royal caribbean cruise director wonder of the seas

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Wonder Of The Seas

Cruise line Royal Caribbean

• Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida)
• Miami (Florida)

Wonder Of The Seas current position

Wonder Of The Seas current location is at Caribbean Sea (coordinates 19.53415 N / -87.04202 W) cruising at speed of 21.7 kn (40 km/h | 25 mph) en route to Port Canaveral. The AIS position was reported 30 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Wonder Of The Seas

Wonder Of The Seas current cruise is 7 days, round-trip Western Caribbean Perfect Day . Prices start from USD 1391 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 02 Jun, 2024 and ends on 09 Jun, 2024 .

Specifications of Wonder Of The Seas

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Wonder Of The Seas Itineraries

Wonder of the seas review, review of wonder of the seas.

The 2022-built Wonder of the Seas cruise ship is RCI's fifth OASIS and the third OASIS-PLUS class liner, with sisterships TBN OTS (2028),  Harmony OTS (2016), Symphony OTS (2018) and Utopia OTS (2024). Wonder OTS just slightly exceeds in volume the original OASIS-class vessels Oasis OTS (2009) and Allure OTS (2010). The vessel has a building cost of USD 1,35 billion (2019 shiporder rates).

The vessel (IMO number 9838345) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 311001033) and registered in Nassau .

Wonder OTS is the 14th vessel delivered to Royal Caribbean by the French shipbuilding company Chantiers de l'Atlantique (St Nazaire, France) , and RCI fleet's 28th liner.

In mid-July 2020, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group (via its subsidiary Royal Caribbean Cruises Asia) announced that due to delayed delivery from the shipbuilder, Wonder OTS' China debut (planned for 2022-Q1, with homeporting in Shanghai) is postponed "until further notice". In mid-September 2021 was announced that the ship's inaugural season will be in the Caribbean and Europe-Mediterranean.

Wonder OTS is now the world's ever-biggest cruise ship by both GT-tonnage/volume and passenger capacity .

History - construction and ownership

Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is a US shipping company, trademarked brand and subsidiary owned by Royal Caribbean Group (RCG/shipowner). RCI was established in 1968 and currently has over 1/5 of the worldwide cruise market. RCI also has RCG's largest fleet by both vessel number and GT tonnage (ship sizes and capacities).

All RCI liners have names ending with "of the Seas".

The 5700-passenger ship Wonder OTS comprises 8 neighborhoods - Royal Promenade, Central Park, Boardwalk, Entertainment Zone, Sports Zone, Youth complex, Wellness complex, Suite complex. Wonder also has the new RCI "Family Suite" (2-level / on 2 decks), redesigned Boardwalk, several new venues.

In comparison to the other sisterships, Oasis-Plus Class boats are heavier, wider and with bigger passenger capacity. Wonder is nearly 330 ft (101 m) longer than RMS Titanic and 165 ft (50 m) longer than Eiffel Tower ( Paris City ). The liner has several promenades, 1x FlowRider, 2x Rock-Climbing Walls, an Ice-Skating Rink, world's largest theatre at sea.

Among Wonder OTS' most prominent features is the multi-deck waterslide "The Ultimate Abyss". Introduced first on Harmony OTS, the waterslide swings down 10 decks, at over 150 ft (46 m) above sea level.

Wonder OTS is also the third Oasis-class liner with robot bartenders serving drinks at the Bionic Bar (introduced in 2014 on Quantum OTS ). Wonder has bigger cabins than Allure and Oasis (in some categories) and windowless interior cabins (Virtual Balconies) offering real-time views (introduced in 2014 on Navigator OTS ).

The next YouTube video shows the most prominent features and the shipbuilding process of the "Oasis 3 class"/Oasis-Plus.

Wonder's Suite passengers benefit from exclusive new areas including a Suite Bar Lounge, a private restaurant (Coastal Kitchen), a full-service Suite Sun Deck. New restaurants include the Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine eatery which first debuted on Quantum. Also added to Wonder is the new Mexican restaurant El Loco Fresh.

