We already know it’s going to be the largest ship in the world and we already know of its neighbourhood concept with its vast array of activities. But would we call this the best ship ever for families? You decide…
Entertainment:
The neighbourhood you and your families should head to first is most certainly Boardwalk! Royal Caribbean have stated this is actually ‘dedicated to family fun and nostalgia’ as it’s inspired by the seaside piers and filled with arcade rides!
You’ll find the first ever hand painted carousel at sea here and the Aquatheatre where you’ll see professional aquatic acrobatics and synchronized swimming performances! It’s perfect for the young and the young at heart (plus it’s so jam packed that it’s a good job there’s a Starbucks to give parents that much needed coffee fix!)
Harmony also holds a haven specifically for kids and teens with their award-winning Adventure Ocean programme! You’ll find dedicated space for each age group: Royal Babies and Tots, Aquanauts, Explorers and Voyagers. The activities will match the needs and interests of the age groups and will range from the Imagination Studio, where the babies can explore colour and imagination through arts and crafts, to the Adventure Science Lab where there’s fully equipped lab facilities to learn from. There’s also the Adventure Ocean theatre (the first ever children’s theatre at sea) and the Living Room: a space strictly for teenagers with an outdoor deck and various forms of entertainment.
Food
The one thing you’ll definitely need with kids eating on-board is variety and Harmony can give you just that. The young ones will never be bored of the same tastes with the mix of traditional meals and kid favourites.
Head to a Royal Caribbean staple in the form of Sorrentos Pizzeria for the freshly cooked pizza that won’t disappoint or for something a bit more lively, how about Johnny Rockets? This 1950s themed restaurant will give your eyes a treat as well as your tastebuds as waiters will move around on rollerskates and you can choose from a menu of American favourites like hamburgers and French fries.
If you’re looking for something utterly unique, Wonderland is the place for you as the imaginative and innovative menu will mean you can try things you’ve never thought about before, like an exploding olive! You can still find the reliable places to dine too like Jamie’s Italian, so if the famous chef’s pasta, pizza and other Italian specials are what you fancy, then choose to have your dinner there in Central Park.
The variety continues in the form of Park café where you build your own bagel, Windjammer Marketplace which is a buffet of meats, pasta’s and soups, and even Boot & Bonnet if you’re all missing home and want to tuck into some finger food at an English-style pub.
Pool and Sports Zone
This neighbourhood stretches the entire length of the ship and has something for every age with fantastic views of the Boardwalk and Central Park below it! If you want to get involved in some water based fun there’s the Perfect Trio: three water slides that twist and turn over Central Park or the FlowRider if you’ve always wanted to learn how to surf!
Or if you really want to get your adrenaline pumping there’s the Ultimate Abyss (the tallest slide ever at sea!) and it sits 150 feet above sea level. Splashaway Bay is a lively waterscape for kids and toddlers with sea creature water cannons, a drench bucket and multi-level jungle gym to keep them entertained.
When the parents need an escape they can relax in the adult-only solarium: the glass-panelled sanctuary that’s three decks high and has a swimming pool, two whirlpools and four cantilevered whirlpools. You might not want anything fancy or futuristic if you usually prefer some traditional sport so Harmony has a sports court where you can play basketball, volleyball and football, plus there’s a nine-hole mini golf course for the whole family!
And finally, anyone who wants a fantastic view of the whole ship whilst feeling active should opt for the zip line where you’ll be suspended nine decks high (that’s a distance of more than 82 feet) as you ride across an open-air atrium…
We don’t know about you but it definitely sounds like Harmony could be a front runner when it comes to ships that are the best for families!
What do you think? Would you take your family on Harmony or would you rather travel alone or as a couple? Let us know in your comments below.
