All aboard! Welcome to the ultimate showdown between two luxurious cruise titans: the Oasis of the Seas and the Symphony of the Seas. Stepping foot onto one of these decks will no doubt offer you an unforgettable experience - but which is better?
Join us as we dive deep into these two ships to see which one you should be sailing on! For more fun comparison guides, check out our lifestyle blog.
A Brief Overview: Oasis of the Seas vs Symphony of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas
The Oasis of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean International, made its first splash in 2009, and boy, did it turn heads! This colossal beauty, built by STX Europe Turku Shipyard in Finland, isn't just a ship; it's a floating city. Picture this mammoth vessel, standing tall at a jaw-dropping 72 meters high with all its cool features, including innovative neighbourhoods, epic entertainment like the AquaTheater and Zip Line, and ultimate relaxation spots like the Vitality Spa and sprawling pool decks.
The ship glided through the Baltic Sea, cruised the Mediterranean out of Barcelona, and eventually found its sunny spot in Miami. Yet, through it all, Oasis of the Seas has remained a symbol of adventure and resilience on the high seas.
Symphony of the Seas
Also operated by Royal Caribbean International, the Symphony of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships globally. Constructed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France, this ship debuted in 2018 and quickly became a flagship vessel for Royal Caribbean.
Its features are truly impressive, from multiple pools and whirlpools to water slides and a vast array of dining options, entertainment venues, and activities. Offering trips to destinations like France, Spain, Italy, the Caribbean and other popular cruising regions, the Symphony of the Seas represents the epitome of modern cruise ship innovation and is considered a standout in the industry.
Which is Best: Oasis of the Seas vs Symphony of the Seas
Ship Size and Passengers
Oasis of the Seas
When it comes to Royal Caribbean Ships, one thing is for certain—they're gigantic! And Oasis of the Seas is no exception. Stretching out around 362 meters (that's about 1,187 feet) and weighing in at a colossal 225,000 gross tons, an Oasis-class ship is like a small floating town!
But with this size, how many people can be onboard? Well, Oasis class ships like this can accommodate huge numbers of passengers, around 6,300 to be precise. And, get this: it's not just about the space but the variety. There are so many cool "neighbourhoods" and hangout spots onboard you'll feel like you're exploring several different worlds all at once. From cosy corners to vibrant entertainment zones, this ship has it all.
Symphony of the Seas
In comparison, the Symphony of the Seas is about 361 meters long (that's like 1,184 feet—huge, right?) and packs a punch at around 228,000 gross tons. It only slightly edges out Oasis with capacity, as it can comfortably accommodate about 5,500 passengers and host around 6,700 party people!
Imagine this: 18 decks full of excitement and fun, basically a floating wonderland. And oh boy, it's not just about the size; it's about what's inside! We're talking restaurants to treat your taste buds, entertainment spots that'll blow your mind, and enough activities to keep you smiling from ear to ear. Symphony of the Seas is all about creating an unforgettable experience for everyone on board.
Oasis of the Seas score: 8/10
Symphony of the Seas score: 9/10
Room and Cabins
Oasis of the Seas
From the top-notch Royal Suite Class offering exclusive access and services to luxurious ocean-view staterooms, there’s accommodation to suit everyone’s style and requirements.
The Royal Suite Class is all about indulgence and unique experiences. These spacious rooms are carefully designed to be your home from home, where every detail has been thoughtfully considered. Whether you opt for a balcony room to savour ocean views or a virtual balcony stateroom for a cutting-edge perspective, Oasis of the Seas has so much to offer.
What's also great is their attention to detail for families, couples, and individuals with special needs. Need a cot for your little one? They have it covered. Want to keep the whole squad together? They offer connecting staterooms. And, for couples seeking that spa-like comfort, there’s something for you, too. It seems like they’ve really thought of everything to make each guest's stay comfortable and memorable.
Symphony of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas brings a whole new level of luxury to cruising, especially with its Ultimate Family Suite - a two-story thrill haven for the whole gang! Imagine having your own private slide and balcony equipped with air hockey and table tennis, topped off with a jacuzzi and ocean views. But the real magic? Your Royal Genie is a personal concierge who tailors exclusive experiences just for you. From planning date nights at sea to organising unique adventures, your Genie ensures your cruise is beyond extraordinary.