A total of 24 elevators (12x forward + 12x aft) provide access all the way to deck 16, while decks 17 and 18 are accessed by 6 lifts. Two escalators (1x forward + 1x aft) interconnect decks 2-3.

Decks and Cabins

Wonder Of The Seas staterooms (2874 total, in 37 categories) include 175x Suites, 1435x Balcony, 155x Oceanview, 527x Inside, also 477x Boardwalk-Central Park Balcony, 70x Boardwalk-Central Park Interior, 26x Promenade View. Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 44.

Most cabins are sized 150-180 ft2 / 14-17 m2. Most cabin balconies are sized 55 ft2 / 5 m2. The largest accommodation is the Royal Loft Suite (1530 ft2 / 142 m2, with terrace sized 850 ft2 / 79 m2 - a wraparound balcony with a Jacuzzi).

The boat has 17 decks , of which 16 are passenger-accessible and 11 with cabins.

The Ultimate Family Suite is unique for RCI loft suite featuring a slide (from the kid's bedroom down to the living room), floor-ceiling LEGO wall, hidden nooks for a chilling, air-hockey table. A 3D movie theatre-style TV room is fitted with a popcorn machine and a library of video games. The 210 ft2 wraparound balcony has a bumper pool table, kids climbers and a full-size whirlpool. Currently the largest "Family Suite" at sea accommodates up to 8 passengers.

Unlike the other Oasis-Class ships, Wonder OTS has an additional (8th) neighborhood that houses Suites and Suite-only facilities. The "Suite Class Neighborhood" (located midship-aft on decks 17-18) is designed as an exclusive VIP accommodation complex with its own Restaurant, Bar Lounge, Sundeck.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Wonder OTS' 3-tiered dining room, the Quantum is designed as three separate restaurants situated on different decks - American Icon Grill (Deck 3), The Grand (Deck 4) and The Chic (Deck 5). Wonder also houses some Quantum restaurants, such as Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine, Coastal Kitchen. Ship's Bionic Bar is famous for its dancing robot bartenders. Its location is on the Royal Promenade. Izumi Teppanyaki Restaurant features a la carte hibachi, teppanyaki and sushi menu.

A total of 25 onboard dining options (14 complimentary, including room service) are available to choose from.

Follows the complete list of Wonder of the Seas restaurants and food bars.

• American Icon Grill (a la carte restaurant which offers open seating breakfast, lunch, "Brasserie 30" menu; with two assigned dinner seatings and Private Dining area.)
• The Grande Restaurant (serves themed breakfasts and dinners / two fixed seatings and "My Time Dining")
• Chic (features an expansive menu of dinner options; two seatings and "My Time Dining" program)
• Johnny Rockets (128-seat fast food restaurant, complimentary)
• Windjammer Marketplace buffet restaurant (offers Early Breakfast at 6:30 am, Breakfast between 7-11:30 am, Lunch 11.30-3:30 pm, Dinner 6:30-9 pm)
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen (96-seat specialty restaurant/reservations recommended)
• El Loco Fresh (complimentary restaurant) offers fresh-made Mexican food. It is located in the Sports Zone and replaces Mini Bites (on Harmony OTS). Adjacent is the Cantina Fresca (bar-restaurant).
• Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine (extravagant gourmet dishes)
• Hooked Seafood is a specialty restaurant (in the Solarium) offering fresh seafood and a raw bar.
• Sugar Beach Candy and Ice Cream (replaces the retail outlets on Johnny Rockets side of the ship's Boardwalk)
• Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade (located on Boardwalk neighborhood it spans the entire length of Boardwalk neighborhood. Playmakers took the space of Sabor and Starbucks (on Harmony OTS).
• Starbucks Coffee Shop is on the Royal Promenade.
• Chops Grille (steakhouse/seafood)
• Izumi Teppanyaki (Asian/Japanese restaurant for hibachi-style dining)
• Solarium Bistro (healthy dining)
• Vitality Cafe (spa/food and beverages)
• Coastal Kitchen (Grand Suites and above passengers, Pinnacle members)
• WipeOut Cafe (fast food bar)
• Boardwalk Dog House (complimentary)
• Park Cafe (deli food bar, casual dining)
• The Lime & Coconut

