Symphony of the Seas, 14-21 May

[Roselea24]

 

We've just returned from the Symphony of the Seas sailing 14-21 May out of Barcelona. We'd been on Symphony in April 2018 and cruised last year on the Odyssey of the Seas and on MSC Virtuosa. It was great to be back on an oasis class ship. 

 

SotS is showing some wear in comparison to the Odyssey but the entertainment on board is fantastic. The shows haven't changed but after 5 years, they still felt fresh. 

 

Crew were great. Service was very good. Playmakers was the only place where we had to wait for ages to be served- once inside and once outside. 

 

The food selection in the buffet isn't as good as it was, or on OotS last year but there was enough to choose from. No cereal anymore from Park Cafe but just went to buffet. Food was hot. Johnny Rockets breakfast very good. Solarium Bistro incredibly busy for breakfast the two days I popped in. 

 

We sailed in a GS and ate about half of our meals in CK. Both food and service was excellent. No issues with the cabin. 

 

RC suite benefits don't match MSC's YC and I think the food on MSC last summer was superior in both choice and quality, as well as the all day snacks available in the lounge, lift access and seating at shows. However, the entertainment isn't comparable at all. 

 

We've been to all the ports a number of times before so just wandered about. Weather wasn't great but the ship more than made up for it. 

 

Happy to answer any questions anyone travelling soon has but it was a fantastic week overall. 

 

 

[sgmn]

Also on same cruise. But in normal balcony cabin.  Agree shows,  especially Hiro, Flight and magic show were outstanding.  Hiro disappeared from my planner and I thought we had missed the chance as subsequent shows full, but got a great view from the public balcony overlooking the aqua stage. 

Food in MTD was OK but  nothing special, for instance no onion in the onion soup, very little veg (three mangetout for example one night). Our waiter also had a very large table in his area who took up a lot of his time and attention. 

Our main problem was I had prebooked Chops (over £60 each) for husbands birthday but it also disappeared from app planner. The wonderful diamond rep JJ managed to rebook it for us but we were then presented with a bill for $160.  I showed the manager of chops the email booking and payment on my online banking app but next day it still showed on our account. In the end I had to argue my case with customer services desk. Initially they said they couldn't do anything as had no record of payment. Thank goodness for online banking and access to emails I could prove payment. Later that day the charge disappeared. 

The Diamond Lounge was nice, never crowded, met some lovely people there.  Though the breakfast and evening snacks were not as good as previous cruises. 

Theme nights: one formal night, one 'dress to impress' , one white night and one Caribbean night

Edited May 24, 2023 by sgmn

[steve thfc]

Was on this cruise also. Food in mdr awful. Tough steaks, soups with no flavour, boring deserts.

 

Don't get why anyone would wear beach wear to formal night and why maitre d wouldn't at least speak to the guest and remind of the dress code. Otherwise rc should just scrap it and say every night is resort casual. No shorts, crocs, baseball caps or jerseys