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24 years ago, I was working at a supermarket when I met Cindy. She was just as short and silly as I was and I knew instantly that we would be best friends. She’s that person that I can always count on and regardless of how much time passes in our busy lives, we can always pick up right where we left off. Although we are now married and have kids, not much else has changed. We are still goofy and we are still taking these ridiculous muscle pictures every chance we get (I’m not sure how that started but I’m so glad we did). So when Royal Caribbean® asked me to preview their new ship, Symphony of the Seas, on my birthday, I couldn’t imagine going with anyone else. It was the perfect excuse for a much needed bestie Mom getaway and it turned out to be even better than we could have imagined.
Perfect Balance of Adult and Kid Fun.
It was over 30 years since I had gone on a cruise, so I had no idea what to expect. As soon as we stepped onto that ship, I knew that we were going to have a blast. First of all, the ship is massive. It’s actually the biggest ship in the world! Symphony of the Seas offers more than 20 restaurants, the tallest slide at sea, waterslides, two surf simulators, a waterscape for kids and toddlers, an escape room, a mini-golf course, a nine-deck-high zip line, two 43 feet high rock-climbing walls, laser tag, a full-size basketball court, table tennis, 19 pools, a robot that serves drinks and so much more. Royal Caribbean hasn’t missed a single thing.
And even though this was a Mom Getaway, we couldn’t help but take note at all of the things our kids would love. Symphony of the Seas offers the best balance of adult and kid fun! We’re already planning our first bestie family cruise in one of their gorgeous suites.
Day One.
We spent the first day exploring the ship. So much walking. While I loved every part of it, one of my favorite areas was The Boardwalk. The Boardwalk took me back to my childhood, when my Grandpa used to take me to our local boardwalk on the beach. Featuring Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, a carousel and Sugar Beach, a candy and ice cream shop, it’s such a fun area.
At night, we headed to the AquaTheater to watch HiRO, which combines acrobatics, dance, diving and gymnastics in one incredible show. It was packed with great music and a variety of ooh and aah moments. If you’ve never seen a group dance on water, it’s pretty incredible and apparently no two shows are alike.
Is It Time to Eat?
Cindy’s mission was to eat her way through the ship. It’s one of the reasons that I love her. She had dessert for dinner one night and enjoyed every bite. We had a number of meals at Windjammer Marketplace which offered just about anything you could imagine, all situated in convenient stations. Everything was delicious and if we had more hours in the day, we probably would have tried everything.
They have just about every type of food you could want on Symphony of the Seas, from tacos to lobster. They even have a soft serve ice cream station by the pool, where you can grab a cone whenever you want one. Pretty sweet!
Looking for Thrills?
While I’m not brave enough, Cindy took on the zip line TWICE! She loved it and never hesitated. I took on the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea. Imagine a 13 second roller coaster, in the dark. It was SO MUCH FUN! It starts on the top deck and drops you off at The Boardwalk (deck 6). There were people of all sizes and ages on it and everyone loved it.
Hairspray.
If there’s one thing that Cindy was looking forward to, even more than the food, it was Hairspray! While she had seen the show multiple times (and knew all the words to every song), I had only seen the movies. The show was incredible, packed with laughs, controversy and so much talent. The entire show was perfect, from beginning to the end, which resulted in a well deserved, standing ovation.
Everyone was phenomenal but Tressa Thomas, who plays Motormouth Maybelle, really brought down the house with her voice. It’s almost as though the whole room stopped. The combination of her range and the subject she was singing about (especially with what’s going on in our country right now), gave me the chills. Amazing.
The Ultimate Family Suite.
Close your eyes and imagine the perfect family suite. Now throw in a Royal Genie who customizes the entire space and experience for you. The Ultimate Family Suite on Symphony of the Seas didn’t disappoint. With only one suite like this on board, bragging rights are at stake for the most exclusive family experience at sea. The Ultimate Family Suite is a two-level, 1,346-square-foot suite offers more than enough room for the whole family – and friends – to come together and catch up on “me time.” Imagination brings this suite to life with swoon-worthy features, whimsical color schemes and jaw-dropping wows.
