I was recently invited on an exclusive preview sailing of Royal Caribbean’s impressive new ship, Wonder of the Seas. We sailed from Port Canaveral in Florida down to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, for a sneak peek at everything this game-changing cruise ship has to offer. Here I’ll share details and highlights from my memorable press trip aboard the world’s largest cruise ship!
What Makes Wonder of the Seas Stand Out?
First, what makes Wonder of the Seas so special? It’s the fifth in Royal Caribbean’s innovative Oasis class of ships and it is the world’s largest cruise ship, with extra room for more restaurants, entertainment, suites, and outdoor spaces. The ship has eight distinct neighborhoods, a first for Royal Caribbean. It’s designed for family bonding, romantic dates, solo time – something for everyone.
Here are some of the brand new highlights:
- Wonder Playscape – An underwater-themed outdoor play area for families with slides, climbing walls, games, and light shows.
- The Vue Bar – A new cantilevered pool bar with views, part of the Caribbean Pool Deck.
- The Mason Jar – A southern restaurant with live country music, creative twists on comfort food classics.
- The Suite Neighborhood – A private area for suite guests, with a lounge, sun deck, pool, and the most lavish Family Suite yet.
Wonder of the Seas Godmother
For the godmother, instead of a celebrity Royal Caribbean honored everyday heroes in a contest. The winner was Marie McCrea, recognized for her uplifting spirit and overcoming challenges. Her tribute at the touching naming ceremony followed maritime tradition.
Wonder of the Seas Deck Plan
The ship has 2,867 staterooms across 18 decks, with 24 guest elevators. Highlights of the deck plan include:
You can find detailed floor-by-floor deck plans at the Royal Caribbean website.
Some returning favorites:
- The Ultimate Abyss – The tallest slide at sea, from deck 16 to 6 through the Boardwalk.
- Central Park – An open-air neighborhood filled end-to-end with live plants, like a tranquil garden escape.
- Caribbean Pool Deck – Vibrant hub with pools, hot tubs, kids aqua park, bars.
- Mini golf course – Royal Caribbean’s signature course with a new look.
- The Royal Promenade – Action-packed avenue with shops, bars, restaurants, decor and upward views.
20+ Dining Options
Free:
- Main Dining Room
- Windjammer Marketplace
- Park Cafe
- Sorrento’s
- Cafe Promenade
Specialty Venues:
- Hooked Seafood
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
- The Mason Jar
- Wonderland Restaurant
Amenities & Activities
- FlowRider surf simulator
- Rock climbing walls
- Ultimate Abyss slide
- Pools & hot tubs
- AquaTheater shows
- Casino Royale
- Fitness center
- Zip line
- Ice skating
Wonder of the Seas Review
According to Travel Pulse, cruising is more popular than ever. I can see why after this fantastic ship. Even those prone to seasickness will be convinced by Wonder’s sheer size and abundant outdoor spaces. My Instagram reel shows a quick intro.
There are so many dining, entertainment and activity options that you’ll never be bored. While lounging poolside with pina coladas sounds nice, don’t miss the shows, slides, climbing walls, mini golf, live music and more. My daughter and I didn’t get to try everything in just 4 days!
Cruises make stress-free family vacations, with something for all ages. Everything is provided – transportation, lodging, food, entertainment – no planning needed. Teens will enjoy the Social100 lounge. As a parent, I loved that my daughter could freely and safely hang out with friends, both old and new.
I loved the dining. The buffet offers endless options for picky eaters. The main dining room provides relaxing family meals with excellent service. Quick breakfasts from Park Cafe and seafood feasts at Hooked were both memorable. We only scratched the surface of the 40+ venues.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
Current itineraries include Royal Caribbean’s private island CocoCay, devoted to chilling and thrilling. Relax on one of 6+ beaches, in cabanas, hammocks, or in the lagoon pool with a swim-up bar. For adventure, the Thrill Waterpark offers thrilling slides with short wait times.
The island has dining, bars, shops, towel stations and lockers. Bookable excursions include swimming with pigs or scenic hot air balloon rides. It’s sure to be a memorable day with the upbeat music and dancing.
Wonder of the Seas Itineraries
Wonder sails from Cape Canaveral to eastern and western Caribbean destinations, including Perfect Day at CocoCay. An 8-night eastern route may visit:
- Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
- Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
- Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis
- Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Estimate $150 per day for a basic package. Cruising is an affordable way to visit multiple tropical spots with transportation, lodging, food and entertainment covered.
See Royal Caribbean’s site for details on booking your Wonder of the Seas vacation.
Q&A
How big is the ship?
At 362 meters long and 65 meters wide, the gross tonnage is 235,600 tons.
Is food free?
Yes, many complimentary dining options are included. Specialty restaurants are extra.
What are the 8 neighborhoods?
- Central Park
- The Sports Zone
- Royal Promenade
- Youth Zone
- Boardwalk
- Entertainment Place
- Vitality Spa & Fitness
- Suite Neighborhood
