Bharat SainiLast Updated on May 19, 2018 by Bharat Saini
Symphony of the Seas, tallest slide at sea – the Ultimate Abyss; is now the Guinness World Record holder for Largest Passenger Cruise Ship, having 16-deck – 72 metres tall, 362 metres long and 66 metres wide – just 20 metres shorter than the Empire State Building, at 228081 gross registered tons (GRT), with a capacity of 6680 total passengers and 2200 crewmembers (Total capacity 8880 persons). Symphony of the Seas is the Ultimate Family Suite and is one to beat for those who want a bit of luxury. It also has seven ‘neighbourhoods’ on board, which include a sports bar and arcade, ice cream and sweet shop, laser tag and escape the rooms.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, an American global cruise company incorporated in Liberia and based in Miami, Florida – the world’s second-largest cruise line operator after Carnival Corporation & plc., took official ownership of Symphony of the Seas, at the STX France Shipyard in St. Nazaire, France (French manufacturer) on March 23, 2018. Symphony is the newest addition to Royal caribbean’s popular Oasis class of Ships, which also includes Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas. Symphony is marginally bigger than its sister ship – Harmony of the Seas which holds nearly as many passengers, which STX France delivered to Royal Caribbean in 2016.
Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International commented: “We set out to build the best cruise ship in the world, and have done it magnificently. Together, we’ve made some truly amazing music with STX.” “Symphony will take family holidays to an all new level with energy and options never before found in one place. This ship is the perfect blend of our greatest hits,, we know guests love and a line-up of vibrant, new restaurants, activities and unparalleled entertainment – all purposefully designed around holidaymakers’ preferences.”
Symphony introduces a handful of “firsts” to the line:
- A laser tag arena;
- Playmakers, a sports bar, grill and arcade;
- A production of “Hairspray”;
- Hooked, a seafood restaurant;
- Sugar Beach, a sweets shop;
- El Loco Fresh, a casual Mexican eatery; and
- The Ultimate Family Suite, a deluxe stateroom featuring a two-story slide, private 3D theatre, Lego wall, a whirlpool and balcony, table tennis and butter service, among other amenities designed just for families.
