The Ultimate Symphony of the Seas Review

Looking for the best information about cruising on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas?

Then this all-in-one Symphony of the Seas review is for you!

As a former Royal Caribbean crew member and recent Symphony of the Seas guest, I’ve packed this guide with my honest feedback as well as everything you need to know about the ship, onboard activities, offerings included in your cruise fare, and more.

Review: Symphony of the Seas

Overall Rating: 5/5

TL;DR: Symphony of the Seas is a great ship and 100% worth it.

Having worked for Royal Caribbean ships, I knew the quality and level of service we provided to our guests, but honestly— WOW, I was still blown away.

My partner had never been on a cruise before and thought cruising was a gimmick.

By the end of the 7-night experience on Symphony of the Seas, he was already making plans for our next cruise!

This is just a testament to how committed Royal Caribbean is to “delivering the WOW.”

I’ve yet to stay at an all-inclusive resort— at sea or on land— that matches the level of detail that Symphony of the Seas provided in food, entertainment, accommodations, onboard activities, and customer care.

Our Demographics

For reference, we’re an early 30’s couple with a preference for all things food and relaxation.

Our primary goals were to just enjoy ourselves, our balcony room, and the delicious food onboard.

Value: 5/5

As I mentioned earlier, the value of this 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise was everything and more than what we paid for, especially with an ocean-view balcony cabin.

If you think about how much you’d spend per night for an oceanfront view room at an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, a week on Symphony of the Seas is a steal.

With all the food, activities, entertainment, and amenities included in the cruise fare, you’d be crazy to think you weren’t getting your money’s worth on this vacation!

Overall Ship Service: 5/5

I can’t speak more highly about the crew and care we received while onboard Symphony.

Everyone from our stateroom attendant to dining servers were absolutely wonderful.

To put into perspective just how caring the Royal Caribbean ship staff on Symphony were:

There was a medical emergency during our cruise where a mother fell seriously ill and was unable to care for her two children.

I saw first-hand how the Adventure Ocean staff took in the kids and provided around-the-clock care for them.

Two of the kids’ relatives came onboard at the next port to take over guardianship and they told me how grateful they were for the ship’s staff in looking after all of their family members.

Embarkation & Disembarkation: 4.8/5

Embarkation

Embarkation was a breeze.

I was always under the impression as a crew member that getting onto the ship took as long as going through an airport based on how the guests would talk about their long day.

I didn’t experience any of that.

When checking in online prior to the cruise, we selected one of the latest times to board.

A couple reasons for this:

1. As ship staff, I noticed most people arrive to the vessel before noon and then the crowd thins out after that.
2. Cabins aren’t often ready until after 1:30 pm or so. This means guests have to wait in the public areas which wasn’t something we really wanted to do.

TIP: Arrive at the embarkation city (Miami, in this case) at least a day before. You never know if your flight will be delayed and you don’t want to miss catching the ship!

I stayed at the Hotel AKA Brickell Miami the night before which was a 15-minute Uber ride to the cruise terminal.

Once we got to the terminal, we got through security and in-person check-in in just a few minutes.

We never had to wait in any line and we were on the ship in about ten minutes.

Disembarkation

Disembarkation was just as easy, especially because we cruised with only carry-on.

TIP: If you are self-carrying (also called self-assist) off the ship, you get placed in the first group to disembark and you can just walk off the ship whenever you’re ready.

If you place luggage outside of your room the night before disembarkation day, you’ll be assigned a group number and have to wait until that number is called before you can exit the ship.

This is usually where the crowded lines appear.

Since we did self-assist, we walked off the ship as soon as it was allowed, breezed through customs and immigration, didn’t have to pick up any luggage in the terminal, and grabbed an Uber before the pick-up area started getting crazy.

Side note: I’ve got a full post on women’s clothing for cruises if you’re interested in packing minimally yet still looking stylish on your vacation at sea!

Staterooms

There are four general stateroom options on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas: Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suites.

We stayed in an ocean-view balcony room and absolutely loved it so much that I’ll never cruise in an interior cabin again!

Here’s a quick rundown of each stateroom category:

Interior

Contrary to what you might think, not all interior rooms on Symphony are the same.

There are six interior room options to choose from:

Regular Interior:

• 149 ft²
• Accommodates up to 2
• No windows

Family/Spacious Interior:

• 260 ft²
• Accommodates up to 6
• No windows

Interior with Virtual Balcony:

• 150-170 ft²
• Accommodates up to 4
• Floor-to-ceiling virtual balcony with screen that shows real-time views outside the ship

Promenade View Interior:

• 195 ft²
• Accommodates up to 4
• Window overlooks Promenade

Boardwalk View Interior:

• 190 ft²
• Accommodates up to 3
• Window with view of Boardwalk

Central Park View Interior:

• 190 ft²
• Accommodates up to 3
• Window with view of Central Park

Note: Interior cabins on Decks 7-14 in the aft are the smaller, 150 ft² rooms and many of the staterooms besides the Family Interior fit a standard of 2 guests (more if children).

Ocean View

Ocean View rooms come with a window so you can enjoy the view outside.

