14 WORLD’S NEWEST WONDER
June 2022 Travel News OH, WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD Northern Ireland Travel News’
Erin English hopped onboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas to explore all that the World’s Largest Cruise Ship has to offer...
Walking along the gangway, it was hard not to be encapsulated by the size and grandeur of Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise-ship. On May 4th, Northern Ireland Travel News were invited to explore the cruise-ship on its inaugural European Sailing departing from Barcelona. For two days, I was given full reign to explore everything that this Oasis Class line-up has to offer. Setting sail from Barcelona was a delight, with the warm Spanish heat heightening the anticipation and excitement to head onboard and scope out every corner of Wonder of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean have a seamless procedure in place to ensure that guests can embark on their cruise swiftly and safely. Currently, Royal Caribbean are asking all guests to be fully vaccinated to board onto their vessels. As well as proof of a negative antigen test result. While the thought of providing so much of this information at the port terminal may seem daunting to many travellers. On Royal Caribbean’s Royal App, travellers can upload their proof of vaccination to their booking, meaning that all that is required at the terminal is your passport and negative antigen test result. A simplified method to ensuring safety before embarking on a smooth sailing. We were immediately greeted by the lavish décor on Deck Five, otherwise known as the Royal Promenade. Deck Five is home to almost everything that guests require during their time onboard Wonder. Lined with shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, the Royal Promenade acts as the hub of the ship. From our very first moments on Wonder of the Seas, it is evident that guests are inspired to step steadfast into the awaiting adventure. Casting my eyes across the welcome deck, any worries or trepidation prior to boarding remained firmly on land in Barcelona. Stepping onto Wonder of the Seas, it is irresistible, albeit impossible, to ignore the beating heart of adventure that lies ahead. With a case in our midst, our first port of call was to our room. To have a quick freshen up and leave our luggage before embarking on our first day of adventure. Checking in is a simple process, with bookings automatically notifying guests of their stateroom via the Royal app or guided by checking in at Guest Services, a
pathways located, make this area ideal for night-time on Wonder. With a stunning carousel located in the centre of the Boardwalk. The Boardwalk comes to life in the evenings, with the Aquatheater that hosts exciting performance and the Playmakers Café, a sports pub and arcade located right in the heart of the Boardwalk. The nightlife and entertainment located on this deck is sure to get the adrenaline flowing. The Schooner’s Bar, located just inside of the Boardwalk is another hot spot on this fabulous boat. Deck Six truly is the place to let loose and indulge in the holiday atmosphere.
If you fancy yourself brave enough to chance the shortcut, one of the highlights of this oasis-class ship is the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea. This slide runs from Deck Sixteen, the highest guest deck on board right down to Deck Six. Surely, an exhilarating alternative to taking a lift. I would recommend everyone on board to give this slide a go. After all, when else can you mention that you’ve braved a trip down the tallest slide at sea on the world’s largest cruise ship?
Undeniably, Wonder of the Seas is spectacular
throughout the day. However, during my time on Wonder. Evenings onboard the ship truly took my breath away. The cruise acts as a hub of entertainment and hospitality in the evening. Alongside Wonder’s offering of restaurants and bars. Including the bionic bar, where a robot makes your drink! The entertainment is truly as world class as the ship itself.
The Boardwalk located on Deck Six, with views of the Ultimate Abyss
helpdesk located just adjacent to the entry point on Deck Five. During our two-night itinerary, our home away from home was located on Deck Nine. On our itinerary, we stayed in a port-side balcony stateroom. It was a breath-taking bonus getting to watch the world go by from the comfort of our room. Whether that be taking in the spectacular views of the Mediterranean before dinner or getting a brief spell of the morning breeze before breakfast. Royal Caribbean’s Balcony stateroom offering allows guests to garner a personalised experience of their cruise along the ocean. With fantastic views offered over the ocean or overlooking Central Park on Deck 8, one of the speciality areas located on Wonder of The Seas. However, the luxury didn’t end with the fantastic
views. Each stateroom has a vast array of amenities and carefully crafted touches to utilise throughout your time on Wonder of the Seas.
Guests onboard Wonder, in
all stateroom categories (Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, and Deluxe), have access to luxurious bedding, a sitting area, a private bathroom with a shower along with a vanity area, that is home to a light-up mirror (my favourite personal touch.) The accommodation offering on Wonder of the Seas is out of this world, with 2,867 staterooms. All equipped with a range of amenities and facilities that mean guests don’t have to sweat the small stuff while cruising the world. No matter what you need, Royal Caribbean has you covered! Whilst the accommodation offers a sanctuary to relax and retreat. On our two-day itinerary, that was the last thing we wanted to do. Instead, we opted to peruse everything that Wonder of the Seas had to offer. The oasis class ship has eighteen decks with sixteen open to the public, with the other two being home to the Wonder’s newest feature of a suite neighbourhood. Deciding to take to the heights, our first port of call was Deck Sixteen which is exactly where the adventure awaits. Squinting through the Spanish Sun, the vibrant and colourful detailing of Deck Sixteen mimics that of paradise.
