NOTES FROM SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS
As Royal Caribbean looks forward to launching the world’s largest ever cruise ship next year, we share a preview of the delights guests will be enjoying on board
The ultimate floating destination as you holiday at sea
WHEN we book a holiday, we are looking for many elements to come together to make a wonderful experience. Luxurious accommodation is a real treat, but it doesn’t work in isolation. Likewise, discovering a great restaurant, a fabulous place to hang out in the evening or a fun way to spend time together as a family will all contribute to your trip, but sometimes finding those can be trial and error as you explore your chosen destination.
Of course, the ideal holiday would comprise all of these individual notes. So let us introduce you to Symphony of the Seas, a breathtaking new cruise ship that brings together a carefully composed harmony of experiences, activities and world-class accommodation designed to create the ultimate floating destination as you holiday at sea.
THE NEW SOUND OF ADVENTURE
The fourth Oasis class ship from Royal Caribbean, Symphony of the Seas is the sister ship to Harmony of the Seas and, when she is completed later this year, she will be the largest cruise ship ever to take to the water. At 1,188ft long and 215.5ft wide, she boasts 18 decks in total, including 16 guest decks featuring 2,775 beautifully appointed state rooms. And it won’t just be her scale that will impress. Her revolutionary design incorporates seven distinct ‘neighbourhoods’, offering a different rhythm and pace to life on board ship. Central Park brings a leafy sanctuary to deck time, while the Boardwalk, Royal Promenade and Entertainment Place are alive with entertainment and activities. There’s a Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality At Sea, which encompasses a spa and fitness centre, plus the Youth Zone, where younger guests can hang out with age-appropriate activities.
Beyond the neighbourhoods, there will be plenty of new and exciting things to discover on board Symphony of the Seas. Take, for example, the Ultimate Abyss, an exhilarating ten-storey plunge ride with a new twist that will thrill even seasoned adrenaline-junkies. The Perfect Storm comprises a trio of wonderful water slides, while Splashaway Bay offers an on-board aqua park where younger guests will spend fun-filled hours. An ice-skating rink, two FlowRider surf simulators, a rock-climbing wall, a minigolf course and a zip line are just some of the other ways to enjoy yourself on this extraordinary vessel.
With more than 20 dining options, including Jamie’s Italian, Chops Grille, Izumi and Johnny Rockets, there’s plenty to tempt all taste buds, and a wealth of wonderful nightlife. From an outdoor poolside movie screen to the Casino Royale and the AquaTheatre Show, take your pick from the magnificent showcases, or simply relax in your stateroom and enjoy the panorama of twinkling stars from your balcony, nightcap in hand.
Setting sail from Barcelona on her maiden voyage in April 2018, Symphony of the Seas will embark on seven- and eight-night itineraries in the Mediterranean, making stops in Palma de Mallorca, Provence, Florence, Rome and Naples. Then, she will cross the Atlantic to her home port of Miami and a purpose-built, state-of-the-art 170,000sq ft ‘Crown of Miami’ cruise terminal and, from November 2018, she will sail around the Eastern and Western Caribbean on three-, four- and seven-night cruises.