Symphony of the Seas

The reimagined Boardwalk touts fresh energy and swagger with the addition of lively venues, interactive experiences and entertainment throughout the day and into the night. With the iconic hand-carved carousel, the exit of the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea; and the awe-inspiring AquaTheater – to deliver a seaside oasis for the entire family, from the little ones to the adults.

There is a longstanding maritime tradition that calls for new ships to be blessed by a Godmother. But what about a Godfamily? Royal Caribbean is giving this tradition a modern twist by asking famous and longtime fans the PenaVega family to serve as the first-ever Godfamily of a cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean International’s highly-anticipated Symphony of the Seas arrives into her new home at the state-of-the-art Terminal A in Miami today. The ultimate family vacation,Symphony is set to deliver a new sound of adventure with one-of-a-kind experiences for all ages on 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, which will visit the cruise line’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay (opening May 2019).

Watch a timelapse video of the world's largest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas, begin her transatlantic journey to her new homeport in Miami, Fl from Malaga, Spain.

Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Symphony of the Seas, will bring a new sound of adventure to Miami in November 2018. A playground for all ages, the world’s largest cruise ship offers a lineup of exciting new thrills along with ways to unwind. From laser tag and waterslides, to “me time” at the spa and the one-and-only Ultimate Family Suite, the quintessential family vacation is reaching new heights.

Guests sailing on Symphony of the Seas have the option to buy certain souvenirs, toiletries or sunscreens any time of day or night from a few self-service machines.

Located on deck 15, these machines are available 24 hours per day and come in three varieties. Royal Caribbean Blog reader Tony Law sent us photos of these machines. This is the first Royal Caribbean ship we can recall seeing this sort of offering.

The first machine is the Tech Shop, and offers various electronics to purchase that can be used during the cruise, Headphones, walkie talkies, Nintendo 3DS, batteries and more are available.

The Splash Store machine offers a variety of sunscreen, skin care and swim accessories that you might need for a day spent by the pool or on shore.

Health Essentials store offers medicine and other toiletries that guests may need at any point in the cruise.

All three machines are provided by pharmabox, which provides these sort of automated machines in highly frequented areas that are underserved.

In addition to the automated retail offerings, there is also a complimentary phone charging station.

Do you think you will take advantage of having these machines on your upcoming Symphony of the Seas cruise? Do you want more of these machines on other ships? Let us know in the comments below!

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas has generated a lot of interest among Royal Caribbean fans and first time cruisers alike, and with a ship this intriguing, there are a lot of concerns and questions people may have.

We decided to list answers to some of the most commonly asked questions related specifically to Symphony of the Seas for everyone's future reference.

When can I reserve shows onboard?

Royal Caribbean has added a lot of great entertainment on Symphony of the Seas. Guests are able to reserve shows on their Symphony of the Seas cruise, although when exactly they become available varies from sailing to sailing. The truth is, there is no rule about when these kinds of activities become available for booking, and every sailing can be different.

Typically, we see entertainment become available to reserve online around 75-60 days prior to the sail date, but your experience may vary.

What makes Symphony different from other Oasis-class ships?

Despite being the fourth Oasis Class cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas has a number of differences from her sister ships.  Here is a list of the most noticeable ones:

• Solarium has a 2,594 square foot art installation
• No Sabor on Boardwalk. Instead, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade occupies entire side of the Boardwalk neighborhood.
• Sugar Beach Candy Shop (candy and ice cream) takes up much of other side of Boardwalk neighborhood.
• Symphony of the Seas features the Ultimate Family Suite stateroom.
• New restaurants
  • El Loco Fresh (Complimentary)
  • Hooked (Specialty)
• Laser tag in Studio B offered on Symphony
• New shows
  • Hairspray Broadway musical
  • Flight (Royal Theater)
  • 1977 (ice skating show)
  • Aquanation (AquaTheater)
  • HiRo (AquaTheater)
• Art work all over the ship

What are the Windjammer hours?

Exact times can change, but here are the Windjammer dining hours we have seen thus far.

• 6:30-7:00am Early bird
• 7:00am - 11:00am Breakfast
• 11:30-3:30 Lunch
• 5:30pm - 9:15pm Dinner

What is the new Royal Caribbean app and how does it work?

Royal Caribbean is developing a new smartphone app, which allows guests to manage multiple aspects of their cruise vacation from the app.

On Symphony of the Seas, guests can perform a variety of functions.  

Here are the important functions the app can perform currently.  Keep in mind that the app is under active development, and new features are forthcoming.

• Access Cruise Planner
• View daily activities
• Conduct mobile check-in
• Real-time folio access
• Expedited Arrival option
• Make plans with guests in other staterooms by linking reservations
• View main dining preferences
• View reservations on personal calendars

There is no cost to use the Royal Caribbean app and you do not need a WiFi package to use the app onboard.  A chat feature between guests is coming soon.

The app is available on the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.

Does Symphony of the Seas offer WOWbands?

Yes, Symphony of the Seas offer RFID bracelets known as WOWbands.

