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After spending a cheap DIY day on Aruba, it was time for a Caribbean themed dinner in the main dining room of Symphony of the Seas. A Taste of the Caribbean Dinner MenuRoyal Caribbean Dinner Menu Photo:  Although it's the Caribbean menu, as you can see there is still a mix of offerings that are not Caribbean-inspired at all and our choices reflect that. Crispy Coconut Jumbo Shrimp"Breaded coconut shrimp paired with a tangy pineapple-celeriac slaw and a sweet chili dipping sauce"  Coconut shrimp is always a win, and I will always order it on a cruise! Asian-Style Pork Bao Tacos"Roasted pork belly in a sweet-chili sauce topped with sautéed vegetables and pork crackling in a soft, steamed bun"  I'm always enticed by Bao, but at the end of the day I think I'm just not crazy about the texture of the steamed buns - on or off a cruise ship. Garlic-Herb Buttered Tiger Shrimp"Broiled until golden brown, served with jasmine rice, sautéed seasonal vegetables, and a garlicky herb butter"  Shrimp appetizer, Shrimp main ... as long as you're not allergic this is a win! Jerk-Seasoned Pork Chop"Tender marinated pork chop with rice and beans, sweet plantains and Jamaican fried dumplings" Can we all just look back to the shrimp meal and then this one and agree that this is a massive amount of food! Being Cuban-American, my eyes light up when I see plantains on a menu and of course I love rice and beans. We honeymooned in Jamaica where I had my first bites of jerk seasoned foods so how could I not order this dish? Despite all that connection, in retrospect I liked the garlic herb buttered tiger shrimp better - who knew?! Pineapple Sunshine Cake"Light and fluffy pineapple cake with a sweet whipped cream frosting"  More Symphony of the Seas Cruise Food Pics and Reviews:
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Free Shuttle from Aruba Cruise PortAfter waking up to this gorgeous water view from our Oceanview cabin (room tour with photos and review here), we were eager to start our day on Aruba. Conveniently, after exiting the ship's gangway there were shuttle buses waiting to take cruise ship passengers to the main gate. The shuttle buses were free (hooray!) and had comical names like "Honey Boy" and "Lady Blue". They were clearly marked with the name of our ship, Symphony of the Seas. Aruba Cruise PortFor those with limited mobility, there is plenty of shopping to do in the main port area.  If you're able to walk a bit more you can check out the "local market". At the main intersection walk left, and you'll see the sign for the local market right across from the I ❤︎ Aruba sign. Souvenirs in Aruba Cruise PortThere are plenty of classic t shirts, ball caps, and magnets available to purchase in port (pics to come), but there are also some more unique items from local artisans to consider! The colorful boho sandals were calling my name, but I restrained because I was afraid they were too flat for my feet. :( Knock Off Ray Ban Sunglasses in Aruba Cruise PortI got a kick out of this sunglasses display which announces that all of the $25 sunglasses are fake items. lol. But hey if you want some D&G, Chanel, or Ray Bans ....  Cute paintings and decorative signs for your home. Cost of Souvenir Hats in ArubaLoads of souvenir hats and visors were available. As seen below the prices at this shop ranged from $5-8. The PaddockThe Paddock is located in walking distance from the port in Oranjestad, Aruba. A popular spot due to it's convenient location and vibe, a bucket of 5 local beers would set you back just $20 and a meal consisting of French bread, chicken salad, and fries ran $10. If you want to leave your mark you can leave a $1 bill on the wall and sign your name and where you're from. I do believe this was also a spot where you could catch wifi in Aruba cruise port. Walking Around OranjestadBeyond the ornate, colorful buildings when you first enter the town, we strolled beyond the main strip of stores and toward the far end of the marina.  A pair of giant flamingos nuzzling stood between the yachts and the cruise ships in the distance. It looks like Carnival was also in port with us on this day.  This was just at the edge of the Renaissance Marketplace in the Aruba cruise port where we found a really cool store. Mopa Mopa ArubaThis store was filled with unique and intricately decorated home decor. Have you heard of the Mopa Mopa Tree?  Much to my surprise, these items are not painted. Rather they are decorated using a centuries old technique of extracting resin from the Mopa Mopa Tree. Inside the store you could ask an associate and read other information to learn about this unique art form. They do accept all major credit cards, so if you don't have enough cash on you for one of these treasures, don't worry. I think this is a very cool store to walk around and learn about this unique craft even if you're not in the market for a piece. Murals by Armando GoedgedragAbsolutely incredible art murals can be seen on the sides of buildings in the Renaissance Marketplace which have been painted by the very talented Armando Goedgedrag.  It's very cool to see support for local artists like this and it really adds to the vibrance of Oranjestad, don't you agree?! Wilhelmina Park, OranjestadWilhelmina Park in Oranjestad is a well-manicured park with a nice walkway stroll through.  Here in this park you will see a statue of Anne Frank.  As well as Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands whom the park is named after. She reigned from 1890 until her abdication in 1948.  