Symphony of the Seas
Sails from Galveston, Texas · Fly into IAH
Page updated
Symphony of the Seas in Nassau · Photo: Yoeth Gallopers, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About Symphony of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas is a Royal Caribbean International cruise ship of the Oasis class, in service since 2018. She measures 228,081 gross tons and carries 5,518 guests with a crew of 2,200. She sails Caribbean, Bahamas itineraries. We rate her 4.0 out of 5.
Symphony of the Seas, the fourth Oasis-class ship, was the world's largest cruise ship by tonnage when she entered service from Barcelona in April 2018. Her facilities include a children's water park, an ice rink, a zip line ten decks high, a 1,400-seat theater and an outdoor AquaTheater with high-diving platforms. To cut air-conditioning loads, the ship uses only LED or fluorescent lighting. She sails Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston, Texas, through summer 2027 and then moves to Fort Lauderdale.
Ship facts
- Guests
- 5,518
- Crew 2,200 · 1:2.5
- Entered service
- 2018
- Maiden voyage April 2018
- Length
- 362 m
- Longer than 98% of 575 ships
- Decks
- 18
Symphony of the Seas is bigger than 99% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruise Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries more guests than 98%. At 41.3 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 59% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
Ratings
- Cabins
- 4/5, fleet average 4.2
- Dining
- 3/5, fleet average 3.0
- Entertainment
- 5/5, fleet average 4.9
- Service
- 4/5, fleet average 4.0
- Pools & decks
- 4/5, fleet average 4.0
- Value
- 4/5, fleet average 4.0
Editorial scores, 1 to 5 per metric; the overall is their average, not an average of reader reviews. Ticks mark the Royal Caribbean International fleet average across 30 rated ships in service.
Sister ships: Oasis class
Symphony of the Seas is one of 6 Oasis class ships. Utopia of the Seas (2024), Wonder of the Seas (2022), Harmony of the Seas (2016), Allure of the Seas (2010) and Oasis of the Seas (2009) are in service.
| Ship | Year | Gross tons | Guests | Space | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symphony of the Seas this ship | 2018 | 4.0/5 | |||
| Utopia of the Seas | 2024 | 4.2/5 | |||
| Wonder of the Seas | 2022 | 4.2/5 | |||
| Harmony of the Seas | 2016 | 4.0/5 | |||
| Allure of the Seas | 2010 | 4.0/5 | |||
| Oasis of the Seas | 2009 | 4.0/5 |
Official deck plans
Photos
Symphony of the Seas in NassauPhoto: Yoeth Gallopers, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where she sails
- CaribbeanEastern, Western and Southern Caribbean islands, sailing year-round from Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico
- Bahamasshort trips from Florida, often with a day on a line's private island
Home port: Galveston, Texas.
Flying in for your cruise?
Symphony of the Seas sails from Galveston, Texas. The airport is George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), with 12 lounges to wait in before you board.
- United Club (E)IAH Terminal E4.7 ★
- The Centurion LoungeIAH Terminal D4.6 ★
- United Polaris LoungeIAH Terminal E4.6 ★
Quick answers
Which cruise line operates Symphony of the Seas?
Symphony of the Seas is operated by Royal Caribbean International and belongs to its Oasis class.
What are Symphony of the Seas' sister ships?
Symphony of the Seas is one of 6 Oasis class ships. Utopia of the Seas (2024), Wonder of the Seas (2022), Harmony of the Seas (2016), Allure of the Seas (2010) and Oasis of the Seas (2009) are in service.
How big is Symphony of the Seas?
Symphony of the Seas measures 228,081 gross tons and 362 metres in length, with 18 decks.
How does Symphony of the Seas compare in size with other cruise ships?
Symphony of the Seas is bigger than 99% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruise Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries more guests than 98%. At 41.3 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 59% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
How crowded does Symphony of the Seas feel?
Symphony of the Seas has a passenger space ratio of 41.3: 228,081 gross tons for 5,518 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so Symphony of the Seas feels comfortable for her size.
How many passengers does Symphony of the Seas carry?
Symphony of the Seas carries 5,518 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 2,200 (about 2.5 guests per crew member).
When did Symphony of the Seas enter service?
Symphony of the Seas entered service in 2018.
Where does Symphony of the Seas sail?
Symphony of the Seas sails Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries. Her home port is Galveston, Texas.
Which airport should I fly into for Symphony of the Seas?
Symphony of the Seas sails from Galveston, Texas. Fly into George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), which has 12 airport lounges listed on Lounge Frog.
Where can I find the deck plans for Symphony of the Seas?
Royal Caribbean International publishes the deck plans for Symphony of the Seas; this page links to Deck plans.
How is Symphony of the Seas rated?
Cruise Frog rates Symphony of the Seas 4.0 out of 5 overall, the average of 6 editorial scores. She scores best on entertainment (5/5) and lowest on dining (3/5).
Traveller reviews
What people who've been say. One review each; you can update yours.
Related news about Symphony of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean infant eligibility: count age on the first day and read the sea days
The usual six-month minimum has twelve-month exceptions. The itinerary matters as much as the ship’s family facilities.
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- Put your shore excursion cancellation deadline on the calendar before you board.
Royal Caribbean's general tour window is tied to port arrival, and some tours have earlier deadlines. Read the terms for the activity you bought.
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- Check the kids' club before planning an adults-only cruise evening.
Age groups, participation requirements and session arrangements matter as much as the ship's family attractions. Confirm the program for your sailing.
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A meal in the cabin buys convenience, but the fee and order details matter. Compare it with your schedule and the dining already included.
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- Royal Caribbean has laundry service, but no self-service laundry room. Pack around that.
Sending clothes away is different from washing them yourself. Check prices, garment care and return timing before planning a smaller suitcase.
Cruise lines
- A RoyalUp bid is priced per person, but your decision needs the full cabin total.
Check the amount, room tradeoffs and acceptance terms before bidding. An upgrade can change more than the size of the cabin.
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- Your cruise arrival slot and the ship's sailing time are different deadlines.
Royal Caribbean asks guests to arrive in their selected check-in window. Build the trip to the terminal around that instruction, with room for delays.
Itineraries
- An accessible cruise cabin is the start of the plan. Check the route beyond its door.
Room features, equipment storage and shore access need separate answers. Ask precise questions about your ship and itinerary before booking.
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