I have always enjoyed sailing with the Royal Caribbean, but this time it was not the same. This was my first time staying in a Grand Suite, that was a great experience. I really enjoyed working with JJ and Jason my concerige

Symphony of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

barbbuff

Contributor Level: Purser

15 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 21

Overall rating:

3.5 out of 5

7 Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 24, 2022

Ship: Symphony of the Seas

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 10254

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

I have always enjoyed sailing with the Royal Caribbean, but this time it was not the same. Let me start with the positives. This was my first time staying in a Grand Suite, that was a great experience. I really enjoyed working with JJ and Jason my concierge, they made the experience great. Our stateroom attended Lily was great, she was always kind and did a great job cleaning our rooms. The suite lounge bartender Junior was great, he knew our names and stateroom and always serviced us with a smile. Adon at the Chop Grille was great, he made the dining experience great. The food at Chop grille was really good. Now let me talk about the negatives, this was my 10th Royal Caribbean cruise, and I was not impressed, there was nothing unique about the symphony of the seas. The entertainment was subpar and there was nothing catered to the African American cruisers. There were too many people on the ship and not enough willing or helpful crew members. The food in the windjammer was horrible. I will most likely start cruising with a different cruise line to avoid crowds and children. I am thinking about booking my next cruise with Virgin Cruise Line. I would not recommend cruising on a big ship like a symphony of the seas until they get the crowd under control and cater to all races and not just a few.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

No problems getting on the and off the ship

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

The Main dining area food was not good. I enjoyed dining at Chop Grille and Izumi. I dined at Jamies Italian as well, it was just ok. The staff was great, the food not so much.

Sorrento's

2 out of 5

The pizza was not good, with very little cheese and sauce, and barely any pepperoni. This used to be the best place to eat on the royal Caribbean, but not anymore.

Suite Lounge

5 out of 5

The suite lounge was the best, and our bartender (Junior) was great.

Chop's Grille

5 out of 5

The food and the staff (Adon) were great, I would eat at this specialty restaurant again.

Windjammer Marketplace

3 out of 5

The food was not good and the staff was not helpful or happy.

Room Service

5 out of 5

Our stateroom attendant (Lily) was great.

Jamie's Italian

4 out of 5

The food was just ok, but the staff was great, they made my birthday experience great.

Izumi

4 out of 5

The food and staff was great.

El Loco Fresh℠

4 out of 5

The food was great!

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5

Too many people and kids did not get to enjoy the pool area. Not enough entertainment and not for African American cruisers.

Entertainment

2 out of 5

The DJs were not good and the musicians and performers did ok.

AquaTheater

5 out of 5

The AquaTheater performance was amazing,

Children's Programs

I did not travel with children

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Our room steward (Lily) was great and very attentive. The ship personnel was just ok. The waiters were overworked and did not seem happy.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

I was expecting more from the symphony of the seas it was just a standard Royal Caribbean ship, nothing too exciting.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

I enjoyed the suite life, I would think that there were more perks for booking a suite, but it wasn't. I did enjoy the additional space. The cabin was always very clean.