Is the Wonder of the Seas the best cruise ship for families looking to take a vacation together? Being a mother of two, I am well aware that when my friends with children want to take their children on a cruise, they look to Royal Caribbean's large Oasis-class cruise ships since these ships are filled to the brim with attractions. But I'd never been on one of the world's largest cruise ships before, and I was curious to see if I'd find a 6,988-passenger behemoth to be endlessly fascinating with plenty of activities that both children and adults would like, or whether I'd find it to be an overcrowded mess.

The other essential query I had concerning Wonder of the Seas was how it interacted with its highest-spending customers. An avid passenger of Royal Caribbean told me once during a conversation on a small luxury ship that she liked to sail in the most expensive cabins of the mass-market line because it gave her the impression that she was a VIP and allowed her to take advantage of special perks and privileges that other passengers did not have access to.

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In March of 2022, when Wonder of the Seas made her debut, I was allowed to get all of my inquiries regarding Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships answered. I embarked on a journey aboard the largest ship in the world with my daughter, who is eight years old, to find out what the ship has to offer children, adults, and tourists travelling on a variety of budgets.

A Brief Description of the Wonder of the Waters

The Wonder of the Seas is now the cruise ship that holds the title of being the largest in the world. It can transport 5,734 guests at double occupancy (that is if every cabin contained only two people), and it can transport 6,988 passengers at maximum capacity. You could be cruising on a ship with more than 9,000 people on board if you added approximately 2,200 crew members to the mix.

It features eight different neighbourhoods that are spread out across its sixteen passenger decks. Also, it contains two "holes" in the centre of the ship, which results in certain interior regions of the ship being open to the outside air and sky.

Related: a rundown of the six different classes of cruise ships operated by Royal Caribbean

My research led me to realise that the neighbourhood concept is what enables a ship of this size to be navigated with relative ease. Attractions of similar nature are clustered together, and the many neighbourhoods each exude their distinct atmosphere. You may rapidly become oriented throughout the massive ship by learning where each community is located. This relieves you of the burden of needing to recall the specific locations of eateries or theatres.

The following is a list of the neighbourhoods on Wonder of the Seas:

Entertainment Place (Deck 4)

This district is home to the primary theatre on board, as well as a comedy club, ice skating rink, and casino. In addition to that, the Diamond Club, which is reserved only for high-tier members of the Crown & Anchor loyalty club, may be found here.

Royal Promenade (decks 5 and 6)

An outdoor running track encircles the inner mall area of Royal Caribbean ships, which is home to a variety of stores, bars, and dining establishments. The quirky Bionic Bar, where the bartenders are robots, as well as the Rising Tide Bar, which travels elevator-style between the Royal Promenade and Central Park above, are both not to be missed. At Sorrento's, the pizza is always free, while the coffee is available for an additional price.

Vitality Spa and Fitness are located.

 forward of the Royal Promenade on decks 5 and 6 of the Wonder of the Seas. This spa and fitness centre includes a salon, barbershop, and thermal suite in addition to other amenities. Before or after their workout or treatment, guests can stop by the Vitality Cafe, which is located on-site, to place an order for a protein smoothie or fresh juice for a charge.

Boardwalk (Deck 6) (Deck 6)

This open-air neighbourhood has a carousel, a hot dog seller, a candy store, a sports bar and arcade, and a Johnny Rockets branch. All of these establishments contribute to the carnival atmosphere. The AquaTheater is the primary draw, and it is situated between two rock climbing walls and the exit of the Ultimate Abyss slide.

It's in Central Park (Deck 8)

The second open-air neighbourhood may be my favourite open-air neighbourhood on board. The bustling ship contains an oasis of tranquilly known as Central Park. It is brimming with living trees and plants. Throughout the day, you have the option of purchasing high-end jewellery or grabbing a bite to eat at the indoor-outdoor cafe or Italian restaurant. At night, it transforms into the ideal location for a romantic night, whether you choose to have a steak dinner or cocktails at the wine bar.

The Kids Center (Deck 14)

When you take a cruise with young children, you will immediately get familiar with the expansive children's club area known as Adventure Ocean. It features a drop-off nursery for infants and toddlers, an area with a family play structure, and a sizable youth lounge with art and science areas as well as a lot of space dedicated to gaming. The entrance to the Puzzle Break escape room may be found just outside. Take note that this neighbourhood does not contain the arcade, the Social100 teen club, or the outdoor terrace; these amenities can be found on decks 16 and 17.

