Just sailed on Harmony last week. The ship was beautiful, and the shows were fantastic, but I must say I was disappointed in the experience. I've sailed on Oasis 4 times (mid June, late June, spring break, and mid July) and Allure once (over New Years Eve) and NEVER experienced the long lines all over the ship, like we had on Harmony the first week of June. They've added more staterooms and shops to the Oasis class and cut down on public areas. Had to wait in line for 15 minutes just to return a towel on the pool deck!
1) Is it true- no shampoo or conditioner provided?
As someone else mentioned, there is a mystery liquid in the shower. I recommend bringing your own shampoo and conditioner.
2) We have the set dining @ 8:30 - How do they expect you to get to a 10:00 show at 9:30 AND allow
2 hours for dinner?! I had 8:00 on the Allure and it worked out fine-
As soon as you can book your shows, get them reserved, and then change to My Time Dining if you need to. I like traditional dining, but if you are seated at a large table with other people, it can take alot longer than if its just your family. We had My Time, because traditional was full. We only ate in the Main Dining Room 1 night, but we got right in at our reserved time, and told the server that we needed to be out in an hour so we could get to our show early. Another night we ate in Jamie's Italian and the server got us out of there in 45 minutes, when we told her our schedule! Also keep in mind that if you like to sit up front in the shows, you'll want to get there an hour before start time, as they open the doors 45 minutes prior. We did that, and had front row seats for every show.
3) is it true that if you pick anytime dining - say for 7:30- you could still wait in line for your table?
Yes you could, if the people ahead of you don't get out in time. I've always avoided My Time Dining, because I've seen the long lines outside the restaurant. But with our reservations, we were seated right away.
4) Can you get a glass of ice water at any bar or cafe if you don't drink bottled water?
Yes, but expect to wait awhile. I had the Royal Refreshment package that includes bottled water, so I went to the bars to grab bottles to take back to the room. There were usually long lines everywhere (except the Schooner Bar). They do have ice water, and flavored water in the Windjammer, Park Cafe, and Cafe Promenade. I always get nervous about getting water there, as I've seen people refill their water bottles directly from the spout! You can always bring refillable bottles with you and fill them in your stateroom.
5) Best time to embark and disembark?
I usually plan on boarding any ship around 1:00, so the stateroom will be ready. Disembarkation will be hectic, but if you walk off early, you usually beat the lines.
6) We are in our 60's - The other 5 are concerned about 8:30 being so late- I am telling them that there will
Be less crowds and children and a more leisurely day. True? Opinions? We won't do specialty dining.
It really depends upon when you can get into the shows. With My Time you could do a 7:30 dinner. You do want to see the Aqua show after dark, as it is meant to be seen that way. Also book the Aqua show as early in the cruise as possible, as they sometimes have to cancel them due to weather. If it gets to be too late in the cruise, they may not be able to reschedule it.
7) What are the chances of getting 20% off drink package? 30%? And how far out do they start offering it?
They are pushing drink, dining, and internet packages hard! Check your Cruise Planner for discounts, but also keep in mind that the drink packages may go up between now and next year. I'd book as soon as you can, and then if the price goes down you can cancel it. My drink package on Harmony was $150, the same package on Liberty of the Seas in December is showing at over $200! I'm hoping it will come down in price before we sail. I am Diamond Plus, and could get 30% off the Deluxe Drink Package if I purchased it onboard.
8) Can you bring your own wine to dinner? Can you order cocktails at dinner?
Not sure about the wine, but yes you can definitely order cocktails and specialty coffees at dinner.
My cruise on the Allure was so different- It was aunts and cousins from 18-83 - not a lot of drinking or activities. I don't think we will do any excursions but would like to know what we should do on Labadee!
Labadee is a beach day. But there are some cultural excursions offered that visit the other side of the island. Last week my husband and kids got off the ship in Labadee to do the roller coaster and aqua park. I stayed on and enjoyed the peace and quiet onboard!