Royal Caribbean Cruises has recently started sailing its newest mega-ship, Wonder of the Seas. The ship is 1,188 feet long and has an internal volume of 236,857 gross tons, making it the world’s largest cruise ship. Wonder of the Seas is only slightly larger than Royal Caribbean’s next largest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas, which has an internal volume of 228,081 gross tons. The immense size of Wonder of the Seas allows it to be considered part of the Oasis Class, a group of the largest cruise ships in the world.

Wonder of the Seas was built to accommodate a maximum of 6,988 passengers and 2,300 crew members. Guests have the option of staying in a stateroom or a suite. Staterooms can be in the interior of the ship or have an ocean view, balcony, or even a virtual balcony, which uses technology to create a floor-to-ceiling display. Some of the suite options include Ultimate Family Suites, which is a two-story room that includes amenities for family fun like a private slide, and Royal Suites, which provide guests with luxurious and spacious accommodations.

This ship has numerous features that provide fun activities for all ages. It has an AquaTheater, a children’s waterpark, an ice rink, a FlowRider surf simulator, a playground, sports courts, a 9-deck-high zip line, mini golf, rock walls, and a 10-story slide called Ultimate Abyss. Onboard, guests have the opportunity to watch a variety of shows at one of the many theaters on the ship. Guests can also find entertainment at the comedy club, casino, arcade, or fitness center. Like the other Oasis Class ships, Wonder of the Seas also features a Central Park. This unique addition to the ship includes over 10,000 plants and has numerous restaurants for guests to dine at while enjoying the scenery.

Guests are also given a wide variety of dining choices. Dining options range from a buffet meal at Windjammer to a flavorful steak at Chops Grille. Wonder of the Seas also has all-day dining options, such as Café Promenade, which allows guests to enjoy a delicious snack whenever they please.

Wonder of the Seas started its first sailing on March 4 from Port Everglades. After sailing in the Caribbean for about a month, the ship will start offering cruises in the Mediterranean. 

Since the cruise industry has suffered recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have become curious about why cruise lines are continuing to release new ships. For example, Piper Guyton (11) says that she “was surprised to learn about the release of a new cruise ship, especially after considering how much the cruise industry was harmed around winter break.” However, the cruise industry is beginning to return with the steps taken towards reestablishing a sense of normalcy in the world.