Boarding Symphony of the Seas

On embarkation day of the cruise we traveled by Uber from Fort Lauderdale to Port of Miami.

Because one in our party was in a wheelchair on embarkation, we were somewhat fast tracked through the already fast boarding process in PortMiami.

Before noon we were eating dogs and exploring the Boardwalk Neighborhood!

Exploring the Boardwalk Neighborhood

We made our way to the back of the ship near the Aqua Theater where it was a bit quiet and you could easily access your mobile network still.

For new cruisers, when you enter the belly of the ship you will often have trouble using your phone/internet unless connected to the ships’ wifi, even while in port. But if you have a balcony or station yourself in an exterior-facing public area of the ship you’re more likely to catch those last few waves of signal.

Anyways, this was a nice spot to go to orient and send those last few emails/texts without a lot of distraction because, as you can see above, there was no one there yet and plenty of seating!

To get to this part of the ship you will head toward the back, pass the wooden horse display leading to the carousel…

… you’ll pass Sugar Beach, the candy shop on board (additional cost)

Once you get to the back you will see some stairs to the rock climbing wall.

By the way, if you’re wondering what time the Rock Climbing Wall is open on Symphony of the Seas, here was the schedule for our cruise:

Of course this schedule may be different on your cruise and for differing itineraries.

Pro Tip: Be sure to bring sneakers with real laces if you want to do rock climbing.

We settled at the opposite side of the Aqua Theater and here is a view across where you can nicely see the purple slides (aka Ultimate Abyss), the Rock Climbing Wall, and the Aqua Theater Suite balcony wrapping around.

It was here that I enjoyed an obligatory hotdog from The Boardwalk Dog House, topped with sauerkraut and a ketchup stripe.

All the while enjoying the view of PortMiami!

Our Boardwalk Balcony Stateroom

Once our stateroom was ready, we headed up to the tenth deck.

We were excited to see what it’s like staying in a Boardwalk Balcony (10727).

Things we were wondering: What are the views like? Can you see the ocean? Are the slides annoying? Is it loud? Is a Boardwalk Balcony better than an inside room?

You may be wondering those things too!

If so, check out our Oasis Class Boardwalk Balcony 10727 cabin tour and review ->

Connecting VOOM Surf + Stream Internet Package

Our next order of business was figuring out how to connect to the Surf + Stream Internet Package.

We usually don’y buy an internet package on a cruise, but this was a perk provided by Royal Caribbean so I wanted to show the set up process.

After putting your phone in airplane mode, go to your settings -> Wifi and find the cruise ship network.

Everyone can use the network for Royal Caribbean App Messaging for free. You can also purchase an internet plan.

In this case the plan was pre-paid and I just had to tap “Activate Internet” below.

After activating the internet, I got a success message reading “You’re connected to the Internet” and my 1-device VOOM internet connection was functioning.

Dinner on Our First Night

We were really enjoying our time with family at dinner so we just snapped a few quick pics at dinner because we know how you all live for the cruise food pics! ;]

Royal Caribbean Crab Cake

A deep-fried crab cake is always a great way to start a cruise imo and here are some views of the accompaniments and plating.

Indian Curry

I still stand by one of the most underrated meal options on a Royal Caribbean is their Indian food.

They have at least one Indian dish on the menu in the main dining room I think every single night, and they are usually so flavorful even if they don’t necessarily look as pretty as the crab cake above.

Each dish usually comes with papadam and naan bread in a basket.

Key Lime Pie

I’m not specifically a key lime pie lover or anything, but every time I order it on Royal I am so pleasantly surprised!

Decorated with a dark chocolate sliver and a candied lime, I think this is a great dessert choice!

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