Royal Caribbean to Debut Newest Cruise Ship Ahead of Schedule

Royal Caribbean International’s new 230,000 gross tons mammoth Symphony of the Seas will enter service three weeks earlier than expected.

Royal Caribbean announced this week that the ship, which is being built at the STX France shipyard, is far enough ahead of schedule for Royal to add three new sailings next spring.

The new sailings include a five-night itinerary out of Barcelona on March 31, 2018, followed by two seven-night itineraries out of Barcelona on April 7 and 14.

The ship will enter service as the largest cruise ship in the world, sporting more balcony staterooms than its sister ship, Harmony of the Seas.

Among other features, Symphony will feature a revamped boardwalk area with a new bar and candy and ice-cream shop, Royal’s first New England-style seafood restaurant with Hooked Seafood located in the ship’s Solarium, and a brand new original show, “Flight,” a satire of the history of the air travel industry

It will also feature “the world’s most adventurous and interactive family suite,” according to Royal, which will include a kid’s only bedroom on the second floor with a slide to the living room down below. The suite will also include a floor-to-ceiling LEGO wall, an air-hockey table, and a separate 3D-theatre-style movie room with a popcorn