Harmony of the Seas cruise ship review: A guide to Royal Caribbean’s third Oasis Class vessel

At a glance

• Most balcony cabins feature ocean views, but some look out onto the ship’s Boardwalk and Central Park neighborhood.
• Onboard thrills include the Perfect Storm trio of high-speed waterslides and the 150-foot Ultimate Abyss dry slide.
• Harmony of the Seas is one of just two Royal Caribbean ships to feature the huge four-bedroom Villa Suite, which sleeps up to 14 guests.

Harmony of the Seas overview

Expect to be wowed by Harmony of the Seas — which offers everything from family-friendly thrills to an impressive modern art collection. Then there’s the matter of this Oasis Class ship’s sheer size. When Royal Caribbean launched Harmony of the Seas in 2016, it was the world’s largest cruise ship. This 18-deck megaship accommodates 5,479 guests at double occupancy plus 2,200 crew members.

It’s no longer the world’s largest vessel thanks to the arrival of sister ships Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. However, Harmony of the Seas still delivers big fun with an impressive lineup of dining venues, activities and entertainment. This makes it popular among mass-market cruise line fans seeking an active, lively and affordable vacation at sea, whether they’re island-hopping in the Caribbean or exploring historic ports in the Mediterranean.

Seven neighborhoods offer distinct atmospheres with a variety of diversions. The open-air Boardwalk channels beachside fun with a charming carousel, family-friendly eateries such as the Boardwalk Dog House and the AquaTheater, home to thrilling high-diving performances.

Adult-centric Central Park is a lush open-air space with more than 12,000 plants and trees and some of the ship’s most popular restaurants and bars, including Chops Grille and Trellis Bar.

The top-deck Pool and Sports Zone features four pools, two FlowRider surf simulators, a zip line, the Sports Court, three waterslides and the Ultimate Abyss, a giant corkscrew dry slide (which is a 10-story drop I have yet to try, but thrill-seekers will absolutely love). There’s also the adults-only Solarium, which has several large whirlpools.

Two neighborhoods are designed to dazzle with activities that range from creative musical production shows to midnight balloon drops. The Royal Promenade is a day-to-night gathering space that’s home to casual restaurants, lively bars, a comedy club and energetic dance parties. Entertainment Place is the spot to catch a Broadway-style show in the Royal Theater, place a bet at Casino Royale or watch ice-skating performances (and hit the ice if you’re game) at the Studio B ice-skating rink.

Rounding out the list are two neighborhoods, each with a very specific purpose: pampering adults and entertaining kids. The Vitality Spa offers classic treatments, as well as several inspired by both sea and land (among them seaweed and bamboo massages), and the adjacent Fitness Center features cardio machines, weights and fitness classes. The Youth Zone is an age group-specific space dedicated to fun and learning for younger cruisers (toddlers to teens).

Harmony of the Seas buzzes with energy thanks to its 17 restaurants, 14 bars and lounges and multiple entertainment venues. The cruise line’s signature thrills and production shows, coupled with its programming for kids and teens, make this ship a top choice for families.

The ship’s extensive onboard revelry might not make it the best option for those who dislike crowds, queues and cruising with kids. However, for a multigenerational family vacation, a bachelor or bachelorette getaway or a couple’s escape that won’t break the bank, Harmony of the Seas is one big, bold playground at sea.

Harmony of the Seas cabins and suites

Cruisers can choose among 2,755 cabins and suites in categories that include inside windowless, ocean-view, balcony and suites. Several room variations are available within those categories, ranging from the most basic inside cabins for budget-conscious travelers to elevated suites with private whirlpools and exclusive perks.

The decor in all cabins is contemporary in shades of gray and blue. They have a desk/vanity, a flat-screen TV, a small safe, a sofa (or chair in the smallest cabins), a king-size bed that can be separated into two twins (although studio rooms designed for solo travelers have a full-size bed) and a bathroom with a roomy glass-enclosed corner shower.

Special inside windowless options include a Virtual Balcony, a large LED screen featuring a live video from outside that gives the illusion of a balcony, as well as spacious interiors that measure 260 square feet and sleep up to six guests.

