Five Things to Know About Royal Caribbean International's Symphony of the Seas Cruise Ship
Best for: Adrenaline junkies and families looking for non-stop action
Sails: The Caribbean, the Mediterranean
At a Glance: When it debuts in April 2018, Symphony of the Seas will be the world’s largest cruise ship—at least until the next Oasis-class ship launches in 2021. Like Royal Caribbean’s other Oasis- vessels, it will also have epic number of restaurants, shows, and activities ranging from lessons on a surf simulator to plunges down the longest dry slide in the world.
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It Will Be the Biggest Ship in the World
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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You’ll Never Get Bored
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.
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The Restaurant Selection Is Vast
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.
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It’s Heading to the Caribbean
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.
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There’s a New Cruise Terminal
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.