Symphony of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas is often considered one of the best ships in the entire Royal Caribbean fleet. Yeah, that’s a bold way to start a review, but it’s true. If you Google the best Royal Caribbean ships of all time, you’ll often see Symphony ranking in the top three across several lists and Reddit posts. Now that’s something to be proud of.

The Oasis Class is, after all, one of the most beloved groups of ships, and Symphony leads the charge with amazing shows, tons of things to do, and very affordable prices. If you want to sail on a great Royal Caribbean ship and know nothing about the cruise line, you can simply close your eyes, board Symphony of the Seas, and you’ll have a fantastic time.

What we like about Symphony of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas is an amazing ship for a lot of different reasons. It is not the cheapest cruise out there, but it often offers more affordable sailings than its sister ship Harmony of the Seas. Paying around $430 per guest for a 4 night Caribbean cruise is a steal for everything it offers. A 7 night Caribbean cruise with Perfect Day at CocoCay raises that entry level price to about $690, which is still fair, especially when you consider that Icon of the Seas launched with 7 night itineraries starting at $1,300. 

If I had to pick between the two, I would definitely choose to save money on Symphony of the Seas, or even sail it twice instead of trying the Icon Class once. That is just me, but Symphony still feels new, modern, and packed with enough to keep you busy for a full weeklong vacation. Another great perk is that Symphony of the Seas sails from both Florida and Texas, giving guests interesting port options to book a cruise on one of the best family friendly ships out there.

Symphony of the Seas is THE definition of a Mega Resort at Sea. It focuses on the Caribbean, carries thousands of people, and is filled to the brim (hull?) with entertainment options. This ship has a FlowRider, a zipline, an escape room, game shows, a library and card room for those who prefer a quieter spot, multiple waterslides, the biggest dry slide in the world called The Ultimate Abyss, a waterpark for children, a rock climbing wall, a laser tag arena, an ice rink, and much more. It brings together the very best that the Oasis Class has to offer. While it does not have bumper cars, indoor skydiving simulators or some of the new stuff found on the Icon-Class, there are plenty of options and fun activities for families.

Shows onboard are also a big highlight for both kids and adults. The lineup includes Hairspray, Hiro, Aqua Nation, iSkate 2.0, 1977, and Flight. Hairspray is a slightly toned down version of the original Broadway musical, but it is still amazing and is often considered one of the best shows on any cruise ship. Hiro combines acrobatics, water effects, and Japanese culture in a stunning water show, while 1977 follows a time traveler who journeys back to old England. I love these fantasy touches in shows because they make them more approachable for all ages. Hairspray, Hiro, and Flight are definitely must see attractions, and the fact that Symphony of the Seas offers all of them is truly mind blowing.

Symphony of the Seas went through its latest major refurbishment in 2023, so it has that going for it, with several spaces feeling modern and new. The dining options are also solid, although prices keep getting higher, which is a bit of a bummer. Onboard you will find Chops Grille, Hooked Seafood, Johnny Rockets, 150 Central Park, Jamie’s Italian, Wonderland, Sorrento’s Pizza, Coastal Kitchen, Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, and El Loco Fresh. 

Not only is this the largest number of restaurants across Oasis Class ships, it is also the most diverse. El Loco Fresh is not always included on the sister ships and gives you a great option for quick tacos and nachos, while Wonderland, originally from the Quantum Class ships, was brought to Symphony of the Seas. It is a mix of a show and dining experience, inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

What we don’t like about Symphony of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas excels in some of the most important aspects of a cruise: entertainment, dining, and shows. It is, however, a ship that can feel noisy and crowded at times. After all, it is a popular ship designed for families, so there will be plenty of children onboard. If you value peace and quiet above everything else, this might not be the best fit. Children running through the atrium are common, and even cruise photographers may stop you now and then as you walk around or enjoy dinner, offering to take your picture for a fee.

Conclusion

Symphony of the Seas is an amazing ship, and there is little more to say than that. It has a diverse lineup of restaurants, incredible shows, and so many activities onboard that you will not be able to experience everything in a single week. It is not only one of the best ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, but also one of the best in the world.