We Spent 12 Nights Onboard the Biggest Cruise Ship in the World on a 4600 Mile Journey!

Join us on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas for a record-breaking cruise across the Atlantic.
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Symphony of the Seas is an Oasis Class ship from Royal Caribbean, this class of cruise ship is the biggest in the world! We embark on a transatlantic journey, covering 4600 miles from Miami to Barcelona. We take you around the ship letting you know what a cruise is like on this ship.
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00:00 Intro
01:00 Symphony of the Seas Breakfast
04:20 Are transatlantic cruises boring?
04:40 Vitality Café Coffee
06:00 Are transatlantic cruises bumpy?
09:06 Starlink internet and Laundry
11:45 Playmakers food review
16:32 Food overview on Symphony of the Seas
17:30 Is Symphony of the Seas crowded with 5,000 people?
19:20 Why take a transatlantic cruise?
20:28 Entertainment on Symphony of the Seas
22:15 The Royal Caribbean App
23:50 Review of our Symphony of the Seas transatlantic cruise

[@Cruisewith]

Head to squarespace.com/benanddavid to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code benanddavid

[@LtDave]

Thank you for your "honest" pros and cons of your experience with this cruise. I get tired of other bloggers in this genre that always have wonderful or neutral things to say about a cruise.

[@krystic8160]

I love David's face when he discovered the piano stairs 😂 you can literally tell what he's thinking

[@CelticAngel555]

I agree... it was so cute!

[@AshleyOliviaDaCosta]

We are moving US-> Portugal so we have been doing transatlantic cruises with our big bags vs flying. So much nicer and cheaper than flying business class!

[@maravonda]

All those people! It would have driven me mad! But that's why I love older, smaller ships! But Royal does have something for everyone!!!!

[@letarogers6380]

I’d love a chill transatlantic cruise, but this huge crowded ship looks nightmarish to me!

[@JohnnyK60]

I mean ... sitting on the floor for trivia?

[@jujam2751]

I was on Wonder a couple of weeks ago. The lack of quiet spaces really spoiled the holiday - we couldn’t even hear each other when we were in the Italian restaurant as there was a band playing right outside. Everywhere is so LOUD and busy. We won’t be doing a ship that size again.

[@JennyCruiseCommander]

On the Oasis class ships, the quiet areas are deck 5 on the walking track. Many folks don’t realize it’s so much more than a walking track. At the very aft it’s perfect for sitting peacefully and watching the wake. On one side is more seating with floor to ceiling windows for just hanging out - and also ping pong tables for fun. I always go around deck 5 for the quiet and the gorgeous ocean views. It’s a wonderful secret place on Oasis class. ❤️❤️❤️

[@luluballoon]

I did the same thing in Adventure as it was even worse on there. The pool band blasting into the solarium because it was so close and open up top. At least on Wonder the solarium had relaxing instrumental music you could still read with.

[@pfranks75]

I like the smaller ships, and I don’t like big crowds. Thanks for honest critique.

[@N1ftyNick]

So your video helped me to make 2 decisions: 1 - no Transatlantic Cruising due to wavy ocean, 2- No Symphony of the Seas because its too big and crowded. Thanks Guy!

[@tokingreens]

Thank you for an honest review...They need to be kept accountable.

[@shariherrington7035]

Texas’ flower is a Bluebonnet. ❤️

[@TravelingStageManager]

True story.....we moved to Puerto Vallarta via a Princess cruise from LA with furniture, kitchen gadgets, and more....Had porters in LA load in onboard, walked it all off in PV and had friends pick us up to take us to our condo before heading back to the ship to head back to LA! It was brilliant! Princess told us "If it fits in your cabin you can bring it" so we did!

[@firstsergeantrichard5716]

We get it about the paper laundry bags . . . we now travel with a plastic bag (kitchen garbage bag) that we can use to line the paper bag to avoid the paper bag splitting - it works perfectly and you can really stuff a lot of clothes in that way!

[@kristencarlbon4561]

I would’ve flown there’s no way I could’ve been 12 days with horrible seas . that’s like my worst freaking nightmare. Looks like I will not be taking a cruise anytime soon. I was thinking about taking my first cruise, but after watching this video that change my mind forever.

[@Bessie66]

That was a really valid comment about the indoor balconies - it would be like trying to relax in the skyline at butlins!

