Symphony of the Seas vs Explorer of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas vs Explorer of the Seas: Which Royal Caribbean Ship Is Right for You?

Choosing between these two Royal Caribbean vessels feels a bit like deciding between a bustling metropolis and a charming mid-sized city. Both ships deliver that signature Royal Caribbean magic, but they serve up completely different experiences.

How Do These Ships Compare in Size?

The size difference is honestly jaw-dropping. Symphony of the Seas towers over Explorer of the Seas in nearly every dimension you can measure.

Symphony of the Seas:

• 228,000 gross tons
• 1,188 feet long
• 5,518 passengers (double occupancy)
• Up to 6,680 passengers at maximum capacity
• 2,200 crew members
• 16 passenger decks

Explorer of the Seas:

• 137,308 gross tons
• 1,020 feet long
• 3,286 passengers (double occupancy)
• 1,185 crew members
• 14 passenger decks

That means Symphony carries about 68% more passengers than Explorer. It's the difference between sailing on one of the world's largest cruise ships versus a more traditionally-sized vessel.

What's the Age and Condition Difference?

Here's where things get interesting. Symphony launched in 2018, making it a relatively fresh addition to Royal Caribbean's fleet. Everything feels crisp and modern because, well, it basically is.

Explorer of the Seas has been cruising since 2000, but don't let that fool you. The ship received a major renovation in 2023, breathing new life into its spaces. Sometimes these older ships with fresh updates offer the best of both worlds - proven layouts with updated amenities.

Which Ship Has Better Amenities?

This really depends on what "better" means to you.

Symphony of the Seas Features:

• 22 restaurants and dining venues
• 4 swimming pools
• Twin FlowRider surf simulators
• Ultimate Abyss slide (10 stories tall!)
• Glow-in-the-dark laser tag
• Ultimate Family Suite
• Neighborhood concept with Central Park and Boardwalk

Explorer of the Seas Features:

• FlowRider surf simulator
• Rock climbing wall
• Ice skating rink
• The Perfect Storm twin waterslides
• Classic Royal Caribbean entertainment venues

Symphony definitely wins the numbers game here. More restaurants, more pools, more... everything. But Explorer's features feel more accessible because you're not competing with as many people for them.

What About the Onboard Experience?

The passenger experience varies dramatically between these ships, and it's not just about size.

Symphony uses a clever neighborhood concept to break up the crowds. Central Park (yes, there's an actual park with living plants) and the Boardwalk create different atmospheres throughout the ship. Despite carrying nearly twice as many passengers, these neighborhoods prevent it from feeling like a complete mob scene.

Explorer offers something Symphony can't: intimacy. With roughly 2,200 fewer passengers, you'll find shorter lines, easier reservations, and a more relaxed pace overall. The space ratio (tons per passenger) actually favors Explorer slightly - about 42 tons per passenger compared to Symphony's 41 tons.

Which Ship Offers Better Value?

This gets tricky because "value" means different things to different cruisers.

Symphony typically commands higher prices because it's newer and offers more amenities. You're paying for those 22 restaurants, the Ultimate Abyss slide, and bragging rights about sailing on one of the world's largest ships.

Explorer often comes with gentler price tags, especially for comparable cabin categories. After its 2023 renovation, you're getting refreshed spaces without paying the premium for a brand-new ship.

Who Should Choose Symphony of the Seas?

Symphony makes sense if you want:

• The latest and greatest in cruise ship technology
• Maximum dining and entertainment options
• Instagram-worthy moments (that Ultimate Abyss slide is pretty photogenic)
• A "wow factor" that comes with sailing on a massive ship
• Family-friendly features like the Ultimate Family Suite

Who Should Pick Explorer of the Seas?

Explorer works better for cruisers who prefer:

• A more intimate cruise experience
• Easier navigation around the ship
• Potentially better value for money
• Classic Royal Caribbean experiences without overwhelming choices
• Shorter lines and less crowded spaces

The Bottom Line

Symphony of the Seas delivers an almost theme park-like experience at sea. It's impressive, feature-packed, and definitely Instagram-worthy. You'll never run out of things to do, though you might occasionally feel overwhelmed by the sheer scale of everything.

Explorer of the Seas offers a more traditional cruise feel with modern updates. It's large enough to have great amenities but small enough that you won't spend your vacation navigating crowds or hunting for elevators.

Your choice really comes down to personal preference. Do you want the biggest, newest, most feature-rich ship available? Go Symphony. Prefer a more manageable size with solid amenities and potentially better value? Explorer might be your match.

Either way, you're getting that signature Royal Caribbean experience - just served up in very different packages.