Royal Caribbean’s newest ship Symphony of the Seas is set to launch until April 2018 but we have an inside look of what’s on board.
Symphony of the Seas will claim the title of the largest cruise ship in the world when she launches in Europe next year, according the Royal Caribbean. The ship will feature new dining concepts, new entertainment options, and new technology.
“We’re excited to introduce Symphony of the Seas, our boldest composition yet, offering the best of Royal Caribbean with some new surprises for our guests to create a vacation that adventurers of all ages can enjoy together,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International in a written statement. “We set out to create a new level of vacation adventure and deliver the ultimate escape for families of all shapes and sizes. Symphony will introduce the most cutting-edge, customizable, and digitally-enhanced experiences in the Royal Caribbean fleet.”
The Neighborhoods
There are seven distinct neighborhoods onboard. They include:
- Boardwalk – Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and the Sugar Beach candy and ice cream shop bring back in time. There’s also a carousal, casual eateries, retail shops and family activities. The signature AquaTheater is also located here.
- Central Park – With more than 12,000 lush tropical plants, this open-air neighborhood is a retreat that has walkways with quiet areas for reading and relaxing, retail boutiques and specialty restaurants including Chops Grille, Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, 150 Central Park and Vintages wine bar. The expanded Park Café, offers communal table and additional outdoor bistro seating overlooking a central piazza.
- Entertainment Place – This neighborhood is one for fun thanks to the Casino Royale, which will take the title of the largest casino at sea, Studio B ice rink and new glow-in-the-dark laser tag, The Attic comedy club and lounge, and Jazz on 4 with its live jazz and blues performances.
- Pool and Sports Zone – Guests looking for active activities will probably be spending a lot of time here. The zone is home to the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, The Perfect Storm trio of waterslides, two FlowRider surf simulators, a mini-golf course, a nine-deck-high zip line, and the beach pool, plus the all-new El Loco Fresh
- Royal Promenade – Guests can dine, bar hop, and shop on the main street area. It is home to Bionic Bar, a bar run by robots powered by Makr Shakr.
- Youth Zone – Everyone from the young in years to the young at heart will have something to do here. It offers a variety of youth facilities, including the escape the room Puzzle Break challenge.
- Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center – Guests can relax or stay on top of their fitness game at, according to the company, is the largest spa and fitness centers at sea.
The Food
Symphony of the Sea will debut new food and beverage options adding to an already diverse lineup of more than 20 specialty and complimentary restaurants across the ship’s seven neighborhoods. Hooked Seafood, Royal Caribbean’s first New England-style seafood restaurant, will have a menu of fresh seafood and raw bar complete with oysters shucked to order. Meanwhile the Solarium, the casual-but-sophisticated restaurant will offer views of the open water, serving lunch and dinner. El Loco Fresh will offer made-to-order tacos, burritos and other popular Mexican fare. Additionally, the open-air restaurant in the Sports Zone will seat more than 100 guests.
The cruise line’s signature culinary favorites, including Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine, Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, the American 150 Central Park, Park Café and Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, will introduce new designs and menu specialties.
The Entertainment
Guests can catch the popular Broadway musical “Hairspray” or the new original Royal Caribbean show, “Flight,” a historical satire on the evolution of air travel. At the iconic AquaTheater open-air amphitheater, a new aqua show, “HiRo,” showcases high-diving and acrobatics while the high-tech ice-skating show, “1977” will bring guests to London on the eve of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee when her Crown Jewels are stolen in the heist of the century.
For guests looking for something more interactive, Symphony has a glow-in-the-dark laser tag with state of the art technology. There’s also the escape room challenge, Puzzle Break.
The Technology
The latest technological innovations will be integrated throughout Symphony, including a redesigned check-in experience that eliminates lines and bypasses the counter. The new process will use a combination of facial recognition, bar codes and beacons to make boarding easier
Guests will check-in via the brand’s new mobile app and seamlessly upload their security “selfie” to create their onboard account from the comfort of their home. Upon arrival, guests will go through a security screening and then head straight to their stateroom, where their key will be ready and waiting. In addition to mobile check-in, Symphony will have all of the standard Royal Caribbean technology including fast internet and virtual balconies.
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