Swimming Pool and Recreation Area (deand 16)cks 15 

The upper decks of Wonder of the Seas are a popular destination for nearly everyone on board. These decks feature three pools and numerous hot tubs, an adults-only solarium, a kids splash area, waterslides, a surf simulator, a playground, minigolf, a sports deck, a zip line, and access to a 10-deck twisting mat slide. In addition, these decks also have a surf simulator. Because there are so many different options for food and drink available here, including a sizable buffet in the Windjammer, you won't have to spend too much time away from your lounger if you start to feel peckish or parched.

Suite Neighborhood (decks 17 and 18)

The Wonder of the Seas is the first ship of its class in the Oasis fleet to group all of the suite-specific features into a single community. It features a sun deck with a wading pool and hot tubs, an elite restaurant and lounge with a bar and concierge offices, and a few of the ship's most luxurious rooms, but not all of them.

I've heard quite a few people remark that they'd never step foot on a floating metropolis like the Wonder of the Seas, but the reality is that the ship doesn't feel unduly crowded since there are so many different locations for people to go to. The Promenade seems to have as much foot traffic as a popular shopping centre or a casino resort in Las Vegas that you have ever walked through, and yes, the pools are frequently packed to the gills with people's soup. When attending shows at the AquaTheater, you will need to arrive early to secure a seat of any kind.

But it was never difficult for me to locate a lounge chair or a buffet table, and the park itself always had a calm atmosphere. You shouldn't let the size of the ship make you feel intimidated in any way. Everyone will be able to find a spot.

What I enjoyed most about Miracle of the Seas Activities to participate in

I am not the type of person who can sit in the sun all day without being bored, dehydrated, or sunburned; in fact, all three of those things happen to me. My favourite part about sailing on the ship that holds the record for being the largest cruise ship in the world was the fact that there was never a dull moment.

If I were in the mood for something more strenuous, I could go for a ride on the zip line or the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, or I could go for a brisk walk down the promenade. If I wanted to socialise with my friends over drinks for a longer period, I could go to a different pub each time. Even when I was up on the pool deck, I was constantly going between one of the big pools, the splash playground, and the water slides and back again. My daughter and I skated for an hour on the ice, and if the rock wall hadn't been blocked due to high winds when we were able to go, I would have tried to climb it.

My coworker Ashley Kosciolek, who was also on the cruise with us, made it her mission to participate in every available activity, and it took her more than a day to accomplish this goal.

Shows 

I have a passion for the theatre and like watching performances of all different kinds. The level of entertainment offered on cruise ships can range widely, but Royal Caribbean is consistently among the best in this field.

My daughter, along with the rest of the passengers on board, was completely blown away by the acrobatic and high-diving act that took place in the AquaTheater; you just haven't lived until you've witnessed someone slacklining far above a ship while it is at sea. We went to see the ice-skating show twice since it was so entertaining and the costumes were so vivid. We only went to one of the main theatre productions, "Voices," and while it was just okay, the preview for "The Effectors II," which is currently running, looked incredible.

I wasn't about to take a little child to a comedy club, so I lost out on that experience; nonetheless, it's another enjoyable choice for people who aren't into musicals as much as they are into comedies.

Suite Neighborhood

The Suite Neighborhood was also a huge hit, and for this reason, passengers who are interested in booking suites should select Wonder over the other ships in the Oasis-class fleet. Coastal Kitchen, the suite-exclusive restaurant that is available for every mealtime, had meals that were superior to the main dining room, and the staff went out of their way to pay attention to my daughter and meet any requirement that she had.

If I hadn't been travelling with a little child who liked the splash park, I would have spent all of my sun time relaxing on the sun deck because it was so gorgeous. However, I was travelling with a young child. The ship's concierges were of great assistance in obtaining performance tickets and meal reservations for us, as well as in ensuring that our debarkation was one of the smoothest and quickest in history.

In addition, because the Suite Lounge was so close to our suite, we could easily hop over there whenever we felt like it for a snack or a drink anytime, we pleased. My daughter, who is 8 years old, went there on her own one morning to pick up some breakfast, and the staff treated her with kindness and assisted her in every way they could.

Related: five things that I adore about the new suite neighbourhood on Royal Caribbean

Family-friendliness

It is clear that Royal Caribbean has been giving more attention to the requirements of families with children, and these accommodations can be found aboard Wonder. (The climax of this concentration will be the introduction of the Icon of the Seas in 2024, which will be the next largest ship in the ocean.)

