Scoular

21 minutes ago, USCG Teacher said:

Hey @Scoular!  Glad to hear everything went so well!  I don't have anything of value to add regarding your flight question, but I do want to say congratulations on the forthcoming nuptials!   

Thank you

Hi All!

Thank you for all of your help on the queries I had for the cruise with my mum. We had a fab time! She’s telling everyone how she’s got a new lease of life since the cruise which is great to hear. Shows what a holiday after 17 years can really do for you!

Anyway, I’m now on to the next one, which is Alaska with my fiancé (that happened this month too on another holiday, so first time I’ve used that!) and after that we have a cruise with my partner and his family. 

My question for all of you knowledgeable cruisers relates to the Alaska cruise. This one is in May and I need to book flights. It departs from Vancouver and ends in Seattle. Would you recommend booking flights on my own or via Royal’s air2sea? I’m mindful of the issues with cruises out of Canada due to Covid and the possibility that it could effect my cruise, hence why I’ve put it off for so long.

Can someone also please share the Royal air2sea link? I seem to have lost it. 

Thanks All! 

5 hours ago, emmef said:

I am so excited for you and your Mum!  It is going to be a trip of a lifetime in that Suite!  Have lots of fun!

Thank you! 2 days to go!

8 hours ago, FionaMG said:

They are not, even if they have been touring all over Italy beforehand they can still only get off the ship on one of Royal's excursions.

That doesn’t make much sense! Although to be honest neither does having free roam in Spain the day or two before and then being bubbled.

8 hours ago, Pooch said:

Thank you.  But your big cruise is SOON isn’t it?  Forget about us and go have fun!!!

Hahaha it sure is! We fly out on Saturday and sail on Sunday. I’m so excited that I already finished packing 2 weeks ago and usually I’m a day before packer! I don’t know what’s got into me!

13 minutes ago, BrianB said:

Amazing timing! I'm here on the Oasis suite sun deck now. A woman with mobility issues using a cane asked if she could be helped down the stairs. It took alot for her to climb up! The crew brought her into the elevator and told her to just let them know whenever she needed to use it.

That’s great to hear. Thank you!

14 minutes ago, twangster said:

There is an elevator for accessibility purposes.  It requires crew assistance and is somewhat hidden so most people never see it.  Ask a crew member.  

Thanks @twangster!

31 minutes ago, Matt said:

If no one else answers you before you board, look for the email from the Suite Concierge this week and you can ask him/her. They are always happy to answer questions.

Thanks Matt. I actually heard from them today and they confirmed they would give her access to the crew lift

We board next Sunday and have Royal trips booked for Rome and Pompeii. Usually I’d have gone about myself but with my mum likely would have booked an RCI one just for ease. It’s a shame about the restrictions but at least we can go about Spain freely.

I do wonder if those boarding in Rome are able to explore Italy themselves, considering they boarded in Italy. Does anyone know?

19 hours ago, Pooch said:

Since we are on the topic, is the a reason or concern that would necessitate turning WiFi calling off?  Does my carrier (Verizon) charge a fee to use it?

No fee to use it. I keep it on but there may be times the WiFi signal isn’t great and so you’d prefer to not allow it to switch. 

57 minutes ago, Linda R said:

Are they doing embarkation pier Covid tests at all ports?  And not sure how to sign up?  Is their a number, email, or what?  Thanks

It depends on the port your departing from. Some have you do a test prior to getting to the port, but have back up facilities there if your results haven’t arrived in time. Others have a full testing facility on site at the port. They will notify you a few weeks before departure what your departure port are doing. You can also look at the previous sailings to get an idea. 

We’ve booked to go in May as it fit well with our general holiday schedule but also because I regularly read that the best time to go starts in May. We’ll be on Ovation on the only 8 night cruise. I thought if we’re travelling from the UK we should extend it as much as possible. That particular cruise starts in Vancouver and ends in Seattle. I thought for us it would be nice to see both cities and when flying such a distance it didn’t really matter. We chose Ovation over the radiance class because we felt last time we were on Serenade we were bored in the evenings as we felt we were going to the same places every night. I’ve not been on Ovation before but have been on Anthem and so I know we really enjoyed the quantum class ships. I would have considered going on Serenade again if it went somewhere like Glacier Bay for the May cruises, but it looked a very similar itinerary so in my opinion chose the better ship. I appreciate the comments about being able to look outside and this may be important for you and could be your decider, personally we booked a balcony room as we wanted that option to look outside with a drink etc. if we wanted. 
 

What did you book last time?

Hi All!

I’m super excited to say I should hopefully be on Harmony in 6 days time with my mum! It’s been such a long time coming with multiple itinerary changes and then cancellations that I honestly didn’t think this day would come, and if it was going to go ahead, certainly not this year. But here we are!

