Cruise Specialists staff member, Matt Reich recently returned from a family cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas with his wife and two children and provided a wonderful recap of their experiences. If you are considering a family cruise, this post provides some valuable insight.
Travel Date: 12/23/23 | Ship: Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas | Duration: 7 Days
Destinations: Cape Canaveral, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Cozumel, Roatan, Costa Maya
Embarking on the Wonder of the Seas, the world’s 2nd largest cruise ship, behind the new Icon of the Seas, promised an unparalleled family vacation filled with excitement and relaxation. Our itinerary included stunning ports and an array of onboard activities, catering to both adults and children.
Onboard Experience
Stepping onto the ship for the first time was a jaw-dropping moment, setting the tone for an incredible journey filled with countless cherished memories. As first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers, we were immediately struck by the Wonder of the Seas‘ sheer size — an architectural marvel spanning 1,188 feet in length (more than 3 football fields) and accommodating up to 6,988 passengers across 18 decks. This colossal vessel offered a grandeur beyond expectations.
The staff’s warm service, excellent food options, and kid-friendly activities truly stood out. Even with the number of passengers on this mega-ship, the staff remained friendly, knowledgeable, and committed to ensuring a pleasant experience. We were impressed with the level of service provided.
Opting for an ocean-view balcony for our family of four, we appreciated the stunning views and quiet moments of tranquility on our balcony. We were also glad our stateroom was at the aft of the ship, offering easy access to dining, entertainment, and recreational areas. This convenience made our stay even more enjoyable.
Sea days were a delightful mix of relaxation and adventures. The variety of onboard activities ensured there was always something fun to do. From waterslides to acrobatic performances, the ship brimmed with activities for all ages. The thrilling shows and a diverse range of entertainment options meant there was never a dull moment. However, our family also cherished the time spent on our private balcony, reading and soaking in the serenity of the ocean.
Endless Culinary Delights
With over 20 dining venues, the Wonder of the Seas offers a diverse culinary journey, from traditional southern dishes at The Mason Jar to Mexican flavors at El Loco Fresh. The variety of restaurants made dining an exciting adventure.
One of our favorite places to go was Izumi, offering delicious sushi rolls and fresh sashimi for lunch and dinner. The pizza at Sorrentos was another family favorite. And of course, a morning stroll to Starbucks on deck 5 was a perfect start to the day.
Additional Wonders about Wonder of the Seas
Advanced Technology: Wonder of the Seas offers very reliable high-speed Wi-Fi. Even for a family of four, we were able to take advantage of using our devices on the ship without an issue. The Royal Caribbean app was also very useful for scheduling shows, viewing the daily agenda, making dinner reservations, booking shore excursions and keeping track of our expenses. You can even chat with family and friends while on board using the app. We found the technology helpful and easy to use.
Aquatic Extravaganza: Adventure seekers can revel in the ship’s 10-story Ultimate Abyss slide, the tallest at sea, two FlowRider® surf simulators and dare to conquer the twisting, turning, adrenaline-pumping waterslide trio, The Perfect Storm. There is also a two-story poolside bar and plenty of loungers for those opting for a more relaxed pool day.
Port Impressions: Efficient embarkation and disembarkation processes marked each port. No lines, no stress—just beautiful destinations waiting to be explored. Each port brought its unique charm and excitement, but we really loved Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. There are plenty of things to do on the island that are complimentary. We had the buffet for lunch (one of the five included dining venues) and thought the variety of dishes was a wonderful treat. We also enjoyed a dip in the ocean and soaking up some sunrays on the beach. If you have a drink or Wi-Fi package, your access is included on the island too.
Overall, we had a terrific time and highly recommend family cruises on Wonder of the Seas. It is not always easy to plan a family vacation that checks all the boxes for kids and adults alike, but we found a delightful way to create unforgettable memories and spend quality time together while on this impressive ship.
Embark on your own Caribbean cruise and let the Wonder of the Seas redefine your vacation expectations. It’s a journey that promises both relaxation and excitement for the entire family.
