Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas will become the world’s largest cruise ship when she debuts in 2022. The cruise line has announced that their fifth oasis-class cruise ship will begin sailing from her homeport of Port Canaveral, Florida starting November 2022.
“We’re very proud to have Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas homeport here, and we look forward to welcoming her next fall,” stated Captain John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “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 of the Seas will Homeport in Port Canaveral
The new mega-ship is currently in the final stages of development at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. Wonder of the Seas will debut from Fort Lauderdale in March 2022 until mid-spring when she will move to Barcelona to offer Mediterranean voyages during the summer and fall.
Upon its return to the United States in November 2022, Wonder of the Seas will begin cruises from its new homeport of Port Canaveral. The vessel will offer seven-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries from the port.
When the ship was first announced, Royal Caribbean was going to base it in China, but the cruise line canceled that plan during development.
Wonder of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean’s fifth Oasis-class ship, and the fourth to call Port Canaveral home. The oasis-class ships are among the largest and most advanced cruise ships in the world.
The new ship will feature eight distinct “neighborhoods,” which is one more than her sister ships. The new neighborhood dubbed the “Suite Neighborhood” is exclusive to guests booked in a Suite stateroom.
Other features of the ship will include a cantilevered pool bar called The Vue, an open-air kids’ play area called Wonder Playscape, The Ultimate Abyss slide, rock climbing walls, a zip line over the Central Park neighborhood, a hand-crafted carousel, and Royal Caribbean’s signature FlowRider surf simulator.
“The momentum taking off across bookings and our returning ships in the U.S. and Europe is significant. With half of our fleet sailing again, we are encouraged by what we’re seeing. These regions are in the position to welcome a brand-new, innovative ship like Wonder of the Seas,”
Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International
The size of Wonder of the Seas is impressive at 236,857 gross tons and with a guest capacity of 5,734 at double occupancy and a crew of 2,300 international members. The ship has 16 passenger decks with plenty of thrills and activities for passengers to explore.
“Wonder will shine bright as the world’s newest wonder in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. And what’s in store is the ultimate vacation experience that highlights the very best of Royal Caribbean, reimagines renowned favorites and introduces new adventures every guest, no matter their age, can enjoy.”
Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International
