Harmony of the Seas

Due to the size of Harmony of the Seas and my original review this is part two covering decks 6 down to deck 3.

Deck 6 is the “Boardwalk”, designed to give it the feel of Coney Island. As you enter the Boardwalk you are greeted by the sight of the Carousel. It may be that on this crossing there were not many children, but it was about five days into the sailing before we saw anyone on the ride who did not have a “bus pass”. Even the Captain was spotted trying it out! One of the traditions for visitors to Coney Island is enjoying a hot dog so it comes as no surprise therefore that the Boardwalk Dog House is to your left as you enter. They offer a range of delicious complimentary hot dogs, and soft drinks or even a beer. Alternatively you can enjoy a Starbucks Coffee from the coffee shop opposite. Next door is the Logo Shop where the branded Royal Caribbean and Harmony souvenirs can be bought.

Another speciality restaurant the Sabor Restaurant and Bar is next, providing a TexMex dining option. A popular spot for a drink whilst watching those brave enough to attempt the Ultimate Abyss arrive at the bottom. The rear of the ship is devoted to the Aqua Theatre, which in addition to being the venue for the excellent Aqua shows doubles as an open air cinema.

In addition to access to the climbing walls there is a collection of what look like body boards attached to the walls providing an small adventure climb for younger children.

Opposite Sabor is “Johnny Rockets”, a complimentary dining spot for breakfast and lunch. In the evening it becomes a speciality venue, providing burgers, malts etc. in true American Diner style, coupled with entertainment provided by the waiters. Although there are other places on board where you can enjoy a burger, the atmosphere and the quality of the burgers themselves make this a popular option. Although, don’t go here if you think the portions will be less than you would receive in the main dining room!

In the central area overlooking the Royal Promenade is the Schooner Bar, decked out (pun intended!) to give it the feel of a sailing ship. A good place to watch events held on the promenade and in the evening you can enjoy a drink whilst listening to good quality pianist/vocalists.

On the other side of the deck is the photo gallery area, with a spiral staircase which provides another good vantage point to view events on the Promenade.
At the front of deck 6 is the Vitality Cafe and the Vitality at Sea Fitness Centre. It has been known for me to visit the gym on a cruise. Sometimes only to take photographs but we got so much exercise just walking from one venue to another that we couldn’t muster up the energy to visit the gym, never mind try the facilities.
Deck 5 the Royal Promenade. To the rear of deck 5 is the top level of the three tiered Main Dining Room. Each restaurant has it’s own name and the one on deck 5 is called Silk. There are Chinese style lanterns and a collection of bronze casts of Asian symbols. Next door is another speciality restaurant, this time a sushi restaurant called Izumi.

If you have been on one of the other ships with a Royal Promenade the one thing you notice is how much wider this central area is. Although it gets crowded when they are having special events or parades, most of the time you can walk from one end to the other in relative ease.

Heading forward there is a Loyalty Desk, for those members of the Crown and Anchor Society and a desk for internet assistance and where you can arrange to have a “Voom” package added. They offer a selection of internet access packages and this is where you can get on line, if you haven’t signed up before boarding. There is a jewellers shop then Guest Services is next on the port side. The complimentary Café Promenade is next, here you can enjoy coffee or tea along with sandwiches, cookies or cake, the café is open 24hrs. Next is a Kate Spade designer bag shop which was not nearly as busy as The Boot and Bonnet next door. Possibly, if, instead of drinks packages, they had bag packages it might have been busier. The Boot and Bonnet is supposed to be a British Pub, but their Margueritas were the best on the ship!

The Future Cruise desk is on the starboard side and seemed very popular as you could book a time slot to speak to an advisor. In the middle is the Rising Tide Bar, the bar travels between the Promenade and Central Park every half hour or so. If you do the round trip and wish another drink then why not try the adjacent Bionic Bar, whose two bartenders Mix and Mingle mix your cocktails and, although they don’t converse like all the other bar staff on board, they are very popular nonetheless.
In front of the Rising Tide Bar is a Jaguar XK120, or something looking remarkably similar complete with teddy driver and passenger. More shopping, this time designer watches, then another complimentary dining venue Sorrento’s where various pizzas are available, you can even design your own pizza. Having walked almost 100 feet from the Bionic Bar you must have worked up a thirst, in which case Boleros is the place for you. If you are on the other side of the Promenade you would only have to make it past the duty free shop to On Air, another bar/entertainment spot above which is a scrolling list of facts about the ship which is quite fitting as On Air hosts the trivia quizzes.

Between Boleros and On Air is the Revolving Head Statue, a great piece of mobile sculpture! Close by is the Shore Excursions desk and as this cruise had no ports after Malaga, additional Royal iQ points were installed. Royal iQ is an app that keeps you up to date with the ships programme and enables you to make reservations for dinner and entertainment. There are terminals located round the ship and you are also able to use your own devices even if you haven’t got an internet package. However, it didn’t seem to work for us!

Forward of the lifts is the upper access to the main theatre, the auditorium is over three decks, with the main entrance on deck 4.

Deck 4. Located in the foyer outside the main theatre is the Diamond Club, for those who have reached that level in the loyalty programme. There were so many Diamond and above members (over 2000 on this cruise) that they had to commandeer several other locations for their nightly events. The Attic is a comedy venue and Jazz on 4. Studio B located mid ships, as this is the best location for the Ice shows, the ice rink also has flooring laid to make it another venue for events such as ballroom dance classes. Located behind Studio B is the casino, accessed by two corridors, one of which contains the displays for the art auctions held on board.
The middle level of the three tier dining room is at the rear, with the lower level on deck 3. The only other public area on deck 3 is the Conference Centre, located at the front of the ship.

This concludes our tour although, sorry, I didn’t research the teens facilities as I’m apparently too old!