Joe01

Thanks. It hasn't appeared in the Compass yet. I might tag along although will probably walk in. Not wanting to make reservations. I probably won't do Hairspray though. At least it isn't Cats. I hope Royal are binning that when Oasis goes to drydock.

I am definitely going to see the Aqua Show from my balcony. I've also heard great things about 1977 (Ice Show) but may wait for that on the 2nd cruise. I can't remember what one Flight is. Will check for you.

Let's get back on track. All are welcome to join provided that interactions are kept friendly, as this blog usually is. Much appreciated, Joe! Just been to the gym. I guess that is where forever single people like myself spend a lot of their day. I am not used to working out on a ship. Symphony has a fantastic gym facility though. I recommend it if you are not looking to gain a stone over a cruise. Captain Rob is doing his Welcome Aboard reception tonight. I don't do formal on cruises, but will try to come along so I can see him in person. I've heard that he is a great Captain. I've had the pleasure of sailing with Captain Johnny on Allure and he set the bar high in terms of Captains. Captain Gus on Harmony was also very jovial. It will be cool to have an American Captain. I wonder if we will ever see one from the UK. Dinner at Windjammer as usual. Not sure what else I will do tonight. Planning to stay up as late as possible. Getting off ship tomorrow in Marseilles as I am in need of practicing my French. As Michele says, Ciao Ciao for now!

Thanks @Lovetocruise2002. I would like to think that I am providing something constructive to this forum by doing this live blog. People who don't like it can read another thread. I'm giving up my vacation time to do this.

Doing a scope in 5 minutes. Come and join me!

It's a great room. Nice view. I don't mind the Abyss, but it is an obstruction on the view of the AquaTheater. I can still watch the Aqua Shows from the balcony though. There is some noise, but that's OK. However, Playmakers is loud when there is a world cup match.

If you are going to make such comments throughout the rest of my review, please unsubscribe. I'm trying to enjoy my vacation alongside providing something constructive to the boards. Mind your own business and don't drag up comments from a year ago. FYI - I had BB twice and didn't care for him the first time either.

LIVE from Symphony. Michele and Margot seem to be a significant improvement over Bobby and Katy from Harmony.

DAY 1 RECAP: Hello all - had a great first day! Not over yet. We boarded the ship around 11am. She really looks spectacular. Eventually went to the Windjammer for some lunch. Later on, we got into the Staterooms around 1pm. We have a Boardwalk Balcony with a view of the Abyss and AquaTheater. It's a great cabin although with the World Cup playing in Playmaker's, it is a bit noisy. I am probably the only guy in the whole of Scotland that hates football and wishes the world cup wouldn't be on ships, but maybe that's just me. Muster was at 4.45pm. We had it in Studio B. Brandon from the Ice Cast was the main leader of it. Captain Rob was about to dismiss us when there was an Alpha call. That's terrible to hear. Hope the person was OK. I was on AN when the child drowned and remember the very Alpha call of that incident, so they do freak me out each time I hear one. Post Muster, I went to the Sailaway Party. Margot (Activities Manager) hosted it alongside the Cruise Staff, Youth Staff and Sports Staff. They did a fantastic job. Very fun party. I stayed in the shade so didn't dance, but it was very enjoyable nonetheless. Following Sailaway, I briefly felt unwell, but was OK to go to the WJ for dinner. It was great. I then went around the ship before going to the Hot Tub. Now back in the cabin after Sorrento's. For anyone curious: Captain - Rob Hempstead (USA) Hotel Director - Fernando Jorge (Portugal) Chief Engineer - Ivo Marenic (Croatia) Cruise Director - Michele Scarpato (Italy) Activities Manager - Margot van Erck (Netherlands) One final note to make is that Michele seems like a great CD. Not met him yet but already think that he is 100x better than Bobby Brown. Any questions?

That sucks for him though as SY was his first time doing the inaugurals as CD, not to mention that Florida is closer to home (he has 2 daughters) than Texas. BTW - I'm hoping that one of those changes is that SY will have another great CD for the rest of the Med season and TA. I suggest Tim after his stint at Rhapsody (why on earth did they send him there after AL & OA?).

How did the Group Cruisers find Topi & Aysy on EX last week? FYI for all on the Symphony Group Cruise, Marc Walker isn't doing it anymore. I'm boarding SY tomorrow and will ask Michele (current CD) who it is. Hopefully it is someone good. I don't know who the AM will be - my guess is either Margot or Jerry.

Yes! @josephdaisley01. Please ignore the first scope - it is just a test and all it shows is a living room.

Jimmy Rhodes is regular on Allure. He is there until August then Mitch Merucci covers his vacation. Jimmy probably returns Oct-Feb and then the Allure schedule is TBA. Sorry that I can't help more. Worth checking next year.

Sorry, but info is never published 14 months in advance. Allure has a regular Cruise Director, but they usually switch after around a year (2 years max).

Probably about 2 weeks of clothes. It's not the packing that I find stressful, it's dealing with people alongside making sure that the house is clean and everything is turned off. The joys of OCD.

Almost packed! Isn't packing for a 2 week vacation so stressful? Especially when you are with other people. 6.30am flight tomorrow!

The Cruise Director in me made sure to check with Royal Caribbean regarding the theme nights on Symphony. Below is they told me would be included: 'Symphony hosts an 80's Party, White Party, 50's & 60's Party, and a Latin Fiesta.' What do you make of those entertainment options? I'm definitely going to the 80's night. I might give the 50's & 60's party another try, although it was terrible on Harmony. No idea what the White Party and Latin Fiesta are. The Entertainment and Activities on the Oasis Class ships are fantastic. Any recommendations for shows or activities to see/do?

Thanks all for the comments! Cannot wait for boarding the ship alongside the Sailaway Party from Barcelona. Hope to recreate this scene from my favorite movie of recent times: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjQfrxNJNNA This will be the first time in several cruises that I will visit the gym. Wish me luck! Will also be attending many Cruise Director activities, with my ambition to become one myself. Afternoons spent at the Waterslides as well.

I'll be onboard this time in 7 days! Does anyone have any tips on how to provide photos on the live blog? Secondly, does Periscope cost when abroad?

Inside stateroom. Perfectly sufficient. Balconies and Suites are nice, but can't justify the price difference. Having done OA, AL and HM, I didn't really feel detached from the sea. There are still some viewing opportunities and the ship has so much to offer that you don't feel detached from anything.

Now in single figures until the cruise! Any questions? - Would be happy to answer anything.

I think Michele may be debarking on July 29th. This came from a very trusted source. As it is Symphony and a port intensive cruise, hopefully it won't matter too much. It was the Caribbean where people didn't care for BB. As a Scot, it does sadden me though that he is the only Scottish CD/AM that I have came across. I wish that there was a really dynamic one from up here. Also - Margot is said to be a strong AM.

Great. Will follow then. Was actually considering the July 28th Norwegian Fjords sailing, but 2 weeks on SY won out in the end.

Excellent. When will you be there? BTW - Speaking of Cruise Director's, Joff will be there. One of my two favorites.

I can't wait either! Very excited. Would also love to see the refurbed Indy at some point as well.