If you’re wondering what it’s like to plunge down a water slide on one of the world’s largest cruise ships, you’re in the right place. We’ll take you through all the water slides on Symphony of the Seas. I’ll walk you through what makes the slides different, and even a pros and cons list.
If you’re considering trying out these slides, you’ll also find some top tips and everything you need to know about safety, queues, and other practical details.
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All the Water Slides on Symphony of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas, part of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class, have a great variety of water slides at different thrill levels. Here’s what you can expect:
| Slide Name | Height | Length | Thrill Level | Duration | Unique Features | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typhoon | 40 feet (12.2 meters) | 100 feet (30.5 meters) | Moderate | About 15 seconds | Sharp turns and dips | Minimum height: 48 inches (122 cm) |
| Cyclone | 40 feet (12.2 meters) | 100 feet (30.5 meters) | High | About 12 seconds | Tight spirals, high-speed turns | Minimum height: 48 inches (122 cm) |
| Supercell | 40 feet (12.2 meters) | 120 feet (36.6 meters) | High | About 18 seconds | Large bowl for swirling before dropping into the pool | Minimum height: 48 inches (122 cm) |
| Ultimate Abyss | 92 feet (28 meters) | 216 feet (65.8 meters) | Extreme | About 12 seconds | Tallest slide at sea, glowing LED lights | Minimum height: 44 inches (112 cm), minimum age: 7 years |
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Variety of slides for different thrill levels | Height and age restrictions may limit younger guests |
| Stunning views from the slides | Can get crowded during peak times |
| Unique features like the bowl on Supercell and LED lights on Ultimate Abyss | Not all slides are water-based, so dry slides might not appeal to everyone |
| Well-designed safety measures | Limited options for those who prefer more gentle rides |
5 Pro Tips for Riding Symphony of the Seas' Water Slides
Beat the Crowds: If you want to ride the slides without waiting forever, try going first thing in the morning or when the ship is docked at a port. Most people are still sleeping in or off exploring, so you’ll have the slides mostly to yourself.
Protect Your Skin: After a few rides, you might feel some friction, especially on the Ultimate Abyss. If you’re planning on going down a lot, wearing a swim shirt or rash guard can help you stop the burn!
Work Around the Schedule: The slides can get packed when everyone’s done with meals or after big events. Check out the ship’s schedule and try to hit the slides during showtimes or dinner – that’s when the lines are usually shorter.
Try the Abyss at Night: The Ultimate Abyss is pretty epic anytime, but it’s a whole different story at night. The glowing lights inside make it feel like you’re zooming through a cool, neon tunnel – definitely worth trying after dark.
Don’t Miss the Supercell: Typhoon and Cyclone get a lot of attention, but Supercell is the one with the big swirl at the end that’s a blast. If you like a bit of extra fun before you splash down, make sure you give this one a go.
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We’re cruise travel agents with tons of real life experience with water slides & water parks on cruises. Let us find the right cruise for you.
5 Pro Tips for Riding The Water Slides
Beat the Crowds: If you want to ride the slides without waiting forever, try going first thing in the morning or when the ship is docked at a port. Most people are still sleeping in or off exploring, so you’ll have the slides mostly to yourself.
Protect Your Skin: After a few rides, you might feel some friction, especially on the Ultimate Abyss. If you’re planning on going down a lot, wearing a swim shirt or rash guard can help you avoid any irritation.
Work Around the Schedule: The slides can get packed when everyone’s done with meals or after big events. Check out the ship’s schedule and try to hit the slides during showtimes or dinner – that’s when the lines are usually shorter.
Try the Abyss at Night: The Ultimate Abyss is pretty epic anytime, but it’s a whole different vibe at night. The glowing lights inside make it feel like you’re zooming through a cool, neon tunnel – definitely worth trying after dark.
Don’t Miss the Supercell: Typhoon and Cyclone get a lot of attention, but Supercell is the one with the big swirl at the end that’s a blast. If you like a bit of extra fun before you splash down, make sure you give this one a go.
Keeping It Safe
Lifeguards on Duty:
There’s always a lifeguard around to make sure everyone’s having fun and staying safe. They’re there to help out and make sure people are following the rules, like height requirements and how you should sit on the slides. Just listen to what they say and you’ll be good to go.
Slide Rules:
Each slide has some rules to keep things safe. For Typhoon, Cyclone, and Supercell, you’ve got to be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall. The Ultimate Abyss is a bit stricter – you need to be at least 44 inches (112 cm) tall and 7 years old to ride.
Gear Up:
For the Ultimate Abyss, you’ll get a special mat to slide down on, which helps you zip through safely. No special gear is needed for the other slides – just your swimwear and maybe a bit of courage!