Let's talk about fun! The Ultimate Family Suite comes packed with a private game room featuring video game systems, life-size Connect-Four, and even a karaoke setup. Beyond the Ultimate Family Suite, the ship offers a range of accommodations, from ocean-view staterooms with picturesque landscapes to balcony rooms offering a slice of paradise right outside your door.
There are facilities and services catering to families with babies, options for connecting staterooms to keep the whole crew together, spa-like comfort for couples seeking a retreat, and accommodations designed to meet those with special needs.
Symphony of the Seas takes care of every detail so that your cruise experience is not just good but exceptional.
Oasis of the Seas score: 9/10
Symphony of the Seas score 10/10
Dining and Bars
Oasis of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas truly spoils you for choice with a wide array of dining options. Whether you're craving classic American bites or seeking something more refined, like family-style Italian or rich Asian dishes, this ship has you covered!
Check out the Main Dining Room, Windjammer Café, or Solarium Bistro for a laid-back meal. These spots offer complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner served with top-notch service.
Feeling fancy? Oasis-class ships also host speciality restaurants. Enjoy Coastal Kitchen's fusion of Californian and Mediterranean flavours, or savour delightful deli treats from Park Cafe, including their famous “Kummelweck” roast beef sandwich.
Chops Grille presents an elegant steakhouse atmosphere with juicy steaks and fresh seafood. Giovanni’s Table offers family-style Italian dining, Izumi impresses with artfully prepared sushi and sashimi plates, and Johnny Rockets takes you back to the 1950s with an all-American menu.
Wrap up your day by swinging by one of the ship's bars. From the energetic PlaymakersSM sports bar with an arcade twist to the relaxed Vintages Wine Bar, there's a spot for everyone to unwind in style aboard the Oasis. Cheers to that!
Symphony of the Seas
On Symphony of the Seas, you'll find several familiar dining favourites from Oasis of the Seas, such as the Main Dining Room, Windjammer Café and Solarium Bistro, as well as distinctive dining experiences unique to this magnificent ship.
One of these exclusive experiences is Hooked Seafood, where guests can indulge in the flavours of fresh New England seafood. From lobster rolls to the catch of the day, you can relish the tastes of the coast in a casual yet elevated setting.
Jamie's Italian, another standout, brings forth the passionate essence of rustic Italian cuisine curated by the renowned chef Jamie Oliver. Its menu, bursting with the freshest seasonal ingredients, promises a genuine taste of Italy on the high seas.
And for those seeking something more whimsical, why not enter Wonderland? Where culinary imagination takes flight. This unique dining destination offers an extraordinary experience with inventive and unexpected flavours, making each meal a magical journey.
These distinctive culinary offerings aboard Symphony of the Seas add an element of diversity and exclusivity, ensuring that passengers encounter a varied and unforgettable gastronomic journey beyond what Oasis of the Seas offers.
Oasis of the Seas score: 8/10
Symphony of the Seas score: 8.5/10
Activities and Entertainment
Oasis of the Seas
The onboard fun on Oasis of the Seas is off the charts! Brace yourself for an icy laser tag showdown in Clash for the Crystal City, or gather your team for a Mission Control: Apollo 18 experience - this cruise line has it all!
Kids of all ages will also enjoy Adventure Ocean, a wide-open play area perfect for little cruisers to run around, and Splashaway Bay water park. For teens, there’s an exclusive lounge – somewhere to chill, play games, and even hang out on the outdoor patio. And, while the kids are having a blast, adults can amp up their cruise experience.
Think-coded cocktails at the Bionic Bar, romantic dinners at 150 Central Park, and live music acts at the Music Hall. The AquaTheater hosts jaw-dropping performances by Olympic-level high divers, showcasing breathtaking stunts and aerial acrobatics. Whether it’s spa and fitness, shopping, or seeking entertainment, the ship is buzzing with things to see and do.
Symphony of the Seas
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure aboard Symphony of the Seas! This Oasis Class ship is a thrill-seeker's dream, featuring iconic attractions like the ten-story Ultimate Abyss, twin FlowRider surf simulators, and a mind-blowing glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience. But the excitement doesn't stop there – with jaw-dropping performances on stages, ice rinks, and even in the air.
Whether you're exploring historical towns on a Mediterranean cruise or elevating your Caribbean getaway at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Symphony of the Seas promises non-stop adventure. So, grab a buddy, take the plunge down thrilling slides, and prepare for an onboard night out like no other. It's time to set sail and create memories that will last forever.
