Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas has captivated passengers since its launch in 2016, offering a wide range of unique onboard attractions. One standout feature is its escape room, Escape the Rubicon, which brought an exciting, immersive experience to the high seas. However, some upcoming guests may be disappointed to learn that the escape room will be temporarily unavailable during their voyage.
Why Is the Escape Room Closed on Harmony of the Seas?
Recently, guests who pre-booked Escape the Rubicon on specific sailings received an email from Royal Caribbean notifying them that the experience would not be available due to routine maintenance. The cruise line did not specify which voyages are impacted, but it seems that this temporary closure will affect only certain portions of the ship’s itineraries.
In the notification sent to guests, Royal Caribbean explained, “Due to routine maintenance, we will temporarily close the Escape the Rubicon experience during portions of your sailing and cannot guarantee availability. As a result, we have to cancel your My Royal Cruise reservation for this activity.” While the escape room may be closed during some sailings, the cruise line did express hope that passengers may still have the opportunity to enjoy it during other times on their voyage.
Refund Policy for Impacted Guests
For those affected by the closure, Royal Caribbean has promised a full refund. Guests who pre-booked Escape the Rubicon, which costs $40 (USD) per person, should expect the refund to be processed within two weeks.
“We’re sorry for the inconvenience and apologize for any disruption to your plans. We’ve issued a full refund to your original form of payment, which you should see within 14 business days,” the cruise line stated. This proactive communication and refund policy ensures that guests won’t lose out financially due to the temporary closure of this popular onboard activity.
What Makes Escape the Rubicon Unique?
The Escape the Rubicon experience on Harmony of the Seas holds a special place in Royal Caribbean’s offerings. It was the first escape room to be introduced across the fleet, and it continues to be a fan-favorite for its immersive storyline and challenging puzzles.
Designed to feel like a Hollywood set, Escape the Rubicon takes guests into a steampunk-themed starship where they have one hour to solve a series of puzzles and clues. Each completed clue unlocks new challenges and reveals more about the adventure’s narrative, making the entire experience engaging from start to finish.
Guests who participate in this escape room find themselves fully immersed in the world of the starship, feeling like part of a space mission as they navigate the intricacies of the ship’s bridge. This added layer of storytelling sets it apart from standard escape rooms and creates a more memorable experience for participants.
Escape Rooms Across Royal Caribbean Fleet
Harmony of the Seas may have been the first to feature an escape room, but it’s no longer the only ship offering such a thrilling adventure. Other Royal Caribbean vessels, including Symphony of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas, now feature their own escape rooms, each with different storylines. This fleet-wide expansion allows passengers across various ships to enjoy a similar high-energy, puzzle-solving experience.
Whether it’s Escape the Rubicon or another themed escape room, Royal Caribbean’s commitment to innovative onboard entertainment is clear. Guests who enjoy testing their wits and working together with family and friends will find these activities to be an exciting addition to their cruise itinerary.
More Amenities on Harmony of the Seas
Although the temporary closure of the escape room might disappoint some passengers, Harmony of the Seas is packed with a variety of other incredible amenities to ensure guests still have a fantastic vacation. Even without the escape room, this Oasis-class ship offers enough entertainment and activities to keep passengers engaged throughout their voyage.
Harmony of the Seas is currently sailing 6- to 8-night cruises to the Western Caribbean. These itineraries include visits to top destinations such as Roatan Island, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. With such port-heavy cruises, guests will spend plenty of time exploring vibrant cultures, relaxing on tropical beaches, and enjoying exhilarating excursions.
When not at port, guests can indulge in the ship’s impressive lineup of onboard activities. The 5,480-passenger vessel is home to three swimming pools, two surf simulators, and a variety of entertainment options ranging from Broadway-caliber shows to ice-skating performances. The ship also boasts three thrilling water slides, a zipline that hovers nine decks above the boardwalk, and a laser tag arena for adrenaline-filled fun.
For those who prefer relaxation, there are ample opportunities to unwind as well. The Vitality Spa offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, while the adults-only Solarium provides a serene retreat with stunning ocean views.
Plenty to Do Despite Temporary Closure
While the temporary closure of Escape the Rubicon may be a minor setback for some guests, it’s clear that Harmony of the Seas offers no shortage of activities to ensure an unforgettable vacation. Whether you’re eager to explore the ship’s innovative attractions, catch world-class performances, or simply soak up the sun by the pool, this Oasis-class vessel delivers a cruise experience that caters to all types of travelers.
With other escape rooms available across Royal Caribbean’s fleet, and the potential for Escape the Rubicon to reopen during later portions of the voyage, passengers can still look forward to plenty of fun and adventure.
Leave a Reply