the cruise ship symphony of the seas

Symphony of the Seas cruise ship review: What to expect on board

Are you planning a cruise on Symphony of the Seas ? Get ready to be wowed.

If you've never been on this famously massive ship or one of its giant Oasis Class sisters before, you'll be amazed at all it has to offer, from outdoor decks loaded with amusements to seemingly endless options for dining, drinking and dancing the night away.

With the exception of Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas , which is in a class of its own, there has never been another set of ships as big, bold and bustling as the Oasis Class vessels. And Symphony of the Seas is one of the newest and most amenity-filled of the five ships in the series.

If you're one of the nearly 60 million people living in the northeastern U.S., where Symphony of the Seas is based half the year, you will find nothing that comes close to it in terms of offering the ultimate megaresort-at-sea experience.

As I've seen during several cruises on the vessel since it debuted in 2018, including a weeklong voyage out of the New York area in May, Symphony of the Seas is one of the best cruise ships in the world for cruisers who love a big-resort experience with oodles to do all day and night. It's also a particularly wonderful ship for families.

The biggest caveat to picking this ship: You have to be OK with crowds. And noise. Symphony of the Seas carries a lot of people. And it's not a quiet ship. If it's intimacy and tranquility you want in a cruise vacation, this isn't the ship for you.

Overview of Symphony of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas was the world's largest cruise ship when it debuted in 2018, and although it has since been surpassed in size by two newer Royal Caribbean ships ( Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas ), it remains one of the giants of cruising — a floating megaresort on a scale that was inconceivable just a few decades ago.

Royal Caribbean built Symphony of the Seas so big — at 228,081 gross tons, it's nearly 50% bigger than the biggest cruise ships of the early 2000s — not to set a size record but to ensure there was room for a huge range of onboard activities and venues. On that goal, it delivers mightily. As you'll read about below, it has more restaurants, bars, showrooms and decktop fun zones than just about any resort anywhere (on sea or land).

It's also built to hold an enormous number of vacationers. Rising 18 decks high and longer than three football fields, Symphony of the Seas can carry an astounding 6,680 passengers with every berth filled. Add in its 2,200 or so crew, and you're looking at a ship that sometimes sails with nearly 9,000 people on board.

Even by land resort standards, that's a wildly large number of people sharing the same resort space, for sure. But like all of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships, Symphony of the Seas has a brilliantly thought-out layout built around themed "neighborhoods" that spreads passengers around in a way that eases congestion.

Related: The classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

As with most Oasis Class ships, there are seven such neighborhoods on Symphony of the Seas, each with its own vibe and similar attractions. This makes it easy to understand the ship and find your way around.

The seven Symphony of the Seas neighborhoods are as follows.

Entertainment Place (Deck 4)

This neighborhood is home to the ship's main theater, comedy club, ice skating rink and casino. The Diamond Club for high-level Crown & Anchor loyalty club members is here as well.

Royal Promenade (decks 5 and 6)

This interior mall-like space houses shops, bars and quick-bite eateries, with the bars stealing the show. Drinking spots in this zone include the Bionic Bar, where the bartenders are robots, and the Rising Tide Bar, which travels elevator-style between the Royal Promenade and Central Park above while you drink. This is also where you'll find the ship's lively English-style pub, Copper and Kettle.

Vitality Spa and Fitness (decks 5 and 6)

Forward of the Royal Promenade is the Vitality Spa and Fitness Center, which includes a salon, barbershop and thermal suite. The on-site Vitality Cafe offers fresh juices and protein smoothies for a fee before or after a workout or treatment.

Boardwalk (Deck 6)

This open-air neighborhood was designed to mimic a classic beach boardwalk of the sort you find along the coast of New Jersey. It boasts a hand-carved wooden carousel, hot dog stand, candy store, sports bar with arcade, and a Johnny Rockets burger joint. The main attractions are two giant rock climbing walls and the AquaTheater, which is home to spectacular water shows.

Central Park (Deck 8)

This open-to-the-sky neighborhood at the center of Symphony of the Seas is filled with living trees and plants, just like New York City's Central Park, and lined with the ship's higher-end shops and restaurants, including a steakhouse and Jamie's Italian, a restaurant created by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Youth Zone (Deck 14)

If you're cruising with young kids, you'll quickly get to know this area, which is home to the sprawling Adventure Ocean kids club and a drop-off nursery for babies and toddlers. A family-friendly escape room is also here. Note that several Youth Zone venues, including the Fuel Teen Disco and a kid-focused arcade, are one deck up on Deck 15.

Pool and Sports Zone (decks 15 and 16)

This top-deck zone of the ship is loaded with just about every family-friendly amusement you could imagine, including multiple pool areas and hot tubs, a kiddie splash area, giant waterslides, two surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, sports court, a zip line and a massive dry slide attraction that will drop you 10 floors to the Boardwalk area below. For those looking to get away from the kids, it also offers an adults-only lounge area called the Solarium.

What I loved about Symphony of the Seas

The incredible array of things to do.

I was three days into my recent seven-day cruise on Symphony of the Seas when I realized that I hadn't been to the pool once. Not once. I had too much else to do, from rock climbing, miniature golfing, ice skating and zip lining to racing between more big-production shows, parades, karaoke sessions and street parties than I could count. Plus, there were all the dining, drinking and dancing options that I mentioned above — so much that I started to wonder if I'd ever have time to sleep. It's a wildly diverse array of options of the sort I love in a big-resort experience. You will, too, if having lots of choices when vacationing is a priority. There are lots of big cruise ships filled with all sorts of onboard venues. But only a handful offer as many options as Symphony of the Seas.

The spectacular shows

Symphony of the Seas may have the greatest lineup of shows of any ship at sea. Its signature production, "Hairspray," is one of the most spectacular show offerings on any cruise ship. It's a slightly abridged version of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical that ran in New York City for years. A second, in-house production called "Flight: Dare to Dream" is also a showstopper, if not quite Broadway quality. There's also "Hiro," the you-can't-believe-this-is-on-a-cruise-ship acrobatic and high-diving spectacular in Symphony of the Seas' AquaTheater (yes, this ship is so big it has an entire theater space just dedicated to water shows!). Symphony of the Seas also has a theater built specifically for ice skating shows that houses its own you-have-to-see-to-believe production extravaganza with some of the world's best ice skaters.

The family-friendliness

From a soaring water park area with three of the coolest waterslides at sea to three separate pool areas, two surfing simulators and an epic splash zone for the little ones, Symphony of the Seas has more family-friendly watery fun than almost any other cruise ship at sea. And that's just the start of its family-friendly allures. Symphony of the Seas is a ship loaded with multiple kids club zones, including a teen-only hangout and an entire outdoor fun zone (the Boardwalk) aimed at families. Even without children along on my recent Symphony of the Seas sailing (my three girls are now all grown), I saw the appeal of this latter zone offering arcade games, a carousel, climbing structures for kids and family-friendly burger and hot dog outlets. I can't wait for grandkids (yep, that's a hint, girls), so I have an excuse to book back onto this ship again.

What I didn't love about Symphony of the Seas

The skyrocketing cost of eateries.

The cost of dining at the better restaurants on Symphony of the Seas has shot upward in recent years — so much so that, in many cases, these eateries are no longer worth the splurge. I was shocked on my sailing to see pasta-focused Jamie's Italian priced at a flat fee of $64.89 per person, including an automatic gratuity. That's a cheeky charge for a place where the waiters recommend bruschetta as a starter and a plate of linguini as a main, even with dessert included. Just three years ago, Jamie's was priced at a more reasonable $41.29 per person, including the gratuity, and made my list of favorite Royal Caribbean eateries. Not anymore. Be warned that Symphony of the Seas' other top eateries — Chops Grille, Hooked Seafood, 150 Central Park and Izumi Hibachi — all now have similarly sky-high prices. In some cases (see the dining section below), the prices are rising even as the eateries are making cost-cutting moves that are noticeable. For the consumer, that's not a great combination.

The difficulty getting show reservations

Some people are super organized about booking cruise ship shows in advance. Alas, I am not one of them. That became a real problem for me when I sailed on Symphony of the Seas. When I went to book a seat for "Hairspray" about five days before my sailing, every performance for the next week was sold out. I couldn't get a seat. Ditto for the spectacular AquaTheater and ice rink shows, as well as every single comedy club show (and there were a lot of them). If you're a procrastinator like me, this could happen to you, and it could be stress-inducing.

The good news is that even if you struggle to get a reservation for the shows as I did, you likely will still be able to get into many, if not all, of them once on board. The trick is to queue in the standby lines that begin forming about a half hour before every show. Since some people don't show up for their reservations, there almost always are a bunch of seats open at the last minute in every venue. The entertainment staff releases them about 10 minutes before performances start.

That said, who needs that stress? There's got to be a better way.

The intrusive photographers

Whoever is running the photography program on Symphony of the Seas needs to be reined in. Like, big time. The number of times I saw ship photographers interrupting passengers in the midst of high-priced specialty restaurant dinners to hard sell them on buying photographs was shocking. Even at the most elegant restaurants on board, they were trolling the tables, breaking into dinner conversations to snap pictures and then returning minutes later with the prints and a sales pitch right there at the table . That last part is a new level of aggressiveness, and just ... uncool. Royal Caribbean already is getting $100 per person or more from many of these diners for their food and drinks. It doesn't need to ruin the elegance of the experience with another upsell.

Symphony of the Seas cabins and suites

Symphony of the Seas has 34 cabin and suite categories — a mind-boggling number. But finding the right cabin category for you isn't as complicated as that number might make it seem. Many cabin categories on Symphony of the Seas are essentially the same, with the exception of where the rooms are located.

My cabin was an Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony — the most common type of cabin on Symphony of the Seas. Nearly 60% of all cabins on the ship (1,316 out of 2,759) fall into this grouping of rooms, split among more than a dozen categories that tie to different locations.

Like most cabins in this grouping, my cabin measured 182 square feet, not including its balcony area. By hotel standards, that's relatively small. But it's typical for a balcony cabin on a cruise ship, where space is at a premium, and it's big enough to contain everything you want in a cabin for a week at sea: a king bed that can be split into two single beds, a built-in desk and dresser area with a miniature refrigerator, a seating area with a sofa, built-in closets, and a bathroom.

For the most part, I was happy with my Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony on Symphony of the Seas. While it wasn't high-end in its finishings or amenities, it had a clean-lined, contemporary look that felt modern and up-to-date. Boxy blond wood and walnut furniture against neutral gray walls and carpeting gave it a whiff of a Scandinavian modern feel. The bathroom was modern and bright, with a well-thought-out layout that made the best use of limited space.

If there was a weak point in the room, it was the bed and bedding, which had more of a low-end motel feel than I would expect at the Royal Caribbean price point. The sheets and duvet felt thin. While serviceable, the mattress wasn't a wow.

Still, the room ticked most of the boxes for a cabin at a midmarket level. There was ample storage for two in the floor-to-ceiling built-in closets, which notably were deep enough that my dress jackets and shirts could fit straight in on a hanger. Unlike on some ships, my hanging clothes didn't get smooshed sideways when I closed the closet door.

While the nightstands next to the bed were so small and narrow that they seemed like afterthoughts, both were topped with well-located lamps for reading at night. One side of the bed was equipped with a U.S.-style 120-volt plug perfectly placed for charging electronic devices. (Memo to Royal Caribbean: In a perfect world, you'd want one of these on both sides of the bed.)

Alas, unlike many new ships these days, the nightstand areas lacked USB-A and fast-charging USB-C ports. The only USB ports in the room are in the built-in desk area, which also has three U.S.-style 120-volt plugs and a European-style 230-volt plug.

Other Symphony of the Seas cabin tidbits:

• There are blue "Sleeping off the adventure" magnets to stick to your door when you don't want to be disturbed. That strikes us as an old-school way to do a do-not-disturb notice. Many cruise lines in recent years have switched to more sophisticated electronic systems that let you push a button to turn on a do-not-disturb light outside your door.
• Every cabin has a small hair dryer in a dresser drawer and a personal safe in one of the built-in closets.
• There's a flat-screen television on the wall with movies on demand, but they are exorbitantly priced at $11.99 per movie.