WOWbands are essentially optional replacements for your SeaPass card. Imagine a bracelet you can wear that allows you to open you stateroom door, charge onboard purchases or check into shows and restaurants.

They are made of silicone and come in a variety of colors: white, yellow, black and blue.

WOWbands use Radio Frequency (RF) technology that can be read by Royal Caribbean's readers that are found at kiosks, tablets and mobile scanners that Royal Caribbean crew operate.

Your WOWband is linked to your SeaPass account and holds all of your information related to your cruise vacation such as your stateroom information, dining reservations and more. 

Guests on Symphony of the Seas can choose to purchase WOWbands for $4.99 each and can be purchased at Guest Services. They are complimentary for suite guests and will be waiting in your suite.

Can I use my Starbucks app/card on Symphony of the Seas?

You can use your Starbucks card at the Starbucks kiosk onboard for paying for drinks and earning rewards, however, you cannot redeem free rewards via the Starbucks app/card.

In addition, none of Royal Caribbean's drink packages work at Starbucks on Symphony of the Seas. Instead, those drink packages can be used for specialty coffee beverages at other locations on Symphony, including Cafe Promenade, Park Cafe, or any specialty restaurant.

Where does Symphony of the Seas dock in PortMiami?

Symphony of the Seas begins and ends her sailingsa tthe brand new Terminal A at PortMiami.  This is a new state-of-the-art cruise terminal that features stunning architecture, and a new boarding experience.

The quickest way to get onboard will be using the Royal Caribbean International app to check-in. You can download the app from  iTunes App Store and Google Play Store now for free. Online check-in remains open until 48 hours prior to departure, so be to complete it before arrival at the terminal in order to skip the check-in counter at the terminal. Then, be sure to save your SetSail Pass on your mobile device or print for all guests in their party. The SetSail Pass is the key to adventure.

If you elect to park at Terminal A, go straight to the garage where agents will receive luggage and review documents. If you are taking a taxi or using a ride sharing service, agents will be waiting at the drop off area.

A reminder to all guests to keep all essential items with them, like travel documentation, SetSail Pass, required identification, the credit card to add to their onboard account, and
any medication they may need.

Did we miss your question? Post it in the comments below and we will try our best to answer it!

With full-scale stage, ice, aerial and aqua productions on board Symphony of the Seas, high-tech and high-energy entertainment is at every turn. But what does it take to make it all come to life? Producing a lineup of shows befitting of the world's largest cruise ship takes plenty of time, dedication and rehearsal. From the AquaTheater, showcasing jaw-dropping stunts by acrobats and high divers against a backdrop of stunning projections, to a cast of 48 drones joining their human counterparts for ice shows in Studio B, watch as the team puts on the finishing touches to ensure that each show is ready for opening night.

Royal Caribbean is is partnering with the GRAMMY Museum® – the official foundation of the Recording Academy™ – to fund music education programs in underserved high schools within the Miami-Dade County Public School District. Twenty local schools will receive grants from Royal Caribbean through the GRAMMY Museum® Signature Schools program, and the chance to perform at Symphony’s naming ceremony.

The 20 schools were selected for maintaining thriving music programs with only limited resources. As the first Signature Schools program dedicated to Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Royal Caribbean and the GRAMMY Museum is taking music education beyond the classroom to inspire the next generation of performers with firsthand, career-building experiences.  

Each school will be honored during an exclusive tour behind the scenes at the Royal Caribbean Entertainment Studios on Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay campus, complete with hands-on introductions to what a career in music and entertainment could look like. Students will spend a day at the 132,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, which features a 300-seat theater, a 20,000-square-foot, costume-making facility, 14 dance studios, 15 vocal rehearsal rooms, an audio recording studio, two aerial training studios, and more. Further spotlighting the arts and flourishing talent in South Florida, one student ensemble will be invited to perform on a global stage at the official naming ceremony of Symphony of the Seas on Nov. 15 at Royal Caribbean’s new state-of-the-art Terminal A.

GRAMMY Museum Signature Schools Honorees:

• American Senior High School
• Arthur and Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts
• Booker T. Washington Senior High School
• G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School
• Hialeah Gardens Senior High School
• Hialeah Senior High School
• Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School
• Miami Carol City Senior High School
• Miami Central Senior High School
• Miami Coral Park Senior High School
• Miami Edison Senior High School
• Miami Jackson Senior High School
• Miami Norland Senior High School
• Miami Northwestern Senior High School
• Miami Southridge Senior High School
• Miami Springs Senior High School
• North Miami Beach Senior High School
• South Dade Senior High School
• Southwest Miami Senior High School
• Westland Hialeah Senior High School   

“There is a reason behind choosing the name Symphony of the Seas; it’s because music, entertainment and family are woven throughout every aspect of the onboard experience of our guests’,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We have great pride in being a Miami-based company for nearly 50 years. Welcoming Symphony to our hometown is a special occasion, and it is important for us that we celebrate her arrival by giving back to our community in a meaningful way. In working with the GRAMMY Museum, we are helping inspire these incredible, young performers to continue pursuing their passion and show them the variety of career opportunities that exist.”

