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ROYAL CARIBBEAN ARABIA

• Destinations
• Brochure 23-24

REVOLUTIONARY ADVENTURE

Symphony of the seas, get ready for a perception remixing, memory maxing mic drop — the new symphony of the seas® is all that and more. it’s your favorite onboard hits, including the ten-story test of courage, ultimate abyss℠ and twin flowrider® surf simulators, plus revolutionary new firsts, like glow-in-the-dark laser tag. and deck-defying attractions aren’t the only things to look forward to when you sail onboard the newest cruise ship addition to the oasis class. symphony of the seas® is also loaded with delicious new ways to tempt your taste buds — like the gameday game changing playmakers℠ sports bar & arcade — and larger-than-life ways to stay, like the ultimate family suite. go get your thrill on..

THIS IS THE NEW SOUND OF FIRSTS

Get ready for revolutionary new firsts, like glow-in-the-dark laser tag, the gameday game changing playmakers℠ sports bar & arcade, and the ultimate family suite. this is the new sound of adventure, sailing from miami..

GAME CHANGERS

Glow-in-the-dark laser tag, two surf simulators and the tallest slide at sea? You’re going to want to bring your game face.

A FOODIE FANTASY

If you’re craving high-end eats, Symphony of the Seas® hits all the high notes. Fresh caught New England-style seafood, family style Italian from Jamie Oliver and much more.

MARQUEE SHOWS

Catch jaw-dropping performances on stage, ice, water and air with entertainment that transcends the stage — literally.

Or Contact our Reservations Team Middle East: +971 4 331 4299 Saudi Arabia Toll Free: 800 897 1419 Email: [email protected]

Go island hopping, or old world topping, postcard perfect caribbean shores, or history’s most storied european ports — the new wonder of the seas℠ puts the very best of both worlds within reach. eastern and western caribbean sailings from fort lauderdale begin march 2022, before the most epic euro-touring season ever kicks off may 2022..

A MEDITERRANEAN SUMMER’S DREAM

Knock your bucket list out of the park with a Western Mediterranean cruise. Indulge in culinary delights in Italy, marvel at monuments in France and soak up the sun on the Spanish seaside. And now bring the whole family for a week of memory maxing adventures from Rome or Barcelona onboard Symphony of the Seas® — rated the best cruise ship by Travel Weekly readers in 2021.

DISCOVER PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

Located in The Bahamas, this newly-reimagined Royal Caribbean private destination has pulled out all the stops. Perfect Day at CocoCay unveils brand new spaces to unwind, like the tranquil sun-drenched shores at Chill Island, plus record-setting thrills like the tallest waterslide in North America and the largest wave pools in the Caribbean.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN FUN

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Symphony of the Seas Cruise Guide

The enormous 5,518-passenger Symphony of the Seas has everything you could possibly think of onboard, like a 9-deck-high zipline, The Ultimate Abyss - the tallest slide at sea, a laser tag arena, and two Flowrider surf simulators and much more. Perfect for the whole family, kids can enjoy Splashaway Bay, the three waterslides at The Perfect Storm water park, and the fun and interactive kids clubs, while parents might seek out the adults-only solarium or enjoy a walk through the tree-lined Central Park neighborhood concept. Everyone will love the flavorful and fun Mexican fare at El Loco Fresh, and the Broadway entertainment at the Royal Theater is not to be missed.

Best Symphony of the Seas cruise deals

4 night Caribbean

7 night Bahamas

7 night caribbean, discover your symphony of the seas cruise, what is a symphony of the seas cruise like.

Symphony of the Seas cruises are among the largest cruise lines in the world. There are a variety of different ships that take you to beautiful and fascinating destinations around the world. You’ll find a variety of different experiences, including premium cabins with balconies, special dining options, and more. You can choose different lengths of stay, with the most popular being between 5 and 7 nights. Some Symphony of the Seas cruises also offer exclusive perks such as exclusive shore excursions or onboard discounts. Whether you’re looking for an entertaining trip with fun for all ages, or a romantic getaway, there is a Symphony of the Seas cruise vacation that’s right for you.

When is the best time to book a Symphony of the Seas cruise?

While there are no strict rules for when exactly to book, the earlier you book, the more likely you are to come across great cruise deals. In general, if you’re travelling far away then 12 to 18 months is the best time to book your cruise. This will give you the most options to select your cabin, experience, and book any necessary flights. Most travelers usually book a Symphony of the Seas cruise 6 to 12 months in advance. You’ll still find affordability for your destination, and you don’t leave the anticipation for your vacation too long. Symphony of the Seas does offer last-minute cruises at a range of prices and availability depending on your destination and dates.

How can I find the best Symphony of the Seas price?

You can find cheap cruise deals for Symphony of the Seas on Expedia easily. First, think about the itineraries and additional features you want. You can filter results based on amenities, cabins, experiences, and prices to find the one that best suits your budget.

How to book your Symphony of the Seas cruise?

Expedia provides a straightforward cruise booking process to make it as easy as possible to reserve your vacation. You can search by cruise ship type, itinerary, duration, and departure port. You can also filter your results by price, amenities, and area of the world. After making any necessary changes or checking availability, simply click ‘Book’ and complete your reservation.

What to look out for when booking your cruise on Symphony of the Seas?

When looking at Symphony of the Seas cruises, it's important to keep in mind multiple factors that go into choosing a cruise. These include the length, whether you prefer a smaller or bigger ship, and departure ports. Also consider who is travelling with you, as this will influence the type of cabin you choose and what activities you choose to do on board and ashore. You can choose from several types of cabins depending on your Symphony of the Seas cruise ship including ones with sea views and balconies.

Can I cancel my Symphony of the Seas booking?

Yes. Expedia does offer you the option to cancel your Symphony of the Seas cruise. You can do so by going to the My Trips page and clicking on the cancellation button. There is also the option to contact customer service to cancel your cruise. Be aware that each cruise has different refund policies. Usually, if you cancel early then you’ll receive a better refund.

Why should I book a Symphony of the Seas cruise with Expedia?

Booking Symphony of the Seas cruise with Expedia is an excellent option for travellers who want a high-quality, enjoyable, and reliable experience to suit a range of budgets. You can book easily thanks to the convenient booking tools. Use the cruise finder and filter options to find the best cruise deals. Expedia also provides you with information about each cruise ship so that you can pick the one that fits your needs. You can also join the Rewards Membership to earn points for future trips.

When booking an eligible cruise as a One Key TM member, you will earn OneKeyCash TM .

This is our rewards currency which you can use to save on eligible bookings across Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo. The more you book on our three brands, the more perks you'll unlock.

* OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo .

Because you also need to rest between adventures, Symphony of the Seas offers an extensive cabin selection. The four main types of cabins—inside, oceanview, balcony, and suite—each includes different room configurations for every type of traveler. From inside cabins with virtual balconies to suites with spectacular views and luxurious amenities, Symphony of the Seas has a room for every taste and budget.

Onboard Activities

On Symphony of the Seas, a new level of vacation adventure waits for you. Between 9-deck-high zipline; the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea; two Flowrider surf simulators; and the world’s largest glow in the dark laser tag arena, your chances to get bored are minimum. Thrill-seekers can scale the 40-foot climbing wall or discover the trio of waterslides at The Perfect Storm waterpark while Kids can explore Splashaway Bay.

Get ready to be spoiled with all the dining options that you will encounter at Symphony of the Seas. For a whimsical experience you should make a stop at Wonderland, a restaurant not only gorgeous for its décor but also for the attention to detail in every single dish that is served.

Hooked, is the seafood restaurant aboard the Symphony of the Seas and it's became the favorite of many Royal cruisers, with an extensive seafood menu, you will find something appealing to your taste.