The standard Ocean View stateroom is 180 ft² and accommodates up to 4 guests (though 2 is standard).

There are also a few 2-Bedroom Family/Spacious Ocean View rooms available.

These are 270 ft², accommodate up to 6 guests, and are located on Deck 11 in the forward.

Balcony

Similar to Interior View rooms, the balcony rooms come in several options:

Ocean View Balcony:

• Cabin- 182 ft², balcony- 50 ft²
• Accommodates up to2
• Balcony with ocean view

Ultra Spacious Ocean View/ Family Balcony:

• Cabin- 270 ft², balcony- 80 ft²
• Accommodates up to 6
• Balcony with ocean view

Central Park View Balcony:

• Cabin- 187 ft², balcony- 52 ft²
• Accommodates up to 4
• Balcony with view of Central Park

Boardwalk View Balcony:

• Cabin- 182 ft², balcony- 52 ft²
• Accommodates up to 4
• Balcony with view of Boardwalk

Royal Suites

The Royal Suites provide you with endless luxury amenities, special privileges such as priority boarding and departure, unlimited internet access, exclusive access to FlowRider and Rock Climbing Wall, complimentary dining at specialty restaurants, your own personal concierge (Royal Genie), private tubs, and so much more!

AquaTheater Suite, 1 Bedroom:

• Cabin- 562 ft²
• Balcony- 631 ft²
• Accommodates up to 4

Spacious AquaTheater Suite, 1 Bedroom:

• Cabin- 562 ft²
• Balcony- 589 ft²
• Accommodates up to 4
• Tub

AquaTheater Suite with Large Balcony, 2 Bedroom:

• Cabin- 673 ft²
• Balcony- 610 ft²
• Accommodates up to 8
• 2 bathrooms
• Tub

Spacious AquaTheater Suite with Large Balcony, 2 Bedroom:

• Cabin- 823 ft²
• Balcony 772 ft²
• Accommodates up to 8
• 2 decks
• 2 bathrooms
• Tub

Crown Loft Suite:

• Cabin- 545 ft²
• Balcony 114 ft²
• Accommodates up to 4
• 2 decks

Crown Loft Suite with Balcony:

• Cabin- 545 ft²
• Balcony- 114 ft²
• Accommodates up to 4
• 2 decks

Grand Suite, 1 Bedroom:

• Cabin- 371 ft²
• Balcony- 105 ft²
• Accommodates up to 4
• Tub

Grand Suite, 2 Bedroom:

• Cabin- 580 ft²
• Balcony- 238 ft²
• Accommodates up to 8
• Tub

Junior Suite:

• Cabin- 287 ft²
• Balcony- 80 ft²
• Accommodates up to 4

Owner’s Suite, 1 Bedroom:

• Cabin- 556 ft²
• Balcony- 243 ft²
• Accommodates up to 4
• Tub

Royal Loft Suite with Balcony:

• Cabin- 1744 ft²
• Balcony- 843 ft²
• Accommodates up to 6
• 2 decks
• Bidet
• Dry bar
• Whirlpool

Star Loft Suite:

• Cabin- 722 ft²
• Balcony- 410 ft²
• Accommodates up to 4
• 2 decks
• Dry bar

Ultimate Family Suite:

• Cabin- 1144 ft², balcony- 212 ft²
• Accommodates up to 8
• 2 decks
• Slide from kids’ room to living room
• LEGO wall
• Air hockey table
• Movie theater TV room with popcorn machine
• Pool table
• Whirlpool with ocean view

Villa Suite, 4 Bedroom:

• Cabin- 1142 ft²
• Balcony- 476 ft²
• Accommodates up to 14
• 2 master bathrooms with tub
• Whirlpool
• Dry Bar

Stateroom Attendant and Service: 5/5

Our stateroom attendant Greg was a 5/5 all across the board.

I honestly couldn’t believe the level of service we were receiving for how little we paid for an entire week in a room with a balcony and ocean view.

On the first day, after meeting us just once, he memorized our names and our stateroom.

He’d greet us by name any time he’d see us throughout the day.

We asked him where we could fill our water bottles with ice cold water, and he told us to just leave them on the desk and he’d fill them for us.

When we came back to our rooms after dinner, we saw that he’d not only filled both of our water bottles with ice and water, but had also left an ice bucket for us.

He continued to do this for us every night as part of the turndown service, along with cute towel animals, and any extra towels or soap bars I’d requested.

Entertainment: 4.8/5

Royal Caribbean is known across the industry for having some of the best entertainment, and it’s clear why.

Expect the be wowed by the talent you see on Royal ships.

These are truly world-class entertainers putting on show after show that you’ll never forget.

Production Shows: 5/5

As a former Royal Caribbean worker, I’ve never been disappointed by any of the big Broadway shows on any of the five ships I worked on.

I didn’t tell my partner too much about the shows and he was absolutely blown away by the productions.

He was expecting some budget version of the broadway shows and simple skating tricks in the ice shows.

Instead, he got fully professional athletes, performers, and entertainers who could give New York or Cirque du Soleil a run for their money.

Note: Be prepared for shows to be rescheduled due to weather.

It can be hard to remember that you’re on a floating resort, but you are!