Royal Caribbean has put a lot of care into how things are organised on their ships, which puts them ahead of the competition when compared to other family-friendly cruise lines that also provide kids' clubs and kid-friendly dining options. On the Boardwalk, there is a venue that serves free hot dogs near the carousel and a climbing structure for children. There is also outside seating available at Johnny Rockets and Playmakers Sports Pub, both of which charge extra for their burger menus. My daughter was able to get rid of her restless energy by running, climbing, and riding around as I waited for dinner to arrive.

There is a splash area for children who are still wearing diapers so that they have a place to go to cool off even though they are not permitted in the main pool. An adult can find a lounge chair between the splash pool and the water slides and watch their children as they go back and forth between the two areas. A new playground area spills over into the minigolf course, which is located adjacent to the grab-and-go Mexican restaurant and close to the entrance of the multistory slide, making it a convenient spot for families to set up shop and enjoy themselves.

In addition, the facilities for young people at Adventure Ocean are enormous, so there is room for a variety of activities to take place all at once. My daughter is not always a fan of the kid's clubs, mostly because the bigger kids would monopolise the video games or because everyone in the club was forced to participate in the same activity without having a choice. If she didn't feel like running around and playing games aboard the Wonder of the Seas, she had the option of participating in an art project or watching a science experiment instead.

Related: Why Wonder of the Seas is a fantastic place for families to visit

The things of Wonder of the Seas that didn't work for me.

Little ponds

Even with three pools, the Wonder was unable to accommodate the number of passengers who boarded during sea days because of the problem of overcrowding that affects all large cruise ships. If you feel like going for a swim, you should be aware that you will be sharing the pool with everyone, from children who are splashing and playing without parental supervision to adults who are having their first or fifth drink of the day. The pools are noisy and crowded; they are not at all peaceful. At least they have lifeguards watching over the seas to keep people safe.

There are no Broadway shows.

Over many years, Royal Caribbean has been performing abridged renditions of well-known Broadway productions onboard its ships. When I saw "We Will Rock You" on the Anthem of the Seas, I was blown away by the calibre of the performance (albeit the script didn't quite live up to my expectations; nevertheless, this is not Royal's responsibility). Because of this, I was dismayed to find that the Wonder of the Seas would not include any famous musical acts, even though its sister ships in the Oasis-class fleet would.

meals served late at night.

On cruise ships, food waste is a significant problem, and as a result, the industry as a whole has been making efforts to reduce the number of late-night dining options available because passengers frequently place orders but do not finish their meals. (Think of it as the final blow to the iconic midnight buffet and a hike in the prices of room service.) On this trip, however, I discovered that if your child eats dinner at 6:00 p.m. and then plays in the kids club until 10:00 p.m., she will be famished when she gets out, but there are few options available to satisfy her hunger.

If I were to pick her up earlier than usual, we could have had time to eat at the buffet before it closed. Other than that, the other options available were pizza from Sorrento, which was available around the clock, and pastries and elegant tiny sandwiches from Cafe Promenade. I would have wanted some fruit or something else that wasn't oily but was still appropriate for children, but it was difficult to locate – especially if I didn't want to pay for it, which I didn't. I wish the buffet stayed open just a touch later to meet Adventure Ocean’s closing hours.

Cabins and suites on the Wonder of the Seas

There are a variety of windowless interior cabins, ocean-facing balcony rooms, and a multitude of suites available aboard the Wonder of the Seas. These suites include accommodations with two stories and loft areas, suites with big balconies that face the AquaTheater, and the Ultimate Family Suite. In the same vein as its sister ships of the Oasis class, it possesses interior-facing accommodations that are exclusive to the Royal and includes either picture windows or balconies with views of the Boardwalk and Central Park.

The cabins that my colleagues on board had reserved were both inside and balcony cabins, and they were pleased with both types of accommodations. I made reservations for my daughter and me in a Grand Suite, which was the entry-level option for suites that qualified for the benefits of Sky-class, such as unrestricted access to the Coastal Kitchen and the Suite Lounge.

Related: Miracle of the Seas, broken down into three categories: inside, balcony, and suite

Our accommodation was a two-room suite, with the sleeping space and the living area being divided from one another by a floor-to-ceiling curtain that could be drawn over the entirety of the width of the room. That meant that I could sit on the couch and read or work with the lights on, even while my daughter was sleeping in the dark on the opposite side of our suite. This configuration is a benefit for travelling families who have members with varying bedtimes.

Our room was furnished with two separate twin beds, but the beds could easily be pulled together to form a queen-sized bed for a couple. Each of us had our very own nightstand, complete with drawers, bedside lights, electrical outlets (both American and European), and USB connections, right next to our beds. The layout is improved when the beds are pushed closer together; my daughter's pillows were obstructing her outlets, which prevented her from using them if she had wanted to.

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When I made the reservation, I was under the impression that our suite did not qualify as an accessible room. Beside each of the beds was a pull cord that might be used in case of an emergency. The wall of the bathroom is too close to the left side of the bed to accommodate a wheelchair or walker; as a result, guests who require accommodations for mobility must use the right side of the bed.

On the opposite side of the room from the beds was a desk that had drawers, on top of which was a Lavazza coffee machine. On either side of the desk were two tiny closets that had limited shelves. A second closet was located diagonally across from the door to the restroom. The storage was plenty for a one-week trip around the Caribbean, but I was dissatisfied that there wasn't a bureau with deeper drawers (like the one in my coworker's balcony room) or additional shelf space for underwear and swimming suits.

We didn't find out about the best feature of the sleeping space until we were about midway through our vacation, and that feature is a TV that descends from the ceiling.

The living room featured a couch with three seats, two easy chairs, and a coffee table in the middle of the arrangement. Above another desk, the one with the minifridge and the three deeper drawers, there was a wall-mounted flat-screen TV that was attached to the wall.

The space was decorated entirely in neutral tones, with some gold accents here and there. To tell you the truth, I thought the design was a little boring, even though it felt much more like a luxury hotel than a typical Royal Caribbean cruise cabin does.

Our bathroom was quite large (thanks, accessible room), and it featured a roll-in shower in addition to grabbing bars located around the toilet. (And a phone, in case you get a call from mother nature...) Although there was only one sink in the bathroom vanity instead of two, there was a significant amount of shelf space hidden behind the enormous mirror.

Lovely-smelling shampoo, conditioner, and body wash were conveniently located in wall dispensers in the shower that were branded with the Malin + Goetz brand. I tried to use the pull-down shower seat to shave my legs, but I couldn't figure out how to put it up. I'm not sure if it's broken or if I'm just incapable of figuring things out on my own.

If there is one thing about our cabin that I could change, it would be the amount of time that I spent on the big balcony. It featured a dining table large enough to accommodate four people and was surrounded by cushioned wicker chairs. Additionally, it featured two, even more, comfortable wicker chairs with footstools on either side of a drinks table. Even though it was the ideal place to relax with a good book or take advantage of the breakfast that was provided in the room, we were constantly on the move.

And that would be the most important piece of advice I could give to passengers selecting a cabin aboard the Wonder of the Seas. Because there are so many things to do on board, you won't be spending much time in your accommodation. Try trading down and staying in the smallest or cheapest accommodation in which you are comfortable to save money for meals, adventures, and excursions on board or ashore.

Related: The complete guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabins and suites, with all the information you need

Having said that, I believe that the additional perks that came with the Grand Suite were arguably more beneficial to me than the extra space in the room itself. We were provided with free Wi-Fi, priority boarding and disembarkation, free alcoholic beverages and light snacks during nightly happy hour in the lounge, concierge service, priority show seats (if you arrived early), and free room service.

In addition to that, we had access to the Suite Lounge, Suite Sun Deck, and Coastal Kitchen restaurant on an exclusive basis. Because of its upscale atmosphere and the absence of a swimming pool, the sun deck is less appealing to children than the main pool deck. However, the sun deck is a lovely place for adults to order a drink and relax on a lounge chair or in a hot tub. Our visit to the sun deck was brief because I insisted that my daughter go there.

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We were able to make requests of the concierge and have nibbles throughout the day in the Suite Lounge; however, the happy hour appetisers were too sophisticated for my child, and as a result, we were only able to visit the bar once to take advantage of the complimentary beverages. If you plan on having dinner at Coastal Kitchen, you should get there a little bit early so that you can grab a complimentary cocktail or glass of wine and bring it to your table with you.

My daughter and I agreed that the Coastal Kitchen was the most enjoyable component of being in the suite. The atmosphere was much more conducive to relaxing and enjoying a meal than the main dining room, and while we waited for our food, it was fun to look out over the sports deck and Boardwalk. The gnocchi was some of the greatest I've ever had, and the cheesecake balls were some of the most wonderful I've ever eaten. Everything I ate was delicious.

The level of service provided here was exceptional. My kid was made to feel like a princess by the wait staff, who served her bowls of berries and crafted a chocolate milk concoction just for her. One morning when I asked for something other than Tabasco to spice up my scrambled eggs, the crew searched the galley and gave me both salsa and sambal to add some heat to the dish.

Restaurants and bars onboard the Wonder of the Seas

There are more restaurants on the Wonder of the Seas than anyone could ever eat in on a seven-night cruise, and there are also an equal number of bars, all of which have their distinct atmospheres and offerings. Choose the things that you enjoy the most, and don't worry about trying everything.

Restaurants

The main dining room on Royal Caribbean is fine, although it does not stand out in any way. You can choose to eat here every night and have a variety of options, or you can forego it in favour of the speciality restaurants that charge additional fees, and you won't feel as though you've lost out on anything.

The Windjammer is a big buffet that is separated into two areas; each of these portions has a view of the Boardwalk nine decks below. Food items are arranged in stations to reduce the amount of time spent waiting in line, and I was happy with the variety of options available each time I ate there. On certain cruise ships, the buffets are long and narrow, and because you can't see beyond the section you're currently in, you have to make multiple trips around the ship to ensure that you haven't missed anything. Because everything in the Windjammer is arranged in a single open space, it is possible to see all of the stations at once; as a result, the atmosphere is more spacious and less confining.

The Wonder of the Seas features several eateries designed in the form of cafes, each of which is included in the price of your ticket and is ideal for quick meals or snacks. Tacos and quesadillas are some of the most popular items at El Loco Fresh, which is located close to the miniature golf course. On the Promenade, Sorrento's Pizza is open all day and night and sells pies; the pizza is good, but it is nothing extraordinary. The Dog House is located on the Boardwalk and sells hot dogs and sausages, but we were never able to find it open when we were hungry.

The Promenade Cafe was our go-to spot for late-night pick-me-ups like cookies and finger sandwiches, while the Central Park Cafe is a nice place to get a bagel or muffin for breakfast or a prepared salad at lunchtime. In the solarium, I never made it to the Solarium Cafe, which specialised in Mediterranean cuisine (though I heard it was a good place to go for healthy salads).

Also, the pool deck of the world's largest ship is home to a colossal soft-serve ice cream shop in the exact centre.

You have options when it comes to both the amount of money you want to spend on meals and the atmosphere of the restaurants that charge an additional fee. These restaurants range from informal to elegant. If hamburgers are your thing, the Boardwalk has multiple restaurants to choose from, some with indoor sitting and others with outdoor seating.

Milkshakes and dancing wait staff are what makes Johnny Rockets famous, but the restaurant also serves a wide variety of burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. If I had been willing to pay for her daily meals of hot dogs and milkshakes, my daughter would have made this her regular dining spot.

The appetisers, such as wings and nachos, are the primary focus at Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade. Nevertheless, there are a couple of burgers and two mega desserts that are worth shelling out the additional dollars for. My daughter and I shared the Campfire Cookie, and she hasn't stopped raving about how well it combined the flavours of cookies and s'mores.

On the Central Park deck, you'll find the most romantic restaurants on the ship, including Giovanni's Italian Restaurant, Chops Grille, and 150 Central Park, which is the most upscale of the three.

We had lunch at Giovanni's, and the pizza there was so good that it made Sorrento's look bad. I don't eat pork, so I didn't partake in the reportedly excellent huge meatball, but I can admit to ordering the Nutella and banana stromboli for dessert of the children's menu and not regretting a single mouthful of it. When the sun goes down, you shouldn't miss the wine bar that's just across the park.

Make a reservation at Wonderland if you want to have a bizarre experience with the Mad Hatter and try your hand at molecular gastronomy. Izumi, which can be found on Deck 4 close to the casino, is the place to go for sushi lovers.

The Mason Jar, a new restaurant on board that serves Southern-style comfort food and is exclusive to the Wonder of the Seas, was without a doubt our family's top choice when it came to dining on board. Because it was such a success, I hope they use it on some of the other ships.

The establishment, which charges patrons, is open for brunch and dinner, and it features a busy bar as well as live country music bands regularly. The bar section is designed to look like a front porch, complete with rocking chairs, a swing, and tables that are tucked into window spots. In contrast, the dining area at the back of the restaurant exudes an atmosphere that is cosy and unwinding.

The Mason Jar is not a place to go if you are watching your calorie intake; the breakfast that we had there was a sumptuous banquet. My daughter's chocolate, peanut butter, and banana French breakfast was so delicious that she refused to share even a morsel of it with anybody else. I enjoyed the inventive cocktails as well as the jalapeno cornbread with pimento cheese spread and whipped honey butter.

Make a reservation as soon as possible or come in outside of normal business hours to get a seat at the bar. Be prepared to yell all of your talks because the venue may get very loud, particularly when the band is playing, as this is the primary negative.

Bars

My experience as a single parent travelling with an 8-year-old provided me with a lot of excuses to drink but not a lot of chances to spend time in any of the bars on Wonder of the Seas.

