Royal Caribbean International has taken delivery of the new Symphony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship. The event took place at STX France shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, with Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International; Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.; and Laurent Castaing, general manager of STX France, leading the traditional flag-changing ceremony, which symbolizes the ship's official delivery from the ship builder to Royal Caribbean.
The 25th ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet, Symphony of the Seas is 228,081 gross registered tons, measures 238 feet tall and spans 1,188 feet long. It will welcome 5,518 guests at double occupancy in 2,759 staterooms, including 28 additional balcony rooms that overlook the ocean or signature Boardwalk neighborhood. Notable features of the new Oasis-class ship include:
New Culinary Experiences
Hooked Seafood: This upscale eatery atop the ship in the Solarium serves New England-inspired seafood. Aiming for a casual atmosphere, the menu offers classic coastal favorites, 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, guests can watch sports across 31 big-screen TVs, during the day and into the late night. There is also an indoor and outdoor arcade with over 20 games. The menu of classic American bar food serves dishes ranging from wings, burgers and popcorn shrimp to sundaes; as well as craft beers and cocktails.
El Loco Fresh: Made-to-order tacos and burritos wrapped with fresh tortillas are among the Mexican street food dishes available here.
Sugar Beach: The signature candy and ice cream shop on the Boardwalk sells more than 100 types of candies, a lineup of ice cream flavors and DIY activities.
New Attractions
Battle for Planet Z: Royal Caribbean's first glow-in-the-dark laser tag game brings two teams of eight head to head.
Escape the Rubicon: Groups must band together in the Rubicon submarine – a sophisticated, custom-built escape room – to solve a collection of puzzles before time runs out.
New Family Accommodations
Ultimate Family Suite: A two-level, 1,346-square-foot suite with features including an in-room slide, a private cinema with an 85-inch HD TV, a floor-to-ceiling LEGO wall, and a 212-square-foot balcony complete with table tennis and a full-size whirlpool. Guests here can also enjoy Royal Genie butler service.
Symphony of the Seas will welcome its first guests on Saturday, March 31 for a one-time-only, five-night preview sailing, calling on Naples and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.
The ship's inaugural seven-night Mediterranean voyage departs Saturday, April 7 from Barcelona, Spain. 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.
Beginning November 10, Miami, FL, will become the ship's year-round homeport, making Symphony of the Seas the first new Oasis-class ship to sail from the port using Royal Caribbean's new Terminal A. The seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises will call on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's newly revamped private island destination in the Bahamas.
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