Royal Caribbean
Harmony of the Seas
- Cruises
- 39
- From
- $309
Ship comparison
Harmony of the Seas vs Symphony of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Symphony of the Seas
- Cruises
- 32
- From
- $588
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Harmony of the Seas is a mega Royal Caribbean ship carrying 5,479 passengers, in service since 2016. Symphony of the Seas is a mega Royal Caribbean ship carrying 5,518 passengers, in service since 2018.
Choose Harmony of the Seas if you want a lower starting fare: its cruises start from $309 (vs $588).
Choose Symphony of the Seas if you want a more active cruise, more adventure and nature or a better-rated spa and gym: it outscores Harmony of the Seas for active (10.0 vs 7.0), adventure & nature (5.0 vs 2.0) and spa & fitness (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Harmony of the Seas | Symphony of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2016 | 2018 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 227,000 | 228,000 |
| Passengers | 5,479 | 5,518 |
| Crew | 2,100 | 2,200 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.6 | 2.5 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 41.4 (better) | 41.3 |
| Decks | 18 | 18 |
| Length | 1,188 ft | 1,184 ft |
| Beam | 215 ft | 215 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 9 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 39 | 32 |
| Upcoming sailings | 86 | 71 |
| Cruise lengths | 2 to 9 nights | 4 to 10 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $309 (better) | $588 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Harmony of the Seas leads on 2 of the ten, Symphony of the Seas on 4, with 4 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Royal Caribbean
Harmony of the Seas
The 5,479-passenger Harmony of the Seas is currently the world's third biggest cruise ship behind Wonder of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas (with the largest, Icon of the Seas, coming in 2024).
Highlights
- The Ultimate Abyss is the tallest waterslide at sea with a 100-foot drop.
- Fun choices for active cruisers, including 2 FlowRiders, a zipline, ice rink and bumper cars.
- Lots to keep the kiddies entertained, including Splashaway Bay with its sea creature water cannons and winding slides.
- Multiple upscale dining options
Sailing now
39 cruises on sale, from $309.
About Harmony of the Seas Plan my cruise on Harmony of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Symphony of the Seas
If you like to go big, you can’t get much bigger than Symphony of the Seas from Royal Caribbean. The ship set sail in April 2018 as the world's largest — Wonder of the Seas has since surpassed it — and now home-ports in Miami.
Highlights
- Spectacular original productions of "Flight" and the Broadway hit "Hairspray," coupled with shows in the Aqua Theater and the Studio B ice rink
- If you have the funds, the Suite Collection includes several private venues, including a restaurant, private sun deck, lounge and priority seating at all shows and events
- The Ultimate Family Suite comes complete with a personal cinema, a wrap-around balcony, an in-cabin slide and even a personal whirlpool
Sailing now
32 cruises on sale, from $588.
About Symphony of the Seas Plan my cruise on Symphony of the Seas
Questions
Harmony of the Seas or Symphony of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Harmony of the Seas or Symphony of the Seas?
Symphony of the Seas is bigger at 228,000 gross tons, against 227,000 gross tons for Harmony of the Seas. Harmony of the Seas carries 5,479 passengers and Symphony of the Seas carries 5,518.
Which ship is newer, Harmony of the Seas or Symphony of the Seas?
Symphony of the Seas is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2018 against 2016 for Harmony of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Harmony of the Seas, with 41.4 gross tons per passenger against 41.3 on Symphony of the Seas. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Symphony of the Seas, with one crew member for every 2.5 passengers against one for every 2.6 on Harmony of the Seas.
Which is better for families?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 10.0 out of 10.
Still deciding?
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