We recently returned from a 7-night Bahamas cruise aboard Symphony of the Seas, sailing roundtrip out of Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ. From the moment we stepped onboard, it was clear why this ship is one of Royal Caribbean’s most popular vessels—the sheer variety of dining, entertainment, and activities made it feel like a floating resort. This cruise was the perfect mix of relaxation and fun, with beautiful ports of call, lively theme nights, and plenty of ways to enjoy our sea days.
In this review, I’ll share a breakdown of our experience, from the food and entertainment to the onboard shopping and special events. I’ll also cover the destinations we visited, what the weather was like this time of year, and tips that might help you if you’re planning a similar itinerary. Whether you’re curious about the dining options, want to know what activities fill a day at sea, or just want to picture yourself on board Symphony of the Seas, this review will give you a well-rounded look at what to expect.
Dining Options
Main Dining Room
The Main Dining Room on Symphony of the Seas is complimentary and spans three decks at the back of the ship. Guests can choose a set dining time or “My Time” dining, which offers flexibility. We chose the 7:30 PM seating, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the ports before heading to dinner. Service was outstanding—our waiter always asked about allergies and made sure we finished in time for evening shows or activities. Each night’s menu rotated through global themes like French, Italian, Mexican, and Caribbean, with options for different dietary needs. Portions were on the smaller side, which we appreciated, but guests could always order seconds—or even a second dessert, which we happily did a few times!
Casual Options
Beyond the dining room, the ship offered plenty of casual, complimentary options. The Windjammer buffet had an impressive variety at every meal, with everything from international dishes to a dedicated dessert bar, while the Solarium Bistro was a smaller, quieter option that we enjoyed for breakfast and embarkation day lunch. For grab-and-go meals, we liked Park Café in Central Park and Café Promenade, which was especially popular for coffee drinks. Sorrento’s became a favorite for quick pizza—my son practically lived there—and El Loco Fresh offered Mexican-inspired fare like tacos and nachos, perfect for a poolside lunch or afternoon snack. With so many choices, it was easy to find something for everyone without ever feeling repetitive.
Specialty Dining
For an extra treat, we tried two specialty restaurants during the week. At Jamie’s Italian, the portions were generous and full of flavor, with hearty pasta dishes and a dessert menu that surprised us. Izumi Sushi offered a prix fixe menu with small plates, sushi rolls, and noodle bowls—plenty of food and a fun way to break up the week. Specialty dining comes with an added cost, but we found both venues to be well worth it for the quality and experience.
Overall
The variety of food options on Symphony of the Seas was truly impressive. Between the main dining room, casual venues, and specialty restaurants, even the pickiest eaters could find something they loved. We never went hungry, and the quality was consistently good—making dining one of the highlights of the cruise.
Dining Tips
If you’re interested in specialty dining, book reservations early—especially for popular restaurants like Chops Grille and Izumi Hibachi.
The Main Dining Room works well if you prefer a structured, sit-down dinner, but don’t underestimate the Windjammer buffet—it’s open late and has an amazing variety.
If you purchase a dining package, spread out your reservations so you can enjoy both specialty restaurants and casual options.
Don’t miss the grab-and-go spots like Park Café (for their famous roast beef sandwich) or Café Promenade for a quick snack or coffee.
Entertainment
Main Theater Productions
The Broadway-style production of Hairspray in the Royal Theater was fantastic! The cast was talented, the energy was high, and the staging went far beyond what I expected on a cruise ship. There were several flying effects and set changes that made the performance feel Broadway-worthy. It was a definite highlight of our evenings onboard.
AquaTheater & Ice Shows
The AquaTheater show, Hiro, was nothing short of amazing. Between the dancing on the water, acrobatics, and daring dives into the pool below, the performance kept us on the edge of our seats. It’s incredible to think this all happens at the back of a moving cruise ship! We also attended the ice show, 1977, which was equally impressive. Watching skaters perform intricate routines while sailing at sea was a surreal and unforgettable experience.
Live Music & Lounges
Beyond the main shows, live music was everywhere onboard. Central Park often hosted live jazz in the evenings, creating the perfect ambiance for a stroll through the gardens. Schooner’s Bar featured themed piano nights with everything from Billy Joel tributes to Disney sing-alongs, and the On Air Bar was always buzzing with karaoke. No matter what type of music you enjoy, there was always somewhere to go for a great vibe and live entertainment.
