How do two of Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ships compare to each other?

Wonder of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas are the two newest Oasis Class ships, and that makes them the biggest vessels packed with lots to do onboard.

You might think the ships are mostly the same, but there's some major differences between the two vessels. Truthfully, the ships are more the same than different.

Here's a look at the key differences.

Ship size

Wonder of the Seas is slightly bigger than Symphony of the Seas, which was a marketing decision more than anything.

By making Wonder "bigger", she gets to assume the mantle of the world's largest cruise ship, and that gets Royal Caribbean more attention.

Here's how they size up:

Dining

Both ships have complimentary and specialty dining choices, but it's the extra-cost restaurants where you will the variations.

In terms of complimentary food, you will find on either ship:

• Main Dining Room
• Windjammer Cafe
• Solarium Bistro
• Park Cafe
• Cafe Promenade
• Sorrento’s Pizza
• Boardwalk Dog House
• El Loco Fresh
• Vitality Cafe
• Coastal Kitchen (suites only)
• Room service (continental breakfast only)
• Johnny Rockets (breakfast only)

The Windjammer on Wonder of the Seas is arguably better, as it's been moved to deck 15 and is significantly larger and with a better layout.

For the specialty dining, here's what the differences are:

The differences in specialty dining are few, with primarily being a different Italian restaurant in Central Park, and having Mason Jar.

In terms of bars, there are minor differences between the two ships.

Suites

One difference Royal Caribbean made with Wonder of the Seas was having less suites than on Symphony.

Considering how lucrative suites are for the cruise line, as well as how in-demand suites can be for passengers, it seemed a strange decision to change the amount of suite cabins.

Wonder of the Seas has an entire suite neighborhood, which is the first Oasis Class ship with an eight neighborhood. In order to make room for the new amenities suite guests will enjoy, the amount of suites had to be cut back so there could be room for it all.

By adding a private deck area for suite guests, it cut into the amount of suites the ship can have.

There are 188 suites on Symphony of the Seas, while Wonder of the Seas has 174 suites.

Symphony has a few more suite categories that Wonder does not have:

• Villa Suite
• Star Loft Suite
• 2-bedroom Grand Suite

Read more: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

Entertainment

Nearly every Royal Caribbean ship differs on entertainment.  The cruise line likes to offer different shows on its ships, although sometimes you'll find a show repeated across multiple vessels.

The show lineup in the main stages are completely different on Wonder and Symphony.

Wonder of the Seas is currently the only Oasis Class ship without a full-length Broadway show onboard. Here's a look at the shows:

Royal Theater

• Wonder
  • Voices
  • The Effectors II
• Symphony
  • Hairspray
  • Flight: Dare to Dream

AquaTheater

• Wonder
  • inTENse
• Symphony
  • HiRo

Studio B

• Wonder
  • 365: The Seasons on Ice
• Symphony
  • 1977

Speaking of these venues, the AquaTheater on Wonder of the Seas is semi-enclosed in glass, which means it's more protected from the wind.

Activities

There's so many activities on both ships.  It's what has made the Oasis Class such a hit with cruisers, but there are notable differences among each.

Wonder of the Seas has Wonder Playscape, which is underwater-themed climbing playground for kids. Kids can explore slides, climbing nets, and games. The Wonder Playscape is connected to the Wonder Dunes mini golf.

The space taken up by Wonder Playscape replaces what would have been a Flowrider, so Wonder only has one Flowrider while Symphony has two.

Both ships have Splashway Bay aquapark, as well as three water slides.

In addition, Wonder of the Seas has Music Hall instead of Dazzles on Symphony of the Seas.

Both venues specialize in live music, but Music Hall tends to have more cover bands.

Symphony of the Seas has a dedicated escape room game.

Cabins

The assortment of standard cabins is the same between Wonder of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas (minus the suite differences mentioned earlier in this article).

There are a few things within the staterooms that are different.

The bathroom door on Wonder of the Seas is magnetic, which means it doesn't have that "ka-chunk!" sound the door makes when slamming shut.

The bathroom doors use a magnetic element which pulls shut the the door when it's within about 1/2 -1” from closure. 

There's also many more USB outlets on Wonder of the Seas.

In addition to the USB outlets at your desk, they've finally added USB outlets near the beds.

Something else helpful on Wonder are hooks on the wall. Below the television are a series of hooks that came installed already.

Wall hooks are very helpful in a cabin because you can use them to keep apparel off the ground, and more importantly, free up drawer space.

Bottom line

Wonder of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas are very close in look and feel, with a few minor differences.

By far the most notable difference is with the suites, as Wonder has a more expansive offering. If staying in a suite is important to you, then having an entire suite neighborhood would be a nice option.

The shows are different across both ships, which is standard among any Oasis Class ship.

Another difference worth mentioning between Wonder and Symphony is the price.  Generally speaking, Symphony will usually be priced a bit lower than Wonder simply because it's not as new.  Royal Caribbean tends to price newer ships with a premium.

I recently stayed in windowless interior cabins onboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas and Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Celebration. 

While Carnival Celebration is the newer ship of the two, Symphony of the Seas is the larger one, measuring over 44,000 gross registered tons more. As of November 2023, she is the second-largest cruise ship at sea. 

I traveled alone on both cruises, meaning that I had to pay the dreaded single supplement fee. My cruise fare included gratuities on Symphony of the Seas in January totaled $1,400. I paid $500 more, or $1,900, for my 7-night sailing onboard Carnival Celebration in mid-October.

In terms of square footage, my cabin onboard Carnival Celebration was nine square feet larger than my room on Symphony of the Seas, with the latter measuring 149 square feet. However, despite the additional square footage, I felt like the space in my room on Symphony was better utilized. 

Not only did I have a small dresser with drawers to store my clothing in addition to two closets, but there also was a nicely sized sofa. There was no other seating option in my stateroom on Celebration other than a small stool that could be tucked underneath the vanity. 

Regardless, I was impressed by the amount of storage space in both staterooms. Due to the drawers, however, I felt I was able to keep my belongings more organized in my inside cabin on Symphony. 

Additionally, the placement of the closets maximized the amount of available floor space. Despite this cabin being smaller, it felt larger than my room on Carnival Celebration! 

The vanities were equipped with more than enough outlets and USB ports to charge my devices. Celebration's stateroom had three American outlets and four USB ports, while Symphony's vanity area had three American outlets, two USB ports, and a single European outlet. 

Since there was a small dresser, the vanity space in my stateroom on Carnival Celebration was larger. I also liked the wide shelves attached to the side of the closet, as the single shelf above the desk on Symphony of the Seas was rather narrow.

I was only able to store sunglasses and other small miscellaneous items there. 

The nightstands beside the bed on my Carnival cruise were small, metal tray-like pieces of furniture, each with a single USB port above them. My cabin on Symphony also had two nightstands; however, they were wooden, with only one of them having a USB port close by. 

One of the largest drawbacks was that the stateroom's telephone was placed on one nightstand, rendering it pretty useless. I appreciated how the telephone in my cabin on Celebration was attached to the wall. Of course, this meant that if someone wanted to call me, I would not be able to answer it from bed. 