Bars & Lounges

At Symphony of the Seas you will have the option to enjoy your night in your own terms. You don't need to dress fancy to enjoy your beer, you can visit the Playmakers Bar & Arcade, the perfect place to catch up with last match while enjoying a cold beer.

For a more out-of-this-world experience, don’t forget to visit the new Bionic Bar®, even if you don’t want a drink, it’s fun to watch the two Robotic bartenders preparing and serving cocktails.

Entertainment

Symphony of the Seas has it all! From comedy shows to musical productions and much more. The entertainment aboard this ship was designed specifically for guests that value variety and the opportunity to have one-of-a-kind experiences.

The Aqua Show, presented in the AquaTheater, features different dancers, divers and swimmers from different parts of the world. You can also join the crew of “1977” and enjoy the incredible ice-skating show at Studio B.

From cooking demos to dance classes, skating lessons to movie screenings, there’s always something happening on this beautiful ship.

Spa & Fitness

The fitness center is equipped with treadmills, stationary bikes, weights, and other equipment. You’ll have no excuses to miss your daily workouts. You can also take advantage of the jogging track in deck 5 and enjoy the run overlooking the open sea

Let the staff at Vitality Spa soothe your body, smooth your skin and send your mind to sensory heaven. The Day Spa offers an array of cultural therapies designed with stone therapy, deep tissue massages, reflexology, seaweed wraps, and paraffin wax treatments.

Kids & Teens

Symphony of the Seas offers the cruise line’s top-rated Adventure Ocean Program, for kids ages 3 to 11, specially designed to blend educational activities with just plain fun. Your kids will learn about local customs, create cool science experiments; and most importantly, make new friends. Families can also participate together in fun activities like ice skating, karaoke, talent shows, bingo tournaments, and family disco.

Onboard Shopping

It’s shopping time! Visit the shops at Symphony of the Seas and find the biggest designer names. Browse brand name stores such as Coach® and Guess® Accessories, and shop fashion and footwear from trendy brands. Check out the wide array of artwork, giftware, collectibles, and luggage.

Royal Caribbean Ships

• Anthem of the Seas
• Empress of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Spectrum of the Seas
• Jewel of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Serenade of the Seas
• Brilliance of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Adventure of the Seas
• Radiance of the Seas
• Grandeur of the Seas
• Voyager of the Seas
• Vision of the Seas
• Explorer of the Seas
• Rhapsody of the Seas
• Enchantment of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas

More Cruise Lines to Explore

• AmaWaterways
• Avalon Waterways
• Azamara Club Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Costa Cruise Lines
• Crystal Cruises
• Cunard Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Seabourn Cruise Line
• Uniworld River Cruises
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• Viking River Cruises

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Fuel supplement may apply. Savings advertised are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates, and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings.

I've stayed in 3 types of rooms on cruises, and the cheapest was never worth it. Here's what to book instead.

• I'm a frequent cruise traveler who's stayed in a variety of onboard accommodations.
• The least expensive rooms have no view and are usually cramped, especially if shared by a family.
• Splurging on a higher-category cabin on my last cruise was the best decision I made.

Automatically booking the cheapest room on a cruise ship without doing proper research first can ruin a trip. 

As someone who's been going on cruises for over 10 years, I've learned that the price tag for these vacations can vary based on a number of factors — from cruise line to trip duration to room category.

Staying in the most standard-level cabin seems like an obvious way to keep costs down. But after trying out three different room categories, both with and without my kids, I've found that a ship's least expensive option is almost never worth it.

Based on my experience in three different cruise-room categories, here are the ones I recommend skipping and the ones I recommend splurging on.

Interior staterooms are limited in space and privacy

The standard (and least expensive) room on any cruise ship is typically called an inside or interior stateroom.

These cabins often sleep three to four people and are located in the middle of the ship, with no exterior view of the vessel's surroundings. 

I've stayed in interior staterooms on a Carnival Cruise Line ship and a Disney Cruise Line ship . Aside from different decor styles and a few small touches, this room category is fairly standard across the board. 

