Symphony of the Seas vs Voyager of The Seas

What's the main difference between Symphony of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas?

The biggest difference is size and age. Symphony of the Seas launched in 2018 as one of the world's largest cruise ships, while Voyager of the Seas hit the water back in 1999. We're talking about a 19-year gap here, which means Symphony benefits from nearly two decades of cruise ship innovation.

Symphony stretches 361 meters compared to Voyager's 311 meters. More importantly, Symphony weighs in at 228,081 gross tons versus Voyager's 137,276 tons. That's about 66% larger - a massive difference that translates into way more space for everything from restaurants to entertainment venues.

The passenger capacity tells the story too. Symphony carries 5,518 guests at double occupancy, while Voyager handles 3,602. That's almost 2,000 more people, yet Symphony feels less crowded thanks to its smart neighborhood design.

How do the dining options compare between these ships?

Symphony absolutely dominates this category. You'll find over 20 restaurants on Symphony, including 14 complimentary options. Voyager offers 8 restaurants total - still plenty for most cruisers, but nowhere near Symphony's variety.

Symphony's dining scene includes everything from casual grab-and-go spots to specialty restaurants that rival land-based fine dining. The ship features multiple complimentary main dining rooms, a huge Windjammer buffet, and specialty venues like Chops Grille steakhouse and 150 Central Park.

Voyager's dining feels more traditional. You get the main dining room, Windjammer Café, and several specialty options, but the variety doesn't match what Symphony offers. The quality remains solid - it's just fewer choices.

Bar and lounge options

Symphony wins again with 18 bars and pubs versus Voyager's 10. Symphony's bars range from the quirky Robot Bar (where actual robots make your drinks) to the sophisticated Central Park bars tucked among real plants and trees.

Which ship has better entertainment and activities?

This isn't even close - Symphony takes the crown here. The ship features attractions that didn't exist when Voyager launched. You'll find twin surf simulators, the Ultimate Abyss - the tallest slide at sea - and a glow-in-the-dark laser tag arena.

Symphony's entertainment districts include the Boardwalk with its carousel and outdoor dining, Central Park with over 20,000 live plants, and the Royal Promenade that runs down the ship's center. Each neighborhood creates a different vibe and helps manage crowds.

Voyager pioneered many features that seem standard now. It introduced the Royal Promenade concept, rock climbing walls, and ice skating rink. These were revolutionary in 1999, and they're still fun today. The ship just doesn't have the variety of newer attractions.

Pool and water features

Symphony offers four pools plus various water features. The ship's size allows for dedicated spaces - the Sports Pool for active swimmers, the Beach Pool for families, and quieter adult areas.

Voyager has fewer pool options, though its pools rarely feel overcrowded given the smaller passenger count. The pool deck layout is more traditional but functional.

How do the cabins compare?

Symphony's cabins benefit from 19 years of design evolution. The ship offers 2,759 cabins across various categories, including the massive Ultimate Family Suite that spans two decks and includes everything from a slide to a private cinema.

Even standard cabins on Symphony feel more modern. Better soundproofing means you're less likely to hear your neighbors. The bathroom layouts make better use of space, and the overall design feels fresher.

Voyager offers 1,801 cabins that were well-designed for their time. Interior and ocean view cabins provide solid value, though they lack the modern touches found on Symphony. The promenade cabins with windows overlooking the Royal Promenade remain unique and fun.

Suite experiences

Symphony's suite categories blow Voyager out of the water. Beyond the Ultimate Family Suite, you'll find Star Loft Suites, Owner's Suites, and various other premium accommodations with dedicated amenities.

Voyager's suites are comfortable but more traditional. They don't offer the same variety or modern amenities as Symphony's premium cabins.

What about crowd management and passenger experience?

Here's where Symphony shows its smart design despite carrying almost 2,000 more passengers. The neighborhood concept spreads people across different zones. When Central Park gets busy, you can head to the Boardwalk or the various pool areas.

Symphony's 24 elevators versus Voyager's 14 makes getting around easier. The ship's width allows for better traffic flow, and multiple venues mean you're not competing with everyone for the same spaces.

Voyager feels more intimate due to its smaller size. Lines might be shorter at popular venues, and you'll likely see familiar faces throughout your cruise. Some people prefer this cozier atmosphere.

Which ship offers better value for money?

This depends on what you value. Voyager typically costs less to cruise on, with prices starting around 315€ compared to Symphony's 672€ starting point (prices vary by itinerary and season).

Voyager delivers excellent value if you want a solid cruise experience without paying premium prices. You get quality dining, entertainment, and accommodations at a more accessible price point.

Symphony costs more, but you're paying for a resort-like experience at sea. The variety of dining, entertainment, and activities means you might spend less on extras because there's more included entertainment.

Service quality

Symphony's passenger-to-crew ratio of about 2.5 to 1 beats Voyager's 3.0 to 1. More crew members per passenger typically means better service, though both ships maintain Royal Caribbean's service standards.

Which itineraries do these ships sail?

Both ships move between different regions seasonally, so their itineraries change throughout the year. Symphony often sails popular routes like the Mediterranean and Caribbean, taking advantage of ports that can handle larger ships.

Voyager's smaller size gives it access to more ports. Some destinations can't accommodate Symphony's massive size, so Voyager might visit places that Symphony simply can't reach.

Check current itineraries when booking, as both ships reposition seasonally and Royal Caribbean sometimes changes deployments.

Which ship should you choose?

Choose Symphony if you want the latest and greatest cruise experience. The ship works well for families who want variety and couples seeking a resort-like atmosphere. If you're celebrating a special occasion or want to experience cruising's cutting edge, Symphony delivers.

Pick Voyager if you prefer a more traditional cruise experience or want better value. The ship suits travelers who don't need the latest attractions and appreciate a less crowded environment. Voyager also makes sense if you're new to cruising and want to experience Royal Caribbean without the premium price.

Both ships maintain Royal Caribbean's quality standards. Your choice comes down to budget, preferences, and what kind of cruise experience you're seeking. Symphony offers more of everything, while Voyager provides a solid cruise experience at a more accessible price point.