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Spotted: Cafe Select Coffee Card offers specialty coffee beverages

In:
29 Nov 2016

Royal Caribbean guests can now pre-purchase a Cafe Select Coffee Card prior to their cruise via the Cruise Planner site.

The Cafe Select Coffee Card offers 15 specialty espresso-based coffees for a fixed price that can be used at any time during the cruise. Royal Caribbean claims the coffee card can save up to 50% on individually purchased coffees.

The terms and conditions for the card stipulates that the specialty coffees provided by the card do not include any beverages served inside licensed Starbucks stores/cafes.

The Cafe Select Coffee Card has been available on Oasis class ships since this summer, but this option is now available for guests to pre-purchase on the Cruise Planner site.

Where to eat breakfast on Harmony of the Seas

In:
28 Nov 2016

When you wake up onboard Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, you will probably be wondering where you can get something to eat to start your day. 

There are some obvious choices, but there is also some other options less passengers visit too. Depending on what you're in the mood for, there is something for everyone.

Windjammer

The all-encompassing Windjammer Marketplace is the most popular choice for breakfast, primarily because it offers the greatest variety of food.

For families or just groups that can't all agree on one thing, this is the best option. There is so much to choose from and also has a rather large seating area.  

The Windjammer is also a very popular choice, so it tends to get the most crowded of any breakfast location available on Harmony of the Seas.  During prime breakfast hours on sea days, it can get quite busy and lines to find a table are not uncommon.

Park Cafe

Located in Central Park, Park Cafe is a great alternative to Windjammer because it has a mix of pre-prepared and freshly made breakfast choices. While Park Cafe may not have the variety of choices that the Windjammer does, it does also include some breakfast stations not found anywhere else on Harmony of the Seas.

The menu here offers a little of everything, including a full bagel bar. There's also cereal, pastries, and some hot breakfast items. 

Johnny Rockets

Did you know that Johnny Rockets on Harmony of the Seas is complimentary for breakfast?  All Oasis-class ships offer this option, but many guests are unaware that breakfast is served here, nor that it is included with your cruise fare (Johnny Rockets has a cover charge for lunch and dinner).

The Johnny Rockets breakfast menu on Harmony of the Seas is a traditional American breakfast, with pancakes, omelettes, French toast and the like.  In fact, Johnny Rockets is one spot onboard Harmony of the Seas to get omelet made-to-order.

Johnny Rockets tends to be not very crowded for breakfast, because many guests are unaware of this option, and it also has a large seating capacity (indoor and outdoor seating options).

Mini Bites

Perhaps the fastest breakfast option that is not named "Windjammer" would be the Mini Bites station on Deck 15.

Mini Bites is kind of like a hotel hot breakfast buffet that merged with the Windjammer.  One particular distinction of Mini Bites is that it offers a custom omelet station.

Whether you choose to enjoy your breakfast at one of the many tables nearby, or take it elsewhere on the ship, Mini Bites is a great choice for someone that wants to get something hot and quick.

American Icon Grill

For fans of the main dining room breakfast experience, American Icon Grill is the next best thing.

Having breakfast at the American Icon Grill means you will be seated at a table (sometimes with other guests) and order off a set breakfast menu.  

What attracts most people to breakfast at the American Icon Grill is the table-service experience that is more formal than a buffet. As such, keep in mind that a breakfast in American Icon Grill is designed to be a bit more leisurely, so those looking for a grab-and-go option may want to dine elsewhere.

Just like the Windjammer, it can get busy here too during peak dining times.

Coastal Kitchen

If you happen to be staying in a suite while on Harmony of the Seas, there is a dedicated spot to enjoy breakfast just for you.  

Coastal Kitchen is a complimentary restaurant that is open to suite guests exclusively.  For breakfast, it is only available for guests staying in Sky or Star Class suites and is similar to the main dining room experience in terms of it being a relaxed, sit down environment.

As a suite guest, the appeal of Coastal Kitchen is that it is your exclusive spot onboard Harmony of the Seas to enjoy breakfast without the crowds.

Solarium Bistro

For something "off the beaten path", try the Solarium Bistro on Deck 15. The Solarium Bistro offers a buffet, but the options vary from what you might find at the Windjammer and it tends to be less crowded than some of the other spots mentioned earlier.

What we like about Solarium Bistro is the fact it is less crowded than the Windjammer or Park Cafe, yet offers a good variety of breakfast choices that should satisfy most palettes.

Cafe Promenade

If your idea of breakfast is coffee and a croissant or donut, then head down to the Royal Promenade and grab something quickly at Cafe Promenade.

Danishes, croissants and muffins are the kind of quick grab-and-go breakfast options available (along with a cup of coffee).

Cafe Promenade is great if you are running off the ship for a shore excursion or just want something simple.

What's your favorite spot for breakfast on Harmony of the Seas? Share it with us in the comments below!

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: November 27, 2016

In:
27 Nov 2016

Happy Thanksgiving! As you are enjoying turkey, pumpkin and cranberry leftovers, check out this week's round-up of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news.

Royal Caribbean rolled out a new combo offer that packages Royal Caribbean's high speed Voom internet with the deluxe internet package.

The "Sip and Stream" package is now available via Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner and discounts the total price of trying to purchase the same options individually. For one low price, guests that pre-purchase this combo package can save money on their total cruise price.

There was more Royal Caribbean news from this week, so read on to see it all!

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 173rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which features a behind-the-scenes look at how Royal Caribbean created the entertainment for Harmony of the Seas.

Matt had the exclusive opportunity to interview Royal Caribbean Managing Producer Alex Marchant to discuss how shows like Columbus, The Musical! were created.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

OpenJaw reviewed their time onboard Harmony of the Seas, particularly the entertainment.

Royal Caribbean offers an inside look at what it is like to perform on a cruise ship.

CruiseHabit offers insight into how to pack for a 4-night cruise.

Royal Caribbean offering Black Friday & Cyber Monday Super Sale on Cruise Planner

In:
25 Nov 2016

Royal Caribbean is offering discounts on select pre-cruise purchases via its Cruise Planner site that coincides with Black Friday.

The Black Friday through Cyber Monday Super Sale runs through the end of Monday, November 28 at midnight and applies to options like beverage packages, shore excursions and more.

The exact discounts available will vary from sailing to sailing, but it may be worth checking which discounts are available for your sailing.

To check if your sailing has this new offer available, log into the Cruise Planner on Royal Caribbean's web site and navigate to the Dining & Beverage section to see any available offers.

If you spot a better discount on something you already pre-purchased, you should be able to cancel the purchase and then re-purchase the same item under this promotion.

Royal Caribbean changes Empress of the Seas itinerary due to Tropical Storm Otto

In:
24 Nov 2016

Tropical Storm Otto has forced Royal Caribbean to make an itinerary change to Empress of the Seas' scheduled itinerary.

In a letter distributed to guests onboard, the ship's Captain explained the storm's effect of high winds and rain in the vicinity of Falmouth, Jamaica are expected to significantly disrupt the guest experience. Therefore, Empress of the Seas will visit Ocho Rios, Jamaica instead on November 24 from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Due to the proximity of Ochio Rios to Falmouth, shore excursions booked with Royal Caribbean will continue to run as usual, with just three exceptions.

Spotted: Royal Caribbean drink package and internet combo offer

In:
24 Nov 2016

Royal Caribbean has a new option that we have spotted in the Cruise Planner that combines two popular cruise add-ons into one package together.

The Deluxe Package And Voom One Device offers guests the deluxe beverage unlimited alcohol package and a one-device Voom plan in one combo.

The cost of this package was listed at $49 per guest, per day. Compared to buying the two options separately, there are savings to the guest.

Keep in mind that this option may not be available for all guests, and exact pricing may vary depending on your sailing.

Behind-the-scenes look at Harmony of the Seas' entertainment on Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

In:
23 Nov 2016

Our newest podcast episode is out to help give you a quick "audio escape" to a Royal Caribbean cruise!

Episode 173 is available for downloading, where we offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how Royal Caribbean created the amazing entertainment on Harmony of the Seas.

In this week's episode, Matt sits down with Royal Caribbean Managing Producer Alex Marchant to discuss how Royal Caribbean brought the various shows on Harmony of the Seas to fruition, from concept to constuming to curtains up.

Here’s the podcast page for Episode 173. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSSStitcher or on iTunes!

Take a listen and as always, let us know what you think! Please rate and review the podcast on iTunes and leave your comments below!

Royal Caribbean Cyber Monday Super Sale will offer up to $300 spending money onboard

In:
22 Nov 2016

Royal Caribbean is getting into the holiday buying spirit, with a three day "Cyber Monday Super Sale" that will offer quite a bit of onboard credit on top of the cruise line's current promotion.

The Cyber Monday deal will be valid on new Royal Caribbean cruises booked between November 26-28, 2016 for cruises on or after Dec. 25, 2016 (excluding China departures). The deal includes:

  • 50% Reduced Deposits
  • Up to $300 Onboard Credit per stateroom:
    • 5 Nights or Less:
      • $50 Onboard Credit for an Interior/Oceanview Stateroom 
      • $75 Onboard Credit for a Balcony Stateroom 
      • $100 Onboard Credit for a Deluxe Stateroom
    • 6 Nights or More:
      • $75 Onboard Credit for an Interior/Oceanview Stateroom 
      • $150 Onboard Credit for a Balcony Stateroom 
      • $300 Onboard Credit for a Deluxe Stateroom 

This great offer can be combined with Royal Caribbean’s November offer featuring BOGO 50% off with 25% savings for 3rd and 4th guests plus up to $100 Onboard Credit per stateroom.

  • 5 Nights or Less:
    • $25 Onboard Credit for an Interior/Oceanview Stateroom 
    • $50 Onboard Credit for a Balcony/Deluxe Stateroom 
  • 6 Nights or More:
    • $50 Onboard Credit for an Interior/Oceanview Stateroom 
    • $100 Onboard Credit for a Balcony/Deluxe Stateroom 

10 free activities on Harmony of the Seas

In:
21 Nov 2016

Royal Caribbean has packed Harmony of the Seas with a vast array of activities and things to do, including plenty of entertainment that is included with your cruise fare. Certainly there are lots of optional dining, gaming and indulgent add-ons that come with an additional cost, but if you want to keep your onboard spending account low(er), then we have a list of our favorite complimentary things to do onboard.

We picked the ten complimentary activities that we really enjoyed, but there is plenty more provided on Royal Caribbean's head-turning ship. Without further adieu, here is our top ten favorite free activities on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas.

1. Grease

Broadway shows have a reputation of being expensive, but Royal Caribbean has included this all-time favorite Broadway show in the cost of your Harmony of the Seas cruise fare.

Grease is the full Broadway production, and features 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.

2. Children's programming

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean program has won many awards over the years for providing the very best supervised kids programming at sea. On Harmony of the Seas, there is one of the largest Adventure Ocean spaces to date on any Royal Caribbean ship.

Kids are a big part of the cruise experience on Harmony of the Seas, and parents can rest assured that their children are having a fun time in a supervised environment, with plenty going on.

Kids will love the array of fun activities onboard and parents will enjoy some time apart from the kiddos!

3. FlowRider

Onboard Harmony of the Seas, you will find two FlowRider surf simulators on the aft of the ship, where you can try your hand at stand-up surfing or boogie boarding.

The FlowRider has become an incredibly popular activity on Royal Caribbean ships, both to experience as a participant or as a spectator. The FlowRider is a complimentary activity, where you simply need to line up and wait your turn to ride. In addition, Royal Caribbean offers private and group lessons for a nominal fee, if you feel the need to learn quicker.

4. Zip lining

Royal Caribbean offers passengers the opportunity to zip line 9 decks above the ground, stretching 82 feet from end to end.

Passengers must be at least 52" tall to participate and weigh a maximum of 275 pound, also must at least weigh 75 pounds.

The zip line is free and guests must sign a waiver.

5. AquaTheater shows

The AquaTheater on Harmony of the Seas is the distinct high diving, acrobatic performance space introduced by Royal Caribbean with the Oasis class of ships.  It features two 10-meter high platforms and the hydraulic-floored pool, the largest and deepest freshwater pool at sea, below serves as podiums for high-diving, hair-raising aerobatics that AquaTheater audiences have come to love.

