First timer on the Symphony of the Seas? It’s going to be an adventure of a lifetime on one of the most feature-packed ships in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class. This giant vessel has got everything you could think of – from massive outdoor decks full of entertainment to numerous dining, drinking, and nightlife options.
There’s no doubt this is a big ship, but the experience you get as a first-time traveler will be unmatched and leave you etched with life memories. Seeking a lively, resort-like experience and that too on the sea, especially if you’re traveling with family? Look no further than Symphony of the Seas.
That said, you’ll be faced with crowds and noise, and it might not be a smart move for those seeking tranquility. This giant from Royal Caribbean cruise ships features 18 decks, space for more than 6,000 guests, and amenities that’ll appeal to all. We’re talking Central Park, the Ultimate Abyss, and so much more – it’s a floating playground ideal for newbies.
Also, being among the world’s largest cruise ships isn’t a flex for this, it means more entertainment and fun. If you’re getting confused, then wait as we dive into the different areas of the ship – dining, amenities, cabins, and more to help you book a cruise with Royal Caribbean with ease.
Prep Work Before Boarding Symphony of the Seas
Before stepping on the cruise, you’ve got to do some prep work. Don’t sweat it as it’s kind of fun, and here’s everything on how to get ready for it.
How to Book a Symphony of the Seas Cruise?
Follow these steps for cruise booking with ease:
- Go to the Royal Caribbean Site:
The website is user-friendly and has all the latest sailings listed for users to scroll through. Use the filter option to see them by date, destination, or departure port like “Symphony of the Seas from Miami.”
- Choose the dates:
Weekends are the most expensive, so if you’re trying to save money, this would not be ideal timing. Instead, look through midweek trips to get great cruise deals.
- Pick your cabin:
Symphony has many options for cabins that range from budget interior rooms to fancy balcony cabins. See reviews online to know what cruisers in the past loved or not, which is always a plus to know as a first timer.
- Book in advance:
The earlier you book, the better it will be for your pocket, think at least 6 to 12 months before. Early birds get amazing Royal Caribbean cruise deals on the best cabins on the cruise, while last-minute risk takers might miss out on the popular dates.
- Look for add-ons:
When you’re booking, add drink packages, check Symphony of the Seas dining packages, and Wi-Fi too. Buying all of this beforehand will not only save you from onboard prices, but from last-minute stress too.
Selecting an Itinerary: Caribbean Cruise vs. Mediterranean Cruise
Moving on to the itinerary – an important part to know where you’ll be headed during your journey, and can set the whole vibe of your trip. Here are ways to pick the one you like:
- Caribbean Cruise
Sun-soaked beaches can be best seen along with ports like Cozumel or St. Thomas when you book a Caribbean cruise itinerary. The relaxation part of this itinerary attracts a lot of guests to the ship. Water sports and tropical travel cruise feel are added advantages, perfect to unwind.
- Mediterranean Cruise
History lovers will appreciate this Symphony of the Seas itinerary as it covers popular ports like Barcelona, Santorini, and Rome. You’ll get to experience culture, food, and sights, but with big crowds, and if you don’t mind them, this will be all worth it.
"Tip: Check the Royal Caribbean’s site for every cruise itinerary – match it with your taste and budget, and see which destinations call your name."
Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals to Cut Costs
Saving money on a trip, especially when it’s your first time and you don’t really know what you’re doing, is always a win. To get great Royal Caribbean cruise deals, here’s what you need to do:
- Sign up for alerts:
Subscribe to the email list of the cruise line where they blast out flash sales or promo codes, and you might end up catching a 30% off deal if you’re quick enough.
- Off-season booking:
Try booking your cruise ship vacation during spring – April to May, or fall – September. There’ll be fewer guests and lower rates.
- Use a cruise site:
Cruise Critic and Expedia are two amazing sites to compare cruise booking options. They’ll show you if Symphony of the Seas cruises from Florida are cheaper than, say, Symphony of the Seas cruises from Barcelona.
Symphony of the Seas Cabins and Suites
Coming to selecting the cruise ship cabins, where you’ll recharge when you are not engaged with the countless activities available on the cruise. Symphony of the Seas has got 34 cabin and suite categories – an overwhelming number. But finding the “right” cabin for you isn’t as complex as the number. Many cabin categories on this cruise are the same, except for where the rooms are located.
To get a better idea of the cabins and their types, go through Symphony of the Seas cabin reviews online. For now, here’s a quick rundown of cabin options to choose the right one for yourself.
Cabin Types and Features
Here are all the cabin types with features they offer:
- Interior Rooms
Okay, these rooms have no windows, and if you love some natural light, this is not for you. But if you’re cool with no window option, you can save big on this. A comfortable bed, a TV, and a mini-fridge are there - basic stateroom features. Some rooms might even have virtual balconies, massive screens displaying live ocean views.
- Balcony Cabin
Symphony of the Seas Balcony Cabin’s main feature is its private balcony, offering the perfect ocean view. There’s more space in the room for you to use, have a cozy set up, and fresh air, a boon for first-timers.
- Suites
If you’re all about that luxe life, then choose this cabin type – with bigger rooms, separate living space, and benefits such as priority boarding or concierge service. Fancy a hot tub? Suites got it all!
- Virtual Balcony
This is the same as interior rooms, the only difference is the HD screens that mimic a real window. Plus, it’s cheaper than a balcony but still provides that ocean feel without emptying your wallet.
Best Cabins on Symphony of the Seas
As we said before, some cabin categories are almost identical, but the rooms’ location matters for your cruise travel. So, here are their locations, and you can choose whichever you find the best as per your taste:
- Mid-ship on Decks 8-10: These cabins are in the middle, which leads to less rocking if seas get choppy, and are best to avoid that queasy feeling. These cabins also put you steps away from Central Park Royal Caribbean, and dining.
- Balcony cabins: If you can splurge a bit, then choose balcony cabins for those sunrise and sunset views – they’re unreal. Guest reviews about Deck 9 balconies say that they’re located near the elevators, making them convenient and scenic.
- Cabins on low decks: Deck 3 is designed near the engines, which feels like a rumble city. The same goes for spots under nightlife zones such as the pool deck, where you’re more likely to hear the party if you’re an early sleeper.
Balcony Cabin vs. Interior Rooms: Comparison
Balcony room costs more, but comes with views, a private outdoor spot, and more space. At the same time, the interior rooms are way more affordable and better for crashing after a full day of unlimited fun.
Coming to space, a balcony in the room gives you an added square footage, 50-80 more feet, while on the other hand, the interior rooms are cozy at around 150 square feet. So, it comes down to how much elbow room you need.
Symphony of the Seas Cruise Restaurants and Bars
First-timers, who are food lovers, will fall in love with Symphony of the Seas dining. Let’s dig deeper into it for the best dining experiences.
Dining options on the Cruise
You’ll be presented with these cruise ship dining options on your trip:
- Windjammer Buffet: It’s an open all day buffet with breakfast pancakes, lunchtime tacos, and dinner roasts, even late-night snacks. It’s free for all with varieties for every type of foodie.
- Main Dining Room: Mainly, it’s for the sit-down meals. You get plenty of options such as steak and seafood. You just have to maintain the dress code.
- Gourmet Restaurants: To satisfy what your taste buds are craving, like pasta, go to Jamie’s Italian. Hooked Seafood is great for fresh catches, and Chops Grille for top-quality steak. This may cost extra, but it’s a culinary experience that’s worth spending on.
- Quick Bites: Go-to spots on Symphony of the Seas are Sorrento’s pizza, open till late, Boardwalk Royal Caribbean for hot dogs, and Park Café in Central Park for sandwiches.
Symphony of the Seas Dining Package Review
There’s no doubt that the Symphony of the Seas dining package is a game-changer for those who want to indulge deeply into the variety of food options available on the ship. But you must be aware of what this package includes.
Package cost is around $30-50 per person per meal, which depends on how many you combine – 3, 5, or more. It will be way cheaper than paying onboard prices separately. If you see specialty dining, like Italian at Jamie’s, sushi at Izumi, or steak at Chops, there’s a better chance to taste the onboard cuisine you’d miss otherwise. Plus, it’s fancier than a buffet.
It’s worth it or not, depending on what you want; if you are a foodie and want variety, the Symphony of the Seas food options are countless.
Bars on the Cruise to Sip and Unwind
Whether it’s the tropical cocktail or a fine wine you’re craving, all is available at various bars on Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas.
- Bionic Bar: Enjoy drinks mixed by robotic bartenders.
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade: Sports fans will love this bar with big screens, arcade games, and classic bar food.
- Boleros: A Latin-inspired bar, Boleros offers live music and signature mojitos.
- Schooner Bar: This nautical-themed piano bar entices guests towards its cozy and relaxed vibe.
- Rising Tide Bar: This bar moves and glides between decks, offering a unique experience.
- Dazzles: Here, you’ll see a two-story lounge with live music plus a dance floor.
Trellis Bar, English Pub (Copper & Kettle), Vintages, and The Lime & Coconut are some other popular options to check out.
Onboard Activities and Entertainment
Like other Oasis Class ships, Symphony of the Seas activities appeal to guests of all ages and are very much family-friendly. And it's not just pools and waterslides, which are, to be honest, plentiful and among the major cruise ship activities. Here, you get to enjoy all kinds of attractions, from two surfing simulators to an ice skating rink, and more.
Symphony of the Seas Activities
With these kinds of onboard cruise activities, you’ll never be bored on your journey:
Outdoor activities
Most crazy attractions are found in the Sport Zone – located at the back of the ship’s top deck. Plus, there’s surfing simulators, a sports court to play basketball or volleyball 16 stories above the ocean, a miniature golf course, and a zipline too – though it’s not that long. The surfing pools are also a popular cruise activity.
Sports Zone – this is where you’ll find the Ultimate Abyss, which is a 10-story dry slide that swirls down to the Boardwalk area below.
If you’re into wet slides, then visit the Perfect Storm water park area, featuring three huge waterslides. On the top decks of the ship is where you’ll find three pool areas with hot tubs. Kids with you? Symphony of the Seas activities for kids include a large splash playground for kids on the top deck itself.
For adults, there’s Solarium, a multideck adults-only lounge area with hot tubs at the very front of the cruise. Outdoor activities also include Symphony of the Seas' twin rock climbing walls.
Indoor activities
Ice skating sessions are offered by the entertainment staff of the ship but only at select times. There’s laser tag to enjoy in Studio B. Sign up or get in line early if you really don’t want to miss out on these.
An escape room is present, mainly to attract families with kids of all ages. Arcade games are also popular, and can be found at both the Playmakers Bar on Deck 6 and on Deck 16, next to El Loco Fresh.
If you love to sing and can do it in front of fellow passengers, check out the karaoke called On Air, on the Royal Promenade.
For gaming, find a large casino in the middle of the cruise on Deck 4. This is where smoking is also allowed. There’s also a smaller one, but it’s for nonsmokers only.
Guests who want to pamper themselves can go to the Vitality Spa and Fitness Center on decks 5 and 6, which offers a range of spa treatments and salon services. The fitness center is a top-notch gym with many exercise equipment and classes too.
Shows
As per the Symphony of the Seas shows review, this cruise offers some of the best entertainment at sea. This giant vessel’s signature show is “Hairspray,” whose ticket is included in the fare itself, making you worry-free. It takes place in a 1,400-seat theater, which is also home to a second musical created by Royal Caribbean’s team, called “Flight….Dare the Dream.”
