The world's largest cruise ship: Robot bartenders and a $60,000 suite [Photos]

[Jason 413]

For Royal Caribbean, bigger is better.

In March, the cruise line debuted the world's largest cruise ship, the 228,081-ton Symphony of the Seas. The ship follows the previous record holder, Royal Caribbean's 226,963-ton Harmony of the Seas. But according to CEO Michael Bayley, a ship's size is a function of the company's desire to pack enough dining, entertainment, and lodging options to make all of its passengers happy — not a goal in itself.

"When we set out to design ships originally in the concept phase, we don't get caught up in size. We really get caught up in concept and what we're trying to deliver," he said in an interview with Business Insider.

At 1,188 feet long and over 215 feet wide, the Symphony of the Seas has a lot to offer. The ship's 22 restaurants, 42 bars and lounges, theaters, ice rink, and zip line are just a fraction of the attractions available to passengers.

Here's what else it has in store.

SBW-Photo via Royal Caribbean

The ship took three years to build.

SBW-Photo via Royal Caribbean

Customers can choose from 2,759 rooms.

SBW-Photo via Royal Caribbean

Including the Ultimate Family Suite, which can cost over $60,000, depending on the cruise.

SBW-Photo via Royal Caribbean

Passengers have access to 24 pools, whirlpools, surf simulators, and waterslides.

SBW-Photo via Royal Caribbean

This is the top of the Ultimate Abyss, which sends riders down a 92-foot drop.

SBW-Photo via Royal Caribbean

Splashaway Bay is a playground-water park hybrid.

SBW-Photo via Royal Caribbean

Hot tubs are available for those who want to relax.

SBW-Photo via Royal Caribbean

As is the Vitality at Sea Spa.

SBW-Photo via Royal Caribbean

The boat is divided into seven "neighborhoods." The Central Park neighborhood holds over 20,700 plants.

SBW-Photo via Royal Caribbean

At the Bionic Bar, robotic bartenders serve passengers drinks.

SBW-Photo via Royal Caribbean

There are 22 restaurants, including the Alice in Wonderland-inspired Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine.

SBW-Photo via Royal Caribbean

The ship has two, 43-foot-tall rock climbing walls.

SBW-Photo via Royal Caribbean

And a zip-line that hangs from the ninth deck.

SBW-Photo via Royal Caribbean

There's a candy store, if you want to indulge your sweet tooth.

SBW-Photo via Royal Caribbean

The ship has multiple theaters and an ice-skating rink where passengers can watch a variety of shows.

SBW-Photo via Royal Caribbean

Symphony of the Seas began its first trip at the end of March and will remain in Europe for the spring and summer, before coming to the US in November.

SBW-Photo via Royal Caribbean

By Mark Matousek, Business Insider
Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more
For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com

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[Jan115 1,034]

Royal Caribbean has created a monster, but in a good way, for the people who love resort-style ships at sea. The concept is definitely working judging by their popularity, especially among families and groups.

[Shari2 400]

Wow!  What a great looking cruise ship, especially for families and the young...so much to do.  It would probably be too much for me unless I had a scooter...LOL  Amazing though!

[Jan115 1,034]

I saw the Symphony of the Seas and the Norwegian Epic docked next to one another when we were leaving Barcelona for the airport. What a site - like one was trying to muscle out the other!?