Symphony of Dreams!!! 6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise on Symphony of the Seas
I recently had the experience of a lifetime in getting to cruise with my family for the first time. Not all of us on board were first time cruisers but my husband and daughters were and needless to say the Symphony of the Seas did not disappoint. 6 nights of complete amazement is the only way to put it.
First Impressions - The journey began the moment we booked our trip! Downloading the Royal Caribbean app was an absolute breeze and had everything you needed on the app and then some. I was able to see all applicable shore excursions. the daily activities currently planned, the schedule for each port. It was all the information required and more in the palm of my hands. The cruise experience officially hit once we checked in to the port. From the photobooths in place and picture backgrounds for you to take prior to boarding. We were able to capture everyone's initial reaction before boarding.
The Ship boarding - Holy the worlds greatest city on water!!! It was simply breathtaking walking through the cruise doors, being greeted by the staff assisting with any questions and directions required. There was no shortage or customer service. A gift for the kids as they entered just made their day! The view, the stores, the everything… it was like a dream come true.
Accommodations - We had a virtual balcony room, and let me tell you it did not disappoint. I was a bit skiddish with getting a balcony with my girls being younger (but our next cruise will for sure be a balcony with them). Royal Caribbean made a game changer with the virtual balcony, allowing us to have access to see the 24 hour view of outside as we sailed or docked was amazing. My girls and I were even lucky enough to see dolphins while we were sailing on the virtual balcony. There was more than enough space for my family of 4 in the interior virtual balcony room and plenty storage as we had 3 large luggage and 4 carry on and we were able to put everything away, tuck away the luggage as if we never brought them. Our next adventure might have to be in the Ultimate family suite (because I mean have you seen it?!?!?!)
Dining - With an exceptional amount of places to eat there was definitely no shortage of food. Yes although the specialty dining is not included in the cost all the complimentary dining was more than satisfying for my family, my parents and in laws. A must have basically everyday is Sorrento's Pizza, (yeah i know you're thinking pizza, so basic, pff what's so special?!?!?!) Sorrento's pizza is absolutely amazing and basically available around the clock… let's just say if you didn't like pizza before, you will leave this cruise with a whole new love for it! The options of my time dining and traditional dining are great. We chose the my time as we had the kids and wanted us all to eat at the same time, at the same table and love familiarity so having the same server and table every night was amazing for us! There are so many complimentary dining options you'd have to be on board to really appreciate it (but let me know if you want the scoop cause i got it) :)
Endless Entertainment - There was never a dull moment onboard. Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas (Oasis Class) you simply outdid yourself. With the Aqua theatre having the worlds deepest pool at sea and the highest diving boards the shows were to die for. Not to mention the worlds tallest slide at sea the Ultimate Abyss, an indoor skating rink, karaoke bar, Flow rider, zip lining (the list is endless) A time was had entertainment wise and not a beat skipped!
Relaxation & Refreshment - When it was time to unwind, the ship’s whirlpools in the solarium for the adults was the place to be! Or anywhere in the Solarium was a lot more peaceful (except for the night time parties which are a must experience). The beverage package may not be a must for all, but it definitely worked well for our family. With our kids having access to the coca cola vending machines at anytime with their reusable cups and not just while dining and our family enjoying the occasional pina colada it was worth it for us. But pay as you go definitely can be more cost efficient (just weigh your options… or ask me and I can tell you what would work best for you)
Exploring the Caribbean - The itinerary was everything we wanted and needed. Yes although it stopped in Jamaica (our home country which we have frequented many times) it was exactly what we needed! With stops in Labadee, Haiti (on Royal Caribbean's personal island), Falmouth, Jamaica, and Nassau, Bahamas, it had the perfect mix of excursions, adventure, culture and fun!
Final Thoughts - This cruise wasn’t just a cruise for me, it was a lifetime experience. To be able to bring my family on their first cruise together including my kids, husband, parents/grandparents, aunt and uncle in law to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New year on Royal Caribbean was a dream come true. Not one beat was missed, having normally celebrated Christmas in the snow not one drop of homesickness was felt. Royal Caribbean made sure you enjoyed your holiday season, celebrated it as if you were at home with your loved ones and easily made us feel like we were all one big family on the greatest floating city ever!
If you're ready to plan your own cruise adventure? I’d love to help you set sail! No matter the occasion or location… I'll find you your perfect cruise destination!