When I'm on a cruise, I like to wake up and open my curtains to look at the ocean or the port where the ship is docked , which isn't an option in these inward-looking cabins.

Apart from having no view, interior staterooms are very small. The exact square footage varies but, for reference, the Disn ey Fantasy cruise ship's interior stateroom is 169 square feet and a Royal Caribbean ship's version is around the same size at 164 square feet .

To put those numbers into perspective, standard hotel rooms in the US are, on average, around 330 square feet , almost double the size of the entry-level cruise accommodation.

I want to be able to maneuver around without tripping over luggage, accent furniture, or my own family members. And because of the lack of space in interior staterooms, that's a challenge.

This category is definitely the most economical option, making it ideal for travelers on a budget .

However, if families, especially ones traveling with teens, can swing an alternative, they should steer clear of cramming into an interior stateroom and opt for a category with more space and privacy.

Ocean-view staterooms provide slightly more space but can still feel cramped

The next category up is usually an ocean-view stateroom.

With an outward-facing window, ocean-view staterooms are a solid mid-tier option for travelers who want more space than an interior stateroom offers but don't want to spend extra for a balcony room.

Their exact size and capacity range from ship to ship, but Disney Fantasy's ocean-view staterooms are 204 square feet , and Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas' version is 179 square feet .

Many of these accommodations fit up to five people. If you have more than four family members (yes, infants who are six months and older are part of the headcount), making the jump from an interior stateroom to an ocean-view stateroom is absolutely worth the extra money.

Some cruise lines sell ocean-view rooms as the entry-level category for families of five or more travelers , simply because many interior staterooms can only accommodate a maximum of four guests.

My top pick is balcony staterooms, which offer privacy and plenty of space 

Balcony staterooms, also known as veranda staterooms, are usually the largest accommodation option you can get without concierge service or extras.

I recommend this category to all travelers setting sail in the future for one reason: the private balcony.

You can open your curtains and enjoy the sights outside, similar to the experience of staying in an ocean-view stateroom. But in this room type, you can step out onto a balcony and take in the sounds and smells, too. 

The rooms' sizes and capacities depend on the ship, but balcony staterooms are usually larger than ocean-view staterooms and tend to sleep up to five guests . Even if the rooms' living spaces aren't substantially bigger, they have the added space of the veranda. 

Including the terrace, balcony staterooms on the Disney Fantasy are 246 square feet and are between 214 square feet to 279 square feet on Princess Cruises' fleet.

When my family stayed in a balcony stateroom on a seven-night cruise, we made great use of the outdoor space. On a shorter cruise, where the balcony itself might not get as much use, I would still book this category for my family.

The upgrade was completely worth the price increase, especially because we were traveling with two sets of grandparents .

To make the most of the balcony staterooms, we even turned our individual verandas into one large terrace by having our steward remove the partitions between rooms. 

This story was originally published on May 25, 2022, and most recently updated on February 5, 2024.

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Royal caribbean vs. carnival: quick comparison chart.

Decide which line is best based on costs, food, onboard entertainment and other key factors.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line have quite a bit in common.

Trying to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival for your next cruise? Check out the comparison chart below, then read on for more details.

Winner: Royal Caribbean

When it comes to fleet size as well as the features available on cruise ships, Royal Caribbean has an edge over Carnival Cruise Line. That's because Royal Caribbean already has 28 ships in operation, including its incredible Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships. Oasis Class vessels like Allure of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are some of the largest in the world – and Royal Caribbean Group is constantly rolling out new, even bigger cruise ships with better amenities and new features. For example, the new Icon of the Seas (scheduled to debut in 2024) plans to have the largest water park at sea, the largest swimming pool at sea, and a range of over-the-top cabins and suites for families of all sizes.

