Symphony of the Seas vs Enchantment of the Seas

What's the Main Difference Between Symphony of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas?

The biggest difference comes down to size and era. Symphony of the Seas is a massive modern ship built in 2018, while Enchantment of the Seas is a smaller, more traditional vessel from 1997. We're talking about a 21-year age gap here, which shows in everything from technology to amenities.

Symphony weighs in at 228,081 gross tons and stretches 1,188 feet long. That makes it roughly 175% larger than Enchantment by overall tonnage. Picture this: Symphony can carry 5,518 passengers at double occupancy (up to 6,680 when fully packed), while Enchantment maxes out around 2,000 guests.

How Do the Onboard Amenities Compare?

Symphony of the Seas: The Entertainment Powerhouse

Symphony treats you to 20+ restaurants, multiple pools, and entertainment that feels like a theme park at sea. You'll find FlowRider surf simulators, The Perfect Storm waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, and Broadway-caliber shows. The ship uses a "neighborhood" concept with seven distinct areas, each offering unique dining and entertainment options.

This design actually works pretty well for crowd management. Despite carrying more than double the passengers, Symphony's massive size means more space per person than you'd expect.

Enchantment of the Seas: The Relaxed Alternative

Enchantment takes a different approach entirely. The ship features spacious, shaded pool decks that guests absolutely love for their relaxed vibe. You won't find waterslides or surf simulators here, but you will discover a more serene atmosphere with fewer crowds competing for deck chairs.

The dining and entertainment options are simpler but still enjoyable. Think classic cruise ship experience rather than floating resort complex.

Which Ship Offers Better Value for Money?

Here's where things get interesting. Enchantment consistently costs significantly less than Symphony - sometimes about half the price for similar itineraries. A 5-night cruise on Enchantment might run you roughly 50% of what you'd pay for a comparable week on Symphony or other newer mega-ships.

But "better value" depends on what you're after. Symphony gives you more bang for your buck if you want extensive amenities, cutting-edge entertainment, and diverse dining. Enchantment delivers solid value if you prefer a quieter cruise experience without paying premium prices for amenities you won't use.

What About Space and Crowds?

This might surprise you, but Symphony doesn't feel as crowded as you'd think. The ship's enormous size and smart design actually create a less cramped experience than many smaller ships. The neighborhood concept spreads people across different areas, so you're not constantly bumping into the same 5,000+ passengers.

Enchantment offers a completely different crowd experience. With roughly 60% fewer passengers, you'll encounter the same faces throughout your cruise. Some people love this intimate feel, while others prefer the variety that comes with Symphony's larger passenger base.

Which Ship Should Families Choose?

Families with Active Kids and Teens

Symphony wins hands down for families with children who crave constant stimulation. The waterslides, laser tag, surf simulators, and diverse entertainment keep kids busy from morning until night. Teenagers especially appreciate the variety and won't get bored as quickly.

Families Seeking Relaxation

Enchantment suits families who want to actually spend time together without competing with a hundred different activities. The calmer pool areas make it easier to snag chairs and enjoy family time. Plus, the lower cost leaves more budget for shore excursions or specialty dining.

How Do the Staterooms Compare?

Symphony offers 2,759 staterooms across 16 guest decks, with modern designs and updated technology throughout. The rooms reflect 2018 construction standards with contemporary layouts and amenities.

Enchantment's staterooms show their 1997 origins but remain comfortable and well-maintained. Royal Caribbean has updated many areas over the years, though you won't find the same modern touches as Symphony's accommodations.

What About Dining Options?

Symphony's 20+ restaurants cover everything from casual grab-and-go spots to upscale specialty dining. The variety means you could cruise for a week and never eat at the same place twice.

Enchantment keeps things simpler with fewer but solid dining venues. The main dining room and buffet handle most meals, with a handful of specialty restaurants for variety. Sometimes less choice means less decision fatigue.

Which Cruise Experience Feels More Authentic?

This comes down to personal preference and what "authentic" means to you. Enchantment delivers a more traditional cruise ship experience - think formal nights, leisurely sea days, and time to actually enjoy being at sea.

Symphony feels more like a floating resort destination. Some passengers never want to leave the ship because there's so much to do onboard. Others find this overwhelming and prefer Enchantment's focus on the journey itself rather than constant entertainment.

Both ships will get you to beautiful destinations, but they'll give you completely different experiences getting there.