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I Test Out One Of The BIGGEST Mega Ships At Sea! Symphony of the Seas

Tips For Travellers
Tips For Travellers
🥈Expert
👁️ 101K views📅 2 years ago⏱️ 14:29

Key Moments

Editorial Summary

Gary Bembridge evaluates the experience of sailing on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas to determine if a mega ship is suitable for travelers who typically prefer smaller, quieter vessels. He explores the ship's seven distinct zones, noting that while the Royal Promenade is boisterous and the Boardwalk is family-oriented, areas like Central Park and the Entertainment Place offer more peace or adult-focused activities. The creator highlights the high quality of the Broadway-style entertainment and the impressive scale of the daily activity program, though he notes many events are geared toward younger crowds or families. Regarding service and dining, Bembridge expresses pleasant surprise at the efficient, friendly crew and the high quality of the included food options, such as the Windjammer Buffet and Coastal Kitchen. Ultimately, he concludes that while the ship is well-designed and offers world-class entertainment, its loud and bustling atmosphere makes it better suited for families and multi-generational groups rather than older travelers seeking enrichment and port immersion.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.

How This Review Compares

This review's score for Symphony of the Seas
A Nibble
All-time creator consensus for Symphony of the Seas
A Nibble

This review is in line with the all-time creator consensus.

What This Creator Said
Creator Had Mixed FeelingsFull Ship Review🥈Expert Creator
🧍 Best for SoloMediterranean · 7 nightsFrom BarcelonaVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

I nervously booked myself on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, which at the time was the second-biggest ship in the world.

The entertainment was mind-blowing.

I was so impressed by the crew and service.

I came away from this trip with these big realisations. First, the resort Symphony of the Seas ship (and her sister ships) is not tacky as I probably had serotyped it, it was vast yes but designed well and with thought.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Consider the ship's zones to manage crowds and find quieter spaces.
Use the daily app to plan activities, as there is a vast program.
If you prefer enrichment, this ship may not be ideal, as it lacks port immersion talks.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Would the activities and events cater to an older adult without kids?The ship has entertainment for all ages, but many events are family-focused or late-night.
Service quality on a large shipService was great and efficient, though less personal than on smaller ships.

Questions This Creator Answers

QWould a big resort ship work for someone who prefers small, laid-back ships?
QWhat are the best and worst aspects of cruising on a mega ship like Symphony of the Seas?
QWho should and shouldn't book a mega ship cruise?

Topics Covered

Loyalty Program3½ Happy BaconService Crew3½ Happy BaconDining Buffet3 Happy BaconEntertainment Shows4 Happy BaconCrowd Capacity1½ Sad BaconKids Family1 Sad BaconPool Deck1 Happy BaconSpa Fitness2½ Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Barcelona
Florence
Pisa
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
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Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

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Video content sourced from the creator's original upload. Watch on YouTube