Can't decide between Symphony of the Seas Vs. Wonder of the Seas? This guide compares rooms, restaurants, entertainment, and more to help you pick your dream cruise.
When it comes to luxury cruising, Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships are some of the largest and most impressive cruise ships in operation. Some of the famous ships in this class include the Wonder of the Seas and the Symphony of the Seas. Both ships guarantee a vacation of a lifetime with numerous facilities, activities, and restaurants to choose from. However, certain differences may make one more preferable to the other, depending on the user's preferences and requirements. This article will delve into a detailed comparison of Wonder vs Symphony of the Seas, covering amenities, room types, pricing, dining options, and more.
Wonder of the Seas is an Oasis-class ship that started operating in March 2022 and is the world's largest cruise ship. It has new features and many improvements over its predecessors, which aim to make the cruise even more luxurious and entertaining.
The largest cruise ship before the Wonder of the Seas was Symphony of the Seas, which was launched in April 2018. Due to its many facilities, services, and recreational opportunities on board, it remains a popular choice among cruise lovers.
| Feature | Wonder of the Seas | Symphony of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 236,857 GT | 228,081 GT |
| Length | 1,188 feet | 1,188 feet |
| Passenger Capacity | 6,988 | 6,680 |
| Crew Members | 2,300 | 2,200 |
| Neighborhoods | 8 | 7 |
| Pools | 19 | 23 |
| Hot Tubs | 20 | 22 |
| Waterslides | 3 | 3 |
| Theaters | 2 | 2 |
| FlowRider Surf Simulators | 2 | 2 |
Both Royal Caribbean's ships have many facilities and services, such as pools and hot tubs, water slides, theaters, and FlowRider surfing experiences. However, the Wonder of the Seas has another neighborhood known as the Suite Neighborhood, which is reserved for guests who book suites and comes with features such as private dining and a plunge pool, among others.
The staterooms in both ships are similar in terms of types and sizes; they have interior staterooms, ocean views, balconies, and suites. For 2-4 persons’ occupancy, the choices of room type include interior stateroom, ocean view stateroom, and balcony stateroom. They also have a suite option for 2-8 people. However, the Wonder of the Seas has a better suite experience with the new Suite Neighborhood.
They both offer main dining rooms, complimentary buffets, and numerous specialty restaurants for varied dining opportunities. The Wonder of the Seas has Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, while the Symphony of the Seas has Jamie's Italian, giving each of the ships their own Italian restaurant.
The entertainment and activities on both ships are quite exhaustive and encompass high-diving shows, ice skating, Broadway musicals, and many more adventurous activities such as zip lining and rock climbing. Wonder and Symphony of the Seas are quite similar in terms of entertainment, and therefore, guests on either of the ships will have plenty of fun and exciting things to do.
It is important to note that the cost of cruises on the Wonder vs Symphony of the Seas can fluctuate depending on the time of year, the itinerary, and the type of cabin selected. Here are some approximate starting prices for a 7-night cruise:
| Room Type | Wonder of the Seas (Starting Price) | Symphony of the Seas (Starting Price) |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Stateroom | $900 | $850 |
| Ocean View Stateroom | $1,100 | $1,050 |
| Balcony Stateroom | $1,300 | $1,250 |
| Suite | $2,500 | $2,400 |
Note: Prices are approximate and can vary. Always check the latest prices on the official Royal Caribbean website.
The inclusions that are provided in the cruise fare of both ships are accommodation, standard dining, entertainment options, etc. Supplemental charges will be incurred for meals in specialty restaurants, beverages, shore excursions, and other premium facilities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Larger passenger capacity and more crew members for personalized service | Larger size can mean more crowded areas |
| Enhanced suite neighborhood for suite guests | Higher starting prices |
| Newer ship with the latest design innovations | - |
| Overall, slightly more spacious | - |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Still among the largest and most luxurious ships | Slightly older design compared to Wonder of the Seas |
| Slightly more affordable pricing | No suite neighborhood |
| Extensive amenities and entertainment options | - |
| Well-established favorite among cruisers | - |
The two ships, the Wonder of the Seas and the Symphony of the Seas are two of the most luxurious cruise ships in the world. They offer a wide range of facilities, entertainment, and accommodation. Your choice between the two will, therefore, depend on your preference for the latest innovations, your budget, and your special needs, such as the availability of suite amenities.
For those who prefer the most modern cruise ships with all the newest amenities and equipment, the Wonder of the Seas is the best option. However, if you are seeking a slightly cheaper option that is equally as impressive, then the Symphony of the Seas is a great option.
No matter which ship you choose, book your cruise through CruiseBooking.com to ensure you get the best cruise deals and a seamless booking experience. So, start planning your dream cruise today and get ready to set sail on an unforgettable adventure!
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