By
Alice Chambers |
Royal Caribbean International has taken delivery of its fifth Oasis-class and world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas.
After three years of construction, a traditional flag-changing ceremony took place on 27 January in Marseille, France, between the Saint-Nazaire shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Royal Caribbean.
Richard Fain, chairman of Royal Caribbean Group, Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International and Laurent Castaing, general manager at Chantiers, were all present at the ceremony.
“Wonder of the Seas represents a new step forward in the Oasis-class ships. Our teams have worked under difficult conditions but in a very united way to finally make major changes that enhanced the ship performance,” said Castaing.
Wonder of the Sea features many of the same facilities as its sister ship Symphony of the Seas, plus the Suite Neighborhood elevated suite sun deck, the Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar, the Wonder Playscape underwater-themed play area for children, The Vue Bar, a Caribbean Pool Deck, and El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca, the Mexican food bar.
“Taking delivery of Wonder of the Seas is the culmination of 30 months of ingenuity and partnership across more than 2,000 committed crew members and workers who are among the best at what they do,” said Bayley. “The combination of brand-new features and favourites that span thrills, entertainment, dining and nightlife is unparalleled, and it’s what will make our latest and most innovative ship the world’s newest wonder and the ultimate vacation in the Caribbean and Europe.”
The new vessel will make her official debut in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on 4 March 2022, sailing a seven-night cruise to the Caribbean before travelling to the Mediterranean for her summer season.