Cruising News Magazine Cruising News June 2018 | Page 25

SHIP REVIEW Living a “Suite Life” on Symphony of the Seas By John Treacy We had been invited to another christening so the race was on to make the most of the trip as you need to spend three to four weeks in Europe when you consider the distance and air costs. Also co-ordinating the events you want to achieve takes time. We really enjoyed our cruise to the Caribbean on Harmony of the Seas earlier this year and decided to look at an experience on the now World’s largest cruise ship Symphony of the Seas. As we left it very late to book we found only suites were available. It was time to make a quick decision! As we are both about to celebrate a major milestone in our lives by turning seventy years of age, w e thought about how we could spend seven days relaxing in a suite and make the suite our home and the ship our destination- so we decided why not! A Sky class suite was booked. We flew to Barcelona, where we had two days before joining Symphony of the Seas. Priority embarkation was quick. However our introduction to the ship began just over a week prior to arriving with emails from Jackie and Raj, our onboard Concierges to be, explaining the exclusive amenities and services offered to Sky Suite guests. We were to experience a very special, relaxing seven days on Symphony of the Seas. As a Sky Suite guest services offered included 24 hour access to the private Suite Lounge, our own restaurant Coastal Kitchen with its rotating menu for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (bookings required) or Continental Breakfast served in the lounge or as room service. The availability of Bar service from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm in the Suite Lounge, Hors d'oeuvres, petit fours and complimentary bar setup with a selection of wine, spirits, beer and soft drinks every evening from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm: Priority reservations for any of the specialty restaurants, onboard activities, shore excursions, Vitality Spa services, Complimentary Internet Voom (the fastest Internet at sea), private sun deck with loungers, Reserved Seating Area in Select Entertainment venues and Priority departure. Also an anytime dining reservation was available in the main dining room. Our sky class suite was more than double in size than a normal stateroom with a huge balcony with a table and chairs and two loungers. At night the balcony allowed us to enjoy the cool breeze and sound of the sea – very relaxing! The suite features a large living area with a lounge and two chairs, a royal king bedroom with large desk and tea and coffee service, large bathroom with a bath and two sinks and two large HD TV’s – one for the living area and one for the bedroom. The bath was appreciated by Kerry as she loves a soak. Spa bathrobes were provided for use along with luxury www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au 25