Relaxation Therapy: The Most Relaxing Things I Did While on Harmony of the Seas

July 31, 2020.

Many of us go through life working day after day, week after week, year after year. We run into unexpected chaos. We spend precious time we cannot get back battling insecurities and trying to heal from wounds of the past.

We spend the best years of our life trying to create that beautiful image of success that is forever floating in our heads. We stumble through this journey pursuing business, educational and relationship goals. We make conscious attempts to lead a Godly life, have an intact family, enjoy a rewarding career, all while paying homage to the few who have successfully mirrored what that looks like without losing their minds.

I believe that if you work hard you should also play hard. Relaxation should not be a retirement goal, or an end-result, or an “If.” Relaxation is therapy. It is a beautiful comma inserted into our never-ending checklist called life.

Traveling is therapeutic for me. It allows me the opportunity to process feelings of wonder, appreciation, serenity and gratitude within a world of unexpected challenges.

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas was just what the doctor ordered. There is nothing more rewarding than relaxing on a floating beast in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. You are surrounded by grandiose waves (I know this might appear scary to some but it truly is a phenomenon to be reckoned with), and the timeless beauty of God’s exquisite creation.

HERE ARE THE TOP 5 THINGS I ENJOYED MOST WHILE ON MY HARMONY OF THE SEAS CRUISE VACATION:

The Food

There is nothing that relaxes me more than good food. Although I enjoyed the unlimited food options that were included in the cost of our cruise, my husband decided to splurge a little so we could experience the Specialty Dining.

Ladies, if you have a husband who works hard, loves spending time with you (even if it’s not what’s ideal in your mind), treats you good, loves God, takes care of your children, and puts you before himself, don’t spend time beating him on the head about what he doesn’t do. Praise him for the wonderful things he does do. Don’t bring up his past mistakes or his flaws. Life is short. Love him just the way he is, and appreciate the time you do have together. Okay, I will stop there but I just can’t say how important it is to cherish what you have.

So with the dining package my husband purchased, we were able to dine at Wonderland, Chops Grille, Jamie’s Italian Restaurant, Izumi’s Japanese Cuisine, 150 Central Park and Coastal Kitchen. They were all simply amazing but our favorite dining experience was at Wonderland. We also really enjoyed the food at Jamie’s Italian Restaurant. I must mention that the Fried Cheesecake at 150 Central is one not to miss. It was mouthwatering to say the least.

The Activities

One way I relax is by having fun, and Harmony of the Seas has something for everyone. Here is a list of some of the activities I really enjoyed.  All of these were included in the price of the cruise:

The Zipline

Strolling Central Park

Carousel Ride and Hot Dog on the Boardwalk

The Ultimate Abyss (A 10-Story Slide)

The Perfect Storm (3 Amazing Water Slides)

Flow Rider (Free Surf and Boogie Board Lessons)

Ice Skating Rink

The Rock Climbing Wall (I observed from the ground)

Mini-Golf

Dodgeball Tournament (I missed out on this one but left it on the list because I plan to do it next time.)

Outdoor Movies and Hot Tub

Live Jazz Performances

Bionic Bar (While the drinks are not free, I did want to include it because it was so relaxing having a robot to prepare my drink. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available.)

The Shows

All of the shows are included in your cruise fare but you will need to make a reservation in advance. The shows were really entertaining. Here are my two favorites:

The Fine Line Diving Show in the AquaTheater.

The Ice Skating Show (1887) located in Studio B.

They also do a really good comedy show and two Broadway Musicals (Grease and Columbus).

The Caribbean Islands

I love stepping outside of the “world” in which I live and visiting other countries. I learn from others by experiencing their traditions, observing what they do, and from listening to their stories.

On our October 2019 cruise with Harmony of the Seas, we visited Labadee, Haiti; San Juan, Puerto Rico and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. We enjoyed getting to know the locals as well as being immersed in the different cultures. One of the locals implored us to take the jet ski out and to part the waves of the Caribbean Blue waters so we did just that.

Our Balcony Suite

Okay, this was hands downs my favorite and most relaxing part of our cruise. It was the ultimate relaxation therapy. This is where I meditated and reflected on God’s love and mercy. At night, I would sit out on the balcony and slowly inhale the saltwater breeze while listening to the sounds of the crashing waves. It was simply breathtaking. No work. No worries. No interruptions.

Relaxation is therapeutic and vital to the revitalization of one’s body, mind and soul. Whether we find time to relax at home, on a cruise, or in another country, the point is that we find time to relax. Not once, but over and over again.

If you have been desiring a getaway to emotionally decompress, but cannot seem to make it happen due to finances or time constraints, ask God. Matthew 7:7-8 says Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks findeth; and to him that knocks it shall be opened. I encourage you to begin looking for ways to insert purposeful and meaningful relaxation into your lifestyle. Just know, there is nothing more relaxing than allowing God to calm the storms in your life so that you can experience peace, joy and an abundance of His majestic wonder.