Queen Wilhelmina was the longest raining monarch in Dutch history. Apparently she was also the world's first female billionaire.  Her park is also full of iguanas!! It's hard to tell from the photo, but they are quite large! Mangroves and BeachesThere is a wooden boardwalk from Governors Bay Beach in Oranjestad which allows you to enjoy views of Banyan Trees.  These cool trees have aerial roots that grow into accessory trunks. Over time a Banyan tree can cover several acres - isn't that insane?! It was hard to pass up an opportunity to walk down through this banyan tree and onto a beach via this sort of secret path.  The beach area here was quite narrow, but felt private. There was no one in sight although it was not that far from the main Governor's Beach area. When traveling, very often you are rewarded when you're willing to take just a few extra steps. Continuing on toward Surfside Beach, we passed some more incredible trees like this Acacia tree.  And I found it fascinating how this tree looked like it was currently caught in a violent windstorm although the weather was calm. :)  We finally made it to Surfside Beach!  There were just a few families there. With plenty of trees to catch some shade from or sit on, I really enjoyed this beach! By the way, all beaches in Aruba are free. :) The Pastechi HouseThere was one last stop we wanted to make before heading back to our cruise ship after this day in Oranjestad. That stop was The Pastechi House.  We visited The Pastechi House on an ABC islands cruise back in 2017 or around there and were thrilled to see it survived through the pandemic, though it was a struggle the owner shared. Pastechi House Menu with Prices Pastechi is an ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) version of an empanada and they are tasty!! We also nabbed ourselves a fresh orange juice which was a tad bit more expensive than in Portugal.  Just outside The Pastechi House was this spectacular rooster ...  Even more exciting was the exotic black, white, and orange bird in this palm tree! It appears to be a Venezuelan Troupial!  Downtown OranjestadIt was time to make our way back through downtown Oranjestad and to the cruise ship terminal, past the blue horse ... Beyond all the cute buildings ...   Took one last look at the cutest souvenirs for anyone who loves a cultural touch! Probably should have gotten a Where's my Pastechi at!? mug. It was a cool honor system sort of set up where when the artist wasn't there in person (like the day we were there), you could snap a picture of what you wanted to by, message her on whatsapp and then send the payment to her! I Heart Aruba SignDon't forget, you can't leave the island without snapping a pic of the I ❤︎ Aruba sign, can you?  We got back on board Symphony of the Seas and headed to our room to get ready for dinner - Caribbean Night!  We returned to a cute little towel animal welcoming us back and I put on the closest thing to a "Caribbean" themed outfit as I had for dinner in the main dining room.   Outfit: Quince European Linen Long Sleeve Shirt, Etsy Skirt, Nisolo Bag, Melrie Jewelry A Taste of the Caribbean MenuAfter a lovely day exploring Aruba, we were ready for dinner in the main dining room onboard Symphony of the Seas. Tap the menu to see what we ordered! A Taste of the Caribbean Menu Utopia of the Seas "The World's Biggest Weekend" Review in PhotosUtopia of the Seas began sailing in July 2024 as the sixth Oasis Class Ship in the Royal Caribbean Fleet and my lovely friend Evelyn enjoyed sailing during Utopia's inaugural season along with her husband and daughter in a 1D Ocean View Balcony 11658. Please enjoy the photos she has graciously shared!  Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas From elaborate displays as seen above and monkey scavenger hunts to unique art displays throughout the ship, Utopia of the Seas is a fun-filled short cruise vacation for anyone who wants to get away but doesn't have loads of time off. Boardwalk Neighborhood on Utopia of the SeasAn iconic feature of all Oasis Class ships is the carousel on the boardwalk. The carousel is free to ride as many times as you'd like and makes for a great photo with the ship name in the background and the mirrored purple Ultimate Abyss slides.  Carousel onboard Utopia of the Seas cruise ship If you spend some time in the Boardwalk neighborhood, you may find one of the jewel eyed monkeys!  Jewel Eyed Monkey Scavenger Hunt on Utopia of the Seas
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Sea Day View From Oceanview Cabin on Symphony of the Seas
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In this post:
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Breakfast in the main dining room
These photos of breakfast in the main dining room on Symphony of the Seas show just a sample of what you can order off the menu for breakfast on your cruise.
All the classics are available: bacon, sausage, hash browns, fried eggs, scrambled eggs, eggs Benedict, pancakes, and French toast.
Because you're on a cruise... you can also order dessert like this layered carrot cake with walnut topping after breakfast if you want. :p
PArk Cafe
Park Cafe is a free dining option in the Central Park neighborhood aboard Symphony of the Seas. It's meant to be a casual deli where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or grab an afternoon snack.
There is a case where you can just grab a ready-made sandwich and a piece of fruit which is very convenient.
The Park Cafe Menu serves up soups and sandwiches, including the "legendary" Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich and the occasional Cuban Sandwich.
You'll also find sweet treats like this Matcha Cream Puff, Raspberry Pound Cake, and Mudslide Cookies.
You'll also find sweet treats like this Matcha Cream Puff, Raspberry Pound Cake, and Mudslide Cookies.
You can dine in or do what we did - take your treats and Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich outside to enjoy in Central Park.
Chops Grille Menu
Chops Grille is a Classic American Steakhouse specialty dining restaurant on Symphony of the Seas.
Check out the menu as seen in Central Park:
Check out the menu as seen in Central Park:
Chops Grille Menu
The Bionic Bar
The Bionic Bar on Symphony of the Seas is located on deck 5.
Here you can have your cocktails made by robots. Drinks are not free at the bionic bar. You pay, as you would in any bar, using your Sea Pass Card. If you have a beverage package, drinks are included up to the specified value.
Here you can have your cocktails made by robots. Drinks are not free at the bionic bar. You pay, as you would in any bar, using your Sea Pass Card. If you have a beverage package, drinks are included up to the specified value.
Bionic Bar on Symphony of the Seas
The rising tide Bar
The Rising Tide Bar is a moving bar at sea which slowly ascends and descends over 3 decks on Symphony of the Seas. In the photo below we are looking up at the bottom of the floating bar.
The departure times are listed at the entrances on Deck 8 and Deck 5. Like the Bionic Bar, this is a novel bar concept that you should try at least once just for the fun of it.
The departure times are listed at the entrances on Deck 8 and Deck 5. Like the Bionic Bar, this is a novel bar concept that you should try at least once just for the fun of it.
Rising Tide Bar on Symphony of the Seas
REgalia Watches
If you're looking for a luxury timepiece onboard Symphony, or maybe just window shopping, Regalia Watches is onboard. They also hosted a Watch and Scotch event on our cruise.
Regalia Watches
Watch & Scotch Event
The Watch and Scotch event featured Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky: Island Green, Gold Label Reserve, Black Label, and Red Label.
Johnnie Walker Scotch Tasting
At the event you can enjoy a complimentary tasting and this is one of the opportunities for those with a tighter budget to get free drinks on a cruise!
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve.
Johnnie Walker Island Green
I really enjoyed the complexity that the smokiness brought to Johnnie Walker's Island Green Blended Malt Whisky.
Free Mini Golf on Symphony of the seas Cruise Ship
The mini golf course is located on deck 15 and it is quite cute with its very vacation-y theme.
It is a lot of fun and can be a tad challenging depending on the winds at sea, but it is possible to get a hole-in-one! ;)
Few things will work up your appetite like cruise ship mini golf.. :)
A taste of italy menu - Main dining room
A Taste of Italy - Royal Caribbean Dinner Menu
Crispy Parmesan Arancini.
Arborio rice, portobello mushroom and provolone cheese rolled in panko and fried until golden, served with romesco sauce.
Golden Polenta Fries.
Crispy baked corn polenta served with a chilled creamy hazelnut-red pepper spread.
See also: Eating Arancini In Italy
Lasagne al forno.
Layers of pasta, mozzarella, béchamel and hearty beef ragout drizzled with fragrant herb oil.
Tiramisu.
Making our way from the Main Dining Room to the Aqua Theater for the evening showing of Hiro, we passed Johnny Rockets on the Boardwalk.
Italy Travel Blog.
Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets is a retro American dinner where you can grab diner classics like burgers, fries, and milkshakes not to mention a special performance if you time it just right. ;)
Johnny Rockets Menu on Symphony of the seas.
Johnny Rockets is a casual dining option on Royal Caribbean Cruises. You do have to pay a surcharge to eat at Johnny Rockets, but on Symphony of the Seas breakfast is free!
Tap a Johnny Rockets cruise ship menu below to enlarge it!
Tap a Johnny Rockets cruise ship menu below to enlarge it!
If you are "Loyal to Royal" and have sailed with Royal Caribbean before you will also have a discount on Johny Rocket's Milkshakes loaded onto your account.
Just let the waiter know when you order one that you want to use your 50% off milkshake coupon.
Just let the waiter know when you order one that you want to use your 50% off milkshake coupon.
Hiro aquatheater show
Hiro was the AquaTheater show on Symphony of the Seas and this fuzzy night time pic is all I got to prove I was there. :p
It's amazing to see the use of the dive pool and acrobatics in a choreographed show like this. Royal likes to brag on their entertainment, but I can see why after our most recent cruise. |
Hiro AquaTheater Show
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A day at sea on a cruise ship is a welcome reprieve from the bustle of daily life and the potentially hectic nature of embarkation day.
Here's how we spent our first sea day on Symphony of the Seas. 
