Symphony of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas: Which Cruise Best?

20/08/2024

Ahoy, fellow cruise enthusiasts! If you've set sail before, you'll know just how exciting and magical cruise liners can be. These ships not only help you explore the world, but are floating cities themselves.

There's so much to do and see onboard these huge ships, it's no surprise you might be considering another nautical getaway. With so many options, picking which cruise to go on can be quite the head-scratcher.

So, to help you, we made this comparison guide. In this instalment from Slingo's lifestyle blog, we explore two magnificent Royal Caribbean International vessels: the Symphony of the Seas and the Icon of the Seas.

Before we jump into the comparison portion of this guide, let's take a look at the histories of these cruise lines.

A Brief Overview: Symphony of the Seas and Icon of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas

At its launch in 2018, the Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas was the world's biggest cruise ship and included a diverse range of activities, such as an ice skating rink, art auctions (yes, you read that correctly) and a surf simulator, not to mention the plethora of dining options and bars that set new standards in the cruising industry.

Constructed in France, The Symphony is one of several Oasis Class ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, which also features Harmony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.

Icon of the Seas

Launched six years later, in 2024, The Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas, took the title of world's largest cruise ship from the Symphony of the Seas. The cruiser certainly lives up to its iconic billing featuring the world's first suspended infinity pool on a ship, which hovers eight stories high and promises magical experiences in an unforgettable setting.

Built in Finland by Meyer Turku, the Icon of the Seas is the first of Royal Caribbean's Icon Class and features several concepts not seen on cruise ships before, including the largest waterpark at sea, Thrill Island.

Which is Best: Symphony of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas

Now we know a little more about the stories of two of the biggest ships to sail the seas, it's time to get into our comparison.

This section of our guide explores these ships' size, rooms and cabins and amenities like bars, restaurants and activities, to crown a winner.

Ship Size and Passengers

Symphony of the Seas

As one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, Symphony of the Seas is a giant vessel. With a gross tonnage of 228,081 and measuring 1,188 feet long, the ship can accommodate up to 6,680 passengers and 2,200 crew members.

The Symphony boasts 18 decks with distinct neighbourhoods, each offering unique experiences for people of all ages.

Icon of the Seas

Boasting 20 decks, the Icon boasts eight different neighbourhoods, including five brand new ones, providing even more areas to discover and enjoy.

Not to be outdone by its sister ship, the Icon of the Seas is a whole 10 feet longer than the Symphony, stretching to 1,198 feet and weighing in at a whopping 250,800 tons.

In terms of passenger capacity, the Icon blows the other cruise ship out of the water, with the ability to house 5,600 people and a further 2,350 crew members.

The Icon stretches across 20 decks and eight different neighbourhoods, including five that are new to the Royal Caribbean fleet: AquaDome, Thrill Island, Chill Island, Surfside and The Hideaway.

Symphony of the Seas score: 8/10

Icon of the Seas score: 9/10

The Icon of the Seas takes the lead here, offering more space and innovative design concepts that cater to a wider range of preferences.

See how the Symphony of the Seas got on against another Royal Caribbean ship, the Oasis, in our comparison guide: Oasis of the Seas vs Symphony of the Seas: Which is Best?

Rooms and Cabins

Symphony of the Seas

As you would expect from a ship of this calibre and size, The Symphony offers a wide variety of accommodations, from cosy interior rooms to luxurious suites.

The Ultimate Family Suite, which is set across two floors, is the ship's most opulent lodging. Including a slide, private cinema and hot tub, this is the perfect setting for a family getaway to remember.

If you're seeking a more exclusive experience, the Royal Suite Class might be for you. This package features a number of special perks and complimentary services to guarantee you have the time of your life.

Icon of the Seas

Like The Symphony, The Icon of the Seas also offers a large accommodation for families. The Ultimate Family Townhouse is a three-storey space with two balconies and the ability to sleep up to eight of your nearest and dearest. This incredible suite also includes a private cinema, a karaoke station, and a dedicated outdoor space with a hot tub.

