After a successful summer season cruising in the Med, Symphony of the Seas checked in to her new year round home in Miami. Her arrival also coincided with the opening of a brand new purpose built terminal to service her. The Symphony of the Seas is now the biggest ship in the World and the fourth in the Oasis Class series of ships.
With a total potential guest count of 6,680 passengers in 2,759 total cabins and suites and over 2,200 crew many people just say WOW that’s too big for me. Let me try to explain how this ship works and it works very well. Chairman Richard Fain’s attained his goal of “Car to Bar in 10 minutes” with his new terminal and attached parking garage. Can you name another ship of any size where you can do this? I can’t! With new facial recognition, getting off the ship depends only on how fast you can walk through the terminal and the formalities. It’s fast!
The standard balcony outside cabin is comfortable but we found a different class that we are recommending. There are over 20 categories of staterooms and suites. The two level suites are by far the best on ships of this size at sea. There is something for everyone just like the entire ship in general.
There are a total of 20 dining venues, with 9 being complimentary and 11 that carry additional charges. The stunning 3 level main dining room offers both fixed and open sitting. Almost every cuisine is represent from Hibachi and Sushi to a classic steak house and a brand new seafood concept restaurant. Again something for everyone.
If gimmicks are your thing, this ship is loaded with them. Rock climbing walls, zip lining, surf simulators, an ice skating rink and nightly shows, a Merry-Go-Round, laser tag, a 10 Story plunging water slide, and a Bionic Bar. Just to name a few! It will take you a week to do it all and eat it all.
There is no shortage of bars and lounges as well offering live music or maybe a sports bar is your thing. Again they have something for everyone from quiet to hyper active. Try the Bionic Bar just for a kick and enjoy having a robot make your drink.
Entertainment has recently become Royal Caribbean’s real strength. Hairspray is the main show and every bit as good as Broadway. Flight is RCL multi-million original production that follows the evolution of flight. From rocket ships to the Wright Brothers the story line is great and the staging is really over the top. Good job Royal Caribbean! Royal also brings you the only Aqua Theater and ice shows at sea. You just got to see these shows to believe them.
Yes this ship has dedicated meeting space much like a hotel. In fact the largest spaces at sea. That ice skating rink converters into a super hi-tech presentation theater for the most elaborate and tech filled presentations with great staging. Need even more space, try the tech loaded main showroom.
Don’t let the size of the ship scare you. It runs very well and offers something for everyone plus the best meeting space at sea. Think of this ship as the Venetian complex but on a more manageable scale. Plus always keep in mind your participants can’t go off property after the meal. You can even do a dine around and still track and control your guests.
Try this ship your guests will love it.
This report was prepared by Steve Bloss on December 1, 2018. The views expressed as solely those of the author and not necessarily those of WWTCA.