Combine that with weather, especially during hurricane season.

Expect certain shows to be postponed to a later date and time when the ship is more stable for the performers.

I’ve seen and heard countless guests complain about this, but you have to understand that it’s for the performers’ safety.

After all, they’re diving from high platforms, tightrope walking, and flipping on ice, all on a moving ship— things us regular people couldn’t even do on land.

HiRo: 5/5

If you only check out one production show on Symphony of the Seas, make sure it’s HiRo.

Performed in the AquaTheater, this show combines high-flying acrobatics, tight-rope walking (and on a moving ship at sea!), and theatrical gymnastics with state-of-the-art technology.

It’s something that you just have to see to fully understand, and I promise you’ll be impressed!

Flight: Dare to Dream: 5/5

Flight is another must-see show.

This production recounts humanity’s journey to the skies and beyond, starting in the future with the first commercial flight to Mars.

The show then works its way backward to the next “firsts” like the establishment of the ISS and Apollo 11’s mission to the Moon all the way until the grand finale of the Wright Brothers’ historic first flight.

Flight’s set production is unlike anything I’ve ever seen; aviation enthusiasts definitely won’t want to miss this show!

Hairspray! The Broadway Musical: 4.5/5

If you’ve never had the chance to see Hairspray on Broadway, here’s your chance!

The popular musical follows Tracy Turnblad on her journey to TV stardom.

Hairspray is full of irresistible dance moves, mood-boosting tunes, and of course– the biggest hair on the high seas.

1977: 3.5/5

1977 is Symphony of the Seas’ ice show, performed in Studio B.

The story follows time-traveling Tempus through the year 1977 as he hunts down the thief who stole Her Majesty’s Crown Jewels.

The production starts out with a very cool drone performance followed by an array of stunning costumes.

While the storyline wasn’t the strongest, the performance and acrobatics of the skaters were still amazing.

Other Shows: 2/5

These shows are hit or miss depending on the crew or guest entertainer.

I’ve been on some ships were the musician showcase or comedians are killer.

Unfortunately, during this specific 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise on Symphony of the Seas, these events weren’t worth our time.

Musician Spectacular: 1/5

The Musician Spectacular is a showcase of all the different house bands onboard Symphony of the Seas.

This includes the bands and artists that perform at the lounges as well as the ship’s orchestra.

We really enjoyed the band that performs in the Dazzles lounge, so it was great seeing their showcase.

But that was about it.

The rest of the show was quite cringey to be honest.

They had the performer who sings and plays the piano at the Schooner Bar act out a weird skit throughout the showcase that had him running around the stage and theater.

The worst of all was the host of the show, who was the lead trumpet player and maybe also lead for the orchestra (add in a million question marks here).

He hosted the night like this show was the best thing since Hamilton (or insert your favorite big stage production here) and he was directing it all.

It was so hard to watch him introduce his own orchestra near the end and then, as if that wasn’t enough, gave himself the final solo all while sprinting around the stage doing theatrical spins and whatever the equivalent is of air guitar but orchestra version while others were playing.

It was just all bad.

Comedy Shows: 3/5

Again, I’ve seen some AMAZING comedians on Royal Caribbean cruises.

The ones on our particular cruise weren’t anything to write home about.

It’s worth noting that the comedians will often do a mini-performance on one of the first nights just as an introduction, and their jokes are made to be more on the PG side since kids might be at that event.

The following nights, however, are meant to be 18+ year old attendees.

So if you don’t care for them after the first night, it still might be worth checking them out in the adult-only shows.

Parties: 4/5

Royal knows how to give adults a good time, especially if they have kids.

There’s a party nearly every night from about 10 pm to midnight, which is great for parents to enjoy themselves a bit.

There’s also an after party for those who want to keep the good times rolling.

As a former Adventure Ocean staff member, the 10 pm to midnight window was where families seemed to have the most fun.

The kids got to stay up and hang out at Adventure Ocean’s Late Night Party Zone playing Gagaball and other exciting games while the parents got to party for a bit before calling it a night.

70s Disco Party: 4/5

The 70s party is Royal’s biggest party on any of their ships.

It includes a pre-party show with classic hits and a live band.

Then the main event is an hour-long performance in the Promenade of the biggest 70s hits put on by the Cruise Director’s Staff along with a few members from the Sports Staff and Youth Staff all dressed in costumes from the decade.

The dance moves are easy to follow, which makes it a fun time for everyone!

List of Late Night Parties for Adults

Here’s a list of all of the onboard evening and late-night parties on Symphony of the Seas for a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise:

70s Disco Party: 70s hits and attire

HUSH! Silent Disco on the Boardwalk: dance party while listening to music transmitted via wireless headphones

RED- The Ultimate Nightclub Experience: high-energy party with special effects

White Party: dance party where everyone wears white. Glow sticks encouraged!

Onboard Activities: 5/5

Royal Caribbean’s motto is “delivering the WOW,” and they truly mean it when it comes to onboard activities.

While some cruise lines are more about relaxing and taking things slow, Royal caters to families and cruisers who never want to be bored.

There are unlimited activities to do on Symphony of the Seas and the best part is most of it is free!

