Top 5 Things I’m Looking Forward to on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas
If you’ve been here for more than six seconds you’ve most likely heard me scream about how excited we are to sail the Maiden Voyage of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship — the Disney Destiny — this November. But it’s only October so we decided to temporarily exchange our Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club status to see how Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor fit for size aboard Wonder of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas
Weekend Wonder?
Honestly, why not? While we’re self-proclaimed Disney Cruise Line aficionados we just like having a good time and the excitement of new experiences. For better or worse, a lot of comparisons are made between Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. We want to see first hand how the two family-friendly cruise lines stack up against each other from our perspective.
We chose a Wonder of the Seas sailing for a few reasons.
First, the ship is still relatively new to Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Wonder of the Seas is an Oasis-class ship and features many of the latest and greatest Royal Caribbean has to offer. We’ve previously done just one other sailing on Royal Caribbean aboard Symphony of the Seas. We took a 7-Night Mediterranean cruise back in 2023 for Kim’s birthday on a whirlwind trip that also took us from New York City to Germany to Spain and back. Because of that experience we have a good idea of what to expect on Wonder of the Seas but now in a more typical sailing environment — aka The Bahamas.
Second, we wanted to gain experience sailing from different ports. Wonder of the Seas is currently sailing from the Port of Miami — the busiest passenger port in the world. As frequent Disney Cruise Line cruisers we don’t have a lot of opportunity to sail from Miami. Disney Cruise Line typically only sails from Port Canaveral or Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.
Finally, the price and itinerary were right. For this trip we left the kids at home with Yaya. We chose a rather affordable (by Disney Cruise Line standards) 3-day, weekend itinerary that visited Perfect Day at CocoCay. Truth be told, Disney Castaway Cay is one my all-time favorite destinations so I wanted to specifically see what Royal Caribbean’s private island had to offer by comparison.
With that context let’s get into what I’m most excited for on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas.
Kimberly Relaxing in Hot Tub
Photo Credit: @v55_71
Hot Tubs, Hot Tubs, Hot Tubs
I like a good soak. One of my favorite things on Disney Cruise Line is sitting in the hot tub watching FunnelVision. Sadly, this scenario is becoming increasingly rare. On Wish-class ships it’s not even an option as there is only one singular public hot tub and it’s little more than an after thought. Officially located in the Quiet Cove adults-only area, the hot tub sits, shoehorned, into an awkward nook, under the AquaMouse. Hardly the optimal spot to relax, enjoy the view or watch FunnelVision. In fact, hot tubs in general on Disney Cruise Line are going extinct or being moved behind the paywall of Concierge or Rainforest Room. This is excrutiatingly frustrating for me.
Cruise vacations are supposed to be relaxing. For me, and I assume at least more than a few others, peak relaxation sometimes involves soaking tired, aching bodies in hot water — jets and bubbles ablaze, gently massaging aging limbs sore from the day’s activities. On our previous Royal Caribbean sailing on Symphony of the Seas, the hot tub situation was ideal. Not only were there a plethora of hot tubs and whirlpools to choose from, they were open late. I’m talking midnight or later. And at least one hot tub was open 24 hrs a day.
Can you even imagine?
On Wonder of the Seas there will be many hot tubs and whirlpools to choose from. I’m especially looking forward to the cantilevered whirlpool in the Solarium that sticks out over the side of the ship! The best part is no matter what hot tub I choose I don’t have to pay extra to use it. In this case, free might be better than FunnelVision.
Steak and Lobster from Chops Grille on Symphony of the Seas
Photo Credit: @v55_71
Specialty Dining
We’ve decided to skip Main Dining entirely on Wonder of the Seas. Instead, we’ve opted for the 3-Night Dining Package. This extra-cost option gives us access to a Specialty Restaurant each night. I count ten Specialty Restaurants on Wonder of the Seas to choose from with a variety of cuisines including:
The Mason Jar — Southern fare with live music
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen — Pizza & pasta
Izumi — Sushi & hibachi with interactive teppanyaki experience
Chefs Table — Exclusive one-of-a-kind, formal, adventurous dining
Wonderland — 2-story Alice in Wonderland-inspired dining
Chops Grille — Classic American steakhouse
Hooked Seafood — New England-style seafood overlooks Solarium
150 Central Park — Intimate & upscale European Dining
Johnny Rockets — Serving burgers, fries, shakes, malts, and more
Playmaker’s — Sports bar featuring burgers, nachos, wings, etc.
The options here can be somewhat overwhelming when you consider the biggest choice I usually have to make is whether to go to Palo Brunch or Palo Dinner (Pro Tip: Palo Brunch is the right answer IMO).
For our upcoming sailing on Wonder of the Seas we made reservations for Giovanni’s on the first night, Izumi hibachi on night two, and will go out with a bang at Chops Grille on our final evening.
At Chops Grille I fully plan on ordering my first-ever Tomahawk Steak even though it’ll be another additional up-charge!