We have the accessible crown loft suite booked, which I’m so excited about, my partner isn’t coming with me this time, it’s just a girls holiday, but I can tell he’s nervous that I’ll be wanting to live the suite life from then on. I think his concerns are real, but I won’t be admitting that!

I had one question, does anyone know if I can access the suite sundeck with my mum’s mobility scooter? I appreciate there is only one accessible suite so I don’t know if this is possible.

Looking forward to hearing how it’s going! We board on the 3rd. Have a fantastic time!

4 hours ago, deep1 said:

My other two computers no problem earlier. Now they are problems too and even my App has joined the glitch... My planner purchases and check ins wiped out ad a note now saying can't check in  til Oct 6?????? I was already checked n. Did all my time and solarium bistro reservations. Had great deal on WiFi, soda and a couple other  purchases...  They said they would turn in a ticket? Then said 24 business hours. Is that 3 days plus 2 more? Or what?????

 

That usually means 1 day but Monday-Friday. 

How lovely @JohnUK! I sounds like you’re both having a fab time.

That’s good news about Grease. Looking forward to that now!

Thanks for the information about the masks and ports. I actually just received an email from Royal with one details on masks and ports too.

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your holiday so fill me in. I really appreciate it! 

I hope you both enjoy the rest of your cruise!

@JohnUKI have another question for you, which might have to wait until you’re off. Are they running entertainment like the quest and the love and marriage show?

On 9/9/2021 at 5:32 AM, KWong said:

I loved Johnny Rockets breakfast on the Oasis class ships. Less so on Harmony because the stupid purple slides block the view of the stern. And it's really the view and al fresco dining that you're there for - you can get eggs and bacon anywhere else. You should also be able to get breakfast at Mini-Bites for another outdoor location.

Aqua show is not to be missed. 

My lukewarm take here is that Chops is skippable if you've been to a mid-level steakhouse (like The Keg here in Canada) before. The steaks at Chops are fine, but not as good as a high-end restaurant, and roughly equivalent to that mid-level steakhouse. Not sure what the steakhouse landscape is like in the UK though.

Jamie's... well you have Jamie's in the UK. We had a couple in Canada (before they went into receivership) and because of that, I didn't need to go to the one one board. I'm sure it's fine though.

Thanks for your input. I’ve not heard of mini-bites, I’ll have to check them out.

I have tried most of the top London steak restaurants so I can imagine what Chops would be like. I’m on Ovation in May and have the 3 day package then - I’m sure I’ll let you know my thoughts then

57 minutes ago, FionaMG said:

Days 3 and 6 are the formal nights.

Thanks. That’s what I’ve heard and so have booked us in on the 3rd day.

On 9/8/2021 at 6:40 PM, MamaShark said:

Your Mum is in for a real treat.  The accessible crown loft on is  “super spacious” and the elevator in the suite will spoil you both. We’ve had it frequently between SC suites and hubs gets spoiled all over again.  It’s awesome for bringing your luggage up/ down— as well as an everyday luxury of having an in home elevator!

The view like most lofts is breath taking but the suites on these mega ships are architecturally designed well, so there’s no tendency for fear of heights like one might imagine when you think second story loft:-).  I’ve earned a great number of points to reach our Diamond+ status on the HARMONY; it’s truly my favorite Royal Caribbean ship.  Welcome to the best deck of suites on the ship.  Deck 17 never disappoints.  I hope she sails.  We’re scheduled to be on Harmony 3 weeks over Xmas holiday!  Best of luck and Bon Voyage! 
 

That’s great to know.  My mum cornered me yesterday about where our room was etc. so she could look into it, so I had to give in to the surprise. There aren’t many videos or pictures of the room so I plan to take some to help others in the future too. At least it should kind of be a surprise for both of us. I’ve tried my best to not look at every video on YouTube of Harmony too so it’ll be a surprise. I can’t promise that’ll last until we board though!  

On 9/8/2021 at 10:59 AM, FionaMG said:

@Scoular, I am an ex-pat Scot based in the Algarve.

We did this same cruise five years ago, right down to the same week, during Harmony's inaugural season and had not intended to do this one. We were actually booked on Allure for September last year but we all know what happened there! Harmony is a great ship and you are going to have a great time for sure.

As far as the shows and stuff are concerned, you can find out what's happening in the app by switching from your own sailing to the current one. Activities are populating very close in, only a day or two before, so it's wise to keep revisiting. At the moment, the aqua show and ice skating show are both operating, as are headliner performances and comedians. No production or Broadway shows for now, although I read somewhere that the crew were rehearsing for these so they may show up by the time we or you board.

If you want to see current compasses, there is a poster over on CC who is on board right now and is uploading the compasses. Look on the Royal Caribbean board for the thread called "Harmony of the seas 15.august." Pay no attention to the fact that it says 15 August in the title. That is because the thread was started by someone on that first sailing; since then, posters on subsequent sailings have kept the thread going with updated information.