Oasis of the Seas score: 9/10
Symphony of the Seas score: 8/10
Cruise Cost
Oasis of the Seas
Booking prices
Booking a stay on Oasis of the Seas offers various price points depending on factors like the duration of your stay and the number of guests. The lowest price for a 2-night cruise typically starts around £355, while longer excursions, such as a 9-night adventure, might cost up to £2,058.
Keep an eye out for the cruise line's special offers, deals and promotions; they can dramatically impact your overall expenses. These special deals often include discounts on staterooms, added perks, or reduced fares for certain sailing dates. Checking for ongoing promotions can be a game-changer in terms of getting the best value for your cruise experience.
Onboard prices
When considering how much money to spend on activities and dining, it's advisable to budget between £100 to £300 per person. Here is a list of onboard prices to be aware of:
- Dining: If you plan on trying speciality restaurants beyond the included dining options, allocate around £30 to £80 per person per meal at these venues.
- Drinks: If you're not on a drink package, budget around £10 to £30 per person per day for beverages.
- Activities: Costs for onboard activities vary; for instance, spa treatments could range from £50 to £150 or more, while arcade games might be around £1 to £5 each.
- Shopping: Budget an additional amount for souvenirs or items from onboard shops, depending on your shopping preferences.
This budget range ensures you have the flexibility to enjoy various activities and dining experiences while onboard without overspending.
Symphony of the Seas
Booking prices
On the Symphony of the Seas, much like its sister ship, Oasis, booking prices can vary depending on several factors.
For a 4-night cruise, prices start at approximately £463. This lower-priced range is typically for interior staterooms and may vary based on specific sailing dates and availability.
On the other hand, if you're considering a longer voyage and opt for an 8-night cruise, the accommodation price can go up to around £1,477. However, this higher price range might include more luxurious suites, offering additional amenities and comfort.
Onboard prices
Since Symphony offers amenities similar to Oasis and a lot of the prices will be similar, you may want to consider variations in speciality dining costs and exclusive experiences unique to Symphony. Keep an eye on activities that might have an extra fee, such as:
- The innovative Escape Room experience, Mission Control: Apollo 18, might have its own pricing structure.
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes tours offering insights into the ship’s operations might come at an additional cost.
- Dining options vary from upscale venues like 150 Central Park to more casual spots like Hooked Seafood. Consider budgeting accordingly based on your dining preferences.
- Onboard shopping options, spa services, and fitness facilities might have distinct offerings and pricing compared to other ships in the fleet.
While many attractions are included in the cruise fare, setting aside some extra funds for these additional experiences can enhance your stay and make for a more personalised and memorable cruise experience.
Oasis of the Seas score: 8/10
Symphony of the Seas score: 8/10
Which is Best: Oasis of the Seas vs Symphony of the Seas
So now we've come to the end of the (cruise) line–here's our final verdict on these two fancy boats:
Oasis of the Seas final score: 42/50
Symphony of the Seas final score: 43.5/50
So, as the curtains close on our cruise comparison guide, it's clear that Symphony of the Seas struck a slightly higher note. Conducting a near-perfect harmony of onboard experiences, just a touch louder than Oasis of the Seas!
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FAQs
What cruise ship is bigger than Symphony of the Seas?
Two Royal Caribbean cruise ships are bigger than the Symphony: The Icon of the Seas and the Wonder of the Seas. These additions to the Royal Caribbean fleet surpass the Symphony of the Seas in size, promising even grander experiences and more innovative features.
Has Oasis of the Seas been refurbished?
Yes - in 2019, the Oasis of the Seas underwent refurbishment as part of the Royal Amplified program. With new pools, new dining venues, upgraded technology, redesigned staterooms, and the incorporation of popular features from other ships in the fleet, the Oasis has become a highly sought-after vacation destination.
What makes Symphony of the Seas different from other cruise ships?
Symphony of the Seas stands out due to its sheer size, offering a vast array of entertainment options and facilities. What makes it particularly unique are the groundbreaking attractions like the Ultimate Family Suite with its private slide and dedicated Genie service, the ten-story Ultimate Abyss slide, and its innovative entertainment venues like the Glow-in-the-Dark Laser Tag and high-diving AquaTheater. The ship provides an unparalleled combination of thrilling experiences and luxury amenities, setting it apart from many other cruise ships.
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