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Cruise · 2018 · Royal Caribbean's  
Symphony Of The Seas



Barcelona - Palma - Marseille - La Spezia - Civitavecchia - Napoli - Barcelona

   Royal Caribbean's  Symphony Of The Seas  is the biggest cruise ship in the world !

 
'Symphony Of The Seas' berthed in La Spezia :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 23may2018 1848CEST (La Spezia)
 

 
Symphony Of The Seas  The Ship
 
 
 
  • IMO 9744001
  • MMSI 311000660
  • Call Sign C6DF6
  • Registered in Nassau ⁄ Bahamas
  • First Cruise 31 March 2018
  • Passengers 6680
  • Staterooms 2759
  • Crew 2400
  • Crew ⁄ Stateroom 0.87
  • GT 228081
  • GT ⁄ Stateroom 82.7
  • Length 1184ft / 361.01m
  • Beam Hull 155.5ft / 47.42m
  • Beam Superstructures 218ft / 66.45m
  • Draft 30.6ft / 9.32m
  • Height 236ft / 71.93m (a.s.l.)
  • Diesel Engine Power 98MW
  • Speed 25kts
 
  • 20 Restaurants
  • 15 Clubs & Bars
  • Bionic Bar
  • Carousel
  • Casino
  • Conference Center
  • Kids Area
  • Theater 1400 Seats
  • Aqua Theater 600 Seats
  • 14 Pools
  • 7 Slides
  • 2 FlowRider Surf Simulators
  • Basketball Court
  • Ice Skating Rink
  • Miniature Golf Course
  • Rock Climbing Wall
  • Wellness & Fitness Center
  • Zip Line
 
Data Sources: RCI / DNV GL / Ship-Technology / MT / Wikipedia
 

Currently, 'Symphony Of The Seas' is the biggest cruise and passenger ship in the world, operated by 'Royal Caribbean', the biggest cruise line, founded in 1969. She has 3 slightly smaller sister ships. Together with 'Harmony Of The Seas', some innovations have been added like the dry slides at the stern, and the more spacious 'Solarium', as well as some new technological features, like the air lubrication system for example, it makes 'Symphony Of The Seas' much more fuel efficient. With this newest ship of the 'Oasis Class', 'Royal Caribbean' combines many features here from the slightly smaller 'Quantum Class', which is Made in Germany. 'Symphony Of The Seas' was floated out from her dry dock in Saint-Nazaire France on 09th June 2017 at 05:30am, and entered service on 31st March 2018, after 2 years of construction time. 'Symphony Of The Seas' cost about $1 billion.

Over the past 2 decades, 'Royal Caribbean's ships have been the biggest cruise ships in the world again and again. Countless innovations have been introduced by the company over the years. The size of the ship offers many opportunities and also an extensive and award winning entertainment program. The language spoken on board is English. Guests who are familiar with the American Way Of Life, will certainly feel at home on board 'Royal Caribbean's party ships. I chose 'Symphony Of The Seas' because of the ship itself, to experience the size and all the features of this ship class again.

 

 
Booking - 7 Nights  'Western Mediterranean Cruise'  with  Symphony Of The Seas
 
 
 

I booked about 4˝ months before departure at the cruise agency of a German cruise forum I'm member of. It was the official cruise 2018 of the forum. The agency offers personal service, I could select the stateroom of my choice, and I even only had to pay the full fare about 5 weeks before departure, without any previous advance payment. All other issues like the online checkin were easily settled by myself on the 'Royal Caribbean' website. The 'Guest Vacation Documents' were sent to me by the agency with eMail 4 weeks before departure day. Additional offers like beverage and internet packages, excursions and other things could be purchased online on the website of 'Royal Caribbean' up to 3 days before departure.

 

 
The Cruise  Day 1 - Sunday 20th May 2018 - Barcelona   ... - 06:00pm
 
 
 

As always, I flew in on the day before cruise departure day. Barcelona, this great Catalán capital presented itself with sunshine and moderate temperatures. I had a long siesta and left the hotel in the evening, walked to and sat for a while at Rambla De Mar, my favorite place in Barcelona, watched the cruise sail ship 'Star Flyer' leaving the harbor. There were many big luxury yachts in the marina, the historical one called 'Nero' attracted my special attention. Unfortunately, the sun had vanished behind clouds, a small taste of the many clouds that were predicted for the first days of the cruise.

After I had spent the unexpectedly sunny morning of the cruise departure day with sightseeing in Barcelona, I took a taxi to 'Moll Adossat Terminal B' from my hotel in downtown Barcelona, where I arrived at 11:50am, it got stuck in a traffic jam on the access road to the pier. Within the next 5 minutes, I had prepared my rolling suitcase with the baggage tag provided from the cruise line and handed it over to the porter. I passed the security at 12:00pm, was handed out a health form, filled it in, and at 12:07pm, I lined up in the queue for CheckIn. There were masses of travelers, but just 6 minutes later, I received a stamped 'SetSail' pass at the CheckIn, after presenting my passport and credit card. Everything went very quickly, including the security picture that was made of me. I passed the 'Duty Free' area, the photo wall and found many passengers doing selfies, blocking the way to the ship up the escalator. At 12:19pm, a check of my 'SetSail' pass was made at the gangway and another one 2 minutes later, after I had entered 'Symphony Of The Seas'; only 30 minutes of embarkation procedure; a new record? I could have been at my interior stateroom #428 on deck 9, but when I arrived there at 12:24pm, access doors to the stateroom area were closed with a sign 'Staterooms Will Be Ready At 1pm'. I instead had a first meal in the 'Windjammer Marketplace' buffet restaurant, it was as great as expected.