As is typical for Royal Caribbean ships, the cabin bathroom is functional and well-designed, if not particularly upscale in feel. You won't find marble-topped sinks or elegantly tiled showers with sleek Duravit fixtures at this price point. But the semicircular plexiglass-walled shower has enough room that you don't hit the sides when soaping up (not always the case on cruise ships), and there is ample storage space for toiletries on three open shelves on the side of the vanity and an additional open storage area below the sink.

One small gripe with the bathroom is that the toiletry offerings are almost nonexistent. The shower has just a single liquid soap dispenser with what purports to be both body wash and shampoo (call me a nitpicker, but I will note that on land, these are considered to be two different things). There's also no conditioner, nor is there body lotion. Bring your own, I guess.

Those who want something a bit more exclusive than a balcony cabin such as mine can book one of the 190 suites on the ship — some of them truly huge and luxurious. Among the big mass-market lines, Royal Caribbean has some of the most spectacular suites at sea, including two-story-high complexes found on all Oasis Class ships such as Symphony of the Seas.

The largest suite on the ship, the double-decker Royal Loft Suite, measures an astounding 1,530 square feet, not including balcony space — more than eight times the size of my balcony cabin. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dining room and a living room. It also comes with such high-end touches as Duxiana mattresses and Frette linens — no thin sheets here.

At 850 square feet, the Royal Loft Suite's balcony space is 17 times the size of the balcony I had with my balcony cabin (big enough to have its own sitting area, bar area, dining area and a whirlpool).

Symphony of the Seas is also home to one of the most epic family suites ever conceived for a cruise ship.

Related: Royal Caribbean cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know

Dubbed the Ultimate Family Suite and measuring a palatial 1,346 square feet, it spans two decks that are loaded with all sorts of kid-friendly attractions, including an air hockey table, a building block wall, table tennis on the balcony and a vertical climbing maze.

There's also a crawl-through nook connecting the main bedroom for adults and a second kiddie bedroom, plus — surely the coolest feature of all — a slide that descends from the second floor of the complex to the first floor. (Don't worry, there are stairs for those who want to move between floors the traditional way.)

Other types of cabins on Symphony of the Seas include windowless interior cabins. But in a twist, many of these cabins have "virtual balconies" that let you see what's going on outside the ship in real time.

Symphony of the Seas restaurants and bars

As is typical for Royal Caribbean ships, Symphony of the Seas is packed with dining options — some included in the fare, some at an extra charge. It's got a smorgasbord of bars, too.

Even on one of the ship's longer, nine-night sailings, you'll have trouble visiting every food and drink outlet on board. In fact, we don't recommend you even try. Just pick a few favorites and save the rest for another sailing.

Restaurants

Like all Oasis Class ships, Symphony of the Seas has an enormous main dining room and a casual buffet eatery where meals are included in the fare. In addition, you'll find seven more included-in-the-price casual and quick bite outlets — more than almost any other ship at sea. And that's just the beginning when it comes to the dining options.

In addition to the included eateries, Symphony of the Seas is home to an astounding array of nine extra-charge dining venues serving everything from high-end steaks to sushi.

Among the included options, my favorite is Solarium Bistro, which is a small buffet eatery at the front of the ship that sometimes offers more healthy options than the main Windjammer buffet at the back of the ship.

I was thrilled to find Buddha bowls at Solarium Bistro at lunchtime filled with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, green onions, diced mango, sliced cucumber and edamame. Grilled fresh asparagus, grilled peppers, ratatouille and some tasty Indian dishes also made an appearance.

Several times bigger than Solarium Bistro, the Windjammer buffet serves a wider mix of dishes and has far more seating. But it can be jam-packed at times and not always a pleasant experience. On some mornings, I struggled to find an open table for breakfast, and the crowds were so thick around the food stations that I could barely walk through the space. This is despite Windjammer's food stations being set up in one open space where you can quickly see everything that is on offer. That's an improvement versus the traditionally long and narrow buffet lines on some ships that cause long backups.

Symphony of the Seas' Main Dining Room can accommodate more than 1,000 people at tables sprawled across three floors, and the experience is as you would imagine at a restaurant that big. While you'll get table-served meals here that are included in the fare, don't expect anything too gourmet.

In addition to the above, Symphony of the Seas also has several included-in-the-fare cafe-style venues that offer quick bites, some better than others. I was a fan of the make-your-own tacos at El Loco Fresh at the top of the ship. But I didn't love the claustrophobic crowds that sometimes mobbed it (not always). I was disappointed in the pizza at Sorrento's on the Royal Promenade (to be fair, I'm usually disappointed in the pizza on ships; it's a weak point in the cruise world). But I do give the Boardwalk Dog House high marks for delivering not just yummy hot dogs but yummy brats, too.

Also included in the fare is Park Cafe in the Central Park area, where you can nosh on quick-serve breakfast sandwiches and bagels in the morning and salads and paninis at lunchtime. Cafe Promenade on the Royal Promenade is the place to grab your morning coffee (both included-in-the-fare drip coffee and extra-charge specialty coffee drinks). Just be warned that the specialty coffee side of the venue isn't set up for the volume of customers it gets, and the baristas aren't as well-trained as they should be. You'll wait a long time in line for an espresso drink that may or may not be burnt.

Two no-extra-charge soft-serve ice cream stations are in the middle of the pool deck for your sugar fix.

The extra-charge eateries on Symphony of the Seas run the gamut when it comes to cuisine, level of formality and cost.

You'll find the most laid-back (and least expensive) extra-fee options at the Boardwalk area of the ship, which is home to Johnny Rockets and the Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade. I'm a sucker for the burgers at Johnny Rockets, but no fan of the new $14.99 upcharge to eat there (not too long ago, it was just $6.95). At that price, it's not worth it. Instead, get your burger fix across the way at Playmakers, where the house burger is bigger, juicier and better priced than what you'll find at Johnny Rockets ($11.99, including a heaping portion of cheesy fries).

For a more high-end experience, the place to go is Central Park. In addition to a classy wine bar and swanky shops (Cartier, Hublot and Bulgari), it's lined with three of Symphony of the Seas' most upscale restaurants: 150 Central Park (the fanciest restaurant on board), Chops Grille (the ship's steakhouse) and Jamie's Italian (created by British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver).

I tried all three during my week on board and had mixed feelings about them all, given their high price points. While 150 Central Park ($76.69 per person with the automatic gratuity, not including drinks) was an intimate and elegant venue, its culinary lineup lacked the finesse I expected for a flagship fine dining establishment. The scallops in my starter were small and watery, their flavor overpowered by a chorizo sauce that dominated. My main dish, a lamb Wellington, wasn't much more inspired, resembling something closer to a soggy sausage roll. Both had come recommended by my waiter.

It was a surprise that 150 Central Park would let me down. I went into the venue with memories of several great meals at versions of the restaurant on other Oasis Class ships. But those dinners took place when the menu was under the direction of James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz. I haven't been back since Royal Caribbean ended its partnership with Schwartz in 2018.

If it's a date-night dinner you're after, Chops Grille is my pick over 150 Central Park. Its steaks were as juicy and prime as at any land-based steakhouse. My quibbles here were around the sides (the macaroni and cheese dish was sadly flavorless, the creamed spinach watery) and the loudness level of the piped-in background music. The music volume was intrusive enough that I had trouble hearing my dinner companion (and, can I just say, the whole idea of background music in a classy steakhouse is just ... wrong).

As mentioned above, Jamie's Italian was pricey for what it was: an Italian eatery specializing in homemade pasta.

Not far away on Deck 12 is another high-priced restaurant that is as amusing as it is gimmicky: the "Alice in Wonderland"-themed (and molecular gastronomy serving) Wonderland. Order the short ribs, which will melt in your mouth. Skip the branzino, which won't. And tell your waiter to bring the showiest starters, just for the fun of them — particularly the smoke-infused "bird's nest" egg dish. They won't all wow you, tastewise. But that's not the point.

You also will find Japanese cuisine on Symphony of the Seas at Izumi Hibachi and Sushi on Deck 4. It's two restaurants in one, with a hibachi eatery to the right of the check-in desk and a sushi restaurant and bar to the left. If you have kids, book the hibachi side for family-friendly hibachi hijinks. Skip the sushi side, which isn't as good as you'll get back home.

For better seafood, my pick is Hooked Seafood, one of my favorite eateries on board. Order the fresh-shucked oysters as a starter (if you're sitting at the bar, you'll see them shucked right in front of you) and garlicky mussels as your main. The lobster macaroni and cheese side dish is a winner, too (unlike its counterpart at Chops Grille, it rocks the flavor).

Hooked Seafood is still one of my favorite food spots despite what clearly have been money-saving cutbacks at the flat-fee eatery. Royal Caribbean regulars will notice that the crab-stuffed whole main lobster is no longer on the menu, and the pricier elements of the Royal Seafood Platter (soft-shell crab and scallops) are gone, replaced by cheaper fried items like calamari and coconut shrimp.

This is, alas, a trend I saw across Symphony of the Seas when on board in May. Royal Caribbean hasn't officially said anything about cutbacks on board its ships of late, but I definitely got the sense there had been some cuts to food operations since the last time I had sailed with the line, presumably to lower costs.

I also thought some of the restaurants were slightly understaffed and/or operating with staff members who weren't as well trained as they used to be.

One Symphony of the Seas restaurant you'll never see unless you pay up for a top suite is Coastal Kitchen. Open to suite guests only, it serves higher-end fare than what you'll find in the main dining room in a more intimate setting. At the very top of Symphony of the Seas overlooking the main pool area, it also boasts stunning 270-degree views.

You will never be more than a short walk away from a bar on Symphony of the Seas. There is at least one and often several drinking spots in nearly every neighborhood.

The most intimate and elegant drinking venue is Vintages, a classy wine bar with indoor and outdoor seating in the upscale Central Park area. It's usually quiet and is the perfect place for a romantic predinner drink.

Also in Central Park is the all-outdoor Trellis Bar. And just a few steps away is the Rising Tide Bar, if it's there. Like the Cheshire Cat, it disappears sometimes, descending three decks to the Royal Promenade below. It is surely the coolest elevator at sea.

In addition to the occasional presence of the Rising Tide Bar, the Royal Promenade is home to the famous-in-the-cruise-world Bionic Bar, where a robotic arm will mix you a cocktail. It's kitschy fun to watch the robots in action, but if a quality drink is important to you, let someone else spend the money to order one here. There's a reason most bars have human bartenders.

Instead, I recommend ordering a mojito at Boleros, a Latin-themed bar and lounge at the other end of the Royal Promenade. Or, grab a pint at the often lively Copper and Kettle nearby. There's live music at both venues.

One deck up, overlooking the Royal Promenade, is the nautical-themed Schooner Bar. It has an eclectic cocktail menu and, in the evening, live piano music. A signature of all Royal Caribbean ships, it's a great bar, though its location above the noisy Royal Promenade on Symphony of the Seas is a design flaw. When there's something big and lively like a parade or dance party happening in the Royal Promenade (and there often is), it gets so loud you can't hear yourself talk.

Other interior bars include two-deck-high Dazzles, a live music and dancing spot often overlooked by guests (when I visited, it was so dead I walked right back out).

There's also no shortage of bars on the ship's outdoor decks, including around the main pool areas (the Pool Bar, Sand Bar and Mast Bar), the surfing pools at the back of the ship (the Wipe Out Bar) and the adults-only Solarium area (the Solarium Bar). The Solarium Bar is my favorite of the bunch for its relative calmness and stunning ocean views.

For a classic sports bar experience, head to Playmakers Bar and Arcade in the Boardwalk area.

If you like a smoked cocktail, don't miss the hidden nine-seat bar at the entrance to Wonderland, which serves the same creative cocktails you'll find in the restaurant. It has the only smoker for drinks on board, used to create the restaurant's signature Smoke Rings drink — a smoky take on an old-fashioned that may be my favorite cocktail on the ship.

