SAINT-NAZAIRE — Royal Caribbean’s new Symphony of the Seas, boasting everything from a floor-to-ceiling LEGO wall to a ‘Royal Genie’ in its 1,346-square-foot Ultimate Family Suite, is “the perfect blend of our greatest hits”, says Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.
Bayley adds: “Symphony will take family vacationing to an all new level with energy and options never before found in one place.”
The 25th ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Symphony of the Seas was delivered to the cruise line at a high-wattage ceremony at STX France shipyard at 228,081 gross registered tons, and measuring 238 feet tall and 1,188 feet long.
This Saturday, March 31 Symphony of the Seas sets off for a five-night preview sailing, calling on Naples and Rome (Civitavecchia).
The ship’s maiden seven-night Mediterranean voyage departs April 7 from Barcelona with double occupancy capacity for 5,518 passengers in 2,759 staterooms, including 28 additional balcony rooms that overlook the ocean or signature Boardwalk neighborhood.
Symphony of the Seas will homeport in Barcelona for the summer, visiting Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Provence, France; and Florence/Pisa, Rome and Naples, Italy.
Starting Nov. 10 the ship will make its year-round homeport in Miami, sailing from the cruise capital of the world using Royal Caribbean’s new Terminal A. The 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises will call on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s newly revealed destination in the Bahamas.
Here’s a look at what Symphony of the Seas has to offer:
DINING
Hooked Seafood: This eatery atop of the world’s largest cruise ship in the Solarium serves up New England-inspired seafood including coastal favourites such as lobster rolls, crab claws, signature fish sandwich, and a raw bar where oysters are shucked to order.
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade: Stretching the length of a reimagined Boardwalk, Playmakers has 31 big-screen TVs showing sports events and highlights all through the day and into the late night. There’s also an indoor and outdoor arcade with over 20 games. American bar food options includes everything from wings, burgers and popcorn shrimp to sundaes as well as craft beers and cocktails.
El Loco Fresh: El Loco Fresh has made-to-order tacos and burritos wrapped with fresh tortillas among other Mexican street food favourites.
Sugar Beach: The signature candy and ice cream shop is the sweet spot on the Boardwalk with more than 100 types of candies, a lineup of ice cream flavors and DIY activities for aspiring culinary artists.
ATTRACTIONS
Battle for Planet Z: Royal Caribbean’s first glow-in-the-dark laser tag game brings two teams of eight head to head in an out-of-this-world adventure.
Escape the Rubicon: Participants must band together in the Rubicon submarine, a custom-built escape room, to solve a collection of puzzles before time runs out.
ACCOMMODATION
Ultimate Family Suite: A two-level, 1,346-square-foot suite includes an in-room slide, a private cinema with an 85” HD TV, a floor-to-ceiling LEGO wall, a 212-square-foot balcony complete with table tennis and a full-size whirlpool and the services of a ‘Royal Genie’.
Symphony of the Seas will welcome her first guests on Saturday, March 31 for a one-time-only, 5-night preview sailing, calling on Naples and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.
“Symphony of the Seas is the latest example of how our people work to push the envelope of innovation with each new ship,” says Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman and CEO Richard D. Fain. “The Oasis Class has been a trend-setting design, but the team has evolved the design to build on that success to provide even more incredible family adventures.”