This might be controversial, but I preferred the bathroom in my Carnival cabin. While there was less floor space than the ensuite onboard Symphony of the Seas, I found the shower to be larger and appreciated how it was not rounded. Plus, the counter was wider, albeit not as long. 

Both, however, were modern and updated. Neither had a curtain, which can be found on all classes of Carnival ships except the Excel Class, and there was enough space for all of my toiletries and cosmetics. 

Royal Caribbean's showers come equipped with a shampoo/body wash combo, while Carnival provides two different products.

Personally, I'm not a fan of any cruise line-provided products and would recommend bringing your own shampoo and body wash on any cruise that you go on. 

During my time on both ships, I found the water pressure and temperature in the shower to be more consistent onboard Carnival Celebration.

While on Symphony of the Seas, the water pressure was neither great nor awful, and I had issues with the temperature. In the mornings, I was unable to get hot water, sometimes having to wait twenty-five minutes for it to heat up. In the evenings, the water was always scalding hot. 

The television in my stateroom on Carnival Celebration was hung on a small wall directly opposite of my bed near the adjoining door, whereas the one in my cabin on Symphony of the Seas was hung on the wall above the dresser. I was also able to rotate it to see it from either the bed or sofa. 

The door connecting my stateroom to the one beside me was just one complaint I had with my room. Another large one was the exposed pullman bed that constantly jetted out from the wall, making the space feel more cramped. While there was enough space for myself in this interior stateroom, I cannot imagine trying to cram three people in it! 

As standard in the cruise industry, both rooms were outfitted with mini-fridges and safes. The mini-fridge in my cabin on Symphony of the Seas had three adjustable shelves and a single bin shelf on the mini-fridge's door. There was a single adjustable shelf in the mini-fridge on Carnival Celebration, as well as two bin shelves on the door.

They were both located near the vanity; however, it was hidden behind a door in the dresser on Symphony, whereas it was exposed on Carnival Celebration due to the lack of a dresser. I never had an issue with the functionality of either. 

Overall, I found both interior staterooms to be well-appointed and comfortable for a weeklong cruise. If, however, I was presented with a choice, I think I would choose Symphony of the Seas' cabin over Carnival's, simply because the smaller room felt larger due to the way the stateroom was designed. 

A person that went overboard from a cruise ship in Europe was successfully rescued.

A person was reported going overboard while sailing on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas shortly after departing Barcelona, Spain. 

Just hours after setting sail, guests reported hearing "Oscar, Oscar, Oscar" over the ship's PA system, which is the code for man overboard. 

X user @landonb94 posted that he could see spotlights and rescue boats from his balcony. 

Thankfully, the individual was rescued and taken to the ship's medical facility. 

The incident occurred on the first night of Symphony of the Seas' 14-night transatlantic cruise

Symphony of the Seas' 2023 European season has come to an end. She departed Barcelona on Sunday, October 29 to begin her repositioning sailing to Florida, where she will remain until May 2024. 

The individual fell overboard after departing from Barcelona while en route to Valencia. 

Other scheduled ports of call during the voyage include Cadiz, Spain and Nassau, Bahamas. She'll arrive in Fort Lauderdale on November 12. 

The ship turned around, and after about an hour of search and rescue efforts, the Captain made an announcement that the person had been successfully recovered.  

No details have been given about the individual who went overboard

Royal Caribbean has not announced whether the individual who went overboard was a crew member or passenger. They also have not disclosed their gender, age, or any other details, such as why they went overboard in the first place. 

A full investigation will need to happen to determine if there are any safety violations. 

This is not the first time someone has gone overboard during a Royal Caribbean cruise

Back in April, an Australian man went overboard while sailing onboard Quantum of the Seas from Australia just two days before the ship was scheduled to arrive in Hawaii. A few months later in July, a woman cruising to Singapore on Spectrum of the Seas went overboard. 

On August 29, a 19-year-old guest sailing onboard Wonder of the Seas went overboard on a Caribbean cruise. 

According to CruiseJunkie's website, there have been 60 passengers who have gone overboard on Royal Caribbean ships since 2000, not including this recent incident on Symphony of the Seas. 

Oscar, Oscar, Oscar

Cruise ships have a variety of code words for different situations to avoid alarming guests. "Oscar, Oscar, Oscar," for instance, lets other crew members know that someone has gone overboard.

"Alpha" means there's a medical emergency and is typically followed by a location, such as Deck 11 Aft. 

Royal Caribbean also uses "Charlie, Charlie, Charlie," to alert the crew of a security threat onboard.

Not all cruise lines use the same codes. If you hear "Alpha Team, Alpha Team, Alpha Team" on a Carnival ship, there is a fire onboard, rather than a medical emergency. 

Royal Caribbean is leaning into the future of cruise ship with a new type of fuel the company test out on one of its ships.

Becoming a sustainable company has been an established goal, and it appears trying out a new type of fuel could assist in getting them to that point.

Later this summer, Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas and Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Apex will begin operating with a sustainable biofuel. Both ships will be sailing in Europe at the time the test begins.

Designed to attract families that enjoy a mega-resort, the 228,081-ton Symphony of the Seas is the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean's groundbreaking Oasis Class series. 

Celebrity Apex, the second ship in Celebrity's Edge Class, is a 130,818-ton, 2,900-passenger cruise ship and one of Celebrity's newest ships.

The goal is to evaluate how well the fuel works, and "contribute critical data and research on the fuel's capabilities and supply chain infrastructure needed to further the industry's alternative fuel ambitions."

Powered by biofuel

Simply put, the new biofuel's goal is to reduce a cruise ship's carbon emissions.

The biofuel blend is produced by purifying renewable raw materials like oils and fats and combining it with fuel oil.

Biofuel greatly reduces carbon emissions compared to the burning of the fossil fuels used in marine gas oil. It's processed through an oil refinery and is molecularly identical to diesel. 

The end result is an alternative fuel that the company hopes is cleaner and more sustainable.

Symphony of the Seas will undergo a three-month test with the new fuel while the ship sails from Barcelona, Spain.

Symphony, however, is not the first Royal Caribbean ship to be powered by biofuel.

Last fall, Navigator of the Seas tested out biofuel when she sailed from Los Angeles, California and became the first a cruise ship to sail from a U.S. port while using renewable diesel fuel.

The test on Navigator was conducted on a three-night cruise to Ensenada, Mexico in October 2022 with one engine powered by 30 tons of biodiesel.  

The test lasted three months.

In the case of Navigator, the biofuel was a combination of waste vegetable and frying oils, animal fat and corn. 

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty talked about the importance of such a step in the evolution for the industry, "Biofuels will play an increasingly important role in achieving, not only our own, but the entire maritime sector's decarbonization goals in the short and medium term."

"We take great pride in continuing to push our industry forward in exploring innovative fuel solutions that reduce carbon impact and preserve the vibrancy of the oceans we sail."

