Symphony of the Seas Review: Is It Worth It? (When the “Wow” Factor Becomes Familiar)
There are cruises you take for fun.
And then there are cruises that feel like a return to something you missed.
This Symphony of the Seas review is very much the second.
Before anything else, I want to be completely clear—this sailing took place in 2023, after a five-year gap from our last cruise back in 2018. And that gap wasn’t random.
The pandemic happened.
Like it did for everyone.
And while I was always ready to get back to cruising, my mom needed more time. It took her longer to feel comfortable again, to process everything, to feel safe stepping back into something that once felt so routine for us.
So this cruise wasn’t just another vacation.
It was a milestone.
A return.
And honestly, that made it matter more than I expected.
By this point, we had already sailed on both Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, so the Oasis-class concept wasn’t new to us anymore. The neighborhoods, the scale, the design—we knew what to expect.
The “wow” factor?
That initial shock was gone.
But what Symphony did instead was remind me just how incredibly well these ships are built.
And more importantly…
It gave us something we hadn’t had in five years.
A cruise together.
Quick Verdict
Overall Score: 88/100
Pros
✓ Outstanding Oasis-class design and layout
✓ Excellent specialty dining options
✓ One of the best Solarium areas at sea
✓ Endless entertainment and activities
✓ Strong service across the ship
✓ Perfect balance between energy and relaxation
Cons
✕ “Wow” factor is reduced if you’ve sailed Oasis-class before
✕ Can still feel crowded in peak areas
✕ Specialty dining becomes almost necessary to maximize experience
Food Review – 8/10
Food was one of the strongest parts of this sailing.
This time, we leaned heavily into specialty dining—and it made a difference.
Hooked Seafood became an instant favorite. We actually went back twice, which says everything. My mom loved the lobster, and honestly, it was some of the best seafood we had all week.
Chops Grille delivered exactly what you expect from a steakhouse, though surprisingly, my duck dish ended up being the highlight over the steak. Giovanni’s was consistently solid and comforting, exactly what you want from Italian dining at sea.
Wonderland was the most interesting experience.
Watching my mom interact with the Mad Hatter and fully embrace the playful side of that restaurant was one of those moments you don’t forget. The food itself? Creative, visually stunning—but not something I personally loved flavor-wise.
Still, overall?
Dining onboard Symphony was excellent.
Cabin Review – 8/10
The cabins are exactly what modern cruising should be.
Clean, bright, well-designed, and comfortable.
The balcony space continues to stand out compared to many competitors, and for me, that always matters. I value that quiet time outside—listening to the ocean, stepping away from the noise of the ship.
My mom, on the other hand, found joy in something much simpler.
Towel animals.
Every night, she looked forward to seeing what our cabin steward had created. And honestly, those small touches still matter more than people think.
And yes…
I made the mistake of bringing a PlayStation 5 onboard.
That thing is ridiculously heavy.
And no—it didn’t work the way I thought it would.
Looking back, it’s funny.
At the time? Not so much.
Internet & Technology – 9/10
This is where Royal Caribbean International continues to lead.
The internet was fast, reliable, and consistent throughout the cruise. Everything onboard—from reservations to scheduling—felt smooth and intuitive.
No real complaints here.
Pools, Solarium & Outdoor Spaces – 9/10
This is where Symphony quietly dominates.
There are so many pools, jacuzzis, and outdoor areas that the ship rarely feels overwhelmed. The oversized jacuzzis help spread crowds, and the overall layout just works.
But for me?
The Solarium remains the highlight.
And Symphony may have the best one of the Oasis-class ships I’ve sailed.
It feels larger, more open, and more peaceful. It became my escape almost immediately.
While my mom enjoyed the livelier parts of the ship, I found myself drawn to quieter corners—balcony time, Central Park walks, ocean views.
That balance is what makes these ships special.
Activities & Entertainment – 10/10
There’s no shortage of things to do.
FlowRider, zip lines, shows, live music, karaoke, parades—it never stops.
But what stood out to me wasn’t just the quantity.
It was the flexibility.
You can go all-in on activity…
Or step away completely and create your own slower pace.
That’s rare.
Bars & Lounges – 8/10
The ship is filled with places to unwind.
The Promenade remains one of the best-designed social spaces at sea—always active, but never overwhelming.
And Central Park at night?
That’s something else.
Walking through there with live music playing softly in the background, it almost doesn’t feel real. You forget you’re on a ship carrying thousands of people.
Ship Design & Atmosphere – 10/10
At this point, Oasis-class ships are simply engineering masterpieces.
Even without the initial shock factor, the design still impresses.
The openness, the layout, the way crowds disappear—it all works exactly as intended.
And that’s incredibly difficult to achieve.
Service – 9/10
Service was exactly what you expect at this level.
Professional, efficient, and consistent.
Nothing stood out negatively, and that’s exactly what you want on a ship this size.
Itinerary & Ports – 9/10
This Western Caribbean itinerary worked very well overall.
Costa Maya was new for us and enjoyable. Cozumel stood out thanks to a great resort experience. Perfect Day at CocoCay lived up to its name—beautiful, well-designed, and relaxing.
Roatán had rough weather, which cut our visit short.
But overall, the itinerary complemented the ship well.
Final Verdict: Is Symphony of the Seas Worth It?
Yes—without hesitation.
This Symphony of the Seas review isn’t about discovering something new.
It’s about rediscovering something you missed.
The “wow” factor may fade after multiple Oasis-class sailings.
But the quality doesn’t.
And more importantly…
The meaning of the trip changes.
This wasn’t just another cruise.
It was our return after five years.
A return after the pandemic.
A return to something that always brought us joy.
And seeing my mom enjoy it again—laughing, relaxing, fully present—that’s what mattered most.
Bottom Line
Symphony of the Seas proves something important:
Even when something becomes familiar…
It can still be special.
And sometimes, the value of a cruise isn’t in what’s new.
It’s in what it brings back.
