Symphony of the Seas vs Titanic: A Giant Comparison

From the very beginning, cruise ships and ocean liners have captured the imagination of travelers. By offering a comfortable and luxurious mode of transportation, these enormous vessels provide voyages with a memorable experience rather than just a way of traversing the world’s waterways. That’s why we’re pitting Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas vs Titanic, among the world’s most iconic ships. 

Even though the two ships are separated by more than 100 years, they stand out as era-defining achievements in maritime engineering and design. More specifically, their enormous sizes redefined the eras when they were built. Although Symphony of the Seas‘ 1,188-foot length is significantly larger than the Titanic’s 822-foot length, it’s important to remember the historical context.

Today, we will take an in-depth, side-by-side look into these two remarkable passenger ships to see how they compare. We’ll examine everything from their backgrounds and construction to what types of amenities, accommodations, and safety features they were equipped with.

So, let’s get started!

Symphony of the Seas vs Titanic – How Do They Compare?

Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas is much bigger than the iconic RMS Titanic. Symphony of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 228,081 and is 1,188 feet in length, compared to Titanic’s 46,328 gross tons and length of 822 feet. Titanic was the world’s largest ship when she entered service in 1912. Symphony of the Seas was the world’s largest cruise ship when she entered service in 2018.

Symphony of the Seas

The Symphony of the Seas was completed in 2018 for Royal Caribbean. The ship was the fourth in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class line of cruise ships, named after the first of her class, the Oasis of the Seas. 

At the time of her maiden voyage, the Symphony of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world by gross tonnage. This meant she surpassed the previous record holder, her sister ship, the Harmony of the Seas.

The record lasted four years until a third Ocean Class vessel, Wonder of the Seas, set sail in March 2022. Even though it has since been surpassed, the Symphony of the Seas remains one of the world’s largest cruise ships. 

Symphony of the Seas was constructed at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard (previously named STX Europe) in Saint-Nazaire, France. Ordered by Royal Caribbean in May of 2014, she was first launched for sea trials in June 2017. 

RMS Titanic

The legendary RMS Titanic was first launched over a century earlier, departing on her tragic maiden voyage on May 31, 1911. The Titanic was registered in Britain to a joint American-British company called White Star Line.

When the order was placed, she was meant to be the second of three Olympic-Class ocean liners. The original order was placed on September 17, 1908, and after successfully bidding to take the project on, the ship was constructed by Harland and Wolff shipbuilding company in Belfast, Northern Ireland. 

Not only did the designs call for the ship to be one of the world’s largest ocean liners, but the ship was to be the pinnacle of comfort and luxury for passengers. From the moment the keel was laid in March of 1909 until the day she was completed on April 2, 1912, over 15,000 men had worked on constructing and outfitting the ship. 

Cost to Build the Ships and Launch Dates 

Symphony of the Seas cost a staggering $1.35 billion and took roughly three years to construct. In contrast, the Titanic was valued at $7.5 million in 1912, which amounts to approximately $198 million in today’s money after being adjusted for inflation. At precisely three years and two days, the construction time for the Titanic was almost identical to that of Symphony of the Seas.

The Symphony of the Seas was first launched with her maiden voyage from Barcelona, Spain, on April 7, 2018. The sailing involved a week-long trip to the Mediterranean Sea.

Read Also: Royal Caribbean Ships By Age – Newest to Oldest

On the other hand, the Titanic set sail on her doomed maiden voyage on April 10, 1912, just eight days after she had completed her final sea trial. The voyage departed from Southampton, England, en route to New York City, USA, via the North Atlantic Ocean, but sadly she never arrived at her destination. 

Size Comparison 

While the two ships both set records and amazed spectators for their size and luxury when launched, they differ quite substantially in just about every measurement. To make it easier to appreciate the differences between the two gargantuan ships, here’s a side-by-side size chart: 

Titanic vs Symphony of the Seas Size Chart

As you can see, the Symphony of the Seas dwarfs the Titanic by every metric; however, it’s important to remember that this is mostly just a testament to the time separating the two ships. Technological advancements allow modern cruise ships to be built to unthinkable proportions in the early 20th century. 

Passenger and Crew Capacities 

As you would expect from the difference in physical size between the two vessels, Symphony of the Seas has a much larger passenger capacity and requires many more crew members to operate.

All of that extra size also translates to more passenger decks and cabins. With that said, it is once again worth remembering the historical context. For its time, the RMS Titanic was a true behemoth that captured the attention of the whole world. 

Still, it’s interesting to see how a modern cruise ship compared to an ocean liner that was the largest ship afloat when she first set sail: 

Titanic vs Symphony of the Seas Capacity Chart: 

Passenger Accommodations 

While the record-breaking dimensions of each ship are certainly impressive, they only partially explain why the Symphony of the Seas and the Titanic are such iconic vessels. Where they genuinely impress is the unprecedented number and variety of amenities they were outfitted with.

The passenger accommodations on the ships also helped carve out their respective reputations for luxury and extravagance.

While the modern Symphony of the Seas is outfitted with luxurious suites, staterooms, and cabins with walk-out balconies, the Titanic featured lavish first-class suites, comfortable second-class cabins, and more basic shared accommodations in the third-class quarters. 

Titanic Accommodations

The Titanic’s 840-passenger staterooms included 39 private suites, which featured separate bedrooms, private washroom facilities, a wardrobe room, and a seating area. Each room within these suites was separated by doors, giving the accommodations the feel of a luxury hotel in New York City, London, or Paris.

Three hundred fifty less extravagant first-class accommodations also featured private washrooms, but they had joint bedrooms and seating areas. 

All of the first-class accommodations and some of the upper-tier second-class cabins were decorated in Louis XVI style, meaning they had the carved wood décor and furnishings that were more commonly associated with luxury hotels of the time.

Even the ship’s second-class passengers would have enjoyed more spacious and luxurious accommodations than the first-class cabins available on other ships of the time. Mahogany furniture, mirrors, storage shelves, oak wall paneling, and linoleum floors all would have impressed passengers staying in the second-class staterooms.

While many people assume that accommodations and facilities for third-class passengers would have been lowly and squalid due to their depiction in the 1997 film Titanic, they also would have been more impressive and better served than the typical third-class rooms of the time. 

Symphony of the Seas Accommodations

The Symphony of the Seas offers a wide range of room types. Passengers can find accommodations that fit their travel style, as well as their budget. 

Right at the top tier of the ship’s rooms is the Ultimate Family Suite, a two story, family-oriented option that looks more like a condominium than a cruise ship cabin. With an in-suite games room, air hockey table, slide, and a private balcony Jacuzzi tub, it’s unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else.

Royal Suite Class rooms also offer a similar experience, but the rooms are aimed towards luxury rather than child-friendly fun. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, interior and ocean-view staterooms offer luxury without breaking the bank. Standard cabins and those with balconies also provide guests with everything they need to enjoy their stay on this state-of-the-art cruise ship. 

Onboard Amenities and Passenger Experience 

Naturally, the Symphony of the Seas is outfitted with a greater variety of passenger amenities, but you might be surprised to learn just how many entertainment options the Titanic’s passengers would have had available to them. The following are just some of the amenities available to those traveling on these two iconic passenger vessels: 

Dining Options

The food on the Titanic was meant to reflect the ship’s overall sense of opulence, so it is no surprise that the “ultimate luxury ocean liner” offered guests several dining options.

First-class passengers had two dining rooms, an a la carte restaurant, a Parisian-style café, and several bars to choose from. The main first-class dining room on D deck featured a fireplace with panoramic windows, and it could accommodate up to 550 passengers at a time.

Unsurprisingly, the menus for first-class and second-class passengers were impressive. With multiple courses per meal, gourmet options, and a full staff of trained chefs, dining aboard the Titanic would have been a truly memorable experience.

Worth Reading: Titanic vs. Modern Cruise Ship – How Do They Compare?

Passengers holding second-class tickets also had access to dining rooms with an impressive atmosphere and delicious menu. Even the third-class dining room on G deck served three fresh meals a day, far beyond what would have been served to those traveling in the steerage of other ships.

