Ship Spotlight: Harmony of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas is the newest addition to the Royal Caribbean Oasis class. This is their biggest and best yet, divided into 7 distinct neighborhoods, there is something for everyone.
Photo Credit: RCI.com
If you have crazy kiddo's like mine, sitting in a lounge chair all day is probably just a daydream that you have in the pick up line at school. Royal Caribbean has this totally brilliant program for parents called Royal Babies and Tots or Adventure Ocean for older kids, all complimentary by the way. You can drop those wild thangs off for a supervised, age- appropriate adventure that they'll hate to leave. While they're off enjoying talents shows and pajama story time, Mommy and Daddy have time to remember why they got married in the first place. We're talkin' laying around drinking fruity drinks at the adults only Solarium pool without having to hear "Mom, Momma, Moooooooooommmmmmm". Now that is what I call a vacation, sign me up!
Photo Credit: RCI.com
Photo Credit: RCI.com
With 20 dining options to choose from, the pickiest of eaters (even me!!!) will find something to please any palette. They offer everything from poolside snacks to fine dining restaurants and room service. Enjoy familiar family favorites like burgers from Johnny Rockets, amazing Italian fare by Jamie Oliver, fresh baked goods at Windjammer Marketplace, and New York style pizza at Sorrento's. Man I'm totally getting hungry just thinking about this!
If thrills are your thing they've got you covered! Only the bravest will try the new Ultimate Abyss which at 10 stories is the tallest slide at sea! Still looking for more water excitement? Try the Perfect Storm water slides, Typhoon, Cyclone and Supercell will be sure to get your heart racing! They also offer 2 Flowrider surf simulators so you can hang ten on some gnarly waves and a 40 ft rock wall. The thrills just keep on coming with the zip line which is 10 decks high.
Photo Credit: RCI.com
Ok, so you can’t just ditch the kids the whole time so let's talk about family fun time. Harmony of the Seas offers their biggest splash park yet, Splashaway Bay. I know my kids would love to soak themselves with slides, water cannons, waterfalls and a huge drench bucket. Also available are 3D movies, a carousel ride, and 3 family friendly pools. Characters from DreamWorks Shrek, Madagascar and King Fu Panda are on board for character breakfasts, selfies and meet and greets.
Photo Credit: RCI.com
Do you happen to be vacationing without kids? First know that I'm jealous, but let's talk about what the ship has to offer for adults. My husband insists that I talk about the Bionic Bar, the first true robotic bar in the world. Robotic arms engineer your perfect cocktail, how cool is that?! Try your luck at Casino Royale, slots machines, card tables and roulette are available and waiting to just take my money. Broadway style shows like Grease and Columbus the musical, acrobatics at the Aquatheater, a comedy dive show, ice skating shows, and many more. There is also the Vitality Spa which is one of the largest at sea offering massages, facials, and wraps. There is so much to see and do!
If all that wasn't enough let's not forget that you are traveling to some amazing locations on this ship. Harmony of the Seas sails from Ft Lauderdale, Florida to Eastern and Western Caribbean destinations such as:
Labadee, Haiti which features Royal Caribbean's own private island
Falmouth, Jamaica
Cozumel, Mexico
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Nassau, Bahamas
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Basseterre, St. Kitts
There is a stateroom for every budget. From rooms with virtual balconies that offer real-time ocean views to the ultimate in luxury Royal Suites. If you happen to see a slightly disheveled woman, snoring by the pool, with just a hint of a smile on her face, that might just be me!
Adria Wenz is an independent contractor for Fairytale Adventures Travel Agency. She specializes in family travel including Disney World, Cruising and All Inclusives. Follow her on Facebook or email her at travel@adriawenz.com.
