By Tanille Williams

Royal Caribbean International last month announced that Wonder of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, is set to make its debut next month in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

According to Royal Caribbean’s western Caribbean itinerary for 2022, Wonder of the Seas, which is due to begin its maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the eastern Caribbean on March 4, will arrive in Falmouth, Trelawny, on November 27.

On a seven-day cruise throughout the Caribbean, the fifth Royal Caribbean Oasis class vessel will set a course throughout the region before its voyage to Europe in late April.

Wonder of the Seas stands at 1188 feet with 18 decks. The cruise ship is said to have a capacity of 6,988 guests and 2,300 crew members.

Sister ship Symphony of the Seas is currently the largest cruise ship and holds a capacity of 6,680 guests and 2,200 crew members.

Both ships were built at the same shipyard at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint Nazaire, France.

However, Wonder of the Seas faced setbacks as the COVID-19 virus spiked and protocols delayed construction which in turn delayed the launch which was set to happen last year. In addition to the spike of COVID, there were reported incidents of breakouts on other cruise ships which consequently brought about new mandates.

Children between the ages of 2 and 12 years old are required to provide negative COVID tests before entering a vessel and people 12 and above are required to provide proof of full vaccination.

According to Laurent Castaing, general manager at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, Wonder of the Seas represents a new step forward in the Oasis class ships.

He then goes on to mention that they have a well trained and dedicated crew that worked together to enhance the ship’s performance by making major changes.

Some of the major changes and additional features made to the recent ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet include:

● The new eight suite neighbourhood with raised sun deck, plunge pool bar, coastal kitchen, private restaurant, Family Suite and Suite Lounge.

● Mason Jar Southern Restaurant and Bar

● Wonder Playscape – underwater themed park

● The Vue Bar

● Caribbean Pool Deck

● El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca – Mexican snack spot

In addition to Wonder of the Seas, there are three more cruise ships set to make their maiden voyage this year which include; Disney Wish, Discovery Princess and Silver Dawn.