Building on efficiency

Symphony of the Seas is an intriguing test case for Royal Caribbean. As the second largest cruise ship in the world, she is indicative of what cruise ships today are realistically all about.

Even before this test, Symphony was built to be more efficient than previous ships.

Symphony consumes 25% less fuel than Oasis of the Seas or Allure of the Seas.

Plus, the ship had a few ways to improve energy efficiency onboard compared to earlier Oasis Class ships.

One major change was the use of tiny air bubbles under the hull to make the vessel glide more smoothly through the water. 

What happens next?

After the trials are completed this summer, Royal Caribbean Group plans to scale up the use of alternative fuels, including biofuels, across upcoming European summer sailings.

In a statement, Royal Caribbean Group said it plans to continue to use alternative lower carbon fuel as part of its overall plan.

In addition to biofuels, Royal Caribbean Group is building ships that can leverage liquefied natural gas, or LNG, to reduce emissions.

Commonly referred to as a transition fuel, LNG results in 95% fewer particulate matter emissions, nearly eliminates sulfur emissions and reduces nitrogen emissions by 85%, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%.

LNG isn't the ultimate solution, but a step in the journey.

Sustainable by 2050

Royal Caribbean Group calls its overarching sustainability goals "Destination Net Zero", and biofuels are one way it intends to get there. 

Announced in 2021, there are two simple goals:

• Delivery of a net zero emissions cruise ship
• A path to net zero emissions by 2050

Destination Net Zero's four-pronged approach includes:

1. Modernization of the cruise company's global brands fleet through the introduction of 13 new energy-efficient and alternatively fueled vessels.
    
2. Continued investment in energy efficiency programs for its fleet, including energy saving technologies, enhanced data systems and digitalization.
    
3. Development of alternative fuel and alternative power solutions.
    
4. Optimized deployment and integration of strategic shore-based supply chains.

What does trying out one of the biggest cruise ships in the world get that you might not get on a smaller ship?

With about 40% of Americans planning to travel at least once in 2023, they are some key things that you will take into consideration prior to making the final decision. These include budget, activities, and total value for your money. Nobody wants to spend thousands of dollars of their hard-earned money on a trip that they do not enjoy!

I knew that I wanted to take a cruise in early 2023, and I decided on a 7-night cruise onboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas. As a solo traveler, I paid $1,393.20 for the cruise fare and gratuities, which breaks down to just about $200 per night. While not the cheapest cruise vacation, I wanted to experience what one of the largest cruise ships in the world had to offer.

I am no stranger to Oasis Class ships. In fact, this was my fifth time sailing on one. They are my favorite class of ship, so I was hoping to see if Symphony of the Seas lived up to my expectations.

Besides the sheer size of the 228,081 gross registered ton vessel, here are some more reasons why I loved sailing onboard Symphony of the Seas. 

Why book Symphony of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas is filled with seemingly endless dining options and activity choices, making it an ideal vacation for just anyone looking for a mega ship vacation-- it does not matter if you are a young couple or multigenerational family. 

While not the newest Oasis Class ship, Symphony of the Seas proves that Royal Caribbean is constantly striving to improve and make the best even better! She debuted in 2018 as the largest cruise ship in the world and has some key differences that set her apart from her younger counterparts. 

The 6,680-passenger capacity ship, for instance, was the first Oasis Class ship to replace Sabor on the Boardwalk with Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade. 

Additionally, it was the first ship in the entire fleet to receive Hooked Seafood, a specialty restaurant that serves up fresh New England-style seafood for a nominal fee. 

Of course, thanks to Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplification program, these venues can now be found on other Oasis Class ships, too. 

Since she is no longer the largest cruise ship, vacations onboard Symphony of the Seas are often cheaper than those on Wonder of the Seas, the ship that current holds the title until Icon of the Seas' launch in January 2024!

Read more: Wonder of the Seas vs. Symphony of the Seas

Plus, between May 2023 and April 2025, there are a wide variety of different itineraries to choose from, ranging from short 3- and 4-night cruises out of Fort Lauderdale and Miami, to 7-night cruises to Florida and the Bahamas from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), and 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises. 

Refreshed adults-only Solarium

I am 23 years old with no children, so when I cruise, I like to be able to have a space to retreat from families. Not only is the Solarium a child-free place, but it is aesthetically a nice place to be. 

Unique to Symphony of the Seas is a one-of-a-kind art installation that is comprised of thousands of dichroic acrylic elements. You will not believe how beautiful it is at night!

Unlike on Harmony of the Seas, which I sailed on back in 2018, I did not have to leave the Solarium to take a dip in the pool. That was a major plus for me! In essence, I never had to spend time on the regular pool deck. Unless, that is, I wanted to take advantage of the other amenities, such as the Perfect Storm waterslides.  

And while all Oasis Class ships have a Solarium Bistro onboard, I found the one on Symphony of the Seas to be particularly nicer. The two-story space shares the top floor with the specialty restaurant Hooked Seafood. It has a much more refined feel, despite the fact that children can technically eat there, and I preferred it over the Windjammer Marketplace!

Unique entertainment options

Royal Caribbean is known for their entertainment options onboard their cruise ships, particularly their newer ones. In total, Symphony of the Seas has four main shows: Hairspray, HiRO, 1977, and Flight: Dare to Dream.

Of course, there's also live music, comedy shows, and more. There was never a moment that I was bored during my cruise. In fact, I found trying to squeeze everything in to be a bit overwhelming (totally worth it, though!). 

I was a bit disappointed to find out that Hairspray was not a full-length Broadway-style production. That being said, the 90-minute show was my favorite! I had previously seen it onboard Oasis of the Seas in 2014 and remember it being hilarious, especially the cast's ability to improv with the technical difficulties.

Thankfully, there were not any issues during this show, but the cast still had an unmatchable energy; it was evident that they loved what they did. 

The best piece of advice I can offer when it comes to shows is to make reservations for all of your "must-sees" as early as possible, especially the AquaTheatre show. You never know if later productions will have to be canceled due to unfavorable sailing conditions. 

More complimentary dining

I am a huge foodie, and going out to eat with friends and family is one of my favorite things to do! Knowing that, you can imagine that the dining options onboard a cruise are important to me. 

I do not mind splurging on specialty restaurants every now and then, but one way I like to make sure that I get my money's worth on any cruise vacation is by eating as much complimentary food as possible. 

In the past, I have been disappointed with the lack of complimentary dining options onboard Royal Caribbean ships. Thanks to the Royal Amplification program, though, many ships have begun to get more options, following in the footsteps of Oasis Class ships. 

Between the Main Dining Room, Park Cafe, El Loco Fresh, Solarium Bistro, Boardwalk Dog House, Sorrento’s Pizza, Windjammer Marketplace, and Cafe Promenade, I found it easy to rotate between dining options and never get tired of anything. 

El Loco Fresh was my favorite quick-service spot, as I loved being able to build my own tacos and nachos! The array of hot sauces and salsas was great, too. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of sailing on Symphony of the Seas?

