Harmony of the Seas

Stepping aboard Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas for the first time, I knew I was in for a new style of cruising. I'd never set sail on a ship of this size, and I was in awe of the vibrant atmosphere and the sheer scale of things.

I chose this ship because I wanted to finally experience one of Royal Caribbean's innovative, record-setting megaships, and the Harmony of the Seas sails from Galveston, only an hour from VTG headquarters in Houston.

I chose an 8-night itinerary because it included Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island that is so popular it has become a must-see for experienced cruisers and novices alike.

Here is my story starting with -- where else? -- the food!

What is it about being at sea that sparks such a hearty appetite? Usually, breakfast is a quick affair for me, or skipped altogether. But somehow, I found time for a delicious breakfast feast at the Windjammer Marketplace, a bustling buffet that also serves lunch and dinner.

Evenings found us in the main dining room or in one of the ship's specialty restaurants, all of which were excellent. My only disappointment was that we ran out of dinners before we could try them all. My favorites:

• Chops Grille: Royal Caribbean's signature steakhouse delivers perfectly grilled steaks, fresh seafood, and classic sides in a traditional, upscale setting.
   
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi: Diners can choose between fresh sushi and sashimi or a lively hibachi experience where talented chefs cook and entertain right at the table.
   
• Coastal Kitchen: Exclusively for suite guests and Pinnacle Club members, this restaurant offers a fresh fusion of California and Mediterranean flavors, providing a lighter yet refined dining experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

A word to the wise: If you have your heart set on any of the specialty dining experiences, book your reservations in advance of boarding, peak times fill up quickly.

The Harmony of the Seas truly shines when it comes to activities. The Ultimate Abyss, an exhilarating 10-story dry slide, delivers pure adrenaline, as do the trio of Perfect Storm waterslides that twist and turn. The FlowRider surf simulator was in constant use, inviting attempts to master the waves, while the zip line offered a unique (if quick) aerial perspective of the ship's top decks.

Beyond the high-octane thrills, the ship provides many ways to play: pickleball, basketball, soccer, rock climbing, mini-golf, water volleyball, dodgeball and ping pong are among the options. The ice skating rink, home to spectacular shows, also offers sessions for guests.

Adventure Ocean, an assortment of kids' clubs divided by age, is a phenomenal success. A fantastic staff helps kids make new friendships and will have them looking forward to each day's activities.

The entertainment on Harmony of the Seas stands as a testament to Royal Caribbean's commitment to world-class experiences. The Royal Theater hosted a Broadway-caliber production of "Grease," with memorable performances and elaborate sets and costumes.

Equally mesmerizing were the AquaTheater shows, featuring daring acrobats, synchronized swimmers and high divers performing against the stunning backdrop of the ocean, under the stars.

We also enjoyed the artistry of ice-skating shows that you'd hardly expect to find in the middle of the Caribbean. Beyond these productions, live music filled every corner of the ship, from the jazz rhythms in Central Park to lively bands on the Royal Promenade, ensuring a festive atmosphere at every turn.

Our adventure unfolded across three beautiful destinations:

• Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas: Royal Caribbean has masterfully transformed this private island into an adventure park that is the envy of the cruise industry. Thrill Waterpark boasts the towering Daredevil's Peak, twin Dueling Demons slides, a sprawling wave pool and zip line. Those inclined towards relaxation can find their haven at Chill Island or Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, with a lively swim-up bar. Dining options were abundant and included in the price of the cruise.
  
  While CocoCay is magnificent in its entirety, a private cabana at the exclusive Coco Beach Club was the undeniable highlight of our cruise. There was plush seating for eight, in the sun or shade, a cooler stocked with refreshing beverages, a private shower and safe, and easy access to a stunning infinity pool. A delightful attendant delivered gourmet appetizers, seafood and craft cocktails to our secluded haven.
  
  Note: Even after splitting the cost with friends we were traveling with, this was a major splurge.
   
• Nassau, Bahamas: A short, picturesque ferry ride from Nassau's bustling harbor brought us to Blue Lagoon Island, a private oasis. There you can stroll white-sand beaches, swim or snorkel in clear, turquoise water, interact with gentle and intelligent dolphins and sea lions or simply curl up with a good book.
   
• Cozumel, Mexico: Here we went in search of a local, authentic Cozumel dining experience and found it at Al Chile Restaurant Bar, a short walk from the international cruise port but off the beaten tourist path. Friendly staff helped us navigate a menu of tacos and other traditional dishes, margaritas and mixed drinks. We enjoyed the flavorful food and festive atmosphere. Afterwards, we did some shopping and I headed back to the ship to take photos while most of the passengers were still ashore (see the link to the slideshow below).

Royal Caribbean has a long-standing reputation for pushing the boundaries of cruise ship design, consistently introducing larger and more innovative vessels. This evolution has been marked by a clear progression in ship classes, each building upon the last to offer increasingly elaborate and thrilling onboard experiences.

The ground-breaking "neighborhood" concept divides their newer ships into distinct, themed zones like Central Park (a lush, open-air garden), the Boardwalk (featuring a carousel and arcade), and the AquaTheater (an outdoor amphitheater for high-diving shows). The sheer abundance of dining and entertainment venues and activities means you can tailor your days exactly how you like, whether that's non-stop thrills, relaxation, gourmet dining or exploration of new ports.

By the time we reluctantly disembarked, we found ourselves genuinely missing the ever-smiling Hernaldo, our cabin steward, whose uncanny knack for anticipating our needs and making us laugh made our stateroom a sanctuary. A dedicated crew translates directly into delighted guests, and the Harmony's hard-working staff seem to truly enjoy creating memorable experiences.

I'm quite late to the party in finally experiencing one of Royal Caribbean's megaships, but I now see for myself why they have been so successful. The Harmony of the Seas is a magnificent vessel that offers something for everyone. You really have to see it to believe it.

To see itineraries and prices for the Harmony of the Seas, please click here.
To see all cruises that visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, please click here.
For more about Royal Caribbean and a list of all their ships, please click here.

Sincerely,

Alan Fox
Executive Chairman
Vacations To Go