I don’t even know where to begin. A dining table that turns into an air hockey table. A cinema room, complete with every gaming system you could want, a popcorn maker and a huge screen. A slide from the kids room, upstairs, straight into the living room area. A hot tub and playground on the balcony. A his and hers shower. A lego wall. It’s a dream. Starting at around $25k for the week, it’s definitely on the pricey side. My kids would never leave the room and by the look on Cindy’s face when she came down the slide, she probably wouldn’t either.


Just Plain Fun for All Ages.
Everywhere you turn, there are bright colors that make you feel like a kid again, no matter what your age. Last year, Royal Caribbean welcomed guests from 6 months to 106. There is something for everyone on Symphony of the Seas.
The Solarium, a space for 16+ is the perfect place to get away and relax when you have the kids with you. You can drop them off at Adventure Island and grab a bite in the Solarium Bistro.
We also checked out the Casino Royal. We each took in $20. Cindy walked out with an extra $65 and I walked out with $16. Not bad and lots of fun (minus the cigarette smoke that filled the air).
Cindy and I had the pleasure of testing out the escape room, Escape the Rubicon. Neither of us had ever tried one and we both came out of it wanting to go to another. It’s actually so much fun to go into the room with a group of strangers and work together to solve the puzzles. While we missed it by just a few seconds, we had a blast!


The Executives and Staff.
I got the opportunity to sit down with Royal Caribbean’s President and CEO, Michael Bayley, Captain Rob Hempstead and Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, Mark Tamis to learn more about the ship and the Ultimate Family Suite. What was clear to me, in our time with them was how much they love the company and what they do. Their enthusiasm is contagious. One thing that was clear was the importance of choosing the right staff. And they really have done a phenomenal job.
From on-boarding to leaving on that final day, everything was so organized. There was always someone smiling and offering assistance. It’s a pleasure to see a company that really invests in their staff. You can tell it’s a fun company to work for.

There is not one thing I would change about our getaway. If you’re planning a cruise with your bestie, your partner or your family, Symphony of the Seas should be at the top of your list.
We are hoping to return in May 2019, when they will reveal the newly renovated exclusive Island, CocoCay. From what we saw in the previews, it’s going to be the perfect combination of thrill and chill including the tallest waterslide in North America, a helium balloon that reaches 450 feet, a swim-up bar in the Bahamas’ largest freshwater pool and the only private overwater cabanas in the Bahamas. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it?
Have you been on a Royal Caribbean cruise yet? Comment below and let me know!
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*This post was sponsored by Royal Caribbean but all opinions are my own.

Ruth I
February 28, 2020Wow. A perfect getaway with a friend or family. I would love to stay on that room but it’s so expensive. ha! There are lots of activities so no one will ever get bored.
Heather
February 28, 2020The family suite?! I know! I would love it too but definitely not in our budget. 😆
Celebrate Woman Today
February 28, 2020This ship is so huge, and you, two of the best girl-friends, had a blast! I love your travel escapades and things you do together.
Toni
February 28, 2020Wow! That looks so amazing! What a fun getaway with your bestie! You both are so cool! Wish I could try it one day.
Catalina
February 28, 2020Wow! What a perfect fun vacation! Love this kind of vacation where everyone have a lot of fun and make memories!
Monica
February 27, 2020Man that is a massive cruise ship! They have so much to offer. It definitely looks like it would make for such a fun girls trip.
katrina Kroeplin
February 27, 2020yes please! sign me up for a cruise! i need to be on one so bad. looks like a blast.
Lisa Favre
February 27, 2020I have never done a cruise before but it’s definitely on my bucket list. You and your bestie are so adorable – really reminds me of me and my bff. We’ve known each other since college!
Lisa Joy Thompson
February 27, 2020Wow! This looks like such an amazing cruise ship! I’d love to take my family on it!
Jessica Hughes
May 31, 2019Looks like you guys had a great time! Royal Carribean is the best cruise line!
Shannon Gurnee - Redhead Mom
May 31, 2019Wow – this sounds like it was an awesome cruise! I’ve heard great things about Royal Caribbean!
Ronnie
May 30, 2019Love the fact that you have stayed friends for so long and go on these experiences together! This is the ultimate friend goal. It looks like you both had a blast!
Tiffany La Forge-Grau
May 30, 2019The last time I went on a cruise, it turned out terrible because of the weather. I really want to go on another one to change that experience.
Erin Knight
May 30, 2019What a great trip you had with your best friend. I cannot believe they even have a roller coaster on that cruise. You have made the Symphony of the Seas my dream trip.