There are two signature complimentary shows performed in the AquaTheater, The Fine Line and Hideaway Heist.  

The Fine Line is all about high-flying feats, mind blowing stunts and physically demanding acrobatics brought to life by the world’s best extreme-sport athletes.

Hideaway Heist is an action packed aqua show that combines amazing wows and some laughs.

6. Water slides

If you had to list the most exciting new features coming to Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, the new water slides have to be near the top of that list. Harmony of the Seas is the first Oasis class ship to have water slides and are included in your cruise fare.

There are three slides, two racer slides and a champagne bowl slide.

The slides descend three decks through a series of twists and turns over the ship’s tree-lined Central Park neighborhood 10 decks below.

7. Ultimate Abyss

Speaking of slides, the thrill experience on Harmony of the Seas is the Ultimate Abyss, which is the tallest slide at sea.

The Ultimate Abyss is more than 150 feet above sea level and offers side-by-side slides that send guests down 10 decks at a rate of 9 miles per hour. Launching onto the ride from a glass platform, guests can take one last look at the Boardwalk 10 decks below before climbing onto a customized mat and taking the plunge into the depths of the daunting slides.

There is no cost to ride the Ultimate Abyss, which means plenty of time to scream down the slide, over and over again.

8. 1887

Royal Caribbean has built a reputation for producing some truly wonderful ice skating shows on its ships, and Harmony of the Seas has the best ice skating show we have seen on any Royal Caribbean ship, 1887: A Journey in Time.

1887 is a brand new show by Royal Caribbean Productions that is about love and adventure and is best described as a, "steampunk styled ice show."

There is no cost to see 1887, although we do recommend reserving a spot for the show via the complimentary reservation system in Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner.

9. Aqua park

For kids, Royal Caribbean has completely reimagined its pool deck offerings that are intended for the younger crowd.  On Harmony of the Seas, there is a brand new "aquatic adventure park" known as Splashaway Bay.

Splashway Bay has plenty of splashing, with fountains, buckets, sprays and even slides for kids to enjoy to their heart's content.  Splashaway Bay was built to be a focal point of the pool area, and offer yet another improvement on what the cruise line has been known for in the past.

Like all the pool deck fun, Splashaway Bay has no cost to use, and is certain to be a very popular spot with your kids.

10. A ride on the carousel

In the Boardwalk neighborhood, guests young and old can enjoy a ride on a classic carousel that is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. The carousel on Harmony of the Seas is hand-crafted and especially designed by Carousel Works for Royal Caribbean and is one-of-a-kind.

Inspired by turn-of-the-century carousels that were found in the northeastern United States, Harmony of the Seas' carousel is a classic attraction that is as beautiful in design as it is enjoyable to ride.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: November 20, 2016

In:
20 Nov 2016

Happy Sunday! Temperartures may be dropping, but there is plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share.  This is your weekly summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week, perfectly fitted for your consumption.

Harmony of the Seas is still dominating the news cycles this week, and Royal Caribbean announced one of its signature restaurants is getting a brand new menu.

150 Central Park on all Oasis class ships is getting a new multi-course menu, which highlights artisinal ingredients.

The new menu is aimed at encouraging guests to return again and again to experience something new each time. Selections include lobster gnocchi with carrot butter sauce, herb salad or Bittersweet Chocolate Bourbon Tart with salted caramel, spiced pecans, cranberry chutney and chantilly cream.

Set in the Central Park neighborhood, 150 Central Park has a $45 cover charge, and includes from a variety of appetizers, entrées and dessert including a tableside cheese cart. 150 Central Park is the creation of James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Podcast

The 172nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which features a review of Matt's recent cruises on Harmony of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt returns from two quick Harmony of the Seas sailings and shares his thoughts on how this brand new ship stacks up, and what resonated with him during his time onboard.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Onboard has 30 tips you must know before sailing on Harmony of the Seas.

Cruise Critic has 6 Royal Caribbean cruise hacks you need in your life.

OpenJaw wrote about their experiences on Harmony of the Seas.

ShermansCruise has a list of 10 things they love about Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has a 360 degree view of Harmony of the Seas inaugural departure from the United States.

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