Live on Symphony - July 1

[Santo23]

My wife and I are sailing Symphony now, left Barcelona Sunday July 1st, thought I’d capture some points and offer to answer questions.

 

Barcelona - we arrived in Barcelona three days early for general sightseeing, explore the city and bit and take in tapas and sangria. We did an ebike tour, visited La Sagrada Familia and lots of walking, mainly Las Ramblas and Barre Gothic. We grabbed a taxi at 11:30a on Sunday, were onboard the ship within 15 minutes. We carried 3 bottles of wine (no inspection) and 12 pack of bottled water (porter would not allow us to check the water.)

 

 

Symphony is beautiful, as would expect the of new ship. Many subtle updates from earlier Oasis class ships - mainly in the decor and appointments, small touches that make it current. We’re in 2C category Large Balcony Stateroom on Deck 14 - hump cabin. Cabin is very nice, includes a couch, two wardrobe storage units, desk, flatscreen and balcony that has two loungers and a table. We dropped our bags in stateroom immediately after boarding but our luggage didn’t arrive til 6:45p - leaving us only 15mins to get ready and make our 7p Chops reservations. Muster drill was quick and easy, our muster was in a Studio B (ice rink) - drill now consists of live demo of life jacket + watching James Bond style video that educates while entertaining. We were released from the drill when video ended - approx 20 mins total.

 

 

We love Chops Grill but at $53.90pp it made us indecisive so we paid a visit to Chops. They have the 3,4or5 restaurant packages but that was more than we wanted to do. I proceeded to mention that on prior sailings there was a deal when dining at specialty restaurant on first night - they said it is the Buy One Get One (BOGO), told us not offered on our sailing but since its enabled in their system they’d give it to us if we wanted but had to be early seating both Day 1 & Day 2 - so we took it. Ended up paying $57 each ($114 total for wife and I) for two nights of specialty dining - half the price if we booked at regular rate. We grabbed latest seating, 7p, and Chops for both nights. All in all a decent price for multiple

course, great steak dinners.

 

 

After Chops on Day 1 we went to the ice show, 1977. Consistent with what I read from others, the storyline is a little confusing but the talent is amazing. The show opened with a music / light show using mini drones - incredible how Royal continues to innovate with their entertainment.

 

 

Palma de Mallorca - we did a bike tour through Callandridemallorca. We had coffee delivered to our room, ate at Solarium Bistro, then departed ship and walked about 25m to the meeting place (10a meet up), had a great tour guide, and wonderful 3 hour tour, mostly around the city center. Would recommend. We walked back to the ship and enjoyed rest of afternoon poolside. Dinner #2 at Chops, then grabbed seats at the 9p water show - another confusing theme/storyline but incredible talent nonetheless. We then walked around checking out shops and venues around Royal Promenade. ** Note: we like hanging out at Schooners for some sign along music but this venue on Symphony is ‘off’ - we can’t figure out if it’s the mix of guests, the piano player or the venue layout where piano is not the main focus of the room - or combination of all three things. We’ve been there both Nights 1 & 2 and neither night has there been any energy in the crowd, more like a lounge with piano player.

 

 

Marseilles - coffee in our room, breakfast at Solarium Bistro (much busier today), headed off ship around 9:30, took free shuttle and walked rest of way through old town and Port Vieux, checking out open markets, vendors and general sightseeing. Headed back to ship around 1p. Lunch was at El Loco Fresh (Mexican, cafe style.) Now spending rest of day poolside. ** Note: despite a paid shuttle being promoted by Royal onboard in Cruise Compass, there is a free shuttle which is about 10-15m walk from ship. It takes you to Joliette, about 15m from main area of Port Vieux. Directions and map available at information desk in building after existing the ship.

 

 

Tomorrow is La Spezia where we are doing Cinque Terre - ferry out to Monterosso, stopping in each village I n way back via train.

 

 

That’s all for now. Glad to answer any questions anyone has.

[Magnelasagne]

Following. Thanks for the info about the Marseille- shuttle. No need paying if you can get the same for free. I am boarding in Barcelona in 5 days.

I have a question about laundry, perhaps you or someone else can answer me...

Is it possible to wash a bag of clothes? (Typicly a few t-shirts and a couple of short pants)

Just trying to figure out how much to pack for my first cruise ever:D

[findjcr]

On same cruise in October. Where to stay in Barcelona so we are near transportation for sightseeing or walking to them conveniently. How was your hotel, where did you get breakfast on the run in city...best sights to see.

 

on the ship, let us know how cinque terre goes as we are going to do that too.

[alaska_planner]

following..thanks for taking the time to take us along!! :)

 

in a symphony report from last month, the couple described marseille as being rather "sketchy" near the port...(i guess on the way to the free shuttle)...

did you experience that?

[scottygirl]

Following, thanks for your report! We are on the Symphony Sept 16.

[Santo23]

Following. Thanks for the info about the Marseille- shuttle. No need paying if you can get the same for free. I am boarding in Barcelona in 5 days.

I have a question about laundry, perhaps you or someone else can answer me...

Is it possible to wash a bag of clothes? (Typicly a few t-shirts and a couple of short pants)

Just trying to figure out how much to pack for my first cruise ever:D

 

I’ve seen where a few days into the cruise they offer a small bag at discounted rate but hasn’t been offered yet on this sailing. Otherwise, we bring tide packets and hand wash couple items we want to rewear. Here’s pic of the laundry options and pricing.

[SeeTheSeas18]

Thanks for your review! Was there a favorite among the places you went for tapas in Barcelona? We’ll be on the Symphony for her Transatlantic in October, so that’s the only port we share, but I love hearing about the boat!

 

Also, if you happen to make it to Park Cafe, could you perhaps look to see if they sell specialty coffees there? I know they do on the oasis, but I’m not sure in the larger format.

 

Thanks again for the live review and taking time from your vacation to keep us Cruise Critic people informed.

[Santo23]

On same cruise in October. Where to stay in Barcelona so we are near transportation for sightseeing or walking to them conveniently. How was your hotel, where did you get breakfast on the run in city...best sights to see.

 

on the ship, let us know how cinque terre goes as we are going to do that too.

 

We stayed at Eco Boutique Hostal Grau (found on Booking.com) - very reasonably priced, great location and comfortable accommodations. It’s located just off Las Ramblas and very convenient to walk, metro and Placa Catalunya (Aerobús from airport.) Numerous restaurants, pubs, stores within a few doors from the hotel - a breakfast place right next door, Starbucks within 3 min walk and grocery (Carrefour) within 4 min walk.

 

We used metro to access La Sagrada Familia and walked for everything else. Took a taxi to get to cruise Port (€15) All areas were safe to walk anytime, just beware of pickpockets.

[Santo23]

following..thanks for taking the time to take us along!! :)

 

in a symphony report from last month, the couple described marseille as being rather "sketchy" near the port...(i guess on the way to the free shuttle)...

did you experience that?

 

Definitely not sketchy near free shuttle, maybe it’s because industrial area so doesn’t look touristy. We walked through Old Town all the way to Port Vieux and back, never felt uncomfortable. I will say that there is graffiti everywhere and many buildings have bars on windows but that’s very common for many European cities - saw same in Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona.

[ckelly14]

Following, departing Rome on the July 12th.

 

I had a reservation at Central Park but canceled it looking for 3 dinner package on board to save a few bucks (I'm paying for 6 people). What is the specialty restaurant availability like on board?

[Bizzie07]

We are going on Symphony at the end of the month and am following your review. Do you know what time of night Playmakers stop serving food and if you have tried it what do you think of it?

[Magnelasagne]

I’ve seen where a few days into the cruise they offer a small bag at discounted rate but hasn’t been offered yet on this sailing. Otherwise, we bring tide packets and hand wash couple items we want to rewear. Here’s pic of the laundry options and pricing.

 

Thanks! No pic, but I found it on the rcc website. (I’m norwegian so also had to google «tide packets»;p) learning something new every day:)

Staying 3 days in Barcelona first so think I’ll pack my suitcase almost to the max, and see if I can find some tide packets in the shop. Kind of expensive to use the laundry service so I’ll try to avoid that.

But the price for dry cleaning my suit looks like it is a lot cheaper than at home so I’ll probably take advantage of that.

[LuCruise]

Following along. Enjoy your cruise!

 

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[LBumb]

following great start

[Santo23]

Following, departing Rome on the July 12th.

 

I had a reservation at Central Park but canceled it looking for 3 dinner package on board to save a few bucks (I'm paying for 6 people). What is the specialty restaurant availability like on board?

 

Our practice has always been to go to speciality restaurant(s) immediately upon boarding the ship and book our reservations. Their popularity has increased as has pre-cruise booking of reservations so it may be tough to secure desired day/time so if getting a discounted package, you’ll probably need to be flexible and do later seating. Sorry i didn’t have more detailed information to share.

[Santo23]

We are going on Symphony at the end of the month and am following your review. Do you know what time of night Playmakers stop serving food and if you have tried it what do you think of it?

 

Ha, we hadn’t heard of Playmakers until you asked - still learning :) We haven’t tried it but will have to find it and give it a look. Cruise Compass shows it open 6p-1a.