Onboard Activities Included in Cruise Fare

There’s no shortage of things to do onboard Symphony of the Seas that’s included in your cruise fare.

In addition to sports competitions like pool volleyball or basketball, you’ll also find endless things to do both outdoors and indoors.

Sports Deck and Boardwalk

• Mini Golf (Symphony Dunes)
• Rock Climbing
• Zipline
• FlowRider: Standup surfing and boogie boarding
• The Ultimate Abyss: 10 decks high, tallest slide at sea; dry slide that contains multi-sensory effects
• The Perfect Storm: Water slide
• Carousel

Indoor Activities

• Laser Tag (Battle for Planet Z): Glow in the dark laser tag
• Ice Skating
• Karaoke
• Scavenger Hunts
• Sudoku Challenges
• Word Search Challenges

Trivia

If you love trivia, Royal Caribbean has you covered!

There are so many opportunities to participate in various themed trivia throughout the day.

Here are some of the trivia topics you might find on Symphony of the Seas and other Royal Caribbean ships:

• Harry Potter
• Famous Movie Quotes
• Name That Tune: Ultimate Divas
• Name That Tune: Classic Rock
• Name That Tune: Country Hits
• Name That Tune: Michael Jackson Hits
• Name That Tune: The Beatles
• NFL
• Slogans
• Star Wars
• Symphony of the Seas
• TV Show: “Big Bang Theory”
• TV Show: “Friends”
• TV Show: How I Met Your Mother
• Visual Trivia: Airline Logos
• Visual Trivia: Marvel vs DC
• Visual Trivia: Name the Celebrity
• Who in the World Am I?

Game Shows

If you’ve been on any Royal Caribbean cruise, you might be familiar with their standard set of game shows.

These are events that are based on audience participation, so even though you might’ve seen one on a previous cruise, the dynamics and enjoyability could be vastly different on your next one depending on the guests and cruise director.

Here are the game shows you can expect on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas:

• Majority Rules
• Battle of the Sexes
• If You Know It, Sing It
• 60 Seconds or Less
• Finish That Lyric
• Love & Marriage

Pools: 3/5

The main pool deck is BUSY.

To be fair though, I’m not sure there’s any way around this, especially on one of the largest family-friendly cruise ships.

Symphony’s multiple neighborhoods and various sporting activities help to spread out the crowds as much as possible, but the open deck on Deck 15 is just where there will always be traffic.

My partner and I planned on getting our sun time in at the beaches we were going to visit so we didn’t bother with the pool deck or hot tubs on the ship.

However, if you do intend to spend time in and around the pool area, be prepared to share the space.

That being said, there are a number of pools designated for specific age groups.

Utilizing the right one for you and your party will lend to a better onboard experience.

• Baby Splash Zone: Splash pool for children in diapers or not fully potty trained
• Splashaway Bay: Mini kids water park with slides, sculptures, and water features (sprinklers, cannons, bucket drop)
• Solarium Whirlpools: Adults only (ages 16+)
• Deck 15 Pools and Hot Tubs: All ages

Food: 4.5/5

I’ll preface this section by saying the quality of food and level of service on every ship can differ from cruise to cruise.

Sometimes provisions don’t always come from the same place.

Sometimes there can be an unbalanced ratio of newly hired crew members on certain ships or around certain times of the year.

This is all to say that just because one person said the food or service on their cruise sucked doesn’t necessarily mean it will for the next person on a different Royal ship or even on a different cruise on the same ship.

With all that said, we thoroughly enjoyed the food on our specific Symphony of the Seas cruise.

We ate at the Windjammer Buffet after ports and a few times for lunch while sticking to the Main Dining Room and specialty restaurants for sea days.

Food Options Included in Cruise Fare

The great thing about cruising on Royal’s Symphony of the Seas is that if you don’t want to pay extra for food for the entirety of your cruise, you don’t have to!

There are so many delicious options already included in your cruise fare:

• Main Dining Room: Formal multi-course meals
• Windjammer Marketplace: Casual international buffet
• Room Service (Continental Breakfast Only)
• Sorrento’s Pizza: Fast-casual pizza
• Park Cafe: Fast-casual deli
• El Loco Fresh: Fast-casual Mexican bites
• Solarium Bistro: Casual Mediterranean buffet
• Cafe Promenade: Casual cafe and deli
• Johnny Rockets (Breakfast Only): Fast-casual breakfast classics & burgers
• Boardwalk Dog House: Fast-casual hot dogs
• Coastal Kitchen (Suite Guests and Pinnacle Club Members Only): Elevated Mediterranean/California fusion

Main Dining Room: 4.5/5

We loved the main dining room on Symphony of the Seas.

As I mentioned, we ate here for most sea day dinners.

The service we received was outstanding. Since it was my partner’s birthday cruise, I asked for a surprise slice of birthday cake for him one evening.

Not only did they deliver the celebrations that meal, the head waiter remembered the next night and brought another slice along with an encore birthday song sung by the crew serving nearby tables.

It was so fun and memorable!

The food that we ordered was just as amazing.

I’d read about the quality of the MDR diminishing recently but didn’t experience that at all during our cruise.

