Retired couple need advice, please - Symphony of the Seas

[Brissle]

Hi everyone,

 

We are a retired UK couple who have been cruising for 20 years.

We usually choose small ships, but our TA has told us that we should try the Symphony of the Seas if only once, just for the experience.

He knows that it's not our normal type of cruise, but says that we should try it.  We do understand that this ship is designed for family activities, but will take pleasure from watching the young folk trying all the sports!

So where do we start?  We have never cruised with RCI.

Can anyone tell me where we can discover answers to all our questions?

E.g. - if we choose a suite cabin with sea view balcony, which deck and where on the ship is best to be located? / are all meals included or are there supplements to pay - can we purchase a buy-out package? (We do enjoy good food in good surroundings) / can we get a package for all-inclusive drinks? 

We'll be grateful for any advice - it will be wonderful when we are able to start cruising again.

 

 

[firefly333]

I would think the cruise planner items would be similarly priced in UK money.. there is a unlimited dining pkg where you can eat at the pay restaurants like the steak house, idk what all by ship. I know I will have italian, izumies or similar for oriental, includes all but sushi, Mexican.  You could look at the deck plans to see which pay restaurants there are. Chops has lunch too for a price and of course johnny rockets. 

 

Unlimited drinks might be by price 12.00 on some ships, 13.00 on newer like symphony.

 

The shows are the best part to me, very good and worth seeing.

 

I do like watching them fall off their surf boards in the surfing zone. Sit back and watch on a nice day. You dont have to do everything to enjoy watching. 

 

What is a buy out?

[sdrocks]

13 minutes ago, Brissle said:

Hi everyone,

 

We are a retired UK couple who have been cruising for 20 years.

We usually choose small ships, but our TA has told us that we should try the Symphony of the Seas if only once, just for the experience.

He knows that it's not our normal type of cruise, but says that we should try it.  We do understand that this ship is designed for family activities, but will take pleasure from watching the young folk trying all the sports!

So where do we start?  We have never cruised with RCI.

Can anyone tell me where we can discover answers to all our questions?

E.g. - if we choose a suite cabin with sea view balcony, which deck and where on the ship is best to be located? / are all meals included or are there supplements to pay - can we purchase a buy-out package? (We do enjoy good food in good surroundings) / can we get a package for all-inclusive drinks? 

We'll be grateful for any advice - it will be wonderful when we are able to start cruising again.

 

 

My husband and I are both in our 70's and love all the Oasis class ships.  They are easy to navigate

IMO and so much to do and see.  We love deck 8 midship.  Can walk right into Central Park without having to use elevators or stairs.  That goes to the Park Cafe where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch without going to any other venue if you desire.  That is all where Chops is located if you want to do an elevated meal experience that is extra.  It's fun to take a leisurely stroll through Central Park in the evening or anytime of the day.

My husband is less mobile than I am, but I can take the stairs to deck 6 and use the gym.  Also on deck 6 is the boardwalk where the diving show is.  Deck 5 is the Royal Promenade where the shops are, Cafe Promenade for snacks (24 hour, free, unless you get a speciality coffee)  Sorrentos pizza there also and they have parades, etc on the Promenade.  Ice skating shows (not on this deck) and theatre shows and so many other activities you can choose or not to participate in.  For the pool, buffet, we take the elevator.  Main dining room on decks 3 & 4 are included in the fare.  You can go there most days for breakfast or lunch.  We never do the drink package, we don't drink.  We have loyalty status that gets us to the lounges if we want to have some soda, but mostly enjoy coffee or water.  Lol.  I know I didn't answer all your questions, but just giving you are perspective.  

[little britain]

25 minutes ago, Brissle said:

Hi everyone,

 

We are a retired UK couple who have been cruising for 20 years.

We usually choose small ships, but our TA has told us that we should try the Symphony of the Seas if only once, just for the experience.

He knows that it's not our normal type of cruise, but says that we should try it.  We do understand that this ship is designed for family activities, but will take pleasure from watching the young folk trying all the sports!

So where do we start?  We have never cruised with RCI.

Can anyone tell me where we can discover answers to all our questions?

E.g. - if we choose a suite cabin with sea view balcony, which deck and where on the ship is best to be located? / are all meals included or are there supplements to pay - can we purchase a buy-out package? (We do enjoy good food in good surroundings) / can we get a package for all-inclusive drinks? 

We'll be grateful for any advice - it will be wonderful when we are able to start cruising again.

 

 

A truly fabulous ship. 
There is something for everyone irrespective if she. Don’t let the fact she is a little large put you off!  You will never feel like she is crowded. 

Where else can you can sit under the stars at night listening to classical music; can you curl up with a whiskey listening to jazz in a cosy setting, can you people watch from the bar-that-is-a-lift, can you dine at the elegant restaurants, the art on board is stunning, the shows are incredible. 

But to answer your questions... 

..yes you can buy an all inclusive dining package. There are several speciality restaurants on board, top of my list are Hooked and Wonderland.

.. yes you can buy a drinks package which will cover specialty coffees as well as juices. 
There are many grades of suite: the top ones have their own private dining room called Coastal Kitchen. I personally like the Junior Suites on deck 8. Easy get to Central Park. 
 

You don’t mention who you usually cruise with?  

Edited March 15, 2021 by little britain

[kwokpot]

I would first start with is there a particular reason you only have previously booked cruises on small ships? What do you enjoy about a cruise? What types of things do you enjoy doing on a cruise?  On the cruises you have been on what types of things didn't you do on those cruises and what was the reason you either didn't do them, or you tried something and didn't like it? I think the answers to these questions will help others guide you whether or not a cruise on the largest ship in the World makes sense for you as a holiday. Just because there are ships many times the size of the ships you've previously been on isn't necessarily a reason to go on them.

[lazydayz]

I agree with your TA, it is good to try to new things.  I was doubtful but eventually tried and now love the Oasis class ships.  If you want a "smaller ship feel", book a suite on deck 17.  The Coastal Kitchen and Suite Lounge are there, and you could literally eat every meal at CK.  I don't recommend that but would suggest getting a three or four night package to the Specialty Restaurants if you would have access to CK by virtue of booking a full suite.  As previously noted, some of the Specialty Restaurants are on deck 8 and located in the scenic Central Park.  You don't want to miss Central Park. 

 

If you go with a balcony, deck 8 is nice and most everything is within a few decks (except the pool area, and some of the eating places).  When we are staying in a balcony, we typically buy the all inclusive dining package.  There are some fine upscale restaurants on this class of ship.

 

Good luck with your decision and I hope you have a fabulous cruise!  

 

[Milwaukee Eight]

1 hour ago, Brissle said:

Hi everyone,

 

We are a retired UK couple who have been cruising for 20 years.

We usually choose small ships, but our TA has told us that we should try the Symphony of the Seas if only once, just for the experience.

He knows that it's not our normal type of cruise, but says that we should try it.  We do understand that this ship is designed for family activities, but will take pleasure from watching the young folk trying all the sports!

So where do we start?  We have never cruised with RCI.

Can anyone tell me where we can discover answers to all our questions?

E.g. - if we choose a suite cabin with sea view balcony, which deck and where on the ship is best to be located? / are all meals included or are there supplements to pay - can we purchase a buy-out package? (We do enjoy good food in good surroundings) / can we get a package for all-inclusive drinks? 

We'll be grateful for any advice - it will be wonderful when we are able to start cruising again.

 

 

You’re lucky, Symphony doesn’t have CATS as it’s main show. 

[Missusdubbya]

4 hours ago, Brissle said:

Hi everyone,

 

We are a retired UK couple who have been cruising for 20 years.

We usually choose small ships, but our TA has told us that we should try the Symphony of the Seas if only once, just for the experience.

He knows that it's not our normal type of cruise, but says that we should try it.  We do understand that this ship is designed for family activities, but will take pleasure from watching the young folk trying all the sports!

So where do we start?  We have never cruised with RCI.

Can anyone tell me where we can discover answers to all our questions?

E.g. - if we choose a suite cabin with sea view balcony, which deck and where on the ship is best to be located? / are all meals included or are there supplements to pay - can we purchase a buy-out package? (We do enjoy good food in good surroundings) / can we get a package for all-inclusive drinks? 

We'll be grateful for any advice - it will be wonderful when we are able to start cruising again.

 

 

I like deck 8 near Central Park too, most of the Suite classes will include access to the Suite Lounge which has some complimentary drinks and a special suites-only restaurant.

All meals included, you can also pay extra for the specialty restaurants - my favourite on this class of ship is 150 CP.

You can definitely buy a package for all-inclusive drinks.

 

I usually book 2 weeks back-to-back on this class, there are so many activities etc one week is too short.

 

Happy cruising 😁

[Jimbo]

Finally an interesting thread not related to Covid............

Edited March 15, 2021 by Jimbo

[John&LaLa]

1 hour ago, Jimbo said:

Finally an interesting thread not related to Covid............

 

So far.....

[Brissle]

Thanks everyone - what a great selection of replies.

This will all be a great help to us.       

We will certainly enjoy trying the "upmarket" restaurants and i have already noted several that have been mentioned here.

I did discover somewhere, about the cabins that are called suites, having access to a separate lounge, bar, restaurant (Coastal Kitchen, someone said) and deck area.  We're not used to having different classes on a ship, but for us, maybe seeking some peace and quiet sometimes it may be worth the extra cost.  Does any cabin called a suite have access to CK and the suite lounge?

 

Deck 8 sounds attractive for access to many things.

 

Someone asked what our previous cruise experience is - we started when I retired in 1999 with P&O (a British cruise line, now owned by Carnival), then switched to Princess, tried one Cunard cruise, and lately have been with Seabourn and Oceania.  We always try to find cruises with a maximum number of sea days and few ports - we just love life on board.   We know are are very fortunate to have been to so many places all over the world and we are not inclined to rush ashore on an excursion - been there, done that.  I'm not boasting - we know we are lucky - but we just love life on board a ship (and someone else does the cooking, washing up, cleaning the cabin.....)

 

Symphony of the Seas Caribbean cruises are only 7 or 8 days and we would treat this as a taster....

 

thanks for all your helpful input.

[truffles2]

  Does any cabin called a suite have access to CK and the suite lounge?

Junior suites have access for dinner on a space available basis.

 

Deck 8 sounds attractive for access to many things.

This is our favorite deck.

 

When this class ship first came out, we were most hesitant....not wanting all those people, blah, blah.  Then we decided to try it just once --just to see what it was all about.  Now that is our "go to class"  when booking a ship.  A week is really not enough to experience everything.  Truly it does not seem "crowded".

[Ourusualbeach]

1 hour ago, Brissle said:

Does any cabin called a suite have access to CK and the suite lounge?

Grand suites and above have full access to the suite lounge and coastal kitchen while Junior suites as mentioned above only have access for dinner on an “as space permits” basis. 

[kwokpot]

I'm going to be the contrarian and recommend you try a Celebrity Cruise on a The Celebrity Silhouette or Equinox in Retreat Class. 

[firefly333]

2 hours ago, Brissle said:

Thanks everyone - what a great selection of replies.

This will all be a great help to us.       

We will certainly enjoy trying the "upmarket" restaurants and i have already noted several that have been mentioned here.

I did discover somewhere, about the cabins that are called suites, having access to a separate lounge, bar, restaurant (Coastal Kitchen, someone said) and deck area.  We're not used to having different classes on a ship, but for us, maybe seeking some peace and quiet sometimes it may be worth the extra cost.  Does any cabin called a suite have access to CK and the suite lounge?

 

Deck 8 sounds attractive for access to many things.

 

Someone asked what our previous cruise experience is - we started when I retired in 1999 with P&O (a British cruise line, now owned by Carnival), then switched to Princess, tried one Cunard cruise, and lately have been with Seabourn and Oceania.  We always try to find cruises with a maximum number of sea days and few ports - we just love life on board.   We know are are very fortunate to have been to so many places all over the world and we are not inclined to rush ashore on an excursion - been there, done that.  I'm not boasting - we know we are lucky - but we just love life on board a ship (and someone else does the cooking, washing up, cleaning the cabin.....)

 

Symphony of the Seas Caribbean cruises are only 7 or 8 days and we would treat this as a taster....

 

thanks for all your helpful input.

You said you hadnt experienced separate classes on ships. I see you tried cunard, has it changed? They used to have separate meals by what I considered class. Coastal kitchen some like some dont like every meal. Lots of threads on it. If you pay the extra for unlimited pay dining, which discounted pre cruise can run up to $200 pp you might want to mix it up. 

 

The suite lounge has wine and beer during the day on that class, starting about 11 am. Mixed drinks during the evening. So depends how much you drink and if you are at the pool if you want to pay for the mixed drinks pkg too. I hardly drink even the free stuff, so I wouldnt get both. 

 

The 150 cp mentioned above used to be a favorite but the menu changed so idk. Wonderland mentioned above many say do it one night and done. Quit a show, but seems few want it every night. Me I'd skip the italian, but many like it. I like izumi. 

 

Check your cruise planner about a year out for sales. 

 

I've done junior suites, but they dont have suite lounge access. Mostly just a larger cabin with a bathtub, but not considered a suite for perks.

 

 

[George C]

We love rccl suites and there perks, normally book grand suites, large suite with large balcony and nice bathroom with double sinks , perks includes suite restaurant and lounge, we still book the drink package and have most meals in specialty restaurants, you can buy a package to have all meals in specialty which we have for out next cruise. Suite concierge can help with any issues. 

[Biker19]

8 hours ago, Brissle said:

we started when I retired in 1999 with P&O (a British cruise line, now owned by Carnival), then switched to Princess, tried one Cunard cruise, and lately have been with Seabourn and Oceania.

Considering your cruising experience, I agree with @kwokpotabove with perhaps trying Celebrity instead of RCI. The problem with Symphony is that anything in the fleet afterwards might be a let down and her itineraries don't seem to fit with your needs.

[Brissle]

We hadn't considered Celebrity - know nothing about them.

We only started looking at Symphony of the Seas because of a conversation with our TA.

Yes we realise that this is only a very short cruise (we usually do 21 days or more) but we consider it a "taster" as I said.  We will probably spend time on board on most port days, so the lack of sea days won't matter in this case.       Maybe we should try a taster on Celebrity as well, sometime.

 

Yes we had discovered that Cunard have a "Class" system - top grade cabins have access to a separate restaurant, so I guess that is just the same as here.  But that is the only other ship we have found that.

And we only went with them once.

 

The comments have been really helpful - we are more encouraged to try this out.

At the moment - all other things being equal, as they say - we are considering an 8 day Caribbean cruise from Miami in December - it just happens that we will be in Miami at the right time.

 

Thank you everyone for such constructive comments.

[sgmn]

2 hours ago, Biker19 said:

Considering your cruising experience, I agree with @kwokpotabove with perhaps trying Celebrity instead of RCI. The problem with Symphony is that anything in the fleet afterwards might be a let down and her itineraries don't seem to fit with your needs.

I haven't done Celebrity yet, our first got cancelled last year. But one of the reasons why we continue to book RC cruises are the amazing shows, and the Symphony class has the biggest and the best shows.  This class also has a pretty big range of specialist restaurants, though the food in the 'included' restaurants is pretty good. Central Park is a lovely green space to walk through or enjoy music in the evening.  My one complaint with this class of ship is that the itinerarys aren't as interesting in my opinion as some of the smaller ships in the fleet, maybe because they are too big to get into some ports.

Edited March 16, 2021 by sgmn

[JBSteelerfan]

3 hours ago, Brissle said:

We hadn't considered Celebrity - know nothing about them.

We only started looking at Symphony of the Seas because of a conversation with our TA.

Yes we realise that this is only a very short cruise (we usually do 21 days or more) but we consider it a "taster" as I said.  We will probably spend time on board on most port days, so the lack of sea days won't matter in this case.       Maybe we should try a taster on Celebrity as well, sometime.

 

Yes we had discovered that Cunard have a "Class" system - top grade cabins have access to a separate restaurant, so I guess that is just the same as here.  But that is the only other ship we have found that.

And we only went with them once.

 

The comments have been really helpful - we are more encouraged to try this out.

At the moment - all other things being equal, as they say - we are considering an 8 day Caribbean cruise from Miami in December - it just happens that we will be in Miami at the right time.

 

Thank you everyone for such constructive comments.

 

Since you will be taking time to fly over to the US, you might consider a back 2 back on Symphony so you have 2 weeks to enjoy everything on that ship.  While that size of ship isn't our favorite, it is definitely worth experiencing all that it offers at least a time or 2.

 

Also, since you like longer cruises (as do we) you could add a Celebrity cruise either before or after your time on Symphony.  Symphony cruises out of Miami and Celebrity out of Fort Lauderdale, and those ports aren't very far apart.  Might as well get as much bang for your buck on the flights to and from! 

[Sun and Fun]

We will be sailing Star Class (with the Royal Genie) on Symphony next January. Star class includes the deluxe beverage package and the Unlimited Dining package for all the specialty restaurants.

 

We are especially excited for:

Izumi - Japanese with Hibachi style cooking

Hooked - Seafood

Jamie's Italian

Chops Steakhouse

Wonderland - just to try it

 

Some say that Johnny Rocket's has good breakfast. We will probably eat in the Suite Lounge - Coastal Kitchen once or twice. We will probably have our Genie deliver breakfast from Coastal Kitchen every morning to eat on our deck. There is also a Starbucks on board that my daughter is excited for.

 

Search on You Tube for ship tour videos - there is an excellent one on the Symphony of the Seas that walks you through the entire ship.

[Oceansaway17]

On 3/15/2021 at 1:17 PM, Brissle said:

Hi everyone,

 

We are a retired UK couple who have been cruising for 20 years.

We usually choose small ships, but our TA has told us that we should try the Symphony of the Seas if only once, just for the experience.

He knows that it's not our normal type of cruise, but says that we should try it.  We do understand that this ship is designed for family activities, but will take pleasure from watching the young folk trying all the sports!

So where do we start?  We have never cruised with RCI.

Can anyone tell me where we can discover answers to all our questions?

E.g. - if we choose a suite cabin with sea view balcony, which deck and where on the ship is best to be located? / are all meals included or are there supplements to pay - can we purchase a buy-out package? (We do enjoy good food in good surroundings) / can we get a package for all-inclusive drinks? 

We'll be grateful for any advice - it will be wonderful when we are able to start cruising again.

 

 

 

 

Oh my where do I begin.  Well Oasis class ships are the very best.  Well laid out, lots to do are just watch others. Many restaurants, and great shows.  But also very nice art work in all of the stairwells. Do not over look wandering around the ship and looking at the beauty and the lay out of the ship.

Front of the ship has great views and so does the back. Nice place to walk at night is Central Park area but do not overlook the Boardwalk area. 

 

Also I know show need reserving, but they have plenty of variety or times, and standby usually gets in most of the time.

Here is my favorite photo from Harmony of the Seas.  real live plants in central park area.

 

and nice artwork in stairwells

 

 

 

[Oceansaway17]

I suggest you go onto You Tube where you will find many videos posted of all the Oasis class.

I have done allure and Harmony and I hope to be on Symphony this come November is all the stars align with vaccines and CDC and whatever else.

 

good luck.  Once you have been on an Oasis class, you won't find another ship that is so diverse and exciting, well maybe Quantum Class.  

[vacationlover_mn]

We are in our 40’s, but have no kids, and basically act like 60 year olds.  We love oasis class, and everything they offer 🙂

[MightyMike]

22 hours ago, kwokpot said:

I'm going to be the contrarian and recommend you try a Celebrity Cruise on a The Celebrity Silhouette or Equinox in Retreat Class. 

 

I was thinking the exact same thing. If you are ready for something different, then go ahead with Symphony. There should be plenty to do. The "neighborhood" design of the ship reduces crowds, but sometimes you just can't hide the fact that there are thousands of other people on the ship with you. You are just one of the 6,000 there--all trying to make the most of their vacations.

 

Our last cruise was aboard Celebrity Summit. Drinks were included as a perk. Premium coffee was always quickly available at Cafe al Bachio. Buffet food was on par with what was offered in the dining room. There were no silly cash towel deposits. I was never on a cruise with fewer lines. We practically walked right on the ship. There were no lines at port. It just had those touches that made us feel special. It sometimes got boring at night and the shows were ho-hum, but the laid-back experience worked for us.