[Santo23]

Arrived in La Spezia to a thunderstorm, and despite not waking to another beautiful sunrise, watching the storm from covered balcony was a great experience. Storms are supposed to clear by noon so we’re slowing our schedule, enjoying an extra cup of coffee on the balcony before grabbing breakfast in main dining room (a first for us), then heading onshore once storms clear - around late morning. We’re in port til 8p so still plenty of time to experience Cinque Terre.

[riclop]

Thanks for sharing.

[Santo23]

Thanks for your review! Was there a favorite among the places you went for tapas in Barcelona? We’ll be on the Symphony for her Transatlantic in October, so that’s the only port we share, but I love hearing about the boat!

 

Also, if you happen to make it to Park Cafe, could you perhaps look to see if they sell specialty coffees there? I know they do on the oasis, but I’m not sure in the larger format.

 

Thanks again for the live review and taking time from your vacation to keep us Cruise Critic people informed.

 

We made it to Park Cafe this morning, no specialty coffees :(

[Santo23]

Le Spezia - the early morning storms cleared quickly. We grabbed breakfast in main dining room and headed off ship by 9:15. Quick shuttle bus to cruise terminal (all passengers must shuttle as immediate area around ship is industrial and no walking or taxis allowed), purchased ferry tickets (cash only), walked 10mins to ferry dock and caught the 10a ferry to Monterosso. It made quick stops in each town to drop and pick up passengers - we arrived to Monterosso around 11:50. We walked around each village and took train back (Cinque Terre Train Card €16), stopping at each one. Each village has its own personality but still similar experience - restaurants, bars, shops. We ate lunch in small restaurant In Monterosso, purchased a blanket/throw from street vendor, purchased wine in Riomaggiore to bring home. The trains were just ok, lots of time walking to/from stations as well as waiting for trains. Would consider ferrying back on future visit.

 

We had dinner in main dining room (food has been very good), then caught 10p ice show iSkate 2.0 - another great performance. We stopped by Royal Promenade for 4th of July celebration - music by live band, huge cake and balloon drop (7000 balloons.) Then headed to bed for early start for day in Rome.

[Clarea]

We made it to Park Cafe this morning, no specialty coffees :(

Sorry to hear this, but thanks for the update.

[little britain]

Please can you stop by 150 Central Park and get a photo of the Menu, and could you ask if it is the same one for the whole time or does it change ? Many thanks

 

 

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[dani negreanu]

Thank you for answering all those questions. Enjoy your cruise :D

Following for my family. We've done the free shuttle in Marseille until La Joliette and enjoyed the walk to the Vieux Port, where we boarded the Petit Train. There was a taxi strike that day.

Since my family travels with small children --

Did u notice if there were taxis to take at the port?

About Cinque Terre --

I've noticed that the ferry took almost 2 hours to reach Monterosso. Is that correct?

Again, I'm taking into account the small children and trying to give them the best options -- train v. ferry.

Thanking you in advance for your replies,

[Santo23]

Thank you for answering all those questions. Enjoy your cruise :D

 

Following for my family. We've done the free shuttle in Marseille until La Joliette and enjoyed the walk to the Vieux Port, where we boarded the Petit Train. There was a taxi strike that day.

 

Since my family travels with small children --

Did u notice if there were taxis to take at the port?

 

About Cinque Terre --

 

I've noticed that the ferry took almost 2 hours to reach Monterosso. Is that correct?

Again, I'm taking into account the small children and trying to give them the best options -- train v. ferry.

 

Thanking you in advance for your replies,

 

Hi. I did not see any taxis around the cruise port itself or specifically near the free shuttle drop off location but it was early in the day and would probably be easy enough to hail a taxi or have security call one for you at shuttle drop off location.

 

For the Cinque Terre ferry, yes, was just short of 2 hours from departing Le Spezia port area til arrived in Monterroso. The train is definitely faster but walk from cruise Port to train station is further (25mins), but not overly strenuous.

[Santo23]

Thanks for your review! Was there a favorite among the places you went for tapas in Barcelona? We’ll be on the Symphony for her Transatlantic in October, so that’s the only port we share, but I love hearing about the boat!

 

Also, if you happen to make it to Park Cafe, could you perhaps look to see if they sell specialty coffees there? I know they do on the oasis, but I’m not sure in the larger format.

 

Thanks again for the live review and taking time from your vacation to keep us Cruise Critic people informed.

 

I’m so sorry, forgot to answer your question about places in Barcelona for Tapas - our bike guide recommended Lobo (which was close to our hotel), we went and it was great - very nice outdoor scene, good food and delicious sangria. We also ate at Ambos Mundos within Placa Reail which was good too.