By Karen Quinn-Panzer
Travel Matters
Karen Quinn-Panzer
Every year our parent company holds our annual conference onboard the latest and greatest new ship at sea. This year it was Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, with no less than 6,000 passengers.
My husband and I wondered how the check-in process would work with so many people boarding. We were simply amazed at the fastest check-in we have ever experienced – clocked at six minutes at the new Royal Caribbean pier in Miami.
Symphony of the Seas is a destination unto itself, truly a floating resort. Offering entertainment for multiple generations, it is perfect for a family reunion.
Let me paint the picture. First for the kids, they have Splashaway Bay and a protected climbing area for the little ones, where kids climb from level to level within a protective netting. For older kids (and kids at heart), there is FlowRider, Perfect Storm Slides, the Ultimate Abyss Slide which spans ten decks, mini golf, rock climbing walls and an ice-skating rink. Adults get two of their own pools, including the adults-only solarium indoors, Vitality Fitness Center, sports court, bionic bar (with robot bartenders), the casino, comedy club and Bolero’s Salsa and Jazz on 4.
There are three neighborhoods, including the Royal Promenade with shops and boutiques; the Boardwalk area with a carousel, ice cream cones and Coney-island style hot dogs; and Central Park, where most of the specialty restaurants are located. This last is a peaceful area for adults with trees and plants and calming musical acts like classical guitarists. Our favorite specialty restaurant was Jamie’s Italian, a Jamie English restaurant.
And then there’s the entertainment with a capital “E.” Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line that offers entertainment in the air, in the water, on ice and on land. Their aqua show is the single most impressive show I have ever seen, anywhere. There is a hydraulic floor in the pool which is used for some of the most impressive acrobatics and high dives anywhere. Their new show, “Flight,” is an homage to the Wright Brothers and the invention of flight, including a recreation of their airplane which actually flies over your head in the theater. Their Broadway show, Hairspray, is the real deal, and they have ice shows that give Disney on Ice a run for its money.
When my friends asked me “Where did you go?” my response was “It almost doesn’t matter.” But this ship alternates between Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Ours included St. Maarten, San Juan and Royal Caribbean’s new “Perfect Day at CocoCay.” When a company brands something as “perfect,” they certainly set high expectations. And “Perfect Day at CocoCay” did not disappoint.
Boasting the highest waterslide in North America, Thrill Waterpark is one of four main areas of the island, plus CocoBeach Club with over-the-water cabanas (new in January), Chill Island for tropical waters, white sand and water activities and Oasis Lagoon for a lively swim-up bar scene.
Royal Caribbean has outdone itself with Symphony of the Seas.
Karen Quinn-Panzer is the owner and vacation specialist at Dream Vacations Quinn Panzer Travel.