Additionally, Royal Caribbean is solo traveler-friendly, and anyone booking a vacation for one can opt for an inside single studio cabin or an ocean-view studio cabin with small round windows.

Ocean-view cabins have a window instead of a balcony and can accommodate up to four guests. Family ocean-view cabins sleep up to six with a king-size bed, pullout sofa and alcove bunk beds.

Some ocean-view balcony cabins can sleep up to four guests (if the sofa has a trundle). Families or larger groups can book it with an adjoining balcony cabin to accommodate up to eight guests (with the bonus of two full bathrooms).

Boardwalk View Balcony and Central Park View Balcony cabins overlook those neighborhoods, providing guests with a view of the action below. However, the rooms lack privacy as they face other balconies across the way, plus noise might be an issue for early-to-bed types or late risers. A good compromise might be a Promenade View, Boardwalk View or Central Park View cabin. These cabins look out over a neighborhood for people-watching, but thicker windows keep out most of the noise.

Finally, Harmony of the Seas suites can accommodate up to 14 guests and feature decor with a more residential feel, including dining tables and sectional sofas, plus upgraded amenities and perks based on the cruise line’s Royal Suite Class tiers (Sea, Sky and Star). These include higher-end bedding and toiletries, special embarkation and disembarkation lounges, free Wi-Fi, plus access to a private sun deck and the Coastal Kitchen restaurant. Top suite categories also include butler services (known as a Royal Genie), crew gratuities and complimentary beverage packages.

The 287-square-foot Junior Suite is the smallest suite category and sleeps up to five guests. It comes with basic Sea-tier perks (access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant, pillow-topped mattresses and upgraded toiletries). With more living space, a larger balcony, a walk-in closet and a marble bathroom with a shower-tub combo, the suite is popular with families with younger kids.

Traditional one-level layouts are featured in the ship’s Sky Class one- or two-bedroom Grand Suites (371 and 580 square feet) and one-bedroom Owner’s Suite (556 square feet).

Harmony of the Seas is also one of just two Royal Caribbean ships (the other is Symphony of the Seas) to feature the four-bedroom Villa Suite, which is 1,142 square feet and sleeps up to 14 guests. (Liberty of the Seas offers a smaller four-bedroom Villa Suite that measures 736 square feet.)

Another splurge option for a celebratory vacation is the two-bedroom Star Class AquaTheater Suite, which ranges in size from 673 to 823 square feet. It sleeps up to eight and features a spacious balcony (610 to 772 square feet), offering a private perch for enjoying AquaTheater performances.

Harmony of the Seas also offers two-floor loft-style suites with a living area and a second-story sleeping area: the 544-square foot Sky Class Crown Loft Suite and the 722-square-foot Star Loft Suite, a Star Class accommodation. Each has a generously sized balcony and sleeps up to four guests. The ship’s top accommodation is the 1,524-square-foot Royal Loft Suite, which has an 843-square-foot balcony with a private whirlpool and sleeps up to six guests.

Guests seeking accessible accommodations will find that Harmony of the Seas has 46 accessible cabins and suites. These are designed with wider door frames, additional space and special features, such as roll-in showers, plus lower sinks and closet rods to accommodate people using wheelchairs or scooters. These are available in interior, balcony and junior suite categories.

Related: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know

Harmony of the Seas restaurants

Harmony of the Seas is especially appealing to families thanks to its abundance of restaurants included in the cruise fare. The main dining room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with menus that change daily. Casual buffet-style Windjammer offers a mix of American classics, such as burgers, fries and chicken tenders and international favorites, like Indian curries and Asian stir-fries, to satisfy a variety of cravings.

Six smaller complimentary eateries are convenient spots to grab lunch or a snack wherever you are on the ship. Boardwalk Dog House, centrally located in the Boardwalk neighborhood, serves flavorful hot dogs and bratwursts, while Sorrento’s and Cafe Promenade, both in the Royal Promenade, offer round-the-clock pizza by the slice and pastries plus a small-plate menu, respectively. Park Cafe serves casual deli favorites in Central Park, Solarium Bistro offers healthy Mediterranean cuisine in the adults-only space, and Mini Bites, located near the Sports Court, is a buffet-style eatery with grab-and-go sliders, tacos and pizza.

