Symphony of the Seas Review-Inaugural Sailing to Mexico

[lattegirl10]

Hello all, I'm just going to give a few tips and observations from my trip on 11-9-18-11/13.  So here are the things I wanted to know about for my trip and looked all over cruise critic but didn't see it. This is mostly for those of us that have an addiction to new Royal Caribbean Ships.

 

1) The new port is nice, embarkation was easy, but make sure you have your set sail pass and you have checked in online.  You will skip to the front of the line.  Also, the only priority boarding was for suite guest.

2) If you have a WOW band from Harmony or any of the new ships that use it, they have them available to re-program for free at the bar across from Starbucks on day 1 or you can buy it for I think $5. 

3) If you have cruised on Oasis before, you may be tired of the roast beef sandwich from Park Cafe on day 1, go to El Loco Fresh on I think deck 15.  The nachos, tacos, etc. were really good and they have a salsa/toppings bar which is really good.  We ate here several times.   

4) We were in an oceanview balcony on the 8th floor this time.  It seemed smaller to me , but maybe because we had a junior suite last time on the Harmony.  The significant feature in the room that may be overlooked is that the phone by the bed has a usb port on the side to plug your phone or device in.  So, both people in the stateroom can charge on both sides of the bed, as well as under the mirror by the desk.

5) The refrigerator was locked with a combination, so you will have to ask the steward to open it.

6) Don't forget to locate the room service door hangers and put it out on your door for morning refreshments.

7) We went to the main dining room on day , I had the salmon and it was really good.  The food was surprisingly good, we requested a window seat that was available after we saw our table and was accommodated right away.  The service was quick and the wait staff was friendly.  We had "My time Dining" reservations for 6:30 pm.

8) Hiro was awesome, but we didn't make our original show time and watched it from rocking chairs near El Loco Fresh and the teen club.  Best kept secret!!!

9) Flight was amazing!!!!!!! Didn't know what to expect, but wow what a show.  A MUST SEE!

10) The comedians were a riot.  Loved both, make sure you reserve for this so you can walk right in.

11) No area was super cold ( ladies, this is for packing purposes)

12) The Casino-  I play slots and was there every night, so ask me anything...... I did see a couple of handpays and people were winning on dancing drums and a few other slot machines.  I won and loss but had fun.  They had all new electronic games, which I didn't like.  Liked Harmony variety of slots more.

13) Jaime's Italian was awesome for lunch.  Reserve your dining options as soon as you get on the ship.  You will thank me.  

 

That's all for now, I'll check back in tonight.........................

 

 

[nelblu]

Nice initial review.  We will be on the Symphony in February.  You mentioned no priority boarding, does that mean that Paxs are not grouped by tier prior to boarding.

[Pratique]

1 hour ago, nelblu said:

Nice initial review.  We will be on the Symphony in February.  You mentioned no priority boarding, does that mean that Paxs are not grouped by tier prior to boarding.

They appear to be letting the suite guests on first when boarding begins, but I think that unless you arrive before boarding begins you will pretty much be able to walk right onto the ship after they check you in. 10-15 minutes tops.

[mcatmcat]

5 hours ago, nelblu said:

 You mentioned no priority boarding, does that mean that Paxs are not grouped by tier prior to boarding.

 

I dont think they want to get rid of that "perk" but at the same time they want to use the friction-less boarding I dont remember the exact name so it might make sense that boarding is no longer based on tiers. Im gonna wait for this Saturday when the regular 7 nights schedule beginning to see how it goes

[JerseyGem]

Thanks for the review and the tip about the usb ports.  We'll be in an oceanview balcony on deck 8 in January.    It looks like deck 8 will be convenient to many of the indoor activities (that is, not too many stairs to walk to get there).  Any other hints? Was  hand cream provided? Nightlight in the bathroom?

[lattegirl10]

Deck 8 was a great choice.  We usually get decks 9 and above but deck 8 will be our deck of choice for now on.  Yes there was a night light in the bathroom.  I didn't notice hand cream in the room. 

 

On a different note- I spotted 2 pets on this cruise.  One was riding the on the scooter of its owner without a vest or anything, poor thing had to sit there while its owner played in the casino with all the smoke.  And the other was sitting in a chair on the outside patio of chops having a romantic dinner with its owner.... 

 

I also noticed kids on deck 15 using the soda machines as water fountains after playing basketball by putting there mouth under the dispenser and wetting there hair and hands. 

 

I saw people in the Windjammer walk by the buffet lines and cough over the food without covering there mouth, so keep all of these things in mind when traveling.  

[JerseyGem]

16 hours ago, lattegirl10 said:

Deck 8 was a great choice.  We usually get decks 9 and above but deck 8 will be our deck of choice for now on.  Yes there was a night light in the bathroom.  I didn't notice hand cream in the room. 

 

On a different note- I spotted 2 pets on this cruise.  One was riding the on the scooter of its owner without a vest or anything, poor thing had to sit there while its owner played in the casino with all the smoke.  And the other was sitting in a chair on the outside patio of chops having a romantic dinner with its owner.... 

 

I also noticed kids on deck 15 using the soda machines as water fountains after playing basketball by putting there mouth under the dispenser and wetting there hair and hands. 

 

I saw people in the Windjammer walk by the buffet lines and cough over the food without covering there mouth, so keep all of these things in mind when traveling.  

Yuck!   I've seen similar situations on cruises (but not quite as bad as those basketball kids!).  Some people must leave their brains and morals behind when they go on vacation.  And I love dogs but can't imagine taking them on a cruise (excepting working dogs- seeing eye & true therapy dogs, etc.).    Having developed the noro-virus on a cruise years ago, I'm overly cautious now.  I try to avoid the buffet (or at least take my serving from the back of the food trays, away from the front where people cough, sneeze or sample).  

 

I'll pack hand cream.  Thanks!  Lynn  

[vacationlover_mn]

Thanks for your review!

[deliver42]

Thanks for your review. Going on the Symphony March 2, and can't wait. You have my mouth watering about El Loco.