For coffee lovers, there's a Starbucks on the Royal Promenade and the previously mentioned Cafe Promenade. Both serve espresso drinks made with Starbucks beans for a fee, but the snacks at Cafe Promenade are free, while the ones at Starbucks cost extra.

Note that if you have a drink package, you won't have to pay for the espresso drinks made with Starbucks beans at the Cafe Promenade. However, you will have to pay for them at Starbucks. So ... skip Starbucks.

Starbucks coffee, smoothies and juices (also for a fee) are available at the Vitality Cafe in the spa, too.

Related: Cruise ship drink packages: A line-by-line guide

Symphony of the Seas activities

Like its Oasis Class sisters, Symphony of the Seas is awash with activities of all sorts, nearly all of which are family-friendly. And I'm not just talking about pools and waterslides, though there are plenty of those. This is a ship that offers all sorts of gee-whiz attractions, from two surfing simulators to an ice skating rink to keep you amused day and night.

Several of the most over-the-top attractions can be found in the Sports Zone at the back of the ship's top deck. In addition to the surfing simulators mentioned above (there are two, designed by FlowRider), there's a sports court where you can play basketball or volleyball 16 stories above the ocean, a miniature golf course and — get this — a zip line.

The zip line isn't all that long. But it'll take you flying over the Boardwalk area 10 decks below, which is pretty cool.

I've seen enough cruise passengers wipe out in spectacular fashion on Royal Caribbean's surfing pools (they're now on 14 of the line's ships) that I've avoided ever trying to surf on one. That's not a picture I want to see on Instagram. But passengers seem to love them. They're always well used.

The Sports Zone is also where you'll find the Ultimate Abyss, a 10-story slide (dry, not wet) that swirls down to the Boardwalk area below. It looks terrifying, but in the name of research, I was determined to give it a go on my recent sailing. Alas, every day, I would wake up saying I would do it, and by nightfall, I had found an excuse to give it a miss. I am wimpy that way. That said, I've been told it's not nearly as terrifying as it looked, which is the way slides should be, in my opinion.

For fans of wet slides, the place to go on Symphony of the Seas is the Perfect Storm water park area, which is a sight to behold. It has three giant waterslides of a scale only found on the biggest cruise ships.

Symphony of the Seas' top decks also feature three pool areas, oodles of hot tubs and a large splash playground for kids.

In addition, the Solarium is an entire multideck adults-only lounge area with hot tubs at the front of the ship.

The Solarium is a striking space. It sits under a partial glass covering that protects it from the wind that whips over the ship's bow. It's a nice respite from the mayhem often found in the open-to-kids pool areas.

The only major outdoor activity not among all these top deck areas is Symphony of the Seas' twin rock climbing walls. They flank the AquaTheater at the far end of the Boardwalk, and they're massive.

The activities continue indoors, too. At select times (usually on sea days), the entertainment staff offers ice skating sessions and laser tag in Studio B, the ship's indoor ice rink (for laser tag, the ice is covered with a floor and inflatable obstacles are added). Both are popular, so sign up or get in line as early as possible.

Symphony of the Seas also has an escape room aimed at the family crowd, and for kids of all ages, there are arcade games at both the Playmakers Bar on Deck 6 and at a dedicated arcade area on Deck 16 next door to El Loco Fresh.

If you're brave enough to sing in front of your fellow passengers, or if you just want to watch the hilarity of others doing so, you'll find a lounge that is partially dedicated to karaoke on the Royal Promenade. It's called On Air, and it often gets packed when the singing starts. Don't miss it. The performances can be professional level. Karaoke on ships is a serious thing.

For those who like gaming, there's a large casino in the middle of the ship on Deck 4 where smoking is allowed and a smaller one near the ship's theater that is just for nonsmokers.

For pampering, the Vitality Spa and Fitness Center on decks 5 and 6 is the place. It offers a full array of spa treatments (massages, facials and more) and salon services.

The fitness center is a first-class gym with a wide range of exercise equipment and (extra charge) classes, too.

All that said, my favorite area on the entire ship is Central Park. It's been 15 years since Royal Caribbean first unveiled a Central Park area on a ship, on the then-revolutionary Oasis of the Seas, and it still amazes me that it's something that exists on floating vessels (it's now on five Royal Caribbean ships, including Symphony of the Seas).

What I love most about Central Park is that it's a quiet respite from the bustle that you'll find in almost every other part of the ship. You can sit on a park bench, just like you would in a park on land, in the shade of the trees that are miraculously growing in the middle of a cruise ship. You might even forget for a time that you're on a ship.

Symphony of the Seas shows

Royal Caribbean ships are known for some of the best entertainment at sea, and Symphony of the Seas is no exception. In fact, it may have the best lineup of shows of any cruise vessel currently sailing.

The vessel's signature production, "Hairspray," is a slightly abridged version of the Tony Award-winning musical that was the hot ticket on Broadway in the 2000s. You would have paid big money to see this in New York during its seven-year run there. But on Symphony of the Seas, a ticket is included in the fare.

It's not the Broadway cast performing "Hairspray" on Symphony of the Seas, but it's a wonderful performance nevertheless. It takes place in a gorgeous 1,400-seat theater that rivals anything found on Broadway.

The theater is also home to a second musical spectacular created by Royal Caribbean's in-house team: "Flight ... Dare the Dream."

Also the work of Royal Caribbean's in-house entertainment team is the stunning "Hiro" aqua show performed at the outdoor AquaTheater at the back of the ship. Yes, Symphony of the Seas has an AquaTheater, as do all Oasis Class ships. If you haven't been on one of the vessels to see this, you will be amazed.

Like all of Royal Caribbean's aqua shows, "Hiro" is a 45-minute spectacle of high diving, slacklining and synchronized dancing and swimming in the most high-tech pool at sea. I can't get enough of these performances, though they sometimes drag on too long for my taste. After about 30 minutes, some of the watery amazements start to repeat. That said, my fellow passengers on Symphony of the Seas apparently loved the length of "Hiro" just as it was, given the roars of approval and a standing ovation at the end.

Pro tip: Arrive at least a half-hour early for "Hiro" if you care where you sit. Even with a reservation for entry (which is a must), you will find the best seats fill quickly. If you don't want to get soaked, avoid the first few rows, which are squarely in the splash zone.

You also shouldn't miss Symphony of the Seas' ice skating show, "1977." It's another spectacle that you won't quite believe is on a cruise ship. Just the fact that there are ice skating rinks for passenger skating and ice shows on some Royal Caribbean cruise ships may be mind-boggling to you if you're new to cruising.

The storyline of "1977" involves a time-traveling hero who starts out in London in 1977 and travels around the world and through time to catch a jewel thief. But don't bother trying to follow the plot. It's just an excuse to present a skating extravaganza with colorful costumes and foot-stomping music.

Symphony of the Seas' around-the-clock entertainment also includes parades down the Royal Promenade and themed parties in the same space on some nights. I loved the throwback tunes of the '80s party on the third night of the cruise, even if it didn't get as many people dancing as I would have thought.

Across from the ship's Studio B ice rink, there's also a comedy club called The Attic that hosts daily comedy shows. Just be warned that the (free) seats for it (bookable through the Royal Caribbean app) sell out way in advance of every sailing, and there's always a long standby line to get in.

Symphony of the Seas itineraries and pricing

During the Northern Hemisphere's colder months (November to April), Symphony of the Seas sails alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries out of Miami. During the six warmer months of the year (May to October), it repositions to the New York City area for voyages to the Bahamas.

The Eastern Caribbean sailings out of Miami are seven nights long and bring calls at Philipsburg, St. Maarten (the Dutch side of the island of St. Martin); either San Juan, Puerto Rico, or Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands; and either Nassau, Bahamas, or Perfect Day at CoCoCay , Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas. The Western Caribbean cruises out of Miami are mostly seven nights long and bring stops at Nassau; Falmouth, Jamaica; Labadee, Haiti (a private beach destination); and Perfect Day.

A few one-off Western Caribbean sailings out of Miami are four nights in length and bring just one stop.

Note that port calls in Labadee have been canceled through September due to the unrest in Haiti. In most cases, they've been replaced with a stop at Grand Turk Island.

Symphony of the Seas sailings out of the New York City area are mostly seven nights in length and bring calls at Port Canaveral, Florida (near Orlando); Nassau; and Perfect Day. The trips depart from the Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey, not far from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

Symphony of the Seas also sails a handful of longer, nine-night sailings from the New York area.

Prices for seven-night sailings start at $609 per person, based on double occupancy, for a windowless inside cabin. Balcony cabins start at $729. Bigger junior suites and suites typically start at more than $1,000 per person, with fares for top suites priced at more than $10,000 for the week.

Holiday weeks and other prime travel times have higher rates.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

Since Symphony of the Seas sails round-trip from U.S. ports, U.S. citizens can travel with either a current passport or an official copy of their birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo ID. Passports must be valid for at least six months.

The name on your reservation must match that on your passport or other official proof of nationality. Double-check if you've recently gotten married or use a different version of your name.

Symphony of the Seas guests will find an automatic service gratuity of $18 to $20.50 per person, per day, depending on cabin category, added to their onboard account and final bill. You are allowed to adjust this amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking.

An 18% gratuity is added to bar and spa/salon bills. You should not feel pressured to add an additional tip.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Royal Caribbean has one of the fastest Wi-Fi systems at sea , and you can take advantage of this on Symphony of the Seas. Currently, Wi-Fi packages with streaming bandwidth cost $29.99 per day for a single device; however, prices do change over time. If you're traveling with family or sharing a room with friends, look for multi-device packages that are less expensive on a per-device basis. Certain suite guests receive complimentary Wi-Fi, so know your included perks before you sign up for a package.

Related: How fast is the internet on Royal Caribbean ships? We put it to the test

Carry-on drinks policy

Royal Caribbean allows every passenger of drinking age to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne onto ships at boarding, plus up to a dozen standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks such as sodas. The line charges a $15 corkage fee if you bring the wine or Champagne to an onboard restaurant or other public areas to drink.

Smoking policy

Smoking (including e-cigarette smoking) is allowed only in designated outdoor areas and the casino. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 cleaning fee. In the casino, only cigarette smoking is allowed, and only in designated areas.

Unlike some lines, Royal Caribbean does not build self-service launderettes onto its ships, so you won't find any on Symphony of the Seas. The ship offers extra-charge laundry, pressing and dry cleaning services.

Electrical outlets

You'll find North American-style 110-volt outlets and European-style 220-volt outlets in cabins, along with USB ports.

The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar. But you won't need cash while on board. Symphony of the Seas operates on a "cashless system," with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a SeaPass card that you can use to make charges, and Royal Caribbean will charge your credit card at the end of the sailing to settle the balance.

While onboard, you can check your balance through Royal Caribbean's app, at Guest Services or via your in-cabin television.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on Symphony of the Seas.

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day, and you're bound for the pool deck, that means looking like you're going to the beach — T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.

During the evenings, there is an official dress code, but it only applies to passengers entering the main dining room. On any given night, one of three dress codes will apply — casual, smart casual or formal.

Casual means just that — jeans, polo shirts and sundresses. Smart casual is a step up to collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits, with a jacket for men optional. Formal officially means suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns. But don't worry if you don't want to go that fancy. Not everybody plays into it. You'll see most men wearing suits or sports coats and women in cocktail dresses.

Related: What to pack for your first cruise

Bottom line

If your idea of the perfect vacation is a week at a megaresort loaded with every sort of amusement you could imagine plus lots of choices for dining, drinking and entertainment, you'll probably love Symphony of the Seas. Few other cruise ships are as lively and activity-packed. Even on land, there aren't all that many resorts that compare.

Symphony of the Seas also is particularly wonderful for families, as it is packed with family-friendly activities.

Just prepare yourself for the crowds and noise that come with a megaresort designed to hold nearly 7,000 vacationers at once. If you seek a quiet and intimate vacation experience, this isn't the ship for you.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

A groundbreaking adventure

Symphony of the seas.

