Publisher’s Note
Even in the world’s largest cruise ship,
it’s still the human factor that counts
S
he has been dubbed as the ultimate in top-class, global cruising, having been
built on the superlatives to be the world’s largest luxury cruise ship: it mea-
sures 1,188 feet (362 m) in length and has a gross tonnage of 228,081 across 18
decks. She is able to accommodate 5,518 passengers at double occupancy up
to a maximum capacity of 6,680 passengers, as well as a 2,200-person crew.
Not to be outdone are leisurely facilities that suit different proclivities of the
various cruise ship aficionados that she will carry: a full childrens’ play area with
water park, a basketball court, higher rock climbing walls, and a wide array of
dining options that range from posh to casual. Unique to Symphony of the Seas will be the
‘world's largest laser tag arena,’ in the Studio B space where the ice skating is performed. It
will be transformed into a glow-in-the-dark venue themed around the fate of the last plan-
ets of the galaxy.
Also new to this cruise ship will be the Ultimate Family Suite, a two-level suite that will fea-
ture a slide, a floor-to-ceiling Lego wall, air hockey, movie-theater-style TV room with pop-
corn machine as well as a 212-square-foot wraparound balcony with its own climbing wall
feature, bumper pool table and whirlpool. It’s a two-bedroom suite that can accommodate
up to eight guests.
Impressive statistics and amenities aside, what makes the Symphony of the Seas, which
has recently been relaunched, very attractive are the combination of the latest in amenities
with the atmosphere of comfort that its staffers will provide their guests. And do not be
surprised if a great number of these seafarers, engineers staffers will be Filipinos!
It is indeed a blessing if prestigious liners like Symphony of the Seas have Filipino crews
on board, manning the deck, being behind the scenes in the engineering department, and
graciously attending to their guests. With their penchant for detail, in being very meticu-
lous when it comes to the engineering and operational sides to make sure things run very
smoothly and safely coupled with their welcoming, affable nature that make guests feel
at home, our happy, hardworking and hospitable Filipino men and women on board truly
know how to make that big difference between a cruise holiday one endures to that of one
that will be cherished, and worth coming back for more.
At the end of the day, it’s the human factor that still counts—the way Filipinos do it,
proudly and with quality!
PHILIP O. ORTALEZA
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