Suite guests also have exclusive dining privileges at the Coastal Kitchen, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and specializes in cuisine from seaside areas ranging from the Mediterranean to the Pacific Northwest.

The ship’s extra-cost specialty restaurants range from Johnny Rockets for diner-inspired fare to 150 Central Park for upscale seasonal cuisine. Guests can also book Izumi for sushi and Japanese specialties and Chops Grille for a classic steakhouse menu. Other for-fee options include Jamie’s Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, Sabor Taqueria and Tequila Bar for Latin flavors, Wonderland for creative cuisine that’s both visually and flavorfully imaginative (think smoke, spheres and foams) and Chef’s Table for small-group prix-fixe dining. Starbucks is located on the Boardwalk for a coffee pick-me-up.

Room service is available 24/7, but you’ll pay for anything other than continental breakfast (juices, pastries, cereals, fruit, yogurt and coffee or tea). For all other orders, a $7.95 delivery charge and 18% gratuity charge apply. Room service is free, however, for Star- and Sky-tier Royal Suite Class guests.

Related: Royal Caribbean food: The ultimate cruise guide to restaurants and dining on board

Harmony of the Seas bars and lounges

Harmony of the Seas’ bounty of bars and lounges makes it easy to find a fun place to sip a favorite cocktail or mocktail. One option is the Bionic Bar, where a pair of robotic-arm bartenders mix alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks from a special menu, which includes classic cocktails as well as creatively layered options with names such as Avatar and Bionic Blast. You can even create your own cocktail and have it robotically mixed for you. While this futuristic bar space entertains, the Rising Tide Bar, which is exclusive to Oasis Class vessels, elevates, serving as a convenient platform from which to survey the scene in Central Park and the Royal Promenade as the bar itself moves up and down between three decks.

Two other popular Harmony of the Seas bars, both in open-air Central Park, are ideal for enjoying a low-key vibe and good conversation. Trellis Bar, which mixes fresh sea air, starry skies and an array of specialty cocktails, is a convivial spot to grab a predinner drink before dining at 150 Central Park or Chops Grille, while Vintages offers an impressive selection of wines by the glass or bottle.

Music lovers have several choices: Boleros for Latin-themed rhythms and rum-laced cocktails, Schooner Bar for live piano music and a comprehensive bar menu, Boot & Bonnet Pub for imported beers on tap and rollicking band sessions, and Dazzles for DJ-spun dance tunes and cocktails. Bars are also located in the On Air Club karaoke venue and The Attic comedy club.

Daytime hangouts are centered around the Pool and Sports Zone, where guests can grab a cold one at the Wipe Out Bar while watching the action on the FlowRider surf simulators, order margaritas or mojitos poolside at the Main Pool’s Pool Bar and the Beach Pool’s Sand Bar, or enjoy an adults-only ambience at the Solarium Bar.

Royal Caribbean’s drink packages keep things simple with pay-in-advance daily rates that may make sense for guests who know they’ll be enjoying multiple cocktails per day.

Harmony of the Seas activities

Harmony of the Seas is so visually captivating — it houses a ship-wide, 3,000-piece, $6.5-million contemporary art collection that’s themed “The Wonder of Our World” — that it’s possible to be entertained simply by walking around. Installations throughout the ship include a massive silver “Head” sculpture in the Royal Promenade, vibrant mosaics and murals and a wide array of modern paintings and photographs. But this megaship also offers free attractions and activities for all ages.

Guests can soak in four pools and 10 whirlpools, test their stamina on two FlowRider surf simulators and brave some of the wildest slides at sea. The Perfect Storm is a trio of racer waterslides with wild loops; while the ship’s towering dry slide, the 10-deck Ultimate Abyss takes guests on a dizzying, kaleidoscopic ride featuring pulsing LED lights and lasting 13.4 scream-worthy seconds. I didn’t dare try any of these signature Royal Caribbean slides, but I have eyes — and ears — and the excited shrills I heard from riders seemed genuine.

