Think cruise ship. Think sea sickness, teeny rooms and bland buffet meals? Think again!
Welcome to cruising the way it should be. And that’s in serious style, on board the world’s largest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas.
Cruising with kids can be hit or miss, but not with this mountain of a cruise ship. Royal Caribbean recently revealed their brand new ultra-lux cruise ship that is pretty much the greatest thing to ever hit the high seas. Symphony of the Seas will span 16 guest decks and carry 5,500 guests.
With robot bartenders, the world’s longest laser tag and a two-storey family suite (complete with a slippery dip and ceiling-to-floor LEGO wall), you might never want to leave.
Slide into the family suite… literally
Let’s start with the family suite, shall we? The two-storey suite offers a sleek staircase connecting the rooms. Plus, there’s a massive slide for the kiddies to get from their bedroom to the living room. Then there’s a floor-to-ceiling LEGO wall, a 3D movie theatre-style TV room and even a climbing wall. You’ve also got an air-hockey table, pool table and full-size whirlpool.
The Family Suite also comes with your own personal Genie to take care of your every need. Because who wouldn’t want a personal Genie. No word on whether you have to rub a lamp to get him to come out. But we’re excited to find out!
The Cruise Ship with its own neighbourhoods
Sure, you don’t really have a reason to leave your room, but, if you do decide to venture outside your personal paradise, you will discover various neighbourhoods around the ship. There’s the Pool and Adventure neighbourhood, you know, with the pool, the Flowrider and water slides. Then there’s the Youth Zone neighbourhood for the kiddies, the Boardwalk, The Entertainment Place and the Promenade (just to name a few).
There’s also Central Park, which is, essentially a mini version of the New York City attraction, complete with more than 12,000 trees and plants for the ultimate uptown experience.
Snakes on a Plane? Try Lasers on a Ship
If your kids like laser tag, then they may be slightly impressed with this new feature. A massive laser tag arena which is the longest in the world. And it’s on a ship. Mind. Blown.
Of course, there’s also heaps of other kids’ activities (like ice skating and rock climbing), family friendly shows, a feast of dining options and even an entire area dedicated to lollies (appropriately called Sugar Beach).
Plus there’s a number of adult-only attractions too on the world’s largest cruise ship. Like a Spa & Fitness neighbourhood, a massive 30-screen sports bar and robotic bartenders, mixing drinks at the futuristic Bionic Bar.
You had me at robotic bartenders. Topless ones that look like Chris Hemsworth would really seal the deal (just a suggestion).
Symphony of the Seas will make its grand debut in Europe in 2018. Sure, it’s a long way to travel for us Aussies, but if you want the very best cruise ship experience in the world, it really doesn’t get any better than this!
Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International said, “We set out to create a new level of vacation adventure and deliver the ultimate escape for families of all shapes and sizes.”
Mission accomplished, Mr Bayley.
Before you pack your bags and book your tickets, take a look at our previous article about why a cruise really is the perfect family adventure.
