Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class of ships continues to break records with bigger and better ships, appealing to cruisers of all ages.
Whether it be the traditional buffet or upscale dining, relaxing by the pool, rock climbing a 43-foot wall, enjoying a Broadway-style show, listening to jazz music, or testing your luck in the casino, there is a dizzying array of ways to enjoy a vacation onboard one of their five different ships.
The two newest ships in the class -- Symphony and Wonder of the Seas -- are both great choices for your next cruise vacation. There are, however, some notable differences that you should be aware of!
Here's how Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas compare.
Overview of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class
When Oasis of the Seas first launched, she was the first ship in the world to feature different distinct neighborhoods onboard, and this feature can be found on all Oasis Class ships, including Symphony and Wonder of the Seas.
These neighborhoods facilitate the flow of people, making it easy to figure out what to do and where to go. Plus, the innovative design of these ships allows for incredible open-air spaces in the center.
One of the best locations is Central Park, a quiet green haven full of trees and flowers, along with fine dining venues and lounges. Alternatively, kids and families love the fun Boardwalk neighborhoods with a carousel, carnival-style treats, and other amusements.
Other neighborhoods include the Royal Promenade, Entertainment Place, Vitality Spa and Fitness, Youth Zone, and the Pool and Sports Zone.
Symphony of the Seas
Homeport: Miami, Florida
Ports: Between October 2023 and April 2025, you can expect to find Symphony of the Seas sailing throughout the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including to Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Symphony of the Seas was launched in 2018, becoming the largest cruise ship in the world. She has a maximum capacity of 6,680 guests and 2,200 crew. Onboard, you will find all the familiar Oasis Class comforts and perks, as well as some new additions:
- 9 inclusive dining options, including the new El Loco Fresh
- 10 specialty dining venues – seafood, sushi, steakhouse
- 14 lounges, bars, and nightclubs
- Musical Productions - Hairspray, 1977 and Flight
- Live entertainment, Comedy Club and casino
- 4 main outdoor pools
- Adult-only area with pool and hot tubs
- Ultimate Abyss, the tallest dry slide at sea
- The Perfect Storm waterslides
- FlowRider surf simulators
- Splashaway Bay – a park for kids and toddlers
- Sports court for basketball, soccer, etc.
- Mini-golf course
- Two rock-climbing walls and zip-lining
Wonder of the Seas
Homeport: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
Ports: Between October 2023 and April 2025, Wonder of the Seas will sail to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Built in 2021, this ship has a maximum guest capacity of 6,698 and a crew of 2,300. She, too, has familiar Oasis Class comforts; however, she is the most unique Oasis Class ship. Until, that is, Utopia of the Seas launches in July 2024.
Wonder of the Seas is slightly bigger in weight and a mere 5 ½ feet wider than Symphony of the Seas, who measures 228,081 gross tons and 1,188 feet long.
A new dining venue, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, was first introduced on the Odyssey of the Seas and carried over to Wonder of the Seas. This new iteration of Italian specialty dining focuses on authentic and fresh food including pizza, and 50 wines by the glass.
Additionally, the Vue, a cantilevered bar that provides scenic ocean views located near the Solarium, is another great spot to relax with a cocktail that you cannot find onboard Symphony of the Seas.
You'll also find the Lime & Coconut Bar and Wonder Playscape, which is a brightly colored play area with slides, climbing structures, games, and puzzles that will challenge even the most energetic of kids.
Note, however, that Wonder Playscape replaced one of the Flowriders, meaning that there's only a single surf simulator onboard, whereas Symphony of the Seas still has two.
Kids and teens will also love the redesigned spaces at Adventure Ocean, Social100, and The Patio.
For those guests interested in the suite experience, Wonder of the Seas has made a bold new change with the establishment of an eighth neighborhood for suite guests. This exclusive enclave can only be accessed by those staying in suites and is located at the top of the ship.
Here, suite guests will find the Coastal Kitchen restaurant, Suite Lounge, and private sun deck. In fact, Wonder of the Seas has the largest Coastal Kitchen and Suite Lounge in the fleet!
Should you sail on Symphony of the Seas or Wonder of the Seas?
With both ships sailing throughout the Eastern and Western Caribbean, you really can't go wrong! As Symphony is a little bit older, fares are often less than Wonder's.
They're both Oasis Class ships, meaning that you'll have fan favorites like the Boardwalk and Central Park neighborhoods to enjoy on both, as well as the impressive AquaTheater shows.
Of course, if you want to sail on the ship with the newest amenities, you'll want to go with Wonder, especially if you want to sail in a suite, as Symphony of the Seas lacks the dedicated suite neighborhood.
Chantal McPhee
Chantal McPhee has a great passion for travel since first venturing to the Bahamas as a child with her grandparents. Today, she loves cruising with her husband and two daughters to new places and aspires one day to do a world cruise. Living on the east coast of Canada, she shares cruising tips and information with fellow Canucks seeking a reprieve from the great white north. She also teaches business studies at a university, with a focus on strategy