View from Oceanview Stateroom 3198
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Late breakfast in the main dining room
Like sleeping in? No problem! On a sea day you can enjoy a leisurely late breakfast in the main dining room if you'd like. Rather than the busy buffet, you can order off a menu and have the full traditional dining experience in main dining room.
Fresh fruit.
You can pretty much always order a fresh fruit plate at any meal, even if you don't see it on the menu. ;) The fruit varieties will vary based on what is available, but we started off colorfully here with a lovely mix of pineapple, cantaloupe, red grapes, strawberries and kiwi!
Cinnamon Swirl Danish.
Much like the bread basket served at dinner in the main dining room, at breakfast time there are offerings of a variety of danishes and breakfast pastries. Our personal favorite was this cinnamon swirl danish. It's almost a puff pastry cinnamon roll. Ask for it specifically if you don't see it! ;)
Portugal Travel tip: There is a similar pastry in Portugal that we sometimes see in the bakery section of the grocery store called Continente. If you see it, give it a try!
Symphony of the Seas ReviewS:
French toast.
Two slices of thick-cut brioche dipped in Royal Caribbean's signature batter and cooked until golden brown. Served with berries, whipped cream, and maple syrup. You can also add sides like bacon, sausage, sautéed mushrooms, cheddar cheese grits, hash brown potatoes, corned beef hash, or a fruit cup to your breakfast order!
Brunch on symphony
We were able to order more breakfast-y foods (as mentioned above) and more lunch-y foods, so Royal Caribbean really offers a nice, free brunch in their main dining room. This is great if some in your party like to eat "real food" (like a steak, lol) while others want pancakes and French toast.
Iceberg wedge salad.
Chilled iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, crispy bacon and chives drizzled with blue cheese dressing.
Steak frites.
Grilled sirloin topped with creamy béarnaise sauce and served with crispy truffle fries.
Alert! This was one of the best things I ate on Symphony of the Seas!
We'll always laugh about the moment when the waiter brought a second steak to our table because someone ordered the dish thinking they were ordering "steak FRIES". Whoops! :)
coconut cake with raspberry sauce.
Despite being recommended by waiters on Royal Caribbean and Princess, I have yet to have a coconut cake with raspberry sauce on a cruise that was noteworthy.
Cruise Ports:
Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port:
Boardwalk Neighborhood on Symphony of the Seas
Day two on a cruise is a continuation of the exploration that began on embarkation day. Let's check out the Boardwalk Neighborhood - an iconic feature of Oasis Class Ships.
Boardwalk Dog House
The Boardwalk Dog House is a free dining option on Symphony of the Seas which specializes in, you guessed it, crafted hot dogs!
Boardwalk Dog House, Deck 6 on Symphony of the Seas
Boardwalk Dog House sample Menu.
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At the Dog House you can order things like:
You can add toppings like sautéed mixed peppers, sautéed onions, and sauerkraut along with classic condiments - ketchup, mustard, and relish. Consider adding a side of Potato Salad or Cole slaw to round it out. Which ships have Dog House?
Find Dog House on the following ships:
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Boardwalk Dog House Menu Sample
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Arcade & Sugar beach sweet shop
As you stroll down the Boardwalk on deck 6 of Symphony, you'll find arcade games and Sugar Beach.
What is Sugar Beach?
Sugar Beach is the name of the sweet shop on Symphony of the Seas. You have to pay extra to play the arcade games or indulge in the rainbow walls of candy at Sugar Beach. These activities are not included in your cruise fare.
Boardwalk Carousel
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On the other hand, the carousel (aka merry-go-round) on Symphony of the Seas is totally free and fun for all ages! It's pretty cool there is a merry-go-round on a cruise ship. The horses are hand carved and as you enter the Boardwalk Neighborhood you will see a series of carousel horses in varying stages of completion leading up to the merry-go-round. Love seeing a bit of the creative process behind this classic amusement park ride. |
Symphony of the Seas Boardwalk Carousel
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what is a boardwalk balcony?
There is a unique and controversial balcony type on some of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships called a "Boardwalk Balcony". These balcony cabins are not on the exterior of the ship, facing the ocean. Instead, they actually face inside the ship and overlook the Boardwalk Neighborhood.
The balconies you see in the picture above are the boardwalk balconies. A Boardwalk Balcony Stateroom Cabin Review is on the horizon, so stay tuned. ;)
The balconies you see in the picture above are the boardwalk balconies. A Boardwalk Balcony Stateroom Cabin Review is on the horizon, so stay tuned. ;)
Can you see the ocean from a boardwalk balcony?
Some Boardwalk Balcony rooms do have a view of the ocean from their balcony. Real Pictures of the views from cabins 10272 and 12329 are coming soon to help you pick the best boardwalk balcony room for your cruise!
