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Royal Caribbean Drops More Details on World's Largest Cruise Ship

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Royal Caribbean press site

While jumbo jets are losing popularity with now profit-loving airlines, bigger is still apparently better in the world of cruise ships. This week Royal Caribbean announced offered some new details on  Symphony of the Seaswhich will claim the title of largest cruise ship in the world when she debuts in April 2018

The numbers are indeed staggering. When completed, Symphony will be 1188 feet long, 215.5 feet wide, and weighs in 230,000 gross tons, with a 30-foot draft. It can hold up to 5500 guests (AKA 'passengers') at double occupancy in 2774 staterooms, all served by 2100 crew members. 

Compared to the new behemoth, the Queen Mary now permanently docked in Long Beach Harbor looks positively shrunken. The classic liner had a length of 1019 feet, a gross weight of 81,237 gross tons and just 2100 passengers and 1174 officers and crew. (However, as a troopship, Queen Mary had several sailings with over 10,000 men aboard, if not in the same comfort.)

The 25th ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet, Symphony of the Seas will set sail in April 2018 in the Mediterranean, calling on ports in Barcelona and Palma de MallorcaSpain (both of which have been the site of protests against over-tourism); Provence, France; and Florence/PisaRome and Naples, Italy

While people traditionally go on vacation to get away from it all, everything will be right there with you on Symphony of the Seas. Onboard Symphony cruisers will find 16 guest decks, including 7 "neighborhoods." The ship boasts 24 elevators, so guests can quickly switch decks to visit the entertainment venues, pools, spas, bars, restaurant, conference center, casino, and shopping. Entertainment includes robot bartenders at the Bionic Bar, AquaTheater with its high-flying, high-diving performances and the Ultimate Abyss, billed as the tallest slide at sea.

Housing options are equally sumptuous.  Big spenders with big families might go for the Villa Suite, which can sleep up to 14 in its 1142 square feet, plus 476square foot balcony. They won't all be cramming on cots either, as the Villa includes two master bedrooms with king size bed with Duxiana mattress, two master bathrooms with tubs, and two bedrooms with two twin beds that convert to Royal King and two Pullman beds (one with bathroom). The balcony includes a whirlpool, dining area, and bar. 

If you need more elbow room, the Royal Loft Suite includes a 1,744 sq. ft. stateroom and 843 square foot balcony. The stateroom is two-decks-high with panoramic views from the private balcony, which also boasts a whirlpool and dining area. The master bedroom, on the second level, has a King size bed with Duxiana Mattress; bathroom with tub, shower, two sinks and bidet and a closet.

After its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean,  Symphony will sail across the pond. In November 2018 it will make Miami, FL her year-round home, with destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean.