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Royal Caribbean’s new Symphony Of The Seas launches this weekend – we try out the £30k-a-WEEK family suite on the world’s new biggest cruise ship
GOING on a family holiday can usually be a tight squeeze - with everyone in the same small room, roll-away beds and little privacy.
But Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Family Suite on Symphony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, knocks these problems on the head with a cabin large enough to have a party in - and comes with all the toys and gadgets you’d need to make it a great one.
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The two-floor loft suite is bigger than most homes at 1,346 square feet, sleeping up to eight people with a master bedroom for mum and dad and another room with bunk beds for the kids.
If the little ones don’t want to take the stairs, there’s a slide. We tested it and can confirm it is large enough for big kids to use too... although if you’re over 6ft you might struggle.
There’s lots in the suite to keep everyone entertained.
Kids were consulted during the design stage, so there's a floor-to-ceiling Lego wall, a dining table that converts into an air-hockey pitch, a cinema-style TV area with a giant 85-inch screen, a popcorn machine and multiple video game consoles.
Check out the ultimate family suite on board the cruise liner Symphony of the Seas
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Outside on the balcony there’s even more, including a convertible pool table, climbing frame and full-size whirlpool for the parents.
You even get a Royal Genie - a personal butler to you and me - to cater to your every wish, from making your kids balloon animals to performing close-up magic.
The Ultimate Family Suite comes with a hefty price tag though - rates start at an eye-watering £30,000 a week - but that hasn't stopped it becoming fully booked for the rest of the year already.
Ben Bouldin, Royal Caribbean's UK Managing Director, told Sun Online Travel: "It redefines what the perfect family space could be.
"Yes it's expensive - Christmas week just sold for $85,000 (£60,000), so the money and demand is there - but it's only one room."
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Those of use who can't afford £30k on a week's holiday needn't worry though - Ben revealed that they were planning smaller and cheaper alternatives in the future.
The suite is one of many new shiny features on the Symphony as it takes over the title as the world's biggest cruise ship.
Although it is the same length and width as its sister ship Harmony of the Seas, it’s a massive 2,000 tonnes – or 250 elephants – heavier, weighing in at a colossal 228,021 tonnes.
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Carrying more than 6,500 passengers at full capacity, they all need to be fed and kept occupied when they’re not off exploring at ports of call.
Like Royal Caribbean’s other Oasis class ships, the Symphony features seven distinct “neighbourhoods” to explore.
These include its famous surfing simulator Flowrider, a zip line, 9-hole mini-golf course, waterslides and the Abyss – a dizzying 10-deck high slide that whizzes you down the back of the ship.
The Abyss is an exhilarating, if slightly bumpy, ride that sees you hurtle round tight bends through a psychedelic light tunnel.
Meanwhile, the ship's 20 restaurants will cater for the fussiest of eaters, with everything from burgers and hot dogs to Japanese, a steak house and even an outpost of Jaime Oliver’s restaurant chain.
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Among the new eateries are Hooked Seafood, Mexican fare at El Loco Fresh and Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade, where you can enjoy bar snacks while catching the latest game.
They screen live tennis, basketball and Premiere League football, so guests can enjoy watching their favourite team while chowing down on wings, popcorn shrimp and sliders.
Also new for the Symphony is a glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience and a submarine-themed Puzzle Break room.
If West End shows are your thing, you can catch a full-scale production of Hairspray! in the theatre, or if you’re suffering from Dancing on Ice withdrawal, there’s also an ice skating show featuring world class skaters.
And if you need a break from the kids – or if they need a break from you – they’re well taken care of in their own clubs packed full of activities and tailored for all ages, so you can have some quality time to yourselves.
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Ben Bouldin, Royal Caribbean's UK Managing Director, added: "You will not find the breadth of entertainment and things to do in any other holiday. And if you can, let me know."
With so much going on, if you're after a more sedate holiday away from families and children, the Symphony may not be your first choice.
But for the young at heart, you should definitely consider it.
Symphony of the Seas is sailing on September 30, 2018 from Barcelona, Spain for a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise - pricing, based on two people sharing an Interior stateroom, starts from £899 per person.
If it's more luxury you're after, why not have a gander at the opulence on Singapore Airlines as they launch their new business class cabin with Porsche seats.
Or if you prefer your holidays to be slightly more grounded, we discovered some amazing deals for last minute family holidays this Easter.
Find First Choice discounts and offer codes with The Sun Vouchers