Let's get this party started! ~ Symphony B2B in the Med ~ 7/1 & 7/8 - LIVE with Joe!

[sweetchariot]

Where was the sailaway party held? The top deck is so large so there's plenty of choice! Was it near the main pool?

 

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[Joe12]

Where was the sailaway party held? The top deck is so large so there's plenty of choice! Was it near the main pool?

 

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Deck 16 midship Port side. Upstairs from Pool.

[Joe12]

Doing a scope in 5 minutes. Come and join me!

[Joe12]

Just been to the gym. I guess that is where forever single people like myself spend a lot of their day. I am not used to working out on a ship. Symphony has a fantastic gym facility though. I recommend it if you are not looking to gain a stone over a cruise.

 

Captain Rob is doing his Welcome Aboard reception tonight. I don't do formal on cruises, but will try to come along so I can see him in person. I've heard that he is a great Captain. I've had the pleasure of sailing with Captain Johnny on Allure and he set the bar high in terms of Captains. Captain Gus on Harmony was also very jovial. It will be cool to have an American Captain. I wonder if we will ever see one from the UK.

 

Dinner at Windjammer as usual. Not sure what else I will do tonight. Planning to stay up as late as possible. Getting off ship tomorrow in Marseilles as I am in need of practicing my French.

 

As Michele says, Ciao Ciao for now!

[Joe12]

Being on here is making me very hungry for some Cruise Directing. I hope to have his job in 10 years.

[Joe12]

I'm just back from the whirlpools. Went to the cantilevered whirlpool, which is excellent, but given that it is for over 16's only, I wish that the lifeguards would send the children away. They were loud and playing around as if it were the outdoor pools. I was under the permitted age to use the Solarium when I first cruised, but I at least respected the rules. Why aren't these children doing the same?

[alaska_planner]

I'm just back from the whirlpools. Went to the cantilevered whirlpool, which is excellent, but given that it is for over 16's only, I wish that the lifeguards would send the children away. They were loud and playing around as if it were the outdoor pools. I was under the permitted age to use the Solarium when I first cruised, but I at least respected the rules. Why aren't these children doing the same?

 

that's irritating!!! i hate it when they don't enforce the age rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CreativeCruiser119]

I'm just back from the whirlpools. Went to the cantilevered whirlpool, which is excellent, but given that it is for over 16's only, I wish that the lifeguards would send the children away. They were loud and playing around as if it were the outdoor pools. I was under the permitted age to use the Solarium when I first cruised, but I at least respected the rules. Why aren't these children doing the same?

 

 

 

THIS!!!

 

I have noticed this too on my past cruises. It almost seems like it’s the end of the world for them any time a well-behaved child eats ice cream in the hot tub, but when rowdy children use the Solarium and whirlpools, they just turn their heads! (Or just don’t see it. Perhaps parents should do a better job supervising their kids).

 

Whether the crew sees it or not, it’s ultimately the parents’ responsibility to enforce the rule to their children, but I hope and trust that if a crew member were to see it, they too would enforce the company’s policy. People go there to relax, and they can’t do that if there are kids splashing and screaming!

 

Thanks for pointing that out, now I know I’m not the only one who’s noticed that! Loving the review so far, can’t wait to see you become the next Abe Hughes!

 

 

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[Joe12]

THIS!!!

 

I have noticed this too on my past cruises. It almost seems like it’s the end of the world for them any time a well-behaved child eats ice cream in the hot tub, but when rowdy children use the Solarium and whirlpools, they just turn their heads! (Or just don’t see it. Perhaps parents should do a better job supervising their kids).

 

Whether the crew sees it or not, it’s ultimately the parents’ responsibility to enforce the rule to their children, but I hope and trust that if a crew member were to see it, they too would enforce the company’s policy. People go there to relax, and they can’t do that if there are kids splashing and screaming!

 

Thanks for pointing that out, now I know I’m not the only one who’s noticed that! Loving the review so far, can’t wait to see you become the next Abe Hughes!