The equally intimidating rock climbing walls and a zip line that stretches high above the Boardwalk neighborhood are also a hit with adventurous guests. Less strenuous activities, such as the Studio B ice rink and the sports court, with its basketball pick-up games and pickleball matches, offer fun ways to burn off buffet calories. Walkers and joggers can hit the running track, which encircles the ship on Deck 5, with 2.4 laps equaling a mile.

If younger kids are too small for serious thrills, they can still have a ball cooling off under the colorful sprinklers and buckets of the Splashaway Bay water play area or ride the Boardwalk’s carousel. Harmony Dunes minigolf is fun for all ages, while an escape room invites those 12 and older to unravel a mystery (for an extra cost per person).

Adults seeking relaxation can spend a sea day reading a good book in the forward-facing Solarium. The glass-enclosed area has three large, heated whirlpools (but unlike in other Solariums, there’s no cool-water pool) along with comfy loungers, a bar and the Solarium Bistro. Another option: Head to the Vitality Spa for a massage, facial or body treatment (at an extra cost) — or to the fitness center to enjoy an ocean view while keeping fit on a treadmill.

Free evening entertainment on Harmony of the Seas includes the open-air AquaTheater, where divers plunge from 30-foot-high platforms, and acrobats balance on high wires in a synchronized musical spectacle that ranks among my favorite entertainment on an Oasis Class ship.

Guests can also head to the Royal Theater for a live performance of the musical “Grease” and other themed production shows or to Studio B for an ice-show extravaganza. Night owls can keep the momentum going with stand-up comedy in The Attic, gaming in the Casino Royale and late-night dance parties in the Royal Promenade.

Related: The 10 wildest attractions you’ll find on a cruise ship

Harmony of the Seas itineraries and pricing

Harmony of the Seas sails to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas from Galveston, Texas, through March 2026, calling on Cozumel and Puerto Costa Maya in Mexico and Roatan, Honduras. Select sailings will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. The ship will then reposition to Barcelona, where it will cruise the Mediterranean on seven-night round-trip voyages throughout the summer of 2026.

At the time of publication, fares started at $704 per person for an inside cabin on a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise per person, based on double occupancy. A seven-night Western Mediterranean voyage started at $1,272 per person, based on double occupancy.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries

Harmony of the Seas for families

Oasis Class ships are extremely family-friendly because their neighborhoods offer something for everyone. In addition, parents can sign up younger cruisers for Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean’s free kids club for ages 3 to 12. They’ll enjoy supervised daily activities by age group (ages 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12) that include games, arts and crafts classes and fun science activities.

Teens have their own hangout spaces — The Living Room and Fuel Teen Disco — located on deck 15 near the Sports Court and Arcade. While these areas are supervised, teens are able to come and go as they please.

The Royal Babies and Tots program offers drop-off activity sessions (for a fee) for toddlers ages 6 months to 3 years, supervised by trained youth staff, and late-night (10 p.m. to 1 a.m.) babysitting is available for kids ages 6 to 12 at a cost of $10 per hour per child.

Related: Cruise kids clubs: All your questions answered about camps at sea

Harmony of the Seas accessibility

In addition to the above-mentioned accessible cabins, the ship has a number of features designed to accommodate guests requiring mobility assistance. All decks are accessible via the ship’s 24 elevators, corridors are wide enough for 180-degree turning in a wheelchair, most doors are automatic and special accessible public restrooms with automatic doors are located throughout the ship (although not all public restrooms are accessible). Guests will also find forward and rear wheelchair seating in the Royal Theater, Studio B and AquaTheater. Additionally, the main pool and a whirlpool on Deck 15 are both equipped with lifts.

Related: The best cruise lines for wheelchair users and passengers with limited mobility

Bottom line

For activities, entertainment and dining options, it’s hard to beat a family-friendly Oasis Class ship like Harmony of the Seas. It offers both active thrills and cool places to chill, and this lively, always-buzzing megaship wows with imaginative artwork and captivating stage, high-diving and ice-skating spectacles.

There’s a lot to love about Harmony of the Seas — as long as you don’t mind spending your vacation at sea with more than 6,000 other people. Oasis Class ships are well-designed to manage foot traffic within and between neighborhoods. However, there will inevitably be bottlenecks at peak periods, as well as lines for certain activities and restaurants, so guests need to let “go with the flow” be their mantra.

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