Symphony of the Seas offers guests a lot of fun activities and things to do onboard that will keep your family busy throughout your Royal Caribbean cruise.  In fact, the cruise line includes a lot of entertainment in your cruise fare, which means there is no additional cost to enjoy them.

Among the many choices, we picked out our top ten things to do on Symphony of the Seas that have no additional cost.  

1. Hairspray

Did you know the hit Broadway show, "Hairspray" is included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare?

Hairspray is set in Baltimore in 1962 where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair, only has one passion – to dance. After winning a spot on the local TV dance program “The Corny Collins Show”, she is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. As a trendsetter in dance and fashion she goes up against the program’s reigning princess, wins the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin and plays a major role in the integration of the television show. Welcome to the 60’s!

2. Laser Tag

At special laser tag sessions, Royal Caribbean transforms Studio B into a glow-in-the-dark arena that invites everyone to see if they can conquer the, "Battle for Planet Z".

Guests can don special laser tag vests, grab a laser tag gun and head into the arena for a fast-paced team-game that rewards the group that works well together and coordinates their efforts.  Just like laser tag on land, Battle for Planet Z is a high-energy race with bragging rights for the rest of the cruise on the line!

3. Zip line

On Symphony of the Seas, you can zip line 9 decks above the Boardwalk on a path that measures 82 feet from start to finish.

Passengers must be at least 52" tall to participate and weigh a maximum of 275 pound, also must at least weigh 75 pounds.

The zip line is free and guests must sign a waiver.

4. Ultimate Abyss

Guests wanting a thrill will be sure to checkout the Ultimate Abyss slide on Symphony of the Seas.  

The Ultimate Abyss is more than 150 feet above sea level and offers side-by-side slides that send guests down 10 decks at a rate of 9 miles per hour. Launching onto the ride from a glass platform, guests can take one last look at the Boardwalk 10 decks below before climbing onto a customized mat and taking the plunge into the depths of the daunting slides.

Rides on the Ultimate Abyss are included with your cruise fare, so you will have plenty of opportunity to scream down the slide, over and over again.

5. AquaTheater shows

The AquaTheater is arguably one of the top entertainment venues on any Royal Caribbean ship, because it offers some of the very best shows the cruise has developed.

Onboard Symphony of the Seas, guests can enjoy performances of "AquaNation", which features something Royal Caribbean calls "4D harnessing" for its aerialists, who can move  up and down, side to side and forward and back into the audience space. Another AquaTheater show, "HiRo" is coming soon to Symphony of the Seas and Royal Caribbean promises it will raise the bar for aqua shows with more high flying feats, unexpected stunts and extraordinary acrobatics than ever before.  HiRO pushes the limits of a theatrical production at sea with cutting-edge technology and choreography and. No two shows are the same, making it worth seeing twice. 

The AquaTheater on Symphony of the Seas features two 10-meter high platforms and the hydraulic-floored pool, the largest and deepest freshwater pool at sea, below serves as podiums for high-diving, hair-raising aerobatics that AquaTheater audiences have come to love.

6. Ice skating at sea

While on Symphony of the Seas, you can don a pair of ice skates and try ice skating at sea.  Regardless of your previous ice skating experiences (or lack thereof), anyone can put on a pair of skates and join in.  Free skates are offered throughout the cruise along with special time for advanced skaters.  

Skates and safety equipment are provided for free, although passengers may bring their own skates.  Passengers must wear long pants and must sign a waiver to participate.

Be sure to catch the complimentary ice show in Studio B, 1977, too!

7. Water slides

There is no question guests of all ages find water slides a favorite cruise ship activity, and Symphony of the Seas offers three slides to enjoy over and over again.  

The Perfect Storm trio of water slides offer two racer slides and a champagne bowl slide that are included in your cruise fare.  As you slide down any of the slides, you will twist and turn three decks into a splashy finish.

8. Splashaway Bay

Got kids? If so, expect them to want to spend a lot of time at Symphony of the Seas's aquatic adventure park known as Splashaway Bay.

Splashway Bay has plenty of splashing, with fountains, buckets, sprays and even slides for kids to enjoy to their heart's content.  Splashaway Bay was built to be a focal point of the pool area, and offer yet another improvement on what the cruise line has been known for in the past.

Like all the pool deck fun, Splashaway Bay has no cost to use, and is certain to be a very popular spot with your kids.

9. A ride on the carousel

In the Boardwalk neighborhood, guests young and old can enjoy a ride on a classic carousel that is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. The carousel on Symphony of the Seas is hand-crafted and especially designed by Carousel Works for Royal Caribbean and is one-of-a-kind.

Inspired by turn-of-the-century carousels that were found in the northeastern United States, Symphony of the Seas' carousel is a classic attraction that is as beautiful in design as it is enjoyable to ride.

10. Mini-golf

Miniature golf has been a timeless family activity, and on Symphony of the Seas you can put your putting skills to test.

You can play on the green as often as you like, while enjoying some beautiful views of the ocean that surrounds you.  No reservations are required, just show up and grab a putter and ball.  Be sure to try out night time mini golf one evening to mix things up.