located throughout with plenty of shaded options, too. Here's where I set up camp:

 

 

There is a bar and grill located to the right, here are the menu prices:

 

 

 

Here is the area for smaller children, there are loungers located around the perimeter, plenty of shaded loungers if you want that as well for your little ones:

 

 

Now here is the giant pyramid you can see from the ship, it's the central location for entrance to all the big waterslides and zip lines:

 

 

Lockers available:

 

 

And finally, the several levels leading to different activities:

 

 

Now one thing I will point out is the water itself. The pools for the water slides seemed fine... but the lazy river? No one used it. Seriously, they either need to change the yellow/brown paint and/or I better start smelling some chlorine because this looks like something that requires a tetanus shot.

 

Pools...(NOT heated and yes, they were pretty dang cold)

 

 

 

Lazy "river"...womp womppppp

 

 

Alright so we can agree to enter at your own risk...let's talk about the food. The boys said it was good and filling... they got the wings and a burger.

 

 

 

All in all the boys gave the park a 9/10, they were gone for 3 straight hours before they emerged for food and said they did every single zip line and waterslide there was. Happy boys, happy mom... there's one of them gliding ever so gracefully 😉

 

 

The value for this is going to be subjective, it's $129/adult and includes admission and transportation. Food and beverage are additional so my advice is to feed the kids a big breakfast on the ship so you're not buying several meals. I did try a Pina colada and it was just okay, I didn't get more than the 1 drink so can't speak to the better liquor ($8/wells $14/premium, they are 12oz). 

 

When it was time to go there were plenty of shuttles waiting, our wrist bands indicated we had already paid for transportation so we hopped on and we were back at the port in 5-10 minutes tops.

 

Hope this is helpful to those with kids looking for something fun to do that's very convenient to the port. Tomorrow we'll be on a ship excursion, ATV Jungle and Beach Day, I'll report back once I get my bearings 🫠

 

[Jimbo]

Wow, $19 Burger and $14 Hotdog.  Like you said eat back on the ship and that Lazy River, Guess that means to Lazy to Clean !!

[Etta1213]

On 12/30/2023 at 6:27 PM, GetToLivin said:

To my delight, we left DFW by 11:20am which, if you knew how it usually goes with my family, is no small feat! Our first stop?

 

 

It's just what you do when you're in Texas, it's an unofficial law to stop at a Bucees. Kids got some BBQ brisket sandwiches and a pic with none other than...

 

 

Jacob (left) and Paul (right)

 

Traffic to Galveston was pretty congested but somehow ::pretending not to know how fast DH was driving:: we made it here by 4pm. Now, if you're from Texas you'll know this next part to be true. We are all about the southern hospitality and niceties....until we're behind the wheel. Hand to God, I've lived in 20+ states and one country (military) and driving in this state is an unofficial survival sport. Everyone knows that the left lane is for crime (err, passing, I mean) so WHY do we have so many people that drive in THAT lane instead of the other 2 (or 3, or 4) lanes where they can mosey-on at their preferred speed, I'll never know. Okay, rant over, but chances are we passed ya'll 😉

 

The Hilton Galveston Island is our preferred hotel every time we sail out of Galveston for a few reasons: there is a great pool, bar, and restaurant, it's within walking distance to more restaurants, next to a drug-store for those last-minute items, and across the street is the lovely beach and gulf. Here is a view from our balcony:

 

 

Happily, they did a beautiful remodel of the rooms and hallways, and it looks like they're still working on other parts of the hotel as well. As I mentioned, we were here last year and the hotel was really starting to show her age, they've done a nice job making the rooms look and feel fresh!  

 

 

 

Bathroom is tight but nice and new...

 

 

Pool area...

 

 

 

I spy...a couple of hams 😉

 

 

Was the pool heated??

[GetToLivin]

Just now, Etta1213 said:

Was the pool heated??

It was not heated and quite cold. That didn't seem to stop the kids and by the afternoon it was better. 

[GetToLivin]

12 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

Wow, $19 Burger and $14 Hotdog.  Like you said eat back on the ship and that Lazy River, Guess that means to Lazy to Clean !!

Exactly. If you're there for 4-5 hours and expending energy you'll still probably have to get something, but at least start them out with breakfast! Our meeting time was 9:15am so quite early. 

