Call us free on 0800 023 1273
Mobiles / International call 0203 371 7641
23rd Feb 2025 | 7 nights | Royal Caribbean International | Wonder of the Seas
Big, bold, and high-tech, Wonder of the Seas is exactly that -- a wonder upon the seas. The biggest ship in the world offers more activities, entertainment, dining and experiences than any person could reasonably pack into a single week -- or two.
Despite its leviathan appearance, this surprisingly accessible ship distinguishes itself by offering up uncommonly subdued experiences, like evenings at the outdoor Central Park Boardwalk and quiet days at sea in the 180-degree, three-story Solarium at the bow of the ship. You'll need to be on top of things, however: entertainment and specialty dining reservations book up well in advance, and pricing for the ship's most interesting dining venues is higher than industry average, with most venues starting above $50 per person before drinks and gratuity. Still, Wonder of the Seas -- the fifth Oasis-class ship to debut since the 2009 introduction of Oasis of the Seas -- emerges as Royal Caribbean's best offering yet.
Wonder of the Seas Deck Plan Delivers the WOW
Prepare to be impressed -- and lost -- onboard Wonder of the Seas. The ship's deck plan is massive, and while public rooms are arranged in a thoughtful way, expect to spend a lot of time looking for directions and doubling-back on your tracks.
Most of the ship's public rooms are clustered along the lengths of Decks 4, 5 and 6. Here, passengers will find the ship's Casino; the Studio B ice rink that doubles as an entertainment venue; and iconic spaces like the robotic Bionic Bar; the Latin-themed Bolero's; and the nautical favourite, the Schooner Bar.
All the way aft on Deck 6, passengers will find an outdoor area known as the Boardwalk -- a fun space anchored by a real, honest-to-gosh carousel that gives way to Johnny Rocket's, the Playmaker's Sports Bar, and the most eye-popping entertainment venue onboard, the Aquatheater.
Up on Deck 15, the ship's top-deck poolside attractions come to life. Here and on Deck 16, passengers will find the Ultimate Abyss slides (the largest at sea); the Flowrider surfing simulator; a zipline; and more pools, bars, and hot tubs than could be reasonably used in a week at sea.
That's not to say the entire ship is party-central. Plenty of areas onboard, like the Solarium on Deck 15 forward and the Central Park "neighbourhood" amidships on Deck 8, are enclaves of quiet relaxation by both day and night.
Wonder of the Seas Cabins Offer Plenty of Choice
Cabins on Wonder of the Seas run the gamut from economical inside rooms, outside cabins with oversized windows, balcony cabins and suites. But within those categories are a wide array of room choices not normally found on most cruise ships.
Aboard Wonder of the Seas, balcony cabins can overlook either the ocean or the ship's inner outdoor spaces carved out from the centre of the ship -- sort of like an inner courtyard at a swanky Caribbean resort. Windowed rooms can look out at the ocean, or at the ship's inner courtyards or the popular Royal Promenade. And Wonder of the Seas offers some of the most lavish suites Royal Caribbean has ever designed, including the spectacular two-story Ultimate Family Suite on Deck 18, complete with its own indoor slide, air hockey table and a table tennis setup on its expansive private balcony.
Unless you're a fan of noise, cabins to avoid include the inner-facing Boardwalk View Balconies. While these overlook the fun boardwalk area on the aft end of the ship, the plethora of night-time attractions -- Playmaker's Sports Bar, Johnny Rockets and the larger-than-life Aquatheater -- mean noise will be a part of the experience well past 10 p.m. on some evenings. Great if you're a night owl; less so if you plan to turn in early.
Wonder of the Seas Food Leaves Passengers Spoiled for Choice
There is no shortage of choice when it comes to food aboard Wonder of the Seas. The ship features the largest Windjammer buffet in the Royal Caribbean fleet and a three-story dining room serving up breakfast and dinner each day, and lunch on sea days.
But to only dine at the complimentary food is to miss out on part of what makes Wonder of the Seas superb: its unique specialty dining venues. From the brand-new Southern-themed eatery The Mason Jar on Deck 15 to the wacky, Alice in Wonderland-themed venue Wonderland or just a hearty burger at Johnny Rockets, these add-on fee experiences are worth your time and money.
Suite passengers will have the ability to dine in Royal Caribbean's exclusive Coastal Kitchen venue, which on Wonder of the Seas takes up a commanding space as a dual restaurant-lounge facing aft on Deck 17.
How Does Wonder of the Seas Compare to Other Oasis-Class Cruise Ships?
Wonder of the Seas may be the latest in a line of Oasis-class ships that began with Oasis of the Seas back in 2009, but it is by no means a carbon copy. Significant changes have been made to the ship's pool deck spaces and above, including the line's first-ever Suite Neighbourhood -- a complex located on Deck 17 and Deck 18 that houses Wonder of the Seas' most premium suites.
Other enhancements made aboard Wonder of the Seas that aren't found on other ships in this class include a completely reimagined pool deck; a fully-enclosed and expanded Solarium situated all the way forward on Deck 15; and the new Vue Bar on Deck 15 port side that takes the place of an area formerly set aside for an oversized cantilevered whirlpool on earlier ships.
Besides that, Wonder of the Seas is just more technologically enhanced and higher-quality, with thoughtful wall treatments, carpeting, and artwork throughout the vessel that makes wandering its decks (and there are plenty of them) a real joy to explore and discover.
Theater and Shows on Wonder of the Seas
**The Royal Theater** on Decks 4 and 5 forward showcases comedians, vocalists, magicians and performing bands on a nightly basis. Reservations are required for some shows, which can be made via the Royal Caribbean app. Unlike other ships in the fleet, there is no standard, Broadway-style show aboard Wonder of the Seas.
**Studio B** is one of Royal Caribbean's most-popular big ship venues, hosting spectacular ice-skating performances on select evenings. The ice surface can be covered up, however, to turn Studio B into a venue for entertainment options like "Royal Friendly Feud" and "Battle of the Sexes." One night per voyage, Studio B becomes a late-night club known as RED. Advanced reservations for ice shows are required.
**The Attic** houses late-night comedians on most evenings, along with a "Battle of the DJ's" headliner one evening per week. Reservations are required and are spectacularly hard to come by.
**The AquaTheater** is the most spectacular venue aboard Wonder of the Seas, and features a daring aquatic show in the vein of Cirque du Soleil. The all-female cast aboard Wonder of the Seas puts on superb performance, though the exact show was still being developed during our sailing. Shows are 50 minutes long, and early and late performances are offered. Reservations are absolutely required for this popular (and rewarding) venue.
Daily Things to Do on Wonder of the Seas
The world's largest cruise ship also offers a larger-than-life level of activities each day, both free and for-fee. Daily options include the usual art auctions and casino tournaments, but a healthy dose of trivia, scavenger hunts, mini-golf tournaments, and dance classes are also offered. Outdoor movies are shown on the ship's poolside screen, along with interesting Q&A's from the ship's Officers.
Active passengers will enjoy the plethora of activities for wellness, including morning stretch classes, yoga classes, and even Latin Dance fitness classes.
While this information is available in your Royal Caribbean app, the line mercifully still provides daily printed programs, known as Cruise Compasses in Royal Caribbean parlance, on your bed each evening.
Nightlife on Wonder of the Seas
Nightlife aboard Wonder of the Seas is "wonderfully" varied. You can dance all night in Bolero's, sing karaoke to your heart's content at Spotlight Karaoke, or take in one of the many live musical acts interspersed throughout the ship's public rooms -- not to mention the evening performances in Studio B or the Aquatheater.
But Wonder of the Seas can also be surprisingly quiet and tranquil by night -- take a stroll through the Central Park area on Deck 8 or enjoy a glass of wine amongst the trees at the charming Trellis Bar. The ship's Solarium at night turns into a space of quiet wonder as well, with its soft blue mood lighting and central bar area that is a draw for those looking for conversation in a superb space unlike any other at sea.
Those looking for a bit of chance will want to head for the casino aboard Wonder of the Seas, which runs the full width of the ship on Deck 4, and is a maze of gaming tables and slot machines. Unlike other ships, there's no clear pathway through the casino, leaving passengers transiting from one end of Deck 4 to another to run the gauntlet of gamblers and smokers.
Wonder of the Seas Bars and Lounges
From the robotic Bionic Bar to the creative cocktails at The Mason Jar, there is no shortage of creative libations aboard Wonder of the Seas. If you plan to imbibe and don't want to be worried about cost, drink packages are offered by the line, and often are discounted if they're booked pre-cruise on Royal Caribbean's website. Be forewarned, however: both occupants in a cabin will need to purchase one, and top-shelf beverages are excluded.