Meanwhile, Carnival currently operates 25 different vessels with a few more on the way. Newer ships like Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia aren't as large and grand as Royal Caribbean ships, nor are the brand-new vessels the company is planning for late 2023 and 2024. For example, the new Carnival Jubilee that is set to begin sailing later in 2023 will have 15 passenger decks and capacity for up to 6,631 guests, compared to 18 guest decks and 7,600 passengers on Icon of the Seas.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

SBW-Photo | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Comparing cabins across cruise lines as a whole isn't an easy feat, mostly because companies tend to offer larger suites and cabins with a better layout on their newer ships . You'll therefore likely have a nicer cabin on one of Carnival's newest vessels compared to an older ship from Royal Caribbean, and of course the opposite is also true. Cabin sizes and layouts also vary widely across the vessels of both brands, and that's true even for basic interior, ocean view and balcony cabins.

That said, Royal Caribbean still comes out ahead in this category, since the line boasts more square footage in some of the most basic cabins as well as more over-the-top luxury accommodations, especially for families.

As an example, most inside cabins on Allure of the Seas feature 172 square feet of space, whereas Carnival Celebration's inside cabins are slightly smaller at 158 square feet. Meanwhile, the largest suites on Celebration are the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite, with 1,120 square feet of space including the balcony, and the Carnival Excel Aft Suite, which has 861 square feet of interior and balcony space. Compare those options to the Sky Loft Suites on Allure of the Seas, which feature 1,132 square feet across the room and balcony, and the spacious two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites with 1,595 square feet including the balcony.

Book a cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Winner: Tie

Food options vary widely across vessels within any cruise brand, and this is especially true with Royal Caribbean and Carnival. For example, older ships from both cruise lines offer fewer specialty dining options overall along with the main dining rooms and buffet options cruisers come to expect, whereas newer ships from both lines feature a lot more unique and innovative options.

When you view the cruise dining options from both lines, you'll quickly find that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean pull out all the stops when it comes to food. For example, Carnival ships include a range of eateries from large and expansive buffets to main dining rooms to unique offerings like Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. Meanwhile, specialty dining on Carnival vessels features options like teppanyaki, Emeril's Bistros at Sea and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse.

Royal Caribbean ships feature convenient buffets and main dining room experiences, as well as included options like pizza kitchens, noodle bars and casual fast food. Specialty dining on Royal Caribbean ranges from the brand's Chef's Table experience to Johnny Rockets' burgers and shakes to innovative fine dining at Wonderland.

Drink packages

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer drink packages that cruisers can purchase as part of their vacation to get a more all-inclusive feel . Then again, the value of these packages depends on how much you drink over the course of your trip. Also note that the cost of drink packages across all cruise lines can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, travel dates, length of trip and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out slightly ahead in this category because the line offers three tiers of drink packages for guests with different needs. Choose from the Classic Soda Package; the Refreshment Package, which includes soda along with coffees, juices and even milkshakes at Johnny Rockets; and the Deluxe Beverage Package, which adds in beer, cocktails and wine by the glass. Meanwhile, Carnival offers just two different drink packages: the Bottomless Bubbles package, which covers soft drinks and juice, and the Cheers! drink package, which adds in spirits and cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, energy drinks and more.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Onboard activities

Analyzing onboard activities across cruise lines isn't always easy – you really have to break down this category by ship for a true comparison. When you do that with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you'll find that both lines offer fun activities for all ages, from onboard water parks to hosted games, casinos and more.

That said, Royal Caribbean does take things up a notch in this category, especially on the line's newer ships. Some Royal Caribbean vessels offer escape rooms, surf simulators, zip lines, game shows and over-the-top water parks with incredible slides for thrill-seekers. For example, Freedom of the Seas boasts huge onboard waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, mini-golf and more. Don't forget about Icon of the Seas with its massive water park and pool offerings in the works. Meanwhile, standout activities on Carnival ships include Family Feud Live, onboard water parks and the thrilling SkyRide.

Compare Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea .

Live entertainment

The quality of cruise ship entertainment varies widely based on the quality of the talent booked for individual ships. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer their share of live music and entertainment, including performances by bands and singers, karaoke, and piano bars. Meanwhile, both lines also boast their own theaters on every vessel, which often feature Broadway-style shows, singing and dancing, comedy acts, and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out ahead in this category since its vessels feature award-winning musicals like "Hairspray," "Mamma Mia!" and "Cats." The open-air AquaTheater on Oasis Class ships also wows guests with incredible diving feats, stunts and aerial acrobatics. Some Royal Caribbean ships even have onboard ice skating performances and ice games.

Explore cruise deals on  GoToSea .

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Kids programming

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Winner: Carnival

Both cruise lines have kids clubs that cater to younger guests of all ages, with each one offering supervised care so parents can drop the kids off for some alone time or a quiet dinner on the ship. However, Carnival stands out slightly in this category due to the six different clubs offered across the fleet for children and teens between 6 months and 17 years old. Carnival also offers supervised Night Owls services for kids 11 and younger, which lets parents get out and have some late-night fun for an extra charge.

Royal Caribbean offers four kids clubs for children ages six months to 12, along with a separate club for tweens and teens . Supervised child care is available for free during the day, and you can opt for paid care after hours as well.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Adults-only offerings

Both cruise lines offer their share of adults-only spaces and things to do, from onboard casinos to luxurious spas to bars that offer cocktails and live entertainment at all hours of the day and night. Carnival and Royal Caribbean also offer adults-only areas on some of their ships.

On Carnival, for example, cruisers will find the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat for sailors 21 and older with extra space and comfortable chairs for relaxation, along with its own bar nearby. On many Royal Caribbean vessels, on the other hand, the onboard Solarium for ages 16-plus has its own pool and extra space to find peace and quiet.

Carnival's Serenity relaxation area is included for guests. While Royal Caribbean's Solarium is typically also included, on certain sailings there is restricted access by fare class.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Shore excursions

Getty Images

Shore excursions offered by cruise lines are largely operated by third-party companies and are often the same across brands. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean boast a broad selection of excursions in destinations around the world, from snorkeling and scuba tours in the Caribbean to city tours, horseback riding, cooking classes and more.

Both cruise lines offer private and custom tours you can book through your ship as well.

Compare cruises on GoToSea .

Private island experiences

Royal Caribbean and Carnival each have their own private island in the Bahamas , which is included in most itineraries to this part of the world. These private islands provide a fun beach escape for families to enjoy, whether you want to relax in the sun or take part in some of the available activities.

Royal Caribbean's private island, called Perfect Day at CocoCay, is the more impressive option due to everything it includes: a heart-thumping water park, its own wave pool, a zip line, a hot air balloon experience and overwater bungalows you can book for the day, among other offerings. Meanwhile, Carnival's Half Moon Cay has a unique beached pirate ship to explore – but fewer amenities overall.

Note that both private islands have plenty of beach space for guests to spread out and relax, as well as restaurants and bars. You can also book excursions on both private islands, which include activities like snorkeling and water sports.

Read: The Top Cruise Line Private Islands

Comparing costs across cruise lines can be tricky since fares and available sales vary throughout the year, as well as based on the vessel booked, the cruise itinerary, the number and age of travelers, and more. To get an idea of who wins on price, we looked for two similar cruises on comparable ships from Carnival and Royal Caribbean, then priced out an option for a family of four with two children ages 8 and 10. For the purpose of this comparison, we used seven-night eastern Caribbean cruises on Carnival Celebration and Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, both of which began sailing in 2022.

The Carnival Celebration itinerary from Miami stops in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands . By comparison, the Wonder of the Seas sailing leaves from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten ; San Juan; and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

The chart below shows the total cost (including taxes and fees) for a family of four in January 2024 in both an ocean view and a typical balcony cabin across both cruise lines. Note that, for the purpose of this comparison, we selected the least expensive room option in each category.

