Five Things to Know About Royal Caribbean International's Symphony of the Seas Cruise Ship

At  230,000 gross tons, Royal Caribbean’s 26th ship will soon hold the title of “largest ship in the world,” bumping the present title holder, Harmony of the Seas, down to number two when it launches in the Mediterranean in 2018. Symphony of the Seas will also have 28 more staterooms than her sister ship, along with the most ocean-view cabins at sea.

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Like other Oasis-class ships, Symphony of the Seas’ activities list is perfect for travelers who love to play. Expect tried-and-true Royal Caribbean favorites like a rock-climbing wall, ice rink, Flow Rider surf simulators, and Aqua Theater performances. And like Harmony of the Seas, the ship will also be home to the Perfect Storm waterslides and the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest dry slide at sea. And Royal Caribbean is hinting that another mysterious new attraction is still to be announced. Stay tuned.

With more than 20 dining options onboard, this ship will keep you busy. Details are still emerging, but Royal Caribbean has confirmed that there will be a Jamie’s Italian (helmed by Jamie Oliver) onboard.

After its summer inaugural season in the Mediterranean, Symphony of the Seas will head across the Atlantic to Miami, its home base for voyages into the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

When Symphony of the Seas arrives in Miami, it will dock at Royal Caribbean’s new cruise terminal, the LEED-certified Terminal A, built to fit a 1,300-foot-long ship. The addition of the new terminal means that Royal Caribbean’s share of passengers traveling from Miami port will double from 15 percent to 30 percent.