Trip Review: Symphony of the Seas Debut

The Family Traveler was invited this month to experience one of the inaugural sailings and naming ceremony of the newest ship for Royal Caribbean and now the largest cruise ship in the world by gross tonnage, the Symphony of the Seas.  When completely full, the boat will sail with 6,680 passengers, but there is plenty of space aboard for everyone!

Our balcony cabin offered enough room, storage and good bathroom space for up to four people with one large bed (can be converted to two beds) and a day bed with a trundle.  Some of these cabins even have the bed located next to the balcony for lovely sea views, but not as good if you use the trundle since it would be too close to the bathroom.  The highlight of the Symphony is definitely the suites which are amazing; especially the bathrooms!  So many choices from spacious junior suites to up to 4-bedroom suites that sleep up to 14!   A multi-gen dream.  This cabin features 2 Master bedrooms each with a Master bath, 2 other bedrooms that have Pullman folding down beds along with one large or twin beds, another full bathroom, dining room, living room and large balcony with a private dining area and hot tub.  There is also one amazing Ultimate Family Suite which includes a slide from the children’s bedroom to the living room downstairs, a dedicated game room, kid-friendly bathroom with bathtub, hot tub on the balcony and more.  The top Star Class suites are actually a good value as they also include free specialty dining, beverage packages, bottled water, tips, internet, priority seating and entrance to shows and other on board activities, suite lounge and Sun Deck access and more.  Another unique cabin option is the Inside Virtual Balcony cabin with a floor to ceiling screen that shows you live what is happening outside as well as a larger ocean view cabin with a set of bunk beds.

This ship excels in its variety and the quality of dining, recreation and entertainment.  There is definitely something for everyone and for all ages.  It features an easily navigable neighborhood concept, which includes Central Park, Entertainment Place and the Boardwalk with plenty of touch screens and ship deck plans to help you find your way around.  Dining is always close by with several free dining outlets for any time of the day; many with grab and go items you could take back to keep in your cabin’s mini fridge.  We had dinner in the three-level main dining room where we found a varied menu and quality wait staff.  The ship also features several specialty restaurants for an added fee, Starbucks Coffee, sports bar, candy shop, room service and more.  There’s even a bar where a robot makes your drinks!

Recreation abounds and we took full advantage of the three water slides and one dry slide along with the rock climbing wall and gym (which offers a variety of fee-added fitness classes).  There is also a full-size sport court; mini golf; laser tag; baby, kids and teen clubs; pools and hot tubs, escape room, ice skating, two surf pools, carousel and boardwalk games, spa and beauty salon and a peaceful adult-only solarium (with full buffet restaurant).

Evening entertainment could leave you sleepless with family-friendly and adult-options throughout the night.  Broadway shows (Hairspray is currently playing along with an original production about the history of flying), comedy clubs, ice skating shows, water shows, Royal Promenade parade, live music of every genre and more are offered.  We particularly enjoyed the roaming piano player who showed up a few times in the elevator!!

Symphony of the Seas, like many of the line’s ships, is also “zero to landfill” meaning no waste is left behind. A new program has banned plastic straws (although we still saw a few in the bars) and is actually 25 percent more energy-efficient than other large ships from RCCL.

We are happy to learn and witness that Royal Caribbean is listening to its passengers to determine what elements work best and used the feedback to design and create this new ship experience.