[@CitizenMio]

Now imagine Icon, which will have a kiddie area down there going all the way aft. We all know how kids interpret any place with an echoe as an invitation to pile on the decibels. *Shudder*

[@TravelingStageManager]

@@CitizenMio They should just name those "Family Balconies" to avoid complaints

[@CitizenMio]

@@TravelingStageManager Or just name the whole thing "Not-Quite-Disney of the Seas" ;p

[@victoriawolf6890]

It's not a Sunday without a cup of Tea watching cruising with Ben and David ! 🎉 Looking forward to Symphony of the Seas in March 2024!

[@CelticAngel555]

I also love watching Ben and David... although I am new to their site so I cant go a day without watching them. Its my favourite feet up relaxation time. 🙂

[@marshall.cochran]

Jogging track both sides of the ship, in the front are quiet areas with chairs. Also great ocean views.

[@jinimcclelland]

Love you you tell the truth…but professionally and kindly. If something is sub par- you’ll say so but feather in what is good. We appreciate that.

[@debrathane7177]

Does RC ever reach out to discuss your experience? Do you think the cruise industry is struggling to find staff?

[@sherrjo]

I think so to they are happy to get any staff it's clear that the new staff are not service minded at all and are probably on their first contract and have already decided it's not for them. I have to say the crew on playmakers on Odyssey were also grumpy and slow so perhaps they are picked like that on purpose. 🤣🤣

[@TravelingStageManager]

I have read MANY reports that since Covid several countries are making it very difficult for their citizens to get visas so I think the cruiselines are having to take WHOEVER can get a visa to work whether they are good employees or not. Hopefully that changes but it may take a few years.

[@kat7777]

Also, many people refuse to have the gov injections imposed on them as part of the 'job'. No one should be forced to take anything or be restricted wearing stupid masks just to work...... This is a main reason. I used to work on RCCL many yrs ago and would never work anywhere with discriminatory rules like that..... These companies have sealed their own fate now

[@TravelingStageManager]

@kat7777 no, most employees want to work and aren't that stupid.

[@LifeinStLouie]

@@kat7777imagine a surgeon refusing to wear a mask. Or a food worker refusing to wash their hands. Get a grip

[@tom4626]

I love watch you guys - as a couple without kids who wants to unwind from work when on a cruise - all the fears I have of a RC cruise is confirmed - shame as the entertainment looking brill but I couldn’t deal with Minons blasting when having lunch.

[@DoctorEviloply]

Have you considered doing a Cunard Cruse? I'm looking into that myself for me and my partner to do as we like the idea of it being more adult focused as opposed to a big party boat. Which just doesn't suit us at all.

[@PsychGirlRaven]

You could go elsewhere for lunch, it isn’t blaring everywhere on the ship.

[@stormmy66]

100% agree, I also love days at sea. We have done 2 transatlantic so far and can't wait to do another.

[@williamevans9426]

Well done with the trivia quiz, guys! I always look forward to your posts - keep up the excellent work.

[@samanthaspringman5527]

I so enjoy my Sunday wake up time watching Ben and David😊.

[@ilenegallo6406]

I love the sea days on a transatlantic cruise!🥰🥰🛳

[@constanceworden487]

Love your honesty!!

[@barbarap5278]

Great content, loved your honesty about the going on's about the ship & crew... take care...

[@mariaabrams9750]

A friendly smile goes a long way. Hopefully things will improve. The ship looks amazing. Thank you guys

[@maryanncapece2623]

I love your honestly. There are thing's that can happen. I love sea day's, they are the absolute best!! Thank you for taking us along with you ❤️❤️

[@preese100]

Wow ! This video was informative and fun! Great review

[@ToursOfJoyTravelandCruising]

Love you guys so much! Great videos and info. 10 of us are taking the Brilliant Lady on an 11 day transatlantic next April from San Juan to Lisbon so your trip will be interesting to me. Have a wonderful cruise.

[@Bessie66]

Best blog of the week! ❤❤❤

[@TheJeffry11]

I just love your vlogs/videos and reviews. Each and every one of them make my day. Gentlemen, you two are the best of the best. I’ve been re-watching your German Avalon cruises. What a peaceful and fun trip. I’m hopeful that I can get my husband on one of these. Keep up the wonderful work and: AHOY!!!🎉

[@CC-TimesTwo]

Keeping it real! You guys produce great vlogs. Thanks for sharing the good and bad.

[@septemberclare2697]

Thank you for this video. I loved it.

[@isabellawalker2789]

So informative and you guys are always so positive. We even spoke to people a few weeks ago on a Celebrity cruise about you two. They are also fans and were starstruck when they met you recently! Double bag your laundry next time. Also, the dynamic at the top (Captain, Hotel Manager and Cruise Director) feed down throughout the crew so your comments about the CD are obviously true. Thanks again B&D.