Royal Suite Class is also available on the Icon of the Seas and the ship also boasts more spacious standard cabins and a wider variety of suite categories, catering to different group sizes and preferences.

Symphony of the Seas score: 9/10

Icon of the Seas score: 10/10

Both ships offer excellent accommodation options, but the Icon's innovative designs and increased variety give it a slight edge.

Dining and Bars

Symphony of the Seas

With over 20 dining venues, the Symphony caters to all tastes. From the complimentary Main Dining Room and Windjammer Marketplace to speciality restaurants like Jamie's Italian and Wonderland, culinary adventures abound.

The ship also features numerous bars and lounges, including the Bionic Bar, which features two robotic bartenders!

Icon of the Seas

When it comes to bars and restaurants, The Icon ups the ante with more than 40 dining venues and bars.

With new concepts like the Pearl Café, that offers spectacular ocean views, and the AquaDome Market, a food hall serving a myriad of international cuisines and dishes.

The ship also introduces experiences like the Overlook Bar and Pods, a suspended lounge offering panoramic ocean views and featuring intimate pods..

With this much choice, the only problem you'll have on either cruise is deciding which restaurants you'll visit!

Symphony of the Seas score: 9/10

Icon of the Seas score: 9.5/10

While both ships offer excellent dining options, the Icon's increased variety and innovative concepts give it a slight advantage.

Activities and Entertainment

Symphony of the Seas

On the Symphony, there's no shortage of activities for the whole family. The ship includes the ten-storey Abyss slide, FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall and a zip line.

If you're looking for a less adrenaline-filled experience, there are Broadway-calibre shows, ice skating performances and the awe-inspiring displays of the AquaTheater.

Icon of the Seas

By comparison, Icon of the Seas introduces groundbreaking attractions like Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, featuring six record-breaking slides. The AquaDome, a transforming entertainment venue, hosts acrobatic performances and immersive shows.

New additions also include the Crown's Edge, an obstacle course with a skywalk and ropes course for the ultimate thrill ride.

Symphony of the Seas score: 9/10

Icon of the Seas score: 10/10

Again, the Symphony's fantastic plethora of activities is pipped by the innovative features of the Icon.

Cruise Cost

Symphony of the Seas

Prices for a 7-night Caribbean cruise on the Symphony typically start around £5300 per person for an interior stateroom, while suites can cost upwards of £1,500 per person.

Additional costs for dining, activities, and beverages must be factored in, too, with budget recommendations of £100-£300 per person per day for onboard expenses.

Icon of the Seas

As the newest and most innovative ship in the fleet, the Icon commands a premium. Prices for a 7-night Caribbean cruise start at around £1,000 per person for an interior stateroom, with suites ranging from £2,000 to over £20,000 per person. Similar onboard expense budgets apply, though some new attractions may have additional fees.

Symphony of the Seas score: 8/10

Icon of the Seas score: 7/10

While the Icon offers more features, it has a higher price point, which you should consider when booking your next cruise.

Which is Best: Symphony of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas

While we've enjoyed getting to know more about these ships, there must be a winner.

Drum roll, please... Here are the final scores:

Symphony of the Seas final score: 43/50

Icon of the Seas final score: 45.5/50

In this comparison the new ship, Icon of the Seas, gets a narrow victory thanks to its larger size, innovative design, and groundbreaking attractions.

Despite the victory, we must stress that the Symphony of the Seas remains an excellent choice if you're looking to head off on a cruise.

Although it offers less attractions, the Symphony is still one of the biggest cruise ships ever made and has more amenities and entertainment options than you can shake a stick at. The Symphony's also more budget-friendly and doesn't compromise on quality or enjoyment.

Remember, the best ship for you depends on your personal preferences, budget, and desired experiences. Both vessels promise unforgettable vacations filled with luxury, adventure, and relaxation. Whichever you choose, you're in for a treat!

Of course, the best cruise for you depends on your personal preferences, budget and desired experiences. Whichever ship you choose, The Symphony or The Icon, you'll be in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Happy cruising, and may your next voyage be filled with wonderful memories!