Go big on bold when you sail aboard one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

Get ready for an experience that will redefine your expectations and create unforgettable memories—Symphony of the Seas® offers all that and more. It features your favorite onboard attractions, such as the ten-story Ultimate Abyss℠ slide and twin FlowRider®* surf simulators, alongside groundbreaking firsts like glow-in-the-dark laser tag. But the excitement doesn't stop there. Symphony of the Seas® also boasts an array of tantalising dining options, including the game-changing Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade, and accommodation options like the Ultimate Family Suite, which offer larger-than-life experiences. It's time to embark on an adventure like no other.

60% Off Second Guest + Kids Sail From $99*

Get royal deals, sign up today.

You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our Privacy Policy .

THIS IS THE SOUND OF FIRSTS

Get ready for revolutionary new firsts, like glow-in-the-dark Laser Tag, the gameday game changing Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade, and the Ultimate Family Suite.

GAME CHANGING ACTIVITIES

Glow-in-the-dark laser tag, two surf simulators, and the tallest slide at sea? Get ready to bring your A-game.

A culinary dream come true

If you're hankering for top-notch cuisine, Symphony of the Seas® delivers a symphony of flavours. Indulge in fresh New England-style seafood, savour family-style Italian dishes crafted by Jamie Oliver, and explore a wealth of culinary delights.

MAXED OUT ENTERTAINMENT

Witness breathtaking performances on stage, ice, water, and in the air, with entertainment that goes beyond the confines of the stage - quite literally.

CALL US AT +971 4 331 4299 | 800 897 1419

GET READY TO

TURN UP THE CARIBBEAN CRAZE

Get ready for memory-maxing with a whole lot of whoas onboard Oasis Class favorite, Symphony of the Seas®. Visit the best of the western and southern Caribbean with adventure-packed itineraries and nonstop island hops sailing from Fort Lauderdale and Cape Liberty — for the first time.

NORTHEAST ADVENTURES

Embark on a unique journey as Symphony of the Seas® sets sail from Cape Liberty to enchanting destinations. Paddle past manatees in Orlando, dive into turquoise waters for snorkelling in Nassau, and indulge in a beach day filled with record-breaking excitement and ultimate relaxation at Perfect Day at CocoCay - awarded the best private island for three consecutive years.

THRILL TOPPING, ISLAND HOPPING

Sun-kissed Caribbean shores are yours to explore onboard Symphony of the Seas® sailing from Fort Lauderdale. Go cave chasing in Curaçao one minute. Then deep dive into Aruba’s colorful underwater world the next. Or savor a famous Jamaican meat patty. And dial up thrills on a zip line ride over the ocean in Labadee — our gamechanging private destination.

ACTIVITIES & SHOWS

SPA & FITNESS CENTRE

Discover a full menu of five-sense fulfillment at VitalitySM Spa

Retail\s in reach with boutiques & your favorite brand names

GUEST ENTERTAINERS

Special guest performers of all walks join our onboard talent

Live Orchestra

You'll never hear a recording in the main theatre - a live orchestra accompanies every performance

Dancing queens, Unite! Mama Mia brings you Abba hits

High flying feats run deep at AquaTheatre's Oceanaria

It's all fun and board games in Ice Game, inspired by monopoly

BLUE PLANET

Blue Planet celebrates the brilliance of Mother Earth in one-of-its-kind show

H2O ZONE WATERPARK

Kids can get drenched, splashed and sprayed all day at H2O Waterpark

PUB PERFORMANCES

Sip and sing along during live musical performances at the pub

fitness classes

Cutting edge equipment, the latest classes and an ocean view

See the ship over nine decks above the Boardwalk on the zipline

Score prime waves all day overy day on the surf simulator Flowrider

Soak up the relaxation and the horizon

Got game? Prove it on one of our game shows

Pool Parties

Stay up late for this top deck party

Outdoor movie nights

The poolside screen is huge- and so is the fun

Sports Court

From Jazz trios to rock bands, club hop without leaving the ship

Play the classics and modern faves at the Royal Caribbean Arcade

Theme Nights

Go all out and step into another era

Family fun takes a nostalgic turn on the handcrafted carousel

Enjoy adults only ambiance a the Solarium

With onboard pools, you've got plenty of chances to make a splash

Enjoy Mini Golf with maximum fun

ART COLLECTION

Browse and buy original art from our curated collection

WINE TASTING

Our well stocked wine bar is the setting for a world full of discovery

CHEFS TABLE

This is the ultimate speciality dining experience for culinary connoisseurs

Dive into a world of delicious at the Windjammer

Say “konnichiwa” to Far East flavors and fresh-rolled sushi at Izumi.

JOHNNY ROCKETS®

Jitterbug to Johnny rockets for shakes, burgers and fries

CHOPS GRILLE

A classic American steakhous where everything is grilled to perfection.

ROOM SERVICE

Dial up delicious in-room dining day or night to enjoy paired with comfort and privacy.

Cafe promenade

Satisfy your cravings all day and night.

Giovanni's Table

Old world flavour in every bite.

Main Dining Room

In the Main Dining Room, every course is craveworthy.

BARS & LOUNGES

Schooner Bar

Come for a cocktail, stay for a song at this lively late night spot.

SOLARIUM BAR

Savor all your favorite cocktails at this tranquil poolside retreat.

viking crown lounge®

Come for the cocktails, stay for the views.

Pair your mojito with some live merangue at Boleros.

suite lounge

This lounge serves up serenity with a twist of lime

English Pub

Laughs, Libations and live music served here.

Enjoy all your favoirte drinks at one poolside spot.

CHAMPAGNE BAR

Pop a bottle, raise a glass, and elevateyour getaway at the champagne bar

AWARD WINNING &

AWE INSPIRING ACCOMODATIONS

Redefining the cruising experience one room at a time. Our staterooms are an alluring escape from the non-stop action our cruise ships are known for. From our spectacular views to our deluxe amenities, a stay with us is like nothing at sea.

EVERY DETAIL ACCOUNTED FOR

SERVICES & AMENITIES JUST FOR YOU

royalcaribbean.ae is part of Royal Caribbean Arabia owned by Safeen Tourism LLC, the Sole Middle East Representative of Royal Caribbean International.

© 2024 All Rights Reserved.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

• The Big Story
• Newsletters
• Steven Levy's Plaintext Column
• WIRED Classics from the Archive
• WIRED Insider
• WIRED Consulting

The dizzying story of Symphony of the Seas, the largest and most ambitious cruise ship ever built

S ymphony of the Seas – which, on its maiden voyage from Barcelona in March 2018 became the largest passenger ship ever built – is about five times the size of the Titanic . At 362 metres long, you could balance it on its stern and its bow would tower over all but two of Europe’s tallest skyscrapers. Owned and operated by Miami-based cruise line Royal Caribbean, it can carry nearly 9,000 people and contains more than 40 restaurants and bars; 23 pools, jacuzzis and water slides; two West End-sized theatres; an ice rink; a surf simulator; two climbing walls; a zip line; a fairground carousel; a mini-golf course; a ten-storey fun slide; laser tag; a spa; a gym; a casino; plus dozens more shopping and entertainment opportunities. To put it another way, Symphony of the Seas might be the most ludicrously entertaining luxury hotel in history. It just also happens to float.

Picture a cruise ship. You’re likely imagining crisped-pink pensioners bent double over shuffleboard, cramped cabins, bad food and norovirus. And, once upon a time, you’d have been right. But in the last decade or so, cruise ships have gone from a means of transport to vast floating cities with skydiving simulators ( Quantum of the Seas ), go-karting ( Norwegian Joy ), bumper cars ( Quantum again) and ice bars ( Norwegian Breakaway ). Restaurants offer menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs. As a result, the cruise industry is experiencing a golden age, boosted by millennials and explosive growth in tourists from China. More than twenty-five million people set sail on a cruise liner in 2017.

“Most people’s idea of a cruise is ‘Oh God, I’m going to be packed in with five thousand people I don’t want to talk to and getting bored out of my tree,” says Tom Wright, founder of WKK Architects, who has worked on cruise ships and land hotels. “In fact, it’s like going to a hotel that just moves magically over night.” (As one cruiser I met on Symphony ’s fan page put it, “We get to see five destinations, and I only have to unpack once.”)

For many, a maiden cruise is rarely the last. From Southampton to Venice to Barbados, ports are full of white-hulled ships packed with repeat customers. Industry satisfaction ratings regularly exceed 94 per cent. And, as Richard Fain is fond of saying: nobody gets those kinds of numbers. Not even chocolate companies.

Fain is chairman of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, a position he has held since 1988. (RCL comprises three lines: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Club Cruises.) Now 69, Fain is square-jawed, broad and handsome. More than anyone, he is responsible for the transformation of cruise ships from modes of transport to mega-attractions. ( Symphony is one of his. So are the world’s second-, third- and fourth-largest cruise ships.) A gifted salesman, the first time you meet he’ll lean in, tilt his head just so, and ask you straight: “Have you cruised?”

It was Fain who realised that the cruise industry’s image problem was in fact an opportunity. Convince sceptical land-lovers that cruise ships aren’t outdated, boring and, as an industry joke put it, full of “the newlywed and the nearly dead”, and Royal Caribbean could lock up customers for life. The problem was just one of perception.

To attract a new kind of customer, Fain needed a new kind of ship. To build it, he hired Harri Kulovaara, a Finnish naval architect who made a name for himself designing passenger ferries. Kulovaara has a round, boyish face and glasses with such thick upper frames it has the effect of a monobrow. Growing up in the coastal city of Turku, he would watch the ferries sail out of the harbour for Sweden each morning, and spend every moment he could on the water. After graduating in the late 80s, he designed two groundbreaking ferries for Finnish company Silja Line. They included a 150-metre, two-deck-high promenade down the centre, culminating in a huge window at the aft. The window brought natural light into the centre of the ship – before that, dark, depressing places – and created a natural, street-like hub for passengers.

Fain, who has a keen eye for design himself – his mentors included Jay Pritzker, the Hyatt Hotels co-founder and creator of the Pritzker Architecture Prize – took notice. “When Richard saw [the Kulovaara-designed] Silja Serenade , he said, ‘I’d like to have this kind of ship.’ The [Royal Caribbean] technical department told him it couldn’t be built,” explains Kulovaara. So, in 1995, Fain hired him to help run the company’s shipbuilding department alongside Njål Eide, a Norwegian architect who had become a legend in shipbuilding. (Eide had designed the first hotel-like atrium at sea, now a commonplace feature.) The company was planning to commission a carbon copy of its existing flagship, Sovereign of the Seas . “We’re not going to build that, Harri,” Fain told him. “We need something better.”

That “better” was 1999’s Voyager of the Seas . Costing upwards of $650 million (£469m), it was 75 per cent bigger than the previous-largest cruise ship, exceeding Panamax – the width of the Panama Canal, an industry-standard measurement. They introduced a central promenade, similar to that which Kulovaara had designed for Silja Line, ending in two banks of panoramic lifts. It was on Voyager that Royal Caribbean introduced the first ice rink at sea, and climbing walls on the rear funnel. (Fain initially thought climbing walls were a bad idea. Now they’re an industry standard.)

If you want to pinpoint the moment ship design went crazy, it’s with the launch of Voyager. Suddenly, cruising was in an amenities arms race. “There was a big shakeup,” says Trevor Young, vice president of new building at Royal rival MSC Cruises. “Companies started to treat the cruise liner as a floating resort, rather than as a ship.” Consider: since the launch of the RMS Queen Elizabeth in 1940, the record for largest passenger ship had changed hands twice. Since Kulovaara joined Royal Caribbean, the record has been broken 11 times. Kulovaara has designed ten of them.

“We don’t set out to build the largest ships,” Kulovaara told me, somewhat sheepishly. “The goal is to build the best ship. But we have so many ideas that we need a little bit more space.”

