Cruising on Harmony of the Seas was a dream come true for my daughter and me. From thrilling waterslides to Broadway-style shows, every moment was packed with excitement. But if there was one thing we bonded over the most, it was the food.
As we explored the ship, we made it our mission to try some of the most delicious dishes onboard. Whether it was a casual snack or a sit-down meal, every bite became a special memory. If you’re sailing on Harmony of the Seas, here are the must-try foods that made our father-daughter cruise unforgettable.
10. Bruschetta
A simple yet elegant appetizer, bruschetta was a fresh delight. Crispy grilled bread topped with juicy tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil—it was an explosion of flavor that we couldn’t get enough of.
Description of the Dish:
Bruschetta is a classic Italian starter featuring grilled or toasted bread (often a rustic ciabatta or baguette) topped with a fresh tomato mixture. The topping usually includes:
- Diced ripe tomatoes – often marinated in olive oil for extra flavor
- Fresh basil – for an aromatic, herbal note
- Garlic – either rubbed on the toasted bread or mixed into the tomatoes
- Extra virgin olive oil – drizzled over for richness
- Balsamic glaze (optional) – adds a tangy sweetness
Possible Variations Onboard:
- Classic Tomato Bruschetta – Served with fresh mozzarella or parmesan shavings
- Avocado & Burrata Bruschetta – Found at upscale venues like 150 Central Park
- Mushroom & Truffle Bruschetta – A gourmet twist, possibly at Wonderland
- Seafood Bruschetta – With shrimp or smoked salmon for a luxurious bite
Possible Variations:
- Cheesy Garlic Buns – Stuffed or topped with mozzarella or parmesan.
- Herb-Infused Garlic Rolls – With rosemary, thyme, or basil.
- Garlic Knot-Style Buns – A twisted variation often found in pizzerias like Sorrento’s.
9. Garlic Buns
The hidden gem of the trip? These garlic buns. Soft, buttery, and garlicky bites that were the perfect snack between activities. We grabbed them often—sometimes as a side to our meal and sometimes just on their own.
Description of the Dish:
Garlic buns are soft, fluffy rolls infused with garlic butter and sometimes topped with parmesan cheese or herbs. They have a golden, slightly crispy exterior with a warm, buttery, and aromatic center.
Where You Might Find Them Onboard:
- Jamie’s Italian – Served as part of the bread basket, often with a side of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Chops Grille – A possible side to accompany steaks, featuring a richer, butterier flavor.
- Windjammer Marketplace – Available in the buffet section, especially at dinner.
8. Caesar Salad with Avocado
A classic with a twist! The Caesar salad with avocado added a creamy texture that took this dish to another level. It was light, fresh, and the perfect start to our meals.
Description of the Dish:
A classic Caesar salad with a creamy twist, featuring:
- Crisp romaine lettuce – Fresh and crunchy, coated in Caesar dressing.
- Avocado slices – Adds a buttery, smooth texture.
- Parmesan cheese – Shaved or grated for extra umami.
- Garlic croutons – Toasted and crunchy for added bite.
- Caesar dressing – A rich, tangy dressing made with egg yolk, lemon, anchovies, and parmesan.
- Optional toppings: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
Where to Find It:
- Chops Grille – Likely served as a premium starter.
- Windjammer Marketplace – May be available in the salad bar section.
- Jamie’s Italian – If offered, it might have a gourmet twist.
7. Creamy Penne Carbonara
My daughter and I both love pasta, and this creamy penne carbonara did not disappoint. Rich, silky sauce coated every bite of perfectly cooked penne, with crispy pancetta adding a salty crunch.
Description of the Dish:
A rich and indulgent pasta dish, traditionally made with:
- Penne pasta – Cooked to al dente perfection.
- Creamy parmesan sauce – A velvety blend of cream, parmesan cheese, and egg yolk.
- Crispy pancetta or bacon – Adds a salty, smoky depth.
- Black pepper & parsley – For seasoning and a fresh finish.
Where to Find It:
- Giovanni’s Table (if available) – Likely an authentic Italian version.
- Jamie’s Italian – Possibly with a rustic, homemade touch.
- Windjammer Marketplace – A buffet option, sometimes with different variations.
Typical Garnishes & Accompaniments:
- Lemon wedges – Adds a fresh citrusy contrast.
