Our First Cruise with Kids: What It Was Really Like on Symphony of the Seas
- Adam Reitz
- Mar 26
- 5 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
The Moment We Boarded
I’ll never forget the moment we saw Symphony of the Seas for the first time, towering over the port in Bayonne. The boys stood speechless, their eyes wide as they took in the ship’s size — it looked more like a floating city than a vessel. Jen and I exchanged a look that said everything: we did it. After months of planning, packing, and waiting, we were finally here.
It wasn’t just our first cruise; it was our first vacation as a family. The excitement in the air was electric. The music, the chatter of families, the smell of the ocean — every sense was alive. As we crossed the gangway, the bright lights and colorful balloons in the Royal Promenade made the boys stop in their tracks. I remember thinking, we had no idea this trip would change how we vacation forever.
“Once we stepped onboard Symphony of the Seas, it didn’t take long to realize — this wasn’t just a vacation. It was an adventure unlike any other.”
Settling In: Our First Impressions
After our embarkation-day toast at Playmaker’s, I looked up to see Jen, the boys, and my parents leaning over their connected balconies, waving down at me. We couldn’t have asked for a better setup — our staterooms were side-by-side, connected at the balcony, and my sister- and brother-in-law were right next door. The whole family was together, yet everyone had their own space.
It didn’t take long for the kids to find their first favorite spot, the Lucky Climber on the Boardwalk. One glance for permission was all it took; I nodded, and they took off laughing, climbing, and exploring like they’d already claimed the ship as their own.
The ship’s sheer size amazed me. Every direction led to something new — restaurants, entertainment venues, entire neighborhoods floating above the sea. Of course, there were a few “real” moments too, like getting turned around on deck or figuring out the elevators (we weren’t the only ones). Even those small missteps became part of the fun.
A few days later, the boys joined their first Adventure Ocean session — a slime-making science experiment that instantly became one of their favorite memories. They came running out proudly holding their gooey green creations, smiling from ear to ear.
Discovering the Ship: Fun Around Every Corner
Every day onboard brought something new. From sunrise to sunset, Symphony kept us busy — and smiling. At the time, our boys were six (almost seven) and four and a half, which made the ship feel even more magical through their eyes.
Pool Days & Slides
The boys loved the pools, especially swimming with their grandparents. Our youngest practically lived at Splashaway Bay, zipping down the colorful slides and giggling the whole way down.
Adventure Activities
Our oldest couldn’t get enough of the rock wall and laser tag, while our youngest preferred gliding across the ice rink. Watching them take on each activity with excitement and seeing how quickly they found their favorites was one of my favorite parts of the trip.
Entertainment
Every evening felt like a celebration. We loved the energy of the parades through the Promenade, and Hiro, the AquaTheater show, completely blew us away. The performers made it look effortless, diving and flipping against the backdrop of the ocean.
Dining
Dinner quickly became one of our favorite family traditions. The kids stuck to their tried-and-true favorites from the kids’ menu — chicken tenders, pasta, and plenty of fruit — but our meal at Wonderland was a rare exception. It was the one night they ventured beyond the familiar, and seeing their faces light up as each imaginative dish appeared was unforgettable.
There were countless small moments that made the trip special — dancing in the hallways, towel animals waiting on our beds, and those quiet balcony sunsets where everything just felt right.
Our Symphony Highlights • Favorite activity: Sailaway Party on the pool deck • Favorite meal: Jerk Seasoned Pork Chop in the Main Dining Room • Favorite family memory: Our day at Perfect Day at CocoCay
The Ports: A Taste of Adventure
Each port brought something unique, and a different kind of joy.
Port Canaveral was our first stop, but we decided to stay onboard. It gave us extra time to explore, and honestly, we were glad we did. There was still so much to see and do on the ship.
Nassau offered a mix of nostalgia and new experiences. Jen and I had been there before, but this time was all about the kids. We booked a pirate ship excursion, fitting since our youngest had been a pirate for Halloween the year before, and explored some of the local shops afterward.
Perfect Day at CocoCay lived up to its name. We spent the entire day at Harbor Beach, where the boys became more comfortable in the water than ever before. They were so content splashing and playing that they didn’t even ask about the water park. For me, that balance — fun and relaxation — was exactly what made the day perfect.
The Lessons We Learned
Like any first-time adventure, we came home with a few lessons:
Pack less. You really don’t need as much as you think.
Plan downtime. Even the most excited kids need rest between activities.
Book early. The best shows and activities fill up fast.
Dine early. Our early dinner seating at 5:30 worked perfectly for the kids and gave us the rest of the evening to explore or unwind.
Let go of perfection. The best memories came when we stopped trying to “fit it all in.”
We learned that the best moments weren’t always the biggest ones; sometimes, it was a late-night round of mini-golf or just standing together watching the ship sail into the horizon.
What This Cruise Meant to Us
Looking back, this trip was so much more than a vacation. It was the start of something new for our family. We bonded over shared experiences, laughter, and a little bit of adventure. Seeing our kids enjoy cruising as much as Jen and I do was everything.
It also changed how I thought about family travel. Before this, I wasn’t sure cruising with young kids would be relaxing or even doable. Now, I can’t imagine traveling any other way.
We came home with tired feet, full hearts, and a countdown to our next cruise.
Why We Can’t Wait to Sail Again
When we boarded Symphony of the Seas, we were first-time cruisers full of curiosity. When we disembarked, we were a family who had discovered our favorite way to see the world.
Our next adventure? A cruise to Canada and New England in the fall of 2025 — and I have no doubt it’ll bring new stories, new traditions, and more memories we’ll carry forever.
“Thinking about taking your first cruise with kids? You can do this — and it might just become your family’s favorite tradition, too.”
⚓ Our Cruise Stats
Ship: Symphony of the Seas
Line: Royal Caribbean International
Cruise Length: 7 nights
Ports: Bayonne, Port Canaveral, Nassau, Perfect Day at CocoCay
Kids’ Ages at Sailing: 6 and 4½
Comments