**Our Picks**
**For the Cocktail Connoisseur:** The Mason Jar Bar on Deck 15 aft is the hands-down winner here, with some of the most creative cocktails at sea. Much is made of the PB&J Old Fashioned (the clear guest favourite on our sailing), but we have to give props to the Bourbon Ale that had us coming back night after night.
**For A Fun Pint:** The Pub on Deck 5 is the traditional English watering hole, in contrast with the more American Playmaker's Sports Bar further aft on Deck 6. But the Pub distinguishes itself with its unique menu of beer cocktails and drafts from around the world.
**For A Moment of Quiet:** The Trellis Bar on Deck 8's Central Park promenade is one of the ship's more quiet, romantic watering holes -- particularly on warm evenings graced with cool Caribbean breezes.
**For the Pool Deck Maven:** It's a good thing that there are *three* Lime and Coconut locations aboard Wonder of the Seas (two on Deck 15 midship on port and starboard sides, and one on Deck 16 midship), because the poolside libation game is strong here. While there is an extensive menu of refreshing sips, the winner for us was the eponymous Lime and Coconut -- served in a little plastic bucket, to boot.
Pools and Hot Tubs on Wonder of the Seas
For as large as Wonder of the Seas is, the ship splits its pools and hot tubs into several areas of the ship to help spread people out and reduce crowding. Royal Caribbean, like Disney, knows how to handle a crowd -- though some of the ship's more unique bathing areas, like the cantilevered whirlpool that juts out over the starboard side of the ship on Deck 15 are understandably busier than others.
Two **Main Pools** are situated on the port and starboard sides of Deck 15 midship. Hot tubs -- many with transparent glass walls -- are located one deck higher on Deck 16 midships.
Nearby, **Splashaway Bay** is designed for little ones, with a splash park, dump bucket, and other wet-and-watery features.
**The Beach Pool** is on the starboard side of Deck 15 and offers a more relaxed vibe than the two main pools, which tend to get crowded first.
**The Solarium Pools and Hot Tubs** are for adults only and offer commanding views of the ship's bow. While you won't find a lap pool here, you will find oversized hot tubs and a shallow pool for lounging in. Best of all, the Solarium's superb ventilation and reflective glass panels ensure the room never gets uncomfortably hot.
Waterslides, Zipline and Flowrider aboard Wonder of the Seas
On Wonder of the Seas, The Perfect Storm trio of waterslides provides thrills aplenty for those looking for some wet and wild fun. Passengers will want to steel themselves, however, for The Ultimate Abyss slides, which run from Deck 16 all the way down to Deck 6, depositing riders at the heart of the Boardwalk area in mere seconds.
All the way aft on Deck 16 starboard, passengers will find a Zipline that whisks riders across the internal canyon formed by the Boardwalk area some 10 decks below.
And, unlike other Oasis-class ships, Wonder of the Seas only has one Flowrider surfing simulator, situated on Deck 16 aft, port side.
Sundecks on Wonder of the Seas
Sundecks are plentiful onboard Wonder of the Seas, and while Deck 16 is the primary area for sun-worshippers, a separate Sun Deck is located all the way forward on Deck 17 for those looking for a little more quiet. Passengers travelling in top-of-the-line suites can use their own private sundeck, which spans the width of the ship on Deck 18 aft and offers its own bar and hot tub.
Services and Wi-Fi on Wonder of the Seas
There are a variety of gift shops aboard Wonder of the Seas, but those looking for sundries will need to head up 16, where a tucked-away room on the ship's port side (near the aft elevator bank) offers everything from pain medication to iPhone charging cords -- from a bank of vending machines.
Other services include an ATM, the ship's Guest Relations and Shore Excursion desks; a (very popular) Future Cruise Center; and an art gallery.
Royal Caribbean's VOOM internet access is among the best at sea. We were able to attend Zoom meetings, stream music and video, and upload high-resolution photos to social media with ease. As with all shipboard internet, connectivity varies depending on geographic location, but should be strong in the two areas of the world Wonder of the Seas will call home.
Royal Caribbean's app worked well throughout our voyage, though it was sometimes slow to populate booked events and dining into our onboard schedule
Vitality Spa and Thermal Suite on Wonder of the Seas
Tucked away on Deck 6 forward, the Vitality Spa offers a wide array of treatments and salon services that run the gamut from hot stone massages to facials, wrinkle treatments and an IV Therapy Lounge.