A favourite of mine was Giovanni's Wine Bar in Central Park, which offered both indoor and outdoor seating; as a romantic destination, it was comparable to the nearby all-outdoor Trellis Bar. I was unhappy that I was never able to ride the Rising Tide Bar, but other than its gimmicky capacity to levitate, it is not an interesting bar.

You can't leave without going to the Bionic Bar to see the artificial arms shake up some cocktails. The robots, on the other hand, have a preference for sugary cocktails, and the quality of their drinks isn't the greatest. It is highly recommended that you go to one of the several Lime & Coconut outposts that are located on the pool deck. Their distinctive drink is scrumptious and revitalising, and you can buy it in colourful souvenir pails. Also, the atmosphere of the outside seating is lively and reminiscent of a resort.

Restaurant bars were the source of a number of my favourite beverages. I didn't feel like going all out for a lunch in Wonderland, so I met some friends at the bar instead, where I sampled a very pink Cheshire Cat Cosmo with a cotton candy topping from the inventive cocktail menu.

My very favourite drinks were those that I had at Mason Jar; the PB&J Old Fashioned that I ordered came with a miniature crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the side as a garnish. And the answer is yes, smokey beverages are available at both of the restaurants' watering spots.

Cantilevered over the side of the ship, the Vue Bar is a new venue that takes the place of a hot tub that was previously seen on sister ships. I was simply passing through, but my companions told me that it was quite windy and that the beverages were the normal fare rather than anything from a unique menu.

The Music Hall is a two-story club with live and DJ music, as well as two bars, and is perfect for those who prefer to dance the night away. Playmakers Sports Pub is the place to go if you want to watch the game, have a beer, and play some games. The Latin-inspired Boleros is the place to get your dance on, while the nautical-themed Schooner Bar is the place to play trivia and listen to a pianist. Live music can be found frequently at the Cask & Clipper.

At either Starbucks or Cafe Promenade, you can satiate your craving for caffeine. Both Cafe Promenade and Starbucks charge for their coffee, however, at Cafe Promenade, you may get snacks for free, whereas at Starbucks, you have to pay extra. At the Vitality Cafe, located within the wellness centre, you may get smoothies and juices made to order for a fee.

Related: A line-by-line guide to the drink packages offered on cruise ships

Activities available at Miracle of the Seas

The Wonder of the Seas is the ideal cruise ship for passengers who have a short attention span or who require a high level of physical activity to maintain their happiness. There is always something to do, and I'm not just talking about music trivia and bean bag tossing here. There is always something to do. Even better, the vast majority of the activities do not require any kind of payment, which means that you may have as much fun as you want without having to worry about running up a hefty bill.

On the uppermost decks of the ship is where most of the entertaining activities are located. In addition to the numerous pools and hot tubs, there is also a splash playground for children, as well as a smaller splash area for younger children who are still in diapers, and three waterslides. At the indoor solarium for people above the age of 16, adults can lounge in pools and soak in hot tubs.

Raise the level of adrenaline aft of the ship to a higher setting. Although I did not participate in a game on the sports court or ride the FlowRider surf simulator, I did ride the short zip line that soars above the Boardwalk to go from one side of the ship to the other. (You need to look below; it's crazy.)

Many times, my daughter and I went down the dry version of the 10-story slide at the Ultimate Abyss. You descend on a mat, and your feet are tucked into a fold at the very bottom of the descent. You don't need to worry about it; the process is a lot slower than you'd expect it to be based on how long the tube is. In all honesty, I wished that things moved a little bit quicker.

This ship has recently added a climbing tower and play area for children that they call the Wonder Playscape. When I watched my daughter climb up and down the different levels, I couldn't help but think that Royal Caribbean should have done more to make this area more enjoyable for children in elementary school. In its current form, it caters primarily to children of preschool age and younger. Yet, you shouldn't pass up the opportunity to look out over the lower level of the play space from the captain's wheel. The sounds of some really funny pirates can be heard whenever the wheel is spun.

The summit of the Wonder Playscape climbing area leads up onto the Wonder Dunes miniature golf course, which is another peculiar design choice. Because the creative, underwater-themed putting area is multicoloured rather than green, many families do not understand that it is a golf course at first, which led to young children climbing all over the obstacles.

The Wonder's twin rock climbing walls are the only major outdoor activity that is not located on a top deck. At the very end of the Boardwalk, they act as bookends for the AquaTheater. Because of the wind, we were unable to harness up and give it a try; therefore, you should be flexible if this is a top attraction on your sailing trip.