Cruise-ship architects face constraints that would confound their land-based counterparts. Ships need to be able to face North Atlantic storms, Baltic snow and blistering Caribbean heat in equal measure. The hull is beset on all sides by waves, which cause not only perpetual motion, but vibrations through the steel structure – as do the engines and propellers. A ship at sea is its own island: it must generate its own energy and water, and treat its own waste. There is no fire service nor ambulance, so every crew member is fire trained and the on-board medical centre must be able to handle almost any kind of emergency (including death: all ships have a small morgue, a necessity for a pastime so beloved by the elderly). Some maintain a brig, in case of onboard miscreants – though I’m told their use is rare.

Kulovaara’s New Build department is located in Royal Caribbean’s Innovation Lab, which is based in PortMiami – the largest passenger port – in Biscayne Bay, Florida. The team has around 200 people, including naval architects, interior designers, engineers and project managers. “When I started to get involved we didn’t use CAD,” says Fain. “We used SAD, or ‘scissors-aided design’, because what you did was spread out your drawing on the dining room table and then cut and paste it.” Today, the Innovation Lab includes extensive prototyping and testing facilities, and a large virtual-reality “cave” simulator to allow Kulovaara’s designers and architects to walk around interior spaces throughout the design process.

The essential consideration when designing a cruise ship is flow of human traffic. “They have a relatively high density of population. How can you spread the people and make sure they find their way?” asks Kulovaara. “Understanding how people behave, anticipating how they behave, is key.” With nearly 9,000 people on board including crew, distributing attractions evenly across the ship is crucial. Hence, Symphony ’s two main theatres are at opposite ends. The casino is central, but below the Royal Promenade. (A rule of thumb is that it takes the first two days of a cruise just to get your bearings.)

Perhaps even more important is the movement of the ship’s 2,200 crew, who must be able to access galleys and stores in the bowels of the ship easily. There are safety considerations, too: today’s megaships are split vertically into six or more fire zones, which can be isolated in case of an emergency. Muster stations (usually large public areas) must be evenly spread. Even corridor width is calculated for the necessary flow of passengers in the event of an emergency.

Once the major spaces are sketched out, there’s the onerous task of plumbing. “The big part of building a ship, 85 per cent, is what you don’t see. It’s the air conditioning, the electric systems, the water systems, power generation,” says Kulovaara. Cruise ships are built using concurrent design: while the keel and lower hull are being cut, the top of the ship is still being laid out. “We do the conceptual design and the architectural design,” says Kulovaara. “The naval architects think about hydrodynamics, hydrostatics, hull forms. Then we transfer that to the shipyard and they do the final engineering.”

As the ship is so vast, the detailed design work is commissioned out to multiple architectural firms. Restaurant architects design restaurants; caravan designers tend to be good at state rooms (the industry term for cabins). “We have probably 100 architects who have worked closely with us for a long time,” says Kulovaara. Early in the design process, Royal holds open competitions to design new spaces. “The reason is if you do it in-house, you become blind to change.”

When trying to introduce “anything extraordinary”, Kulovaara assigns a special projects team. With Voyager, New Build had sketched a blank space in midship for a new entertainment venue. The team proposed an indoor arena including a synthetic ice surface, “glice”. Kulovaara assigned the project to Boston-based Wilson Butler Architects. The firm has since worked on several of Royal Caribbean’s wildest schemes, including a viewing platform that extends high above Quantum of the Seas . “We’ve become pretty good at problem solving,” says Butler.

In January 2018, I went to visit Symphony under construction in Saint-Nazaire, France. It was a miserable day: grey mist hung in the air like gauze, but the ship was still visible several kilometres away. The shipyard, STX France, is one of the few equipped to build liners of Symphony ’s scale. The decks are built upside down, in around 80 huge sections – each can weigh upwards of 800 tonnes – and are then robotically welded together like vast LEGO blocks. On the dockside, deck sections of a new MSC Cruises ship lay idle. The legs of an offshore rig stood monolithic, the platform unattached. Symphony was running ahead of schedule.

Kulovaara, Fain and the Royal Caribbean management team were visiting another of their ships, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge , due to sail in November 2018. While they attended meetings, Timo Yrjovuori, the project manager for Symphony ’s build, gave me a tour of the ship. Another Finn, Yrjovuori has light stubble and blond hair hidden under his yellow hard hat. As we boarded Symphony ’s lower decks, the ship was teeming with activity. More than 1,000 workers were undertaking the final outfitting, and the sounds of sawing, welding and industrial vehicles cut through a riot of languages and radio stations.

Symphony is the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class, which launched in 2009. Oasis of the Seas was another paradigm shift in ship design: 50 per cent larger again, at 225,000 gross tonnes, it was almost double the industry average. Each Oasis-class ship costs more than $1 billion, not including the vast new cruise terminals Royal Caribbean built in Miami to hold them. “The complexity of building ships goes up exponentially” with size, Kulovaara says. (Previously, the largest lifeboats on the market carried 150 people. In designing Oasis , Royal Caribbean also had to develop a new class of 370-person lifeboats. Symphony has 18 of them.)

The Oasis class’s crowning glory is its split superstructure: 18 decks tall, its central section is a progression of Voyager’s promenade design. The aft is divided up the middle by an 11-deck valley, giving it a horseshoe shape. Standing in the centre of the Boardwalk (Oasis ships are split into seven “neighbourhoods”) feels like standing in Manhattan, with mini-skyscrapers on each side. The chasm is bridged by a Sun deck at the top; from there the 11-storey Ultimate Abyss slides curl down to the Boardwalk.

“To split a cruise liner down the middle in this way was a really big departure,” says Tom Wright, who helped in the development of the exterior spaces for the Oasis class ships. “It’s probably the biggest departure ever by the cruise industry.”

Yrjovuori and I toured the ship. Below decks, Symphony of the Seas is like an Amazon warehouse, a cathedral to logistics. The ship’s bowels are split by a two-lane corridor, nicknamed I-95 after the US highway. In the main galleys are bathtub-sized food processors and dishwashers closer in appearance and size to car washes.

Food is stored in bungalow-sized cold rooms. Even here, flow is king: the layout of the room has been meticulously optimised by observing chefs and service staff to maximise output at peak time; because cold food guarantees unhappy passengers, all of Symphony ’s restaurants are designed with a set maximum distance from galley to table.

“The level of hygiene is extreme,” Yrjovuori announced, as we passed a hand-washing station. Though ship-wide outbreaks of sickness make the news at least once a year, the total number of passengers who fall ill is a fraction of one per cent. But close quarters enable outbreaks, so sanitation regulations at sea are stringent. Every part of the ship, from lift buttons to the casino’s chips, are sanitised daily; interior materials have to stand up to the high level of chlorination from the constant cleaning. Rubbish is frozen in vast storage containers to slow bacteria growth and is only removed in port.

In midships above the Royal Promenade lies perhaps Symphony ’s most remarkable feature: Central Park, an open-air garden enclosed by the upper cabins. Its development was another first, and was fraught with challenges. “I suggested it was going to be a grassy field,” says Wright. Fain loved the idea, but a grass park at sea seemed insane: the deck faces salt air, scorching Sun and foot traffic from thousands of passengers almost every day of the year.

“We do a lot of research,” explains Kelly Gonzalez, Royal’s vice president of newbuilding architectural design. Gonzalez, who leads the design of the ships’ public spaces, is Kulovaara’s closest collaborator; the two have worked together for 20 years. “We hired a grass and lawn expert from the University of Florida. We did a machine test, which was a rolling wheel with sneakers on it that would simulate footsteps.”

The results were not encouraging. “The immediate response is always ‘We’ll tweak it,’” says Fain. “We said no, this is not a tweak. This is a design flaw.”

Kulovaara called a charrette – a closed-doors design retreat that Royal has used for problem-solving since Voyager. “We went back to redesign it,” he says. Their solution was a landscaped garden with 12,000 plants and trees. It required extensive engineering, right down to the soil. “It’s a kind of volcanic exploded clay, so it’s not as dense as it would be on a land-based arboretum,” explains Butler, whose firm worked on the engineering. “On land you put in a sprinkler system and the soil gets saturated. We can’t afford that wet weight, so we do underground watering.” Botanists were consulted, as were ports’ various customs agencies for rules on foreign plant species.

Even unfinished, it’s remarkable: an airy urban park, floating on a skyscraper with an open-air café and performance space thrown in, all in the middle of the ocean.

After the park, we toured Symphony ’s accommodation. Its state rooms are pre-fabricated en masse and inserted into the ship like huge Jenga blocks. Yrjovuori’s army of outfitters were busy adding mattresses and other finishing touches.

More than half of Symphony is taken up by state rooms. “We always say the millimetres matter,” says Harold Law, a senior architectural associate who oversees their development. A centimetre saved by using a thinner veneer might, along the length of the ship, mean an extra cabin per deck. Storage is honed with IKEA-like precision (the secret is calculating average luggage size plus a little extra, for souvenirs).

State rooms must be acoustically insulated – to shield occupants from their neighbours, but also vibrations from the engines, nightclubs or an overhead skydiving machine. The bathroom units are subjected to an incline test: a blocked toilet must still drain at 10° of ship tilt without spilling into the room.

The biggest challenge comes when designing the interior rooms. “Traditionally on inside rooms there’s no natural light, so you can lose track of time very quickly,” says Law. (Days at sea distort time – Symphony ’s lifts contain screens reminding passengers what day of the week it is.) On 2014’s Quantum of the Seas , Royal Caribbean introduced Virtual Balconies, floor-to-ceiling screens which show a live camera feed of the outside view. There are four cameras, because during testing, they discovered that a feed facing the wrong direction causes seasickness. “You have the sensation of the motion of the ship; the visual has to match,” Law says.

“We’re constantly using design to alter the perspective of the room environment,” says Gonzalez. Uplighting and mirrors can help ceilings feel taller. The right pattern on a carpet can lengthen or shorten a space, or provide a subliminal help with wayfinding. One problem with such huge ships is the absurdly long corridors, so the architects insert fake arches or obstacles to make them appear shorter. On Quantum , Royal introduced lenticular wall art, which changes whether you’re walking fore or aft.

Celebrity Edge will introduce perhaps the biggest change in state-room design since balconies were introduced in the 80s. “I was watching the cruise ships going out from Miami one day,” explains Xavier Leclercq, Royal’s senior vice president of New Build and innovation. “I counted the passengers on their balconies – only two per cent of people [were] using them.”

Kulovaara’s team commissioned some research and came to a counterintuitive conclusion: offer passengers balconies and they say they want them, but few actually use them. So, on Celebrity Edge , Wright – the ship’s lead architect – and Royal’s New Build team eliminated balconies entirely. Instead they designed what they call the Infinite Veranda: floor-to-ceiling windows, the upper half of which lowers entirely to create an indoor balcony. As a result, Edge ’s entry-level state rooms are 23 per cent larger and bathrooms 20 per cent bigger than the previous standard. “The cruise industry is incredibly conservative,” says Wright. “To change the structure of how it’s always been done – it’s really quite a big deal.”

In November 2017, before my visit to France, I flew to New York to see the future of cruise ship design. Royal Caribbean had rented a space in Brooklyn’s Navy Yard to demonstrate what it calls Project Excalibur. Guests from the travel industry lounged on white leather sofas, ordering drinks via an app. Wi-Fi beacons tracked our locations, and the waiters’ custom-designed trays included a smartphone displaying our picture, so we never had to go to the bar.

The feature will debut on Symphony of the Seas and be rolled out across the entire Royal fleet. On the main stage, huge 4K screens on robotic arms delivered a dance performance (the show, something of a novelty gimmick, is featured on Quantum-class ships), before Fain made his presentation.

Kulovaara watched from the side of the room. New Build were early in the masterplanning phase for Royal’s next class of ship, codenamed Icon, which is planned to debut in 2022. Notably, Icon class, at 200,000 gross tonnes, will be smaller than Oasis. Instead, the focus is on efficiency, an urgent trend in an industry long criticised for cruise ships’ environmental impact, which included burning huge quantities of fuel and, for several decades, dumping of waste water. (Today, black water – the ship’s sewage – is treated on board, and only dumped into the sea when it reaches near drinking-water purity.)