A Thermal Suite is tucked away on the lower level of the Vitality Spa, through an internal staircase that leads down to Deck 5. The Thermal Suite -- which offers both day and entire cruise passes -- is a bit underwhelming, situated in an internal location with half a dozen heated ceramic loungers, a steam and sauna room, and two rainforest showers -- one of which was already broken during our inaugural sailing. There is no hydrotherapy pool aboard Wonder of the Seas.
Fitness and Gym on Wonder of the Seas
The Fitness Center on Wonder of the Seas is massive, and uniquely can be accessed either through the Vitality Spa on Deck 6, or from the ship's jogging track that encircles the ship (an entryway is located at the forwardmost part of the jogging track, up an internal staircase).
Inside is the usual assortment of exercise equipment, framed by oversized circular windows overlooking the ocean. Personal training sessions are offered, and fitness mavens can purchase an Ultimate Class Pass that allows for workout sessions and classes to be scheduled and developed for an all-in cost.
Food on Wonder of the Seas is an attraction in its own right. From the complimentary main dining room and Windjammer Buffet to the ship's plethora of additional-cost specialty dining venues, no one will go hungry aboard Royal Caribbean's latest and greatest. And while you certainly don't have to eat at the ship's specialty dining venues, consider budgeting to do so at least once or twice -- the food is a decided notch up from the complimentary fare, and some of the venues are situated in the most attractive locations on the ship. **Pro Tip: **most specialty restaurants also have their own dedicated bar that you can amble into at any time, giving you a taste of the venue for a fraction of the cost.
Free Restaurants on Wonder of the Seas
**The Main Dining Room**: Located on Decks 3, 4 and 5, this three-story venue serves up breakfast, dinner, and lunch on sea days. Menus change daily, and cruisers can select whether they would like early, late, or anytime dinner seating options. This is where all the standard cruise staples -- escargot, shrimp cocktail, steak and lobster on select nights -- can be found. The room, however, is on the cramped side despite its size; expect to be sitting very close to your fellow diners.
**The Windjammer**: Situated on Deck 15 aft, this casual buffet dining venue wraps attractively around the ship's pool deck and offers views of the ocean and the interior space carved out by the Boardwalk area. An attractive entryway includes casual seating options, couches to wait for your party on, and plenty of handwashing stations. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night bites, the variety of foods here is the venue's best feature, from North American classics to regional flavours from around the world. Don’t miss the amazing cheese selection when you're shopping around for desserts; it is located near the entrance and quickly became the talk of the ship.
**Solarium Bistro:** Billed as a more intimate casual dining option, the Solarium Bistro is located on Deck 15 forward overlooking -- you guessed it -- the ship's Solarium. While Royal Caribbean says it offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a buffet setting, it's actually more American in practice, and a nice change of pace from the cavernous Windjammer.
**Boardwalk Dog House:** Get your hot dog fix at the Boardwalk Dog House located on Deck 6 aft in the outdoor Boardwalk area.
**Café Promenade:** One of Wonder of the Seas' most popular spots, the Café Promenade on Deck 5 midship is open 24-hours a day and serves up coffee, pastries, sandwiches and snacks.
**Sorrento's:** It's all about pizza at this casual eatery located along the Royal Promenade on Deck 5. The pizza is quite good, too, with a menu of standard favourites alongside more creative options.
**Park Café:** Our favourite (and winner for most underrated complimentary dining venue on the ship), the Park Café is situated on Deck 8 in the ship's Central Park area. Deli favourites are on offer here, along with breakfast sandwiches and other items that can be enjoyed right there or as grab-and-go options.
**Vitality Café:** Another great hidden complimentary dining venue, the Vitality Café is nestled in the entrance to the ship's Spa on Deck 6 forward. For those looking for healthier eats, this is the place to be. The café also draws up some amazing fruit and veggie smoothies, though these do come at an extra cost -- but are included if you have the beverage package.
**El Loco Fresh:** Mexican eats are the order of the day at this great venue located aft on Deck 16 on the starboard side of the vessel. Burritos and tacos are made to order, and the adjacent bar makes the best Margarita we've had onboard -- though that comes at an extra cost.