The festivities also continue inside the building. In Studio B, the ship's indoor ice rink, the entertainment staff will occasionally (often on sea days) host ice skating sessions and games of laser tag. Studio B is located on the ship. (Not at the same time, and a floor, as well as inflatable obstacles, are added for the laser tag game.) Because of the high demand for both, you should sign up or get in line as soon as possible. We had to wait in line to sign a waiver before we could go ice skating, but once we did so, we were given a certain time to come back and skate.

The area immediately adjacent to Adventure Ocean houses a room to provide an escape, but it wasn't ready for use on the first voyage. Playmakers and Deck 16, which is located right next door to El Loco Fresh, both include arcade games for customers to enjoy. In addition, if you enjoy singing, you may make use of the Royal Promenade's specialised karaoke club, which features both public and private singing sessions.

There is a casino on Deck 4 that I don't believe I've ever visited, but it's there for individuals who enjoy playing games.

Although I never made it there, the Vitality spa and fitness centre is located on decks 5 and 6, and it provides a wide variety of rest choices, such as yoga sessions, saunas, massages, and treadmill runs.

In addition, the ship's entertainment staff will host games of trivia and other activities, particularly on sea days.

Shows on Wonder of the Seas include:

Royal Caribbean is well-known for providing outstanding entertainment, and the cruise line features performances that are not available on any other cruise line. We noticed that they are just as good as the reviews had promised.

The "inTENse" show at AquaTheater featured a variety of water sports, including high diving, slacklining, synchronised dance, and swimming in pools of varied depths. My kid couldn't get enough of it, and I have to admit that the same was true for me. It's interesting to note that this is the first AquaTheater cast to consist entirely of women. If you care about where you sit, make sure to get there at least half an hour early. One evening, we had dinner at Playmakers and watched as the line to get into the theatre snaked down the Boardwalk; this was the case even for those who had reservations.

The ice skating performance known as "365: The Seasons on Ice" is a jovial trip through the seasons that features upbeat music, vivid costumes, and vivacious personalities. It is more astonishing that the group can stage on a little rink while the ship is moving than it is to see triple axels of Olympic standard performed by them.

Even if the guests who stayed for the main theatre act, "Voices," were not particularly impressed, my daughter only let me watch one number of the performance. The "The Effectors II" concert did have a preview that we were able to watch, and it featured a light-up synchronised drone dance sequence. This superhero-themed show appeared to have greater appeal.

the slide before this one

The parades that were supposed to go down the Royal Promenade were also not ready for prime time when we were sailing. We were able to watch a portion of practice for a parade with a pirate theme, and both the "floats" and the costumes were entertaining. Be sure to mark the parade down in your agenda if you have young children and keep a look out for it.

The Attic is located just opposite the Studio B ice rink, and it frequently plays host to comedy acts. The comedy that is performed on cruise ships is notorious for being hit or miss; whether or not you find it funny depends on whether or not your sense of humour meshes with that of the comedian.

Itineraries and prices for the Wonder of the Seas cruise ship

From Port Canaveral, Florida, the Wonder of the Seas will sail alternating seven-day itineraries to the Western and Eastern Caribbean from at least April 2025 through at least April 2025. (near Orlando). Every Royal Caribbean ship makes a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, the company's private island in the Bahamas.

The islands of St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day are accessible via sailings in the Eastern Caribbean. The ports of call for cruises in the Western Caribbean often include San Juan, Puerto Rico; Labadee, Haiti (known for its private beaches); Perfect Day; and Nassau, Bahamas.

A couple of the one-time cruises run for six or eight nights, and they visit different ports each time.

At the moment, the beginning pricing for windowless inside cabins ranges from $780 to nearly $1,400 per person, assuming that two people are occupying the cabin. It costs significantly more to sail over the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Prices for balcony rooms start at between $1,000 and $1,700 per person, but during peak travel times like the holidays and other popular vacation times, those prices can exceed $2,000 per person.

Prices for suites begin at $2,200 per person and go up from there depending on the sailing date and the style of the suite. The ship's one and only Ultimate Family Suite, which is a huge two-deck loft apartment outfitted with kid-friendly games and attractions, will set you back a minimum of $20,000 for the duration of your cruise.

Things you need to be aware of before you go.

required paperwork.

Americans can board Wonder of the Seas with a valid passport, an official copy of their birth certificate, a driver's licence, or any form of government-issued photo identification as long as it is currently sailing round-trip from Florida. The validity of a passport must be at least six months.

Your reservation name must match the name that appears on your passport or other official document proving your nationality. Check again if you've just been married or if you go by a different name.