Royal Caribbean Cruise Blogs:
Aqua Theater on symphony
The aqua theater is found at the aft of the ship (back) and is a unique feature of Royal Caribbean's Entertainment. Shows in the aqua theater are full of impressive feats including high dives and acrobatics.
Symphony of the Seas Tip: If you sit in the front rows of the aqua theater, beware as you will likely get splashed. :)
View of AquaTheater and Ultimate Abyss on Symphony of the Seas
If you have stacks of cash, consider booking an AquaTheater Suite. In your spacious suite with wrap around balcony, you can enjoy rear ocean views and never fight for a seat at the aqua shows!
In this panoramic picture you can see the rear ocean views, the Aqua Theater & Suites, the large screens (which, by the way, sometimes play sporting events) as well as the two rock climbing walls and the Ultimate Abyss Slide.
Ocean Views behind Aqua Theater on Symphony Cruise Ship
The Ultimate AByss
The Ultimate Abyss is a giant dry slide (as in a normal slide, not a water slide) which drops 10 stories! It's faster than the elevators ;)
You get in a special mat to go down the slide which helps ensure a smooth sliding experience. It's really fun and I recommend doing it at least once for street-cred, if you know what I mean. :p
10-story Slide at Sea and Rock Climbing Wall on Symphony of the Seas
The Ultimate Abyss slide is free. The rock climbing walls are also a free activity on Symphony of the Seas!
Packing Tip: Pack lace up tennis shoes/trainers if you want to participate in the rock wall or zip line. Shoes must have laces in order to participate. If you have slide on sneakers you won't be permitted. It's for the safety of those below - no one wants to get hit by your shoe if it somehow slipped off.
secret loungers on symphony
If you climb the stairs near the rock climbing walls in the Boardwalk Neighborhood, you have a chance of finding a secluded little area with just a few chairs to relax in and watch the clouds roll by.
A nook to relax in peace :)
All this exploring of the Boardwalk on deck 6 worked up an appetite and we hadn't yet visited the pizzeria onboard so we popped down to deck 5 to remedy that!
Sorrento's Pizzeria
You will not need a dining package to eat at Sorrento's as it is not a specialty dining restaurant. Sorrento's Pizzeria is a free restaurant on Symphony of the Seas!
Sorrento's Pizza on Symphony of the Seas
Sorrento's Pizzeria is casual, free cruise ship pizza. Is it the best pizza at sea? We can't say because we haven't tried them all.. yet ;) But is it a solid pizza? For sure. When you want a quick slice, Sorrento's is the spot. They are also the free food venue that is pretty much always open, so if you wake up at 2am and somehow you are hungry, you can count on Sorrento's.
Once the buffet (The Wind Jammer) is closed, Sorrento's is a reliable place to hydrate as they have a water station set up. Of course you can also ask for water at any bar as well.
Sorrento's pizza royal caribbean photo review
Sorrento's pizza offers a solid, thin crust pizza on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships. The menu for Sorrento's changes daily but you can pretty much always get a classic cheese or pepperoni pizza, as well as a vegetarian option and gluten free pizzas on request!
If you so desire you can add a sprinkle of oregano and red pepper. You can dine in at Sorrento's and be part of the Royal Promenade atmosphere, or take your slices somewhere with a view, like we did. :)
Free zipline on symphony of the seas
Can you see yourself in this picture? On the right side, just about to land after finishing this zipline on a cruise ship!? You can do it and it's totally free! Just remember to pack your lace-up shoes.
I love this vantage point from the pool deck (deck 15) looking toward the back of the ship and down on part of the Boardwalk Neighborhood.
A Zip-Liner flies across deck 15 of Symphony of the Seas
Above you see the 8 or so decks worth of Boardwalk Balcony Rooms. Notice the view of the ocean at the back of the ship and the way these balcony rooms get some fresh air and natural light even though they are facing the inside of the ship.
The Ultimate Abyss' purple slides end on the Boardwalk (deck 6) and right at the Johnny Rockets restaurant in case you want a milkshake. :)
The Ultimate Abyss' purple slides end on the Boardwalk (deck 6) and right at the Johnny Rockets restaurant in case you want a milkshake. :)
Mini Golf on Symphony of the seas
On the other end of deck 15 is a Mini Golf course which is also free, of course! We came back another day to play a round, but as you can see it's very cute with lots of little themed elements for taking classic family vacation mini golf pics.
Symphony of the Seas Mini Golf Course is Free!
Flow Rider & Ultimate Abyss
It was about time to get ready for dinner, but we decided to just run up to deck 16 real quick to see where the entrance to the Ultimate Abyss slide was and get the low-down on the flow rider.
Enter the Ultimate Abyss and drop 10 stories in the middle of the ocean, if you dare!
Would you climb in the mouth of this giant angler fish and slide down 10 stories?!