[@deakosteal]

deck 5-6 is the quiet space really cool spots to read and watch the sea go by

[@stevebartley628]

Great review. Our NCL Miami to Barcelona had 5 ports. I liked that

[@sheilabutcher776]

Love the honest opinion. I hope the cruise line is watching.😍

[@TheDjuku]

On our last transatlantic on Voyager of the Seas, there were two lectures on all sea days about the volcanoes of Iceland (it was an artic crossing) and all the fauna we could encounter on the trip. The library, which is usually quiet on land, was always busy with people playing games. But there were quiet spaces.

[@sylvialongley9947]

My husband and I are doing a cruise next year from Sydney Australia to Seattle, so looking forward to it. We have only ever sailed with Princess but love this cruise line. Thank you for the videos.

[@Mackf92]

Totally agree with the tiny venues. We loved watching the karaoke in On Air but could never get a seat because it was so packed

[@truejaneysue8269]

Omg, i LOVE David's shirts!! And Ben's new hairstyle is very handsome!! Thank y'all so much for this honest review of a transatlantic cruise on Symphony of the Seas💖👍

[@bertadelaudebri7179]

Thank you so much for your "honest reviews" of this and other cruise ships...

[@hartingheidi]

There was a guitar player that was at the Pub prior to Covid, Carlos...he was amazing...we would go to watch him every time he played. Love Symphony

[@CallHer.Sassy.]

Hey guys!!! Soon as I open the app... video dropped 14 seconds ago... I'm right on time!!😂 💕💕

[@suekarecki4390]

Hi Ben and David! Our last RCL cruise had the same issue--too many people for the trivia events. We travel off season and the ship was maybe half-full. Even Dazzles was so busy! I think Trivia should be held in the main stage area.

[@LevaOrel]

I’m doing the opposite TA this fall. Can’t wait!!

[@mr.a.]

What a great hack to take a cruise when moving. We’re considering moving to Valencia Spain 🇪🇸 where half our family is from. I’m really looking forward to your take on Spain

[@anthonyjuaire5852]

I sailed on Symphony of the Seas in February and I loved it so much I booked it again for February 2024 for a western Caribbean cruise.

[@joyceroth7211]

I appreciate your honest opinion.

[@thisisandersonliving7500]

We have stayed on the boardwalk balcony cabins and its very quiet! The doors are great!

[@janeb.246]

You have made me want to book this ship!

[@prudence435]

Agree about Transatlantic or repositioning cruises. I love them because it seems more relaxing. I learned last year that I prefer more sea days than port days. I feel like port heavy cruises seem like they go by faster but hey, I just love cruising regardless. 😂 We are talking about which one to go on next.....My mom wants to try Norwegian next so probably one of their breakaway class ships cause we have a 7 year old and a 14 year old.

[@Kayw434]

We enjoyed our sailing on Symphony (was brand new)! We never felt it to be crowded, but we did do mostly specialty dining. Ate breakfast each morning at the Solarium! Tasty, healthy, and peaceful!! We enjoyed everything, really! I do appreciate your honest takes on everything!! As always, a fabulous vlog!! We think you are the best travel/cruise channel!! Thank you Ben and David!!!

[@mercyrodriguez5780]

Love your reviews!

[@99mamabear]

We were on Oasis of the Seas a number of years ago and our cabin was above the boardwalk. It is pretty quiet with the balcony doors closed though….it wasn’t bad.

[@kathybrem880]

After perusing Facebook I needed to spend some time with you guys! Thanks!

[@FraserAtSea]

I’m on Symphony of the Seas right now, and I’ve genuinely not seen many issues on here at all - I’ve been really impressed with the ship overall (2 days left, so watch this space), and would LOVE to do a Transatlantic on one of these ships at some point!

[@elliechristie2498]

Brilliant stairs!!🎉

[@midwestkatie4]

Do you think you could do a series about navigating foreign airports? We can do American/Canadian airports but are newbies when it comes to airports like Southampton, Barcelona, and Amsterdam. Thank you for your wonderful content. Love you lads!

[@joecichlid]

One of my biggest gripes about the Oasis class is something you covered, NO place to have a quiet reading space once you leave your cabin. The places you can view the open sea are VERY rare on the Oasis class, another reason I love the smaller ships of the Radiance class. I do enjoy the transatlantic cruises but on the smaller ships. Less folks and roughly the same amount of activity space for things such as trivia. The big ships have their market but a transatlantic is not one of them.