- Marinara sauce – A tangy tomato-based dip, commonly served in Italian-style versions.
- Garlic aioli – A creamy garlic-infused dip for added richness.
- Spicy remoulade or tartar sauce – Sometimes offered as a flavorful twist.
6. Fried Calamari
One of the best appetizers we had was the fried calamari. Lightly battered and fried to crispy perfection, it was served with a tangy dipping sauce that made it irresistible.
Description of the Dish:
Fried calamari consists of tender squid rings and tentacles, lightly coated in a crispy, golden batter and deep-fried to perfection. The exterior is crunchy, while the inside remains soft and slightly chewy.
Where You Might Find It Onboard:
- Chops Grille – Served as a refined appetizer, possibly with a gourmet dipping sauce.
- Giovanni’s Table – If available, it may have a Mediterranean-style preparation.
- Windjammer Marketplace – Found at the buffet, usually as part of the seafood section.
5. Parmesan Sandwich
A crispy breaded chicken covered in marinara sauce and melted parmesan cheese, sandwiched between a fresh roll—it was pure comfort food at its finest.
Description of the Dish:
A Parmesan Sandwich typically consists of:
- Crispy breaded protein – Usually chicken, eggplant, or veal, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown.
- Marinara sauce – A tangy, slow-cooked tomato sauce with garlic and basil.
- Melted cheese – Typically mozzarella and parmesan, adding a gooey, savory layer.
- Toasted bread or ciabatta roll – Holds everything together, sometimes brushed with garlic butter or olive oil.
Possible Variations Onboard:
- Classic Tomato Bruschetta – Served with fresh mozzarella or parmesan shavings
- Avocado & Burrata Bruschetta – Found at upscale venues like 150 Central Park
- Mushroom & Truffle Bruschetta – A gourmet twist, possibly at Wonderland
- Seafood Bruschetta – With shrimp or smoked salmon for a luxurious bite
Typical Ingredients & Components:
- Cured Meats: Prosciutto, salami, mortadella, or bresaola
- Cheeses: Pecorino, parmesan, or fresh mozzarella
- Marinated Vegetables: Roasted peppers, olives, artichokes
- Pickles & Preserves: Balsamic onions, gherkins
- Crackers or Bread: Fresh focaccia or grissini (crispy breadsticks)
- Dips or Spreads: Olive tapenade, chili jam, or herbed ricotta
4. Meat Plank
For charcuterie lovers, the meat plank is a must. Featuring a selection of cured meats, cheese, olives, and pickled vegetables, it was a great way to start our meal and sparked fun conversations about which bites we liked best.
Description of the Dish:
The Meat Plank is a charcuterie-style board featuring a selection of cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments, beautifully arranged on a wooden plank. It offers a mix of savory, salty, and tangy flavors, perfect for sharing.
Typical Ingredients & Components:
- Cured Meats: Prosciutto, salami, mortadella, or bresaola
- Cheeses: Pecorino, parmesan, or fresh mozzarella
- Marinated Vegetables: Roasted peppers, olives, artichokes
- Pickles & Preserves: Balsamic onions, gherkins
- Crackers or Bread: Fresh focaccia or grissini (crispy breadsticks)
- Dips or Spreads: Olive tapenade, chili jam, or herbed ricotta
Where You Can Find It Onboard:
- Jamie’s Italian – This is one of the restaurant’s signature starters, often recommended for groups.
3. Banana Split with Caramelized Bananas
For a fun and nostalgic treat, we indulged in a banana split with caramelized bananas. The warm, caramelized bananas paired with scoops of ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce were pure bliss.
Description of the Dish:
This is a decadent take on the classic banana split, featuring:
- Caramelized bananas – Bananas sliced and lightly sautéed with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until golden and slightly crispy.
- Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry Ice Cream – A traditional trio of flavors, though some versions may include gourmet options like caramel swirl or praline ice cream.
- Chocolate and caramel drizzle – Rich sauces adding layers of sweetness.
- Whipped cream – Light and fluffy, providing a creamy contrast.
- Chopped nuts – Usually toasted walnuts or almonds for added crunch.
- Maraschino cherry on top – The signature finishing touch.