**Coastal Kitchen:** For suite guests, this upscale dining venue is provided complimentary. Situated on Deck 17 aft, the offerings here are primarily Mediterranean and Californian inspired.
**Room Service:** Room service is complimentary for continental breakfast, but all other orders carry a $7.95 delivery fee.
What Restaurants Cost Extra on Wonder of the Seas
**150 Central Park, $$$$**: Only available on Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships, 150 Central Park can accommodate just 60 people in an intimate and upscale setting. European in style, dishes are presented with substantial flair, with signature specials prepared tableside. Extensive tasting menus are also offered, paired with the ship's premier wine list.
**Chef's Table, $$$$:** Just 16 passengers can indulge in this one-of-a-kind dining experience that is hosted each evening by an Executive Chef and dedicated Sommelier. Multi-course, formal and adventurous, Chef's Table is an experience worthy of those found on upscale luxury cruise lines.
**Chops Grille, $$$$:** Royal Caribbean's classic American steakhouse experience, Chops Grille serves up prime cuts of beef alongside seafood options and numerous classic sides to create the ultimate seagoing steakhouse experience.
**Giovanni's Kitchen and Wine Bar, $$$:** Pizza and pasta creations reign supreme here, and while dinner is offered nightly, Giovanni's lunch menu is no slouch either -- and comes at a substantially reduced price. Don't miss out on the adjacent Wine Bar, either -- there are wine and cheese pairings available on most evenings.
**The Mason Jar, $$$:** A brand-new eatery introduced aboard Wonder of the Seas, The Mason Jar serves up Southern specialties -- think Po' Boy sandwiches, shrimp n' grits, and Meemaw's Chicken. Brunch is offered on sea days only, and spots fill up fast. Dinner is offered nightly. Be sure to check out the craft cocktails at the adjacent standalone bar, not to mention the tasty bar snacks.
**Izumi, $$$$:** Split into two separate rooms -- Izumi and Izumi Hibachi -- this Japanese dining venue offers up high-quality sushi, sashimi, ramen dishes and interactive teppanyaki experiences alongside a selection of creative cocktails and Japanese beers, sake and whiskey pairings.
**Hooked Seafood, $$$$:** Perched high atop Deck 16 overlooking the ship's Solarium, Hooked is all about New England-style seafood. Be sure to check out the raw bar selections alongside the menu of classic New England staples (yes, there is lobster!).
**Wonderland, $$$$:** This Alice In Wonderland-inspired venue takes a commanding, two-story location aboard Wonder of the Seas. Interactive and creative, the cuisine here is best described as imaginative, with a heavy emphasis on presentation and show. But the flavours and quality back up the razzle-dazzle -- even if you'll struggle to tell friends what it is, actually, that you ate.
**Playmaker's, $$:** The de-facto sports bar aboard Wonder of the Seas offers standard bar favourites, burgers, nachos, wings, and other game-friendly eats, not to mention the ship's most extensive beer list.
**Johnny Rockets, $-$$:** It's all about burgers and shakes here. Located on the outdoor Boardwalk area on Deck 6 aft, diners can either sit inside or enjoy their food outdoors on the patio.
**Starbucks, $:** Coffee, lattes, and other Starbucks creations are offered in this full-service location situated on Deck 5 at the forward end of the Royal Promenade.
**Room Service, $:** Anything outside of continental breakfast incurs a $7.95 delivery fee.
Cruise Critic Restaurant Picks on Wonder of the Seas
We were blown away by the food offerings at The Mason Jar, greedily devouring an entire plate of Meemaw's Chicken before washing it down with a Bourbon Ale in a caloric free-for-all that left us both satiated and utterly stuffed. But the lighter fare at the Vitality Café made it easier for us to indulge by night and eat healthy during the daytime. And while we enjoyed our meal at Wonderland, the restaurant's concept may be too esoteric for some. Instead, Izumi Hibachi pulled ahead as a winner for us, with its interactive teppanyaki-style dining experience, excellent service, and sumptuous food.
Dietary Restrictions on Wonder of the Seas
While dietary restrictions are catered to aboard Wonder of the Seas, it takes some proactiveness to ensure you're given the right meal. Waiters in the main dining room insisted that out of the entire menu, only chicken breast was safe to eat when informed of a nut allergy, and it came out dry and tasteless, having been stripped of all its sauces and pairings. Staff even seemed unsure about ingredients for basic dishes like Caesar Salad and shrimp cocktail and seemed to prefer to treat dietary requirements through a process of elimination rather than actually checking on ingredients (a shellfish allergy at our table was handled in a similar fashion).