 

 

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I 100% agree. In today's society, it feels as if kids and parents exist, but parenting doesn't. Not the way that it worked when I was a child a decade ago. I wanted to go on those Whirlpools on Independence back in the day, but didn't as I was underage. These children ought to do the same. I also agree about the crew making a big deal out of a quiet child being there (personal experience with that as well). I was using the whirlpool to relax, others were using it to watch the World Cup.

Kids - there is a Splashaway Bay and the outdoor pools just for you. Please use them!

[CreativeCruiser119]

I 100% agree. In today's society, it feels as if kids and parents exist, but parenting doesn't. Not the way that it worked when I was a child a decade ago. I wanted to go on those Whirlpools on Independence back in the day, but didn't as I was underage. These children ought to do the same. I also agree about the crew making a big deal out of a quiet child being there (personal experience with that as well). I was using the whirlpool to relax, others were using it to watch the World Cup.

 

Kids - there is a Splashaway Bay and the outdoor pools just for you. Please use them!

 

 

 

Joe, you just said what I was too scared to say out of fear of getting flamed! I remember last year when I went on the Harmony, right before sailaway Abe made the usual announcement the CDs make to get everyone excited, and during that announcement he said something along the lines of “parents, you’re on vacation too, but you’re not on vacation from being parents, so please keep an eye on your children” in a more cheerful and tactful way. Which I agree with! They’re on vacation, so it’s the crew’s responsibility ti watch their kids. That’s where their head is, but it’s not true!

 

Of course, that’s just a select few, for every bad parent there are several good ones, and most parents do care enough to keep their kids away from the adult areas, but at the same time, all it takes is one rambunctious kid in the whirlpool to ruin the atmosphere for everyone in it.

 

As far as kids eating ice cream in the hot tubs, I was referring to the all-ages ones - I don’t quite understand the whole rule with not being able to eat ice cream in there (I mean, the soft-serve machines are right there!) I’d much rather have them doing that than bothering those of us in the Solarium/ cantilevered whirlpool! But, I digress. That is the one downside to not having the cantilevered whirlpools guarded, that leaves it open to kids to use. I feel like having a guard posted in the Solarium is definitely a good deterrent - of course, the downside to that being that they close the pools early, but at least it gives us adults some peace and quiet during the hot afternoons!

 

PS: I too respected the rule when I started cruising on the big ships. I went on Monarch in 2012 and Disney Dream in 2013, then in 2014 at age 15 we did our first RC megaship cruise on Oasis. I wanted so bad to go in, but didn’t except for the one time my father briefly walked me through. He didn’t use it either, but we both were curious to see it. I turned 16 the following year by the time we went on Allure, where I thoroughly enjoyed the Solarium and have continued to spend a lot of time in there on my more recent Liberty, Harmony and Freedom cruises. My brother was stopped on Harmony when we briefly walked through to check out the “king of the world” spot, he was allowed to pass through but it was good to see it being enforced. Definitely my go-to place on sea day afternoons (or on port days after returning to the ship), I’ll typically pool-hop all over the pool deck but always end up coming back to the Solarium!

 

 

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[CreativeCruiser119]

Joe, you just said what I was too scared to say out of fear of getting flamed! I remember last year when I went on the Harmony, right before sailaway Abe made the usual announcement the CDs make to get everyone excited, and during that announcement he said something along the lines of “parents, you’re on vacation too, but you’re not on vacation from being parents, so please keep an eye on your children” in a more cheerful and tactful way. Which I agree with! They’re on vacation, so it’s the crew’s responsibility ti watch their kids. That’s where their head is, but it’s not true!

 

Of course, that’s just a select few, for every bad parent there are several good ones, and most parents do care enough to keep their kids away from the adult areas, but at the same time, all it takes is one rambunctious kid in the whirlpool to ruin the atmosphere for everyone in it.

