The Wonder of the Seas has officially joined Royal Caribbean International’s award-winning lineup of ships. The cruise line received its next Oasis Class vessel late last week in preparation for March 4 debut in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Marking the completion of three years of construction, a traditional flag-changing ceremony took place in Marseille, France, on Jan. 27 with shipyard partner Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The Wonder will begin sailing seven-night cruises to the Caribbean before heading to Barcelona, Spain, and Rome, for its summer season in the Mediterranean.
“Wonder of the Seas will energize cruising in a bolder and bigger way,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, at the ceremony. “Adding this ship to our already best-in-class fleet elevates the company in continuing to lead the industry with new features and innovation.”
The fifth in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class of ships, Wonder features eight unique neighbourhoods – a Royal Caribbean first – for vacationers of all ages.
Highlights include:
• Suite Neighborhood – The new, eighth neighbourhood offers Royal Suite Class guests an elevated Suite Sun Deck in a new location, complete with a plunge pool, bar and plenty of loungers and nooks to kick back; along with favourites such as Coastal Kitchen, the private restaurant, the Suite Lounge, and the largest Ultimate Family Suite yet to host a family of 10.
• The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar – The new hotspot serves up southern staples and new twists on classics for brunch, dinner and in the late night, including savoury johnnycakes, southern fried chicken, crab beignets, and shrimp and grits. Completing the experience is live country music, farmhouse-style decor, a collection of American whiskeys and spiked shakes.
• Wonder Playscape – The underwater-themed play area for kids is a new adventure with slides, climbing walls, games, an interactive mural activated by touch, and imaginative puzzles.
• The Vue Bar – The cantilevered bar offers panoramic ocean views by day, and after sunset, it shines bright with a colourful mosaic canopy.
<<Aft pool deck rendering>>
• Caribbean Pool Deck – At the centre of the Caribbean vibes is The Lime & Coconut, alongside the trio of high-speed waterslides, The Perfect Storm, kids aqua park Splashaway Bay, Casitas, in-pool loungers, live music and more.
• El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca – The grab-and-go spot for made-to-order tacos, burritos, and quesadillas now debuts Cantina Fresca. The dedicated bar serves a selection of “aguas frescas,” margaritas and other Mexican staples.
Returning favourites on board Wonder include Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Royal Caribbean’s latest twist on the Italian trattoria; the tallest slide at sea, The Ultimate Abyss; the newly designed, dedicated kids and teens spaces at Adventure Ocean, Social100 and The Patio; the FlowRider surf simulator; twin rock-climbing walls; the Central Park neighbourhood lined by more than 20,000 real plants; and more.
Upcoming cruises
• Sailing from Fort Lauderdale – Wonder will set sail to the Caribbean from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale between March and April 2022. The seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries include visits to the cruise line’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Nassau, The Bahamas; Roatan, Honduras; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• Sailing from Barcelona and Rome – Starting in May, the ship charts course for summer vacations in the Mediterranean. The seven-night Western Mediterranean cruises will visit marquee destinations like Naples and Florence, Italy; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Provence, France.
• Sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla. – From November 2022, the ship returns to the Caribbean, departing from from Port Canaveral. Destinations in store range from Perfect Day at CocoCay and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and Cozumel, Mexico.
“Taking delivery of Wonder of the Seas is the culmination of 30 months of ingenuity and partnership across more than 2,000 committed crew members and workers who are among the best at what they do,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of RCI. “The combination of brand-new features and favourites that span thrills, entertainment, dining and nightlife is unparalleled, and it’s what will make our latest and most innovative ship the world’s newest wonder…”