Symphony of Emotions on the BIG Symphony of the Seas!

Fun Fact: Symphony of the Seas is currently the world’s largest cruise ship!

Overview

Symphony Cruise 12/8/18

Embarkation – Getting on the Ship:

The embarkation process was quite seamless and effortless with the online check-in option now also available via the new Royal Caribbean mobile application.  We were literally on the ship in less than an hour from getting to the parking garage and onto the ship.

Dining & Drinks:

1. There was significant wait to get in the included dining venues during the first day of the cruise specifically for lunch.  Windjammer, Park Cafe, Promenade Cafe, Sorentos, Mexican place all had long lines.  They did eventually subside during the subsequent day however, were quite packed during the peak lunch hours.  We didn’t notice it as much on the other Oasis class ships we have sailed (Allure and Oasis)

2. Lunch – The Windjammer buffet had ample food selection however, the we found the seating to be quite tight.  They seemed to have squeezed in as many tables and chairs in this place.  It is extremely hard to navigate a stroller or a wheelchair around the windjammer buffet seating.

3. Dinner – Good Dinner Service at the dining room however, the quality of the food was hit or miss after the first two days. It was great that hosts and waiters catered to any dietary needs that our extended family had.

4. Drink package – I would consider the drink package for our next sailing as it seemed like a good value for coffee drinks, soda and alcoholic drinks. At certain times of the year e.g. Black Friday, it can be had at a discounted price.

5. Room service charge – Royal Caribbean has started charging for room service so we did not utilize this room service 🙁

Port Days:

1. St. Kitts, St. Thomas and Nassau.  The first two ports stop were good however, in Nassau we were the last ship in @ 10 am and first one out @ 3 pm…BOO RCL!

2. Gangway use during port days was a bit chaotic as the gangway button in the elevator would take you to the 3rd floor to the escalator that goes to the actual gangway on the 2nd floor.  Hence, if you had a stroller or a wheelchair you would have to take the elevator to the 3rd floor and go around to the other elevator bank to go to the 2nd floor.  It was definitely not efficient!

Entertainment:

1. Enjoyed the NFL games at Playmakers on the Boardwalk, especially when they played the game on the two big screens of the Aqua theater.

2. Reservations for shows are a must since the standby lines are just nuts!

3. We didn’t experience all of the shows on board however, the ones we did were entertaining.

4. There is just so much going on, you really have to pick a few things to do rather than try to do it all.

5. Bingo sessions weren’t as fun as the previous ships we have been on. They only do one game at a time. Also, the Bingo cards are punch outs which means you have to buy a marker for additional money from them to play. I guess you can bring a marker or a pen from home.

6. Very disappointed that my son who was literally a millimeter short of the height requirement for the flow rider and zip line wasn’t allowed to go on it. He has been on a flow rider at other escorts without any issues.

7. Casino – If you or you family or friends enjoy a little slot or table game action at the cruise ship casino and are non-smokers you will be a bit disappointed with some of the slot game selections on the non-smoking side. Apparently, the good 25 cent slot machines were on the smoking side! You can’t really escape the smoke on either side of the casino. Especially since you have walk through it to get to the other side of the ship on through that particular floor. Hopefully they will come up with some sort of solution to this issue in the near future.

Stateroom:

1. Room – Our balcony room was similar to the other Oasis class balcony rooms with one strange exception. If you are traveling with kids, you will have to utilize the sofa bed that come out at the base of the sofa inches from the floor. We weren’t fond of this new room design on the Symphony.

2. Only two elevator banks aft and front but, no mid-ship elevators which made it quite cumbersome to walk back and forth to the stairs or elevators. Tip – Pick room closer to the elevators especially if you are traveling with kids.

Debarkation – Getting Off the Ship:

Similar to our embarkation process, the debarkation was also quite seamless.  You can either do self/express debarkation or leave your luggage out the night before and pick it up at the designated areas after you exit the ship.

Closing Thoughts:

1. Overall, Symphony of the Seas is great big ship but, very similar to its sisters ships. There isn’t anything on this Oasis class ship that stood out enough for us to consider it over the other one going forward. We would rather sail the older Oasis class ships to avoid overcrowding at the dining venues where we mainly noticed it.

2. On board communication – It would very helpful if RCL added the ability to text via there app onboard to keep in touch with family and friends on these floating cities. Other cruise line do provide that service to their passengers.

3. Efficient Embarkation and Debarkation at the new RCL port

4. Ultimately a Cruise vacation or a Land vacation is what you make of it. Everyone’s experience will be unique to their situation. There is almost too much to do on these floating cities and at times we set too high of expectations for ourselves in trying to take advantage of majority of the activities on board which most of the time results in being somewhat disappointed. So sit back and enjoy the ride at a leisurely pace to soak as much of it in as possible for you and don’t try to run around from venue to venue without truly experiencing it.

Please feel free to comment below and send any questions our way.  We would love you get your feedback and help you plan your next cruise vacation.