Main Dining Room Brunch: 5/5

If you’re not having breakfast/brunch in the main dining room at least once, you’re missing out.

Windjammer breakfast to me was never worth getting up for as it’s always crowded and fighting for a table first thing in the morning is not my idea of fun.

However, having brunch in the MDR was like going to a nice restaurant downtown while on vacation.

The MDR brunch menu is exactly what you’d expect in the best way: classic egg options, bagel & lox, pancakes, and french toast.

Sea Days: 9 am – 12:30 pm
Port Days: 7:30 – 9 am
Attire: Smart Casual
Location: Deck 4 Aft

Main Dining Room Dinner: 4/5

For a nice restaurant that’s included in the cruise fare, the dinner at the Main Dining Room is great.

As far as presentation and fine dining standards go, the MDR doesn’t come close to the specialty dining restaurants, but it’s solid if you’re just looking for a nice dinner that’s not the buffet.

Part of the menu changes daily while there’s also items called “Classics” offered every day.

Vegan and kids menus are available.

MDR Tips for Dinner with Kids

1. If you have kids joining you for dinner in the MDR, you can ask your waiter to bring the kids’ food first!

This is something we always told parents when I worked in Adventure Ocean.

A meal at the MDR is like other nice restaurants back home; they’re meant to be enjoyed and not rushed.

The staff are trained as such; however, we all know kids don’t have that kind of patience.

2. Adventure Ocean staff can pick up your kids from dinner!

Every night just before 7 pm, a couple of Adventure Ocean Youth Staff wait outside the MDR to pick up children for the evening kids’ session.

This makes it easy for parents who still want to dine at the MDR with their kids but don’t want to rush their meal or hike all the way up to Adventure Ocean to drop them off.

Note: your kids need to registered with AO prior to this MDR drop off and a registered adult must accompany the child to the AO staff.

(Children aren’t allowed to wander out of the MDR and to the AO counselors on their own.)

Windjammer Marketplace Buffet: 3.5/5

I’ve seen a fair amount of negative comments about the Windjammer, and I will say they seem a bit too harsh for me.

It’s not as good as the Main Dining Room, but as a convenience buffet after a long day in port or at the pool, it’s not bad.

Yes, the menu is repetitive but there’s still quite a variety of sections and options available.

I’d venture a guess that most people who complain are only eating the same items each time they go.

(I’ve definitely seen it as a cruise worker.)

TIP: don’t forget to keep an eye out for the live action stations.

This is where you can get a personalized dish such as fried noodles with your choice of toppings.

This specialty offering at the Windjammer is probably the best part of the buffet and one of its best-kept secrets.

Room Service (Continental Breakfast): 5/5

Getting complimentary breakfast delivered to our door was a strong 5/5.

And if you have a balcony room on Symphony of the Seas, you absolutely have to do breakfast on your deck!

You’ll have menus in your stateroom desk that you can mark with your preferred breakfast items as well as delivery time.

Just make sure it’s hanging on the outside of your door by 2 am and you’ll be able to enjoy breakfast in bed the next morning!

Specialty Dining Restaurants on Symphony of the Seas (4.8/5)

Symphony of the Seas’s specialty dining restaurants come in a wide variety, perfect to suit every palate.

Specialty dining is typically not included in general cruise fares so expect to have these charges added onto your SeaPass card.

Note that some restaurants are priced a la carte (per menu item) while others are prix fixe (one cover charge for the entire meal).

You’ll also want to budget 18% gratuity per person that is sometimes included in your final bill automatically.

While I haven’t been to all of the specialty dining venues on Symphony, I’ve included my ratings for the ones I have visited.

Wonderland: 5/5 | Prix Fixe

Wonderland is hands down the best restaurant on any Royal Caribbean ship.

It is unlike any other fine dining restaurant on land or at sea anywhere else in the world.

The whimsical decor adds to the culinary journey you’re taken on as you experience multiple delicious courses that appear straight out of the fantasy world of Alice in Wonderland.

It’s food and entertainment from start to finish: a Mad Hatter host, a menu whose text only becomes visible after brushing it with water, and magical dishes that look like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

For more info, check out my full Wonderland review!

Cost: Prix Fixe- $60
Meals: Dinner
Attire: Smart Casual
Location: Deck 12 Aft

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi: 4.5/5 | A La Carte; Hibachi- Prix Fixe

Izumi offers two dining options: a la carte or hibachi (when the chef grills in front of you).

While Izumi is open for both lunch and dinner, the hibachi experience is only available in the evenings.

As a Japanese food lover and former resident of Japan, I’m not sure there’s better sushi at sea.

When I’d get home/land sick when I had a cruise ship job, Izumi was my go-to for instant comfort.

Hibachi

Hibachi is when you sit around a grilling station and the chef cooks up your dish in front of you with some flair for entertainment.

The hibachi dinner includes:

• Soup or salad
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Your choice of protein: chicken, beef, or tofu
• Fried rice or noodles
• Dessert

Note that the premium selection also gives you additional protein options such as lobster.

A La Carte

The a la carte option is my favorite as the price per roll is comparable to sushi restaurants on land.

