Does size matter? Is bigger always best? We will let you be the judge as we take a sneak peek at one of the world’s largest cruise ships, Harmony of the Seas.
For those who love stats, Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas has some impressive ones. At 362 metres, she is 50 metres taller than Sydney’s Centrepoint Tower. She’s a floating gallery and green space too with more works of art than the Louvre and enough trees and plants – over 12,000 to be exact – to fill a city park.
And here’s some more …
- 362-metres from bow to stern (which is 2.5 football fields long)
- 65-metres wide (2.3 times wider than a football field)
- 6,687 passengers
- 2,193 crew
- 2,747 staterooms
- 18 decks
- 24 elevators
With numbers like those of a small town, the ship is also divided into seven distinct ‘neighbourhoods.’
The Neighbourhoods
1. Central Park
Fancy a stroll around a city park while at sea? On Harmony, Central Park is a green space that extends through half the ship. The open-air space features paved paths, grassy areas with park benches and landscaped gardens. You can stop for a bite to eat in one of the restaurants or cafes or even go shopping.
2. The Boardwalk
Young children will love the handcrafted carousel while the bigger kids will be lost for hours in the flashy arcade.
For some quality family time, grab a seat in the Aqua Theatre for an evening of spectacular entertainment featuring high-dive stunts and water shows.
3. Royal Promenade
Located mid-ship, the Royal Promenade is the heartbeat of the ship. This is where you’ll find many of the specialty restaurants and cafes as well as nightly street parties and parades.
Dreamworks characters from Shrek and Kung Fu Panda, to Princess Fiona and Skipper the Penguin will all make an appearance on the ship. Adults won’t want to miss the robotic drinks service at the Bionic Bar.
4. Pool & Sports Zone
The Pool & Sports Zone is packed with wall-to-wall thrills and spills. Get your kicks on one of nine slides from a zippy luge style ride, to a ten-storey water slide.
Other features include a FlowRider (simulated wave pool), zip lines, rock climbing walls, sports court and mini-golf course.
5. Vitality at Sea Spa & Fitness Centre
Recharge the mind, body and spirit in the luxurious surrounds of Vitality Spa and Fitness. The spa offers traditional massage, aromatherapy and hair and nail treatments.
6. Entertainment Place
From Broadway hits to live performances by talented musicians and comedians, Entertainment Place will keep you laughing and cheering all night long. After the show, head next door for some Vegas-style fun in the casino.
7. Youth Zone
This exclusive youth hang-out area has zones dedicated to tots, tweens and teens. Fully supervised by professional staff, each zone is packed with workshops, video games, themed activities and much more. The kids won’t want to leave!
State Rooms
On Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships you can choose from several categories of staterooms.
Inside cabins enjoy a virtual balcony, a view of the outside world projected on the wall in real time.
Balcony cabins are available with a choice of water views, Central Park views, or inside Boardwalk views and there is of course the standard ocean view rooms.
For the ultimate treat, step up to one of the three Royal Suite Class staterooms.
In Sea Class you’ll enjoy luxurious bathroom amenities as well as exclusive access to Coastal Kitchen restaurant.
In Sky Class suites, you’ll get a concierge who can assist with dining reservations, theatre seats and private sun deck space.
For the ultimate in luxury, Star Class passengers have a dedicated butler assigned for the duration of the journey.
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Dining venues
With 14 different dining options available, you won’t have to worry about going hungry. Harmony of the Seas has a restaurant or menu to satisfy every craving.
Room Service
Morning, noon or night, room-service is always available. Savour breakfast in bed or munch on a midnight snack from the extensive all-day dining menu. It’s delivered straight to your cabin – and there’s no service charge for delivery between 5am to midnight.
Main Dining Room
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’ll find world class cuisine in the elegant, multi-level main dining room. Meals here are complimentary and served at a designated time, depending on the seating you’re assigned.
Johnny Rockets Diner
Take a step back in time at Johnny Rockets. Fire up the juke box in this fifties-styled eatery and enjoy old favourites like grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, shakes and malts, and of course, fries and onion rings.
Izumi Hibachi and Sushi
All your favourite sushi choices are available at Izumi’s but for something extra special, try the Truffle Creamy Lobster Tempura Roll and watch the chef weave some culinary magic.
150 Central Park
Dine on simple, yet elegant American fare as you overlook Central Park. All dishes are artfully crafted by the James Beard Award winning chef, Michael Schwartz.
Jamie’s Italian
Jamie Oliver is known throughout the world for his unique approach to food and it shines through in his inventive dishes at Jamie’s Italian. Offering Central Park views, Jamie’s Italian is located on Deck 8.
Coastal Kitchen
Available exclusively for suite guests, this elegant dining room offers cuisine inspired by the best from Napa Valley to Tuscany. The thoughtful dishes are matched with wines.
Sabor Taqueria & Tequila Bar
You’ll love the traditional Mexican food like burritos and tacos but the fiesta really gets started when main dishes like chili calamari and mole short ribs come out. You can even wash them down with a selection of Mexican tequilas and beers.
Windjammer
What’s a cruise ship without a buffet? Eat ‘till you burst with all-day dining at Windjammer Restaurant. There’s a new bakery onboard too serving up fresh sandwiches, soups and salads. For those who like variety, look out for the themed cuisine evenings.
Mini-Bites
When hunger strikes, you can always grab a quick snack on the run at Mini-Bites, a poolside food venue offering smaller dishes like mini-sliders, grilled cheese toasties and other tasty poolside morsels.
Sorrento’s
Located on the Royal Promenade, Sorrento’s is the perfect place to meet for a family lunch or dinner. It’s pizza, New York style, and with all your favourite toppings.
Boardwalk Doghouse
Create the perfect hot dog with all the trimmings at Boardwalk Doghouse on Deck 6.
Wonderland
Enter the intriguing world of Wonderland. The dishes may sound familiar but not all is what it seems with this one-of-a-kind menu. Six exciting themed menus include Sun, Sea, Ice, Earth, Fire and Dreams. Watch this video for a taste of what to expect.
Chops Grille
A Royal Caribbean favourite with regular guests, Chops Grille impresses with its grilled meats, succulent seafood and poultry.