“Energy efficiency is something we have a lot of pride in,” says Kulovaara. They expect Symphony to be, by weight, the most energy-efficient ship at sea (a claim currently held by Harmony ). “We were able to improve the ship’s energy efficiency by 20 per cent with about 100 different initiatives. The hull form was improved, the propellers were improved, the air conditioning controls were improved, the lighting system was improved.” New Royal ships feature hulls that emit tiny bubbles to reduce drag, meaning the ship in effect sails on air.

After Fain’s pitch for Excalibur, we were given a rundown of the attractions Icon might eventually bring. Some, like a shallow VR sushi-eating experience, felt more like gimmicks for the tech press in attendance. But other elements seemed inevitable: check in via facial-recognition, and a Star Trek -like bridge of the future which included augmented-reality displays showing live data streams. Perhaps the most significant demo was the least well attended: a hydrogen fuel cell, which will be used to generate electricity on Icon, supplementing existing diesel engines. Icon will also be the first of Royal’s fleet to run on liquefied natural gas; Carnival, AIDA and MSC also all have LNG ships under construction, as part of an industry-wide move to meet emissions targets.

Icon’s design is still a closely-held secret, and Kulovaara would only speak in veiled terms. “We’re looking at how the infrastructure has been done on a cruise ship for the last 40 years, and we believe that there is the potential of doing drastically different things,” he said. The last time we spoke, in January, the outline for Icon was coming together, but the design was still lacking… something, so they took a break to look for inspiration. “A ship’s lifespan is at least 25 years. So we have to plan that a ship is still relevant, purposeful and efficient, more than 20 years ahead.”

Right now, Kulovaara has 13 ships on order. In 2014, Royal Caribbean became the world’s largest cruise line by passenger capacity (Carnival is still larger by total passengers, primarily because it offers shorter cruises). Other cruise lines have followed Fain’s lead: in 2017, MSC Cruises announced plans to build four 200,000-tonne World class ships, with split hulls remarkably similar to Symphony . Arch-rival Carnival has ordered two 180,000-tonne ships, due in 2020.

Still, Symphony ’s record as the largest ever looks like it won’t be broken for a while. “The ships are now large enough and give us a platform that we can really do some amazing things,” says Fain. “So a gut answer is: I don’t personally see a need to build larger. But never say never.”

Back on Symphony of the Seas , Yrjovuori momentarily lost his bearings. We stopped and, taking our cue from the stairway’s decor, set off downwards. The sky was getting darker and it had started to rain. Construction was winding down for the night, and for the first time the ship’s corridors were quiet. “It’s maybe romantic, but I think ships have a kind of soul,” he said. “It’s not like a building. They have a kind of personality. ”

It was a few weeks before Symphony would set out on final sea trials. “It’s such an interesting moment in the ship’s life, when she first meets the sea,” Leclercq told me, back on shore. “It’s like a baby being born. Thousands of people, thousands of skill sets… it’s a big human adventure.” When Harmony was floated, the locals in Saint-Nazaire took to the water to meet her. “Thousands of boats were in the water. It was a beautiful day.”

Symphony of the Seas already has bookings until the end of 2019. At the time of my visit, the ship’s Facebook page was filling with passengers excitingly monitoring its progress and discussing itineraries. Kelli Carlsen, an American teacher based in Oslo, told me she booked after her and her husband spent their honeymoon on Harmony of the Seas . “It was once in a lifetime,” she said – until it wasn’t. They’re booked for June 2018. The week after they disembark, she and a friend are cruising again, on Serenade of the Seas. They’re joining the ship late, in Rome, but Carlsen says she doesn’t mind. “There’s so many stops. We just go for the ships, really.”

This article was originally published by WIRED UK

Symphony Of The Seas

Royal caribbean.

• Year of built 2018
• Length (LOA) 361 m / 1184 ft
• Passengers 6780
• Destination US BAY
• ETA September 15, 08:00
• Speed 19 kn / 35 km/h
• Temperature

Symphony of the Seas, Everything You Need to Know

Symphony of the Seas, everything you need to know about this Royal Caribbeans Oasis Class ship from our experience onboard. In this post we will take a photo tour  and review all of the places you can visit on Royal Caribbean International’s cruise ship  Symphony of the Seas .

Symphony of the Seas is one of my favourite Oasis class ships and she is big and bold. This photo tour includes all our hints and tips on where to enjoy your dinner, where to get away from the crowds and what not to miss on one of royal Caribbean’s largest ships.

AD We have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details.

Tips and tricks on Symphony of the seas and everything you’ve need to know to know about sailing on this ship

Is symphony of the seas the largest cruise ship.

No not any more the largest cruise-ship is Wonder of the Seas.

Plan Your Trip

• Book tickets and tours
• Book Pre or Post Cruise Hotels
• Get our free printable and digital cruise planner
• Book A Cruise (US Cruisers)
• Grab free printable cruise door magnets here

It is particularly important to know what to expect before you board a ship. Having the facts to help you choose your cruise dining options and  Royal Caribbean drinks packages  let’s you get prepared before you sail so you know what to expect. This Royal Caribbean ship is huge in fact modern ships have been getting much bigger over the years. In fact the Symphony is a ship with all the thrills and is action packed with surf simulators, a sports zone and all sorts of family rooms with dyanamic set ups.Now there is so much to do on board it is worth doing your research before you embark.

A Few Facts About Symphony Of The Seas?

Symphony Of The Seas launched in April 2018 and at the time was the biggest ship on the sea. It is an Oasis Class Ship that holds 6,680 passengers on full capacity with 2,759 cabins and a crew of 2200. Symphony of the Seas is a cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean International. Here are some facts about this impressive vessel:

• She is 1,188 feet long, 215.5 feet wide and weighs a whopping 228,081 gross tons. You will find a total of 18 decks, 16 guest decks, 2 service/crew decks and a total of 24 guest elevators. You can check out more information in this fascinating guide for all  Royal Caribbean Ships By Size.
• Symphony of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ship in the world!
• The ship was built in 2018 by the STX France shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, at a cost of approximately $1.35 billion.
• Symphony of the Seas can accommodate up to 6,680 passengers in 2,759 cabins, with a crew of 2,200.
• The ship has plenty of decks, including 16 passenger decks, and features numerous attractions and amenities, including a zip line, rock-climbing wall, ice skating rink, water park, 10-story slide, mini-golf course, and Broadway-style shows.
• Symphony of the Seas has 22 restaurants, including a Mexican cantina, a seafood bar, a Japanese teppanyaki grill, and a classic American diner.
• The ship has lots of chioce of guest accommodations, including interior staterooms, ocean-view staterooms, balcony staterooms, and suites.
• These cabins feature a variety of different bed room category set ups with royal king beds, twin beds, double sofa and pullman beds
• The ship’s central atrium has no ceiling, and is known as the Boardwalk which features a carousel, shops, and restaurants.
• Some bathrooms feature baths as well as showers and some balconies even have a jacuzzi With a whirlpool
• Symphony of the Seas is powered by four ABB Azipod propulsion units, which give the ship a maximum speed of 22.6 knots (41.9 km/h or 26 mph).
• The ship’s home port is in Miami, Florida, and it sails primarily in the Caribbean, with itineraries that include stops in places such as the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Mexico.
• Symphony of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class of ships, which also includes Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas and Wonder of the seas

What Activities are Onboard Symphony of the Seas cruise ship?

Symphony of the seas being one of the largest ships has some of the best onboard activities to help you make the most of your vacation. To give you an idea of some of the activities available check out this list of onboard activities for all guests. 

• 2 Rock Climbing Walls
• Sport Court
• Studio B Ice Rink
• The Perfect Storm Water Slides
• Ultimate Abyss
• Puzzle Break Centre
• Wonder Playscape Area
• Wonder Dunes Miniature Golf

What activities will be on the daily planner?

To add to the list of onboard activities on the ship every day your Crown and Anchor News Letter or daily planner will be filled with activities, demonstrations and lectures. It it impossible so get bored, and you alway come away having learnt something new, no matter how obscure it may be.

These are some of the activities you will find on the Royal Caribbean daily planner;

• Dance classes
• Meet ups for different groups of people
• Quizzes 
• Wine tastings 
• Chocolate buffets 
• Craft classes
• Art exhibitions
• live singing

Kids Clubs on Symphony

For an in depth guide to the kids clubs that are on Symphony of the Seas check out our  Royal Caribbean Kids Club Guide . However be warned you will be begging the kids to spend time with you as there is so much for them to do. Fortunately the  Zoom wifi  and app is a great way of keeping track of older kids or teens if they have self sign out from kids clubs.

The Kids Clubs on Symphony of the Seas are;

• Adventure Ocean Babies 6- 36 months
• Aquanauts 3-5 years
• Explorers 6-8 years
• Voyagers  9-11 years
• Youngers Teens 12-14 years
• Older Teens 15-17 years

There’s also plenty to do if you’re a family who likes to spend quality time together, Splashaway Bay promises hours of water fun, whilst the Wonder Play Scape is a dry underwater themed play area with tunnels and slides for little ones to let off a little steam. Additionally for older kids and teens the sports court and FlowRider and Puzzle Room will keep them entertained for hours.

The seven neighbourhoods on Symphony of the Seas !

There is a variety of open spaces on Symphony of the seas and even a space for a full-size carousel! There are seven neighbourhoods on Symphony of the Seas ! These include outdoor and indoor spaces such as the following;

Outdoor spaces and open spaces on Symphony of the Seas

The boardwalk .

The Boardwalk neighborhood is fun for all of the family and is in the open air you will find these places on the board walk;

• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade  where families can cheer on their home team playing on any of the 31 big-screen TVs
• Sugar Beach  candy and ice cream shop is on the sweet spot on the Boardwalk! You can even decorate cookies!
• The AquaTheater  is an open air amphitheater-style entertainment space unique to Royal Caribbean. Which includes a pool! Here on the Boardwalk you can watch movie screenings and game shows by day and stunning aqua acrobatics shows and high-diving by night.
• A full-size, hand-carved  carousel
• Johnny Rockets and  the  Boardwalk Dog House
• rock climbing walls
• Voltar the fortune teller

Central Park

Central Park is an open outdoor Parkin the centre of the ship is features more than 20,700 plants with a winding pathway that leads to seating places, retail boutiques, live entertainment and restaurants. You will find the following in Central Park

• 150   Central Park

Chops Grille

Jamie’s italian.

• Vintages  wine bar.

Royal Promenade

The heart of the ship is the Royal Promenade is where you will first step foot on board. This neighborhood is at the center where you will find parades, theme parties, eateries, retail shops, and bars and lounges such as;

• The Bionic Bar
• The Rising Tide Bar  – the world’s first moving bar at sea! Will take your from the Royal Promenade (deck 5) and Central Park (deck 8) on an eight-minute ride.
• Sorrento’s Pizzeria
• Café Promenade .
• Boleros Latin dance lounge
• Copper and Kettle pub
• On Air Club .

Entertainment Place 

The Entertainment Place by day is open for glow-in-the-dark laser tag battle or ice skating at a full-scale ice rink and by night everything from late-night dancing to after-hour comedy shows.  You can experience the following in the Entertainment place;

• The Royal Theatre where you can see productions of Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals  Hairspray ,  Flight and Dare to Dream .
• Studio B  showcases the original ice skating extravaganza named  1977 . The venue also hosts the new glow-in-the-dark laser tag adventure,  Battle for Planet Z.

The Youth Zone 

From adventurous tots to teens the kids can enjoy the Adventure Ocean youth program here. You will find all of the kids clubs and entertainment for children. Including;

• Adventure ocean club
• Royal Babies  and  Royal   Tots
• Imagination Studio
• Adventure Science Lab
• Adventure Ocean Theater , where kids can learn the art of theatrical productions and perform in talent shows.
• Fuel Disco – Royal Caribbean teen-only spaces
• The Living Room for teens

Pools and Sports Zones on Symphony of the Seas 

A child’s and adults playground alike! With a combination of relaxing and adrenaline-inducing experiences, this neighborhood is home to five types of pools and some great activities on  Symphony of the Seas including;

• The Ultimate Abyss , the tallest slide at sea!
• The Perfect Storm  trio of waterslides which are Cyclone, Supercell and Typhoon.
• Splashaway Bay , a vibrant waterscape for kids and toddlers.
• The zip line  which towers nine decks high above the Boardwalk.
• The adults-only Solarium which is a multistory indoor/outdoor retreat ideally positioned at the front of the ship with whirlpools.

