10/10 beyond my wildest dreams! Amazing ship, Amazing shows, Amazing service. Great for small children and families.
Symphony of the Seas Cruise Review
7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)
Sail date: November 30, 2019
Ship: Symphony of the Seas
Cabin type: Inside
Cabin number: 11137
Traveled as: Family (young children)
Reviewed: 5 years ago
Review summary
Perfect for a family. Make friends everywhere, you'll see them throughout the week. Take the stairs, there is lots of unusual art. Solarium is perfect for sunrises. There are secluded deck chairs deck 7 by rock climbing, deck 5 on the running track. Live music is great, Hiro is breathtaking. Everyone is there to dance in the Promenade and have a good time. Service is extraordinary.Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Chop's Grille
Reserve *lunch* before you board for the best prices. ($21pp instead of $65pp) Nice view of central park. Yummy shrimp cocktail, filet mignon, and memorable desserts. I don't recommend the "salad wedge" just like it sounds, they cut a head of lettuce into 4 and give you a chunk. For a good salad try main dining hall or windjammer.
Windjammer Marketplace
Tables at the back right are usually less crowded with a great view of the port and every sunrise. You can watch Hiro crew warming up before shows. Start with the buffet at the back of the restaurant and work your way forward, it's less overwhelming and feels less crowded.
Solarium Bistro
Free with reservations.Buffett style, but very classy!Best service on the whole ship!Rosted Chicken best I've had in my lifetime!There are only 2 Bird cage tables, they are for parties of 8, but if you request it in advance they can sometimes make an exception!
Sorrento's
Ask for a whole pizza and take it to your room for some down time!
Schooner Bar
Use deck 6 for great views of parades and the balloon drop.
Boleros Bar
Great atmosphere, fun & intimate place to dance
Onboard Activities
Center Ice Rink
Show up to do paperwork and get an assigned time. Come back and wait 15min for your turn to get equipment on. Sessions only last 30min, which is enough time to go around the small rink maybe a dozen times. Ice has deep grooves. It's more for bragging rights than for using your skills. Light Jackets are nice, but not nessisary.
Retail Shop
Mostly $5,000 pieces of jewelry. Perfume and makeup. Not much selection. Checking out the $10 shirt sale on Day 5 is a must. Great selection in that day.
Beach Pool
The lighting at night is thrilling and relaxing at the same time. Grab an ice cream cone after dinner and let the waves from the pool tickle your feet. It's a memorable family tradition.
Ultimate Abyss℠
When you get to the top of the fish, there is a glass bottom deck. It's an unforgettable view.Lights and sounds are very loud. The more you lean back and pull on the rope, the faster you go
Rock Climbing Wall
Only open 2-4hrs a day, always at a different time each day. Watch the app closely and don't be late.
PIcture This
Each photo $20Lots of tablets to make purchases from. Fast service when picking up prints.
Main Pool
At least a dozen hot tubs, and a devoted family area. There is always at least one less crowded area if you look.
Entertainment
Jazz on 4
Bands here are high quality professionals. Definitely worth a listen. Intimate atmosphere, plush velvet seats.
Carousel
Free rides, short lines, even adults enjoy it!
AquaTheater
Kids Glow in the dark puppet show feels magical for kids 6 and under.
Children's Programs
Adventure Ocean®
Ages 3-5 was phenomenal, lots of toys to play with, staff tells stories on the rug, it's like preschool with planned activities. The staff is SO loving and engaging. Staff Nicknames like "Burrito" and "Slushy" make it easier for kids to remember.Age groups 6-8 was very strict. Staff was demanding, not fun and had no talking rules enforced half the time.Age 9-11 mostly played soccer the whole time. 11yr olds can go into the teen "living room" on deck 15 if you sign a waiver. I recommend that.Teens only "living room"Video games, and couches to chill. Teens need their own SeaPass to check themselves in and out.Overall, the kid's clubs are important. They allow kids to make friends and feel like they have an important connection on the ship.
Imagination Studio
It was never open
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Try every restaurant for every meal. Solarium is free and serves breakfast and dinner with reservations. Main dining hall breakfast was fantastic. Many items can be delivered to the room, for free. Johnny Rockets serves free breakfast but it is a long wait. Ask for mango juice, only some places have it. Dont forget the ice cream machine by the swimming pool.
Ports of call
Perfect Day At Coco Cay, Bahamas
Disembarkation
Traveler Photos