[@luluballoon]

How rough are the seas on the smaller ships on a crossing? We crossed on Wonder and even during a bad storm I didn't feel it that much and my cabin was at the very front.

[@joecichlid]

@@luluballoon Not too bad most of the time but one trip we did run into 14-16 meter seas. The ship made it through with only loss to dishes and two outer (triple pain multi layer glass) windows.

[@williamevans9426]

@@joecichlid Sounds exciting!!

[@theerm100]

Hi Ben and David Thanks for putting up with us in gas town Vancouver! We were a little bit star struck. We love your ship reviews they are the best on you tube. Keep up the good work. Cheers from Donna and Greg ( in the wheelchair)

[@TheMaxRebo]

I definitely think the weather pushed more people inside and added to the crowds for things like trivia - we were on a sold out cruise on Symphony and the trivia was crowded but not like you had - if you got there like 5 - 10 mins before it started no issue with seats or anything. I hope you did get to see Hiro in the aquatheater, it was a great show. I was blown away by the quality of Hairspray. I enjoyed a lot of the musical performers around the ship, but do agree some of the secondary "shows" were of a little lower quality

[@conogrady9254]

Was on Symphony 2018..great time!❤

[@williamalford4248]

A perfect example of when bigger is not better. That ship is a perfect example of what not to do when designing a ship.

[@elizabethblevins5736]

Love your videos!! ❤

[@wolfprowler]

We did the inaugural Transatlantic on Symphony for my 40th back in 2018. The ship was great, but the large ships are not our cup of tea. We like the smaller ships. Currently on Quantum finishing up our Brisbane to Vancouver trip...still pretty large lol I assume they have their service and restaurants all ironed out. It was a cluster F in the Coastal Kitchen on that 2018 cruise. Cheers guys 🍹🍻

[@joycesmith8354]

Great vlog as usual, that staircase would do my head in after 5 minutes.😂

[@howudoin135]

You guys are just the most beautiful couple, and you have the best cruise content!

[@327Erich]

Royal Caribbean (and soon Virgin, as well) cruiser here. Funny that you mentioned the crowd in Razzles and On Air. When we were on Symphony last summer, we found that secondary entertainment (trivia, karaoke, game shows, etc.) was the one time that the Oasis class ships felt really crowded to us, and we couldn't even get in a few times. Oddly enough, it wasn't as bad on the Wonder in March, and that was an overbooked Spring Break cruise. On the Symphony, we found that they'd schedule several trivia games back-to-back, so if you didn't go to the first one, you probably wouldn't get a seat at the second or third, as most people stayed. It was a bit frustrating, since we LOVE our trivia and game shows. Other than that, I found the Wonder to have a bit more...character. Not sure why, but the Symphony felt a little "sterile" to me, and my wife agreed. 🤔

[@mileyyyy5]

I went on wonder exactly a mouth ago it was stunning hope u had fun 😊❤

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

You were so thorough in this video that it made me feel like I was right there on the same cruise with you! ;-P

[@maddy01010]

😂

[@janicelowden2884]

Love watching you guys, Ship is magnificent but i think its too noisy for me.Keep making me laugh and smile though please!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@Parkhopper1985]

I live in Dallas Texas (The Bid D) and the State flower is the Blue Bonnet. Cheers!!!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

I would not like such a big ship, though the number of sea days would be a plus. Maybe on a smaller ship! Thank you for the video!

[@Skyhawk1987Turbo]

I hope the food is much better in January, this will be my first RCL cruise

[@amywarnock2325]

Grabbed my pizza ( I have learned my lesson watching these two!) I watch this before bed then get hungry! watching all the yummy foods! ;)))))

[@lindastover9541]

Great video ❤❤❤❤

[@salisburyveronica]

Hi Guys! Iam doing a 14 day transatlantic to Barcelona next April on Oasis ( Miami to Barcelona) Can't wait

[@marissaalonzo7997]

Central Park is quieter in general, my favorite place to sit and Bluebonnet is the state flower of Texas. 😉

[@luluballoon]

We did a TA last April on Wonder and it was amazing. There was a really bad storm the first 1.5 days so it was rough, but to avoid a rough crossing the whole way we skipped Nassau and travelled further South most of the way and had warm swimming weather and seas like glass the rest of the way. We got upgraded from inside cabins to ocean view/ultra spacious ocean view because they had to make covid wards for crew/passengers and we were still not at full capacity. We sailed 2 days after mask mandates ended on flights/on ships so everyone dropped like flies catching covid along the way which means we had most of the ship to ourselves by the end (it waited until we were done to hit us). We also got double points (28!) because we booked it during the height of covid when they had that promotion. Best cruise ever! I was tempted when I saw the price of this sailing but it looks like I would have been disappointed after last year!

[@brentshuffler1234]

@luluballoon, thanks for sharing those observations. It confirms that the end of mandated measures is a simple formality, a matter of law, but it does not change the highly recommended public--health precautions that all passengers and crew-members are expected to continue to follow. How ironic that those who dropped their masks ended up sick! Wearing a mask, regularly cleaning hands, and practising good spacing between people, is not just about preventing potentially deadly infections (of all kinds), but also makes things much more comfortable when there are large numbers of people in indoor spaces at ports, in airports, during flights, during embarkation and disembarkation. Notice how Ben was complaining about the heat when there were so many people in one space at one time in the Windjammer....Better spacing means more safety and more comfort for everyone.

[@marshmallowsandtrash]

You guys feel like a British Mitch and Cam and I mean that as the highest compliment. Such wonderful energy!

[@Cruisewith]

Funny as we are currently watching MOdern Fam and had the same discussion!

[@EnlightenedBlonde]

The Carnival Celebration is the same ways about the venues.

[@iambigbrother2]

We had the same CD whilst on Symphony last year. We weren't impressed either so glad its not just us!

[@djay1066]

The trick to the laundry bag is to roll your clothes and stack them in the bag

[@m.m.4645]

That's what I do all the time. It is amazing how much more can be put in.

[@jackieaudus9829]

Correct Ben, anything above 14 degrees is positively Summer for us Brits .. t shirts off bathers on and sun tan lotion on !!! Went on a cruise last month, day in Athens, 25 degrees and I got burnt !!!

[@debbiemackey6659]

Well it's about time guys .I miss your videos

[@pegedey1291]

Dar'lin ' i'm 69 and those questions fr trivia age me out! Sheesh that is such a bummer! Glad you were honest about the director too. Hope you submitted a written review the line too.

[@marylozinski3252]

We're hoping to do Trans Pacific - have you lads ever done that? We'd hope to go Sydney to Vancouver. That must be a lovely trip as well!

[@sherylshepherd1138]

Hi Ben and David we are in Vancouver sailed from Australia on ovation arrived Thursday and walking to a restaurant on Thur night we spotted you guys with Steph crossing the road was a bit star struck.

[@bridgetdavis9752]

I needed to relax so I came here. ❤😎

[@margaretthym8234]

Texas flower is the Bluebonnet!

[@marlinfan1982]

Symphony of the Seas is a beautiful ship I was on her in 2019

[@TwinNova]

When we were on symphony there were staff waiting to help you find a table

[@brentshuffler1234]

Circa minute 5:00, how wonderful that, even on a mega-ship with over 5,000 guests aboard for a Sea Day, you can find quiet almost empty spots like the Vitality Cafe! Well named! Now go to the gym and the Spa! [smile] By the way, did you find that the Windjammer was less busy either very early or very late?

[@EntropyGuardian]

2 weeks of 1940s trivia on a ship with 6,000 seniors sounds like a special slice of hell

[@attorneycarissa]

I'm so glad I watched this. I would not enjoy a cruise that loud and busy.

[@mindibunch5232]

We've been cruising pretty frequently for about 10 years now, but we have our first RC cruise coming up in January on Harmony of the Seas. I wish there were more sea views. Very disappointing. If you gents ever get a chance to visit the Texas Hill Country in the spring, you'll never forget our state flower. Entire fields erupt with Bluebonnets. It's quite the sight to see!

[@cydneystephen2814]

Hey Ben and David. Hope to sail on the Symphony when it comes to Cape Liberty. Frozen salmon? Come on. 🤦‍♀️. Unfortunately for you guys but hopefully this was an isolated sailing with the food disasters. And for 10 days transatlantic 🫤. Ohhhhh. It’s cold. So the majority of folks inside. Now that makes sense. Guys I’m watching and enjoying this tour. Thanks so much and have an amazing week.

[@dollyc4314]

Texas Flower is the BLUEBONNET! The food looks good, but the crowds - WOW. RCCL is great, but I rather transatlantic cruising on a ship with a self-serve laundry.

[@salisburyveronica]

Your videos are awesome always look forward to them. Did you spend some time in the Diamond Club lounge? I enjoy the DC lounge for reading and relaxing and the coffee always good in DC too. Looking forward to Oasis next year 14 day transatlantic. We are visiting 5 ports on the way to Barcelona on that cruise