Family cruise - Harmony of the Seas: our first time on a cruise
This year, we simply wanted to slow down. After several intense months at the office, the idea of planning a trip full of travel and adventure didn't really appeal to us. What we really wanted relax, enjoy the sun and spend time with your family, stress-free.
Initially, we were looking at all-inclusives in the Caribbean, but with the problems at Cuba and certain tensions in the Mexico, However, prices were not as attractive as in previous years. It was only during the post-Christmas promotions that we discovered a really attractive offer with Royal Caribbean.
In the end, the cruise was the perfect solution: one trip, several destinations, all-inclusive on board and, above all, zero organizational stress. Just what we were looking for for our spring break.
The big questions on everyone's mind
When we started looking at options, we had a few very specific criteria in mind. The first thing: we wanted a big, beautiful boat, with lots of activities on board. With two energetic teenagers, we had to keep things moving! We couldn't imagine spending our days just sitting by the pool.
That's why we chose the Harmony of the Seas from Royal Caribbean. This ship is practically a floating city: zip-line, surf simulator, water slides, climbing wall, shows... In short, there's always something to do, even during days at sea.
Second important point: itinerary. We wanted a cruise that went downhill quite south of the Caribbean, to maximize the chances of good weather and warmth throughout the week.
We were also looking for long stopovers in the ports. For us, the aim is not just to get off the boat for a few hours, but really to have the time to visit the island, explore a little and enjoy the beaches or local villages.
And there was one last very clear rule: we didn't want a stopover on a private island belonging to the cruise line. Although some travellers love it, we prefer to discover new things. real destinations, with their culture, landscapes and local ambience.
What everyone believes, «The cruise at 3200$ all inclusive, we just add the plane and we're good!».
The facts and figures (our Galveston 2026 experience, 2 adults, 2 teens) :
- Cruise 3200$ (family cabin 7 nights, 800$/pers. promo)
- Plane 4400$ (1100$/pers. Montreal → Houston, spring break = x2)
- Uber 160$ (3 races)
- Hotel before/after cruise 446$ (basic, but port/airport = price x3)
- Excursions 1540$ (385$/pers. Rouatan/Costa Maya/Cozumel)
- Mandatory tips 828$ (18.5US/pers./day × 4 × 8 nights)
- Drinks not included 210$ (without Deluxe Beverage Package)
- Car rental with one-way option : 150$
- Pre- and post-cruise activities 600$ (Galveston/Houston)
- Stopover/outside restaurants : 525$
- Airport parking Free (thanks to the father-in-law)
- eSims card : 70$ (Sea and land)
TOTAL : ~11,000$
The first rule of winter cruising is simple: arrive in port the day before. In early March, especially when departing from Canada, snowstorms and flight delays are always a possibility.
Before the cruise, we also checked out the famous drinks packages. On paper, it may look interesting... but in our case, it wasn't really worth it.
Here are a few things that got us thinking:
- The alcohol package revolves around 100 $ per day.
- The non-alcoholic beverage package about 50 $ per day.
- Even the soda package is around 20 $ per day.
The problem? Drinks package must be purchased by all persons in the cabin,. What's more, it's compulsory for the entire duration of the cruise.
When you do the math on 8 days, And since we're planning to spend several days ashore during our stopovers. And as we're planning to spend several days ashore during the stopovers, this further limits the time we'll be able to take advantage of it.
In the end, we decided to do not take a package and simply pay for the occasional drink. And that was the right choice for us.
Another important small logistical item: transport between the airport and Galveston, where the cruise port is located. The distance is approx. 1 hour drive since Houston.
Several options are available:
- Official shuttle: approx. 60 $ per person
- Cab or private transport
- Uber
For a family, the shuttle was quite expensive. So we booked a Uber in advance, for approximately 110 $ total. If you book in advance, the price doesn't depend on traffic. The driver waited for us directly at the airport, everything was done quickly and it was frankly the easiest solution.
Organizing a cruise requires a little more preparation than a simple all-inclusive trip. Contrary to what you might think, a number of elements need to be planned in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises and, above all, to save money. For example, excursions offered directly on the ship are often 3 to 4 times more expensive than those you can organize yourself.
Here are some important things to prepare before you leave:
- Visit flights or transport to the port of departure
- L’hotel before the cruise, to arrive the day before and avoid the stress of a flight delay
- L’hotel after the cruise, especially if the return is late or the next day
- Visit transport between airport, hotel and port (cab, shuttle, public transport)
- Visit excursions in each port, often much cheaper when booked in advance with local suppliers
- Visit travel documents (passports, visas if necessary)
- L’travel insurance
- Visit planning days in port to maximize available time
With a little preparation, a cruise can become an incredible experience... while remaining much more affordable than if everything is booked directly on board.