Hooked Seafood

• The sports deck  
• Flowrider surf simulators
• Air hockey table

Vitality Spa and Fitness 

Symphony has a sea spa area where guests can visit the chill areas Vitality Spa and Fitness. Find the healthy side to cruising here which includes;

• The Vitality Spa
• The beauty salon
• The  barber shop  
• Y Spa which is a tweens and teens have a dedicated spa of their own.
• The Fitness Center  offers a wide selection of exercise machines and classes.

Dining And Drinks onboard

You will be spoilt for choice on places to eat on Symphony of the Seas with many different dining options and bars to chose from.

Bars OnBoard

Symphony of the Seas has 23 bars, that includes the suite lounge, diamond lounge and pool bars. Thus giving you so much choice at all times of day and night, especially if you fancy stopping for a cocktail and spot of people watching.

If you check your Crown and Anchor daily planner there’s always something going on around the ship. Whether its a pop quiz, general knowledge quiz or pre dinner cocktail music you will always find something to suit your mood.

Symphony of the Seas Bars include;

• Vintages Wine Bar
• Schooners, Piano Bar
• Trellis Bar, Located In Central Park
• Playmakers Sports Bar And Arcade
• Boleros, Latin Themed Bar
• Diamond Club, For Diamond Members
• Rising Tide Bar, Rises Between Decks
• Solarium Bar, Adults Only Pool Bar
• Suite Lounge, For Suite Guests
• Sand Bar 
• Bionic Bar, Served By Robotic Bar Tenders
• Copper & Kettle, English Pub
• Dazzles, Live Music Bar
• Wipe Our Bar, Up On The Surf Deck
• Casino Royal Bar
• The Attic Comedy Club
• Wonderland Bar

How Much Are Drinks on Symphony of the Seas?

These are the drinks prices on Symphony of the Seas 2021 sailings, and will give you an idea of general prices onboard, and help you decide if a drinks package is worth the money. Grab some cocktails or a beer at one of the bars this is what they cost;

• Bud Light $7.49
• Red Stripe $8.25
• Guinness $7.99
• Strongbow $7.99
• Gin Fizz $13.00
• Mint Berry Delight $13.00
• Grey Goose Vodka $12.99
• Tanqueray $9.99
• Bailey $9.99
• Jack Daniels $9.99
• Pinot Grigio $10.00
• Chardonnay from $11.00
• Coca Cola and Diet Coke $3.50

How Many Restaurants Are There On Symphony of The Seas ?

You will find 20 restaurants and dining areas on Symphony of the Seas. 11 of which are included in the price of your Royal Caribbean Cruise and are complimentary. There are 9 restaurants that have extra charges or count as speciality dining.

The Royal Caribbean Dining Packages Available

There are several choices for speciality dining packages, here is a guide of what you can expect to pay, but also check out our in depth dining package guide.

• Unlimited Dining Package, £179.90 per adult (Roughly $250)
• The 3 Night Dining Package, £81.62 per adult (Around $112)
• Chops Plus 1 Dining Package, £61.83 per adult (Roughly $85.00)
• Taste Of Royal Lunch, £28.25 per adult (Around $40)

Children are complementary from age of 0-5. You have two options for Children aged 6-12. The dining plan costs half the adult price. However you don’t need to book the package for kids, you can pay as you go, this way children 6-12 pay $10.99 per child to dine and must order from the kid’s menu.

Complimentary dining on Symphony of the Seas

You will find complimentary dining in the following restaurants onboard Symphony of the Seas;

El Loco Fresh

• Solarium Bistro,

Boardwalk Dog House

• Sorrento’s Pizza
• Main dining rooms on decks 3, 4 and 5

A Mexican fast food for eat in or take out offering tacos burritos and tacos, which is also open for breakfast. 

For delicious pizza, with a choice of toppings. 

For hot dog choices of dreams, from tradition to chicken to German thuringer or a pork bratwurst.

L Windjammer

The Windjammer is Royal Caribbean’s famous buffet restaurant, offering more choice than you can ever image for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Watch out for the desserts, they are divine.

A Deli themed snack bar to grab a quick soup, salad or sandwich and of course there is always cake and sweet treats.

Café Promenade

The Café Promenade is open around the clock for quick snacks, fresh sandwiches, pastries, fruit, cakes and coffee. There is always something delicious for a tasty snacks.

Vitality Café

For healthy snacks such as specialty wraps, fresh fruits and yogurt, and smoothies.

Solarium Bistro

The Solarium Bistro offers fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavours for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Main Dining rooms

The main dining room offer a huge choice of meals, open every evening at your chosen time of early , late or my time dining. On a sea day the restaurant is open for lunch and breakfast. Each night has different themed nights from around the world and constantly changes.

Speciality Dining Restaurants On The Symphony of the Seas And 2021 Prices

Please note, you need to add 18% service charge onto speciality dining. These prices are from Speciality Dining Venues on Symphony Of The Seas 2021 -2022 sailings.

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

Offering a wonderful selection of sushi and Asian dishes and costs, $34.99 for lunch, $45.99 for dinner, and children cost $10.99.

Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets is a wonderful 1950s themed American Diner, offering delicious burgers and shakes with a twist and a song, and costs $9.95pp.

Jamie’s Italian is a delicious Tuscan grill offering homemade inspired Tuscan dishes, costing $49.99 for dinner, $22.99 for lunch, Children are $10.99 6 to 12 years old with kids Menu.

Coastal Kitchen 

The Coastal Kitchen is reserved for suite and jnr Suite Guests and offers a varied á la carte menu.

The seafood restaurant of dreams offering lobster, a fresh fish fillets, crabs and shrimp to name a few it a must for seafood lovers. Costing $24.99 for lunch, $52.99 for Dinner and Children ages 6-12 cost $10.99 eating from the kids menu.

A steakhouse offering a delicious choice or steak, lobster and a selection of alternative mains. Chops Grill costs $24.99 (lunch), $54.99, (dinner) $10.99 dining charge for children 6 to 12 years old with kids menu

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade

Playmakers sports bar is a themed bar that offers tasty snack dishes to share, individual prices such a 2 pulled pork sliders for $7, steak topped fries $3, 24 wings for $14, burger $9.

Wonderland is a magical themed venue offering food that not only inspires your taste buds, but your mind, this really is an experience to try, costing $54.99 for dinner, children from 6-12 are $10.99 eating from the kids menu.

150 Central Park

150 Central Park has a carefully curated menu spotlighting locally sourced ingredients harvested at the peak of their season and costs $49.99 for dinner, children are 6-12 cost $10.99 eating from the kids menu.

Symphony of the Seas State Rooms

Standard staterooms on Symphony include;

• interior staterooms
• ocean-view stateroom
• virtual balcony stateroom
• Balcony staterooms

Suite rooms in Royal Suite Class

Symphony of the Seas has an array of different suite rooms available From grand suites to the ultimate family suite which give you with Sea, Sky or Star class with the benefit of extra perks. To travel in the Royals suite class is a luxury! Much like the 1st class liners many years ago but more high tech!

Shows And Entertainment on Symphony of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas has many different shows to keep you entertained;

• Aqua Theatre Shows
• Comedy Club
• Top theatre shows including Hairspray!

More tips on Symphony of the Seas!

• Make reservations for the entertainment
• Watch out for fun pop up events around the ship. Such as the piano player in the lift.
•  The ice cream machine is by the swimming pool. 
• Shuffle board and ping pong tables can be found tucked into cubbies on on the jogging track
• The Park Central Cafe is overlooked by many on embarkation day its good for a quiet lunch
• Try Breakfast or lunch in the solarium as part of your package. It is also a quiet and “Adults Only.”
• If you only book one restaurant you must try Wonderland! If not happy hour in Wonderland is covered by your drink package.
• Johnny Rockets serves free breakfast
• Book internet packages, Dining and Drink packages early as cheaper than on the ship

More Symphony Of The Seas And Royal Caribbean Posts.

• The Ultimate family Suite On Symphony Of The Seas
• What are the other worlds largest cruise ships?
• Families On Symphony Of The Seas
• Guide To Symphony Of The Seas For Teenagers
• Check out this review of Symphony of the Seas here
• Compare Symphony of the Seas to the Titanic here!

Donna loves cruising with her husband and two teenage boys. Having cruised with the children from a young age she feels it is the perfect way to experience the world safely. Her boys are social butterfly’s and love meeting other children their own age whilst onboard some of the most extraordinary floating ships. She also writes over at Like Love Do, a travel memoir of her trips, from London to far off beaches. She has an eye for the unusual and like to go off of the beaten track just to find the perfect photo. With a passion for photography and exploring cruising has become the perfect holiday choice.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The 7 best cruise ship suites — picked by someone who has seen them all

O ne of the biggest stories in the cruise world over the past couple of decades has been the arrival of a new generation of superlarge, superswanky cruise ship suites that are chock-full of every sort of upscale feature and amenity you could imagine. They are sights to behold.

Some of the biggest of these cruise ship suites measure 2,000 square feet or more — approaching the size of the typical American home. A handful go far beyond that.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

I haven't stayed in all of these new cruise ship suites. But over more than 25 years of writing about cruise ships, I've toured pretty much all of them. I can't think of any major cruise ship suite that I've missed other than Disney Cruise Line's new Tower Suite on Disney Wish, which I hope to get to soon.

A few of these swanky digs really stood out, and I'll profile them below in my personal list of best cruise suites.

In some cases, these are one-of-a-kind suites found on only a single vessel. In other cases, they are suites with similar sisters on multiple ships.

To be clear, this is by no means an exhaustive list. Disney fans will no doubt admonish me for not including the supersized suites on some Disney Cruise Line ships, such as the art deco-influenced Roy O. Disney Suite on Disney Fantasy. I've been in these suites, and they are certainly impressive. But I wasn't as wowed by them as I was by the suites below. And I have to cut off my list somewhere.

Related: 8 cabin locations on cruise ships you definitely should avoid

Luxury lines Silversea Cruises and Seabourn also offer quite a few wonderful suites on their ships, and it's worth noting that some of the biggest suites at sea are those found on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Jewel-class vessels.

Below, you'll find my picks for the seven best suites at sea.

Regent Suite

Ship: Seven Seas Splendor (Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

Every time I think of this suite, I think of that famous scene in "Dr. Zhivago" where Comrade Kaprugina dresses down the good doctor on the size of his mansion. "There was living space for 13 families in this one house!" she scolds.

You might not be able to jam 13 families into Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' Regent Suite, but in a pinch, you probably could come close. It sprawls over an astounding 4,443 square feet — nearly twice the size of the average American home. Its opulence is like nothing you'll find anywhere else at sea (except in similar suites found on Regent's Seven Seas Explorer and the just-unveiled Seven Seas Grandeur).

Located at the front of Seven Seas Splendor , the Regent Suite is so big it stretches all the way from one side of the ship to the other, offering views in three directions. It has two massive bedroom complexes — and they really are complexes, with seemingly endless space. It also has a living room, a separate dining area and perhaps the most spectacular balcony at sea.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge on a suite for your next cruise

Among the over-the-top things you'll find in the Regent Suite is a bed with a handmade mattress that Regent executives claim cost more than $200,000. It was handcrafted by four artisans at the renowned Hastens workshop in Koping, Sweden, using horsetail hair and flax, along with cotton and wool batting.

The Regent Suite also has a ridiculously large master bathroom, complete with its own sauna and steam room. It's big enough that it can double as a personal spa treatment room. To that end, the Regent Suite — get this — comes with its own spa therapist on call. Unlimited spa treatments are included in the cost of the suite.

Other perks of staying in the Regent Suite include first-class domestic flights to reach the ship; a personal car, driver and guide in every port; and a dedicated butler to help make arrangements on board.

The only downside to a stay? The cost. Regent charges $11,000 a day for the privilege.