Advantage: Tons to see and do

As I previously mentioned, I was never bored during my cruise. Aside from the numerous entertainment options, there were other onboard activities that I wanted to cross off my list, including zip lining, mini-golf, sliding down the Ultimate Abyss, relaxing in Central Park, and more.

In fact, I did not even the chance to try everything out, which makes Symphony of the Seas is a great vacation option for those who constantly like to being thinking about what is next!

Disadvantage: Limited ports of call

I have been on ten cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean throughout my life, meaning that I have visited many of the same ports over and over and over again. The repetition did not really bother me when I was younger; I was glad to be on a vacation! 

Now, however, I am more focused on cruises with different itineraries. In June, I am going on my first-ever Europe and Mexican Riviera cruises, and I could not be more excited! Every single port of call will be a new place for me.

Due to the size of Symphony of the Seas, it is harder (nay, impossible) for the ship to be able to sail to certain places. You will not, for instance, ever find the ship in Alaska! 

Cabins

Symphony of the Seas has cabins available for all budgets and travel preferences, from affordable interior cabins to the lavish two-story Ultimate Family Suite. 

Related: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

Inside cabins

When I sailed on Symphony of the Seas, I stayed in an interior stateroom. While this meant that I did not have any access to natural sunlight, I was able to spend money on other experiences to enhance my overall experience, such as a shore excursion in St. Maarten and lunch at Izumi. 

Most inside cabins are somewhere between 150 and 260 square feet, with the latter being the Family Interior Stateroom that can accommodate up to six guests. 

The cheapest option will be a standard inside room; however, you can also select a virtual balcony stateroom or one with a window that overlooks the interior of the ship, whether that be the Boardwalk, Central Park, or Royal Promenade. 

Ocean view

Ocean view staterooms are a great option for those who want to be able to see outside but who do not necessarily want to pay for a balcony. Like with inside cabins, the largest of these rooms are categorized as "Ultra-Spacious Oceanview" rooms and are 270 square feet. In comparison, the smallest are around 180 square feet. 

Balcony

When booking a balcony stateroom on any Oasis Class ship, it is important to pay attention to what category you are looking at, as there are balconies that overlook Central Park, the Boardwalk, and ocean.

Naturally, the latter will be the most expensive. Plus, at 55 square feet, their balconies are more spacious than the 50 square foot balconies that accompany Central Park and Boardwalk balcony rooms. 

In terms of the inside square footage, however, all standard balcony rooms are around 180 square feet. 

Suites

Suites onboard Symphony of the Seas are divided into three categories that comprise what is known as the Royal Suite Class: Star Class, Sky Class and Sea Class. Suites in the first two categories come with more perks than Junior Suites, the only suite in the Sea Class. 

In total, there are eleven different types of suites to choose from: Junior Suites, one- and two-bedroom Grand Suites, Owner's Suites, one- and two-bedroom AquaTheatre Suites, Crown Loft Suites, Star Loft Suites, as well as a single Royal Loft Suite, Villa Suite, and Ultimate Family Suite. 

Dining

Complimentary

There are ten complimentary dining options available to all guests on the ship, regardless of stateroom:

• Main Dining Room
• Windjammer Marketplace
• Solarium Bistro
• Park Cafe
• Cafe Promenade 
• Sorrento's
• Boardwalk Dog House
• El Loco Fresh
• Vitality Cafe
• Room Service (note that outside of the continental breakfast, there is a $7.95 delivery surcharge)

Those staying in suites can access Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; however, Junior Suite guests can only dine here during dinner. 

Specialty

Specialty restaurants offer a more intimate dining experience compared to complimentary options. They, of course, come with an additional surcharge and are not included in the base price of your cruise. Regardless, they are a great way to make your vacation a little more special:

• Chops Grille
• Jaime's Italian
• Wonderland
• Izumi Hibachi and Sushi
• Hooked Seafood
• 150 Central Park
• Vintages Wine Bar
• Playmakers
• Johnny Rockets
• Starbucks

Things to do

There's genuinely no shortage of things to do onboard Symphony of the Seas. During the day, you can relax by one of five pools, hang ten on one of two FlowRider surf simulators, zip line above the Boardwalk, play a round of mini-golf or see what game is being played in the Sports Court, or ride down the Ultimate Abyss slide or Perfect Storm waterslide trio. 

Even if you do not want to cool off in the pool, the pool deck is home to many events that you may want to watch, such as the belly flop competition, scuba classes, poolside bingo, and more. It is important to check your Cruise Compass daily to make sure that you do not miss anything!

In addition to the fifteen bars and lounges on the ship, there are so many different entertainment options that will keep your evenings booked solid! From the Broadway-style musical Hairspray, to HiRO, 1977, and the Royal Caribbean Productions original Flight: Dare to Dream.

Children and teens will love Royal Caribbean's award-winning youth programming, whether that be Adventure Ocean for those up to 12 years old or their teen-exclusive lounges.

On my recent Symphony of the Seas cruise, I decided to book a guarantee cabin and let Royal Caribbean assign my stateroom closer to the sail date. I saved $100 by doing so and would let them choose my cabin again in the future! 

I booked an interior guarantee for less than choosing my stateroom at the time of booking. When I received my cabin assignment, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I got an accessible interior cabin, which meant that my cabin for my cruise was going to be much larger than a traditional interior stateroom. 

Here's why I'll choose to save my money next time and book another guarantee cabin.

What does it mean to book a guarantee cabin?

Guarantee staterooms are cheaper cabin options offered by Royal Caribbean (and most other cruise lines) in exchange for allowing them to assign your stateroom closer to the sail date. In other words, when you book your cruise vacation, you will not have the exact room assignment until later on, as you won't get to choose your cabin.  

Additionally, Royal Caribbean states that you will receive the stateroom category you booked or higher. There is always a slim chance that you could receive an upgrade. If, for instance, you booked an interior, you may find that you got an upgrade to an ocean view cabin. However, as cruises are booking up further in advance and sailing at full capacity nowadays, it is unlikely that this will happen. You should not book a guarantee cabin expecting an upgrade!

The purpose of guarantee cabins is to help fill in the gaps of unsold staterooms-- some rooms are less likely to get booked. 

I did not mind taking the chance of getting a cabin in a less desired location. While that meant that I may have had to walk further to and from my cabin or deal with some noise from the casino, theatre, or nightclub, I knew that I would still be on the same ship as everybody else and enjoying the same amenities. I don't spend much time in my stateroom; I'm always exploring the ship, listening to live music, hanging out on the pool deck, or off in port. 

Cabin assignment

Royal Caribbean states that guarantee rooms will be assigned at some point between 5-30 days before the cruise. This means that you could potentially be one week from embarking on your cruise vacation without knowing where your stateroom is located yet. 

Most of the time, rooms are assigned a few weeks before the cruise. Sometimes, though, people have not received their stateroom until a day or two before sailing. These instances, however, are rare!

Additionally, you will not be notified when Royal Caribbean assigns your stateroom. You will have to continuously log into the cruise line's website to check.