Dealing with Queues and Wait Times
When It’s Busy:
The lines for the water slides can get long, especially when everyone’s on the ship, like on sea days. The best times to ride are early in the morning, later in the day, or when the ship is docked, and most people are off exploring.
Managing Your Wait:
There’s usually a sign showing how long the wait is, so you can decide if you want to hop in line or come back later. If it looks like a long wait, it’s often worth it to try again at a different time – maybe after dinner or during a show.
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Opening Hours and When It’s Busiest
Slide Times:
The water slides generally open around 9 AM and close at sunset. Times might shift depending on the day’s schedule or the weather, so it’s always good to check the daily planner.
When Everyone’s There:
The busiest times are usually right after lunch and on sea days when nobody’s getting off the ship. If you’re looking for a quieter slide time, aim for the early morning or late afternoon.
No Booking Needed
You don’t need to book or reserve a spot for the slides – just show up and get in line. Since it’s first-come, first-served, picking the right time to go is key.
No Extra Costs
The water slides are all included in your cruise fare, so you can ride as much as you want without any extra charges.
Weather Woes
Sometimes the slides might close if the weather turns bad, like if it gets too windy or there’s a storm. Keep an ear out for announcements or check the daily planner to stay updated.
Nighttime Fun
The water slides typically close at sunset, but if you’re lucky enough to catch the Ultimate Abyss after dark, it’s worth it. The glowing lights inside make it feel like a whole new ride!
Taking Pics
There aren’t any official photographers at the slides, so if you want to take a pic, bring your own waterproof camera or GoPro. Just make sure it’s securely attached, so you don’t lose it on the way down.
Family-Friendly Fun
The slides are fun for all ages, but if you’ve got younger kids or shorter riders, they might need to skip some of the bigger slides. There are other water play areas on the ship for the little ones to enjoy.
No Private Sessions
You can’t book a private time for the slides, but if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, try going when it’s less busy – mornings or later in the day are good options.
Accessibility
The slides do have some restrictions, and not all guests with disabilities will be able to ride. The staff are helpful and will do their best to assist where possible.
Safety Record
Royal Caribbean has a solid safety record with their water slides. Accidents are pretty rare, and the crew are well-trained to handle any issues that might pop up. Just follow the rules, and everything should be smooth sailing.
Other Water Park Features
There’s more to the water park than just the slides. Here’s what else you can look forward to.
Splashaway Bay:
This spot is perfect for younger kids or anyone who likes to take it easy. It’s got mini slides, water cannons, fountains, and even a big drench bucket that dumps water when you least expect it. It’s a fun place to hang out with the family and let the little ones go wild.
H20 Zone:
Another cool area for the kids, H2O Zone has water sprayers, geysers, and some funky water sculptures. It’s designed to be a safe and fun place for younger kids to splash around without needing to worry about the big slides.
Water Quality
No need to worry about salty seawater – the water in the slides and pools is fresh and treated. They keep it clean and at a nice, warm temperature, so it’s comfortable whether you’re riding the slides or just cooling off.
Towels and Lockers
Towels
You don’t need to pack your own towel – the ship has you covered. Just pick one up from the towel stations near the water park and drop it off when you’re done.
Lockers
If you’re carrying stuff you don’t want to leave lying around, there are lockers nearby where you can stash your belongings. They’re perfect for keeping your things safe while you’re off having fun.
Cabanas and Lounges
Want to chill out in style? You can rent a cabana near the water park, complete with comfy seats, shade, and sometimes even drink service. It’s a sweet spot to relax and take a break from the action while still being close to the fun.
Other Royal Caribbean Ships with Water Slides
If you’re into water slides, Royal Caribbean has a few more ships in its Oasis class that’ll keep you entertained, you’ll also find them featured in our top 17 water slides on a cruise ship.
Harmony of the Seas:
Similar to Symphony, Harmony has The Perfect Storm trio of slides with Typhoon, Cyclone, and Supercell. And yes, it also has the Ultimate Abyss for those who want a big drop and a lot of thrills.
Oasis of the Seas:
Oasis has The Perfect Storm slides as well, so you can expect the same kind of fun. If you’re looking for more of what Symphony offers, Oasis is a solid choice.
Navigator of the Seas:
Navigator brings something different with The Blaster, the longest aqua coaster at sea. Plus, it has Riptide, where you zoom down headfirst on a mat – it’s a serious rush.
Liberty of the Seas:
Liberty offers Tidal Wave, which is the first boomerang-style slide at sea. You’ll experience a big drop and then shoot up a nearly vertical wall before splashing down. It’s a wild ride!
Wonder of the Seas:
The newest addition to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class, comes packed with water slides, including The Perfect Storm trio as well. You’ll get Typhoon, Cyclone, and Supercell – just like on Symphony and Harmony.
Plus, the ship has the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, for those who want to experience a thrilling drop down ten decks.
Let us wade through the 1000’s of cruises for you!
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