 

As far as kids eating ice cream in the hot tubs, I was referring to the all-ages ones - I don’t quite understand the whole rule with not being able to eat ice cream in there (I mean, the soft-serve machines are right there!) I’d much rather have them doing that than bothering those of us in the Solarium/ cantilevered whirlpool! But, I digress. That is the one downside to not having the cantilevered whirlpools guarded, that leaves it open to kids to use. I feel like having a guard posted in the Solarium is definitely a good deterrent - of course, the downside to that being that they close the pools early, but at least it gives us adults some peace and quiet during the hot afternoons!

 

PS: I too respected the rule when I started cruising on the big ships. I went on Monarch in 2012 and Disney Dream in 2013, then in 2014 at age 15 we did our first RC megaship cruise on Oasis. I wanted so bad to go in, but didn’t except for the one time my father briefly walked me through. He didn’t use it either, but we both were curious to see it. I turned 16 the following year by the time we went on Allure, where I thoroughly enjoyed the Solarium and have continued to spend a lot of time in there on my more recent Liberty, Harmony and Freedom cruises. My brother was stopped on Harmony when we briefly walked through to check out the “king of the world” spot, he was allowed to pass through but it was good to see it being enforced. Definitely my go-to place on sea day afternoons (or on port days after returning to the ship), I’ll typically pool-hop all over the pool deck but always end up coming back to the Solarium!

 

 

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(Won’t let me edit for some reason) to further add, if there was a kid eating ice cream in the adult hot tubs, I would hope they would say something in that case! My original post about that was referring to the ones on the main pool deck.

 

 

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[suesnake2002]

Hmmm lets all go to splash away bay. See what happens when the shoe is on ther other foot. Lmao

 

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[CreativeCruiser119]

Hmmm lets all go to splash away bay. See what happens when the shoe is on ther other foot. Lmao

 

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That is tempting... I can’t lie, I actually did enjoy the “current pool” on Oasis and Allure when I sailed those ships respectively in 2014 and 2015, at ages 15 and 16. Tried to use it when it was empty, but those times were rare! I didn’t use it on Freedom this year because I’m 19 now and figured that’s a little too old, so I’ll stick to the Solarium. That’s more my speed now anyway!

 

 

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[Irish Sailor]

Hi Guys, Just back form Symphony on Sunday, regarding the cantilevered whirlpools I sailed with my daughter who is 8 and she was asking about could she go in the

cantilevered whirlpools and I said that they were for over 16 so after looking at the rules about the whirlpools next to them I seen that there was no age limit posted on it so after this I asked at the Life Guard station could she use it and the reply they gave me was she could as the

Solarium was reserved for over 16 which was clearly sign posted inside. Hope this helps, most mornings the

cantilevered whirlpools were empty and during our week on Symphony I did not see any kids in the Solarium.

Symphony was amazing!

[Joe12]

80's Party:

Just returned. It is a great event. I highly recommend it if you sail on Symphony. CD Michele was excellent hosting it and the staff were very fun and high energy.

It starts with about 30 mins where the DJ plays some songs to get the crowd in the mood. The Entertainment team then arrive although the first proper event of the show is a number by the Royal Caribbean Dancers. I always love watching them (although often for eye-candy ;)).

Following the dancers, Michele, Margot and the Entertainment team (aka Youth, Sports and CD Staff) arrive and the official party begins. They do it for around 30-40 mins. It is great fun. Mostly rock music. There was also a number with the male members of the entertainment team and a few occasions where the staff tried to get people to dance.

 

Definitely on par with 70's night, although I think that the CD can make or break this and we were lucky with the CD.

 

Summary of today coming later. Ciao Ciao for now!

[CreativeCruiser119]

Hi Guys, Just back form Symphony on Sunday, regarding the cantilevered whirlpools I sailed with my daughter who is 8 and she was asking about could she go in the

cantilevered whirlpools and I said that they were for over 16 so after looking at the rules about the whirlpools next to them I seen that there was no age limit posted on it so after this I asked at the Life Guard station could she use it and the reply they gave me was she could as the

Solarium was reserved for over 16 which was clearly sign posted inside. Hope this helps, most mornings the

cantilevered whirlpools were empty and during our week on Symphony I did not see any kids in the Solarium.