Comedy & Game Shows
Some evenings featured stand-up comedians, which required reservations but were well worth the laugh. One of our favorite events was the Crazy Quest game show, which was the funniest, most outrageous activity we participated in all week. It had the whole audience involved and left us laughing long after it ended. Between comedy, interactive game shows, and live music, the nighttime options felt endless.
Entertainment Tips
Make your show reservations before sailing in the Cruise Planner app—Hairspray, Hiro, and 1977 are extremely popular and fill up fast.
Arrive at least 20 minutes early for AquaTheater and Royal Theater shows to get good seats, especially for groups.
Some comedy shows and events like The Crazy Quest may require reservations, so keep an eye on the app.
If you love live music, wander in the evenings—you’ll find something different in every bar, from jazz to piano sing-alongs to dance parties.
Theme Nights
Since our sailing was 7 nights, we had several fun theme nights—and it was amazing to see how many people got into the spirit of them. We had two “Dress Your Best” nights (Royal Caribbean’s modern take on formal nights), plus a White Night and a Caribbean Night. Dress Your Best nights brought everything from tuxedos and sparkling gowns to slacks with polo shirts. Most people leaned toward dressing up, which made for a lively, elegant atmosphere. Photographers were set up throughout the Royal Promenade, Central Park, and the Boardwalk, ready to capture those special moments. Because we had purchased the photo package, we made it a point to stop almost every evening for pictures in different locations, which was a fun way to get a nice variety of shots.
The themed entertainment carried into the evenings as well, with music and dancing right in the Promenade. Depending on the night, you could find a Latin Dance Party, 70’s Night, or 80’s Night, each drawing a big crowd of singing, dancing, and cheering guests. We missed a couple of these since we had show reservations, but we caught the 80’s Night, and it was such a blast hearing everyone belt out the songs together.
Outside of the big themed events, there was no shortage of live music all over the ship. From smooth jazz in Central Park, to Latin beats, to tributes featuring Billy Joel, Elton John, Michael Bublé, and more, every venue seemed to have its own vibe. The karaoke bar, On Air, was packed every single night with guests cheering each other on. One evening, we stopped into Dazzles, a two-story lounge, and enjoyed a fantastic live jazz performance. Other nights, Dazzles transforms into a nightclub, so there’s always something different happening.
To kick off the cruise, the first night featured a midnight balloon drop in the Promenade, complete with the cruise director and a DJ to keep the party going. I personally couldn’t stay awake that late, but my husband went and said it was a high-energy, fun way to get the vacation started!
Theme Night Tips
Bring at least one or two “dressier” outfits if you enjoy formal pictures, though the dress code is flexible.
White and Caribbean night attire is optional, but fun if you like to join in.
The photo package is a great value if you plan to stop for pictures multiple nights.
Don’t miss the midnight balloon drop on night one if you’re a night owl—it’s a high-energy kickoff event.
Onboard Activities
Pools & Sun Decks
Deck 15 was the hub of daytime fun, with three pools, hot tubs, and a splash pad for younger cruisers. Loungers filled quickly in the mornings, but we found it easier to grab chairs later in the afternoon. The pools did get crowded at times, but the energy was lively and fun. One pool doubled as a sports pool, hosting games like volleyball, including a memorable officers vs. guests match. For those who enjoy water thrills, the Perfect Storm water slides were a big hit—my son and husband especially enjoyed the longer slides, while the smaller slide offered something more laid-back.
Sports & Thrills
Toward the back of the ship, the sports court and mini golf course kept families busy with basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and even teen dodgeball tournaments. Just beyond, the action ramped up with two FlowRiders (boogie boarding and stand-up surfing) and the Ultimate Abyss, a dry slide plunging ten decks from the Boardwalk down to Deck 6. My son loved it so much he went back for another round—and tried to rope my husband into a race!
Adults-Only Solarium
For a quieter escape, the Solarium at the front of the ship offered an adults-only oasis with hot tubs, a small infinity pool, a bar, and plenty of loungers and daybeds. Since our stateroom was nearby, I often headed here for a relaxing spot with fewer crowds. It also had outdoor viewing areas at the very front, which made it a popular gathering point when sailing into ports.
Spa & Fitness
The Vitality Spa, spanning decks 5 and 6, offered everything from hair and nail services to massages and facials. My daughter and I treated ourselves to a full-body massage, which was heavenly. Behind the spa, the fitness center was well equipped with treadmills, bikes, weight machines, and free weights, making it easy to stay active.