While the dining on the Titanic would have been revolutionary for the time, the Symphony of the Seas takes things to new heights. The ship features 20 unique dining establishments, including a magnificent main dining room and a myriad of casual dining options.

Passengers can choose from 10 different complimentary establishments, as well as basic room service, or they can choose to pay extra to enjoy some of the ship’s specialty restaurants, which include a sushi restaurant, seafood bar, steak house, and more. 

Pool Facilities

The Titanic featured a full-sized, heated swimming pool and a Turkish bath. While this was considered to be cutting-edge for the time, Symphony of the Seas features three large pools on Deck 15, whirlpools, and a full-scale water park equipped with numerous water slides. Plus, thrill-seeking guests can enjoy the FlowRider surfing simulator.

Gyms and Recreation Options

The Titanic allowed guests to exercise and get their blood flowing in a fully equipped gymnasium. The ship’s gym was only available to first-class passengers, which explains why it was near its iconic grand staircase. Guests could also enjoy spa facilities, oak-paneled change rooms, and a squash court.

It won’t surprise you to learn that the Symphony of the Seas takes things much further. The ship features several gyms and fitness facilities and has a full-size running and jogging track. The ship’s Vitality Sea Spa also allows cruisers to relax and unwind after a workout.

While that may sound like a lot, it’s just the beginning. The ship also features a rock-climbing wall, zipline, mini golf course, numerous sports courts, FlowRider surf simulator, laser tag facility, and much more! 

Laundry Options

Both the Symphony of the Seas and the Titanic were designed to offer their passengers full laundry services. Neither ship was equipped for self-service laundry facilities, but the paid services were designed to make things easy for all guests. 

Ticket Prices

Average ticket prices on the Symphony of the Seas depend on the suite level, itinerary, and voyage duration. Plus, there are other considerations, like dining and drink upgrades.

With that said, it’s possible to stay on the ship for as little as $1,500, but the most luxurious accommodations, like the Ultimate Family Suite, could cost as much as $85,000! Rather than trying to guess prices, you are much better off checking for the latest cruise deals.

For the Titanic, ticket prices varied according to class and accommodations. First-class tickets ranged from £30 to £870, equivalent to roughly $4,350 to $126,000 in today’s currency. Lower-class tickets were much cheaper but could still range from $435 to $5,220 in today’s money.

Safety Features

When they were built, both ships were equipped with advanced safety features for their respective times. Today, the Symphony of the Seas has state-of-the-art safety measures, like advanced navigation systems, a redundant propulsion system, and comprehensive emergency response procedures.

It is also outfitted with more than enough lifeboats and buoyancy aids for every single passenger and crew member on board the ship.

In contrast, the Titanic represented the best in safety features for its era, but, as was tragically proven, these measures were still lacking.

Read Also: Icon of the Seas vs Titanic – A Giant Comparison

A limited number of lifeboats and compartments that were not truly watertight meant the iceberg impact was a disaster for the ship and its passengers. 

Symphony of the Seas vs Titanic FAQs

Why is the Symphony of the Seas the best? 

Put simply, the Symphony of the Seas is the better ship due to technological improvements. With over 100 years separating the two ships, it only makes sense that the more modern of the two vessels would feature more complex engineering and improved amenities, accommodations, and entertainment options. 

With that said, both ships were true icons of their time. The sinking of the Titanic somewhat taints the memory of the ship, but it’s important to remember that it was a true engineering marvel for its time. 

Is Symphony of the Seas a party cruise? 

No, the Symphony of the Seas is not strictly a party cruise. Although it does have the bars, clubs, live performances, and poolside cocktail lounges needed to cater to guests looking to enjoy more of a party atmosphere, it was designed to meet the needs of a wide range of passengers.

With plenty of areas for rest and relaxation, as well as child-friendly amenities and restaurants, Symphony of the Seas is a cruise ship for everyone. 

Are modern cruise ships safer than the Titanic? 

Yes, modern cruise ships benefit from over 100 years of advancement in safety standards and technologies. In fact, the Titanic disaster actually encouraged serious improvements in passenger ship design and safety equipment, as well as much stricter maritime safety standards.