You’ll find the typical Japanese appetizers like wakame seaweed salad and miso soup along with izakaya favorite chicken karaage (Japanese fried chicken).

TIP: The Chef’s Signature Roll “Izumi Ryu Futomaki” is a crew member favorite! It’s as packed as a roll can get with assorted sashimi, spicy aioli, cream cheese, and wakame salad all fried in tempura batter.

Cost: A La Carte- $5-21 per item | Prix Fixe- Lunch: $35, Dinner: $55
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Attire: Smart Casual
Location: Deck 4 Aft

Jamie’s Italian: 3.8/5 | Prix Fixe

Jamie’s Italian comes from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

The restaurant boasts Italian favorites made from fresh ingredients.

I found the food to be delicious but nothing mind-blowing.

If you just want good, familiar Italian dishes, this is definitely the place for you.

It’s worth noting that the menu offerings are pretty much the same for both lunch and dinner but the evening cover charge costs more.

There are slightly more options on the dinner menu, but if you just want to try Jamie’s while also saving money, I’d definitely recommend having lunch there instead of dinner.

Cost: Prix Fixe- Lunch: $25, Dinner: $55 | Kids 6-12 years with Kids Menu Order: $11
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Attire: Casual
Location: Deck 8 Midship

Chops Grille: 4.2/5 | Prix Fixe

If you’re looking for a hearty, savory meal that’ll leave you satisfied, head to Chops Grille.

I’ve never left Chops feeling hungry as you can keep eating to your heart’s content with a single cover charge.

Quality wise, I was super pleased.

My medium rare steak was cooked perfectly and I couldn’t get enough of the mouthwatering side dishes.

Then as if that wasn’t enough, they rolled out the dessert cart, and let’s just say I really pushed my stomach to the limits.

It’s just so hard to say no to such amazing sweets!

As with Jamie’s Italian, if you want to try Chops without the expensive price tag, the lunch option is a great alternative that won’t break the bank.

Cost: Prix Fixe- Lunch: $30, Dinner: $65 | Kids 6-12 years with Kids Menu Order: $11
Meals: Lunch (Sea Days Only), Dinner
Attire: Smart Casual
Location: Deck 8

Johnny Rockets: 3.5/5 | Prix Fixe

For kids and other guests who might want the familiarity of fast food while at sea, Johnny Rockets gets the job done.

I’m not a big burger or fast food fan myself, but the few times I’ve had Johnny Rockets on Royal Caribbean ships has been very satisfying.

Fun fact: It was the only place onboard I was able to get an slice of apple pie one year during 4th of July as the crew mess didn’t serve any that day.

I will say that the novelty of eating a simple hamburger in a classic diner could be interesting for cruisers who’ve never experienced it before, especially non-American guests.

Note that milkshakes are not included in the cover charge and cost an extra $5.

TIP: Breakfast at Johnny Rockets is complimentary for all Symphony of the Seas guests!

The breakfast menu includes classic morning favorites like eggs, scrambles, pancakes, french toast, and more.

Cost: Prix Fixe- $12
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Attire: Casual
Location: Deck 6 Aft

Starbucks: 5/5 | A La Carte

If you’re a Starbucks lover, you’ll be happy to know that there’s one on Symphony of the Seas open everyday.

My partner is a sucker for coffees, especially Starbucks’ specialty drinks.

He was so excited to get a Pumpkin Spice Latte in the middle of the ocean!

The cost is only slightly more expensive than land, so all-in-all not a bad deal.

Cost: A la Carte
Hours: Day 1: 10:30 am- 10 pm | Port
Attire: Casual
Location: Deck 6 Aft

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade | A La Carte

Get your fill of beer, wings, and touchdowns at Playmakers Sports Bar.

Perfectly located on the Boardwalk, you’ll be able to watch the big game with some lively al fresco seating or inside the pub, all on large TVs.

The gastropub serves classic sports bar fare such as sliders, chicken wings, and nachos.

If you’re feeling lucky, try the Playmakers Challenge: eat 100 of their hottest wings in 45 minutes and you’ll get a commemorative shirt!

Cost: A La Carte
Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Attire: Casual
Location: Deck 6 Aft

150 Central Park | Prix Fixe

For the most elevated fine dining experience at sea, head to 150 Central Park.

Inside this Central Park restaurant by Miami mogul Michael Schwartz, you’ll find a menu fit for NYC royalty.

Menu items include roasted organic beet salad, pan-seared halibut, peanut butter chocolate tart, and more mouthwatering premium classics.

TIP: Items marked as “TS” on the menu are prepared tableside!

Cost: Prix Fixe- $65 | Kids 6-12 years with Kids Menu Order: $11
Meals: Dinner
Attire: Smart Casual
Location: Deck 8 Midship

Hooked Seafood | Prix Fixe

Inspired by the fresh seafood fare of New England, Hooked Seafood offers all of your favorite coastal eats.

Here you’ll find chowders, lobster tails, shrimp, oysters, drunken mussels, and so much more.

You name it, they have it.

For those in your family or party who aren’t as adventurous eaters, Hooked also has classic seafood staples such as fish & chips so everyone can enjoy their meal together.