Emman Damian
May 30, 2019It seems like you had fun! I love the food pics too! Wish me and my mom can do this too!
Ntensibe Edgar Michael
May 30, 2019Aaawwww…you two are ssoooo goofy! You must love each other so deeply. I haven’t been on a cruise before but I strongly want to know how it is.
Kristine Nicole Alessandra
May 29, 2019Getting on a cruise is my top travel dream, followed closely by owning an RV and driving all over. The Symphony of the Seas is such a majestic ship! So many activities you can do on board, and the family suite is perfect!
Carolyn
May 29, 2019Oh man, a cruise is my dream to go on. This is a great review and it definitely makes me want to be there! Especially on this ship!
Stacie
May 29, 2019That sounds like so much fun! There is nothing better than cruising. I’d love a cruise like this.
Sarah Bailey
November 27, 2018This looks like it offers the most amazing getaway! I’ve always fancied trying out a cruise, they seem like such an interesting way to travel and of course see some different places too.
Debra
November 27, 2018I have always wanted to do a cruise! My husband and I talk about it all the time. We always end up at the five same places. we need to branch out!
Nicole
November 25, 2018Cruises are always so much fun, especially when it can be a little getaway for a few days! I’ve heard great things about Royal Caribbean line cruises. I’ll have to look into one for a fun girls trip perhaps, thanks for sharing!
Kanaya Bhattacharya
November 25, 2018Been one of those dreamy things – cruising. It’s been on my bucketlist since forever but sea sickness doesn’t allow me to go that often. These photos are amazing! I hope I’ll tick off a cruise trip like this from my bucket list soon. 😀
Terri Steffes
November 24, 2018I think this would be fun and an incredible experience! This looks like there’s a lot more entertainment than most cruises.
Thatiana
November 24, 2018I’m schedule to go on a cruise in February, I’m very excited everything looks so much fun!
Tara
November 24, 2018This looks like so much fun! I’d absolutely love to do this with my girls!
Rachel
November 24, 2018I have never been on a cruise. By the looks of it, I would have more fun if I went with girl friends!
Jessica
November 24, 2018It looks like you and Cindy had a blast and how could you not with so many options each day. I would not even need to get off of the boat for round the clock food and entertainment.
Vinay Dhakal
November 24, 2018Wow! Such a nice trip. I would love to be a part of it someday. Thank you for sharing.
Anosa Malanga
November 22, 2018Woah! This is amazingly one of my dreams! To go on cruise with mom and my sister. You are so lucky to eb able to experience it. Trying our best to experience the same the soonest!
Laura Dove
November 22, 2018Oh wow this looks AMAZING! I am so jealous, I really want to go on a cruise, it looks like you had the most fun!
Theresa Bailey
November 22, 2018Wow that looks like an amazing trip! I love how colorful and vibrant the ship is. I’m a big Disney fan and just got back from a cruise on the Magic. This makes me want to look into Royal Carribean though.
alison
November 22, 2018The ultimate girlfriend getaway for sure. What a great time and John waters to boot. Looks like a blast, think I may have to do this with friends.
Rosey
November 22, 2018I love that you can slide into the room. Those bright colors do make you feel like a kid. I’d love to take a cruise. 🙂
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations
November 22, 2018This looks like such a fun time. I really need to sail with them, I haven’t yet. Thanks for the detailed review, I’m looking into booking right now!
Alvern at Success Unscrambled
November 22, 2018Reading your review gave me goosebumps. `The Symphony of the Seas sounds ridiculously amazing. I will not be paying $25k a week for a family suite that is just a bit over the top. I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise many years ago and it was amazing.
Heather
November 22, 2018This would be the ultimate getaway with a friend! It would be awesome to take the time to take care of myself and a bestie instead of having to make sure my children are fed, rested and happy all day and night! We love cruising and have had some great experiences with Royal Caribbean.
Becca Wilson
November 22, 2018This getaway looks like it would be so amazing. I have always wanted to go on a cruise!
Silvia
November 21, 2018How much fun! What can be more fun than a cruise with a best friend It looks that you had a blast and the Symphony of the Seas looks like a dream!
Terri
November 21, 2018It sure looks like you had a great mom trip away! I love the cabin you were set up in. So fun. This looks like a fun cruise. Don’t you love how when you go away you still talk about and think about the kids!