Caribbean sounds, live music on the pool deck, while I was taking a long sunbath, only some high clouds moved by. A 'Willkommensgespräch' for all German speaking passengers was offered in German language over the loudspeakers, announced just 15 minutes before it started at 04:30pm.

Shortly after I returned my pool towel at the 'Towel Station' desk on deck 15 near the main pool, the 'SeaPass' card was required for obtaining and returning towels, restaurants and bars were about to close already. And when I returned to my stateroom shortly after 04:00pm, I found my baggage in front of the door. I then took a look into the minibar, it was working and cool inside, but empty. I later talked to the stateroom steward about it, he offered to fill the minibar with beverages, if I would wish it.

At 04:15pm, an announcement for the security drill, information about the sea protection program, smoking and fire protection regulations. 15 minutes later, crew members went calling through the aisles and hang 'Evacuated' tags at doors of every empty stateroom. Elevators were blocked by other crew members. I was directed to the 'Royal Theater', my muster station. The security drill started at 04:45pm, a demonstration of life vest handling was shown, a greeting video from the captain without sound was played on both the big screens, followed by an artful 'James Bond'-like movie, showing security information. Amidst it, the sound switched on, and the final greeting video from captain Rick Sullivan again also played with sound. The show was for English speaking travelers, with very short written and spoken information in some other languages at the end, directing attention to the security videos on the TV screen in the staterooms, available in different languages.

Cruise director Michele Scarpato made an announcement at 05:45pm, officially declaring all passenger being on vacation now, as always in English and Spanish languages, finishing with 'Ciao Ciao!' Big 'Symphony Of The Seas, departed at 06:17pm, pushed herself away from the pier, sailed backwards to the turning circle, turned and left the harbor of Barcelona at 06:54pm. Mobile LTE internet access was available until shortly after 08:00pm. The sunset vanished behind clouds and mountains later, while I had dinner in the 'Windjammer Marketplace'.

 

 
After departure from Barcelona :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Departure Barcelona · 20may2018 1857CEST (N41°18-E002°11)
 

 
The Cruise  Day 2 - Monday 21st May 2018 - Palma De Mallorca   08:00am - 04:00pm
 
 
 

Grey clouds covered Palma De Mallorca, when 'Symphony Of The Seas' sailed into the harbor at 07:40am, she docked 25 minutes later at the new 'Cruise Terminal 6'. A light cold wind blew from the sea, when first passengers left the ship shortly before 08:30am. There were no long queues at both the gangways, but a very long security drill for the crew in the morning, with disturbingly loud alarm signals, they even let the life boats down into the water on the starboard side of the ship.

I had no plans for an excursion, I knew Palma De Mallorca very well meanwhile from previous visits, the port time was short and the weather was not suitable for photography. Though, I left the ship for a walk to the famous 'Catedral De Mallorca' 'La Seu' along the big marina at 11:28am, after I had a mixed breakfast and lunch in the 'Windjammer Marketplace'. I could have taken the public bus 'Línea 1' from 'Escola De Nàutica' for €1.50, to where it is a walk of 900m from the cruise terminal, instead of walking the entire 6kms to 'La Seu', but I preferred to walk along the marina. 'Royal Caribbean' offered a shuttle bus service from the terminal to downtown Palma De Mallorca, close to 'La Seu', €10.00 for the return ticket, last bus from town departed at 02:45pm.

On the way, I suddenly saw some words written on the pedestrian walk: "Stop Cruises!", and just seconds later, a public bus drove by with a big advertising: "Do you have a home to sell? We know a lot of frozen Scandinavians!" There were some sunny moments on the way, and it was nice to be there again, 'La Seu' is an architectural gem, indeed.

I skipped the option to return with the public bus from stop 'Avinguda De L'Argentina', walked the way back to the terminal, where I arrived at 02:32pm and was back in my stateroom just 10 minutes later, after passing the security and boarding checks very quickly.

At 04:07pm, 'Symphony Of The Seas' departed from Palma De Mallorca, set backwards out of the harbor, turned and sailed away from the capital of the Baleares. At 05:00pm, we had a cruise forum meeting in the 'Schooner Bar'. I met some of the forum members, the team of the forum and the editors of 2 other cruise websites for the first time. The meeting dissolved after already 75 minutes, since nearly everybody had some dinner arrangements. LTE mobile internet access was possible until 07:30pm. The sky had cleared and the sun was shining in the evening.

 

 
'Symphony Of The Seas' departs from Palma De Mallorca :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Departure Palma De Mallorca · 21may2018 1626CEST (N39°33-E002°39)
 
 
After departure from Palma De Mallorca :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Departure Palma De Mallorca · 21may2018 1645CEST (N39°30-E002°38)
 
 
View on the northwestern cliffs of Mallorca with 'Parc Natural De Sa Dragonera' :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Departure Palma De Mallorca · 21may2018 1825CEST (N39°40-E002°16)
 
 
Last view on Mallorca :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Departure Palma De Mallorca · 21may2018 1849CEST (N39°46-E002°21)
 
 
Sunset behind clouds :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Sunset · 21may2018 2052CEST (N40°19-E002°47)
 

 
The Cruise  Day 3 - Tuesday 22nd May 2018 - Marseille   09:00am - 18:00pm
 
 
 

The sunniest region of France welcomed 'Symphony Of The Seas' with a cloud covered sky and light rain. The ship turned first, entered the harbor thereafter at 08:42am, and eventually berthed near terminal 'Marseille Cruise Terminal B' at 08:53am, first passengers left the ship 12 minutes later. The satellite image did not look well for my planned afternoon sightseeing and photography tour in Marseille.

I left 'Symphony Of The Seas' from deck 2 at 01:00pm and walked to the free shuttle bus 'Navettes Croisières', where I arrived after just 10 minutes. According to my observations, the free shuttle bus did not depart every 20 minutes as shown on the schedule table at the bus stop. The driver checked the 'SeaPass' card and the bus then departed at 01:50pm for a 14 minute long and very bumpy journey to the city center of Marseille, which is actually located within the harbor area at some sort of a backyard. The passageway is at a small gate with check point near the public bus stop 'Terrasses Du Port' opposite of the German consulate, diagonally across from Place De La Joliette. 'Royal Caribbean' offered a shuttle bus service from the cruise terminal to the city center for $18.00 return.

What a beautiful city Marseille is at the touristic hot spots, many old buildings in Art Nouveau and masses of sail boats in Vieux Port. A light rain set in, while I was walking to 'Palais Du Pharo', surrounded by a park with a spectacular view over the city. For a very few minutes, the sun looked through the clouds and illuminated the famous 'Cathédrale De La Major'.

I left Pharo at 03:50pm, and walked back to the 'Navettes Croisières' stop, where I arrived at 04:30pm. A free shuttle bus was already waiting, I jumped in and the bus departed only 2 minutes later for another very bumpy tour of 12 minutes, it has started to rain again meanwhile. Giant 'Symphony Of The Seas' docked there at the pier in her full length, very impressive! I was back at the cruise terminal at 04:53 pm, passed security, the checks and eventually arrived in my stateroom only 7 minutes later.

With the rain and without sunshine, it was another more or less lost cruise day. About 3 months later, I returned to Marseille at best possible weather for 2 days and got a deeper insight to the city, the 2600 years old town, known as 'Massilia' to the ancient Romans.

At 06:14pm, 'Symphony Of The Seas' departed from Marseille. Mobile LTE internet access was available until 07:00pm, sometimes even for each a few minutes in the following hour. Swallow birds circled over the pool deck, while the sun set between clouds. After dinner in the 'Windjammer Marketplace', I watched the great Aqua Show 'HiRO' with good and loud music, the show got deserved standing ovations.

 

 
Panoramic view on Marseille with 'Cathédrale De La Major' and 'Fort Saint Jean' in August :
Marseille Panorama · 15aug2018 1801CEST (Marseille)
 
 
After departure from Marseille with Les Îles Du Frioul :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Departure Marseille · 22may2018 1856CEST (N43°14-E005°16)
 
 
Sunset between clouds :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Sunset · 22may2018 2045CEST (N42°52-E005°57)
 

 
The Cruise  Day 4 - Wednesday 23rd May 2018 - La Spezia   08:30am - 08:30pm
 
 
 

At 07:40am, 'Symphony Of The Seas' entered the harbor of La Spezia. I was making photos from the bridge wings, Portovenere had some early sunlight. Big 'Symphony Of The Seas' docked at 08:22am in the industrial harbor of La Spezia, passengers left the ship 20 minutes later. I did so at 09:03am from the aft gangway, after making some photos on deck.

The mandatory and free 'Cruise Bus' departed at 09:09am for a journey of 6 minutes to the 'Terminal Crociere Di La Spezia'. I asked staff in the terminal about the last departure back to the ship in the evening, the first woman said "7:00pm", a second one I asked said "7:30pm", not less than 1 hour before departure.

I left the 'Cruise Terminal' at 09:22am for a walk of 23 minutes to La Spezia Centrale and proceeded to the 'Cinque Terre Point', access from the platform, where I waited a half an hour in the queue. The obviously multilingual lady gave extensive advice to every traveler; so, I kindly interrupted her, since I had already checked the internet at home. I purchased a 'Cinque Terre Card' for €16.00, valid 24 hours from being stamped like a usual train ticket. Travelers also have to write their name on it. It offers many things, including multiple use of the trains between La Spezia, Levanto and all intermediate stops.

The train of 'TrenItalia' departed at 10:28am and arrived just 22 minutes later at Monterosso, the northernmost one of the UNESCO World Heritage Park Cinque Terre villages, with a Castello on top of a hill. Many tourists at the station and along the village, not far away from congestion, but very relaxed. Blue sky and sunshine, just some cumulus clouds over the mountain range, finally sun. 'La Statua Di Nettuno' was hidden behind a scaffolding. I walked along the riviera to Monterosso Al Mare and made many photos of the beautiful scenery.

Travel times between the villages by train are short, only a few minutes always, and most of the track is in tunnels. I arrived at 12:48pm in Vernazza and enjoyed Bella Italia once again, a lovely small village with trattorias, a marina, very Italian, very charming, and thus very populated with tourists.

To get to the next village, I purchased a ticket for €10.00 at the small Navigazione Golfo Dei Poeti sales point next to the pier in Vernazza. The boat company issues a schedule, but departures may be late. At 02:25pm, boat 'Cinque Terre' departed for a very scenic journey along the Cinque Terre coast and arrived 20 minutes later in Riomaggiore. On the way, the only village of the 5 without a pier, but situated on a hill, called Corniglia was passed. Riomaggiore is a nice small Italian town, fragrant citrus products like soap, lemon candy and the famous Limoncello are being offered in stores. A dream of Italy!

I arrived at 04:07pm in Manarola, after just very few minutes by train, the world famous, most scenic and most beautiful of the 5 villages. Situated on a small rocky peninsula, colorful houses orientated northwards elevate uphill. I therefore got to Manarola at last, and late in the afternoon, the sun moved westward and began to illuminate the impressive scenery. The few cumulus clouds were behaving nice, and so it was a very beautiful finish of my Cinque Terre visit.

I took the train at 06:03pm back to La Spezia, where I arrived 11 minutes later, walked to the 'Cruise Terminal, took the 'Cruise Bus' to the ship, went through the checks, security on board this time, and was back in my stateroom at 07:06pm. Everything went very quickly without waiting. After 08:00pm, there were still 'Cruise Bus'es arriving, by the way. A wonderful and so sunny day in Cinque Terre was over and will be in my mind forever.

At 08:35pm, 'Symphony Of The Seas' pushed herself away from the pier and left the harbor 32 minutes later. Mobile LTE internet access wasn't possible from then, by the way, 'Symphony Of The Seas' sailed straightly to the open seas, heading southwest.

 

 
'Symphony Of The Seas' arrives in La Spezia :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Arrival La Spezia · 23may2018 0721CEST (N44°02-E009°52)
 
 
View on Portovenere :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Arrival La Spezia · 23may2018 0733CEST (N44°03-E009°52)
 
 
At the harbor entrance of La Spezia :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Arrival La Spezia · 23may2018 0738CEST (N44°04-E009°51)
 
 
View on Cinque Terre village Monterosso Al Mare :
Cinque Terre Monterosso Al Mare Panorama · 23may2018 1154CEST (Monterosso)
 
 
View on Cinque Terre village Vernazza :
Cinque Terre Vernazza Porticciolo · 23may2018 1356CEST (Vernazza)
 
 
Cinque Terre with view on village Corniglia from motorboat :
Sea · Cinque Terre · Panorama Corniglia · 23may2018 1432CEST (N44°07-E009°42)
 
 
Cinque Terre with view on village Riomaggiore from motorboat :
Sea · Cinque Terre · Panorama Riomaggiore · 23may2018 1443CEST (N44°06-E009°44)
 
 
View on Cinque Terre village Manarola :
Cinque Terre Panorama Manarola · 23may2018 1748CEST (Manarola)
 
 
In August I returned to Manarola and was granted this view after sunset with planet Mars :
Cinque Terre Panorama Manarola · 26aug2018 2040CEST (Manarola)
 
 
View on Portovenere after departure from La Spezia :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Departure La Spezia · 23may2018 2112CEST (N44°03-E009°52)
 
 
'Symphony Of The Seas' leaves La Spezia :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Departure La Spezia · 23may2018 2115CEST (N44°02-E009°52)
 
 
After leaving Golfo Della Spezia with planet Venus and lighthouse :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Departure La Spezia · 23may2018 2125CEST (N44°00-E009°51)
 

 
The Cruise  Day 5 - Thursday 24th May 2018 - Civitavecchia   07:00am - 08:00pm
 
 
 

Giant 'Symphony Of The Seas' entered the harbor of Civitavecchia at 06:24am without turning first, instead, she sailed straightly towards the new 'Cruise Terminal', where she a docked little bit offset at 06:50am. My travel documents showed an arrival time of "7:00am", the daily 'Cruise Compass' said that the gangways would be open at 07:30am. I filled in the 'Departure Questionnaire', where I chose 'Express Departure' and left it in the stateroom for the steward. That meant that I would take my baggage off the ship on my own in Barcelona, within the time frame of 06:00am to 08:00am.

Friendly staff directed me to the aft gangway, which still was not open at 07:23am, and after waiting valuable minutes, I was eventually off the ship, but had to wait again for a free shuttle bus of Port Of Civitavecchia which finally departed at 07:50am for a bumpy journey of 10 minutes to 'Largo Della Pace', the bus stop for all cruise shuttle buses. I asked staff for the departure of the last shuttle bus back to the ship in the evening, she looked to her schedule and said "6:00pm", I replied that this is 2 hours prior to departure of the ship, she then said "7:00pm". Well, I rushed to the train station, arrived there after about 20 minutes of a fast walk, just to see, that a train had just departed and that the following one was delayed by 20 minutes, another 40 valuable minutes wasted by waiting, and I would show up in Roma much later than planned. I purchased a ticket to Roma Ostiense for €4.60 at the machine with credit card and PIN.

The 'Regionale Veloce' train of 'TrenItalia' departed at 09:04am for a 65 minute ride to Roma Ostiense, scheduled departure was 08:42am. I felt that the train tried to reduce delay, it really was very fast, but later it even lost more time with waiting at stations. I arrived at 10:09am in Roma Ostiense, a delay of 33 minutes. I sat in the last car of the train, that shortened the way to the metro station 'Piramide', which is signposted, leading through long underground corridors. The old ticket machines sell single tickets at €1.50 for example, accepting coins and notes. Tickets can be purchased in advance and in bulk, and they are also usable in buses, but must be stamped. I took the next metro line 'B' heading 'Jonio/Rebibbia' to 'Colosseo', where I arrived at 10:25am, by far more than 3 hours after arrival in Civitavecchia.

Roma was full of people, masses of tourists were congesting the hot spots of the city. Astonishingly, river Tevere rushed like a wild water, and that was really interesting, since the town suffered a bad drought not even a year ago. It did even rush 3 months later, when I was back again in Roma, by the way. I visited some monuments I haven't seen before and once again enjoyed one of my favorite places on earth, La Città Eterna, the heart of the Roman Empire.

At 12:35pm, I entered the metro line 'B' heading 'Jonio/Rebibbia' to 'Termini' changed there to line 'A' heading 'Anagnina' and got out at station 'Suburbana', after 20 minutes from 'Colosseo'. My excursion plans included the 'Acquedotti' and the 'Via Appia Antica', southeast of downtown Roma.

The 'Acquedotti', or the rest of it, stretches some few 100m parallel to and north of the 'Via Appia Antica'. It is in walkable distance of 1250m from the metro station, but the way from the 'Acquedotti' to 'Via Appia Antica', is much longer, I used my offline app 'Maps.Me' and the GPS function of my smartphone for guidance on the walk of 2900m to the most interesting part of the 'Via Appia Antica' of about 1200m length heading northwest from Via Erode Attico, which features about a dozen of ancient tombs and longer sections with historical street stones of the roman road, with deep furrows in the big stones here and there.

At 03:35pm, I decided that it is time to return to downtown Roma, walked another 1500m in 20 minutes to the bus stop 'Appia Pignatelli Almone'. A bus of ATAC line '118' came after just a few minutes of waiting at 04:02pm, and the very bumpy journey to Piazza Venezia in downtown Roma took 24 minutes. Tickets cannot be purchased on buses, but I still had one taken with me from Roma and stamped it after entering the bus.

I had some rest and something to drink on the 'Piazza Del Campidoglio', and later took the metro line 'B' heading 'Laurentina' back to Roma Ostiense, from where the regional train departed on time at 05:38pm. I was back in Civitavecchia punctually at 06:42pm, rushed to 'Largo Della Pace' within just 16 minutes, got the last shuttle bus at 07:09pm, was at the ship 8 minutes later, passed checks as well as security on board and eventually arrived in my stateroom at 07:26pm. This was about 2 hours from Roma on the way back to the ship, a little more than half the time I needed to get from the ship to Roma in the morning.

What a wonderful place on earth this town is, magnificent, though of the flaws, that come with irresistible Italian charm. I returned to the ship totally exhausted, and I really had nerve straining situations with transportation and congestion sometimes, but I will get back soon!

Fascinating 'Symphony Of The Seas' pushed herself away from the pier at 08:23pm, turned, left the harbor 20 minutes later and sailed southeast to the open sea. LTE mobile internet access was available until 10:00pm. 'The Greatest 80's Party Ever!' raved on the 'Royal Promenade' in the evening with all the good music from the past.

 

 
Roma Via Appia Antica :
Roma Via Appia · 28aug2018 1151CEST (Roma N41°50'27.50 E12°31'59.15)
 
 
Sunset in Civitavecchia :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Sunset · 24may2018 2026CEST (N42°06-E011°46)
 
 
After departure from Civitavecchia :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Departure Civitavecchia · 24may2018 2047CEST (N42°07-E011°44)
 

 
The Cruise  Day 6 - Friday 25th May 2018 - Napoli   07:00am - 08:00pm
 
 
 

The ship entered the harbor of Napoli at 06:05am, turned and berthed at 'Stazione Marittima' 33 minutes later. Captain Rick Sullivan made an announcement at 07:07am, the gangways would be opened.

I left 'Symphony Of The Seas' at 03:16pm after I had a sunbath, just for a visit of Napoli. I had been to Pompei 2 years ago during the harbor stay of 'Harmony Of The Seas', and to beautiful Costiera Amalfitana and Capri last year for 3 days.

I first took a look to 'Piazza Del Plebiscito' and then went up the main shopping road Via Toledo. The viewpoint at Via Minucio Felice is some kilometers west of downtown Napoli in Mergellina. To get there was somewhat of an Italian adventure with metro, TrenItalia and the Funicolare, purchasing tickets, trying to find the right way without signs and maps in the stations. The Funicolare did not stop at the intermediate stations, thus I had to walk down from the upper station to the viewpoint. On the way down, I discovered another viewpoint in Via Orazio. However, I decided to walk all the way back to the ship along the waterfront, instead of taking any public transport and was back at 'Stazione Marittima' at 06:48pm.

At 08:16pm, 'Symphony Of The Seas' pushed herself away from the pier and left the harbor 20 minutes later. LTE mobile internet access was available until 09:30pm, even later with interruptions sometimes. For lunch and dinner, ice cream was offered in the 'Windjammer Marketplace', a bar full of different special cakes was presented additionally this evening, staff was helping guests with cutting the giant cakes.

I was a lucky one in the evening, I could get into the 'Royal Theater' for the preview of the brand new show 'Flight' without having a necessary reservation. Seats of no shows were offered for guests without a reservation a few minutes before start of the musical style show with really good music and performance, moving and emotional moments, a journey through history of aviation and space. Astronauts and aircraft flew over the stage, and since the history was presented backwards, the Wright Flyer flew through the entire 'Royal Theater' as the highlight at the end of the show, what a moment! It was actually the premiere of the 'Flight', and it received standing ovations.

 

 
View on Napoli from 'Belvedere Via Orazio' with volcano Vesuvio in the background :
Napoli Panorama Belvedere Via Orazio · 25may2018 1720CEST (Napoli)
 
 
After departure from Napoli :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Departure Napoli · 25may2018 2041CEST (N40°49-E014°17)
 
 
In Golfo Di Napoli with planet Venus after sunset :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Departure Napoli · 25may2018 2055CEST (N40°46-E014°16)
 

 
The Cruise  Day 7 - Saturday 26th May 2018 - Sea Day
 
 
 

When I got up on this sea day, mobile LTE internet access was already available, from 08:15am until shortly before 10:00am, even later with interruptions. 'Symphony Of The Seas' was sailing in the Strait Of Bonifacio. I had breakfast and a long sunbath, it was sunny all day long, high clouds moved by in the evening.

For lunch, the 'Windjammer Marketplace' presented the biggest burger of all times, about 30 centimeters high and with some dozens of layers with cheese, salami and other things that belong to a decent burger. At 02:00pm, we had our forum meeting with live podcast, and an hour later, I could experience another premiere, the new show in the 'Aqua Theater' called 'Aqua Nation', I liked 'HiRO' more, though there were about the same spectacular stunts and jumps into the water from the high tower. Cruise director Michele Scarpato let introduce the show members by themselves, people from all over the world.

In the evening, the 'Windjammer Marketplace' thanked the cruise guests for dining with a glass of Champagne, wished all the best, asked for applause if guests were satisfied, and they received it. Chocolate was served individually at the table. The service in the buffet restaurant was outstanding.

The 'Aqua Theater' was occupied by soccer addicts watching a match on both the big screens at enormous noise in the evening. Mild temperatures, actually it was warm after sunset, weak wind on my last walk over deck, through the 'Central Park' and on the 'Boardwalk'.

 

 
Heading the Strait Of Bonifacio :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Strait Of Bonifacio · 26may2018 0819CEST (N41°22-E009°37)
 
 
'Symphony Of The Seas' navigates to the Strait Of Bonifacio :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Strait Of Bonifacio · 26may2018 0847CEST (N41°22-E009°27)
 
 
'Symphony Of The Seas' in the Strait Of Bonifacio :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Strait Of Bonifacio · 26may2018 0851CEST (N41°22-E009°25)
 
 
View on Italian island Sardegna :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Sardegna · 26may2018 0903CEST (N41°20-E009°20)
 
 
View on French island Corse :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Corse · 26may2018 0906CEST (N41°20-E009°19)
 
 
'Symphony Of The Seas' passes Corse :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Corse · 26may2018 0919CEST (N41°17-E009°14)
 
 
'Symphony Of The Seas' passes Sardegna :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Sardegna · 26may2018 0921CEST (N41°17-E009°13)
 
 
View on the fairway :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 26may2018 1715CEST (Fairway)
 
 
Another sunset behind clouds :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Sunset · 26may2018 2050CEST (N41°34-E004°46)
 
 
The last evening on 'Symphony Of The Seas' after sunset with planet Venus :
Cruise · Symphony Of The Seas · Sunset · 26may2018 2157CEST (N41°31-E004°24)
 

 
The Cruise  Day 8 - Sunday 27th May 2018 - Barcelona   05:00am - ...
 
 
 

The ship entered the harbor of Barcelona at 04:40 and docked at the terminal 40 minutes later. I had a last breakfast and made a final last walk over the sun deck, left my stateroom at 08:30am and was in front of the terminal 10 minutes later. For the 'T3PortBus', I waited 20 minutes, it got stuck in a traffic jam on the access road to the pier and thus needed 10 minutes for the journey to Rambla De Mar. I then took the metro to Plaça Catalunya and the 'AeroBus' to the airport, where I arrived at 10:05am after a ride of 20 minutes with it.

This was a wonderful cruise on an absolutely outstanding ship and one of the greatest travel experiences in my life!

 

 
Conclusion - 7 Nights  'Western Mediterranean Cruise'  with  Symphony Of The Seas  1640nm
 
 
 

Single traveler on '7 Night Western Mediterranean Cruise' with 'Symphony Of The Seas'. I chose this cruise to experience this class of cruise ships once again, and because it was the cruise of a German cruise forum I'm member of.

Embarkation - That was efficient and quickly done by friendly staff. I was already on board the ship before my stateroom was ready by 01:00pm, so I could enjoy all public areas and lunch in the meantime. The baggage arrived in front of my stateroom door within 3 hours after boarding; I don't know the exact time since I was taking a long sunbath on deck.

Security Drill - It was held in the 'Royal Theater' for my me, no life vests to put on, a demonstration was shown, followed by a greeting movie featuring the captain and an artful 'James Bond'-like movie, the sound switched on amidst that movie. The show was held in English language, pointing out the availability of other languages on the TV screens in the staterooms.

The Ship - Well, gigantic, great, extraordinary, exciting, well designed, spacious and new, as expected from my previous cruise with 'Harmony Of The Seas', 2 years ago. Real plants and trees in the 'Central Park'! Very few situations of congestion or waiting. Orientation on board is very good, finally maritime terms like port and starboard in the staircase halls, as well as direction signs to aft and forward. The very fast and quickly available elevators signalized up and down in colors green and red, and there is always a 'Gangway' and 'Close Door' button. Announcements were mostly made in English and Spanish languages. The pool and sun deck areas are very spacious with many sun loungers bound together in rows. Free sun loungers were available even on the sea day. Lifeguards permanently supervised the pools, stood at the rims and watched every swim move of the guests. There is also a big pool and fun area for the kids. The giant ship plowed gently through the sea with nearly no vibrations, and since the sea was calm, no rolling and pitching as well.

Crew And Staff - They were always friendly, nurturing, took care of everything, but not in an intrusive way. My room steward did a good job, left a towel animal on my bed every second evening. American way of communication and dealing with things here, salutation by first name and 'Sir', which might be unusual for a German traveler. Information in German language was provided not perfectly, but useful for those who depend on it.

Dining - I'm a buffet cruiser, and I noticed that the 'Windjammer Marketplace' buffet restaurant had reduced opening times in the evening until 09:15pm; but nobody was thrown out, many guests sat until 10:00pm, and it was also possible to get something to eat and beverages included in the cruise fare after the official closure time. Variety and quality was throughout very good, with astonishing surprises every day. The choice of included beverages also was good. Food labels in the 'Windjammer Marketplace' buffet restaurant were in English language, various Indian cuisine was offered always, and many guests from India even ate with their fingers. Guests had to wash their hands before entering the buffet restaurant, and the observance of the ritual was supervised by funny and entertaining reception staff. The background music was mostly pleasant, and it was always possible to get a free table, very few situations of congestion. Staff was very attentive, even went around with tablets, offering lemonades and juices or other things. Dress code casual, also at other locations like the 'Park Café', the 'Sorrentos' and the 'Café Promenade', snacks and included beverages were available all day. Stepping on the stairs up to the 'Windjammer Marketplace' was like playing piano, very funny.

The Guests - A remarkable proportion of passengers from Far East and India, lots of people from Spain and Germany. The German language was number three in the ranking, behind English and Spanish. Of course, lots of guests from North America were travelling with the ship, very internationally, together with crew, actually from everywhere in the world. I did not notice bad or questionable behavior, always easy going and relaxed American way of live! From my observation, the ship is kid friendly, and I also saw people in wheel chairs and with rollators.

Shore Excursions - This is something I usually organize on my own. In Civitavecchia, disembarkation was pulled into length, and arrival or gangway open times of the ship generally were not meant to be taken too seriously in my eyes. Returning to the ship from excursions was never a problem, no long queueing up. Last departure times of possible mandatory shuttle buses were conflicting with reality, even by asking local staff, correct information was hard to obtain.

Entertainment - So many activities and so much entertainment was offered, so less time to enjoy it all within a week. Very big gym and spa areas, and the best running track around the ship that someone can expect on the seas. Hailing from the German musical capital of Hamburg, I have never visited any musical before in my life, but had the chance to get into the premiere of 'Flight', even without a reservation, and the show was absolutely great, as well as both the shows in the 'Aqua Theater', called 'HiRO' and 'Aqua Nation'. Other events took place nearly 24/7 on the 'Royal Promenade', and music was almost everywhere, live Caribbean sounds in the afternoon on the pool deck, and throughout always to my taste. The bars and lounges were well frequented with events, live music and dancing.

Shopping - Some few luxury shops and repeated promotion and sales events on the 'Royal Promenade'. Few offers of typical duty free, some vending machines with various accessories and care products. The 'Royal Gift Shop' is small, sweets were offered in a shop on the 'Boardwalk'. There is also a travel agency where you can book your next cruise, a discount flyer was delivered to my stateroom.

Internet - From previous cruise with 'Harmony Of The Seas', I knew that internet access by VOOM was fast and working like a charm everywhere on the ship anytime. I connected my smartphone to 'Royal-WiFi', tried to open a homepage of my choice, the 'VOOM' site appeared with the offer to 'Purchase Wi-Fi', where I had to type name, year of birth and stateroom number. On the same page, I had to choose a username and password, but then decided against a package. Land based LTE internet access did not work inside my interior stateroom in the middle of the ship, but was available on deck and in the 'Windjammer Marketplace'. Most of the time I needed internet, it was available via land based LTE internet on that route.

Disembarkation - I could take my baggage off the ship on my own, as I prefer it. There was no congestion or waiting worth mentioning. The board account was correct and the billing was made in the currency I desired.

Thank you very much 'Royal Caribbean', for making this a great cruise again with so many unforgettable moments on an extraordinary and great ship 'Symphony Of The Seas'!

 

 
Symphony Of The Seas  Extérieur
 
 
 
The 'Aqua Theater' after the show 'Aqua Nation' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 26may2018 1545CEST (Exterieur Aqua Theater)
 
 
The 'Aqua Theater' at night after the show 'HiRO' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 23may2018 2338CEST (Exterieur Aqua Theater)
 
 
The 'Aqua Theater' at night :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 2053CEST (Exterieur Aqua Theater)
 
 
View up from 'Boardwalk' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 26may2018 0933CEST (Exterieur Boardwalk)
 
 
The 'Boardwalk' with Carousel :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 1128CEST (Exterieur Boardwalk)
 
 
View down on 'Boardwalk' and 'Ultimate Abyss' slides at night :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 21may2018 2236CEST (Exterieur Boardwalk)
 
 
View up from 'Boardwalk' at night :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 22may2018 2145CEST (Exterieur Boardwalk)
 
 
The 'Boardwalk' with 'Ultimate Abyss' slides at night :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 2105CEST (Exterieur Boardwalk)
 
 
The 'Central Park' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 1122CEST (Exterieur Central Park)
 
 
In the 'Central Park' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 26may2018 0929CEST (Exterieur Central Park)
 
 
View down to the 'Central Park' and the funnels :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 26may2018 1554CEST (Exterieur Central Park)
 
 
View down along the 'Central Park' with funnels :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 26may2018 1557CEST (Exterieur Central Park)
 
 
View down on 'Central Park' to aft at night :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 21may2018 2225CEST (Exterieur Central Park)
 
 
View down on 'Central Park' forward at night :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 21may2018 2229CEST (Exterieur Central Park)
 
 
In the 'Central Park' with living plants and trees at night :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 22may2018 2234CEST (Exterieur Central Park)
 
 
Another view along 'Central Park' at night :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 22may2018 2237CEST (Exterieur Central Park)
 
 
View up to forward in 'Central Park' at night :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 22may2018 2240CEST (Exterieur Central Park)
 
 
The 'Central Park' at night with Moon :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 22may2018 2249CEST (Exterieur Central Park)
 
 
View on the forward staircase hall with pool decks :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 26may2018 0922CEST (Exterieur Miscellaneous)
 
 
View on the aft staircase hall in the dusk with funnels :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 23may2018 2108CEST (Exterieur Miscellaneous)
 
 
View on the forward staircase hall in the dusk :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 24may2018 2056CEST (Exterieur Miscellaneous)
 
 
View on the forward pool deck area in the dusk :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 24may2018 2058CEST (Exterieur Miscellaneous)
 
 
View on a 'FlowRider' and the funnels after sunset :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 24may2018 2050CEST (Exterieur Miscellaneous)
 
 
'Symphony Of The Seas' pool deck at night view forward :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 21may2018 2200CEST (Exterieur Pool Deck)
 
 
'Symphony Of The Seas' pool deck at night view to aft :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 21may2018 2203CEST (Exterieur Pool Deck)
 
 
Another view on pool deck to aft at night :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 21may2018 2217CEST (Exterieur Pool Deck)
 
 
The pool deck view to aft :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 23may2018 0842CEST (Exterieur Pool Deck)
 
 
The pool deck view forward :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 23may2018 0844CEST (Exterieur Pool Deck)
 
 
The pool deck midsection :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 26may2018 0859CEST (Exterieur Pool Deck)
 
 
The 'Splashaway Bay' kids area :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 23may2018 0847CEST (Exterieur Pool Deck)
 
 
Another view on 'Splashaway Bay' kids area :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 23may2018 0848CEST (Exterieur Pool Deck)
 
 
The 'Mini Golf' area :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 23may2018 0852CEST (Exterieur Pool Deck)
 
 
The 'Ultimate Abyss' entrance in the throat of the black devil anglerfish :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 23may2018 0851CEST (Exterieur Ultimate Abyss)
 
 
The 'Ultimate Abyss' entrance in the throat of the black devil anglerfish at sunset :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 22may2018 2049CEST (Exterieur Ultimate Abyss)
 

 
Symphony Of The Seas  Intérieur
 
 
 
The 'Royal Promenade' view from forward staircase hall :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 0545CEST (Interieur Royal Promenade)
 
 
The 'Royal Promenade' view to forward :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 0549CEST (Interieur Royal Promenade)
 
 
'Sorrento's on 'Royal Promenade' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 0550CEST (Interieur Royal Promenade)
 
 
View down on 'Royal Promenade' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 0556CEST (Interieur Royal Promenade)
 
 
View along 'Royal Promenade' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 0557CEST (Interieur Royal Promenade)
 
 
View through the elevated 'Rising Tide Bar' on 'Royal Promenade' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 0559CEST (Interieur Royal Promenade)
 
 
View on 'Royal Promenade' through the elevated 'Rising Tide Bar' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 0601CEST (Interieur Royal Promenade)
 
 
View up aft staircase atrium at 'Boardwalk' entrance :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 0602CEST (Interieur Royal Promenade)
 
 
The upper level of 'Royal Promenade' with 'Shore Excursions' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 0605CEST (Interieur Royal Promenade)
 
 
The 'Bionic Bar' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 0607CEST (Interieur Royal Promenade)
 
 
View up forward staircase atrium at 1400 seat 'Royal Theater' entrance :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 0610CEST (Interieur Royal Promenade)
 
 
The 'Royal Promenade' with view up to 'Central Park' glass roof :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 1134CEST (Interieur Royal Promenade)
 
 
The 'Royal Theater' after the show 'Flight' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 2259CEST (Interieur Royal Theater)
 
 
View on the 'Royal Theater' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 25may2018 2306CEST (Interieur Royal Theater)
 
 
The 'Solarium' above and behind bridge at sunset :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 26may2018 2027CEST (Interieur Solarium)
 
 
The 'Solarium' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 26may2018 2033CEST (Interieur Solarium)
 
 
The 'Solarium' above and behind bridge at night :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 21may2018 2142CEST (Interieur Solarium)
 
 
Symphony Of The Seas' multipurpose 'Studio B' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 26may2018 1357CEST (Interieur Studio B)
 
 
Symphony Of The Seas' 'Windjammer Marketplace' buffet restaurant :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 26may2018 1737CEST (Interieur Windjammer Marketplace)
 

 
Symphony Of The Seas  Stateroom
 
 
 

My interior stateroom #428 on deck 9 had a king size double bed, bedside tables, couch, closets, commode, table and chair, big mirror, a small safe for valuables, an empty but cool minibar - the cabin steward offered to fill it up -, sockets for US and EU plugs, as well as an USB socket to charge electronic devices, telephone, and a big flat screen TV for access to cruise related information, as well as some few international television channels in different languages.

Bathroom with shower, separated by a swinging door instead of a curtain, gel dispenser, toilet, big mirror, small washbasin, towels and flannels.

Appearance was well cared and clean. I slept well on the bed, the room was quiet, no annoying loud speaker announcements. The daily plan 'Cruise Compass' with all necessary information was delivered to my stateroom in German language, but was also available at the 'Guest Services' in other languages.

 

 
'6V Interior Stateroom' #428 on deck 9 midships forward :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 20may2018 2211CEST (Stateroom9428)
 
 
149ft² (13.85m²) stateroom with private bathroom suitable for 2 guests :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 20may2018 2226CEST (Stateroom9428)
 
 
Cruise route displayed on TV screen in stateroom :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 27may2018 0800CEST (Stateroom9428)
 

 
Symphony Of The Seas  Photos
 
 
 
Back in Barcelona for vessel spotting :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 23sep2018 1704CEST (Barcelona)
 
 
Best weather contrary to arrival day :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 23sep2018 1705CEST (Barcelona)
 
 
'Symphony Of The Seas' is the 4th ship of the 'Oasis Class' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 23sep2018 1708CEST (Barcelona)
 
 
Royal Caribbean's 'Symphony Of The Seas' is registered in Nassau Bahamas :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 23sep2018 1710CEST (Barcelona)
 
 
The 'Ultimate Abyss' slides go 10 decks down to the 'Boardwalk' :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 23sep2018 1713CEST (Barcelona)
 
 
Close up with 'Symphony Of The Seas' from 'Las Golondrinas' harbor cruise in Barcelona :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 23sep2018 1715CEST (Barcelona)
 
 
'Symphony Of The Seas' is huge but still elegant in a futuristic way :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 23sep2018 1717CEST (Barcelona)
 
 
'Symphony Of The Seas' departs from Barcelona :
Symphony Of The Seas · IMO9744001 · 23sep2018 1838CEST (Barcelona)
 

 
Symphony Of The Seas  Links
 
 
 

  Symphony Of The Seas - www.royalcaribbean.com

  Symphony Of The Seas - www.royalcaribbean.com - Deck Plans

  Popular Cruising - Symphony Of The Seas - Tour & Review  Video 00:37:01

 

 
Symphony Of The Seas  Cruise Critic Review by JMHamburg
 
 
 

  Great Cruise on Symphony Of The Seas!