Read: How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 30 times across most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries around the world. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate this cruise line comparison.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
• How to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals
• The Top Kids Sail Free Cruises

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Your Guide to the New, Thrilling Entertainment Aboard Symphony of the Seas

From zero-gravity performances to high-diving stunts, the lineup on the world’s largest cruise ship will keep you at the edge of your seat..

Drones provide a show-stopping opening for "1977."

Credit: Royal Caribbean

Setting sail from the newly opened Terminal A in PortMiami , the world’s largest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas , is filled with ‘round-the-clock entertainment taking place on the stage, on ice, in water and in the air. From high-flying acrobatics to the first time zero gravity is simulated on stage, the productions in store combine high-energy with the high-tech to create thrills for all. Read on for a preview of the surprises that await on the ultimate family vacation —and what’s more, almost all of the entertainment on board is complimentary!

“Flight: Dare to Dream” finishes with a scene of the Wright brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk.

Zero Gravity for the First Time

Debuting on Symphony , original Royal Caribbean production “ Flight: Dare to Dream ” chronicles the evolution of air travel and space exploration. With state-of-the-art technology, the full-scale production centers on key milestones in aeronautics, including the future’s first leisure voyage to Mars and a stunning homage to the Wright brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk—complete with a custom-built replica of the iconic plane they flew. Audience members will have the thrill of watching the plane “fly” overhead thanks to our leading 3D flying system.

Enhancing an already jaw-dropping show, we teamed up with Astronaut Clayton C. Anderson to bring space and zero gravity to life on stage for the very first time. Watch the actors “float” within a detailed replica of the International Space Station (ISS), the only theater set piece of its kind.

HiRO, Royal Caribbean’s newest aqua show, features more high-flying feats, unexpected stunts and extraordinary acrobatics than ever before.

Deck-Defying Aqua Acrobatics

At the AquaTheater —an incredible open-air theater at the aft of our Oasis Class ships —we’ve raised the bar (no pun intended). In the new show, ” HiRO ,” watch Olympic-level divers and the world’s best extreme sport athletes execute flips and tricks into water below. The extraordinary stunts include plunging into the deepest pool at sea and literally soaring above the crowd with more 3D flying technology—all against the backdrop of the gleaming ocean. No two performances are alike, making it worth seeing twice!

Playing in the ship’s Broadway-style, 1,400-passenger theater, the 90-minute “Hairspray” adaptation features many of the classic songs from the original production.

A Favorite Returns Bigger and Bolder

Returning to Royal Caribbean on board Symphony (but with a twist!) is the Tony Award-winning musical “ Hairspray .” A guest favorite, the show at the 1,400-seat Royal Theater boasts entirely new sets, choreography, costumes and staging. Audiences already familiar with the tale of Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore will be at the edge of their seat with this version of the beloved Broadway production.

“1977” will bring guests to London on the eve of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, when her Crown Jewels are stolen in the heist of the century.

‘70s Spirit on Ice

Symphony  presents the “cool,” new production, “ 1977 ,” in Studio B—an ice-skating rink turned laser tag arena by day. A continuation of “ 1887: A Journey in Time ” on Harmony of the Seas , “1977” sees the return of our time-traveling hero, Tempus, who embarks on his next adventure to solve the heist of Her Majesty’s jewels in London. Beyond impressive figure-skating feats, the show features dozens of light-emitting drones and cutting-edge 5K projection mapping that makes the ice appear to transform before your eyes.

Our pop-up pianist entertains guests throughout the ship, traveling and playing everywhere from the atrium to the pool deck and even in the glass-fronted elevators.

Live Music Around Every Corner

Beyond the stage, guests can even take in dazzling performances going on throughout the ship: If you’re in one of our seven neighborhoods, chances are you’ll hear live tunes. Our lively Central Park and Boardwalk (also found on our other three Oasis Class ships) typically showcase talented musicians, for example, you can catch a stellar, live band at Jazz on 4. Lastly, don’t forget about our Stowaway Piano—known to pop up in unexpected places and surprise lucky travelers with a bespoke show ( Pro tip : Keep an eye on the elevators)!

