I wanted to check out the Symphony for her 4 day maiden voyage from Miami! Embarkation was fantastic on the ship within minutes. The ship is very pretty but pretty much like the just like the Harmony that I have sailed on 2 times. The ship just came over from Europe and my observation was that the staff seemed very worn out, most noticeable in the bartenders and dining staff. The service was not consistent. I know how hard these employees work, and appreciate all they do to provide a great vacation experience for all!!!! After talking to a few crew members they admitted to being tired and drained by the crossing. That is not their fault they work so hard. Our cabin steward was awesome.

I booked 2 specialty restaurants prior to the cruise and a night at the Solarium Bistro. Thank goodness I am an experienced cruiser because it was impossible to book a restaurant once on board after the first day. I was told that because it was only a 4 day cruise everything was booked. We dined at Wonderland and met a couple that could not get in yet there were empty seats while we dined. Wonderland, is a great experience all about the presentation of the food and the ambiance. However, you will not leave full. It is a tapas small plates presentation. The "Mad Hatter" on this ship did an amazing job! I had dined at Wonderland on the Harmony when I was with friends, really enjoyed it. My husband did not feel it was worth an extra $49.99 pp and that price changes per cruise!

Our dinner at Jamie's Italian was very good and be both felt that extra charge was worth it. We tried to get into Hooked Seafood, but could not. I did see empty seats?? Read more