Have fun planning. I did a dry-run packing yesterday and am going to have to be a bit more selective; I would need to be going on a 3-week-long cruise to justify taking everything I want to put in my suitcase!

I am tentatively optimistic but with a mix of both nervousness and excitement. I will not really believe it's happening until I'm on board, drink in hand, watching the ship move away from the dock! 

Thanks is for the information. I’ll have to check out some cruise compasses. I’ve actually booked for me and my mum to get our hair done and I’m hoping that I’ve guessed the right day for formal night, at least the compasses should be able to confirm that!

I got the suitcases out today so we can start planning. The excitement is really starting to kick in!

On 9/8/2021 at 10:45 AM, JohnUK said:

Hi, we are aboard Harmony ar the moment. We didn't know for certain that we would be allowed to cruise as we are from the UK and subject to Italian restrictions until 6 days before sailing. 

We can endorse previous comments about Coastal Kitchen; in our view it is just as good as the speciality restaurants.  The filet mignon on the first night was better than we had in Chops. We were pleasantly surprised by Jamie's. We had a great meal and the waiter was first class. 

As you are in a suite, you can make use of the services of the concierges. They are Jackie and Mario. We first met Mario about 5 years ago and met Jackie on this cruise. They are both very personable and effective. You should never need to go to Guest Services about any issues. 

The ship is magnificent. It is our first time on an Oasis class and we love it. Although I will caveat that with the comment that there are only around 1500 guests on board rather than the usual 6500 so no chance of it feeling crowded. We have seen the Aqua show and the ice show: whereas the storylines might be weak the skills of the performers are incredible. We have particularly enjoyed the classical guitar playing by Wojciech. He plays a mix of music including Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, and classical music. He plays mostly in Schooners and in Central Park; the latter is a lovely setting.

We will be dining at Wonderland tonight and Hibachi at Izumi tomorrow so I will report on those,if that would be helpful. 

If there is anything else you would like to know, please ask and I will try and help. We will be here next week as well so no rush.

John and Sue.

Thanks John and Sue. How’s your trip going? What room have you two got? I saw the filet is in CK on the first night and have already planned to go there the first night.

I hope there is still a reduced crowd when we sail. Hopefully the Broadway will be on by then. At least the aqua and ice shows are on for you though. We’re you able to book them in advance or do you have to wait until you’re onboard? Or is that something the concierge can do for you? I’ve never stayed in a suite before so looking forward to the perks that’ll bring!

what was Womderland and Izumi like? We have wonderland booked. Is Izumi the teppanyaki place?

I do have a question about the mask policies, how is it? Can you take the. Off when seated at shows? What’s the general situation? How about in ports? I think Spain recently updated their outside mask wearing requirements to if you can keep a 1.5m distance you don’t need to wear one. Is that still the case? Any idea what Italy’s rules are? 

52 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said:

Make sure you do Coastal Kitchen for filet night!

Thanks for the recommendation. I need to eyeball the menu and start making some reservations!

5 hours ago, MicDay said:

Harmony was our first RC cruise, we loved her so much we have 4 more cruises booked, sadly none on her.

What have you got lined up?

5 hours ago, MicDay said:

Download it before your cruise because a lot of people trying to do it when on the ship makes it a slow download.

I’ve got the app but you’ve just reminded me to nudge my mum to make sure she has, so thanks for that!

5 hours ago, MicDay said:

I really enjoyed the Ice Skating show and the Escape Room.  We love escape rooms on land too.

We always love the ice skating shows, so really looking forward to it. We did an escape room on Anthem a few years back, my first ever. It was actually good fun.

5 hours ago, MicDay said:

We ate at Jamies, Chops.  Loved Jamies, chops was ok.

Was not impressed with Johnny Rockets for breakfast, did not try them any other time

We currently have wonderland booked, and we’ll have access to coastal kitchen too. We have Jamie’s all over the UK so it doesn’t appeal to me as much. I’d like to try chops(I’ve actually got a package booked for our Alaska trip in May) but to be honest I’ve not heard great things from it. I also have always thought the steak in the MDR was pretty good too, so hard to beat. 
 

I forgot you could get breakfast at Johnny Rockets on Oasis class ships. 

5 hours ago, MicDay said:

You will have a wonderful time, can't wait to hear about it when you return!

Thank you!

9 hours ago, KLA said:

I feel that one of the most impressive shows in the fleet are the diving shows in the Aquatheater on the Oasis class ships. I believe you can book these ahead via the cruise planner - definitely a can't miss on my list for any Oasis class ship. 

Thanks for the heads up! I hear with Covid that shows unfortunately must be booked onboard. I don’t even know who to go to for that! Unfortunately I also hear many shows on harmony are currently cancelled. I’m hoping by September they’ll be back up and running!