Cost: Prix Fixe- Lunch: $25, Dinner: $55 | Kids 6-12 years with Kids Menu Order: $11
Meals: Lunch (Sea Days Only), Dinner
Attire: Casual
Location: Deck 16 Forward

Sea Days: 5/5

When you haven’t cruised before, oftentimes you’re more excited about the ports.

After the first cruise, lots of people realize they love the sea days more.

This was definitely the case for my partner and I.

While the ports of call were, indeed, amazing to visit, the three sea days were where we thrived.

We didn’t make a ton of plans for the sea days except for the big shows and where we’d be going for dinner.

While Symphony was definitely bustling with activities all day, we never felt the busyness of it.

That being said, the sea days on Symphony of the Seas are great for everyone, whether you’re looking for endless activities to keep you entertained or you just want to chill.

Ports of Call- Eastern Caribbean Itinerary: 4.5/5

St. Maarten: 4.5/5

St. Maarten was one of my favorite ports as a crew member and was just as good as a cruise guest!

My partner is an aviation enthusiast so of course we had to go to Maho Beach, where you are as close as it gets to the end of the airport’s runway.

The beach has changed dramatically since my last visit pre-COVID unfortunately.

Now the shore is much shorter with the water coming higher up onto the already short beach and lots of sand blowing over onto the nearby road.

However, it’s still worth a visit and water is as beautiful as ever.

For those who don’t want to venture that far away from the port, you can easily take a water taxi or walk to downtown Philipsburg.

Here you’ll find restaurants, shopping, and a long stretch of beach with calm waters to enjoy.

St. Thomas: 4.3/5

Getting out of the port was a little chaotic but once we got a taxi it was smooth sailing.

We went to the other side of the island to Sapphire Beach.

The ride was about 30 minutes and cost between $10-15 per person.

Because we went so far from the port, we were able to see a lot of the island’s beautiful landscape and escape from a lot of the cruise crowds.

The beach wasn’t very busy and was amazing for snorkeling.

Fun Fact: In St. Thomas, they drive on the left but the driver’s seat is also on the left!

Perfect Day at CocoCay: 5/5

CocoCay is one of Royal Caribbean’s private islands which means when you’re docked there, it’s basically an extension of the ship.

Nearly everything on the island is included in your cruise fare and you don’t have to spend any extra money at all to enjoy your day there.

After CocoCay received its $250 million renovation in 2019, it became one of my favorite Royal Caribbean ports.

The food and beaches are absolutely amazing and definitely worth getting off the ship for.

And if you’re the only ship docked there for the day, you get the entire island to yourselves!

What’s Free at CocoCay

• Chill Island
• Oasis Lagoon
• South Beach
• Splashaway Bay: a larger version of the kids’ water park found onboard Symphony of the Seas and other RCL Oasis class ships
• Captain Jill’s Galleon: kids’ pirate ship play area with water features and slides
• Skipper’s Grill
• Chill Grill
• Snack Shack
• Lockers
• Life jackets
• Showers, restrooms, and changing rooms
• Tram service
• Beach wheelchairs
• Beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas

What’s Not Free at CocoCay

• Thrill Waterpark: waterslides, Wave Pool, Adventure Pool
• Zip Line
• Up, Up and Away: hot air balloon ride
• Cabanas and daybeds
• Coco Beach Club: Exclusive beach and clubhouse; complimentary dining, infinity pool
• Captain Jack’s: A la carte dining
• Equipment Rentals: kayaks, snorkel gear, floating mats
• Spa Services

Food at CocoCay

As I mentioned, the food is worth getting off the ship for.

From grill favorites to tasty beachside snacks and even soft-serve ice cream, what’s not to love?!

Here’s a quick glance at the dining options at CocoCay:

• Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill: Same offerings: salads; make-your-own tacos with salsa and guacamole bar; grill staples (corn on the cob, burgers, BBQ chicken); sandwiches, tropical fruits; soft serve ice cream
• Snack Shack: Complimentary snack favorites: burgers, hot dogs, mozzarella sticks, and funnel cakes
• Captain Jack: Bustling waterfront bar with live music featuring a la carte bites such as fries and wings with signature sauces
• Coco Beach Club: Complimentary dining with paid admission to CBC; the restaurant features upscale Mediterranean fare

TIP: Can’t choose between chocolate or vanilla ice cream at Skipper’s Grill or the Chill Grill? Get the swirl, which combines both!

Adventure Ocean & Activities for Kids: 5/5

I can’t unbiasedly rate Adventure Ocean as I used to work there, but I will give my honest opinion:

The Oasis class ships are the absolute best for children and teens.

There’s so much for them to do and ample facilities to entertain them, both on your own as a family and within the youth program.

Smaller ships are fine for babies, tots, and Aquanaut-aged kids (3-5 years old), but I’ve found that children any older get bored on the RCL ships below Freedom class.

Symphony of the Seas was honestly made for families.

There’s a nursery for babies and tots (paid drop-off) and then three daily sessions free of charge for kids ages 3-11 (9 am- 12pm, 2- 5 pm, 7- 10 pm).

After 10 pm, there’s a Late Night Party Session for the kids that costs $7 per child, per hour.

