Last week, after thirty-six months, Royal Caribbean International took delivery of their newest family member. Symphony of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, follows the trend-setting design that the Oasis Class is famous for. One of the key elements for the success of the Oasis Class is its distinct neighborhood concept.
Sailing in the footsteps of Oasis, Allure and Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas’ seven distinct neighborhoods provide vacationers the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal styles, preferences or moods, making it the ultimate playground for all ages.
BOARDWALK
The Boardwalk, with its original hand-carved carousel, offers classic family fun combined with a high-energy vibe felt throughout its casual eateries, retail shops and activities for a day of family fun. Inspired by the nostalgic seaside piers of yesteryear, this outdoor space has reveived a new breath of life with the Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and the Sugar Beach candy and ice-cream shop.
The signature AquaTheater, located at the stern of the ship with its amazing ocean backdrop, remains a dazzling amphitheater-style venue for heart-pounding theatrical performances featuring acrobatics, synchronized swimming, water ballet and professional high-diving. To cool down after an exhilarating day onboard Symphony of the Seas, the AquaTheater displays elaborate fountain shows synchronized to music and lights.
ROYAL PROMENADE
The design of Royal Caribbean’s signature Royal Promenade allows guests to have a physical connection with the neighborhood above, Central Park, as natural light cascades down from the sky through the Crystal Canopy sculptured glass.
Dining, bar-hopping and shopping is what this bustling main street at sea is all about. The Promenade features a café, robot bartenders at the Bionic Bar and the Rising Tide Bar that allows cruisers to enjoy a cocktail as they slowly traverse three floors towards Central Park.
CENTRAL PARK
With more than 12,000 lush tropical plants, the open-air Central Park neighborhood is a serene retreat that features meandering walkways with quiet nooks for reading and relaxing, retail boutiques and specialty restaurants including Chops Grille, Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, 150 Central Park and Vintages wine bar.
The expanded Park Café, with its communal table and additional outdoor bistro seating overlooking a central piazza, is the perfect spot for meeting friends and people watching.
ENTERTAINMENT PLACE
Also in direct connection to the Royal Promenade is Entertainment Place, a contemporary night club district, where more intimate venues cater to different moods and preferences. Entertainment Place is anchored by Casino Royale – the largest casino at sea – and Studio B, home to a full-scale ice rink and newly introduced glow-in-the-dark laser tag game. The Attic exudes the vibe of a downtown comedy club and transforms into a lounge for late-night drinks and dancing, while Jazz on 4 features live jazz and blues performances with the convenience of table service for couples and groups.
POOL AND SPORTS ZONE
The Pool and Sports Zone is home to the ship’s most active adventures, including the Ultimate Abyss – the tallest slide at sea, The Perfect Storm trio of waterslides, two FlowRider surf simulators, a mini-golf course, a nine-deck-high zip line, the beach pool and the all new El Loco Fresh.
VITALITY AT SEA SPA AND FITNESS CENTER
Guests on board Symphony of the Seas can chill out or work out at the largest spaand fitness center on the high seas.
YOUTH ZONE
From adventurous tots to teens, young travelers can dive into the widest array of youth facilities and innovative programming at sea, including a new Puzzle Break challenge where teams will race against the clock to escape the submarine-themed room before time runs out.
Royal Caribbean’s 25th ship will spend her inaugural summer season in the Mediterranean, calling on ports in Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Florence/Pisa, Rome and Naples. Beginning Nov. 24, 2018, the adventure-packed ship will make Miami, FL her year-round home, sailing 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages from the state-of-the-art new Terminal A at PortMiami.
Pictures courtesy of Royal Caribbean International/SBW-Photo