Ultimate Guide to Cruising on Harmony of the Seas: How to Fly, Pack, and Enjoy Your Cruise in Style Without Breaking the Bank
There’s something magical about cruising, especially when you’re sailing on one of the largest and most extravagant ships on the planet — Harmony of the Seas. But before you even step foot onboard, you need to think about how to get there. Flights, packing, and cruising hacks are all part of the adventure, and I’m here to guide you through every step.
This isn’t just any guide — it’s your affordable luxury guide, helping you travel in style without going into debt. I’m going to walk you through flying in, getting upgrades, and all the must-have Amazon finds that will elevate your cruise experience. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: How to Get to Your Cruise Without Breaking the Bank
One of the biggest mistakes first-time cruisers make is booking their flights directly with the cruise line. Now, cruise lines will offer you a “convenient” flight bundle, but let me tell you — don’t do it! Not only are these packages often overpriced, but you’re also locked into flights that might not be ideal for your schedule.
Instead, your best bet is to hop onto Skyscanner. It’s hands down the best website to find flight deals. I’ve found flights for as low as $200 round-trip to Miami or Fort Lauderdale (where Harmony of the Seas typically departs). You can even set alerts for price drops and deals — perfect for getting that budget-friendly fare.
Pro Tip: When flying to your cruise, always fly in the day before embarkation. Even if the cruise line guarantees they’ll hold the ship if your flight is delayed, do you really want that kind of stress? Give yourself time to settle in, explore the port city, and relax before you set sail.
And hey, you’ll also want to get on board with earning those travel points with American Express Gold — this is the best card to start earning miles. Right now, there’s an amazing 90K intro offer for signing up. Imagine racking up points for this cruise and your future travels. Use my exclusive link, and don’t miss out!
Step 2: Packing Like a Pro for Your Cruise
Cruising means you’re living out of your suitcase for a week or more, so packing efficiently is key. You’ll need to bring along your essentials, but also a few handy extras to make the trip more enjoyable. Lucky for you, I’ve got some tried-and-true packing hacks.
First things first: magnet hooks. The walls in cruise ship cabins are magnetic, so these little gadgets are a lifesaver when it comes to creating extra storage space for hanging hats, bags, or even towels. Grab a set of these on Amazon — they’re a game changer!
Another must-have? Packing cubes. Keep your clothes organized and compartmentalized so you’re not digging through your suitcase every day. Plus, unpacking in your cabin will be a breeze.
A few more key tips
Full list to items I recommend you can See Here >>
What You CAN’T Bring Onboard:
- Irons or any heating appliances
- Extension cords
- Weapons of any kind (Yes, even toy guns for kids!)
- Alcohol (except one bottle of wine per adult, depending on the cruise line’s policy)
Always check the official list from Royal Caribbean to make sure you’re not packing anything that will get confiscated at boarding.
Luggage Tip:
Tag your bags with your room number, name, and phone number. I can’t tell you how many times bags get misplaced, and you don’t want to start your vacation hunting down your suitcase! Get your tag holders here
Step 3: Why Balcony Rooms Are Worth Every Penny
Harmony of the Seas is an absolute beast of a ship, and while it’s tempting to book an interior room to save some cash, let me tell you — balcony rooms are absolutely worth the splurge.
Picture this: You wake up to the sound of the ocean, step out onto your private balcony, and enjoy your morning coffee while watching the sunrise over the horizon. No scrambling for deck chairs or dealing with crowds — just you and the ocean.
But how do you snag a balcony room without breaking the bank? Two words: Upgrade hacks.
Getting Free Upgrades:
- Book Early: The earlier you book, the better chance you have at securing a better room.
- Keep an Eye on Prices: Even after you book, keep an eye on room prices. If they drop, call Royal Caribbean and ask for an upgrade or price adjustment.
- Bid for an Upgrade: Royal Caribbean offers a bidding system called RoyalUp. This allows you to bid for a better room at a lower price than the listed rates.
Step 4: Dining Options Aboard Harmony of the Seas
Now, onto one of the best parts of any cruise — the food! Harmony of the Seas offers a variety of dining experiences, both free and paid.
- Free Dining Options:
- Windjammer Marketplace: A massive buffet offering everything from breakfast favorites to international cuisine.
- Main Dining Room: Enjoy sit-down meals with a rotating menu each night, all included in your fare.
- Sorrento’s: Craving pizza? Head here for a quick slice, free of charge.
- Park Café: A great spot for a quick bite or a light snack.
- Specialty (Paid) Dining:
- Chops Grille: One of Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouses. If you’re a meat lover, this is a must-try.
- Wonderland: If you’re looking for something unique, Wonderland offers imaginative dishes that play with your senses.
- Izumi Hibachi & Sushi: If you love sushi, this one’s for you. Expect fresh rolls and teppanyaki prepared right in front of you.
Drink Packages: Worth It?
Royal Caribbean offers a range of drink packages, but whether you should get one depends on your drinking habits. If you’re a soda fiend like me (hello, Coca-Cola all day), consider the Refreshment Package, which gives you unlimited soda, juice, and specialty coffees. For those who enjoy mocktails, this package is perfect. If you’re a frequent drinker (non-alcoholic, of course!), it may be worth upgrading to the Deluxe Beverage Package, which includes everything from mocktails to fancy juices.
Step 5: Fun for the Kids (and the Kid at Heart)
Harmony of the Seas is jam-packed with activities for kids of all ages. From the Ultimate Abyss (a 10-story dry slide that’s an absolute thrill) to Splashaway Bay, a waterpark designed just for the little ones, there’s no shortage of things to do. If your kids are into zip lines or surfing, they can catch some waves on the FlowRider or zip across the ship on the zip line.
There’s also Adventure Ocean, the dedicated kids’ club, which offers age-appropriate activities for different groups. Whether your child is 3 or 12, they’ll find something fun to do, and you’ll get a little adult time to enjoy the ship.
Step 6: Excursions and Shore Tours
When it comes to shore excursions, Viator is your best friend. Harmony of the Seas sails to some incredible destinations, and Viator offers tours and excursions at competitive prices. Whether you want to snorkel in the Caribbean or explore historical sites in Europe, Viator has you covered.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
One last thing before you set sail — don’t leave home without Nomad Health Insurance by SafetyWing. It’s the best travel health insurance for cruisers and offers peace of mind when you’re sailing the high seas. Trust me, you don’t want to deal with unexpected medical bills in a foreign country or on the ship. Better safe than sorry!
Your Worry-Free, Seamless Cruise Experience
Lastly, if planning a trip like this sounds overwhelming, let me remind you about my Ultimate Travel Guides and Cheat Sheets. I’ll plan every detail of your vacation for you, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy. From flights and hotels to excursions, everything is done for you. No stress, no hassle — just smooth sailing.
And that’s it, folks — your ultimate guide to cruising on Harmony of the Seas, packed with affordable luxury tips and tricks to ensure your trip is as smooth as possible. Remember, with a little planning (and a lot of hacks), you can travel in style without breaking the bank.
Until next time here’s to smooth skies, good company, a journey full of happy memories. I’m your Travel Hack Guide to affordable luxury tips. Catch you later. Peace
Travel Hack Guy
ZachusTravel.com & YouTube.com/zachustravel