FlowRider Instructions and Warnings
The flow rider is a surf simulator that you can enjoy for free on Symphony of the Seas. Unlike some other Royal Caribbeans which have just one flowrider, Symphony actually has two. This is great because those who are ready to truly surf can enjoy dedicated time while others who are new or just want to bodyboard can have a blast on the other.
FlowRider Instructions and Warnings
In addition to these boards, you do have to do a short training and sign a waiver to use the flow rider. You will be given a wristband which indicates you have completed these steps and if you are qualified for bodyboarding only or for flow-boarding (stand up like surfing)
Dinner in the main dining room
Crispy Buttermilk Calamari.
Golden fried squid rings served with a fresh fennel salad and chipotle-lime aioli.
Also shown is another shot of the cheesy dinner roll, but mainly because this Echte Boter (butter) was so delicious! Since cruise ships are sailing all over the world and sourcing food in each port, you do get to try some unique varieties of ordinary things - butter included!
Seafood Linguine.
Al dente ribbon pasta tossed with a Chardonnay cream sauce, sautéed bay scallops, shrimp, and mussels.
Seafood Linguine in the Main Dining Room
Roasted Beef Tenderloin.
Roasted and carved with creamy mashed potatoes, asparagus, and a rich peppercorn sauce.
Roast Beef Tenderloin in the Main Dining Room
Creme Brulee.
Smooth, rich vanilla custard topped with a crackly caramelized sugar topping. A Royal classic.
Creme Brûlée Dessert
Capuccino Chocolate Cake.
Rich chocolate sponge cake layered with chocolate ganache, topped with a whipped coffee and sweet cream foam dusted with Dutch cocoa. No sugar added dessert.
Cappuccino Chocolate Cake
Individual Mini Salad Cups
Just loved the presentation of these little salad cups in the Wind Jammer Buffet. Great idea for dinner party salad appetizers inspired by travel.
Mini Salad Cups
This brings us to the end of our Sea Day on Symphony. We actually have another sea day ahead before stopping in beautiful Aruba.
All Aboard Symphony of the Seas!
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Embarkation at Port Everglades
Our 8 night Southern Caribbean Cruise departed from Port Everglades, the cruise port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We arrived 2 nights in advance (free flights - thanks to Chase Ultimate Rewards Points!) and stayed at a nearby cruise port hotel. Uber (actually Lyft) from our hotel to the port only cost $4.17 thanks to a Lyft discount I had.
How long did embarkation take? Not long at all! We were in the terminal at 11:43 and by 12:04 we were onboard!
That Embarkation Day Buzz
Fort Lauderdale blogs:
Exploring Symphony of the seas
Your first time onboard a new cruise ship is so much fun - there is so much to explore! You probably spent months researching and learning about every nook and cranny of the ship (okay, a certain bunch of people do this... I'm assuming you're part of the club since you're here? ☺)
Today is the day to see if you can remember literally anything from all your research. haha!
Symphony of the Seas Pool
Embarkation Day Tip: Lifeguards are posted so have your swimwear handy and you can enjoy the pool during one of the few times that it will totally empty! ;)
Central Park Neighborhood
Above you can see a view of the Central Park Neighborhood - yes, those are real trees! Symphony of the Seas also has 3 water slides and multiple pools including a saltwater pool.
El Loco Fresh Mexican Restaurant on Symphony of the Seas
El Loco Fresh is the popular Mexican casual dining restaurant on Symphony of the Seas where you can get things like grab and go tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Be sure to load them up with fresh pico de Gallo, salsa, and guacamole! You can also find fresh fruit cups here.
View of Celebrity Apex in Port Everglades from onboard Symphony of the Seas
Celebrity Apex was also in port in Fort Lauderdale!
Embarkation day lunch
We traveled in a group of 8 relatives for this cruise and only 2 people in the group knew we were coming. It was a really fun surprise seeing the reactions of aunts and uncles. We met up in the Solarium Bistro and snagged a large round table for lunch. This smaller buffet area was a nice spot to meet and I was soaking in the novelty that I only managed to get 2 pics of my lunch.
I have to say the Indian food was excellent and I also thoroughly enjoyed this little carrot cake dessert cup! It would make a perfect individual dessert idea for a dinner party and someday I hope to replicate it for Home Cooking Inspired By Travel.
Oceanview Cabin Photos
Around 2pm we had finished eating and were ready to check out our cabin. It was our first time in an ocean view stateroom. You can see all our cabin 3198 photos here:
Dinner in the main dining room
We had traditional dining on Royal Caribbean which means we had a table reserved for our group every night at the same time. Our early dining time was 5:30 PM. Of course we could also dine at another time by walking in and waiting for a table, eating at the buffet or other casual dining venue, or eating at a specialty restaurant.
Embarkation day Welcome Aboard menu
Welcome Aboard Dinner Menu on Symphony of the Seas
Different than our experience on Sun Princess, on Symphony you ordered your meal and dessert at the same time.
What we ordered.