In general, it is We recommend that you bring your passport with you when you disembark at ports of call.. Even if, in many ports, a simple ship's identity card may suffice to get back on board, your passport remains the most important official document in case of unforeseen circumstances.
That said, some travellers prefer to leave their passport in the cabin trunk and bring their own. hard copy or photo of passport, to reduce the risk of loss or theft.
Adventure of the week
Stage 1: First evening in Galveston
After our flight to Houston, we take the road to Galveston, the port of departure for our cruise aboard the Harmony of the Seas. An hour's drive later, we arrive at the end of the afternoon, just in time to enjoy the ocean.
Our hotel is located right on the beach. No time to dawdle: we drop off our suitcases, change quickly and head out for a walk. feet in the sand, with the gulf wind and the sound of the waves. After the Quebec winter, this simple moment at the water's edge is already doing you a world of good.
In the distance, the lights of the famous Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. A large American-style pier filled with rides, lights and fairground atmosphere. I pretend to discover this by chance... but in reality, it was a little surprise planned for my boys.
On the way, we stop off at a typical american ad terrace facing the sea, music and a relaxed atmosphere. On the menu: a nice cold beer and a big burger, all while watching the waves crash on the beach. A simple but perfect way to start the vacation.
The evening then moves on to the illuminated quayside, with the rides, the smell of cotton candy and the excitement in the air. A first evening that already sets the tone for the trip: relaxation, fun and family time even before boarding the ship the next day.
Stage 2: The first days at sea
The day of boarding at Galveston, we arrive at the terminal with a sense of excitement... and also with a sense of lots of people. Passengers everywhere, suitcases, seemingly endless queues. At first glance, it can seem a little chaotic.
But honestly, it's much faster than imagined. The organization of Royal Caribbean International is well practiced, and in no time at all, you're on board the gigantic Harmony of the Seas.
And then... the exploration begins.
With such a huge boat, you feel like you're stepping into a floating town. Soon, the guys discover a funny activity that seems to be popular on the ship: duck hunting. Little plastic ducks that passengers hide all over the boat. The aim? Find them... or hide some of your own.
Result: we start exploring every corner, every deck and every nook of the boat. Between the swimming pools, waterslides, sports fields, shows and different areas of the ship, we literally want to see it all, try it all.
The first two days at sea go by at breakneck speed. We go to bed late, get up early, always with something to do or discover.
Honestly, by the time the second day was over, we were almost a little taste of disappointment. We could easily have started another day exactly like it.
Even though we're rather early risers, we held back from setting an alarm clock to get even more out of it... but the urge was there. When a trip gives you a taste for slow down time, is often a sign that you're in exactly the right place.
Stage 3: Authentic adventure in Honduras
Our first port of call is the island of Roatán, at Honduras. As we're not particularly the “full day on the beach” type, we wanted to avoid staying in the tourist port area or paying for a rather expensive excursion offered by Royal Caribbean International.
So before the trip, I did a bit of research and found out a private guide, a French expatriate living on the island.
See you at 8:30 a.m. at the port exit for a full day of exploration.
Right from the start, we know we're in for something different. We quickly leave the tourist areas behind cross the island from east to west, with several stops that allow us to discover the true face of Roatán.
Immerse yourself in the local culture
Step one: an artisan chocolate factory, where you can discover how cocoa is processed locally. The smell of chocolate, explanations of production and tasting... a stop that's as gourmet as it is interesting.
Then it's off to the coast for a little adventure on a water cab to explore an ancient pirate village and their hideaways along the coast. It's a place full of maritime stories and legends that give the island a different perspective.
Another highlight was a visit from the “Little Venice of Honduras”, a village built on the water with colorful houses and footbridges. We then continue on to a village in the Garifuna community, where our guide explains the history and traditions of this Afro-Caribbean people living on several Central American islands and coasts.
Nature and history of the island
On the way back to the west of the island, we stop at the Mayan Eden Eco Park. The park features a number of local wildlife animals, a butterfly nursery and replicas of Mayan stelae, with plenty of explanations of the civilizations that have left their mark on the region.
Throughout the day, our guide also tells us about the history of the island, local politics and the current situation, We'll also be passing through a number of small villages far from the tourist circuit.
A unique day
What made the day even more incredible was that there were three different cruise ships docked on the island that day. And yet, throughout our excursion... we hardly came across any tourists.
A day filled with discovery, history and local encounters. Clearly one of the finest travel experiences.
Stage 4: Chacchoben ruins - Costa Maya
The next day, stopover in Costa Maya, at Mexico. As is often the case on stopovers, our strategy is simple: get up early to be among the first off the boat. The aim is clear: avoid the crowds and make the most of the day.
When you disembark, you soon discover that the port is practically a huge tourist resort Swimming pools, restaurants, bars, massages, hairdressing salons, colorful boutiques... all perfectly equipped for cruise passengers.
The arrows point to the exit... but not before making us cross the entire private village. It doesn't take long to understand the concept: make visitors walk past all the shops before exiting. After several minutes of zigzagging between the stores, we finally arrived. outside the port.
Cab negotiations
Our objective is clear: to visit the ruins of Chacchoben.
So we start looking for a cab.
First prize: 160 $.
Runner-up: 140 $.
Then 120... then 100...
Finally, after some discussion, we managed to find a driver willing to take us there for 80 $. At this point, we feel we've probably reached the end of the road. reasonable price.
The journey takes about one hour. As you leave the tourist area, the scenery changes completely: a long straight road, with marshes on either side and practically no housing for the entire journey. Only by joining the Pan-American Highway a little more activity before arriving at the archaeological site.
A slightly confused arrival
Our extremely kind driver insists on accompanying us to the entrance. He really wants to help us, but the situation is getting a bit confusing.
First counter: about 5 $ per person.
We go through the barrier.
Second counter a little further on: still about 12 $ per person.
At this point, I have to admit that I don't really understand the system anymore. I wonder if all this is normal, or if we've just been getting a little screwed. The tour begins with a bitter taste.
Finally... a wonderful discovery
But as soon as you start walking around the site, everything changes.
We meet again almost alone to explore the ruins of Chacchoben. The Mayan structures emerge quietly from the jungle, surrounded by immense trees and the sound of birds.
It may not be the ruins in Mexico, but they are very beautiful and above all incredibly peaceful. For about 1h15, We take the time to walk around, explore the pyramids and imagine what life was like in this ancient Mayan city.
In the end, despite a slightly chaotic start, we got through a beautiful morning before heading back to port and returning aboard the Harmony of the Seas.
Stage 5: Cozumel ATV adventure and diving
True to form, we're getting up even earlier that morning: 7 a.m. already on the platform. As at every stopover, we cross the fake cruise village, with its stores and restaurants, before finally reaching the exit to explore the island.
And this time... a surprise for the boys we have planned a day Mountain biking through the cenotes and ruins of Cozumel. The boys, used to adventure but never on mountain bikes exploring an entire island, are over the moon. Even with a less athletic teenager at home, they're having the time of their lives, between winding paths, trees and small waterfalls around the cenotes.
A local gourmet break
Just before noon, a short stop at a family-run organic tequila boutique. Even though I'm not usually a fan, I loved it: it's really different from what you find here. No need for salt or lemon, just enjoy! like a good scotch, with all the subtleties of natural taste. A wonderful discovery for the whole family.
And well... I must admit that the boys also have tasted a little tequila... but this is Mexico, so we couldn't deny them this local rite!
Snorkeling in Cozumel
And, of course, being in Cozumel, it's impossible to miss the sea. freediving. A little disappointing on the coral front: there aren't that many, but an abundance of colorful fish surrounds us, making it an incredible experience all the same.
Even if it was only a few hours in the water, the moment remains a truly refreshing interlude in the middle of our busy vacation week. The kids and we are off soaked, tired but happy, with memories to treasure.
Last stop: Houston and NASA
As on every trip, whenever I get the chance to’extend your stay a little, I never hesitate. This time, I added a full day to visit Houston before heading home.
Leaving the Harmony of the Seas, direction car rental center via Uber... under torrential rain. Seriously, there was about 2 inches of water throughout the parking lot. Result : drenched shoes, soggy jeans, welcome to Texas!
We finally get our rental car, and head for the Space Center Houston. Why rent a car instead of taking the shuttle? Simple : cheaper than the shuttle, and it also serves as a storage for our suitcases.
The center is absolutely fascinating. Our favorites :
- the Apollo rocket, impressive and historic
- the Independence shuttle mounted on the 747, a true jewel of engineering
We easily passed 5 hours in the museum, They were amazed by the space history and the interactive explanations.
Unfortunately, the rain never stopped. We did take a detour to the downtown Houston, but our plan for an urban stroll soon fell through.
Nevertheless, this last day will remain memorable: a mix of science, adventure and... wet clothes, exactly what makes the best travel memories.
Conclusion: A cruise like no other
Even though we prefer road trips and backpacking, this experience aboard the Harmony of the Seas we have really seduced.
We loved it:
- Gastronomy quality and variety
- The shows, Broadway-worthy
- The staff, incredibly kind, smiling and attentive
With all the activities, excursions and life on board, we weren't bored for a minute. Even our teenagers were captivated from start to finish.
Small downside: the invoice when you leave the boat. Between tips and drinks (even if we limit ourselves to one beer a day), our wallets suffered a little... and so did our scales! A few dollars less and a few kilos more, but that's all part of the experience.
But in the end, memories, laughter and family adventures are well worth the small price. Spring Break unforgettable, An experience we'd do all over again!
