Our captain, the rather dashing Captain Gus Andersson was a calm presence throughout the cruise. In the press conference, he told us that Harmony of the Seas is wider than its sister ships and is very stable, due in part to innovative new technology. “We’ve changed the hull shape to make it more aerodynamic, and we have also used an air lubrication system to make it faster, reduce friction and improve efficiency.”
He also told us that Harmony is around 20% more efficient than her sister ship: “She uses less fuel, has had energy efficient light bulbs fitted throughout, and the air con units are more energy efficient.”
What is it like to handle the fastest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet?
“It’s fantastic!,” he told us. “She is very easy to manoeuvre. When we turned around in the basin in Southampton yesterday, she turned on her axis (362.12 metres – the length of the ship) with very little force. We didn’t even use all the bow thrusters.”
Tasty food is a priority for most cruise ship guests. Alas, two days wasn’t long enough to sample all the 20 restaurants on Harmony of the Seas, but we made our way around a few. Lunch (and breakfast) at the Windjammer on deck 16 was superb: a smorgasbord of cold meats, cheeses, a wide variety of meat and veggie hot and cold dishes, a fabulous array of bakery and a great choice of deserts. It’s a huge space, so you can always find a window seat and look down on the zip liner and the mini golf below.
Try speciality restaurant Izumi on deck 4. We loved their selection of hand rolled sushi, fresh sashimi and authentic hibachi. The elegant main dining area – with an eclectic menu – is situated over decks 3, 4 and 5. Our waiters were knowledgeable, friendly and gave us superb service. We enjoyed a succulent beef tenderloin and seafood linguini, paired with a bold Aussie 2007 Yangarra Estate Vineyard Cadenzia from McLaren Vale.
Jamie’s Italian has an outlet here, just one of the many restaurants in the Central Park area on deck 8. Unfortunately, we had to leave our exquisite prawns mid-mouthful having been summoned to a muster drill. Duly assembled at the AquaTheater we were shown how to put on a lifejacket, but at no time during the presentation – or after – were we actually told where to find them. Mum and I played ‘hunt the life jacket cupboard’ until we got distracted at the Casino Royale on Deck 4. Replete with table games and machines, it’s also a smoker’s den, so avoid if you’re allergic.
A less toxic feature – for us anyway – was the art gallery on the same deck. Harmony of the Seas features a $6.5 million art collection of more than 3,000 works curated by International Corporate Art, and led by curatorial director Mariangela Capuzzo. The striking works combine painting, sculpture and installations like the impressive metallic ‘Head’ installation in the middle of the Royal Promenade. Designed by Czech artist David Cerny, the pieces consisted of five tonnes of steel and embedded motors that move multiple plates to create a 3D head. Stairwells and corridors provide the backdrop for more artwork, while the Royal Loft Suites feature work by Benjamin Garcia, Steven MacIver and Irene Mamiye.
Harmony of the Seas offers three grades of luxury suite: Star, Sea and Sky Class, offering guests bespoke VIP concierge services, from planning a perfect date night to restaurant reservations and complimentary laundry and pressing. I had a look inside several staterooms that would make a cruise truly luxurious. The Crown Loft Suite with Balcony on deck 17, the Presidential Family Suite on 12, the Royal Family Suite with Balcony on 10, and the Aqua Theater Suite with Balcony on deck 8 were all superb. Cocooned in one of these suites you need never mix with anyone else and can enjoy all your meals in-house. Perfection! The luxury theme continues with superior retail outlets including Cartier, Hublot, Omega and Bulgari.
If you’re worried about weight gain on Harmony of the Seas, fear not. The Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness centre has a massive gym area with a wide selection of cardio and resistance equipment, 29 treatment rooms and healthy dining options. Children also have their own fitness zone, the YSPA.
There are times when I completely forgot I was on a cruise ship in the English Channel sailing towards Jersey and France. It really felt like a giant shopping mall at times and somewhat reminiscent of the fabulous movie The Truman Show. I found I had to get out on deck for my brain to recalibrate.
Entertainment is always a highlight of any cruise, and this is where Royal Caribbean often excels. We enjoyed an outstanding version of Grease – far better performed by its talented cast than many West End shows I’ve seen, who thoroughly deserved their standing ovation. Likewise the ice skating talents in the magical show 1887.
The main theatre has 1,300 seats, almost twice as big as London’s West End Garrick Theatre. Seats were very comfortable with excellent rake and legroom. Well done everyone in the cast. We also loved Azure – an American jazz singer from Hawaii who sang her heart out in the Jazz on 4 stage. A superb talent, catch her if you can.
By the time Mum and I had disembarked early on Sunday morning, we’d changed from cruise-averse travellers to confirmed cruise-fans, having thoroughly enjoyed our 48 hours on board Harmony of the Seas. The great aspect of cruising on such a massive ship is that it’s the perfect multi-generational holiday – there really is something for everyone. In fact, we enjoyed it so much we are booking a trip to the Norwegian fjords and the Med – both with Royal Caribbean. As Ratty said to Mole in the enchanting Wind in the Willows, “There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats” – and that includes mega super cruisers like Harmony of the Seas.
• Gina’s trip was courtesy of Royal Caribbean. A seven-night western Mediterranean cruise costs from £1,037pp all-inclusive for an interior room.
Stateroom Statistics
1,788 with balcony
266 outside
524 inside
717 with ¾ berth
46 accessible
Harmony of the Seas – Where and how
Contact:
www.royalcaribbean.co.uk
www.royalcaribbean.com
Bookings hotline
+44 (0)844 493 4005
Royal Suite Classes
https://www.royalcaribbean.com/gbr/en/cruise-rooms/royal-suite-class
Video of Royal Suite Classes
https://www.royalcaribbean.com/gbr/en/cruise-rooms/royal-suite-class
Further information on Harmony of the Seas
https://www.royalcaribbean.com/gbr/en/cruise-ships/harmony-of-the-seas
See more of the Royal Caribbean Harmony Of The Seas in the gallery below
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