Scheduled Activities
In addition to all the physical activities, the ship kept us busy with scheduled events around the clock. We joined trivia games (everything from general knowledge to themed Star Wars, Disney, and Famous Couples), tried a Sudoku challenge, learned origami, and even attempted a K-Pop dance class. My husband and daughter signed up for Family Shuffleboard—no one else showed up, so they played each other and both walked away with a medal and keychain! Whether you wanted something active, creative, or just fun, there was always something happening on board.
Onboard Activities Tips
Plan ahead for popular activities like the zip line, FlowRider, and escape room—spots can fill quickly.
Pack appropriate clothing (closed-toe shoes for the zip line, swimsuits for the pool/slides, comfortable clothes for sports courts).
Check the daily Cruise Compass app so you don’t miss trivia, dance classes, or one-time activities.
Balance relaxation with activities—it’s easy to over-schedule, so leave time for lounging.
Try something new! Sea days are the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone with activities you wouldn’t normally do at home.
Shopping Onboard
Shopping on the Symphony of the Seas was an experience all on its own. One thing to note right away is that the shops are closed while the ship is in port—this is due to duty-free regulations, since purchases made onboard are meant to be tax-free. While it might feel inconvenient at first, it was actually nice knowing the stores stayed open late into the evenings once the ship was sailing, giving plenty of time to browse without missing out on daytime fun.
We noticed that sales and promotions increased as the cruise went on, with some of the best discounts happening on the final sea days. If you’re eyeing t-shirts, jewelry, or souvenirs, you might want to hold off on buying right away and wait until mid-cruise or later—you’ll likely save some money.
It’s also worth mentioning that while the cruise line advertises a lot of “free” offers, free rarely means completely free. More often it’s “free with purchase” or “free if you attend a presentation.” These shopping talks and events happen throughout the week, and while they can be fun if shopping is a priority for you, be mindful not to let them cut into your time enjoying the other shows, activities, and relaxation the ship has to offer.
One thing that surprised me was the Royal Caribbean logo shop. On the first night, I popped in and found it surprisingly small with very little selection. But by the end of the week, especially during the last sea days, the selection had expanded with racks of t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and souvenirs—and many items were being offered at special discount prices. So if you don’t find what you want right away, be sure to check back later in the cruise.
Shopping Onboard Tips
Shops are closed while in port, so plan your browsing for sea days or evenings.
Wait until mid-cruise or later to snag the best promotions and discounts.
Be cautious with “free” offers—read the fine print and don’t feel pressured to attend presentations unless you’re truly interested.
Check the Royal Caribbean shop more than once; the selection often improves later in the cruise.
If you’re shopping for jewelry or luxury items, compare prices before your cruise so you know if you’re really getting a deal.
Destinations
We had three ports of call on this sailing: Orlando, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas; and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay.
Orlando
Since we’ve been to Orlando several times, we chose to stay on board. The late arrival (1 PM) made some excursions feel rushed, so I canceled the Kennedy Space Center trip I had booked for my husband and son. Many guests also stayed on the ship.
If it’s your first time in Orlando, I recommend getting off to explore, but know that there likely isn’t enough time for a full theme park day. Closer options include Cocoa Beach, The Cove with waterfront dining, shopping in Historic Cocoa Village, or a visit to Disney Springs or Universal CityWalk for theme park shopping and entertainment.
Nassau
Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is known for its beaches and turquoise waters. Excursion options range from Atlantis Resort (with the Caribbean’s largest waterpark) to Pearl Island, Baha Bay Water Park, and Blue Lagoon Island with its dolphin and sea lion encounters.
Our Pearl Island excursion was canceled due to rain, so we stayed near the pier and explored shops. In the future, I’d research backup options in case of cancellations. Looking ahead, Royal Caribbean will debut the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in December 2025, just a short ferry ride from the pier—I plan to check that out on a future visit!
Perfect Day at Coco Cay
Royal Caribbean’s private island offers something for everyone—beaches, pools, dining, and water attractions. Snack Shacks, Skipper’s Grill, and Chill Grill provide plenty of included dining options. Families will enjoy Captain Galleon’s and Splashaway Bay, while thrill-seekers can head to Thrill Waterpark ($), featuring 14 slides, a wave pool, and an obstacle course. Other extra-cost options also include a hot air balloon ride and three zip lines.
For relaxation, Oasis Lagoon (the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool) and multiple beaches—Chill Island, Harbor Beach, Breezy Bay, and South Beach—are included. Upscale options include Hideaway Beach (adults only, $) and Coco Beach Club ($) with an infinity pool, private dining, and overwater cabanas.
Unfortunately, our rented beach bed at South Beach was soaked from days of rain, and showers continued off and on throughout the day. My son and husband still had a blast in Thrill Waterpark, while my daughter and I tried to enjoy the beach and Oasis Lagoon between storms. Sometimes the best plan is to pack patience and flexibility—especially with the weather in the Bahamas!
Destination Tips
Orlando: Great for first-time visitors, but manage expectations—theme parks aren’t realistic with a late arrival. Consider nearby Cocoa Beach or Disney Springs instead.
Nassau: Always research backup plans in case excursions are canceled due to weather.
Perfect Day at Coco Cay: Reserve beach beds or cabanas early if you want them—they book quickly.
Weather matters: Have a flexible mindset, as rain can change your plans.
Think ahead: With new developments like the Royal Beach Club (opening 2025), future cruises may offer even more choices.
Weather & Time of Year
We sailed in early August, which is definitely the heart of summer in the Caribbean. This time of year usually means hot, humid days with the occasional pop-up shower. The nice part is that it rarely rains all day—most storms roll through quickly, and the sun comes back out. Unfortunately for us, our week wasn’t quite as sunny as we had hoped. We had more overcast skies and rain than we would have liked, especially compared to the week before, which was absolutely perfect. That’s just the gamble when cruising in the summer—you can’t predict it.
Another factor to keep in mind is hurricane season, which runs from June through early November, with August through October being the most active. The good news is that cruise lines are well prepared. If there’s a storm, itineraries are usually adjusted rather than canceled, but that could mean missing a port. That’s why one of my favorite sayings as a travel agent is: pick the ship, not the itinerary—especially in the Caribbean. If the weather doesn’t cooperate or a stop gets canceled, you’ll still have plenty to enjoy onboard if you love your ship.
For families, August is often one of the most practical times to sail since kids are out of school, but if you have the flexibility, I’d recommend looking at May through July. You’ll still enjoy warm, tropical weather, but you may dodge some of the heavier rains and peak hurricane activity.
Weather & Time of Year Tips
Summer Caribbean cruises are hot and humid—expect some rain, but it usually doesn’t last all day.
Hurricane season runs June–November; itineraries may change, so be flexible.
Remember the saying: pick the ship, not the itinerary—especially during storm season.
Families may find May–July to be the sweet spot with good weather and school breaks lining up.
Final Thoughts
Overall, we had a wonderful time on our Royal Caribbean cruise. This line really does an amazing job catering to all types of travelers—from families with kids of all ages to couples looking for a more relaxing getaway. On this particular ship, there was truly something for everyone: kids’ clubs, thrilling shows, multiple pools, lively nightlife, and even quiet adults-only spaces to escape to. It struck a perfect balance for multi-generational groups or families celebrating a special milestone like a birthday, anniversary, or graduation.
At the same time, I could easily see this cruise being just as enjoyable for couples. With several specialty dining venues, intimate bars, live music, and adults-only entertainment options, there’s plenty of room to enjoy a more elevated and romantic experience. Personally, I’d love to sail again with just my husband so we could take advantage of more of those experiences together.
One thing that really surprised me, given the ship’s size and capacity of nearly 6,700 passengers, was how uncrowded it felt. With so many different venues, activities, and neighborhoods, people were spread out across the ship, and I never once felt overwhelmed by crowds.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to be sailing again with Royal Caribbean this coming January on Utopia of the Seas, one of their newest ships. It’ll be a shorter itinerary—just three nights—but with a stop at Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. I can’t wait to share that experience with you in a future post! I’m also curious to try out one of Royal’s smaller classes of ships to see how they compare.
If you’re considering a cruise, whether it’s for your family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a big celebration with friends and loved ones, Royal Caribbean offers incredible options. The earlier you book, the better the pricing and availability will be—especially if you’re thinking about group space for a special occasion.
✨ Ready to start planning? Contact me today to talk through the best cruise for your family, group, or celebration. Together, we will find the perfect ship and itinerary that fits your needs and create memories that will last a lifetime.
