Mega Ship Surprise

     Royal Caribbean International is triumphing over its competitors in operational excellence.  For experienced cruisers or first timers, the booking process is simple & the boarding process is efficient.  I would highly recommend completing all the pre-boarding documents including the newest option to upload a photo of yourself.  The completion of these necessary items might just expedite boarding & have you sun bathing on the top deck sooner than you think. 

Our 7-night Caribbean cruise aboard Harmony of the Seas was a surprise vacation for my wife & the reservation agents helped to ensure it stayed this way when it came to sending/receiving confirmation emails.   As Emerald status Crown & Anchor members, the service team treated us very well from start to finish.  Here are a few highlights that I recommend while on-board: 

Live Entertainment:
     Grease- this live musical did not disappoint.  Live vocals, exceptional dancing, & a cutting edge set are just a few of my favorites.  I recommend arriving 20-30 minutes early for best seating even with reservations.  
Specialty Dining:
     Wonderland- Have you heard of molecular gastronomy?!  If not, I highly recommend you look into this & then book the Wonderland restaurant prior to boarding Harmony of the Seas.  Be sure to bring your camera & your taste buds.  You will certainly want to document the experience.  Try the "fish in a bag!"  It's amazing.  (photo below)
On-board Recreation: 
     Flow Riders- I am no surfer but I did test my balance on a surfboard as the water passed underneath the board at 20-30 mph.  Do not be afraid if you fall.  Simply make your way over to the body boarding Flow Rider & test yourself while lying down on a board.  I recommend protecting your feet with water shoes as both my wife & I noticed irritation on the tops of our feet after multiple experiences on both Flow Riders.  Note: the Ultimate Abyss dry slide is very near to the Flow Riders.  Be advised you must wear proper attire in order for the Recreation staff to approve you to ride.  I recommend reading the sign for attire AND speaking with the staff to ensure you are not turned away.  
Shore Excursion:
     Caribbean Cooks - KTG1 on St. Kitts- If you desire the best tasting grouper fish of your life, please book this excursion.  A Guest in our tour group noted that she did not like fish but after tasting the grouper, she changed her mind.  As for my wife & I, we loved every item on the menu.  But wait!  There's more!  Not only will you be eating this beautiful island inspired food, you will also help to cook it right alongside the chef!  This is truly a great excursion for couples & transportation to/from the port is included.  The cost was $90 per person & we received a copy of the recipes to take home for jerk chicken, grouper, red beans & rice, bread fruit, & bread pudding (photo below).  The natural ginger beverage was a refreshing addition to the meal.  I highly recommend.  

- Chandler ​

Halibut ("fish in a bag") at Wonderland restaurant aboard Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas (Below) 

Bread pudding at Caribbean Cooks - KTG1 on the island of St. Kitts (Below)