Aerial photos of Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas

In:
08 Jun 2016

Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas is a truly impressive looking cruise ship, but aerial photos really give you the perfect perspective for appreciating her grandeur.

Royal Caribbean shared these new aerial photos of Harmony of the Seas, taken during her recent inaugural sailings.

Aerial of Ultimate Abyss

Aerial of water slides and pool decks

Royal Caribbean offering cruise credits to guests on initial Harmony of the Seas sailing

In:
03 Jun 2016

Royal Caribbean is offering guests that were on pre-inaugural Harmony of the Seas sailings a future cruise credit to make up for the work that was being done on the ship.

Emails were sent to guests on the May 26, 2016 sailing on behalf of Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley.  The email reads as follows:

Each guest on the 3-night sailing is receiving a Future Cruise Certificate for 25% of the cruise fare paid for that sailing.  Guests on the 4-night sailings are receiving 50% of the cruise fare paid back in cruise credit.

It is unclear as of yet if guests from other sailings are also receiving similar offers.

The decision to offer guests future cruise credits appears to be a result of negative press in the UK, that highlighted work was still being done to the ship and allegations that the ship was not complete.

First look: Fitness Center on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas

In:
03 Jun 2016

Staying fit and exercising are some of the many things guests can do on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas and today we have a photo tour of the Fitness Center.

Access to the Fitness Center is complimentary to all guests, with special classes that do have an additional charge.

Fitness equipment from Life Fitness provides guests with cardio and resistance training. 

In terms of classes, here is an example schedule of classes that include yoga, Ryde spin classes, Pilates, fab abs and more.

Some fitness classes have an additional charge, while others are complimentary.

To sign up for any class, just write your name down on the sign up sheet, located in the fitness center.

Harmony of the Seas' Fitness Center features many exercise machines, treadmills, free weights and more.

The Fitness Center on Harmony of the Seas is normally open from 6am until 1am.

Special thanks to Rich Freudenberg for providing these photos.

Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas makes maiden call to Vigo, Spain

In:
01 Jun 2016

The world's largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, made a stop in Vigo, Spain today on its maiden voyage from Southampton, with some 8,000 people on board, including passengers and crew.

The massive ship, which was build at STX France, made her first stop in the city earlier today.

To commemorate the occasion, the ship's captain and the President of the Vigo Port Authority met to officially welcome Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean's General Director of Spain and France, Bethlehem Wanguemert, has been estimated  an economic impact to Vigo of some 350,000 euros. 

Harmony of the Seas spent almost 12 hours in port, and as the ship sailed away from Vigo, about 200 blue balloons were released to celebrate the world 's largest cruise ship's presence.

Harmony of the Seas headed next to Malaga, Spain and from there to Barcelona, ​​where he is scheduled to arrive on Sunday.

First look: Starbucks opens on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas

In:
01 Jun 2016

It took a few extra days, but the latest Starbucks at Sea location as opened up on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas.

One change Royal Caribbean fans may notice is Starbucks on Harmony of the Seas is located in the Boardwalk neighborhood, instead of the Royal Promenade.

Inside, the new Starbucks location is very bright and colorful, with plenty of whites, teals and tans around the venue.

There is not a whole lot of seating in this Starbucks, but there is a walk-up bar that guests can use for casually enjoying the drinks, as well as some stools that line the wall.

Naturally, you may be wondering what is available to order at this Starbucks.  There is a fairly standard Starbucks menu available for guests to choose from.

Ordering your drinks at this Starbucks is very similar to ordering at any Starbucks location. The barista takes your order, as well as your payment.  You then step to the preparation area and pick up your Starbucks drink when it is ready.

Thanks to Rich Freudenberg for providing these photos!

Let us know what you think of this new Starbucks location in the comments below!

Spotlight: Royal Caribbean WOWbands on Harmony of the Seas

In:
30 May 2016

Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas offers a lot of firsts, including being the first Oasis-class cruise ship to offer the RFID bracelets known as WOWbands.

What is a WOWband?

Let us begin with the basics of what a WOWband is before discussing how to use it on Harmony of the Seas.

WOWbands are essentially optional replacements for your SeaPass card. Imagine a bracelet you can wear that allows you to open you stateroom door, charge onboard purchases or check into shows and restaurants.

They are made of silicone and come in a variety of colors: white, yellow, black and blue.

WOWbands use Radio Frequency (RF) technology that can be read by Royal Caribbean's readers that are found at kiosks, tablets and mobile scanners that Royal Caribbean crew operate.

Your WOWband is linked to your SeaPass account and holds all of your information related to your cruise vacation such as your stateroom information, dining reservations and more.  

How much are they on Harmony of the Seas?

Photo by Rich Freudenberg‎

Guests on Harmony of the Seas can choose to purchase WOWbands for $4.99 each.

Guests can purchase one and re-use it on another Harmony of the Seas cruise, or on any other Royal Caribbean ship that has WOWbands.  

In fact, WOWbands from other Royal Caribbean ships can be used as well. You just need to go to Guest Services and have them re-programmed.

Where do I buy it on Harmony of the Seas?

WOWbands can be purchased from Guest Services on Harmony of the Seas.

WOWbands are complimentary for suite guests.

Should I get a WOWband on Harmony of the Seas?

WOWbands are an optional feature but once you try the WOWbands, you will likely be leaving your SeaPass card behind in your stateroom.

They are a neat option, but completely optional.  All guests will be issued SeaPass cards and those will continue to work, even if you get a WOWband

Photos from Grease on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas

In:
24 May 2016

Grease is one of the all-time classic Broadway musicals, and it is being shown to guests on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas.

The Royal Theater is home to Grease, which marks the latest Broadway show to find a home on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Grease was specially adapted by Royal Caribbean Productions, and boasts original choreography, costumes and aerial elements set to amaze the most seasoned theater goers.

Featuring a soundtrack of crowd favorites such as “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee,” “Born to Hand-Jive,” “Beauty School Dropout” and more, guests will follow the romantic twists and turns of Sandy and Danny as they navigate the tricky social waters of Rydell High School while keeping their reputations – and relationship – together.

Photos Harmony of the Seas staterooms

In:
24 May 2016

Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas has a lot of great stateroom choices to consider, and today we have a look at some of these staterooms.

Royal Caribbean released photos from some very popular stateroom categories and since we love to daydream about staying in one of these staterooms, we are sharing these photos.

AquaTheater Suite

Royal Family Suite with Balcony

Owner's Suite with Balcony

Family Ocean View Stateroom

Presidential Family Suite

Boardwalk View Stateroom with Baclony

Which of these stateroom categories would you want to stay in? Tell us in the comments!

Drone video captures Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas sailing away in Southampton

In:
23 May 2016

There have been a lot of great photos and video of Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas debuting over the last week or so, and we have one more that is quite impressive as well.

Ryan Atfield sent us this video of the brand new cruise ship in Southampton, UK this weekend.

The newest addition to the family combines the distinct seven-neighborhood concept that Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class of ships are known for with a lineup of the most modern and groundbreaking vacation amenities. Innovative features include The Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea with a 10-story plunge; robot bartenders at The Bionic Bar, powered by Makr Shakr; virtual balconies with real-time views of the destination and VOOM – the fastest internet at sea – so that guests can stay connected, stream their favorite entertainment and share their adventures with family and friends back at home.

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