Symphony Of The Seas, Here We Come
 

A first for us and for Symphony Of The Seas, a Transatlantic Crossing. As we enjoy a Moritz and Potatoes Bravas on a rainy afternoon in Barcelona we are excited for our adventure to begin.

Will follow.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1013f9f0c1.jpg

Symphony Docked In Barcelona

As we step onto The Symphony Of The Seas it is a somewhat familiar sight as just last month we did a “7 Day” on The Harmony Of The Seas. Although in the same class of ship The Symphony is officially the largest cruise ship in the world weighing in at just over 228,000 gross tons. I am sure after our “12 Day” Trans-Atlantic crossing she will weigh just a little bit more.


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e2f931e73e.jpg

A Sorrento's Slice

After joining the welcome aboard staff with a few dance moves (about 10 calories worth) I begin my part in helping The Symphony to put on a few tons before she arrives in her new home port in Miami. A few slices of hot and fresh pizza at Sorrento's and then we do a cruise ship unthinkable. Although we only have carry on luggage, we take the elevator up just one floor to our outside balcony room.


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8f6141e6d2.jpg

Stateroom Deck 6 Aft

I'm almost exhausted looking at how far we have to walk down the hall. I knew we should have rented an electric scooter.

As we walk around on Deck 15 for the “Sail Away Party” you would never know there are about 5,000 passengers aboard the Symphony. With a brisk wind and temperatures in the mid 50's the weather has driven many to seek shelter inside. The entertainment staff shows up in winter gear and soon announce that the “Sail Away Party” has also been driven inside because of the Barcelona chill.

Despite the cool down the scenery from Deck 15 is just too beautiful to miss as night begins to fall. Looking forward the city and surrounding hills twinkle as lights come on.


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...934e99bc5a.jpg

Port Of Barcelona Sunset

Behind and above us the sky turns to a “Spanish Sunset Orange” an almost romantic and certainly magicial scene. We head to the aft of the Symphony where we acquire a few adult beverages and enjoy the moment. Soon I sense a gentle sensation and my surroundings begin to move, Symphony has set sail for its first Trans-Atlantic crossing.

Now practically surrounded by darkness and after a mandatory delay from enjoying our adult drinks, we enter “The Abyss”.


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...72cf583bf0.jpg

The Abyss

A mostly dark and twisting hundred feet or so descent inside of a metal tube produces screams along with laughter which lands us on “The Boardwalk” without thankfully any burn marks. Darn, I was hoping we would have landed on Broadway as I really wanted to see Hairspray but I guess we'll get a chance to do that later.

Cool! Is Hairspray the featured show?

Yes.. Plus another Broadway type of production

Hello DMBTraveler, long time no hear, glad to see you back. I will be checking out all of your post :).

tch912,

Took a break from posting but not traveling :)

Have you being cruising lately? This was a Trans-Atlantic first for us. After 9 Days at sea wasn't sure what to do on land!

DMBTraveler, after the two night cruise last year, I went to South Africa. It was a great trip but very busy.
I am doing a New Year's cruise on the Breeze. In June I'm going to Paris and London for 10 days.
Glad you're back, one of these days I will get to sail the Symphony of the Seas.
I'm looking forward to your reports.

Tch912:

We’ve been on the Oasis and the Ovation, an Anthem class ship. Do try them. They are destinations by themselves.

jacketwatch, I am going to try them. I've a couple of co-workers go on them and loved them. I started traveling late in life and now I trying to play catch up before the body say stop :).

Ok. You won’t be disappointed :tu:

tch912,

30 is not "late in life" :lol:

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d6027f3e99.jpg

Windjammer


Although we are still full from slices of pizza as a part of our first walk around Symphony we head up to Deck 15 on our way to visit Windjammer. From Deck 15 to Deck 16 as we go up the inner staircase, we get a “Tom Hanks Big” moment. Inside Windjammer we are impressed by the food presentation and I am quite sure that during the next 12 days we will spend a bit of time here.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ddfd4d5d1a.jpg

The Symphony Open Golf Course


Because of the cold night air Deck 15 is practically empty but there are still a few brave souls enjoying Flow-rider, we pass for now. Instead we play our first round of The Symphony Open.

Oh my goodness, DMBTraveler, you along with a few others including jacketwatch are absolutely the best. Great pictures, I can't wait to be on board the ship in about 8 weeks, thank you for the 30 comment.

Our first visit to the Royal Theater is a delightful one as we are entertained by Mo5aic a five-man vocal band without any musical instruments. However, if you were blindfolded you would swear there were drums, guitars and an electric piano on stage. Definitely a talented group of entertainers.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...db128772c7.jpg

1977 Studio B

Without a doubt one of the most spectacular shows on ice is 1977 in Studio B. I won't spoil it for you but from the opening production to the finale I think you will be impressed.

We finish the night out in a quiet but not so quiet way at the “Hush Party”. With specialized headsets we switch between green and blue and dance the night away in our own kind of private disco world.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b2f6941e98.jpg

Hush Party. Shhhhhhhhh!

Fun!