Great cruise

Symphony of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

printerguy402

Contributor Level: Captain

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 8

Helpful Votes: 228

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 06, 2019

Ship: Symphony of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

Was our 5th Oasis Class ship, two on the Harmony. Was a very beautiful ship, prettiest of all the Oasis ships so far. Especially liked the art and lighting in the Solarium the best. Everyplace was just a touch prettier than the Harmony. We're planning on going back on the Harmony next year over the Symphony because, 1. We like Ft. Lauderdale better, 2. We thought the staff as a whole was a little friendlier, warmer and less tense on the Harmony. Everything was fine as a whole but at 73 years old and business owner we tend to see and feel things like that a little more. Seemed most of the staff had a little tired feeling. Was great to see Maria at the Sorrento's pizza place on the Promenade. She was great as she was on the Harmony last year. Always fun to see a face from past cruises. We usually run into 1 or two crew from past cruises. You couldn't beat our room steward either, he was one of the friendliest of the crew besides Maria. The crew is not a deal breaker, if it wasn't for the Miami port we'd probably go back on there again. Everything is more hectic in Miami then Ft. Lauderdale, from the airport, hotel and shuttles plus we missed our baggage not taken to the airport from the ship like the Harmony did, at our age we just want to put the baggage out our door on Friday night and pick them up at the home airport in Minnesota. That was also part of the deal breaker. All in all, it was a wonderful experience.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Got there 1 hour early, had to wait 1/2 hour, was to be expected. Just fun to be there, wether on the ship or not. Part of the experience.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Ate at the MD every night, good food and service. Wasn't quite as warm and friendly as the Harmony the last two years, thought they were great, this was just good. Buffets were good, lots to eat and enjoy.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Didn't partake in any activities, we just sit back and take everything in. at 73, nice to just let things happen.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Great shows, especially loved the musicals and parade in the Royal Promenade most nights. We like to sit and have coffee at the Coffee many times a day and night and fun to watch everybody having a great time.

Children's Programs

no kids

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Our room steward was probably the best in 10 cruises. Very attentive and friendly. Always went out of his way to unlock the door for us whenever we'd go to the cabin if he was around. Very nice gesture.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Everything was spotless and clean. Loved watching the brass go around the ship especially central park and point things out if there was dead leaves or something not right in the live plants. We've seen that on all 5 Oasis ships. It's great to see.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Loved the Boardwalk balcony, used that more than ever have on any other ship. Was fun to sit out and relax and watch all the people every night.

Ship tip

Don't be in a hurry, relax and let things happen. If you're early risers like us go to the Windjammer before 8 a.m. and you get nice ocean view tables. That's one of favorite things every morning, watching the ocean instead of cold, white snow from Minnesota.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

4 out of 5

Just stayed in hotel overnight. Didn't visit anyplace.

Thumbs Up 2

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

4 out of 5

Just got off and saw the shops and activities just off the ship. Like to be on the ship while everybody's off so didn't stay long. Pretty much like Cozumel.

Thumbs Up 2

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

With 6500 people fighting to get home, was a little stessful after getting off the ship. The porter took us to the wrong pickup for our shuttle so we ended up fighting luggage through people going the opposite directection after 1/2 hour trying to get somebody's attention to find our right place. Things happen with that many people so that's not a deal breaker. We had lots of time to get to the airport.

Traveler Photos

Going out to the track that goes around the ship. That is a deal maker for me, able to walk off my 1 lb a day one puts on eating all that great food.

Beautiful artwork, glorious lighting, great place to relax in the Solarium

My 73rd, birthday cake with staff singing happy birthday.

One of the great shows (Flight), Beautiful set, props & music.

Sitting watching one of many musical events in the Promenade from the coffee shop.

Water show, spectacular, one of the best shows on the ship.

Ice show, beautiful lighting and music and story.

Finally got to see sunset, usually cruise 2 months earlier and the sun sets at our dinner time. Beautiful out there.

Beautiful lighting and artwork inviting you into the Royal Promenade.

3 Comments

cruisereckoning 4 years ago

Thanks for the review

Thumbs Up 0

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Oceanlover4life 5 years ago

Thank you for the wonderful review! I was on the Harmony last year and it was a huge 🚢. I have mobility issues and rented a scooter. Had an awesome time, food, activities were terrific, but probably won’t sail on her again.

Thumbs Up 1

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CVCruiser 5 years ago

Harmony is out of Port Canaveral now... We sail on her in Sept.

Thumbs Up 1

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Other reviews of this sailing

The Symphony of the Seas. Caribbean Cruise. Outstanding...from start to finish.

Great Cruise

An experience to be had !!