We sailed on the second pre-maiden cruise on Harmony of the Seas. Just 3 nights from Southampton to Cherbourg and back.
Boarding this ship was unlike any cruise ship boarding we have been through before. We had to upload our own photos and book a check in time. The check in operators were waiting for everyone complete with tablets. A quick 2 or 3 minute question and answer session and we were on our way. Cruise cards were waiting for us later in our cabin. In the meantime, we could use our boarding pass for on board spending.
There is certainly a Wow as you board as you are immediately in the Royal Promenade on Deck 5 which runs the length of the ship between the 2 sets of elevators. It is very impressive with a cafe, pizza parlour, Morgan car, shops etc. There is a bar called the Rising Tide and, indeed, it moves from time to time to a different level. The Bionic Bar was great fun with robots assembling the drinks! Also, there is a nice bar area on the higher level (Schooner Bar).
We used the Promenade Cafe quite a lot as it was easy to pick up tea and coffee there plus a nice cookie or savoury snack!
Throughout the ship, we found a hotdog shop, a burger bar, pizza parlour, shops (including Cartier and Bulgari), speciality restaurants, carousel and aqua theatre (unfortunately not operating as it was too cold).
Out on the top deck were all sorts of activities for many tastes. For the brave, there is The Abyss which is a huge slide which drops around 100 feet. There are also 2 long waterslides, a zip wire and 2 Flow Riders (surfing machines) which were brilliant to watch. We played several games of mini golf (9 holes) and table tennis which is in 2 semi enclosed areas which protect the tables from the wind.
There are a number of pools and a lovely water play area for the kids. We visited the spa which looked very nice although we are not spa people.
The Windjammer Cafe is the buffet with a good choice of food including a daily roast, hot meats, salads, savouries, burgers, chips and a very nice selection of sweet things for dessert.
Our cabin was an ocean view balcony. It was the largest cabin of this type which we have ever had and the balcony was large too. King size bed which was very comfortable and the bathroom was spacious with a good sized shower cubicle with a door rather than a curtain.
The main dining rooms are on 3 levels to the back of the ship on the lower decks. We found the food to be good to excellent.
I almost forgot the Solarium which is a covered sun area at the front of the ship reserved for adults only. Very pleasant with a couple of Jacuzzi hot tubs and plenty of sunbeds. There is also a buffet and a restaurant there (free).
I felt the ship had a lovely ambience and appeared to be of a high quality. Yes, she is big but this means that there is something for every age onboard. I guess the target market is probably families and young adults but being a Silver, I enjoyed it just the same.
Evening entertainment included a brilliant performance of Grease in the Royal Theatre which was of West End quality. There was also an excellent Ice Show. There were Street Parties on the Royal Promenade. Always something going on.
There are so many things to see and do on this ship, you really need a couple of days to see it all.
I would go on her again if the itinerary was one I want to do.