I booked my stateroom after the final payment date and was assigned a room fairly quickly-- I had one within two weeks of booking, or about 1.5 months before the cruise sail date. To me, I was surprised that I was given an accessible cabin so early. There was ample time for another cruiser, one who truly needed the benefits of an accessible room, to book it!

I spent the time leading up to my cruise wondering if this meant that my stateroom could change again at the last minute. This never happened, and I spent my week onboard Symphony of the Seas enjoying my oversized stateroom. As a solo traveler, this felt like I was royalty! 

Stateroom #6189 impressions

Since I looked up my stateroom in advance, I knew that it was an accessible cabin. As mentioned earlier, I was confused as to why this was assigned to a solo traveler over one month before the cruise. I knew that the cruise was pretty booked, so this probably all that was left when I booked the cruise.

This is usually how guarantee cabins are assigned, anyway. Cruisers who are willing to pay to select their staterooms choose the ones in more desirable locations to be near their favorite amenities or closer to family and friends. Those that have yet to be booked are what guarantee cruisers are given. 

The guarantee process itself was straightforward. I was assigned my cabin in a timely manner and had no issues with the room. 

What I did not know, however, was just how large my stateroom was going to be. The room was 258 square feet, so it was over 100 square feet larger than traditional interior staterooms! 

While the square footage of the room was larger, there was not really much more storage space. It was outfitted with the same amenities as other standard cabins, including two closets, a dresser, vanity area, and three bathroom shelves.

The two primary difference that I noticed were that the nightstands were larger than the ones I had in my last interior room onboard Symphony of the Seas, and the bathroom sink did not have a long shelf underneath it. The bathroom counter, however, was wider. 

There was not a glass shower door, either, but that was to be expected in this category of stateroom. I was a fan of the oversized cruise shower; I did not accidentally hit my arm on the door or shower wall!

My largest issue with the stateroom was the automatic door. I either had to forcefully shut it or wait for it to close on its own and let people passing by peer into my room. There were switches that were supposed to toggle this function on and off, but neither myself nor my stateroom attendant could figure them out.

Overall, this was such a minor issue that I came to appreciate the mini-workout I got trying to close my door, and for people who are utilizing every function of an accessible room, this would be useful!

I loved how I actually saved money to end up with a specious cabin! It was a comfortable place to call home for the week. 

Cabin location

My stateroom was located on deck 6 midship, and honestly, it was probably the most centrally located stateroom I have ever stayed in! Midship staterooms are great because they are never a far walk from the elevator or stairs, meaning you can navigate the ship quicker.

If there is one thing I could have changed about this location, I think I would have preferred to have been on a higher deck to be located, quite literally, in the middle of the ship. The Windjammer Marketplace was all the way on deck 16, so that meant I had quite a ways to travel to reach the buffet for breakfast or lunch.

That being said, the forward elevator bank was close by, and I was a short walk to my morning coffee at Café Promenade each morning. Plus, returning from port meant I only had to walk up three or four flights of stairs, as I usually never take the elevator since it's so crowded; I enjoyed being able to quickly return to my stateroom! 

The one downside was that it got pretty noisy at night from the events in the Royal Promenade. To me, though, that is not a dealbreaker. I always assume that I'll hear something in my stateroom. I'd much rather it be a little bit of vibrations from the music below than the dragging of pool chairs early in the morning. 

Overall thoughts on booking a guarantee stateroom

Guarantee staterooms are not for everybody. Whenever I cruised with my parents, for instance, they loved to be able to pick two staterooms close to one another-- we often ended up in connecting balconies!

For myself, though, I don't mind saving the money and letting Royal Caribbean choose my cabin. I figure that I can use the extra cash to book other experiences that will enhance my cruise vacation, such as shore excursions or specialty dining.

I know that even if I end up in a location that requires more walking or is a little noisy, I will still enjoy my vacation. And walking on a cruise is never a bad thing, right? 

I got lucky with my cabin and location. Guarantee cabins are the luck of the draw, but I think playing the game of chance is worth it, especially if you end up with a cabin like mine! After staying in a larger stateroom, it will be difficult to return to the standard sized ones! 

Sometimes, the price difference between choosing your own cabin and booking a guarantee is negligible. In that instance, I would probably opt to select my own cabin somewhere on deck 8, as I love being located near Central Park! 

If you're prone to seasickness or really do have a preferred location (i.e., close to Central Park or the Main Dining Room), it may be best for you to pay the difference. Choosing the ideal stateroom and location is one easy way to make sure that you start your cruise vacation as seamlessly as possible! The savings won't be worth it to someone who would fell ill all night or be kept awake by the activities nearby. 

Like all Oasis Class ships, Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas offers passengers seemingly endless activities to choose from.

As one of the largest cruise ships in the world, it is hard not to love everything Symphony of the Seas has to offer. 

You can spend your day relaxing by one of four pools, ice skating, eating at one of 20 dining venues, zip lining across the Boardwalk, or taking advantage of Royal Caribbean's top-tier entertainment options. 

With only so much time onboard, knowing the "hidden" features and amenities of a ship as large as Symphony of the Seas ahead of time will help you make the most of your vacation. Be sure to make a note of them all before you set sail!

The Big Wonder

Unique to Symphony of the Seas' Solarium is Big Wonder, a one-of-a-kind architecturally integrated installation that is comprised of thousands of dichroic acrylic elements. It spans an impressive 2,594 feet and arches over the Solarium Bar, making it a fun place to grab a drink. 

Big Wonder is the most beautiful at night when it is lit up with a combination of pink, blue, and green hues. 

There is plenty of comfortable seating located directly under the installation, making it a great place to grab a pre-dinner drink or meet up with friends throughout the day!

Piano staircase

If you are heading up to the Windjammer to grab a bite to eat, make sure that you get off on deck 15! You do not want to miss the piano staircase.

The piano staircase is located near the deck 15 aft elevator bank leading up to the Windjammer Marketplace on deck 16. 

The stairs plays musical tunes when stepped on, and guests will recognize popular classical melodies, like Beethoven's Bagatelle No. 25 ("Für Elise"), that are played by walking up and down them. It is entertaining for all ages! 

Deck 7 AquaTheatre viewing area 

If you were not able to score reservations for HiRO or would just like a more exclusive viewing area, walk back towards the AquaTheatre and head up the stairs to the rock climbing wall on deck 7. You can access these terraces via the interior hallways, too. 

While the above decks (8-14) are the coveted AquaTheatre suites, the outdoor area on deck 7 is open to everyone. The elevated perspective provides a unique view of the show! 

Even when there is not a show, it is a great place to soak in some ocean views that is less crowded than the pool deck or adults-only Solarium! 

Artwork 

The artwork onboard Symphony of the Seas is some of the most impressive onboard any Royal Caribbean ship; throughout the ship you can find over 13,300 contemporary works!

From Big Wonder in the Solarium to Paradox Void in the Royal Promenade, unique stairwell art, and the Main Dining Room's "painting" on deck 5, there is so much to see and appreciate onboard.

Plus, many of the pieces are interactive and more than just a painting or sculpture. On deck 6 near the Schooner Bar, for instance, there is the Sound Shell, an LED piece created by Daniel Canogar that activates unique soundscapes and soothing light therapy when someone steps in front of the shell.

When navigating the ship, pay extra attention to the art in each stairwell landing. You will find photography collections, paintings, collages, drawings, and more. 

Deep Divers

While you are moving about Symphony of the Seas, keep a lookout for the four whimsical diver sculptures, which make for a great photo opportunity! 

There is one driver located in Central Park who is peering through a glass arch down into the Royal Promenade below. The other three are scattered throughout the pool deck at the forward, midship, and aft of the vessel.

Hunting for the sculptures is a great way to explore two popular neighborhoods onboard the ship.

Running track alcoves

Even if you are not planning on walking or running on the jogging track on deck 5, you should still make your way out there at least once! 

There are two enclosed alcoves located off the running track towards the front of the ship. They are a great escape from the crowded pool deck and offer activities like shuffleboard and ping pong.

The ship may even schedule activities out there. The Hyperlink Program, for instance, has hosted a "Frat Table Games Tournament" at the ping pong tables. 

There is also comfortable seating available for those who want a quiet place to read a book, take a nap, or just enjoy the ocean views on a sea day!

Aft chairs on the running track

The impressive wake views are one of the best parts about sailing on an Oasis Class ship (or any ship for that matter). During the day, the top deck can be noisy with all the activities going on; it is not the ideal place to relax! Rather than trying to soak up wake views near the Ultimate Abyss and FlowRiders, you can do so from the rear of the running track on deck 5. 

There are a number of chairs and plush couches for those who either want to take a break from exercising or who purposely sought out this relatively quiet area. 

Hooked Seafood

Symphony of the Seas was the first ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet to receive Hooked Seafood. Today, it is only one of three ships to have the specialty restaurant onboard; the restaurant can also be found on Wonder of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas.

If you are a fan of fresh New England-style seafood, you will want to make sure that you get a reservation to dine at this specialty restaurant! They even serve oysters three different ways: Rockefeller style, with leeks and white wine, or with brie and champagne. ch.

Onboard pricing is $24.99 per adult for lunch and $54.99 per adult for dinner. Children cost $12.99 each. It is also included with any of the specialty dining packages.

Solarium bridge wings 

Like other Oasis Class ships, there are two bridge wings that extend over the edge of the ship located in the Symphony of the Seas' Solarium. The wings offer guests a more tranquil spot to watch sailaway or a jaw-dropping sunset at sea. 

To access the bridge wings, head to the very front of the Solarium. There will be one bridge wing on the port side of the ship, while the other is located on the starboard side. If you are wearing a dress or loose blouse, be prepared to hold it down; it can get pretty windy out there, especially during sea days!

Best spot to view "Flight: Dare to Dream"

Flight: Dare to Dream is a Royal Caribbean Productions original that focuses on chronicling humanity's fascination with flying. It is one of the most ambitious stage productions to date, as Clayton C. Anderson, an Astronaut who lived in space for 167 days and completed 38 hours and 28 minutes over six spacewalks in two missions, helped curate the musical's set design. 

Based on recommendations from the show's tech team, as well as personal experience, the best place to sit is in the sixth and seventh rows in the center of the theater. These rows provide the perfect vantage point for the show's impressive finale. 

Like all onboard shows, reservations tend to go fast. Be sure you snag one as soon as you are able to! 

Are you planning a cruise on Symphony of the Seas? Check out more of our best tips & tricks:

• Symphony of the Seas Guide & Review
• Do's & Don'ts of Symphony of the Seas
• 10 free activities on Symphony of the Seas
• 10 things Royal Caribbean got right with Symphony of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's newest and biggest cruise ships in the fleet. Offering large open decks, plenty of things to do onboard, and lots of dining choices, its hard not to love everything Symphony of the Seas has to offer.

Currently the second largest ship at sea (a title held for close to four years until Wonder of the Seas entered service in 2022), there's a lot to love about the Symphony of the Seas.

As the fourth Oasis Class ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet, you can expect to find many fan-favorites, including the zip line, two FlowRiders, AquaTheater shows, and Rising Tide Bar. 

The ship is still relatively new, as it entered service in 2018. It is 1,188 feet long and weights a total of 228,081 gross tons (which is more than the weight of 17,000 African elephants)! 

Here's what Royal Caribbean did right with the Symphony of the Seas and what you can look forward to on your next sailing.

1. Refreshed Solarium 

The Solarium onboard the Symphony of the Seas is an adults-only retreat located at the forward of the ship on deck 15. It features a one-of-a-kind art installation that's comprised of thousands of dichroic acrylic elements. At night, it's lit up with a combination of pinks, blues, and greens. 

Plus, they brought back the Solarium pool after receiving feedback on its removal on the Harmony of the Seas.

Additionally, the Solarium Bistro received a major update compared to older Oasis Class ships. The venue is two-stories, with the top half home to Hooked Seafood. 

2. New specialty dining options 

The Symphony of the Seas was the first Oasis Class ship to replace Sabor on the Boardwalk with Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade. Unlike other specialty dining restaurants, Playmakers is only offered a la carte. You can purchase a side of fries for only $3, while their infamous "Touchdown Sundae" runs at $12 (but it is served in a collectable Playmakers football helmet bowl!).

Inside, you’ll find 31 big-screen televisions! 

If you’ve sailed on the Harmony of the Seas, you’ll notice that this venue replaced the Starbucks on the Boardwalk. The kiosk returned to the Royal Promenade.

Playmakers can also be found on the Wonder of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas after her refurbishment in 2019. 

Symphony was also the first ship in the fleet to receive Hooked Seafood, which serves up fresh New England-style seafood. If you're a fan of oysters, you'll appreciate how you can try oysters three different ways: Rockefeller style, with leeks and white wine, or with brie and champagne. 

Onboard pricing is $24.99 per adult for lunch and $54.99 per adult for dinner. Children cost $12.99 each. 

Hooked is also available on the Navigator of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas. 

3. Sugar Beach

Another new addition to this Oasis Class ship's Boardwalk's was Sugar Beach, and it has now become a staple on many ships within the fleet. 

Inside, you can find more than 200 different candies. Guests can also purchase ice cream here and create their own concoction by adding whatever toppings they desire. 

Note that it is not a complimentary venue. 

4. "Hidden" piano staircase

Found on deck 15 leading up the to Windjammer Marketplace on deck 16, the piano staircase plays musical notes when stepped on, and guests can create their own tune by walking up and down them! It's entertaining for all ages. 

5. Entertainment options 

Royal Caribbean is known for their complimentary onboard entertainment that make guests wonder "how am I on a cruise ship?". 

Guests will surely ponder that after watching an adaptation of the broadway musical Hairspray, which features many songs from the original production, as well as jaw-dropping set designs. 

1977, the ice skating show onboard, begins with light-emitting drones before taking viewers on a journey through time to save Her Majesty's Crown Jewels. 

