Symphony of the Seas - Western Caribbean
The world's largest cruise ship takes you through the stunning Western Caribbean with stops at some of the most beautiful ports in the region. Perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.
Price Range
$
Budget
*Prices vary by cabin type, sailing date, and availability. Confirm rates with Royal Caribbean before booking.
Ship Details — Symphony of the Seas
View full Symphony of the Seas detailsYear Built
2018
Tonnage
228,081 GT
Passengers
6,680
Crew
2,200
Decks
18
Class
Oasis
Itinerary & Route Map
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Onboard Amenities
Cruise Highlights
About the Ship
What Travelers Say About Symphony of the Seas
Reviews of the ship itself — the same for every Symphony of the Seas sailing. Based on 9,000 discussions.
Symphony of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class megaships — over 1,180 feet long, carrying roughly 5,500-6,600 guests — and its signature trick is the 'neighborhood' concept: Central Park (an open-air garden with real trees and quieter dining), the carnival-style Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the pool/Solarium decks, and the sports/entertainment zones. The payoff is that despite the eye-watering passenger count, crowds get diffused and the ship feels more like a floating resort town than a single packed hull. The vibe is busy, family-forward, and activity-packed; debuting in 2018, it's essentially a near-twin of the newer (and pricier) Wonder of the Seas.
What People Love
- Seven distinct 'neighborhoods' (Central Park, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, etc.) genuinely spread out 5,500+ guests, so even near-full the ship rarely feels as packed as the passenger count suggests — Central Park is a quiet, plant-filled retreat for reading and slower dinners
- Strongest entertainment lineup in the Oasis class: the Tony-winning Broadway musical 'Hairspray,' the aerospace production 'Flight,' the 'HiRO' AquaTheater high-dive show, and ice skating — book all four free shows in the app the day boarding opens because good slots fill fast
- Wonderland is widely called the best specialty restaurant in the fleet — an Alice-in-Wonderland multi-course tasting menu that's as much theater as dinner; pair it with Izumi, Chops Grille, and Hooked Seafood for the best paid dining
Common Complaints
- Pinch-point crowding is real despite the layout: the Windjammer at peak lunch, the Royal Promenade during sales/parades, elevators at show let-out, and the pool deck (chair hogs) all bottleneck
- The sheer size means a lot of walking and waiting — an aft cabin to a forward show can mean long elevator queues; many reviewers recommend a midship/low-deck cabin to minimize the trek
- Boardwalk-view balcony cabins sit directly above the Boardwalk entertainment zone, so noise carries up late, and they aren't fully private (overlooked from the opposite side)