The Mason Jar ( deck 15 -aft/adjacent to Windjammer) is a fleet-first bar-restaurant (specialty/a-la-carte menu) offering Southern American cuisine specialties - comfort food, BBQ classics, salads, sides, burgers, sandwiches, cakes, pies, beverages (including spiked cocktails and American brand whiskeys and bourbons) as well as live country music (has its own band of three musicians performing in the evenings). The late-night menu (served after 9 PM) has various items priced between $3-9, including Fried Green Tomatoes, Blue Crab Beignets, Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich. Per person pricing/cover charges are US$25 (Brunch) and US$40 (Dinner), children 6-12 dine for US$11, kids under 6 dine for free.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Wonder OTS is a novelty mixture of Oasis-class deck layout and Quantum-class technology and design innovations. The additions include the first-ever Royal Caribbean waterslides (created by ADE/Aquatic Design and Engineering), Wonder Playscape (2-deck kids playground), Suite Sundeck (keycard-access-only/exclusive sundeck with plunge pool, bar, sunbathing area), Starbucks Coffee Shop and Arcade (in the Boardwalk neighborhood), The Mason Jar (fleet's first Southern American-cuisine restaurant), 15x Studios (single cabins designed for solo travelers).

The 10-deck-high Atrium is marked a purple dragon statue spanning the entire Atrium. Numerous original artworks are displayed in every hallway and stairwell.

Among the modern technologies implemented on the Royal Caribbean's Wonder ship are the RFID wristbands or "WOWbands" - an optional choice to replace the SeaPass cards, allowing passengers to do purchases onboard and to access their cabins.

When arriving in the port, passengers can use their mobile phones to check-in and board the liner via just a security checkpoint between the ship and the curb. The new process leverages a combination of bar codes, beacons, and facial recognition, to make boarding fast. Guests check-in via the new mobile app of the brand.

New Broadway-style musical productions and live show programming were planned to be developed exclusively for Wonder OTS's Chinese customers. Among the onboard amenities are complimentary 24-hour Room-Service, supervised Youth Program for children of different age groups (Voyagers 9-11 yo, Explorers 6-8 yo, Aquanauts 3-5 yo), Royal Babies and Tots (complimentary nursery for toddlers 6 months to 3 years), shipwide Internet (WiFi access), self-serve laundry rooms.

Follows the complete list of Wonder of the Seas lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Royal Theater (capacity 1401 seats) offers 3D movies, aerial acrobatic performances and Broadway-style productions like Hairspray, Tony Award-winning Broadway hit, and Flight, one-of-a-kind show taking guests through the history and future of flying and the evolution of air travel which ends with a homage to the famous Wright Brothers). Exclusive Wonder OTS shows are "Voices: An Intimate Performance on a Grand Scale" (virtual-live hybrid music and dance show) and "The Effectors II: Crash n' Burn" (superheroes battle the archnemesis Crash).
• Studio B Lounge (indoor ice-skating rink; also serves as a spot for ice shows, cooking demos, game parties; 1977 is a spectacular adventure on ice taking ice-surface video projection technology to a brand new level, pushing the limits of what's possible technologically; Laser Tag is a state-of-the-art and special effects ultimate laser tag arena to battle over the fate of the galaxy's last planet)
• AquaTheatre (2-deck-high) features 600 seats, a deep swimming/dive pool and partial shelter (partially enclosed) for cooler temperatures. AquaTheatre's two new shows HiRo and inTENse (all-female) combine cutting-edge technologies, aerial acrobatic stunts and future-forward choreography.
• (deck 4) Entertainment Place nightclub; "The Attic" Comedy Club; Crown Lounge (fka Diamond Club Lounge & Bar for past guests only, has 2x virtual balconies); Golden Room (non-smoking Casino Room with 40x slot machines, 1x blackjack table, 1x poker table); On Air Club (doubles as Spotlight Karaoke bar/nightly); Boleros (Latin Bar-Lounge; Cask & Clipper (English Pub); Rising Tide Bar (moving cocktail bar); Bionic Bar; Schooner Bar (piano bar); Starbucks Bar; Giovanni's Wine Bar; