The Symphonic Debut

As cruise vacations continue to gain momentum, the Royal Caribbean’s newest Oasis-class fleet, Symphony of the Seas, sails straight to the top of the industry with its shipshape facilities and on-board entertainment.

- Tan Xi Voon

For the longest time, oceans and rivers have taken a back seat to advanced land and air transportation as the primary access to travel destinations. But with cruise travel turning a corner from the stereotype of being a sector meant only for the well-heeled and the retired, things are gradually picking up for the waterways.

In fact, the popularity of cruise holidays is growing so much that most lines are building new ships to accommodate the market growth. The latest (and hottest) fleet that emerges from this boom is the Symphony of the Seas. Conceived to appeal to families, the seafaring newbie seems to be doing a marvellous job so far, coaxing both the grey pound and younger holidaymakers to get on board.

THE COLOSSUS OF THE SEA

Symphony’s appeal is hard to miss, thanks to its imposing figure. As the newest title holder of the world’s largest cruise ship, it makes a huge impression at 1,188 feet long (almost the total length of four football fields) and a gross tonnage of 228,081 (about five times more than the Titanic)—a size most of us struggle to frame in the photos. Naturally, a volume upgrade makes for a higher carrying capacity; with 2,759 staterooms aboard, the ocean behemoth can accommodate 5,518 passengers at double occupancy (up to a maximum capacity of 6,680 passengers).

Those awe-inspiring numbers are just the beginning, of course. Being the fourth in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class series of ships means Symphony is designed to offer amenities and experiences as cutting-edge as her sisters, if not better. One can definitely expect a multitude of kid and adult-primed diversions on offer. It is outfitted with a zip line, an iceskating rink, a mini golf course, climbing walls, FlowRider surf simulators, a fullsize basketball court and glow-in-the-dark laser tag, just to name a few.