Central Park Neighborhood on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class Ships filled with live plants
Photo Credit: @v55_71
Central Park
Earlier last year, before my first sailing on the Disney Wish, I was a guest on the DCL Duo Podcast (Episode 410 & 411) to discuss my concerns about the Disney Wish compared to my recent Symphony of the Seas sailing. At the 16:04 mark of episode 410, I characterized myself as a lush, plant loving guy. This came as a surprise to myself. But when I sailed on Symphony of the Seas I was taken back by the serenity and calm found among the thousands of live plants in the Central Park neighborhood. It was totally unexpected. At the same time, the Central Park concept made so much sense. Having a lush, foliage-filled area on a cruise ship sailing around the Mediterranean is a breathe of fresh air.
Disney Cruise Line ships are very well appointed. The style and decor are classic and sophisticated. But there’s no just comparison on a Disney Cruise Line ship to Royal Caribbean’s Central Park. Bringing the great outdoors to a dedicated outdoor space on a cruise ship is a move that is now quite essential in my opinion.
The Wish-class Rainforest Rooms do their best to emulate a lush, relaxing space but still falls short with their sparsely planted outdoor area full of plastic shrubs and ferns. Central Park, on the other hand, is peaceful and elegant. It’s quiet and tranquil. Best of all, Central Park is open to the public, not guarded behind the Rainforest Room paywall.
I cannot wait to take post-dinner evening strolls through Central Park with my wife.
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Aqua Theater on Oasis-class Ships
Aqua Theater Entertainment
Disney does storytelling. No… Disney IS storytelling. It’s who they are. Disney does it better than almost anyone. In fact, Disney stories are some of my favorite. Aladdin, Moana, Hercules, The Lion King. All brilliant. They’re inspiring, hopeful, and emotionally resonate. The Broadway-style stage shows on Disney Cruise Line are no exception. Seeing Hercules: The MUSEical on my very first Disney Cruise is still a top-tier highlight for me.
So why am I so excited for the entertainment on Wonder of the Seas?
Simple. The Aqua Theater.
Oasis-class ships feature an open-air amphitheater at the back of the ship with the deepest pool at sea. In these theaters, performers and acrobats display a technically athletic marvel. High-divers, gymnasts, and dancers perform feats of skill and precision with remarkable acuity. Mind you, these spectacles are all performed on a moving cruise ship!
You’re not going to find a cohesive, emotionally-driven narrative at the Aqua Theater. But you will discover a Cirque-style array of amazingly demanding physical feats in, on, and above the water. For that reason I’m looking forward to what the all-female cast of inTENse on Wonder of the Seas has to offer.
Royal Caribbean’s Private Island in The Bahamas — Perfect Day at CocoCay with beaches, water slides, food, fun, and more
Photo Credit: @v55_71
Perfect Day at CocoCay?
Perfect is a strong word. Calling your private island experience Perfect is a bold claim that comes with immense expectations. Naturally, Im skeptical.
For context, I’m not naturally a lay on the beach kinda guy. I’d rather be doing than baking. Nevertheless, Disney Castaway Cay is the prototypical private island experience IMO. The way you can see what awaits you on the Island as you pull into port. The lushness of the foliage that’s almost overgrown and reclaiming the walkways. The subtle Disney nods around the Island and the variety of activities. Castaway Cay is as stress-free a day can be. It’s under-stated in it’s appearance but has always over-delivered in it’s execution.
Perfect Day at CocoCay on the other hand feels intimidating. From the pictures and research I’ve done it seems overwhelming. The colors are bold and the options are many. Unlike, Castaway Cay there’s several beaches, a pool, a water park, over water cabanas, zip lines, floating bars, extra-charge adult-only party areas, and the list goes on.
I like variety, but as a first timer I worry I’ll lose myself in the commotion of it all. We’re scheduled to be at Perfect Day at CocoCay the same day as Oasis of the Seas. This means 10,000+ passengers will likely be vying for lounge chairs and scooping up spicy chicken sandwiches with great demand.
I’m intrigued by the prospect of navigating this new terrain. The real question is: can Prefect Day at CocoCay live up to its name. Even more, can it possibly rise to the level of the pedestal I’ve perched Disney Castaway Cay on. I’m trying to manage my expectations. Regardless of the answer, I’m looking forward to exploring and really, a day spend on the beach in a tropical paradise will always be better than the alternative.
Time to Set Sail
Beyond all that there’s much more to anticipate on Wonder of the Seas ahead of embarkation. I’m looking forward to the Water Slides and other recreational activities like Mini Golf. Then there’s Casino Royale. We’ve heard many a tale of passengers earning free cruises by spending time (and money, of course) in the Casino. We’re going to investigate that prospect. We’re also hoping to take part in some Spa activities. We’ve already booked a couples massage for day one.
Be sure to keep eye on the blog and our social media channels for pictures as I test out the camera on the new iPhone 17 Pro Max during our sailing and a trip recap once we return.
Have you sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas? What’s your favorite Disney Cruise Line ship? Let me know in the comments below.
Alright, that’s it for now. See ya next time.