Related: The 2 types of Regent ships, explained

Royal Loft Suite

Ship: Quantum of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

At 1,640 square feet, the Royal Loft Suite on Royal Caribbean 's Quantum of the Seas isn't nearly as big as the Regent Suite on Seven Seas Splendor. But it makes my list of the best cruise ship suites because it offers something the latter doesn't: views across the ship's wake through a soaring, two-deck-high glass wall.

That's right, the Royal Loft Suite on Quantum of the Seas sprawls over two decks and has a main room that is two stories high — a lavish use of space that is rare in the cruise world.

Royal Caribbean offers a Royal Loft Suite on each of its Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships, but there are some design differences among them.

My favorite of all the Royal Loft Suites is the one on Quantum of the Seas, the first vessel in Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class series. Sleeping up to six, it offers a stylish, two-deck-high living and dining space facing the complex's giant window wall, complete with such modernist touches as an Eames chair (which, being a minimalist, I adore). Among its highlights are a dry bar and a sofa that converts into a double bed.

Related: 5 reasons to turn down a cruise ship cabin upgrade

The first floor of the Royal Loft Suite is also home to a media room with a sofa that converts into a queen bed. It's a perfect hideaway for the kids, should you be traveling with a family.

Upstairs, the main bedroom is open-walled, so you can see across the living area to the sea. It is accessed via a bridge-like walkway, which I love. It's like crossing a drawbridge into your own private castle at sea.

Rounding out the complex is a spacious, 415-square-foot private balcony that has its own private whirlpool — another great place from which to look out over the water.

Balmoral Suite

Ship: Queen Mary 2 (Cunard Line)

Royal Caribbean wasn't the first cruise line to go the double-decker route when designing over-the-top cruise ship suites. A decade before the debut of Quantum of the Seas, Cunard Line wowed cruise fans with the unveiling of this two-deck-high Grand Duplex suite and a sister suite, the Sandringham, on its iconic Queen Mary 2.

Named after a castle in Scotland owned by the British royal family, the Balmoral Suite is fit for a queen with a stunning 2,249 square feet of living space.

Like Royal Caribbean's Royal Loft suites, both the Balmoral Suite and the Sandringham Suite have a sprawling living room and dining area on their ground floors and a spacious master bedroom complex on their second levels.

One thing I particularly love about the Grand Duplex suites is that their master bedrooms are reached via dramatic, curving staircases.

Another allure of the Grand Duplex suites is that they come with access to Queen Mary 2's exclusive Queens Grill restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Only open to passengers staying in the very top accommodations on the ship, this is a much more intimate, elegant and private eatery than the main Britannia restaurant where most passengers dine.

Movie buffs may recognize the restaurant, as it was heavily highlighted in the Meryl Streep movie "Let Them All Talk," which was set on Queen Mary 2 .

Owner's suite

Ship: Viking Star (Viking)

Many cruise ships have giant suites that are given the name "owner's suite." But few live up to the phrase like this one.

The owner's suite on Viking Star — Viking 's first oceangoing ship — was specifically designed to be used by Viking founder and owner Torstein Hagen when he travels on the ship, and it's full of little quirks that reflect his personal tastes.

Among them: Hagen's personal mementos, including pictures of his family, are sprinkled throughout the suite. A selection of books from Hagen's personal collection fills a bookshelf.

The Norwegian-born Hagen also had the suite built with its own private sauna with a glass wall facing the sea, something he wanted for personal use.

In all, the suite — and similar suites that were built onto more recently unveiled Viking ocean ships — sprawls over an impressive 1,448 square feet.

Located at the top of the vessel, it has a bedroom with a large bathroom complex (including that sauna), a separate living room and a dining area that seats six people.

In addition, in another twist that speaks to its real use as an owner's suite, it has its own boardroom with a long table that seats 12 people that Hagen uses for meetings and catered dinner parties. There's an adjacent pantry that can be used by staff serving room service or catering hosted events.

Among other personal touches related to Hagen are wine and music collections that he curated for the rooms.

Similar Owner's Suites can be found on other Viking ocean ships, too, all used from time to time by Hagen and his family.

Reflection Suite

Ship: Celebrity Reflection (Celebrity Cruises)

Many Celebrity Cruises ships have spacious and alluring suites. But the newest of the line's five Solstice Class vessels, Celebrity Reflection, has my favorite of them all: the Reflection Suite.

Unveiled in 2012, the Reflection Suite was the brand's first two-bedroom suite, and it measures a none-too-shabby 1,636 square feet, not including a 194-square-foot balcony.

Located in a panoramic corner spot on the ship, it features a glass-walled living and dining area with a dining table that can seat 10 people (just in case you want to hold a dinner party during your cruise).

Related: TPG's ultimate guide to picking a cruise line

But what really earns it a place on our list of the best cruise ship suites is the Reflection Suite's stunning, glass-walled master bathroom. Dubbed a "sea-view bathroom," it is just that — a bathroom with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer incredible sea views. The most-talked-about highlight of the space: a glass-enclosed rain shower that juts out over the edge of the ship.

Just be careful if you use the shower as the ship pulls into port: You might end up putting on a show. (The walls are made of "smart glass," so you can change them from transparent to translucent.) That said, we can't think of another bathroom on a cruise ship with such amazing views.

Ship: Riviera (Oceania Cruises)

The owner's suites on Oceania Cruises ' Riviera — there are three of them — rival anything you can find at a resort on land when it comes to elegance and style.

So do three more owner's suites that you can find on Riviera's slightly older sister ship, Marina.

All six of the suites were decorated using Ralph Lauren furnishings by designer Susan Bednar Long, and they have a wonderful flow and consistency in style.

The mahogany beds that you'll find in the master bedrooms are upholstered in steel-blue mohair — a striking touch — and are flanked by walls covered in cashmere. A few steps away, a marble-clad master bathroom offers more luxurious Ralph Lauren design touches.

Measuring around 2,000 square feet, the owner's suites also have spacious living rooms and a dramatic entryway with a bar on one side and a grand piano on the other.

The suites offer lots of outdoor living space with wrap-around balconies that are home to hot tubs and flat-screen TVs. These balconies overlook the back of the ship, offering great views.

Among the extra touches, a stay in one of the suites comes with butler service, free laundry service of up to three bags per sailing, priority ship embarkation with priority luggage delivery and access to an exclusive executive lounge staffed by a dedicated concierge.

Ultimate Family Suite

Ship: Symphony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

Yes, I'm putting a second Royal Caribbean suite on my short list of the seven best cruise suites. The line is that amazing when it comes to suites. Indeed, if I had to pick just one cruise line for best suites, it'd be Royal Caribbean.

The Ultimate Family Suite on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, which debuted in 2018, really is the ultimate family suite. I can't think of a better suite anywhere in the world, at sea or on land, for families with kids, particularly small kids.

Like two other Ultimate Family suites that have debuted more recently on Spectrum of the Seas (a ship devoted to the Asia cruise market) and Wonder of the Seas, Symphony's is like a kiddie fun zone that happens to have beds where you can spend the night.

Related: 12 tips for surviving a luxury cruise with kids

Measuring a palatial 1,346 square feet, the Ultimate Family Suite on Symphony of the Seas spans two decks that are loaded with such kid-friendly attractions as an air hockey table, a building block wall, table tennis on the balcony and a vertical climbing maze.

There's also a crawl-through nook connecting the main bedroom for adults and a second kiddie bedroom, plus — surely the coolest feature of all — a slide that descends from the second floor of the complex to the first floor. (Don't worry, there are stairs, too, for those who want to move between floors the traditional way.)

In addition, the complex has its very own private cinema room with an 85-inch 4K TV that streams movies, a popcorn machine and the latest gaming consoles.

Designed with even the largest families in mind — it can hold up to eight people! — the suite also features one of the most jaw-dropping balcony views on the entire ship. And, like all high-end suites on Royal Caribbean ships, it comes with a Royal Genie — a personal butler assigned to cater to your every need.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Your Guide to the New, Thrilling Entertainment Aboard Symphony of the Seas

From zero-gravity performances to high-diving stunts, the lineup on the world’s largest cruise ship will keep you at the edge of your seat..

Drones provide a show-stopping opening for "1977."

Credit: Royal Caribbean

Setting sail from the newly opened Terminal A in PortMiami , the world’s largest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas , is filled with ‘round-the-clock entertainment taking place on the stage, on ice, in water and in the air. From high-flying acrobatics to the first time zero gravity is simulated on stage, the productions in store combine high-energy with the high-tech to create thrills for all. Read on for a preview of the surprises that await on the ultimate family vacation —and what’s more, almost all of the entertainment on board is complimentary!

“Flight: Dare to Dream” finishes with a scene of the Wright brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk.

Zero Gravity for the First Time

Debuting on Symphony , original Royal Caribbean production “ Flight: Dare to Dream ” chronicles the evolution of air travel and space exploration. With state-of-the-art technology, the full-scale production centers on key milestones in aeronautics, including the future’s first leisure voyage to Mars and a stunning homage to the Wright brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk—complete with a custom-built replica of the iconic plane they flew. Audience members will have the thrill of watching the plane “fly” overhead thanks to our leading 3D flying system.

Enhancing an already jaw-dropping show, we teamed up with Astronaut Clayton C. Anderson to bring space and zero gravity to life on stage for the very first time. Watch the actors “float” within a detailed replica of the International Space Station (ISS), the only theater set piece of its kind.

HiRO, Royal Caribbean’s newest aqua show, features more high-flying feats, unexpected stunts and extraordinary acrobatics than ever before.

Deck-Defying Aqua Acrobatics

At the AquaTheater —an incredible open-air theater at the aft of our Oasis Class ships —we’ve raised the bar (no pun intended). In the new show, ” HiRO ,” watch Olympic-level divers and the world’s best extreme sport athletes execute flips and tricks into water below. The extraordinary stunts include plunging into the deepest pool at sea and literally soaring above the crowd with more 3D flying technology—all against the backdrop of the gleaming ocean. No two performances are alike, making it worth seeing twice!

Playing in the ship’s Broadway-style, 1,400-passenger theater, the 90-minute “Hairspray” adaptation features many of the classic songs from the original production.

A Favorite Returns Bigger and Bolder

Returning to Royal Caribbean on board Symphony (but with a twist!) is the Tony Award-winning musical “ Hairspray .” A guest favorite, the show at the 1,400-seat Royal Theater boasts entirely new sets, choreography, costumes and staging. Audiences already familiar with the tale of Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore will be at the edge of their seat with this version of the beloved Broadway production.

“1977” will bring guests to London on the eve of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, when her Crown Jewels are stolen in the heist of the century.

‘70s Spirit on Ice

Symphony  presents the “cool,” new production, “ 1977 ,” in Studio B—an ice-skating rink turned laser tag arena by day. A continuation of “ 1887: A Journey in Time ” on Harmony of the Seas , “1977” sees the return of our time-traveling hero, Tempus, who embarks on his next adventure to solve the heist of Her Majesty’s jewels in London. Beyond impressive figure-skating feats, the show features dozens of light-emitting drones and cutting-edge 5K projection mapping that makes the ice appear to transform before your eyes.

Our pop-up pianist entertains guests throughout the ship, traveling and playing everywhere from the atrium to the pool deck and even in the glass-fronted elevators.

Live Music Around Every Corner

Beyond the stage, guests can even take in dazzling performances going on throughout the ship: If you’re in one of our seven neighborhoods, chances are you’ll hear live tunes. Our lively Central Park and Boardwalk (also found on our other three Oasis Class ships) typically showcase talented musicians, for example, you can catch a stellar, live band at Jazz on 4. Lastly, don’t forget about our Stowaway Piano—known to pop up in unexpected places and surprise lucky travelers with a bespoke show ( Pro tip : Keep an eye on the elevators)!

Head here to experience all of the show-stopping entertainment on board Symphony of the Seas .

Related Articles

How to Spend an Incredible Day in Central Park

Wow-Worthy Facts About Wonder of the Seas

Cruise 101: A Guide to Accessible Cruising

Which Room Should I Book For My Cruise?