Symphony of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's massive cruise ship built in 2018, measuring 361 meters long with a gross tonnage of 228,081 GT. The ship accommodates up to 6,680-7,600 passengers across 2,759 staterooms and employs approximately 2,200-2,394 crew members. Originally the world's largest cruise ship until 2022, it features 18 decks with seven distinct neighborhoods offering comprehensive entertainment and dining experiences. The vessel was constructed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France at an estimated cost of €1.2 billion.
The ship boasts impressive amenities including 22 restaurants, 4 swimming pools, Broadway-style shows at the Royal Theater, and unique attractions like the Aquatheater for water and aerial performances. Symphony of the Seas operates primarily in the Mediterranean and Caribbean routes, with embarkation ports in Cape Liberty and Barcelona. In 2023, it set a peacetime record by carrying 7,604 people across the Atlantic in a single crossing. The ship can reach speeds up to 22 knots powered by Wartsila engines with 82 MW propulsion power.
Complimentary Dining Options
Cafe Promenade
Grab a slice of pizza or a sandwich at the Cafe Promenade, or indulge in some Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
Dog House
Grab a hot dog at the Dog House.
El Loco Fresh
Grab some tacos, burritos, or nachos at El Loco Fresh.
Main Dining Room
The main dining room is a multi-course dining experience with a menu that changes nightly.
Park Cafe
Grab a sandwich or a salad at the Park Cafe.
Solarium Bistro
The Solarium Bistro is a healthy dining option with a menu that changes daily.
Sorrento'
Grab a slice of pizza or a sandwich at Sorrento's.
Windjammer
The Windjammer is a buffet with a wide variety of food options.
Speciality Dining Options
150 Central Park
150 Central Park is a restaurant with a menu that changes nightly.
Chops Grille
Chops Grille is a steakhouse with a menu that includes filet mignon and New York strip steak.
Coastal Kitchen
Coastal Kitchen is a restaurant with a menu that changes daily.
Hooked Seafood
Hooked Seafood is a seafood restaurant offering fresh and flavorful dishes.
Izumi
Izumi is a Japanese restaurant with a menu that includes sushi and hibachi.
Jamie's Italian
Jamie's Italian is an Italian restaurant with a menu that includes pasta and pizza.
Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets is a burger restaurant with a menu that includes burgers and milkshakes.
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is a sports bar with a menu that includes burgers and beer.
Starbucks
Grab a coffee or a pastry at Starbucks.
Sugar Beach
Sugar Beach is a candy store with a wide variety of candy.
Wonderland
Wonderland is a restaurant with a menu that changes nightly.
Amenities
7 Neighborhoods
Explore the seven unique neighborhoods onboard, each offering a distinct experience.
Adventure Ocean
Adventure Ocean is a kids club with activities for kids of all ages.
AquaTheater
The AquaTheater is an outdoor theater with diving shows.
Library and Card Room
The Library and Card Room is a library with a wide variety of books.
Carousel
The Carousel is a carousel with a wide variety of rides.
Casino Royale
Casino Royale is a casino with slot machines, table games, and tournaments.
Conference Center
The conference center is a conference center with a wide variety of meeting rooms.
Fitness Center
The Fitness Center is a fitness center with a wide variety of fitness equipment.
FlowRider Surf Simulator
The FlowRider Surf Simulator is a surf simulator that lets you surf or boogie board.
Focus and Picture This
Focus and Picture This are photo galleries with a wide variety of photos.
Fuel Teen Disco
The teen disco is a disco for teens with music and dancing.
Jogging Track
The Jogging Track is a jogging track that goes around the ship.
King of the World
King of the World is a viewing platform offering breathtaking views of the ocean.
Library
The Library is a library with a wide variety of books.
Mini Golf
The mini golf course is a 9-hole mini golf course.
On Air Club
On Air Club is a karaoke lounge where you can sing your favorite songs.
Outdoor Pools
The Outdoor Pools are a pool area with a pool and two hot tubs.
Puzzle Break
Puzzle Break is an escape room experience where you solve puzzles to escape.
Rock Climbing Wall
The rock climbing wall is a 30-foot rock wall with five different routes.
Royal Theater
The Royal Theater is a theater with Broadway-style shows and other performances.
Solarium
The Solarium is an adults-only pool area with a pool and two hot tubs.
Splashaway Bay
Splashaway Bay is a kids water park with a wide variety of water slides.
Sports Court
The Sports Court is a full-size basketball court.
Studio B
Studio B is an ice skating rink with open skating and ice shows.
The Back Deck
The Back Deck is a relaxing outdoor space with stunning ocean views.
Living Room
The Living Room is a lounge with a wide variety of entertainment.
The Perfect Storm
The Perfect Storm is a water slide complex with three water slides.
Ultimate Abyss
The Ultimate Abyss is a 10-story dry slide that goes around the ship.
Video Arcade
The video arcade is an arcade with a wide variety of games.
Vitality at Sea Spa
The Vitality at Sea Spa is a spa with a wide variety of treatments.
Whirlpools
The Whirlpools are a pool area with a pool and two hot tubs.
Zip Line
The Zip Line is a zip line that goes across the ship.
Frequenty Asked Questions
What is the Symphony of the Seas?
Symphony of the Seas stands as one of Royal Caribbean International's crown jewels—a massive cruise ship that held the record as the world's largest cruise ship by gross tonnage from 2018 until 2022. Built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, this floating city represents the pinnacle of modern cruise engineering and hospitality.
The ship belongs to Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class fleet, stretching an impressive 361 meters (1,184 feet) in length. To put that size into perspective, it's about 30 meters longer than the largest U.S. Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. With a gross tonnage of 228,081 GT, Symphony of the Seas cost approximately €1.2 billion (around $1.35 billion USD) to construct.
How big is Symphony of the Seas and how many people can it hold?
The numbers behind Symphony of the Seas are genuinely staggering. This maritime giant features 18 decks total, with 16 decks accessible to guests. Inside, you'll find 2,759 staterooms and cabins designed to accommodate passengers in comfort.
Passenger capacity varies depending on occupancy levels:
- Double occupancy: 5,518 passengers
- Maximum capacity: Between 6,680 to 7,600 passengers
The ship requires a crew of approximately 2,200 to 2,394 personnel to keep everything running smoothly. In 2023, Symphony of the Seas actually set a remarkable record during an Atlantic crossing, carrying 7,604 people—the highest number of people to cross the Atlantic on a single ship during peacetime.
What dining and entertainment options are available on Symphony of the Seas?
Symphony of the Seas transforms dining and entertainment into an experience that rivals any major city. The ship houses 22 restaurants, ensuring you'll never run out of culinary adventures. Some standout dining venues include:
- Izumi Hibachi & Sushi for authentic Japanese cuisine
- Jamie's Italian restaurant for Mediterranean flavors
- Various specialty dining rooms and casual eateries spread across seven distinct neighborhoods
Entertainment options are equally impressive. The Royal Theater hosts Broadway-style productions that would make any West End venue proud. The AquaTheater serves as the backdrop for spectacular water and aerial performances that blend athleticism with artistry.
Beyond the main theaters, guests can enjoy:
- Comedy clubs for those evening laughs
- Live music venues featuring everything from jazz to contemporary hits
- A full-service casino for gaming enthusiasts
- Multiple bars and lounges, each with its own personality
What recreational facilities does Symphony of the Seas offer?
Recreation aboard Symphony of the Seas goes far beyond traditional cruise amenities. The ship features four swimming pools, each designed for different experiences—from family fun to adult relaxation.
The spa offers a tranquil escape from the bustling ship activities, providing treatments and wellness services that rival luxury resorts. Seven distinct neighborhoods throughout the ship create unique atmospheres, so you can find your perfect spot whether you're seeking adventure or serenity.
The ship's design maximizes both active recreation and peaceful retreat spaces, understanding that passengers have varying vacation styles and preferences.
Where does Symphony of the Seas sail and how can you board?
Symphony of the Seas regularly cruises two of the world's most sought-after regions: the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. These itineraries showcase some of the planet's most beautiful destinations, from ancient European ports to tropical island paradises.
Primary embarkation ports include:
- Cape Liberty in the United States
- Barcelona in Europe
The ship's Wartsila engines generate around 82 MW of propulsion power, allowing Symphony of the Seas to reach speeds up to 22 knots (approximately 41 km/h). This impressive engineering ensures smooth sailing between destinations while maintaining the onboard comfort passengers expect.
How does Symphony of the Seas compare to other cruise ships?
While Symphony of the Seas was the world's largest cruise ship from 2018 to 2022, it now holds the distinction of being the second-largest, having been surpassed by its sister ship, Wonder of the Seas. However, this doesn't diminish its impressive status in the cruise industry.
As the fourth Oasis-class vessel in Royal Caribbean's fleet, Symphony of the Seas built upon the success of:
- Oasis of the Seas
- Allure of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
It was later joined by Wonder of the Seas, with the upcoming Icon of the Seas representing the next evolution in cruise ship design.
The ship undergoes regular refurbishments to maintain its world-class standards—the most recent major update occurred in 2023, ensuring amenities and features remain cutting-edge.
Symphony of the Seas continues to set industry standards, proving that size and luxury can coexist beautifully on the open seas. Whether you're drawn by the record-breaking statistics or the promise of an unforgettable vacation, this remarkable vessel delivers an experience that truly lives up to its symphonic name.