Passengers onboard any Oasis Class ship should make sure that they see an AquaTheatre show, as divers plunge into the deepest pool at sea from up to 30 feet. The show onboard the Symphony of the Seas is HiRO and combines technology, futuristic choreography, unexpected stunts, and acrobatics. 

Finally, Flight: Dare to Dream is a Royal Caribbean Productions original that focuses on chronicling humanity's fascination with flying. It is one of the most ambitious stage productions to date, as the design was informed by Clayton C. Anderson, an Astronaut who lived in space for 167 days and completed 38 hours and 28 minutes over six spacewalks in two missions. 

6. Central Park's abundance of plants

Did you know that there are about 20,700 lush tropical plants in Symphony of the Seas' Central Park neighborhood? In comparison, Harmony of the Seas only has 12,000. 

It takes a special and intricate system of irrigation, fertilization, lighting, and drainage to help sustain such a unique park.

No wonder there's a landscape specialist who works with a team of three horticulturalists onboard! 

Read more: the flourishing garden on Symphony of the Seas has over 20,000 plants, and it's my favorite spot onboard

7. Return of Ultimate Abyss and Perfect Storm

Both the Ultimate Abyss and Perfect Storm can be found onboard the Symphony of the Seas. 

The Ultimate Abyss debuted on the Harmony of the Seas in 2016, while the Perfect Storm waterslides launched after the Liberty of the Seas' dry dock in 2016.

These added thrills immediately became beloved by adventurous sailors. 

From the aft of deck 15, guests can plunge down ten stories on the Ultimate Abyss, one of the tallest slides at sea, and end up on the Boardwalk. Note that it has a minimum height of 44 inches. 

The Perfect Storm features two twisting slides called Cyclone and Typhoon. The pair of slides let passengers race against each other to the bottom. Supercell, the third waterslide, sends riders down a few turns before released into a bowl slide and ends with a plunge pool. 

All slides descend three decks and jet over the Central Park neighborhood that's ten decks below!

8. Nicely appointment accommodations 

Oasis Class staterooms received a major upgrade on the Harmony of the Seas, and Royal Caribbean kept the new design on the Symphony of the Seas. 

There are five main categories of staterooms onboard: studio, interior, ocean view, balcony, and suite. There is a stateroom for cruisers of all budgets, party sizes, and preferences.

Basic amenities in the staterooms include mini-bars (coolers, not refrigerators), safes, phones, and flat-screen televisions. In the bathroom, guests will find cups that can be replaced daily, towels, hand soap, and body wash. 

There are also at least three plugs, as well as two USB outlets, so you never have to worry about not being able to charge your devices!

9. First-ever Ultimate Family Suite

Heads were turned when Royal Caribbean launched the Ultimate Family Suite onboard the Symphony of the Seas in 2018. 

It offers a family experience unlike any other, and you can think of it like a kid's paradise, complete with a personal in-suite slide, video gaming room, life-sized Connect Four, and air hockey table.

While the kids play hard, the adults can relax hard in the Jacuzzi located on the balcony that overlooks the Sports Deck. Plus, they won't have to worry about planning a thing, as the suite comes with a dedicated Royal Genie who takes care of coordinating daily activities and one-of-a-kid experiences.

There is only one of these suites available onboard and only three in the entire world, with the other two on the Wonder of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas. Due to their exclusively, they tend to book up very quickly as soon as new itineraries are released. 

10. Running track alcoves 

Located on deck five in the forward of the ship, guests can find two alcoves off the side of the track. Here you can find shuffleboard, comfortable seating, play ping pong, and, of course, get some phenomenal ocean views!

You'll rarely find these alcoves busy, so it's a great place to escape outdoors if you're hoping to avoid crowds. 

Don't worry, the aft seating on the track is still available for those wishing to soak in some of those sea day wake views. 

I sailed onboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas and stayed in the cheapest stateroom available. 

Making her grand entrance in 2018, Symphony of the Seas is the fourth ship in the cruise line's Oasis class and held the title of largest cruise ship in the world until the debut of the Wonder of the Seas in early 2022. 

For $1,400 (including port fees and gratuities), I stayed in a guaranteed cabin, which means that I wasn't assigned my cabin until a few weeks prior to departure.  

This was my first time sailing in an interior stateroom. I've had balcony cabins on all of my previous cruises, so I was nervous as to how I'd adjust to no natural light at all. 

Read more: Interior vs Balcony staterooms

My interior cabin on Symphony of the Seas was only 149 square feet; however, it was one of the most contemporary feeling staterooms I have stayed in.

As I was sailing alone, I opted to keep the two beds together. While this was perfectly fine for me, I could see why a family might want to separate them into two twin-sized beds to help make the space feel more open and create a pathway in the middle of the stateroom. 

There were a total of four American outlets in the stateroom: three by the desk and one by the left side of the bed, where there was also a light switch present. As a solo traveler, this was plenty of power for me! I also appreciated being able to turn off all the stateroom lights from the comfort of the bed. 

Plus, the desk area also had one European outlet socket, as well as two USB plugs. 

There was a telephone located on the other nightstand, but I would have preferred if it was hung somewhere in the room! The phone was so large that it made that a non-functioning nightstand. There was just enough room for a phone and pair of glasses.

Surprisingly, there was an abundance of storage in this cabin. The dresser contained three empty drawers, a fourth that contained a box of tissues and room service information, and fifth that was home to the hairdryer.

There were also two closets, one on each side of the rather large couch. One had five free shelves, with the sixth being occupied by the safe. There were two additional drawers at the bottom. 

The other closet was just for hanging garments and contained eighteen hangers.  

Above the desk was a single glass shelf. I didn't find it to be that wide, but it was a great place to keep my sunglasses and other miscellaneous items throughout the week. When I first entered my stateroom, the desk was full of details regarding my cruise vacation, such as showtimes, Crown & Anchor information, as well as two masks. 

The large mirror above the desk was illuminated with a ring light, which was a great touch to this interior stateroom. It also provided great lighting for my makeup each morning!

Inside the dresser's large cabinet was a mini-fridge. I found that my drinks were always kept cold, despite it saying that it was a cooler and not a refrigerator. It had three selves that could be moved and adjusted according to your preferences, as well as a single shelf on the side. 

As expected, the bathroom inside of my cruise stateroom was small; however, I found it to be modern and clean. There was a shocking amount of counter space, as well as three shelves to the side of the mirror. Additional storage was available underneath the sink, too. On the back of the door were two hooks for wet towels and swimsuits. 

Inside of the shower, there's a soap dispenser that distributes Royal Caribbean's signature bath scent: Salt + Breeze. I was disappointed that there was only one small ledge in of the shower. If I was traveling with one more person, it would have been a tight squeeze to fit all of our products there. 

The water pressure inside of my cabin was neither awful nor great; it was just okay. I did have issues with the temperature that never got resolved. In the mornings, it was nearly impossible to get any hot water. Sometimes, I had to wait twenty-five minutes for the water to heat up to lukewarm! In the evenings, I had the opposite problem: the temperature was scalding hot.