Heading onboard Wonder of the Seas
Deck Sixteen truly is adapt for all sorts of holiday makers, for those longing to lounge by the pool with a cocktail in hand. Or adrenaline seekers attempting to tick something off their bucket list. The area hosts a range of different activities, including the Flow rider, a simulating activity that allows guests to catch some waves. If your ambitions are set to even greater heights – quite literally- why not take advantage of being on the world’s largest cruise ship by ziplining across the decks? Known quite literally as the ‘ride of your life,’ the zipline is 25 metres long, soaring above ten of the decks onboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas. Despite the height, you may want to look down as the zipline offers exquisite views of Deck Six, otherwise known as the Boardwalk. There is a line-up of activities to choose from, from a friendly game of golf on the Wonder Dunes to a competitive game of table tennis or basketball on the sports court located just beside the zipline. Royal Caribbean solidify their stance on family-friendly cruising by catering for all age groups. Highlighted on Wonder is their extraordinary areas for children and teens. The Wonder Playscape is the ideal located for children, equipped with slides, climbing walls, games, and puzzles. Children can allow their imagination to run wild. This interactive area is sure to make a cruise on Wonder of the Seas one to remember. To ensure all age ranges enjoy their time on board, Wonder of the Seas has an area dedicated to thirteen- to seventeen-year-olds. Named Social 100, this lounge area is just for teens. Equipped with a seating area, interactive screens and games, teenagers can socialise and interact with one another while on board meaning no member of the family is
overlooked while cruising onboard Wonder of The Seas. Much like Deck Sixteen, Deck Fifteen is a haven for those sun-seekers and slide-goers. Dive right into one of the four pool areas located on the Deck, including the Splash away Bay area. The most notable feature about Deck Fifteen are the slides, known as the Perfect Storm and Supercell, guests can head up to Deck Sixteen to head down these exhilarating slides. If dipping your toe isn’t quite your style, make use of one of the many lounging areas to soak up the sun. On this deck, there is the Vue Bar, along with the Lime and Coconut Bars meaning that those seeking to spend their time on the top decks will be able to experience some of the fabulous cocktails onboard Wonder. In the afternoons, Deck Fifteen comes alive with fabulous performances from musicians and DJs, a fantastic way to get guests ready for an evening of celebration and fun on this magnificent cruise-ship.
If the lively family atmosphere of Deck Fifteen isn’t
quite what you are looking for. Adults can find sanctuary in the Solarium. An adults-only area, this area provides a relaxing retreat those seeking to enjoy the pool area with a hint of privacy. Spanning two decks in height, the Solarium is located at the bow of the ship, giving an expanse view over the ocean ahead. Facilitated with an individual pool, along with two whirlpools. As well as a cocktail bar and bistro, it would be easy to spend an entire afternoon testing out all that the Solarium area has to offer.
After exploring the two top guest decks, we opted to go for a walk-through Central Park. Interestingly, not located state-side but instead at sea! This green landscape area is the perfect communal area. A neighbourhood filled with speciality restaurants along with fine-jewellery stores. It is an area where you truly forget that you are at sea. With a cocktail bar located along the cobbled path of the deck, it is imperative to take a seat at one of the sophisticated outdoor seating areas to indulge in a tipple. Why not try one of Royal Caribbean’s signature cocktails, the ‘Miami Vice,’ a blend of a Strawberry Daiquiri and Pina Colada. A staple drink when taking in the amazing offering of Wonder of the Seas. All that glitters is gold on the Boardwalk located on Deck 6, one of the most vibrant decks located on Wonder of the Seas. The illuminating colours and
With shows and entertainment that appeal to everyone. In the two evenings of my stay, I ensured to save some time to catch two of the shows exclusive to Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, both the 365 Ice Spectacular Shows and Intense, the Aquatheater performance. 365 Ice Spectacular is an immersive performance, that incorporates the full range of the seasons, along with colours, textures, sounds and sights into figure skating. The creative expression of this performance is guaranteed to take your breath away, as the professionals spin through the seasons.
Taking place in the Aquatheater on Deck Six, InTENse is a display of breath-taking athleticism and technology. A high-energy show with an all-female team of professionals. This performance is laced with some awe-inspiring surprises that are sure to keep you on your toes.
Throughout our time on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, we opted to explore every activity that the world’s largest cruise ship had to offer. A truly remarkable ship, with a range of activities for everyone to enjoy. From the exhilarating outdoor decks where we opted to seek paradise and adventure or seeking sanctuary on deck eight with a walk-through Central Park. Right down to the glistening hub of entertainment that is nestled on the Boardwalk located on Deck Six and the hub of shopping, eateries, and bars lining the Royal Promenade located on Deck Five. Northern Ireland Travel News truly did get to explore the World’s Newest Wonder with Royal Caribbean.
FEAST YOUR EYES ON WONDER Throughout Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of
the Seas, there are a lineup of more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges venues headlined by the debut of The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar.
The Mason Jar invites guests to share a meal, drinks and memories in a warm, casual setting. Every detail serves up Southern charm in the new specialty restaurant, and setting the scene is farmhouse-style and rustic decor, live country music, even a cozy porch decked out with a swing for lounging.
Complimentary dining on board Wonder of the Seas include : • • •
Boardwalk Dog House Café Promenade El Loco Fresh
• Main Dining Room • • • • •
Park Cafe
Solarium Bistro Sorrentos
Vitality Cafe Windjammer
Speciality Dining on board Wonder of the Seas Includes : • • • • •
150 Central Park Chops Grille
Coastal Kitchen
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar Hooked Seafood
The Slide Landing Zone on Deck 15
• IZUMI • • • •
Johnny Rockets
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade Sugar Beach Wonderland
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