Another one is “Hiro” – an aqua show performed at the outdoor AquaTheater (back of the ship). In this show, you get to see a spectacle of high diving, slacklining, dancing, and swimming synchronized to perfection in the most high-tech pool at sea. The show lasts about 45 minutes, and it is recommended to arrive 30 minutes before it begins if you care about where you sit.
The ice skating show “1977” shouldn’t be missed, which follows the storyline of a time-traveling hero starting in London in the year 1977 and traveling around the globe and through time to catch a jewel thief.
Other than this, parades, themed parties, and a comedy club called The Attic are present on the cruise, and if they interest you, check them out.
Symphony of the Seas Entertainment Schedule
Yes, shows are indeed the highlight, but knowing about their schedule, which are free and which you have to book ahead, will be helpful when planning:
- Check the app: The Royal Caribbean’s mobile app shows all Symphony of the Seas entertainment schedules on a regular basis, including times for their live shows, aqua theater, and more. So, download it before you get on the ship.
- Book in advance: The big shows like Hairspray or Flight need reservations, which you can either do online or day of the onboard. They’re free, but seats go fast.
- Freebies: Aqua theater and ice skating need no booking, only you’ve to get there 15 minutes early.
Shore Excursions and Itinerary Planning
During the colder months – November to April – the Symphony of the Seas cruise itinerary alters between Eastern and Western Caribbean locations, out of Miami. When there’s summer, May to October, the cruise repositions to NYC for journeys to the Bahamas.
Eastern Caribbean itineraries
Cruises leaving for this route from Miami are 7 nights long, and cover Philipsburg, St. Maarten, either San Juan, Puerto Rico, or Charlotte Amalie, and more. Either takes you to Nassau, Bahamas, or CocoCay, the private island of the Royal Caribbean in the Bahamas.
Western Caribbean itineraries
These cruises start from Miami too, and are 7 nights long, stopping at Nassau, Falmouth, Jamaica, Labadee, Haiti, and Perfect Day. Some sailings are 4 nights long and have just one stop.
Apart from these, Symphony of the Seas sails some 9-night-long cruises from the New York area too.
Essential Cruise Tips for First-Timers
You can do all the planning before your journey begins, but with some smart hacks in your pocket, you can really save and be mindful during your Symphony of the Seas trip. So, to ease your process, here are some last-minute cruise tips to know as a first-timer:
Pack like a pro
- Pack at least two swimsuits, one for the water slides and one for the pool deck.
- Take sneakers with you for rock climbing or port walks, flip flops for the deck, and dress shoes if you’re planning for specialty dining.
- Keep a fancy outfit, maybe a button-up or dress for “formal night” in the Main Dining Room. Don’t overdo it, though.
- Sunscreen, hat, and reusable water bottle are a must to carry.
First-day protocols
- Aim to board on or before 11 am as the lines are short, the buffet is open, and you get time to explore before more guests start coming.
- Recheck your documents, such as your passport and boarding pass.
- Visit Central Park, a quiet place, which seems like a good point to start. Check the pool deck or the Boardwalk next.
- Make sure to download the official cruise app before boarding and use it to see schedules, maps, and more.
Conclusion
So there you have it – the guide for an unforgettable adventure aboard the Symphony of the Seas cruise for first-timers! This is a gem from Royal Caribbean cruise ships, and is often dubbed the best Royal Caribbean ship, and all for a good reason! When it comes to Symphony of the Seas vs other Royal Caribbean ships, the size and cruise ship amenities such as Central Park, the Ultimate Abyss, diverse dining options, cabins offered, and more make this one stand out. It’s also a top pick for a family cruise vacation featuring teen clubs, waterslides, and more to keep everyone happy. Snag some great Royal Caribbean cruise deals by booking your seat in advance and save big. Sure, the ship is busy and loud, but if you’re into that, every penny of yours is going to be worth it.