At the entrance, there was a key slot that powered on all the electricity within the cabin to preserve energy. My room steward left a key in there all week, though. Additionally, there was a magnet that I placed on the exterior of my door which alerted the staff when I wanted my room to be tended to. If I wanted to be left alone, there was an option for that, too. 

My stateroom was located on the forward of deck 7 in a "secret" hallway full of other interior cabins in between the port and starboard sides of the ship. It felt like a maze when I was first trying to locate my stateroom. However, I appreciated how there wasn't another cabin door directly next to mine.

I am used to having a cabin located near the mid-ship when sailing, so being located all the way at a single end was a new experience for us. While the forward elevator bank was somewhat close, the aft was quite a walk from where I was located. 

For $200 each day, I was satisfied with my interior stateroom. I was worried that the lack of natural sunlight would cause me to feel cramped, sleep in on accident, or that I would just flat out miss waking up to an ocean view.

If I was sailing with another person, the cost would have dropped to a little over $125 per person, per day, including all taxes, port fees and gratuities. Now that I know what a great value interior staterooms can be, I'll consider them more for my personal travels!

When Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas debuted in 2009, it was the first cruise ship in the world to feature a lush, open-air garden. Named after New York City's Central Park, it's one of seven (or eight, if sailing on the Wonder of the Seas) distinct neighborhoods onboard Oasis Class ships, and despite the concept being over a decade old, it is still one of the most beloved spaces on any cruise ship.

The other neighborhoods are Entertainment Place, the Royal Promenade, Vitality Spa and Fitness Center, Boardwalk, Youth Zone, and the Pool and Sports Zone. Aside from the spa, they all tend to have a more energetic atmosphere, which makes Central Park's peaceful nature stand out.

An upscale public area situated in midship on deck 8, Central Park offers restaurants, high-end shopping, and tons of plants, over 20,700 to be exact (talk about a Royal Caribbean delivering a WOW factor!). It even has more plants than the Great Pavilion Exhibition at the Chelsea Flower Show!

It's a place that makes you wonder if you're actually on a cruise ship. 

However, you’ll never truly forget that you’re on one of the largest cruise ships in the world, as the laughter and music from the pool deck can be heard throughout the day, albeit at a lower volume than the top deck. All three waterslides jet over the edge, and you can look up to see the rushing of water with guests passing through.

Here's why Central Park is my favorite neighborhood onboard the Symphony of the Seas.

A floating garden at sea 

As soon as you walk into Central Park, you are greeted with vine-wrapped metal columns. As you continue along the pathways, you'll hear recordings of birds, crickets, and other animals while you pass tropical foliage, seasonal flowers, shrubs, and a variety of different trees, including young Indian Laurel Figs, Shady Ladies, and Buddhist Pines, all of which are housed in steel decks.

Signage helps to clearly identify the difference species of trees and plants, as well as their scientific botanical names, origins, and other fun facts that might come in handy during trivia one day.

While onboard the Symphony of the Seas, I learned that the Star Jasmine, an evergreen vine originally from China, climbs 40 feet up tree trucks, and Purple Showers are often referred to as “Mexican Petunias” due to the shape of their 5-petal flowers.

Another fun fact is that the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, which is originally from Eastern Asia, can be used as a herbal treatment to provide relief for arthritis because the extracts serve as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.

When you reach the middle of the park, you’ll find "green walls" covered in flowering vines and ferns that are five decks, or twenty-five feet, high, as well as beautiful fern-covered trellises (a great photo-op!). 

During the day, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll see one of the three horticulturalists maintaining the garden’s plants. On the second day of my seven-day itinerary, I saw two tending to the Croton shrub outside of the Cartier store around 10:30 in the morning. 

What you won’t see, however, is the intricate system of irrigation, fertilization, lighting, and drainage that's required to help sustain such a unique venture. There's even a landscape specialist onboard! 

Onboard "getaway"

If you’re looking to find a place of sanctuary on your cruise, look no further than Central Park.

You won't find many rowdy children hanging out here during the day, as it lacks family-friendly activities, like the pool deck's Splashaway Bay or the Boardwalk's carousel.

Many guests find it to be an ideal place to escape from the crowds and settle down in the plush seating underneath the protruding glass-arched domes with a good book. 4 benched nooks, rocking chairs, and numerous tables are also available. Guests can also play a game or two of chess to test their strategic skills. 

I've also seen passengers playing with a deck of cards!

You're never far away from a cup of coffee or tea to sip on, as the Park Café provides both during their breakfast and lunch services. 

As this was my first work cruise, I found that working in Central Park was a great way to balance getting my assignments done and making sure that I was still getting some of the traditional cruise experience. I didn’t find it as distracting as the Royal Promenade, Boardwalk, or pool deck.

Plus, I was always guaranteed a seat, usually completely to myself. While it would have been nice to type away with some ocean views, I certainly didn't want to spend time scouring for a seat everyday. 

Top-tier dining and bar options, especially at night

You can find many of the specialty dining restaurants onboard in Central Park, including Chops Grille, Jamie’s Italian, and 150 Central Park, which provide guests with a more intimate dining experience compared to the Main Dining Room. 

Plus, if the weather permits, you can choose to dine al fresco, which I highly recommend during dinner, as the evening is when Central Park’s true beauty comes out. In the center of the park, the neighborhood is lit up by the pink and blue hues of the Royal Promenade that escape through the raised glass domes, while the sides are lit by street lamps. You can enjoy listening to the relaxing live classical music on the guitar and piano. 

At night, faux candles are places on tables that foster a more upscale, and perhaps romantic, environment, which is complimented by the increased ability to hear animal sounds due to minimal noise from the pool deck. Something on my bucket list is an adults-only date night in one of the speciality restaurants!

Central Park also houses Park Café, one of my favorite complimentary dining options. I love the made-to-order salads and, of course, their infamous roast beef sandwich. I also think they have some of the better quick-service dessert options onboard, like this delicious blueberry streusel cake. 

It’s a great place to grab breakfast, too. I find that it’s much quieter than other breakfast options, like the Windjammer or even Main Dining Room, which sometimes had a 20+ minute wait on my sailing. I also like how they have fewer options than some of the other larger breakfast venues; I have fewer decisions to make before having my morning cup of coffee!

Additionally, there are three distinct bars in Central Park: Trellis Bar, Vintages, and the Rising Tide Bar. Even if you are eating dinner elsewhere, they’re still great places to grab a pre-dinner drink and soak in the nighttime ambiance of the neighborhood. 

Conclusion 

While kids and teens may find Central Park's relaxed atmosphere to be a bit boring compared to the thrills available elsewhere on the ship, it's a great place for adults to escape and "connect" with nature. If you're onboard during a port day, you almost feel as though you are in your own personal oasis! 

Regardless of whether you want to spend extended time in the neighborhood or just walk through on your way from the aft of the ship, Central Park should be be on anyone's list of "things to do" while sailing on an Oasis Class ship.