Royal Caribbean International has officially taken delivery of the world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas. The new ship, Wonder of the Seas, is the fifth Oasis-class vessel from Royal Caribbean and is now the largest cruise ship in the world, overtaking her sister ship, Symphony of the Seas.

To mark three years of construction, the ship took part in the traditional flag-changing ceremony in Marseille, France.

Wonder of the seas exterior being handed over to royal caribbean international — (Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean International)

Royal Caribbean Receives Delivery of Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean received delivery of the new cruise ship from Chantiers de l’Antique in Marseille, France, where the ship received its finishing touches before completion.

“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,”
Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International

A traditional flag-changing ceremony was held to mark the significant milestone as Royal Caribbean takes delivery of the world’s largest cruise ship.

The ceremony was attended by Royal Caribbean Group Chairman Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, and Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France.

New World’s Largest Cruise Ship

Wonder of the Seas during sea trials — Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Wonder of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s fifth Oasis-class vessel. Each of the Oasis-class vessels is larger than the last, and all held the title of “World’s Largest Cruise Ship” upon their debut.

The ships are loved for their size and the unique Central Park and Boardwalk neighborhoods that cut through the vessel’s center.

The new vessel has an internal volume of 236,857 gross tons, a guest capacity of 5,734 at double occupancy, and 2,300 crew members. Wonder of the Seas ship has an impressive 18 decks, 24 guest elevators, and 2,867 staterooms.

Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas Pool Decks — (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

With eight onboard neighborhoods, Wonder of the Seas introduces the new Suite Neighborhood, not found on her sister ships. The Suite Neighborhood is an exclusive complex for passengers who book suites aboard the vessel, similar to The Yacht Club on MSC Cruises or The Haven on Norwegian Cruise Line.

“Wonder of the Seas will energize cruising in a bolder and bigger way. Adding this ship to our already best-in-class fleet elevates the company in continuing to lead the industry with new features and innovation,”
Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group

Wonder of the Seas also features a new restaurant concept, The Mason Jar. The new specialty restaurant offers passengers a Southern Style Cousine, complete with a porch swing and live country music.

Other highlights of Wonder of the Seas include a reimagined AquaTheater, the ten-story Ultimate Abyss slide, an ice skating rink, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar specialty restaurant, and The Perfect Storm, aqua park Splashaway Bay, and the Wonder Playscape.

Rendering of Wonder of the Seas ariel view — (Rendering Courtesy: Royal Caribbean)

The ship will debut from Port Everglades on March 4, 2022, with a seven-night Caribbean cruise. During her inaugural year, Wonder of the Seas will call several ports home, including Fort Lauderdale, Barcelona, and Rome. In November 2022, the ship will move to her new homeport of Port Canaveral, operating year-round Caribbean sailings.

The ship will offer both eastern and western itineraries in the Caribbean, visiting destinations including Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, Nassau, the Bahamas, Roatan, San Juan, St. Thomas; and Cozumel, Mexico.