Caesar Salad.
A classic caesar salad is a cruise dinner must.. if you're into that sort of thing. :) Every night your table will be presented with a basket of bread/rolls. The one shown below seemed like an asiago cheese roll and was delicious. You may need to ask for more of these if you like them because each basket will probably only have one of them.
crab cake.
Crispy crab cake fried until golden brown with creamy Old Bay sauce and a tomato-cucumber salad.
Pan Roasted Fish Fillet.
Flaky white fish over sweet peppers, snow peas, corn, creamy potato leek gratin and a saffron butter sauce.
Southern Fried Chicken.
Seasoned, crispy chicken with Tabasco hot honey, buttery mashed potatoes, sweet corn on the cob.
Dessert
Dark Chocolate Custard.
Silky custard infused with rich cocoa, finished with a fresh tart raspberry.
Key Lime Pie.
Silky key lime custard baked in a brown butter graham cracker crust topped with whipped cream.
royal theater: Dare to Dream
After dinner we went straight to The Royal Theater to watch our first production of the cruise - Flight Dare to Dream.
Flight! Dare to Dream
Royal Caribbean Cruise Tip: Reserve your entertainment on the Royal Caribbean App so you can get the best seats.
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Today we're checking in with Lilee who has just returned from a 7 Night Western Caribbean and Perfect Day cruise on Wonder of the Seas to get her review of this Royal Caribbean cruise.
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In this post: |
Which ports did you visit on your cruise?
- Cozumel, Mexico
- Roatan, Honduras
- Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico
- Perfect Day at CocoaCay, Bahamas
Royal Caribbean Cruise Blog:
Lilee's Wonder of the seas cruise review:
When I asked Lilee what was the best part of her Wonder of the Seas cruise she said
"Everything was my favorite... My waiters (Reza and Michelle
+ Head Waiter Maurice) were absolutely amazing...!!!! I loved every show. The staff was just amazing. We really enjoyed ourselves."
It made me so happy to hear that Lilee and her group had such an awesome time on their cruise vacation. With a stunning ship, beautiful ports of call, great dining and entertainment every night, it's no wonder they loved everything!
But I really did need to know.... and I'm sure you feel the same .... what was the absolute highlight of the cruise?!
Symphony of the Seas Cruise Reviews:
what was the highlight of your cruise?
"The highlight of my cruise was definitely the private tour with the sloths and monkeys, and the snorkeling in Roatan"
Yeah.. we agree, Lilee, that sounds absolutely incredible!
Oh and by the way, Lilee found an adorable cruise duck - so cruisers are definitely playing cruising ducks on Wonder of the Seas!
Yeah.. we agree, Lilee, that sounds absolutely incredible!
Oh and by the way, Lilee found an adorable cruise duck - so cruisers are definitely playing cruising ducks on Wonder of the Seas!
What is the cruise duck game?
"Cruising Ducks" is a fun little game where passengers hide little ducks, often with name tags of where they are from, and other passengers delight in finding them in random places whereafter they re-hide them for someone else to find or keep them as a fun souvenir memory of their cruise!
Top Excursions in Roatan, Honduras Cruise Port:
Wonder of the seas food review:
Lilee shared some great cruise food pics below!
I spy some delicious food on Wonder of the Seas: lobster, creme brûlée, baked alaska, seafood pasta, carrot cake, oh my!
Is there lobster night on wonder of the seas?
Yes. There is Lobster night on Wonder of the Seas 7 night cruises! *cue happy dance*
It's official. I'm hungry for my next cruise - are you!? :p
How much does food cost on Wonder of the Seas?
IS FOOD FREE ON CRUISES?
Great news! All of your meals are included in your cruise fare.
You can eat in the main dining room, the buffet, or several other venues on the ship free of charge.
If you are celebrating a special occasion or want to level up a meal experience you can try the speciality restaurants:
- The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant and Bar
- Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine
- Hooked Seafood
- Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
- Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
- 150 Central Park
Top Excursions on Cozumel, Mexico Cruise Port:
Book A cruise on wonder of the seas:
Wonder of the Seas is a stunning ship and you're sure to have an unforgettable cruise vacation sailing any itinerary on Wonder.
Your Royal Caribbean Travel Agent can track down the best deals on Wonder of the Seas for you, so don't hesitate to reach out!
Cruise + Travel Deals:
Port Canaveral Frequently Asked Questions:
A bit about port canaveral...
Port Canaveral is a popular cruise port in the American state of Florida and is often referred to as Orlando cruise port.
How far is port canaveral from orlando?
In reality, it is about 45 minutes to an hour from Orlando.
Which airport is best to fly into for a cruise out of Port Canaveral?
The best airport to fly into if you're cruising out of Port Canaveral is Orlando (MCO).
How much is a taxi from Orlando to Port Canaveral?
According to one estimate from Rome2Rio, a taxi from Orlando to Port Canaveral is the fastest way to get to the port and will cost on average $130-170.
How much is an uber from orlando airport to port canaveral?
On the other hand, an uber may cost around $60-80.
Top Costa Maya Cruise Port Shore Exursions:
How big is Port Canaveral?
Port Canaveral has 7 cruise terminals and is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world along with Port of Miami.
Is port canaveral in fort lauderdale?
No. Port Canaveral is not in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale's cruise port is called "Port Everglades"
What is the port code for Port Canaveral?
Port Canaveral's Port Code is USPCA
What is the port acronym for port canaveral?
PCN is the port acronym for Port Canaveral.
Cruise Ship Stateroom Tours with photos:
If you'd like to help other travelers, feel free to submit your own cruise cabin room photos! Justclick here then tap the envelope with the heart at the top right of the page.
Let's tour an oceanview stateroom on Symphony of the Seas - a cabin tour with photos!
This tour will help if you are trying to decide between an inside, oceanview or balcony on your Symphony of the Seas
We recently sailed Royal Caribbean for the first time after many cruises on Celebrity, Princess, and Holland America.
On our previous cruises we have booked interior rooms as well as balcony staterooms and for this 8 night Southern Caribbean Cruise we opted to try an oceanview cabin on this Oasis class ship.
On our previous cruises we have booked interior rooms as well as balcony staterooms and for this 8 night Southern Caribbean Cruise we opted to try an oceanview cabin on this Oasis class ship.
Oceanview cabin 3198 photos - Symphony of the seas
Symphony of The Seas Oceanview Cabin 3198 Pictures
Our Oceanview Cabin was on the third deck.
First impressions of oceanview cruise cabin
I was soo impressed by how light and bright our oceanview cabin was on Symphony! The window was so much larger than I expected! To the left you can see the wall-mounted TV and some drawers.
Symphony of The Seas Oceanview Cabin 3198 Room Tour
In stateroom 3198 the bed is by the window and the couch is nearer to the door as seen below.
Symphony of The Seas Oceanview Cabin 3198 Sofa
Beside the couch is a cupboard with shelves and a small safe. There are also two small drawers at the bottom of this cupboard.
Symphony of The Seas Oceanview Cabin 3198 In-room Safe
We opted to have the bed pushed together and as you can see there was a small space on either side of the bed that act as a nightstand.
Symphony of The Seas Oceanview Cabin 3198 Bed Pictures
Cruise Travel Blog:
The window in our oceanview room 3198 on Symphony of the Seas was a round window, divided in the center. The window is so large that an adult person can actually sit in there like a little hamster on its wheel. :)
Symphony of The Seas Oceanview Cabin 3198 Window Picture
Turning around and going back toward the entrance you can see on the right side of the couch is a closet with hangers. There were a combination of regular wooden hangers as well as wooden hangers with the clips attached for pants or skirts.
To the right of that closet is the bathroom door.
Symphony of The Seas Oceanview Cabin 3198 Closet
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Symphony of The Seas Oceanview Cabin 3198 Inside Closet
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The bathroom on Symphony of the Seas is a really spacious and modern cruise ship bathroom. There is no shower curtain, but instead a full glass shower! A dispenser in the shower supplies body wash/shampoo combo.
Symphony of The Seas Oceanview Cabin 3198 Bathroom Pictures
This cruise ship bathroom is spacious and bright. There is a large window and three shelves to the right along with a shelf underneath the sink.
It was nice to find in our stateroom a rundown of all the shows scheduled during our cruise consolidated to one sheet on embarkation day.
Royal Caribbean Tip: Use the Royal Caribbean App to reserve your space at each show you are interested in. This was the first time we experienced needing to reserve our showtimes on a cruise.
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Royal Theater Shows
Studio B
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Aqua Theater, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade
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View from oceanview room 3198 & Review
Here's a view of Celebrity Apex from our Oceanview room window at the port in Florida.
What do you think of the view?
I was so impressed with our oceanview stateroom. As mentioned at the outset, this was our first time booking an oceanview cabin and I absolutely loved it.
What do you think of the view?
I was so impressed with our oceanview stateroom. As mentioned at the outset, this was our first time booking an oceanview cabin and I absolutely loved it.
We saved a good bit booking an oceanview instead of a balcony, but having this window made a huge difference to me compared to an inside cabin. I would definitely recommend keeping an eye out for an oceanview if you like natural light in your room, but are on a tighter budget!
Symphony of the Seas Review, Royal Caribbean Review, Royal Caribbean Blog, Southern Caribbean Cruise, Stateroom Tours
royal caribbean blog southern caribbean cruise review:
Oh, Hey!
We're Justin and Marissa
We love to travel and eat!
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Traveling Through Food is a place to share adventures in travel + food so you can find inspiration for your next big trip whether it's across the globe or down the freezer aisle ;)
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