Harry On Harmony

It’s just over a week ago now since I had the pleasure of being one of the very first people to be onboard the Biggest cruise ship in the world “Harmony of the Seas”. Now unless you have been living under a rock or have not seen a TV or a newspaper you will have seen photo’s or video’s for yourself. You will know that she cost over £800 Million pounds to build and can hold 6000 passengers and 2000 crew.

So what can I say that is any different to anything that has been said this week, Well If I tell you she is 227,000 Tonnes and 330 feet longer than the Titanic was and 3 feet Wider that the previous largest cruise ship you will know that already but what does that mean? It means Harmony is big, the biggest and as you approach the port you can not fail to be impressed at the shear size that dominates the eye line in front of you.

When I got to the port before 8 am not many people were around and as we had arranged to get on early to bring you all the photos and live feeds first for Cruise.co.uk we proceeding to the check in area only to be told we would have to board at another entrance. That entrance was at the front of the ship and to give you another indication of size they coached us down.

The Spectacular Harmony of the Seas

Once onboard we were very lucky to have an escorted tour from one of the Royal Caribbean staff who showed us round everything that Harmony had to offer. Now at this point apart from Royal Caribbean staff there was literally less than a hundred people onboard. Going round I was amazed at what was on offer and how the designers had created something that would appeal to so many different customers types. I had a feeling of space everywhere we went and did think this would change once another 4000 people joined us later in the day. Well I was wrong, Even with everyone onboard I never once felt cramped or to many people around me. The reason for this is the really clever design at times I really never felt like I was not on a ship but more in a resort.

Now I have not been on a Royal Caribbean ship before so the Central Park, Royal Promenade and Boardwalk neighbourhoods are new to me. I loved the feeling of all of them.

Central Park is great like an open air oasis in the middle of the ship that is perfect for adults that has such a chilled atmosphere with it’s relaxing sitting areas and then amazing Speciality restaurants like Chops Grille and Jamie’s Italian.

Adult Bliss in Central Park

The Boardwalk is fantastic for families as here you have Carousels and arcades, Johnny Rockets, The Dog House, The only Starbucks at Sea, it leads to the rock climbing walls and Aqua theatre. This is the kind of place that I would head strait for with my kids.

Both Central Park and Boardwalk are flanked by cabins so rather than your balcony having a sea view you could instead look out to a view over either of the these perfect if like me you like to people watch.

The Royal Promenade was something special with a mix of designer shops and then a fantastic mixtures of bars that had everything from my favourite The Rising Tide bar. A bar that gradually went up and down between Central Park and the Royal Promenade which was perfect to sit with a glass of wine or fizz at your leisure. You also had the On Air bar for those who like to join in and have a go on the Karaoke. The Boot and Bonnet an ever popular traditional pub. The Amazing Bionic Bar were you order your drinks on a tablet and then the Robotic bartenders make your perfect cocktail while you watch in amazement. You also have a champagne bar and then the Schooners lounge bar upstairs where you can get a great view of everything going on. The Promenade just came alive at night and was a great place to soak up atmosphere.

Me and some of the Cruise.co.uk gang enjoying the Rising Tide Bar

As for the rest of the ship again the have tried to think of everything for everyone. Mini water parks for toddlers, 23 pools so one for all ages, water sides for the bigger kids, The Ultimate Abyss the biggest dry slide at Sea. Buffet restaurants, Speciality Restaurants including Wonderland with it’s amazing decor and magic menu. The 3 store main Restaurant with 3 different themes. Kids clubs for all ages on the youth floor and they even have an escape room were kids need to work together to solve puzzles to escape, It’s amazing like a junior futurist version of the crystal maze. You have Flowriders, Mini Golf, Sports Courts. The biggest Casino at Sea. Ice shows in a venue that can turn into a night club. Comedy clubs. I really could go on but hopefully you have the idea by now.

Ready to try out the Ultimate Abyss

Now you might think that with that many guests and everything onboard that they must of shaved some space from somewhere and the cabins would be small. Well I had a Balcony and it was a really good size and I also looked at insides and again no smaller than what you would imagine. I did see one suite that I would want to book when I am next on that would sleep 14 people and even had it’s own bar and hot tub and table to eat al fresco for all 14 on the balcony.

My Cabin

Harmony really did have everything and I honestly think they could only do that on a ship that size. I honestly thought I may not like it due to the size but I have completely changed my mind and will be back. I was also very impressed by Royal Caribbean and can see why they are so popular and appeal to so many people time after time.

If you would like to know anything at all about Harmony please get in touch so I can help get you on the Biggest and maybe the best cruise ship in the world.