The day has finally come and Royal Caribbean has taken delivery of Symphony of the Seas. This mega-ship isn’t just the newest and largest in the fleet but also the new largest cruise ship in the world. The cruise line and shipyard put on a ceremony to mark the official handing over of the fourth oasis class cruise ship.
Symphony of the Seas Delivered
The delivery event was held at the STX France shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France and attended by key Royal Caribbean and shipyard personnel. The traditional handover of the flag took place which symbolizes the ship’s official delivery from the shipbuilder to Royal Caribbean. The event wouldn’t be complete by including all the crew members of Symphony of the Seas from onboard and the workers.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman and CEOÂ Richard D. Fain, said:
“Symphony of the Seas is the latest example of how our people work to push the envelope of innovation with each new ship.”
“The Oasis Class has been a trend-setting design, but the team has evolved the design to build on that success to provide even more incredible family adventures. We’re thankful to have a partner in STX France that is every bit as ambitious as we are about building technologically advanced ships.”
With the largest cruise ship in the world now delivered, this means that Royal Caribbean will take responsibility for the vessel. The ship is still at the shipyard with the crew preparing for the first voyage with guests on March 31. Symphony of the Seas is actually arriving earlier than expected, she was originally scheduled to begin cruises at the end of April.
Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, said:
“It is a proud and exhilarating moment to welcome a new member to the family. Thanks to our stellar crew and partners at STX France, we now are ready to embark on this new boundless adventure that comes to life on Symphony of the Seas.”
“Symphony will take family vacationing 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 lineup of vibrant, new restaurants, activities and unparalleled entertainment – all purposefully designed around vacationers’ preferences.”
The 25th ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Symphony of the Seas is 228,081 gross registered tons, measures 238 feet tall and spans 1,188 feet long. She will welcome 5,518 guests at double occupancy in 2,759 staterooms, including 28 additional balcony rooms that overlook the ocean or signature Boardwalk neighborhood. One Oasis Class ship, seven distinctive neighborhoods, the tallest slide at sea with the Ultimate Abyss and countless adventures for guests of all ages, the family adventure of a lifetime has surprises at every turn.
Also Read:Â Royal Caribbean to Modernize 10 Cruise Ships in 4 Years
Symphony of the Seas will welcome her first guests on Saturday, March 31 for a one-time-only, 5-night preview sailing, calling on Naples and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.
The ship’s maiden 7-night Mediterranean voyage departs Saturday, April 7 from Barcelona, Spain, where the crescendo of thrills will be brought to life by the 2,200 international crew members who proudly represent 77 countries around the world. Symphony of the Seas will homeport in Barcelona for the summer, visiting Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Provence, France; and Florence/Pisa, Rome and Naples, Italy. Beginning Nov. 10, Miami, FL. will become the ship’s year-round homeport, making Symphony of the Seas the first new Oasis Class ship to sail from the cruise capital of the world using Royal Caribbean’s new state-of-the-art Terminal A.