Allergies in the Windjammer were hit and miss, with some staff knowing easily and readily what was in the dishes they were serving, and others responding in an unsure manner that led us to avoid certain foods altogether for lack of a straight answer.
However, allergies and dietary restrictions were handled much more gracefully and with ease in the ship's specialty restaurants, with waiters checking with the kitchen on actual ingredients and responding with confidence.
We were sailing on the first revenue cruise of Wonder of the Seas as this review was being written, so it is our expectation that this will improve over time.
There are 2,867 cabins aboard Wonder of the Seas, with a wide variety of inside, oceanview, balcony and suite categories available -- some of which offer views of the ocean, and others of the ship's interior spaces, like the Royal Promenade, Boardwalk and Central Park areas. Décor is modern and subdued, and balconies -- even standard-grade ones -- are surprisingly generous in the amount of space afforded, both inside and out. Connecting cabins are available, which are great for families and friends looking to travel together -- but which also let in nearly no external noise from the connecting door for those who are not.
Rooms on Wonder of the Seas are Modern, with Plenty of Outlets
Across the board, Royal Caribbean has stepped up its game aboard Wonder of the Seas. From cleverly-designed bathrooms that feature magnetic doors instead of the old clunky latch-and-lock variety to the crisp décor and abundant storage options, staying aboard Wonder of the Seas -- even in an economically-priced inside stateroom -- is no hardship.
Interior rooms are the smallest at 172 square feet -- still generous even compared with Royal Caribbean's older ships, which can be downright cramped in this category (although small if you're comparing it to the average U.S. hotel room, which is generally 330 square feet) . Oceanview cabins add an oversized picture window and sitting area, while balcony rooms extend that space even further, offering an oversized sofa (convertible to additional berths in some categories) and a generously-sized outdoor balcony.
You can bring all your gadgets with you, too: electrical outlets are plentiful, and come in North American, European and USB flavours. A series of five pegs are placed on the wall underneath the flat-panel television -- perfect for storing hats, masks and other varied items. Royal Caribbean's VOOM internet is strong throughout all cabin categories, too -- making connectivity at sea a snap.
Balcony Rooms on Wonder of the Seas Win Points for Space; Suites Have Their Own Enclave
The majority of cabins aboard Wonder of the Seas are balconies -- either facing the ocean or the ship's interior promenade spaces like the Boardwalk on Deck 6 aft, or Central Park on Deck 8 amidships. Spacious and generous, these balcony staterooms have well-sized balconies -- a refreshing change to the sliver of outdoor space that seems to be standard on other newer cruise ships as of late. Storage space is better-than-average, with closets and an oversized dresser unit that also contains a mini-fridge.
Moving up to suite country aboard Wonder of the Seas reveals an entirely new world of delights. Most of the ship's prime suites are held in a single area on Decks 17 and 18 just aft of amidships, in what would have been the former Viking Crown Lounge area on other Royal Caribbean vessels.
Instead, this suite enclave offers its own private lounge and sun deck, its own exclusive dining area known as The Coastal Kitchen, and some of the largest square footage -- indoors and out -- on the ocean today.
Suites aren't just the domain of well-heeled couples, either. The Ultimate Family Suite ranks as one of the ship's most superb accommodations and comes complete with two levels, an indoor slide connecting both, an air hockey table, and enough room on the private balcony for a table tennis table. Plus, Ultimate Family Suite guests have their own dedicated Royal Genie (a butler/concierge by any other name) at their beck-and-call. The room is also, surprisingly, completely accessible -- and exclusive: it can only be booked by calling Royal Caribbean directly.
For those who can't justify the cost, the ship's ample Royal Suites get the job done nicely, with a full-sized sitting area, marble-clad bathroom, and upgraded furnishings and amenities -- not to mention some pretty massive balconies.
H2: Cabin Bathrooms on Wonder of the Seas are Well-Designed (But Bring Your Own Products)
Cabin bathrooms aboard Wonder of the Seas are extremely well-designed. Magnetic doors replace the old lock-and-latch doors of old, and come across as not just a little Viking Cruises-esque. Shower doors are glass, and shower space is generous. A detachable showerhead adds additional flexibility, though the wall-mounted, all-in-one bodywash and shampoo feels (and smells) cheap.