Where You Might Find It Onboard:
- Main Dining Room – A plated dessert option on certain nights.
- Windjammer Marketplace – Occasionally in the buffet’s dessert section.
- Johnny Rockets – If available, they may serve a milkshake-inspired version.
- Sugar Beach – If offering banana-based treats, you might find a deluxe banana split here.
Possible Variations Onboard:
- Classic Meat Lasagna – Likely found at Giovanni’s Table or the Main Dining Room.
- Vegetarian Lasagna – A lighter version made with grilled zucchini, spinach, and ricotta, possibly available in Windjammer Marketplace.
- Seafood Lasagna – Featuring lobster, shrimp, or scallops, possibly offered at a high-end venue like 150 Central Park.
2. Lasagna
If you’re a fan of lasagna, this dish was layers of cheesy, saucy perfection—hearty, comforting, and downright delicious. One bite and we were in food heaven!
Description of the Dish:
Lasagna is a hearty, layered pasta dish with rich flavors and a comforting texture. It typically includes:
- Sheets of pasta – Wide, flat noodles stacked between layers.
- Savory meat sauce – A slow-cooked blend of ground beef, pork, or Italian sausage in a rich tomato-based sauce with garlic, onions, and herbs.
- Ricotta or béchamel sauce – A creamy, smooth layer that adds depth and moisture.
- Mozzarella and parmesan cheese – Melted and bubbly, creating a golden crust on top.
- Fresh basil and herbs – For garnish and added aroma.
Where You Might Find It Onboard:
- Giovanni’s Table (if available) – Authentic Italian-style preparation.
- Jamie’s Italian – May have a gourmet, rustic variation.
- Main Dining Room – Occasionally featured on the dinner menu.
- Windjammer Marketplace – Available in the buffet section during lunch or dinner.
Where You Might Find It Onboard:
- Main Dining Room – As part of the rotating dessert menu, served elegantly with a drizzle of caramel or dusting of powdered sugar.
- Windjammer Marketplace – Available at the dessert buffet, sometimes with a twist like a mini carrot cake cup or a deconstructed version in a glass.
- Café Promenade – Occasionally served as a grab-and-go dessert alongside coffee or tea.
1. Carrot Cake
For dessert lovers, the carrot cake on Harmony of the Seas is a must. Moist, rich, and spiced just right, it was topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting that had us ordering seconds. The perfect balance of sweetness and texture!
Description of the Dish:
This moist, spiced cake is made with freshly grated carrots, cinnamon, and warm spices like nutmeg and ginger. It’s often layered with rich cream cheese frosting, adding a tangy contrast to the cake’s sweetness. Some variations include chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
Bonus: Cookies and Cream Frappe That My Kid Loved
My daughter’s absolute favorite! We stopped to grab this creamy, chocolaty, cookies-and-cream dream in a cup. Topped with whipped cream and crushed cookies, it was the perfect way to start our day.
Description of the Drink:
A Cookies and Cream Frappe is a creamy, blended iced beverage with a rich cookies-and-cream flavor. It typically includes:
- Vanilla ice cream or milk base – Creates a smooth and creamy texture.
- Chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos) – Crushed and blended into the drink for a chocolaty crunch.
- Ice and milk – Blended together for a frosty consistency.
- Chocolate syrup drizzle – Adds an extra layer of sweetness.
- Whipped cream topping – Light and airy, sometimes sprinkled with extra cookie crumbs.
Where You Might Find It Onboard:
- Starbucks (if available) – A Frappuccino-style version made with their signature coffee or a crème base.
- Café Promenade – Could offer a blended cookies-and-cream drink or milkshake.
- Johnny Rockets – If they serve milkshakes, they might have a cookies-and-cream variation.
- Windjammer Marketplace – May offer a self-serve milkshake option with cookies blended in.
Final Thoughts: A Cruise Full of Flavor and Memories
Food has a way of bringing people together, and this trip was proof of that. From sharing our morning cookies and cream frappes to indulging in a rich banana split, every meal was an experience.
If you’re cruising on Harmony of the Seas, don’t just stick to the basics—venture out and explore the amazing dining options onboard. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for the perfect dad-and-daughter bonding moments, these dishes are guaranteed to make your trip even more memorable.
What’s your favorite cruise food? Let me know in the comments!
