There’s something about the excitement of cruise embarkation day — that moment you finally step aboard, feel the ocean breeze, and start dreaming about sunshine and tropical drinks. That was me at the end of September, ready to sail south into the Caribbean on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas.
But as travel stories often go, the ocean had other plans.
When Plans Change (and You End Up in Canada)
About 26 hours before departure, our itinerary was changed thanks to an approaching hurricane. Instead of heading south to turquoise waters and palm trees, we were bound for the chilly north — Canada!
So, instead of swimsuits and sandals, it was hoodies and hot coffee on deck. The change was disappointing at first (I mean, I was ready for beach days), but in the end, the week turned out to be an amazing cruise experience.
Even with six sea days and just one port stop in Halifax, there was never a dull moment. Symphony of the Seas is basically a floating city, and it has more than enough to keep you busy no matter where it’s sailing. Sadly, you really couldn’t enjoy the pools. Most days the winds were whipping at 20+ mph and the air was in the upper 40’s to low 50’s.
My Home Away From Home: Central Park Balcony
I stayed in a Central Park Balcony stateroom, which I absolutely loved. Instead of staring at the open ocean, I had a peaceful view of lush greenery, twinkling lights, and the soft hum of music drifting up from below. It’s like having your own private park in the middle of the ship — tranquil, scenic, and surprisingly quiet.
I booked an interior cabin with one of my Casino cruise offers, but ended up putting in for a royal up bid for a balcony. I did the minimum bid and ended up winning it. For under $150 a person, I was able to upgrade from an interior windowless room to a balcony overlooking one of the most interesting areas of the ship.
I must say, at first, I was a little disappointed I didn’t get an ocean view balcony. But when our itinerary changed, having the Central Park Balcony was perfect. While it was a little windy and cold at times. Most of the time, I was able to sit outside and enjoy it.
Dining Highlights: From Elegant Dinners to Casual Bites
One thing’s for sure — you’ll never go hungry on Symphony of the Seas. Whether you’re in the mood for a sit-down dinner, a quick snack, or a late-night bite after a show, there’s always something delicious waiting just around the corner.
We enjoyed most of our dinners in the Main Dining Room, and the experience was consistently excellent. The menu changed nightly, offering everything from classic comfort food to more adventurous dishes. The service was phenomenal — our waiter was attentive, friendly, and seemed to remember our favorite drink by night two. It’s the kind of personal touch that makes cruising with Royal Caribbean feel special.
For something extra, we splurged on two specialty dining experiences that truly stood out:
- Chops Grille – A top-tier steakhouse with beautifully cooked cuts, buttery sides, and an upscale yet relaxed vibe. It’s a must-do for anyone who appreciates a great meal at sea. Our waiter let us get two apps and even brought out the Spicy Jumbo Shrimp for us to share. There was so much food that we didn’t even order dessert.
- Hooked Seafood – Bright, coastal, and absolutely delicious. From the crab cakes to the lobster rolls, every bite tasted fresh and flavorful. If you love seafood, this one’s worth the reservation.
I would have no problem booking either one of those specialty dining restaurants on my next sailing. The food was excellent and the service was better than expected.
But some of our favorite meals came from the casual spots scattered throughout the ship:
- Solarium Bistro – A quieter place to grab breakfast. It offers the same food you will find in the Windjammer. However, most people are unaware of it, so it is not as crowded and it is much quieter.
- El Loco Fresh – A poolside favorite and one of my personal go-tos for a quick, tasty lunch. Think tacos, burritos, and nachos loaded with toppings. It’s casual, fast, and exactly what you want between swims or after a long day in the sun (or in our case, bundled up on deck).
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade – The ultimate hangout spot for game day or late-night cravings. Big screens, cold drinks, and classic bar food — burgers, wings, and even desserts that hit the spot. It’s lively, fun, and a great place to unwind after a show or just people-watch on the Boardwalk.
- Windjammer Marketplace – The classic Royal Caribbean buffet. There’s an incredible variety here — international flavors, themed nights, and plenty of desserts to tempt you every time you walk by. It’s the perfect go-to for breakfast, lunch, or those in-between moments when you just want “a little something.”
Between the elegant dinners, casual bites, and late-night snacks, Symphony’s dining scene never missed a beat. Every meal felt fresh and well-prepared, and it’s honestly hard to pick a favorite.
Entertainment That Rivals Broadway
If you’re sailing on Symphony of the Seas, prepare to be blown away by the entertainment. Royal Caribbean really pulls out all the stops — these aren’t your average cruise ship shows; they’re full-scale productions that could easily hold their own on Broadway or in Vegas.
Of course, Hairspray is the big headliner, and it deserves every bit of hype. It’s colorful, high-energy, and performed with so much talent and enthusiasm that it’s impossible not to smile the entire time. The cast gives it their all, and it’s no surprise it’s standing-room-only every night.
But that’s just the beginning.
- Hiro — the AquaTheater’s jaw-dropping water show — is an absolute must-see. Picture Olympic-level divers, acrobats, and synchronized swimmers performing stunts over the open sea. It’s bold, creative, and one of the most unique productions you’ll ever watch on a ship. Sadly, for us we had to watch this show in the afternoon. It was too cold at night for the show to happen. However, we were the lucky ones; many guests didn’t get to see it since the show was canceled multiple times during our sailing due to the cold weather.
- 1977 — the ship’s ice show — is another standout. It combines incredible skating talent with music, costumes, and a story that’s both fun and nostalgic. Watching performers glide and spin on real ice while the ship is moving is something that never stops being impressive. I’m not much of an ice show guy. I usually skip these shows. However, this one was pretty amazing and I might have to check out another one of my next sailing.