Three shelves are situated adjacent to the mirror, itself bordered at the lower end by an attractive floral motif. Lighting is generally soft and welcoming, and a subdued nightlight casts a dim glow during when the main lights are off.
The sink, however, is situated in the extreme corner of the room in most cabins, making washing hands a bit of an exercise in frustration.
Suites do away with all of this, offering spacious bathrooms, including tubs and dual vanities in most categories.
Cabins to Avoid on Wonder of the Seas
Unless you love the nightlife (and like to boogie), you'll want to think carefully before booking a Boardwalk View Balcony, overlooking the Boardwalk neighborhood.1 These cabins, located on Decks 8 through 14, overlook Playmaker's Sports Bar, Johnny Rockets, the ship's fully-functioning Carousel, and the amazing and awe-inspiring Aquatheater. The latter utilizes a thudding soundtrack from composers like Hans Zimmer, so unless you like hearing the theme from "Inception" at 10 p.m. every other evening, give these ones a pass.
Cruise Critic's Cabin Pick
**On a Budget:** Skip the standard interior stateroom and go for a Promenade View Interior on Deck 7. These offer a view of the Royal Promenade interior space along with bowed windows, a loveseat-style seating area, and additional space -- nearly 200 square feet.
**For Families:** Everyone wants the Ultimate Family Suite, but few can afford such extravagance. Instead, go for a balcony cabin, some of which can comfortably sleep three or four people.
**Splash:** For a bit more, upgrade to a Junior Suite. Located throughout the vessel (these are not part of the suite complex on Decks 17 and 18), these 267-square foot rooms offer a taste of the good life without breaking the bank.
**Splurge:** What can we say? There's nothing like the suite life, and the ship's eight Crown Loft Suites -- located exclusively on Deck 18 -- offer two levels of loft-style accommodations that can accommodate up to four guests and offer 545 square feet of living space, not to mention some serious bragging rights.
Groups, couples and families who like (very) big ships with a vast amount of entertainment, day and night
Those who are after a quiet, intimate, small-ship experience; gourmands; couples avoiding kids
For the most part, Royal Caribbean ships that sail from the United States attract a wide variety of North American passengers, mostly between the ages of 30 and 55 on the seven-night and shorter cruises, and 50 and over on cruises longer than seven nights. Seven-night and shorter cruises are also popular with families, especially during American school vacation periods, when the ships will often be at filled at well past double capacity and carrying more than a thousand kids. Cruises from the U.K. -- as well as Mediterranean, Asia and Australia cruises -- attract a significant number of locals from each area, as well as Royal Caribbean's usual North Americans.
Royal Caribbean's dress code is casual during the day; at night there's either casual, smart-casual or formal dress code depending on the schedule. Casual attire includes jeans and collared shirts for men and sundresses or pants with blouses for women; smart-casual means collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits; and on formal nights, suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns are expected. If you want to avoid dressing up altogether on any night, the extensive Windjammer Café is always casual dress. Caps, tank tops and bathing suits are never allowed in the main dining room or specialty restaurants; shorts are not permitted during dinner and footwear is always required.
No. Royal Caribbean ships really vary in terms of complimentary dining, with the main dining room and huge Windjammer Café as constants. Coffee, tea, milk, lemonade and a few other beverages are available without cost at all times, as well. Most specialty restaurants carry an additional charge, but there are options that are free, including pizza, the Boardwalk Dog House, the Park Café (on select ships) and more, depending on the ship. Ice cream, scooped at mealtimes and from machines in between (apart from Ben & Jerry's) is also free. Other dining choices with additional cost run the gamut from Asian to a steakhouse, deli and Mexican and Italian restaurants. Room service carries a $7.95 cost per order, with the exception of Continental breakfast.
The main pool areas are a magnet onboard any Royal Caribbean ship, as is the peaceful adults-only Solarium. Cruisers line up for the most adrenaline-pumping activities, whether to surf the FlowRider or try out new experiences from simulated skydiving and ice skating to bumper cars and escape rooms. Broadway shows (on the ships that have them) are also quite popular and fill up any night they're on offer. Equally as in demand are the high-flying and diving acrobatics of the AquaTheater and the ice-skating shows on the Freedom- and Voyager-class ships.
