Royal Caribbean International is preparing to debut Wonder of the Seas, a cruise ship so big it can host up to 5,518 passengers and 2,300 crew, and is longer than the Eiffel Tower. Jenny Southan reports
As we predicted in our 2022 Travel Trend Forecast, “Conspicuous Hedonism” will be one of the defining trends of the year – if not the decade. This is one example of how it is manifesting…
The fifth in a series of monstrously huge Oasis class cruise ships, Wonder of the Seas will set sail from Florida in March around the Caribbean before relocating to the Mediterranean in May, cruising out of Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome) to other locations around Italy, France and Spain.
What’s it like on board? Firstly, it will be so vast and there will be so many people, it will be hard to make friends as you will be unlikely to see the same person twice.
Suite Neighbourhood – The newest “neighbourhood” offers Royal Suite Class guests their own Suite Sun Deck in a new location complete with a plunge pool, bar and loungers, along with Coastal Kitchen, the Suite Lounge, and the largest Ultimate Family Suite for a family of ten.
The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant and Bar – The restaurant serves 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 – This is an underwater–themed play area for kids with slides, climbing walls, games, an interactive mural activated by touch and imaginative puzzles.
The Vue Bar – A new cantilevered bar that offers panoramic ocean views by day, and after sunset, has a colourful mosaic canopy.
Caribbean Pool Deck – At the center of the ship is the poolside Lime and Coconut bar, alongside a trio of high–speed waterslides, the Perfect Storm, kids aqua park Splashaway Bay, Casitas, in–pool loungers and live music.
El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca – A grab–and–go spot for Mexican food such as tacos, burritos and quesadillas.
What most interests Globetrender is the Bionic Bar where cocktails are made by Makr Shakr robots. (A Makr Shakr robotic bar recently opening in Asterdam too.)
“The combination of brand–new features and favorites 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 and the ultimate vacation in the Caribbean and Europe.”