Oasis of the Seas vs. Symphony of the Seas: Which Royal Caribbean Ship is Right for You?

I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing numerous cruises aboard some of the world’s most luxurious ships. Two of the most popular options from Royal Caribbean International are the Oasis of the Seas and the Symphony of the Seas. Both ships offer unique features, amenities, and entertainment options tailored to a wide range of passengers. If you’re planning your next cruise vacation but can’t decide between these two magnificent ships, this comprehensive comparison will help you make an informed decision.

Key Stats

Feature	Oasis of the Seas	Symphony of the Seas
Maiden Voyage	2009	2018
Capacity (Double Occupancy)	5,602	5,518
Crew	2,109	2,200
Length (ft)	1,187	1,188
Staterooms	2,801	2,759
Decks	18	18

Types of Staterooms

Both ships offer a wide range of stateroom categories, including interior, ocean view, balcony, and suite accommodations. Here are some highlights for each ship:

Oasis of the Seas

• Boardwalk Balcony Staterooms: Unique staterooms overlooking the lively Boardwalk area, perfect for people-watching.
• AquaTheater Suites: Exclusive suites with spacious balconies overlooking the AquaTheater, offering a front-row seat to the mesmerizing water shows.

Symphony of the Seas

• Central Park Balcony Staterooms: Relaxing staterooms with views of the serene Central Park neighborhood.
• Ultimate Family Suite: A two-level, fun-filled suite designed for families, featuring a slide, private cinema, and game room.

Dining

Both ships offer a variety of dining options, from casual buffets to specialty restaurants. Here are the highlights for each ship:

Oasis of the Seas

• 150 Central Park: A refined restaurant showcasing seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with a six-course tasting menu.
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi: A popular spot for sushi lovers, offering fresh sushi rolls, sashimi, and a variety of Asian-inspired dishes.

Symphony of the Seas

• Hooked Seafood: A New England-style seafood restaurant featuring fresh, sustainably sourced seafood.
• El Loco Fresh: A casual, poolside eatery serving up made-to-order tacos, burritos, and other Mexican favorites.

Bars

Both ships offer a wide selection of bars and lounges to suit every mood and preference. Here are some highlights for each ship:

Oasis of the Seas

• Rising Tide Bar: A unique, levitating bar that travels between decks, offering innovative cocktails and panoramic views.
• Trellis Bar: Located in the heart of Central Park, this charming bar offers a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or a handcrafted cocktail.

Symphony of the Seas

• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade: A lively sports bar with a multitude of TVs showcasing various sports, accompanied by an extensive beer list and classic pub fare.
• The Bionic Bar: A futuristic bar featuring robotic bartenders that mix and serve your drinks with precision.

Entertainment and Activities

Both ships provide an impressive array of entertainment and activities catering to all ages and interests.

Oasis of the Seas

• AquaTheater: A breathtaking amphitheater hosting acrobatic, diving, and synchronized swimming performances.
• Zip Line: Experience the thrill of flying across the open-air atrium of the Boardwalk, nine decks above the ocean, on this exhilarating zip line adventure.
• Flight: An original Royal Caribbean production, Flight is a satire on the history and future of air travel.
• Hairspray: This Tony Award-winning musical about a 1960s dance show, an enthusiastic teen who becomes its unlikely star, and racial tensions in Baltimore during that time, takes the Royal Caribbean stage.

Symphony of the Seas

• Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z: An exciting glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience for guests of all ages.
• Ultimate Abyss: The tallest slide at sea, plunging 10 decks down for an adrenaline-pumping ride.
• Hairspray: Catch a Broadway-caliber performance of this popular musical at the Royal Theater.

Family and Kids

Both ships cater exceptionally well to families, with dedicated kids and teens clubs and family-friendly activities and entertainment.

Oasis of the Seas

• Splashaway Bay: A fun-filled water park with waterslides, water cannons, and fountains, perfect for kids of all ages.
• Adventure Ocean: A dedicated kids’ club with age-appropriate activities, games, and educational programs led by trained staff.

Symphony of the Seas

• H2O Zone: A colorful water park with interactive sculptures, geysers, and water cannons, perfect for family fun.
• Royal Escape Room: An immersive, family-friendly escape room experience that tests your problem-solving skills and teamwork.

Oasis of the Seas: Upgrades and Attractions

Oasis of the Seas underwent its Amplification in 2019, adding new features and amenities to the ship as part of Royal Caribbean’s amplification program. Some of the innovative onboard attractions include:

• Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, offering adrenaline-fueled fun for adventure seekers
• The Perfect Storm waterslides, a trio of thrilling slides that provide excitement for the whole family
• Music Hall, a live music venue featuring a variety of bands, tribute acts, and dance parties
• El Loco Fresh Mexican restaurant, a poolside eatery serving up made-to-order tacos, burritos, and other Mexican favorites
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, a lively sports bar with numerous TVs showcasing various sports, accompanied by an extensive beer list and classic pub fare
• Splashaway Bay water park, a fun-filled aqua park with waterslides, water cannons, and fountains, perfect for kids of all ages

The 2019 Amplification has undoubtedly enhanced the guest experience on Oasis of the Seas, making it an even more attractive option for travelers seeking innovative onboard attractions and an unforgettable cruise vacation.

Several features that were added to Oasis of the Seas during its 2019 Amplification already existed on the more recent Symphony of the Seas. These include the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, The Perfect Storm waterslides, and El Loco Fresh Mexican restaurant. Symphony of the Seas has been designed with these amenities from the start, ensuring a consistent and exciting experience for guests on both ships.

Final Thoughts

Both Oasis of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas are fantastic choices for your next cruise vacation. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preferences and priorities.

Choose Oasis of the Seas if you’re a fan of live performances, as this ship offers amazing AquaTheater shows and Broadway productions. Additionally, the unique Rising Tide Bar and Boardwalk Balcony Staterooms provide a one-of-a-kind experience.

Choose Symphony of the Seas if you prefer a more recent ship with the latest amenities and entertainment options. The Ultimate Family Suite, Bionic Bar, and thrilling Ultimate Abyss slide cater to a wide range of interests and ages.

Regardless of which ship you choose, you can be confident that you’ll enjoy a memorable and exciting cruise experience with Royal Caribbean.

Photos:

Darthvadrouw, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Baldwin040, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons