Symphony of the Seas began sailing in April 2018 with a week in the Mediterranean and was the world's largest cruise ship when she debuted. She measures 228,081 gross tons and carries 5,518 guests at double occupancy (6,680 maximum), with roughly 2,200 crew.
The ship follows the Oasis-class neighborhood plan: Central Park, the Boardwalk with its carousel and AquaTheater, the Royal Promenade, and a pool and sports deck packed with slides and surf simulators. She has spent most of her career on Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries from Florida.
Highlights
Ultimate Abyss
A ten-story dry slide that drops riders from the top deck down to the Boardwalk.
Twin FlowRiders
Two surf simulators so the lines move faster on sea days.
Laser tag
Royal Caribbean introduced glow-in-the-dark laser tag on Symphony.
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
A casual sports bar with games and screens.
Ultimate Family Suite
A two-deck suite with its own slide, designed for families.
Best for
- Active families with teens
- Travelers who want Oasis-class variety
- Sports fans who like a lively bar scene
Good to know before you book
- Symphony has 18 decks in total, 16 of which have guest areas.
- Sources disagree on her exact length, so we leave it off; she is roughly 1,185 feet long like her Oasis-class sisters.
- Laser tag and some activities need sign-ups; check the app on embarkation day.
Where Symphony of the Seas sails
Deployments change by season and year. Recent and announced itineraries include:
Symphony of the Seas questions
How big is Symphony of the Seas?
Symphony of the Seas measures 228,081 gross tons and carries 5,518 guests at double occupancy, up to 6,680 at full capacity, with about 2,200 crew.
When was Symphony of the Seas built?
She was completed in March 2018 and sailed her first cruise, a week in the Mediterranean, in April 2018.
What is the Ultimate Abyss?
It is a ten-story dry slide on Symphony of the Seas that starts high on the ship and ends on the Boardwalk neighborhood.
Sources and fact-checking (last checked October 14, 2026)
We write our own guides and check hard facts like fleet sizes, ship specs and published fees against these sources. Cruise lines change things often, so we re-confirm details in every quote. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
