The World’s Biggest Cruise Ship Ready to Welcome Passengers

After three years in the making, the world’s largest cruise ship will finally begin its journey. The 1,188-feet Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas was delivered last month. And it started its maiden voyage from Lauderdale, Florida going to the Caribbean on March 4.

The 18-deck cruise ship was constructed at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The Wonder of the Seas has a capacity of 6,988 guests and 2,300 crew members.

Innovative Features of the World’s Biggest Cruise Ship 

“We are excited to welcome guests across the world to Wonder of the Seas and its world-class facilities after a six-year-long process,” Mark Tamis, SVP of Hotel Operations at Royal Caribbean International.

The Royal Caribbean executive told CNN Travel that the company utilized their expertise to build the ship, from planning to delivery. They also integrated suggestions from guests and travel partner feedback to create an awe-inspiring project. 

In March, the ship will start operating five- to seven-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the Caribbean. Then it will introduce Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Rome in May. The wonder of the Seas comprises remarkable features:

• Eight neighborhoods 
• Over 20,000 natural plants in one of the neighborhoods 
•  The “tallest slide at sea.”
• A ten-deck-high zip line

COVID-19 Challenges

“We’ve always prided ourselves on offering guests the best and most advanced ships to give them a truly extraordinary experience. Wonder of the Seas encompasses all of that,” Tamis said.

The cruise ship was initially scheduled for delivery in 2021. But the company moved it due to delays caused by the global pandemic.

The Royal Caribbean has faced constant disruption over the past two years brought about by COVID-19. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention deferred cruise travel to the highest-risk level in late December. CDC emphasized that the risk for COVID-19 was “very high” due to an increase in infections among passengers and crew. 

In January, the health agency’s COVID guidance became optional for several cruise ships. Then, the CDC lowered the risk level from Level 4 to Level 3 this month. Furthermore, the CDC recommended that people be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling.

A welcome addition to the Royal Caribbean fleet of cruise ships

The CDC guidelines for conditional sailing orders ended on January 15. The rules required 95% of passengers and crew to be fully vaccinated to sail in most circumstances. Some cruise lines vaccination is needed for all passengers and crew.

In January, the company paused Symphony of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas. The main reason was due to “Covid-related circumstances around the world.”

The cruise line requires all guests aged 12 and above to be fully vaccinated. Those aged two and above must submit a negative Covid-19 test before sailing. All guests aged two and up must wear masks in public indoor spaces.

The Wonder of the Seas, fifth and newest of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class vessels, is one of several brand-new cruise ships set sail in the coming weeks. 

Discovery Princess, the newest among the Princess Cruises fleet, was delivered at the Fincantieri Shipyard (Monfalcone, Italy).

Meanwhile, Disney Wish is scheduled for delivery this summer. On the other hand, Silversea Cruises’ new luxury cruise ship Silver Dawn will make its debust in spring. 

*All images courtesy of Royal Caribbean