Dwight Alleyne
November 21, 2018Wow it looks like there is so much to do on a cruise. That is one thing I haven’t done as of yet and is definitely on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing
Amber Battishill
November 21, 2018What a fun trip! I’d love to go on an girls weekend away cruise some day! Sounds like a dream come true – lol.
Kathy
November 21, 2018That looks like an amazing time. I’ve never been on a cruise before. My husband and I have been wanting to go on one some day though.
Alyssa H
November 21, 2018oh my gosh–this maks me want to plan a best friend mom getaway IMMEDIATELY. It also reminds me how fun cruising is. I want to go to there!
Rose Cottrill
November 21, 2018This is something we haven’t done yet. I think when the kids are older, we will try to go on a cruise.
Dani
November 21, 2018This looks amazing and the two of you remind me of me and my best friends. We’ve never talked about going on a cruise together, but I just might have to pitch this idea to them 🙂
Farrah Less
November 21, 2018This is such a fun and relaxing vacation a much needed one right now. We have plan to go a cruise sometime this year I would want to consider this one.
dani
November 21, 2018Wow what an amazing (and well deserved) getaway for you and your friend! It looks like you had a fabulous time!
kumamonjeng
November 21, 2018Wow, u guys seem to pose the same picture over and over again through these years. Pretty amazing. The thing that stay is the “fun” part of both of you guys. Really envy your friendship with your bestie.
Kiwi
November 21, 2018I just went on my second bestie cruise this year myself. You ladies looks like you all had a ball and I hope you have many more!
Sophie
November 21, 2018I’ve never actually gone on a cruise but the more I read about them the more fun they look. Great food, great entertainment and no need to drive or walk miles after your wine at dinner!
Sandra
November 21, 2018Wow, this is looks so grand! I’d love to have this with my family! Hairspray show is one of my favorites! The area looks so relaxing and it feels like I’m gonna have a time of fun in there. Great entry! Thanks for sharing this!
xoxo
Pam
November 20, 2018That ultimate family suite looks SO cool. I mean, an in-suite slide? That’s really neat.
Patricia-Ann Que
November 20, 2018what a fun place, looks like you had a blast! but i guess the most important thing is the company! 🙂
Shelley King
November 20, 2018My mission is to eat my way through cruises also! Looks like so much fun! Love the pics!
Catherine @ To & Fro Fam
November 20, 2018Girlfriend getaways are the best! I do one every year with a group of mom friends, and they’re always such a good time.
Laurie Gannon
November 20, 2018All the cruises I have ever been on have been on a Royal Caribbean ship. I’ve always had the best time and their ships are gorgeous and so well maintained. And there always, always a ton of activities and food options for adults and kids (ahem…champagne bar!!)
Your photos with your bestie made me smile. What a great tradition!
Gena
November 20, 2018What an awesome idea!! You ladies are seriously friendship goals! And what a sweet story to read, especially around Thanksgiving!
Tara Pittman
November 20, 2018It is amazing how much there is to do on that ship. I would need at least a month on this to do it all.
Tasheena
November 20, 2018I’ve never been on a cruise before. However, everything about your post makes me want to book a trip right now. How cool was that suite!!
Brittany
November 20, 2018OMG this looks like a DREAM! How fun!! I want to go!!! What a fun vacation with a friend!!
Melissa Chapman
November 20, 2018That cruise seemed to have everything from great food to entertainment. I have never been on a cruise but this seems like a perfect vacation.
cait
November 20, 2018well this looks FANTASTIC! i havent been on a cruise in years but wow so many fun and exciting things to do and see! great review my friend and so glad you had such a great time!
Amber Myers
November 20, 2018I would love to go on a cruise one day! Going with a friend would be a blast. I need to do this one day for sure.
Candy
November 20, 2018We have never been on a cruise. Something we have discussed. This look really inviting to go on
Alli Smith
November 20, 2018I haven’t been on a cruise in years. We visit the Caribbean every year but we fly to whatever island we’re visiting. After reading this, I need to rethink things and plan a getaway on the Symphony of the Seas. Looks like you and your bestie had the best time!
Jona Shares
November 20, 2018Never been to any cruise ship yet but this is on my bucket list. Well, of course, who would not love to experience cruising, right? Hopefully Soon I could finally tick this off on my bucketlist.