25 Cool Little Things Not to Miss on Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's new big cruise ship Harmony of the Seas sailed out of Southampton, England, with plenty of publicity about all the big things it features. Most notably: It's the largest cruise ship in the world and will regularly carry more about 6,000 passengers on itineraries departing from Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean once it arrives in the U.S.
You'll be hearing plenty about the waterslides and Ultimate Abyss 10-story thrill ride, as well as popular favorites that appear on other Royal Caribbean ships, like the FlowRider surfing simulator, zipline, rock climbing walls, skating rinks, Central Park neighborhood, the Promenade and Boardwalk.
But Harmony of the Seas also offers interesting little spaces and touches that give the ship its own character. Here are 25 neat little things to find on the world's biggest cruise ship.
1. The Classic Carousel
It's not just for the youngsters. Hop on a horse on the Boardwalk for a gentle spin, evoking memories of your carnival days. (Pictured at top)
2. A Kate Spade Store
Shop for designer handbags while sailing? Sure. The Kate Spade boutique also features a live music stage up top at the Promenade. The ship also has other upscale boutiques like Bulgari, Hublot, Cartier and Omega.
3. What a View
Two viewing platforms jut out from the Solarium and act as wings that you can stroll out to get a view hanging off the side of the ship, just as the captain and other officers navigating the ship can from the bridge wings you see out in front of these passenger viewing areas. They can be a bit windy out there, though.
4. Coke Freestyle Machines
Buy a soft drinks package and you can help yourself to unlimited refills. Make your own concoctions at the machines; two at Sorrento's on the Promenade, one at Mini Bites on Deck 16 near the sports court and two in the Windjammer buffet area.
5. Design Touches in Windjammer
I particularly like these rolling pins accenting the Bakery area.
6. Elevator Icons
Look up while riding to see exactly where you need to go. The most popular destinations are noted, like the Pool Deck and Central Park.
7. The Wonder of Our World
The art onboard is an eclectic mix of modern pieces using a range of cool mediums. Look around in the stairwells to see all the interesting pieces, which feature small description placards giving info on the artists, how they were created and what they are meant to depict.
8. Puzzle Break Escape Room
Harmony of the Seas includes a dedicated space for Escape the Rubicon, an interactive game in which you decode puzzles with fellow passengers in order to escape a certain space ship-based predicament within one hour. It's a blast.
9. Mini Bites for Quick Snacks
On Deck 16, near the sports-related activities, this is a nice spot offering light snacks like meatballs, mini corn dogs and fruit cups.
10. The Big Head
A rotating silver giant noggin is made up of seven segmented horizontal slices that align every so often to create a complete face and head. The artistic curiosity looms over the Promenade and is a popular photo subject.
11. Vitality Cafe
A quiet spot to grab a smoothie or healthy snack after a workout or spa treatment. Located on Deck 6 at the entrance to the spa and fitness center.
VIDEO: 5 Fun Things to Do on Harmony of the Seas.
12. Huge Fitness Center
Speaking of the fitness center, Harmony of the Seas' gym is on Deck 6, giving it a nice large space away from the usual cruise ship fitness areas that are located at the top of the ship. And one deck down, accessed easily from the workout area is a jogging track on Deck 5. With 2.4 laps per mile and mostly covered areas away from poolside crowds, runners can have a pleasant and uninterrupted workout.
13. Climbing for the Kiddos
The Luckey Climber activity gives little ones a chance to burn off energy in a safe way. This spot is located on the Boardwalk in the shadows of the adult rock climbing walls.
14. Dive School
Wanna-be scuba divers can get their certification onboard Harmony of the Seas with the PADI dive classes.
15. Beer Cocktails
The menu at Boot & Bonnet, the English-style pub on the Promenade, offers a variety of creative cocktails that blend beers and booze.
16. Red High-Backed Chairs
Ask to pull up a seat at these beauties in Silk, the set-time dining venue on Deck 5, and you'll be sitting in style.
17. The Attic Comedy Club
Look for late-night comedy shows at the venue dedicated to making you laugh.
18. Cool Canines
I found these guys occupying a spot on the wall in The Attic. This might be my favorite art feature onboard.
19. Jazz on 4
Smooth sounds in a relaxing music venue on Deck 4.
20. Family Pool Area
This colorful place on Deck 15 is a treat for families, with little seats and tiny loungers for the kids to soak up the sun alongside their parents.
21. Navigational Nudges
When you are wandering the Promenade and lose your sense of direction, perhaps after a few pints at Boot & Bonnet, a handy sign post indicates Forward and Aft directions so you can get oriented properly.
22. The Arcades
Harmony of the Seas has two spots with games that provide a change of pace from too much sun or to escape any rains. One on the Boardwalk and another Deck 15.
23. Sinks for Washy Washy
No Purell-style hand sanitizer stations in the Windjammer. Signage and crew direct you toward the buffet entrance and encourage you to use the bank of hand-washing sinks. Let's hope everyone takes heed.
24. Ping-Pong Arenas
Two enclosed areas on Deck 16 adjacent to the sports court and the mini-golf course are the perfect solution to windy days that make it difficult to either ping or pong on most other cruise ships.
25. Z Is for Zoltar
Because I wanna be Big! Try not to smile when you see this classic arcade attraction on the Boardwalk.
Happy sailing and thanks for reading!
JR