[Jimbo]

1 minute ago, GetToLivin said:

Exactly. If you're there for 4-5 hours and expending energy you'll still probably have to get something, but at least start them out with breakfast! Our meeting time was 9:15am so quite early. 

What were your port times, since it's so close wonder if you would have time to leave and go back to the ship to eat and then go back, if that is allowed like a Day Pass.

[GetToLivin]

9 hours ago, Jimbo said:

What were your port times, since it's so close wonder if you would have time to leave and go back to the ship to eat and then go back, if that is allowed like a Day Pass.

Since they give wristbands and your reservation is on a list they cross check I'd think that would work, only thing is getting back through the port area which I find confusing. I don't know if it's worth the walk back and forth... but yes, gangway was down at 8:30a with all aboard by 4:30p... definitely plenty of time!

[A&L_Ont]

Last few times we have gone the park was closed, for a few years post Covid. Looks like someone has purchased it or taken it over. 
 

Judging by your photos the lazy river should be closed. It was perfect, way back in 2019. 😱

[IceChick]

Detailed review, thanks!  Do you know if the elevators were working for the water slides at the water park?  I heard a few months ago that they were not.

[Tree_skier]

14 hours ago, GetToLivin said:

Well it was our first time in Windjammer this trip, it was a zoo. Food was subpar unfortunately. We've eaten at CK and Sabor and have had great meals, Windjammer not so much.

 

Back to our day!

 

The waterpark is great for small kids, teens and adults alike. There are loungers located throughout with plenty of shaded options, too. Here's where I set up camp:

 

 

There is a bar and grill located to the right, here are the menu prices:

 

 

 

Here is the area for smaller children, there are loungers located around the perimeter, plenty of shaded loungers if you want that as well for your little ones:

 

 

Now here is the giant pyramid you can see from the ship, it's the central location for entrance to all the big waterslides and zip lines:

 

 

Lockers available:

 

 

And finally, the several levels leading to different activities:

 

 

Now one thing I will point out is the water itself. The pools for the water slides seemed fine... but the lazy river? No one used it. Seriously, they either need to change the yellow/brown paint and/or I better start smelling some chlorine because this looks like something that requires a tetanus shot.

 

Pools...(NOT heated and yes, they were pretty dang cold)

 

 

 

Lazy "river"...womp womppppp

 

 

Alright so we can agree to enter at your own risk...let's talk about the food. The boys said it was good and filling... they got the wings and a burger.

 

 

 

All in all the boys gave the park a 9/10, they were gone for 3 straight hours before they emerged for food and said they did every single zip line and waterslide there was. Happy boys, happy mom... there's one of them gliding ever so gracefully 😉

 

 

The value for this is going to be subjective, it's $129/adult and includes admission and transportation. Food and beverage are additional so my advice is to feed the kids a big breakfast on the ship so you're not buying several meals. I did try a Pina colada and it was just okay, I didn't get more than the 1 drink so can't speak to the better liquor ($8/wells $14/premium, they are 12oz). 

 

When it was time to go there were plenty of shuttles waiting, our wrist bands indicated we had already paid for transportation so we hopped on and we were back at the port in 5-10 minutes tops.

 

Hope this is helpful to those with kids looking for something fun to do that's very convenient to the port. Tomorrow we'll be on a ship excursion, ATV Jungle and Beach Day, I'll report back once I get my bearings 🫠

 

I've enjoyed Lost Mayan Kingdom in the past.  I so glad they finally reopened.

[spethstation]

 

On 1/1/2024 at 11:54 PM, GetToLivin said:

This is my favorite neighborhood on Oasis Class 🎠 Especially at night, it's just magical!

 

It is also my favourite - I love the inside balconies on this ship! 

[cruz_happy]

How are the shows onboard?  Any you would recommend skipping?  TYIA.  

[GetToLivin]

13 hours ago, A&L_Ont said:

Judging by your photos the lazy river should be closed. It was perfect, way back in 2019. 😱

I was very curious about that (whether or not that was just how it looked!). Good to know it has had better days, hope they get the funds to fix it up!

[GetToLivin]

12 hours ago, IceChick said:

Detailed review, thanks!  Do you know if the elevators were working for the water slides at the water park?  I heard a few months ago that they were not.

All elevators are fully operational!

[GetToLivin]

11 hours ago, Tree_skier said:

I've enjoyed Lost Mayan Kingdom in the past.  I so glad they finally reopened.

