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HARMONY OF THE SEAS
PHOTO TOUR AND COMMENTARY CONTENTS |
Above: Harmony's forward atrium houses French artists Mark Fornes' sculpture "Ivy".
Below: Dominating the Royal Promenade is "Head" by David Cherny. 
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OVERVIEW
Harmony of the Seas entered service in 2016 as the world's largest cruise ship, beating out sister ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas by a few thousand gross tons. But Harmony is not a mere clone of its sisters. In the five years between Allure's entry into service and Harmony's entry, there were considerable technological advances. As a result, Harmony is faster, more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. In addition, Royal Caribbean gained from the experiences not only of operating the first two ships in the class but also of the Quantum class. Many of these lessons have been incorporated into the public areas and features of the ship. In addition, Royal has developed new ideas that it premiered on Harmony. The most apparent example being its giant slides. Thus, while much is similar to Oasis and Allure, Harmony would be the 2.0 version of the Oasis class. Naturally, Harmony presents a big ship cruise experience. Guests have an extensive array of alternatives as to dining, entertainment, shopping and other activities. This helps with passenger flow so that there is less crowding and fewer lines than on many smaller ships. Harmony is family-friendly and so it attracts young families with children. However, there are guests of all ages. Harmony also has a few cabins designed for solo travelers. |
Above: The navigation bridge.
Below: Harmony's art collection includes more than 1,000 pieces and cost $6.5 million. The theme of this largely contemporary collection is "Wonder of Our World, the World We Live In" and includes works by artists from 60 countries. |
Neighborhoods
Continuing a concept first implemented on Oasis, Harmony is divided into seven neighborhoods. These are themed areas. This grouping is intended to seek out the experiences that best suit their style, mood or preferences.
Four of these groupings are by function: The Pool and Sports Zone; the Entertainment Place; the Youth Zone; and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center. The names tell you what type of features to expect in each of these neighborhoods.
However, three of the neighborhoods are not so self-explantory.
Four of these groupings are by function: The Pool and Sports Zone; the Entertainment Place; the Youth Zone; and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center. The names tell you what type of features to expect in each of these neighborhoods.
However, three of the neighborhoods are not so self-explantory.
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The Royal Promenade is a feature that has been used successfully on Royal's Voyager, Freedom and previous Oasis class ships. On the earlier ships, this two deck high corridor looked like the main street of town with shops, restaurants and bars arranged along its sides. Much wider on the Oasis class ships, it resembles a large enclosed mall.
Perhaps because it is the center of the ship, people gravitate to this place. They come to shop, eat, have a drink, be entertained by parades and theme parties, people watch or to transact business at the guest relations desk, the shore excursions desk, the future cruise office or the loyalty desk. |
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Central Park is immediately above the Royal Promenade. However, whereas the Promenade is enclosed, Central Park is open to the sky. It is populated with hundreds of plants, a green space at sea. The atmosphere is quiet and tranquil. In the evenings, it is a beautiful place to come and listen to a classical guitarist with relatively few people around.
Around the sides of Central Park are specialty restaurants and luxury shops. |
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The Boardwalk is an open air area leading to the stern of the ship. It is inspired by the seaside resorts of the last century. The atmosphere is casual and carnival-like. There is even a working carousel. Consistent with that atmosphere, the shops and eating venues are not as up market as those of Central Park.
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Ship Offices
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Above left: Guests Services, the reception desk where guests interface with the staff on a wide range of issues ranging from accounts to lost and found.
Above right: The Shore Excursions office is in the middle of the Royal Promenade. Staff members are available to answer questions at certain hours but guests can buy excursions at any time using the terminals. Excursions can also be purchased using the stateroom televisions or by using the Royal IQ app.
Below left: Harmony has a port shopping specialist who gives recommendations on shopping in the various ports.
Below middle: The Next Cruise office sells upcoming cruises on Royal Caribbean and affiliated lines such as Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises.
Below right: Guests can interact with the onboard manager of the Crown and Anchor loyalty program at the Loyalty Desk.
Above right: The Shore Excursions office is in the middle of the Royal Promenade. Staff members are available to answer questions at certain hours but guests can buy excursions at any time using the terminals. Excursions can also be purchased using the stateroom televisions or by using the Royal IQ app.
Below left: Harmony has a port shopping specialist who gives recommendations on shopping in the various ports.
Below middle: The Next Cruise office sells upcoming cruises on Royal Caribbean and affiliated lines such as Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises.
Below right: Guests can interact with the onboard manager of the Crown and Anchor loyalty program at the Loyalty Desk.
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Cruise ship photo tour and commentary - - Royal Caribbean - - Harmony of the Seas - - Overview