Opinions/Reviews of Symphony of the Seas

[woods1967]

Hoping for some insight on the Symphony of the Seas.

[Tree_skier]

Your question is pretty vague.  You're unlikely to get many useful responses.  

 

Prior to the pandemic she was Royal's biggest and newest ship.  She commanded the highest fares and was the crown jewel of the fleet.  She has been replaced as newest first by Odyssey and now Wonder and soon Icon.  That said, she is still a highly sought after ship.  

 

If you have more specific questions or concerns you, asking more specific questions will get you a lot further.  

[Ret MP]

1 minute ago, Tree_skier said:

Your question is pretty vague.  You're unlikely to get many useful responses.  

 

Prior to the pandemic she was Royal's biggest and newest ship.

And this is, probably one of them!

 

I cruised on her with a party of 12 others, family, and a very close couple, pre-COVID.  We all stayed in the 4 bedroom Family Villa.  As I've said in past posts, Symphony is my favorite ship.  Can't pin it down other than it was my best cruise experience ever.  I don't think I stopped smiling, laughing, and drinking throughout the whole 7 days.  Once I finish cruising the rest of the Oasis Class ships (Harmony in January and who know what else after that) and whatever is coming up, I plan on cruising her again.  So far, I haven't cruised the same ship twice on any cruise line, but Symphony is potentially the first.

[woods1967]

Thank you Ret MP

[woods1967]

@Tree_skier I guess a few specific questions are when was the last refurbishment? Does anyone have pictures of romm 11725 (Boardwalk balcony room)? At the Playmakers lounge do they show football games in the fall on the TV's? What is the main Broadway show they do on the ship? Is it better to do the RC excursions or use an independent company for shore excursions (Aruba and Curacao are the two specifically)?

 

Thank you.

[Ret MP]

20 minutes ago, woods1967 said:

@Tree_skier I guess a few specific questions are when was the last refurbishment? Does anyone have pictures of romm 11725 (Boardwalk balcony room)? At the Playmakers lounge do they show football games in the fall on the TV's? What is the main Broadway show they do on the ship? Is it better to do the RC excursions or use an independent company for shore excursions (Aruba and Curacao are the two specifically)?

 

Thank you.

https://www.lindbladcruises.com/cm/cruise-ships-deckplans-cabin-detail.php?Cabin=11725&DeckID=8299&WMPHShipCode=597&CatCode=2I

 

[Ret MP]

That's a Harmony cabin.  But, I bet they are almost identical.

Edited March 31, 2023 by Ret MP

[Tree_skier]

As far as pics of 11725 a quick search of on Youtube will elicit a number of videos.  While I couldn't find that specific cabin I found a quite a few that should give a really good idea of what to expect when you open that door for the first time.  Playmakers definitely shows football games on their TV.  Hairspray is the big Broadway show.  

 

As far as RC excursions vs. independent tours I generally use RC's but I have used some independent tours with great success.  I've mostly stuck with RC's out of convenience.  There are savings to be had with independent tour operators.  I'm sure other will chime in and you will get a lot of info about those specific to Aruba and Curacao.  

 

Those are two great ports.  You'll have a great time.

[woods1967]

@Tree_Skier thank you for the help and response.

 

@Ret MP thank you for the picture and video link. 

[hollon]

I love Symphony as well, been on Harmony, Oasis, and Allure and the people are so nice on symphony, probably my favorite ship so far, All the shows were great and the ship is in great shape, food was great, we loved it. 

[woods1967]

@hollon-Thank you for the response!

[Ret MP]

Avoid any ship that has CATS on it.  LOL and JMHO

[taglovestocruise]

3 hours ago, woods1967 said:

Hoping for some insight on the Symphony of the Seas.

Be sure to book all your shows as soon as they open in the cruise planner, 30 -45 days before sail date.  Great no charge breakfast at Johnny Rockets everyday. We did the 12 night transatlantic on Symphony and never ran out of things to do. Great ship and some of the friendliest crew we have ever encountered.  If you are thinking of a specialty check out Wonderland. Wonderland on a Oasis class ship is a great experience, it is a two story venue with floor to ceiling glass windows and has a second level bar and small lounge. 

[woods1967]

@taglovestocruise--thank you for the input and your insight.

[deliver42]

My favorite RCCL ship. We were also on the Oasis and the Wonder, but the Symphony stands out for me. Great shows in theater, on ice, and in water. This was just before shutdown. Since restart, we've been on the Wonder and the Ovation. The shows on the wonder left us less than impressed.

[ARandomTraveler]

6 hours ago, woods1967 said:

@Tree_skier I guess a few specific questions are when was the last refurbishment? Does anyone have pictures of romm 11725 (Boardwalk balcony room)? At the Playmakers lounge do they show football games in the fall on the TV's? What is the main Broadway show they do on the ship? Is it better to do the RC excursions or use an independent company for shore excursions (Aruba and Curacao are the two specifically)?

 

Thank you.

No refurbishment yet, it only started sailing a few months before the pandemic in 2019, and then was shut down for almost 2 years. Just started sailing again in 2022, so barely 2 years old at this point.

 

I sailed Symphony in November and loved it. It was my first Oasis class ship and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it. So much to do, lots of good food to choose from (assuming you're willing to pay extra). 
 

The crowds spread out really well, so even if it's a full ship, it doesn't seem like it. Plenty of shows and activities to choose from. The pool deck has plenty of space to see the ocean. The rooms are clean and fresh. It's just a great ship, I loved it. 

Edited March 31, 2023 by ARandomTraveler

[BirdTravels]

14 hours ago, woods1967 said:

Hoping for some insight on the Symphony of the Seas.

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

The Symphony is a beautiful ship and we have no complaints. We were on her inaugural cruise out of Miami back in November 2018. We were on the maiden voyage of the Wonder of the Seas last year. We love the Oasis class ships!

 

Some very old information and photos on the link below. 

 

Edited April 1, 2023 by BirdTravels

[marymunro]

I’m was on Symphony last March, and again April 30th from Barcelona. Here are the shows, from the app.

 

I was on Oasis in January… much prefer Symphony.

[woods1967]

@marymunro-thank you for the help and information!

 

@BirdTravels-I appreciate the help!

[mo&fran]

Look up Chris Wong  on Youtube.  He is a Casino host on Symphony and has many videos about the ship.

[Ret MP]

33 minutes ago, mo&fran said:

Look up Chris Wong  on Youtube.  He is a Casino host on Symphony and has many videos about the ship.

Yep, met him on our May, Alaska cruise, he's a fine fella and has great videos, really enjoy them.  He's all business though, not that there is anything wrong with that.  He was just an Assitant Casino Manger/Host back then.  I hope he has been promoted, he deserves it.