Gratuities

Depending on the level of accommodations, Wonder of the Seas passengers will find an automatic service gratuity of $16 to $18.50 per person per day applied to their onboard account and overall bill. Even if you are dissatisfied with the service, you are permitted to change this sum at the Guest Services desk before disembarking, but TPG does not advise doing so.

The gratuity on bar and spa/salon bills is 18%. You shouldn't feel obligated to leave a second tip.

Related: Cruise ship gratuities: What you need to know

Wi-Fi

You can use Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas to access one of the ocean's swiftest Wi-Fi networks. Wi-Fi bundles with streaming bandwidth now start at $17.99 per day per device; however, costs are subject to change. Look for multidevice deals that are less expensive overall if you're travelling with family or sharing a room with friends. Before you sign up for a package, be aware of the benefits that are included with it. For example, some suite visitors receive free Wi-Fi.

How quickly does the internet access aboard Royal Caribbean ships? Putting it to the test

Drinks allowed in carry-ons.

Anybody of legal drinking age is allowed to board Wonder of the Seas with one bottle of wine or champagne in addition to up to twelve regular cans, bottles, or cartons of nonalcoholic beverages like soda. The cost of your wine is included in the price of your cabin or suite, but there is a $15 corkage tax if you decide to drink it at a restaurant, bar, or lounge.

stance on smoking

Smoking is not permitted in cabins or on cabin balconies, including using e-cigarettes, and violators will be charged a $250 cleaning fee.

Smoking is permitted in the casinos on Wonder of the Seas (cigarettes only) and specified outdoor sections of the pool decks; there is also a nonsmoking area in the casino. Although open to the sky, neither the jogging track nor the neighbourhoods of Central Park nor the Boardwalk have smoking spaces.

There are no self-service launderettes on the Laundry Wonder of the Seas. Dry cleaning, pressing, and laundry services are extras that passengers can purchase.

electric sockets

In addition to USB connections, all cabins have 110-volt outlets in the North American standard and 220-volt outlets in the European standard. Together with the desk area, I enjoyed having outlets close to the bed.

Currency

The dollar is used as the onboard money. On Miracle of the Seas, though, you won't need cash. Use your SeaPass card to make any onboard purchases (beverages, mementoes, meals with additional fees, shore excursions, etc.), and Royal Caribbean will bill your credit card on file when the voyage is over. You can check your onboard bill on the television in your cabin, at Guest Services, or via the cruise line's app.

Age restriction for alcohol consumption on Miracle of the Seas, you must be 21.

clothing requirements

People wear casual clothing during the day. On board and onshore, people frequently wear T-shirts, shorts, athletic clothing, loose sundresses, and bathing suits. For the trip back inside from the pool, pack a cover-up.

Only Royal Caribbean's main dining area has an evening dress code. Jeans and shorts are permissible in the main dining area on the majority of nights and casual attire is acceptable. (Bare feet, tank-style T-shirts, and swimwear are not permitted.) During one of our nights at sea, there was supposed to be a Caribbean theme, but it wasn't followed. On a cruise to a tropical destination, a Hawaiian shirt is still appropriate.

There are many different definitions of dressy wear because two nights were designated as "dress your best" or formal. Although you will occasionally see floor-length gowns, women tend to favour cocktail dresses or chic pant ensembles. Males typically don suits, sports coats, or just button-down shirts and stylish slacks. If worn with a nice shirt or jacket and in a dark colour, people can get away with wearing jeans.

Don't worry about persuading your preschooler to wear a button-down shirt; kids can get away with practically anything.

The second and fifth or sixth evenings of the trip are frequently the dressier nights because they fall on sea days.

Related Article: What to bring on your first cruise.

In conclusion

Families, couples, and groups of friends who enjoy being active will enjoy the Wonder of the Seas cruise ship. While the majority of the enjoyable activities on board are covered by the price, you will need to pay extra if you want to try many of the onboard eateries.

There are different price tiers for cabins, but this well-liked new ship will cost more for weeklong voyages than earlier ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. A Suite Neighborhood cabin, which offers access to special dining and deck spaces, is a good choice for those seeking more opulent quarters and less hassle making reservations and standing in line for seats.

The two things that worried me the most about Wonder were crowds and getting lost on such a long travel, but I discovered that my worries were unfounded. The ship didn't feel more crowded than previous large ships, and the neighbourhood plan made it simple to go around. But, there will be competition for the finest dining times and show tickets.

I had a great time aboard Wonder of the Seas with my daughter, and I wouldn't think twice to suggest it to anyone looking for an adventurous big-ship holiday in the Caribbean.

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