The teen program is completely free and they even have their own exclusive lounge on the ship called The Living Room where adults are not allowed.

The area is hosted by a few teen staff who run various activities throughout the cruise such as shipwide scavenger hunts and even dance parties in the teen-only club.

For parents who want to spend time together with their kids, there are plenty of youth-friendly activities around the ship that can be done as a family:

• Family Fun Fair
• Arcade
• Laser Tag
• Escape the Rubicon: Symphony of the Seas’ version of a puzzle break room
• Symphony Dunes: Mini Golf
• Rock Climbing Wall
• Carousel
• FlowRider: Surf simulator
• The Perfect Storm: Water slide
• The Ultimate Abyss: 10-deck slide
• Zipline
• Ice Skating
• Family Scavenger Hunt
• Family Karaoke
• Family Arts & Crafts
• Family Science

Royal App: 3/5

*Update: I went on another RCL cruise (Quantum of the Seas) after Symphony in 2024 and the app worked much better.

When the app works, it works well.

It’s great for looking up information about activities around the ship, venue locations, show times, and making reservations.

But there were a few times when it was just so buggy that we couldn’t use it.

If you have issues reserving a show or making a reservation, you’re better off just calling the venue or heading to guest services than waiting for the app.

FAQs About Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas

Is Symphony of the Seas a good ship?

Symphony of the Seas is a great ship for all kinds of cruisers: families, vacationers celebrating anniversaries or birthdays, reunions, honeymoons, and so much more.

There are endless things to do, see, and eat– all included in your cruise fare.

You could enjoy your cruise without spending an extra dime and you’d be shocked how much you got for your money!

For those who want to splurge a little, an ocean view balcony room or even a suite is a must on this ship.

The service from the crew members is unmatched, the ports Symphony visits are stunning, and the different neighborhoods as well as production shows onboard are like nothing else.

What shops are on Symphony of the Seas?

Symphony of the Seas has two shopping area: Central Park (Deck 8) and the Royal Promenade (Deck 5).

Central Park (Deck 8)

• Hublot
• Cartier
• Bulgari

The Shops at the Royal Promenade (Deck 5)

• Regalia: jewelry and timepieces
• Solera: beauty supplies and fragrances
• The Shop: Royal Caribbean souvenirs and apparel
• Port Merchants: spirits and beverages
• Surf Shack: beach apparel and accessories

What are the Symphony of the Seas theme nights?

During my 7-Night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Symphony of the Seas, the theme nights were:

• Formal Night
• White Attire Night
• Caribbean Night
• 70s Night
• Dress Your Best Night
• Casual Night (x2)

What is the Symphony of the Seas entertainment schedule?

While the Symphony of the Seas entertainment schedule will vary based on itinerary, weather, and other factors, here’s a sample schedule from my cruise:

	ROYAL THEATER	AQUATHEATER	STUDIO B	THE ATTIC
DAY 1- MIAMI	ROYAL COMEDIANS 10:30 PM	HIRO 7 PM & 9 PM	LASER TAG 5- 8 PM
DAY 2- AT SEA	HAIRSPRAY 5 PM & 9:30 PM	NFL FOOTBALL 1 PM- EVENING	1977 8 PM & 10:15 PM	ADULT COMEDY (18+) 8:30 PM & 10:30 PM SILENT DISCO (18+) 11:45 PM-1:15 AM
DAY 3- AT SEA	HAIRSPRAY 3 PM	HIRO 8 PM & 10 PM	LASER TAG 9 AM- 1 PM 1977 7 PM	ADULT COMEDY (18+) 8:30 PM & 10:30 PM
DAY 4- ST. MAARTEN	LOVE & MARRIAGE GAME SHOW 9:30 PM	HIRO 7 PM & 9 PM	1977 7:30 PM
DAY 5- ST. THOMAS	MOVIE 6 PM MUSICIAN SPECTACULAR 9:30 PM	MOVIE 5:30 PM & 9 PM	1977 7 PM RED NIGHTCLUB (18+) 11:15 PM	ADULT COMEDY (18+) 8:30 PM & 10:30 PM
DAY 6- AT SEA	FLIGHT 8:15 PM & 10:30 PM	MOVIE 5:30 PM & 9 PM	LASER TAG 9 AM- 12 PM ALL SKATES 6 PM- 11 PM	ADULT COMEDY (18+) 8:30 PM & 10:30 PM
DAY 7- COCOCAY	FLIGHT 7 PM ADULT COMEDY (18+) 10:15 PM	MOVIE 5:30 PM & 8 PM SILENT DISCO (18+) 10:30 PM- 12 AM	ISKATE 2.0 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM

Final Thoughts: Is Symphony of the Seas Worth It?

5/5 stars for me!

Of all the ships I’ve been on, Symphony of the Seas is by far the most impressive and the biggest bang for your buck.

Ready to book your next adventure at sea with Symphony?

Check out prices and availability here!

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Read on:

• Symphony of the Seas Ocean View Balcony Room Review
• Wonderland on Symphony of the Seas Review
• Women’s Clothing for Cruises: Simple and Affordable Outfit Ideas
• How to Pack for a 7-Day Caribbean Cruise in a Carry On

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