We were here last year and I was so disappointed they weren't open, it was a must see this time around!

[GetToLivin]

21 minutes ago, cruz_happy said:

How are the shows onboard?  Any you would recommend skipping?  TYIA.  

We've only gone to The Fine Line which was absolutely AMAZING. The athletics, acrobatics, and visuals are simply stunning, don't miss it! And the tall guy who spins and spins and spins? I mean, just wow, I'd be walking sideways for hours after that 😅 

[GetToLivin]

Good morning from Roatan! There were showers this morning but everything moved out just in time for our excursion. 

 

 

We did the Jungle ATV and Beach excursion through the cruise line. It was $114/each and a very good value in my opinion. We met in our zone at 10:45am and by 11am we were in a nice air conditioned van for the first of our three transportations: nice seats, clean, and friendly drivers. Our first stop was the ATV Adventure, the drive took around 20 minutes.

 

ATVs ready to go...

 

 

First we watched a safety briefing and then a short video on their photo packages. Then they fitted us with bandanas and helmets and thank goodness, plastic baggies for our shoes (shoe baggies are optional, but nice to have if it's muddy, which it absolutely was).

 

 

The lady passing these out said to just pay her what we wanted, so I gave her $1/per shoe for all of us. I didn't know what else to do on the spot so I hope that was fair. They have lockers as well (back wall), so your belongings will be safe. When you're done with the tour they do have water, soda and beer along with light snacks (chips, etc) for purchase. 

 

Paul (right) is ready. to. GO!

 

 

I had never been on an ATV and I really didn't know what to expect but it was so much fun! It had rained earlier and much of the trail was full of water and mud so be aware, you're gonna want to dress in clothes that you are okay with getting muddied. When the trail isn't wet, it would be VERY dusty so wearing sunglasses is something I'd recommend to protect your eyes.

 

Hey there!

 

 

We went through both open terrain and the jungle, it was so beautiful! Eventually you'll end up at the top of a hill where you can see plush vegetation, hills, and even the ocean...

 

 

 

This tour ran about 45 minutes and I would highly recommend if you're looking for something adventurous and out of the ordinary! And ladies...wear a sports bra or something very supportive to this one, you'll thank me later. 

 

Alright! So also included in this tour was a beach break. We didn't know where we were going, the description just says "private beach" so I'm happy to tell YOU where you'll be going if you book this. Another comfortable 20-25 minute ride and we ended up on the West End of the island at a place called Luna Beach. 

 

 

At first glance I wasn't terribly impressed, mainly because they didn't have many loungers (so be aware), but as I walked around I learned to appreciate that it was just a little more rustic than what I typically choose for a beach day (I'm typically a resort-beach-day type of girl). Here are a few pics of the grounds:

 

 

 

 

 

The restaurant was excellent and I loved the open seating looking out to the ocean, such a great way to enjoy lunch!

 

 

Drinks and food were very good, we got a couple orders of the fish n chips and sampled their drink menu. This is one place that had some of the best drinks we've had on a vacation and they were very reasonably priced as well. 

 

 

 

They also had the usual hair braiding, massage station, etc, but they also had something I don't typically see: horse riding. What do we have here?...they were workin' Jacob 😉

 

 

We arrived at Luna Beach around 12:45pm and stayed until 2:45pm since all aboard was at 3:30pm. I NEVER cut it that close but we had a group with us and since it was through the cruise line, I had to subdue my Type A overplanner syndrome. We made it back by 3:15pm with long lines of people getting back as well so at least we weren't the only ones! 

 

I have no complaints about this excursion and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation!

 

I'll leave you with our sunset pic from just after we left port. Tomorrow, Mr. Sanchos in Cozumel!

 

 

Edited January 5 by GetToLivin

[perfect match]

That ATV and beach excursion looks like fun! I liked the look of the beach. I could actually see the beach, not just a bunch of lounge chairs crammed in as close together as they can get them!  🏝️ 

[cruz_happy]

8 hours ago, GetToLivin said:

We've only gone to The Fine Line which was absolutely AMAZING. The athletics, acrobatics, and visuals are simply stunning, don't miss it! And the tall guy who spins and spins and spins? I mean, just wow, I'd be walking sideways for hours after that 😅 

Thank you. Have a great time.  Looks like you are having fun.  

Edited January 5 by cruz_happy