I had the pleasure of sailing on the Wonder of the Seas, marking my first time aboard an Oasis-class ship—except for a brief stint on the Allure of the Seas during my Cruise Director training. Let me take you through my unforgettable journey on this magnificent vessel.
The Reason for the Trip & The Cabin
During this trip, I had the opportunity to familiarize myself with Royal Caribbean's product, as it was arranged by the company. I stayed in an exclusive cabin that is not typically available to the public. As a Royal Caribbean employee, I was granted access to Crew Areas, including a Senior Officer Suite located on deck 3, which boasts the same layout as the suite reserved for the Cruise Director! This was meant to familiarize me with, what at the time was Royal's most up-to-date product. Mind you it's vastly different than the older ships in the fleet.
Setting Sail from Port Canaveral
Our adventure began at Port Canaveral, where my friend and I embarked on a cruise heading to the US Virgin Islands, Saint Martin, and then to Perfect Day at Cococay. Embarkation was a but hectic, taking about an hour. It felt like the terminal was not built to accomodate our ship, despite it actually being huge. It turns out the area designated for Embarkation was small. Getting on board, I was in awe of the Royal Promenade and the sheer size of this ship! Having been on other classes of ships, this was a whole new level of cruising. Be sure to check out my review of Wonder of the Seas here.
First Impressions
Right from the start, I was impressed by the ship's modern aesthetic. The sleek, contemporary design of the Wonder of the Seas is a testament to Royal Caribbean's commitment to innovation. having just sailed on Allure of the Seas about two weeks prior for a training voyage with the ship's Cruise Director, the difference in decor was evident. This refined “royal” aesthetic not only enhances the ship's beauty but also complements its state-of-the-art features. One thing to note is that by no means did Allure of the Seas look that dated compared to Wonder. It's just that Wonder's decor is evidently more up-to-date with 2023's deisgn trend - understated colors, sleek design, LED lighting, etc.
A Well-Organized Marvel
One of the first things I noticed was how well-organized everything was. Royal Caribbean has had over 15 years of experience in mastering the Oasis Class experience. Few in the industry have the same elevel of experience as Royal Caribbean and their megaships. I felt that everything worked well together both from the perspective of Crew and the ship itself. The design was actually very easy to navigate; it's simply a larger version of their Voyager and Freedom class ships.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Our cruise took place during spring break, so as expected, the ship was filled with families and kids. While this made certain areas feel crowded at times, it also added to the lively and vibrant atmosphere. Personally, I don't mind kids. But the crowd here was definitely vibrant - this is not the "quiet and serene" cruise experience at it's core. But if you wanted a megaship and a relatively quiet vacation, it is possible to have that. Just chill at the Solarium and avoid the water park and you should be fine.
The Reality of Upselling
One aspect that stood out during the cruise was the frequent upselling. From specialty dining to exclusive experiences and spa treatments, there were plenty of opportunities to spend extra. While this is an unfortunate reality of modern cruising, it’s something to be mindful of, especially given the premium price to get on this ship. Just know that you can have a fantastic cruise experience without having to spend a ton on upgrades.
My Secret to a Comfortable Travel Experience
I'm all about keeping it light when I travel. So, on this trip, I had to really think about what clothes and shoes to pack. My go-to shoes are definitely my Vessi Cityscape Classics - they're waterproof, stylish, and super lightweight. Seriously, I can't rave about them enough. I'm actually working with this awesome brand, so make sure to take a peek at their stuff here!
An Inward-Focused Oasis
The Wonder of the Seas, like other Oasis-class ships, is designed to be inward-focused. This means that while you’re always adjacent to the ocean, the ship itself offers so many attractions and amenities that you might forget you’re at sea. This creates a different kind of cruising experience compared to more traditional ships like Royal’s Freedom or Voyager class, which emphasize ocean views and a more classic maritime feel.
Top Five Takeaways
Oasis Class Refined: The modern “royal” aesthetic is stunning and truly enhances the overall experience.
Exceptional Organization: Royal Caribbean’s experience with this class of ship ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Family-Friendly Environment: Perfect for families, though it can feel crowded during peak times like spring break.
Upselling: Be prepared for a bit of a premium experience with plenty of additional costs for special amenities.
Inward-Focused Design: Offers a unique, self-contained cruise experience that’s different from traditional ocean-focused ships.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience on the Wonder of the Seas was fantastic. The ship’s design, amenities, and service were top-notch, making it a memorable voyage. If you’re considering sailing on an Oasis-class ship, be prepared for a unique, modern cruising experience.
For a more detailed review, check out my cruise review on YouTube here. Until next time, happy sailing!
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