Cruising Aboard the World's Largest Ship: My Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas Adventure

If you are anything like us, then the idea of cruising has always been one of those unreal thoughts: a floating city chock-full of every amenity you can think of, whisking you away to tropical paradises while the world quite literally passes you by. Well, in May 2022, we finally pulled the plug and booked our first cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. Being at the time the largest cruise ship in the world, if there is one thing that stood out, it is that this was a ship big in size, big on everything from dining to entertainment and, unfortunately, curves thrown by the weather. Let me take you along for the ride—er, sail. We promise that by the end, you'll be ready to book your own adventure on the high seas.

Boarding the Wonder: First Impressions

Now, we don't know what your expectations are when it comes to cruise ships, but we had imagined something big. But nothing could prepare me for the sheer scale of the Wonder of the Seas. Standing dockside, this behemoth rises like some sort of modern marvel; at 1,188 feet long with more than 18 decks high, this was more like a little town than a ship. We recall taking a moment to breathe in that salt scent in the air and reminding myself, "I'll be calling this place home for the next seven days!

The boarding process was amazingly smooth, a testament to the efficiency of Royal Caribbean's staff, and within minutes, we were off exploring. The first thing that struck me was the ship's neighborhood concept. There are distinct areas like Central Park, which is full of real trees and gardens, the Royal Promenade, and the Boardwalk, each with its own vibe. Whenever I turned a corner, I felt like I was in another world.

The Key: My VIP Experience

One of the best things we did with my voyage was to book The Key, a program Royal Caribbean offers that gives you just a little extra in terms of VIP treatment. If you're thinking, "Is it worth it?" let me answer…you bet it is, and it's a game changer. With The Key came my perks: priority boarding, no long lines, hallelujah! Reserved seating at the shows, internet access, and early access to the ship's famous FlowRider. But the cherry on top? Private time in some of the best areas before they got crowded. Sometimes, we felt like the ship belonged only to us!

St. Martin & St. Thomas: A Taste of Paradise

First, we visited the beautiful island of St. Martin. The dual Dutch-French culture prevailing on this island makes it one of the most unique places we have been to. Morning hours were spent in Philipsburg, a totally colonial charm with a pristine beach just by the pier. Soon after, we drove to Maho Beach, famous for being right next to the runway of an airport. It was thrilling to watch planes land just a few feet over your head.

Next stop, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Oh, this place is a picture postcard come true: turquoise-colored waters, rolling hills, and a coastline dotted with boats truly made it such a spectacle. We chose to go on a rapid hike up Blackbeard's Castle and followed that up with some leisurely shopping in Charlotte Amalie. While the shore excursions were amazing, part of me couldn't wait to get back to the Wonder-there's just so much to do on board!

CocoCay: The Day That Wasn't

If you've ever cruised, you know the weather doesn't always play nice. One of the biggest disappointments on this trip was to be our scheduled stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island. The captain made the tough call to cancel our visit for safety reasons due to rough seas.

I had heard so much about this island's incredible water slides, beach clubs, and over-water cabanas, so it was definitely a bummer. But hey, these things happen. And if there is one thing I learned from this cruise, it is that the ship itself is a destination. Rather than wallowing in the missed stop, I took the opportunity to explore more of what the Wonder had to offer, and boy, was there plenty to keep me busy.

Dining: It was good, real good.

Special dining on board, this was really one of the things that excited me. Cruising at the Wonder of the Seas is like hitting an eating jackpot if you are a foodie. From fresh sushi at Izumi to succulent steaks at Chops Grille, there isn't any lack of choice when it comes to indulgence. I splurged on a night to Wonderland, which is every bit as whimsical as it sounds - a molecular gastronomy experience that plays with textures, colors, and flavors in ways that left me continuously amazed. Even the main dining rooms and buffet were excellent. With a mix of international cuisine, I never had a meal that didn't leave me satisfied.

Entertainment: The Water Show "Intense"

If there is one thing you can't miss aboard the Wonder of the Seas, it's the entertainment. I'm not talking your average, everyday, poolside band or movie night, although that is what they had in store. I'm talking Broadway-caliber shows, comedians, live music in every corner, and my absolute favorite, the water show "Intense." Performed in the ship's AquaTheater, Intense was a dazzling mix of acrobatics, diving, and synchronized swimming. The open ocean backdrop only made it more thrilling. It's a sight to remember, indeed, when performers do flips and dives and the ship gently rocks. It's Cirque du Soleil on the ocean-in degree of spectacle, surely none would expect from within the walls of a cruise ship. I walked away feeling like I'd just witnessed something truly special.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Set Sail?

So, was my first cruise all it was cracked up to be? Oh, yes. Sure, we missed CocoCay because of weather, but the Wonder of the Seas had so much to offer in fun, relaxation, and adventure that it more than made up for it. Be it a zip line or FlowRider for the thrill-seeker, great food for the foodie, or just sitting and watching the ocean go by, this ship has it. Would I go cruising again? Most definitely. And to all those who have never cruised, let me tell you there is no better way to see the world out there in pure style and luxury than aboard a vessel such as Wonder of the Seas. So go ahead and make that trip. The ocean beckons, and trust me, you will not want to miss this!

Our WONDERful Cruise