Head here to experience all of the show-stopping entertainment on board Symphony of the Seas .

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Where Will Star of the Seas Sail to?

Experience the wonders of the Star of the Seas as it sails to captivating destinations, and find out the exciting places this magnificent ship will take you. Start your voyage of a lifetime now!

Explore Star of the Seas Itineraries

Royal Caribbean is known to provide only the best, most premium features to its passengers, and its fleet consists of some of the largest operating ships in the industry. Known to cater to family settings most of the time, Royal Caribbean provides a large variety of amenities and activities onboard all of its ships. These activities and amenities feature water parks, thrilling attractions, live performances, pools and hot tubs, lounges, etc. There are also children-centric areas to guarantee maximum enjoyment for everyone.

Star of the Seas is a ship that will soon start operating under the Royal Caribbean fleet. Royal Caribbean is already known to offer only the best, but deciding whether this cruise ship is for you or not depends on certain factors. This article provides you with better insight into this ship and helps you understand more about its offerings and amenities, as well as where exactly Star of the Seas will take you on your vacation trips.

About Star Of The Seas

Star of the Seas cruise ship is the sister ship of Icon of the Seas and is the second ship introduced within the new Icon class. Before exploring its itineraries, let's better understand its features and amenities.

One special feature of Star of the Seas that makes it stand out is the fact that it is the third ship part of the Royal Caribbean fleet that will be run on completely liquefied natural gases. This ship also runs at a capacity of 250,800 gross tons and provides enough space for approximately 5,610 passengers to travel at one time at double occupancy. If the ship is filled up to full capacity, then the passenger count increases to 7,600, and by adding cabin and staff members onboard, the total number of people aboard this ship at one point in time can reach 10,000!

Some new features set this ship apart from others in the industry. One such example is the ‘Surfside’ section. This whole section has been specifically made to cater to young families. It includes restaurants, pools, and bars for adults as well as children, ensuring that various age groups can find a place to enjoy themselves. The gaming area Star of the Seas features an arcade section, a beach-themed carousel at sea, and even a Playscape area.

To give you better insight on the pricing, the cabins available on this ship are said to be at the cost of around $2398 per passenger for inside cabins, or $5,081.58 total (adding all external costs.), while balcony cabins start at the price of $3298 per passenger , or $6,881.58 total. Representatives from Royal Caribbean International have mentioned oftentimes since the news came out that this ship is meant to provide a whole new family vacation experience for people. It has also been stated that Star of the Seas will provide a proper solution to the high customer demand with regards to the cabin bookings in the Icon of the Seas ship.

Where Star of the Seas Will Take You

Star of the Seas is yet to start cruising but will be in full operation by next year. As it has already been announced, this cruise ship will take off and start its journey from Port Canaveral , Florida. Royal Caribbean International has announced that this ship is going to be offering special 7-day cruising trips to passengers from all around the world and will be putting a major focus on traveling to the Eastern and Western Caribbean regions. Travelers aboard this ship will be able to visit three major port destinations, namely  Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private island), St. Thomas, and St. Kitts.

Related:   Star of the Seas Vs. Icon of the Seas

Start of the Seas is bound to make a major entry within the cruising industry and is set to be released sometime next year. This ship features a lot of special amenities so that passengers can enjoy their time on these vacations to the fullest. So far, as per information released by Royal Caribbean International , this ship is bound to provide 7-day vacation trips to passengers, and these trips have been curated to focus on traveling and exploring the Eastern and Western Caribbean regions specifically. All in all, if you're looking forward to booking a vacation trip aboard the Star of the Seas, then you are definitely in for the ride of your life. To ensure that your booking process is completely hassle-free and that you get your hands only on the best cruise deals available in the industry, choose Cruisebooking.com!

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