Symphony was amazing!

 

 

 

You know what, I think you’re right about the age limit. I had completely forgotten this until you mentioned it, but IIRC, on Oasis class, since the cantilevered whirlpools are outside of the Solarium, they are not strictly 16+, however children must be supervised at all times. On Freedom class, the cantilevered whirlpools are part of the Solarium (which isn’t isolated like on Oasis class), so I believe that rule applies there. The 16+ rule on Oasis class applies once you enter the Solarium, however the cantilevered whirlpools are a buzzing adult hotspot, especially during the afternoons! Nothing quite like relaxing in the warm water and looking out at the ocean!

 

 

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[Joe12]

Sorry all - I've been a bit light on the blogging the last few days.

 

Went to the 4th of July celebrations last night. It was just a bit too crowded in the Royal Promenade, however that was not the main issue. The worst thing about it was the Royal Caribbean singers. I admit to being someone who has no patience for singers who think that they are better than they are, but I just found them very irritating and even when Michele was speaking, they were trying to take the limelight. It was like watching John Blair do the Neil Diamond act all over again. It's a shame though as Michele and the entertainment team tried their best, but those singers were enough for me to leave.

[BillOh]

You know what, I think you’re right about the age limit. I had completely forgotten this until you mentioned it, but IIRC, on Oasis class, since the cantilevered whirlpools are outside of the Solarium, they are not strictly 16+, however children must be supervised at all times. On Freedom class, the cantilevered whirlpools are part of the Solarium (which isn’t isolated like on Oasis class), so I believe that rule applies there. The 16+ rule on Oasis class applies once you enter the Solarium, however the cantilevered whirlpools are a buzzing adult hotspot, especially during the afternoons! Nothing quite like relaxing in the warm water and looking out at the ocean!

 

 

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On Oasis and Allure the hottubs have signs saying they are for use by 16 year olds and older.

[Joe12]

Sorry for the lack of blogging during the last few days.

Does anyone have any questions about what I have been doing or about any events?

[sweetchariot]

Exactly that Joe! What have you been up to? Where have you eaten? Have you tried any of the activities? Laser quest? Escape room? Have you watched any of the shows? What are your thoughts so far?

[Joe12]

Just back from gym and Ice Skating. They are only offering Ice Skating in the latter parts of these sailings due to Studio B also hosting Laser Tag.

[Joe12]

Exactly that Joe! What have you been up to? Where have you eaten? Have you tried any of the activities? Laser quest? Escape room? Have you watched any of the shows? What are your thoughts so far?

 

I'll answer question by question.

1. Will cover this in a separate post. Been doing a lot.

2. Mostly Windjammer and snacks from Cafe Promenade and Sorrento's. Did Playmakers on Tuesday for wings and visited Park Cafe and Dog House yesterday.

3. Sailaway Party, Captain's Reception 80's night, 4th of July celebrations, Ice Skating etc. Hoping for Belly Flop and Captain's Corner tomorrow. Doesn't seem to be L&M or Quest on this itinerary. 50's and 60's night is tonight, but probably will give that a miss.

4. Nope.

5. Nope.

6. I've watched a bit of the Aqua Show (which is fantastic, BTW) from the balcony.

7. Absolutely loving it! Having a great time on this ship. Really enjoying it. Very few issues.

[awestover89]

Sorry for the lack of blogging during the last few days.

Does anyone have any questions about what I have been doing or about any events?

 

Could you find out if there's a bartender on board named Fe? On Harmony she usually worked the casino bar or Schooner. Weird request, I know, but we fell in love with Fe on Harmony and last I heard she was going to be moved to Symphony; we're going on the TA in October and would love it if Fe was working on Symphony.

[ckelly14]

Joe:

 

I assume the formal nights are based out of Barcelona, day #2 and #6; i.e. Palma and Naples?

[Joe12]

Joe:

 

I assume the formal nights are based out of Barcelona, day #2 and #6; i.e. Palma and Naples?

 

You are indeed correct!