- Flight: Dare to Dream — takes you on a journey through aviation history, from the Wright brothers to space exploration. The staging and special effects are next-level, and the way the final scene plays out will leave you amazed (and maybe a little emotional).
Beyond the big productions, there’s a full lineup of fun, casual entertainment all week long. The Love & Marriage Game Show is a fan favorite — hilarious, unpredictable, and guaranteed to have the audience laughing. You’ll also find live music in just about every corner of the ship: jazz in Central Park, classic rock in the pub, piano sing-alongs at Schooner Bar, and DJs keeping the party going on the pool deck.
Yes, they even had the DJ out on the pool deck with very few people enjoying the upper deck.
From comedy nights to karaoke, trivia contests, and themed parties, there’s truly something happening every hour of the day — and half the fun is just stumbling into something unexpected. This was very helpful since we were “stuck” at sea for six days.
The Bionic Bar & Other Fun Spots
One of the coolest features onboard is the Bionic Bar — where two robotic arms mix, shake, and serve your drinks with precision (and a little flair). It’s part bar, part show, and honestly, you could stand there for twenty minutes just watching the robots work. You order through a tablet, choose your mix, and then watch your drink come to life right before your eyes. Whether you’re a tech geek or just curious, it’s a must-try at least once.
But the Bionic Bar is just one piece of Symphony’s social scene. The ship is packed with spots to relax, have fun, or grab a drink with a view:
- The Rising Tide Bar – A fan favorite and one of the most unique bars at sea. It slowly moves between decks 5 and 8 (yes, it’s an elevator and a bar), giving you a fun little ride while you sip your cocktail. It’s a great way to travel between the Royal Promenade and Central Park in style. On my sailing you could never find a seat.
- Schooner Bar – Classic Royal Caribbean vibes here. Think nautical decor, live piano music, and sing-alongs that somehow turn strangers into friends by the end of the night. This was the best spot to have a drink and do a little trivia every day. It almost seemed like they had trivia every hour.
- Boleros – If you’re in the mood for something upbeat, this Latin-inspired bar is always full of energy. Great drinks, great music, and plenty of room to dance if you’re feeling it.
- The Pool Bar– The go-to for poolside fun. Whether you’re enjoying a frozen drink under the sun (or in our case, bundled up under a hoodie in the breeze), this bar keeps the island vibe alive even when you’re cruising through Canada. This was my go to spot.
If you want a quieter space, head up to Central Park in the evening. It’s peaceful, softly lit, and has a few tucked-away bars perfect for a glass of wine or after-dinner drink. And of course, you can always grab a latte or sweet treat at Café Latte-tudes or 150 Central Park for something a little more refined.
There’s truly a place for every mood — from lively and social to calm and cozy. Whether you want to dance, sip, sing, or just sit back and people-watch, Symphony of the Seas delivers plenty of options for every kind of cruiser.
A Day in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Our one and only port stop turned out to be a gem. Halifax greeted us with blue skies, crisp fall air, and the smell of the sea. We wandered through the city, explored the harbor area, and of course, grabbed lobster rolls that lived up to all the hype.
The walk from the port to the Halifax Public Gardens is around 30 minutes and mostly uphill. It is worth the walk. Even in the beginning of October, the garden was beautiful and had plenty of flowers still in bloom.
From the gardens, the Halifax Citadel is another short walk. After being on ship for 5 days out at sea, it was nice to get out and walk a little. Plus the weather was perfect. It was only in the 60s, but it beat the wind chilled 40s we were getting out at sea.
No matter if you choose to go to Halifax or the weather brings you up this way, you have to stop at Dave’s Lobster. The lobster rolls here were loaded. And OMG, were these so fresh. It tasted like they just went out back and grabbed them out of the water.
It wasn’t the Caribbean, but it was beautiful in its own right — calm, clean, and full of friendly locals.
Service That Made It All Worth It
Even with the itinerary change — and the understandable disappointment from many passengers — the crew handled everything perfectly. From our cabin attendant to the dining staff, everyone went out of their way to make sure guests were still having an incredible time.
This was my second Oasis-class ship (after sailing on Utopia of the Seas), and Symphony held up beautifully. The layout, amenities, and entertainment options all feel familiar yet fresh, and I really do love this class of ship.
A Word of Warning: Hurricane Season Happens
If you’re planning a cruise during hurricane season (June through November), just know that Mother Nature may have other plans. Be flexible, pack layers, and remember that the ship itself is often the real destination — especially when you’re sailing on something as spectacular as Symphony of the Seas.
Originally, we had port days in Port Canaveral, Nassau, and Perfect Day at CocoCay, and I was really only planning on getting off at CocoCay. Twenty-six hours before we sailed, our itinerary changed due to two hurricanes heading towards the Caribbean. A week before, I knew we wouldn’t be heading south.
If you don’t want an unexpected change in plans, try to skip cruising during hurricane season. You will often find better deals this time of year, but it comes with a lot of risk.
While I think Royal Caribbean could have handled it a little better (like letting us know 2 or even 3 days earlier), they did a pretty amazing job while we were on board. They even offered us some on-board credit and future cruise credit. Neither of which did they have to do.
Final Thoughts
Even though my Caribbean getaway turned into a Canadian adventure, I wouldn’t change a thing. Symphony of the Seas delivered in every way — food, fun, entertainment, and service. Whether you’re a family, couple, or solo traveler, this ship has something for everyone.
Next time, I’m hoping for a little more sunshine and a few fewer hoodies — but either way, I’ll be back aboard an Oasis-class ship again soon.
Kozmo Photos 