Two of the biggest cruise ships in the world, the Symphony of the Seas, and the Wonder of the Seas make up a part of Royal Caribbean’s fleet. But which of these Oasis-class ships provides the best experience?
While these two ships are very much considered to be sister ships, they are far from being twins, as there are many differences between them.
Each one is brimming with great features to help keep you entertained and comfortable during your time on board, but it often leads people to wonder which one of the two is best.
While there are plenty of differences to be found, some minor, some major, this guide will provide you with an in-depth comparison between these two ships so that you can get a better idea of which one is going to suit you and your family best.
So, let’s not waste any time, get started below!
Ship Overview
Launching back in 2018, Symphony of the Seas debuted as the fourth Oasis-class ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet at the time, and while she was technically the largest ship of the fleet when viewed by tonnage, the overall capacity of the ship was reduced when compared to ships like Allure, Oasis, and Harmony of the Seas.
For four years, Symphony of the Seas held the title of the “Biggest Cruise Ship in the World”, that was until Wonder of the Seas joined the fleet as the fifth Oasis-class ship when launched in 2022.
Wonder of the Seas overtook Symphony of the Seas for the title of biggest cruise ship not only by tonnage, but by capacity too, with a passenger capacity just shy of 7,000, and a crew capacity of 2,300, making its total capacity just short of 10,000 people.
So, now that you’re a little more up-to-date with the background of these two immense cruise ships, it’s time for us to begin to dig deeper into the differences between two of the biggest cruise ships in the world!
Accommodation Comparison
When it comes to comparing these two Titan cruise ships, one of the biggest differences that stands out is the range of accommodation options they both have. More specifically, it’s about the type of suites you’ll be able to find on board each ship.
When it comes to comparing the standard staterooms, you’ll struggle to find much of a difference between the two ships.
On both of these ships, you’ll be able to choose from an Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, or Virtual Balcony option (inside stateroom which features a complete floor-to-ceiling digital view project from outside the ship).
The difference comes in the amount of suites, and the options available. The Symphony of the Seas features more suites, with 188 suites and 11 different options, while The Wonder of the Seas has 174 suites and only 8 different options.
On the Symphony of the Seas, you’ll be able to find every type of suit available, including the Royal Loft suite, Villa suite, Ultimate Family suite, Star Loft suite, Crown Loft suite, both the 1 and 2-bed Aquatheater suites, the Owner’s suite, the Junior suite, and the 1 and 2 bed Grand Suite options.
Meanwhile, the Wonder of the Sea is missing the Villa suite, Star Loft suite, and the 2-bed Grand Suite. So if you wanted to stay in any of these particular suites, you’re better off choosing the Symphony Suites.
Winner – Symphony of the Seas.
Restaurant Comparison
Comparing the two dining options available on each ship, you’ll notice that the differences are incredibly minor, especially since there is a large amount of overlap in the options available.
When it comes down to the complimentary dining options, both of these ships feature the same options.
In addition to these restaurants, both ships also benefit from the inclusion of Cafe Promenade, Sorrento’s Pizzeria, Dog House Food Truck At Sea, El Loco Fresh, and Vitality Cafe, as well as offering room service.
Of course, some of the best restaurants on board each ship are specialty dining restaurants, and this is where you will notice some changes, as there are some restaurants on one ship that aren’t available on the other.
Exclusively on the Symphony of the Seas, you’ll find Jamie’s Italian, Vintages Wine Bar, and Solarium Bistro’s dinner service.
Meanwhile, on Wonder of the Seas, you’ll be able to find Chef’s Table, Giovanni’s Italian, and The Mason Jar.
Ultimately, the decision of which cruise ship has the better food options is entirely down to your tastes and preferences, but it’s certainly something to keep in mind when choosing between the two!
Verdict – Tie
Entertainment Comparison
One thing you can be sure of when it comes to these ships is that the on-board entertainment is sure to be nothing short of world-class.
In all honesty, there’s no way that we’d be able to list absolutely everything that is provided on board, as we’d run out of time and room!
What we can squeeze in, though, is that there are at the very least 70 things to do on each ship, so you’re never going to get bored.
One of the most popular entertainment features is the waterparks on board. Both ships are identical in this though, with both of them featuring the Splashaway Bay, Typhoon, Cyclone, The Perfect Storm, Supercell, and the Ultimate Abyss slides.
When it comes to comparing the live entertainment options on board each ship, they’re subject to change, which means that you should always check what’s included on the cruise you’re thinking of purchasing before deciding.
While the Symphony of the Seas very aptly has a live orchestra in the main theater, the Wonder of the Seas has two distinctly unique entertainment options.
This includes the Music Hall, which hosts cover bands playing songs from some of your favorite artists, as well as Wonder Playscape, an all-ages play area brimming with activities like games, puzzles, climbing walls, and more!
Winner – Wonder of the Sea
Lounges & Bars Comparison
Much like the comparison between the restaurants, the differences between the two ships in terms of the lounges and bars on board are minimal for the most part.
Each ship features 14 lounges and bars, with 13 accessible to all guests, while the other one is to be used exclusively by those who chose a suite accommodation option.
Exclusively on Wonder of the Sea, you’ll find The Lime and Coconut, the Vue Bar, and Cantina Fresca. Meanwhile, on the Symphony of the Sea, you’ll be able to enjoy Pool Bar & Sand Bar, Vintages, and Dazzles.
Similar to the restaurant comparison, there’s nothing between the two here except your preference.
Winner – Tie
Destination Comparison
Another comparison in which the two ships are almost incomparable is the destinations they offer. Both ships tend to follow extremely similar itineraries with almost identical destinations.
There are two key differences, though.
The first difference concerns the home port. If you sail on the Symphony of the Seas cruises, then you’ll be departing from Miami, while the Wonder of the Seas departs from Orlando.
The other difference concerns the Med sailings, where the home port is also different for each ship. The Symphony of the Seas sails out from Barcelona, while Wonder of the Seas sails out from Rome.
Once again, there’s no difference here that makes one truly better than the other. It’s all about the itinerary order you want, and which of the two home ports is more convenient for you to sail from.
Winner – Tie
The Verdict
So, while Wonder of the Seas is a larger ship and has more to do on board, and Symphony of the Seas has better suite options, the reality is that these two sister ships are, for the most part, inseparable.
No matter which one you choose to sail on, you’re sure to have the time of your life, so enjoy!
Final Thoughts
We hope that this comparison guide between the two ships has helped you to decide which one of them is right for you, enjoy your cruise!
Hi, my name is Alex Kallen and I love to travel. Ever since I could afford the ticket, I hopped on a plane and never looked back. I’ve made a living writing travel guides and blogging my experience all over the world.
I want to encourage and inspire others to travel around the US like I am. There’s no need to go on vacation overseas when there is an amazing land of opportunity right on your doorstep. Enjoy my website, I hope to see you out here one day.
