Harmony of the Seas: What to Know Before Your Cruise

If you’ve never sailed on Harmony of the Seas, one thing becomes obvious pretty quickly—you are not on a small cruise ship.

Harmony of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships, and it really does feel more like a floating city than a traditional cruise ship. There are multiple neighborhoods, restaurants, pools, entertainment venues, shops and activities spread throughout the ship.

When I sailed on Harmony of the Seas, I quickly realized that having an idea of what to expect before boarding can make your cruise much easier and more enjoyable.

Here are some things I think are worth knowing before you go.

1. Get Familiar With the Ship's Layout

Harmony of the Seas is huge, with multiple decks and several distinct areas of the ship. When you first board, it can take a little time to figure out where everything is.

Some of the areas you'll want to know about include Central Park, the Boardwalk and the Royal Promenade.

Central Park was one of the areas I enjoyed wandering through. It has real plants and a completely different feel from the busy areas of the ship. The Boardwalk has the AquaTheater, carousel and places to grab something to eat, while the Royal Promenade is one of the main gathering areas for shopping, entertainment and nightlife.

One thing I learned quickly is that walking from one part of the ship to another can take longer than you might expect. Comfortable shoes are definitely a good idea.

My advice is to look at the ship map when you board and use the Royal Caribbean app to help you find your way around.

2. There Are Plenty of Dining Choices

You certainly won't go hungry on Harmony of the Seas.

There are complimentary dining options as well as specialty restaurants, so you can make your cruise as casual or as fancy as you want.

The complimentary options include the Main Dining Room, Windjammer and Sorrento's Pizza, along with other places to grab food and snacks.

There are also specialty restaurants such as Chops Grille, Izumi and Wonderland. These come with an additional charge, but they can be fun if you want to make a meal part of the experience.

If you know you want to try specialty dining, I'd recommend making reservations early. Popular restaurants and dining times can fill up.

And don't feel like you have to eat at a specialty restaurant every night. There are plenty of included choices, especially if you prefer keeping your cruise budget under control.

3. Plan Your Entertainment Before You Get Too Busy

One of the biggest surprises for me was just how much there is to do on the ship.

Between shows, pools, activities, live entertainment and all the different areas to explore, it would be easy to spend your entire cruise onboard without getting bored.

Harmony of the Seas has Broadway-style entertainment, AquaTheater performances and plenty of activities for people who want a little more excitement.

If you're looking for thrills, you can try the Ultimate Abyss or the FlowRider. If you'd rather slow things down, the Solarium is a quieter adults-only area and the Vitality Spa offers another way to relax.

One of the best things you can do before your cruise is download the Royal Caribbean app and look through the schedule. There can be so many activities happening that you'll want to have an idea of what you don't want to miss.

4. Cabin Selection

Harmony of the Seas offers a variety of cabins, including interior, ocean view, balcony, and suite options. Key considerations:

• Central Park and Boardwalk Balconies: These overlook the ship’s interior neighborhoods but may have less privacy.

• Ocean View Balconies: Offer stunning sea views and are quieter.

• Suites: Come with extra perks like private dining and lounge access.

Pro Tip: If noise is a concern, avoid cabins near high-traffic areas like the Boardwalk or close to elevators.

5. Packing Essentials

Pack strategically to maximize your comfort:

• Day Bag: Keep swimwear, sunscreen, and a change of clothes handy for embarkation day.

• Evening Attire: Some nights require formal wear, so check the dress code in advance.  If you don't plan to eat in the dining room and only do the buffet or cafes, you will not need any evening attire.

6. Internet and Connectivity

Harmony of the Seas offers the VOOM high-speed internet, but it’s not free. Consider purchasing a package if staying connected is important:

• Surf Package: Good for basic browsing and social media.

• Surf + Stream Package: Ideal for streaming and video calls.

Pro Tip: Watch for discounts on internet packages before sailing.

7. Port Days and Excursions

Research the ship’s itinerary and plan excursions in advance. Popular stops like Perfect Day at CocoCay offer everything from waterparks to zip-lining, while other ports may have cultural or nature-focused tours.

Pro Tip: There is plenty to do if you prefer exploring independently, especially at ports like CocoCay.  Research all ports before booking through the ship to see what suits you best.

8. Budgeting Onboard

While many amenities are included, extras can add up quickly:

• Specialty dining, alcohol, spa treatments, and excursions are additional costs.

• Gratuities are automatically added to your bill but can be pre-paid.

Pro Tip: Set a daily spending limit to avoid surprises at the end of your trip.

9. Health and Safety

Royal Caribbean prioritizes passenger safety. Familiarize yourself with the muster drill procedures and keep up-to-date with health protocols.  The ship will require you to check into your muster station so do that as soon as you board to avoid crowds.

Pro Tip: Travel insurance is a smart investment for added peace of mind.

10. Embrace the Experience

Harmony of the Seas is more than a vacation; it’s an adventure. Explore new activities, try unique dining experiences, and connect with fellow travelers. With a little preparation, you’ll create memories to last a lifetime.

Bon voyage!