Wonder of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s fifth Oasis Class ship, now officially the world’s largest cruise ship. Weighing in at a whopping 236,857 gross tons, she steals this title from her sister Symphony of the Seas. When comparing Wonder of the Seas vs. Symphony of the Seas or other Oasis Class ships, you might be wondering what’s new on Wonder of the Seas.
Well, this largest ship to date does offer elements brand new to the Royal Caribbean fleet, as well as a few Oasis Class firsts. With these new features, Wonder of the Seas is definitely one of best cruise ships to sail on this year!
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This brand new Royal Caribbean cruise ship has just begun sailing from Fort Lauderdale. Wonder of the Seas will then transition to the Mediterranean in May 2022 and back to Port Canaveral, Florida in November.
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What’s New on Wonder of the Seas
Suite Neighborhood
Expanding upon the neighborhood concept from previous Oasis Class ships, Wonder of the Seas now has 8 exciting neighborhoods. In addition to your favorite neighborhoods like Central Park and the Boardwalk, Wonder of the Seas offers the brand new Suite Neighborhood.
This new neighborhood gives Royal Suite guests the first-ever Suite Sun Deck located all the way at the top of the ship on Deck 18. This neighborhood is complete with a plunge pool, bar, and plenty of loungers. There’s also familiar favorites such as Coastal Kitchen and the Suite Lounge.
Not to mention, Wonder of the Seas has the best Ultimate Family Suite yet, accommodating up to 10 family members. This two-story suite has a slide, private movie room, its own balcony hot tub, and so much more.
The Mason Jar Restaurant
For us, perhaps the best new addition on Wonder of the Seas is The Mason Jar. This specialty restaurant is brand new in the Royal Caribbean fleet and brings southern cooking and hospitality to the high seas.
This casual venue serves up all your homestyle favorites in a farmhouse-style setting. With brunch, dinner, and late-night snacks, along with a central bar, you might find yourself spending a lot of time here.
Some menu highlights include jalapeno cornbread, johnnycakes, gumbo, shrimp and grits, fried chicken and waffles, and the Sweet-Tooth cinnamon roll. Not to mention, the venue highlights a selection of whiskey and southern cocktails like the Mississippi Moonlight and even boozy milkshakes.
The Mason Jar also features live country music and “the front porch” complete with a swing for some great Instagram-worthy photo ops.
This venue is an up-charge and does require reservations; however, you can still visit the bar without a reservation.
Wonder Playscape
While the adults will enjoy the Mason Jar, the kids will equally enjoy the Wonder Playscape also new to the Royal Caribbean fleet. This underwater-themed play area brings to life a whole new adventure for kids.
Replacing one of the Flowrider surf simulators at the aft of the ship, this area features slides, climbing walls, games, an interactive mural activated by touch, and puzzles. Your little ones will love exploring this new, open-air playground.
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The Vue Bar
Also new to the Royal Caribbean fleet is The Vue. The Vue is a cantilevered bar offering panoramic ocean views from high above on the pool deck. After sunset, it shines bright with a colorful mosaic canopy.
When comparing Wonder of the Seas vs. Symphony of the Seas, this new bar replaces the portside cantilevered whirlpool. Don’t worry, there is still the starboard side whirlpool.
This deck 15 bar features the same drink menu as the Lime and Coconut. The best part is that they are all included in your Deluxe Drink Package!
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
While not new to the brand, Wonder of the Seas is the first Oasis Class ship to debut this rustic Italian restaurant. Found on Freedom of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen is one of our favorite new additions to the fleet.
Replacing Jamie’s Italian or Giovanni’s Table, this restaurant maintains the space in Central Park. The new Giovanni’s Wine Bar also replaces Vintages next door.
With delicious pizza, classic Italian entrees, and pasta dishes all served in a rustic setting, this is a must-try specialty restaurant when cruising on Wonder of the Seas. Reservations are required.
Cantina Fresca
You may notice that the poolside Mexican eatery, El Loco Fresh, has a new home on Wonder of the Seas. Swapping places with the Windjammer buffet, this venue is now located on Deck 16. The Windjammer Marketplace has been relocated to Deck 15 alongside The Mason Jar.
Also new on this ship, El Loco Fresh features its own bar. This new watering hole, Cantina Fresca, serves up a specialty drink menu featuring a selection of aguas frescas, margaritas, and other Mexican staples.
So, be sure to add Cantina Fresca to your sea day itinerary.
Related Post: What’s Included on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
New Wonder of the Seas Shows
Finally, Wonder of the Seas is in the process of debuting some brand new shows in the Royal Caribbean fleet. The most spectacular of these shows is inTENse, the brand new show in the ship’s enhanced Aqua Theater. We got a sneak peek at this show during our sailing, but the full production should be ready within 2-3 weeks.
Located on the Boardwalk, the Aqua Theater hosts this all-female, high intensity performance. With high-diving feats, impressive acrobatics, and dance-inducing beats, you do not want to miss this Wonder of the Seas show. So, be sure to make your entertainment reservations as soon as you can. Currently, reservations are only available once onboard the ship.
The Studio B ice rink on Wonder of the Seas also debuts a new show, 365: The Seasons on Ice. This equally skillful performance should not be missed either. This impeccably choreographed skating show tells the story of the changing seasons.
While the Royal Theater on Wonder of the Seas does host signature entertainment, the ship does not currently offer a Broadway show. However, two new shows have been announced, The Effectors II: Crash ‘n’ Burn and Voices.
The Effectors II: Crash ‘n’ Burn is a sequel to the show which debuted on Odyssey of the Seas. Your favorite Royal Caribbean superheroes will make their way to Wonder of the Seas later this year to battle their nemesis Crash and his new sidekick Burn.
Voices is the second theater show on Wonder of the Seas. This show is an all-new style of musical production featuring talented singers and dancers. With a digitally-enhanced backdrop, this is a modern day zoom world meets real world production.
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