The next "world’s largest cruise ship," Wonder of the Seas, is one step closer to its March 2022 debut and now we know where it’s going to be based here in the U.S.. Royal Caribbean International’s fifth Oasis Class ship (and the largest one to date by just a few feet and gross registered tons), sailed from Saint-Nazaire, France, on its first sea trials to test its propulsion, navigation system, engines and more.
Royal Caribbean late last week said Wonder of the Seas will homeport at Port Canaveral, Fla., beginning November when it debuts in March 2022, Wonder will sail seven-night itineraries to the eastern and western Caribbean. Destination highlights include Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Every cruise will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in the Bahamas that features “thrill” and “chill,” from the tallest waterslide in North America to the Bahamas’ first floating cabanas.
“We’re very proud to have Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas homeport here, and we look forward to welcoming her next fall,” said Capt. John Murray, CEO of Port Canaveral. “This is terrific news for our entire port community and another endorsement of our commitment to excellence in providing a world-class experience for our cruise guests.”
Wonder will be the fifth of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class cruise ships and the fourth to call Port Canaveral home. Wonder features eight neighborhoods, a first for an Oasis Class ship, and a lineup of new adventures, including the new Suite Neighborhood; The Vue, a cantilevered pool bar; and Wonder Playscape, an interactive open-air kids’ play area with great views. Returning favorites include The Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea; Central Park, the neighborhood filled with thousands of real plants; and a Caribbean-inspired pool deck that features live music and The Lime & Coconut pool bar.
Other experiences in store for guests include dedicated kids and teens spaces at Adventure Ocean, Social100 and The Patio; the FlowRider surf simulator, twin rock-climbing walls, and a 10-deck-high zip line. The Boardwalk neighborhood returns with its handmade carousel, as does Central Park with fine dining options and live music in the evenings.
Royal Caribbean’s newest ship will measure 1,188 feet long, 217 feet wide with 18 decks and 2,867 staterooms. Wonder is in the final stages of construction in partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, one of the world’s largest shipyards and located in Saint-Nazaire, France.