When Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas makes her maiden voyage in 2018, she will be the largest luxury cruise liner in the world.

There is a raft of new innovations but the ultimate goal of the ship is to deliver the true family experience, understanding that it’s not just about the children but parents and even grandparents. There is nothing better than the whole family being kept active and entertained; every detail on this ship has been carefully designed to deliver incredible experiences for families.

Arabian Gulf families can take advantage of the many new features on board Symphony of the Seas which are well suited to their requirements; new dining concepts and family activities, awe-inspiring theatre, aerial, ice and aqua entertainment, and the most dynamic suite in family travel will join the line-up of Royal Caribbean exclusives.

Symphony will introduce the world’s most adventurous and interactive family suite, The Ultimate Family Suite spans 1,346-sq-ft, accommodating a family of up to eight in two bedrooms, and uses every inch of space to activate the imagination and provide the most brag-worthy accommodations imaginable. Split over two levels the Ultimate Family Suite is a dream come true for kids of all ages and will debut eye-popping features, including an exclusive slide from the kid’s only bedroom to the living room below, a floor-to-ceiling Lego wall, and an air-hockey table and hidden nooks for chilling.

A separate 3D movie theatre-style TV room, complete with a popcorn machine and a library of video games across multiple gaming systems will bring a new level of euphoria and competition to gamers in every family. While the outside features 212-sq-ft wraparound balcony touts a bumper pool table, a climbing experience and a full-size whirlpool that will provide unmatched ocean views. And if that wasn’t enough, guests in the Ultimate Family Suite will have their own personal Royal Genie to take care of their every need while they enjoy all the services and premium amenities of the Royal Suite Class. This ultimate expression of family vacation indulgence joins the wide variety of contemporary suite accommodations available throughout the ship, from the Loft Suites with their breath-taking views to the spacious multi-room Owner’s Suites.

Symphony will debut new food and beverage concepts adding to an already diverse line-up of more than 20 specialty and complimentary restaurants across the ship’s seven neighbourhoods. Hooked Seafood, Royal Caribbean’s first New England-style seafood restaurant, will feature fresh seafood and a robust raw bar complete with oysters shucked to order. Located at the front of the ship in the Solarium, the casually sophisticated restaurant will offer expansive views of the open water, serving lunch and dinner. El Loco Fresh will offer mouth-watering made-to-order tacos, burritos and other popular Mexican fare. The open-air restaurant in the Sports Zone will seat more than 100 guests.

The cruise line’s signature culinary favourites, including Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine, Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, 150 Central Park with its American seasonal menu, Park Café and Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, also will introduce refreshed designs and new menu specialties on Symphony, offering guests the widest choice and variety of dining options.

Royal Caribbean’s unparalleled entertainment will once again raise the bar, touting immersive shows where theatre magic extends beyond the stage and into the audience. Back by popular demand, the hugely successful “Hairspray” – the brand’s first Broadway musical at sea – will return on Symphony with a total refresh to headline the Royal Theatre along with a new original Royal Caribbean show, “Flight,” a historical satire on the evolution of air travel that ends with an homage to the famed Wright Brothers. In the iconic AquaTheatre open-air amphitheatre, a new aqua show, “HiRo,” offers serious wow factor with high-diving and acrobatics. Studio B will showcase a new time-travel adventure, while a high-tech ice-skating show, “1977” will bring guests to London on the eve of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee when her Crown Jewels are stolen in the heist of the century.

For thrilling live-action adventure at sea, guests can gear up for an epic glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience like no other. State-of-the-art technology and special effects will transform Studio B into the world's largest and ultimate laser tag arena as family, friends and foes battle over the fate of the last planet in the galaxy. Vacationers looking for a challenge can experience a new Puzzle Break experience on Symphony, where teams will race against the clock and learn to work together toward a common goal – to escape the submarine-themed room before time runs out.

Spanning the length of the Boardwalk, the vibrant sports bar and arcade will be a hot spot for families to enjoy wings, burgers and friendly competitions of Ms. Pacman, Star Wars Battle Pod, Ice Skee-ball and other popular games. Across the way, aptly adjacent to the Boardwalk’s iconic hand carved carousel, Sugar Beach candy and ice-cream shop will bring a sugar high of sweet treats to adults and kids alike, enticing them with colourful candy-packed walls and tempting ice cream and toppings galore.

The sweetest spot on the high seas also will feature family-friendly activities for aspirational bakers. The highly anticipated additions to the Boardwalk will round out the signature offerings that propelled the neighbourhood’s popularity. The Ultimate Abyss will catapult only the brave from the tallest slide at sea into the heart of the Boardwalk to revel in their adrenaline rush. Johnny Rockets is where indulgences of burgers, fries and milkshakes will be celebrated with 1950s diner music and entertainment. The awe-inspiring AquaTheatre will activate the ocean backdrop and starry nights with a breath-taking show of aquatic acrobatics and stunning high-diving aerial performances found only on Symphony of the Seas.

Symphony of the Seas, the 25th ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, will claim the title of the largest cruise ship in the world when she debuts in April 2018 for her inaugural season in Europe, and will to kick off a summer season in the Mediterranean. The architectural marvel will accommodate more balcony staterooms overlooking the open ocean and legendary Boardwalk and Central Park neighbourhoods than her popular sister ship Harmony of the Seas. - TradeArabia News Service