Cruising Through a Tropical Storm
Symphony of the Seas Cruise Review
7 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day (Cape Liberty Roundtrip)
Sail date: August 02, 2024
Ship: Symphony of the Seas
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 9701
Traveled as: Family (young children)
Reviewed: 1 month ago
Review summary
We were informed on day 1 that due to TS Debbie, we were going to be re-routed. We had 2 days at sea skipping Cape Canaveral and extended times at both Nassau (12 hours) and CocoCay (extra hour). We did stop at Cape Canaveral on the way home for a technical stop (Symphony restocks food and fuel there). On the way back, we were warned it would be rocky. And it was! For about 12 hours, we went through the storm and it was very shaky. After about noon on Thursday, things calmed down again.Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
El Loco Fresh℠
El Loco Freah was excellent. This was the first ship to have this place and it's certainly a crowd favorite. They had basic items which were constantly being replenished including quesadillas, burritos, and build your own nachos. Their condiment area had cold items to supplement the dishes.
Chop's Grille
Chops Grill was excellent. We received a free dining night and chose the steakhouse because we heard it was good. It did not disappoint. The steaks were cooked and seasoned perfectly. The sides were served family style (just ok). The desserts were exceptional. We were a group of 7 and all enjoyed our food.
Windows (Main Dining Room)
MDR was, for the most part, fine. You can't go into there looking for a 5 star restaurant. The menus are now smaller and substitutions may not be allowed because of the streamline process. We didn't have any complaints about the food. Our waiters, although slower than other tables, were very attentive.
Windjammer Marketplace
Windjammer day 1 had tons of seafood including lobster. Their breakfast and lunch had the same thing each day, but it's ok because there's anything and everything you would ever want. Food was constantly being replenished and except for the scrambled eggs (wasn't a fan), everything else I ate was great. Lunch had mostly the same foods but occasionally different salad cups. Again with the variety, there was always something new to enjoy.
Sugar Beach℠ / Beach Shop
Candy shop was always fully stocked. Ice cream was a gimmick- often you can find the same ice cream for free at the Windjammer or MDR. They scoop out the ice cream from large jugs and put it in smaller containers to make it look gourmet. They use San Bernardo brand ice cream.
Sorrento's
Even though the dough is pre-made, Sorrentos had great pizza. My 4 year old had it every day and he's very picky. I like that there was always cheese, pepperoni, and vegetarian slices available plus a rotating specialty slice. Gone are the days of salads and Italian specialties but they are not needed when you can get them elsewhere.
Park Cafe
Park Cafe was always fully stocked with grab-and-go items plus pre prepared hot foods which took a minute to toast up. Unfortunately there is no specialty coffee available here, but regular coffee, tea, drinks, and water is available.
Dog House
Good selection of grab-and-go hot dogs and sausages. My favorite was the Italian sausage.
Cafe Promenade
Cafe Promenade had 2 lines: specialty coffee and grab and go (small refrigerator case). I personally had a bad experience here one day with coffee frappachino made with spoiled milk, but other times it was fine.
Starbucks
This venue accepts Starbucks gift cards or the sail card. Standard drinks available.
Solarium Bar
This bar had the best service and knowledgeable bartenders. Enjoyed many drinks here.
Schooner Bar
If you're looking for coffee martinis, this is the place to go! They have a machine that pours it. Other drinks were unique and exceptional.
Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade
We went here to play shuffleboard one night. We ordered the onion rings and they were not good. They seem to use a batter that's similar to a funnel cake batter and has no flavor. Plus it was undercooked. Drinks were fine.
Johnny Rockets
We went here for breakfast twice. It was a small menu but great fresh food. They also make milkshakes and floats that are included on the dineing plan.
Onboard Activities
Casino Royale
This was the first time in many cruises that I came home with money. The slots were loose the first 3 days but became noticeably tighter toward the end of the cruise.
Zip Line
This was fun but very short.
Beach Pool
Spent most of our time here. This is their salt-water pool.
Entertainment
Studio B
Ice shows are really fun and fast paced. Also love the drones!
Royal Theatre
Hairspray was amazing. It's great to see a broadway caliber show on a ship.
Luckey Climber
My son loved climbing on this every day.
Carousel
My son loved the carousel and we went on it at least once a day.
Video Arcade
Arcade was just ok. Several machines were broken.
AquaTheater
HIRO is amazing. It's a must see!
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Ensure that you book the shows ahead of time because the lines for non reservations can get very long. Also note ice skating and laser tag times because they fill up quickly.
Disembarkation
Traveler Photos
