Bigger, Better: Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas is a Floating Resort

It’s here. Royal Caribbean’s much-talked-about Symphony of the Seas — the world’s largest cruise ship — made its U.S. debut and is sailing out of Miami’s newest cruise terminal.

How big is it? The ship, sailing Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona, Spain, since making its inaugural voyage April 7, 2018, can hold a whopping 5,518 guests at double occupancy in 2,759 staterooms, along with 2,200 crew members.

It’s also heavy. The 18-deck Symphony, which cost more than $1 billion to build, outweighs the two-year-old Harmony of the Seas, the previous record holder.

But, while size matters, it isn’t everything. Here’s a rundown of the other features family cruisers are getting excited about.

Kids who love water play can try the 10-story Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, and tackle the Perfect Storm, a trio of multistory waterslides called Cyclone, Typhoon and Supercell. They can also hang 10 at two FlowRider surf simulators, where just staying upright is a challenge. If fear of heights isn’t an issue, try the twin, 40-foot-tall rock-climbing walls or enjoy the zipline, which, at nine decks high, speeds riders 82 feet across an open-air atrium.

Want to take a step back from all that adrenaline? Try the AquaTheater, an open-air arena at the deepest pool at sea that features high-diving acrobatic and aquatic performances, or stroll through Central Park, a green oasis with more than 20,000 living plants and trees.

A key feature of the ship is the Boardwalk, with activities for the whole family, including Playmaker’s Sports Bar & Arcade, complete with face painting, caricature artists and live music, and the glow-in-the-dark laser tag adventure called Battle for Planet Z.

The ship also features new restaurants, including Hooked Seafood with fresh, New England-style favorites; made-to-order Mexican “street fare” at El Loco Fresh; or fun desserts at the Sugar Beach specialty candy and ice cream shop on the Boardwalk.

Looking for the tops in accommodations for your brood? Book the two-story Ultimate Family Suite, which accommodates eight and includes an in-suite slide, air hockey table, building block wall and “Royal Genie” concierge.

Don’t miss the newly enhanced Royal Caribbean app, designed to ramp up the guest experience with expedited arrival, more personalization and interactive onboard features. Symphony of the Seas began sailing seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami Nov. 17, 2018; and will add visits to the cruise line’s new private island destination in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, opening May 2019.

Symphony is Royal Caribbean’s 25th ship in its fleet and its fourth Oasis-class vessel, joining the Harmony, the Oasis of the Seas, debuted in 2009 and currently home-ported at Port Canaveral, and the Allure of the Seas, which began service in 2010.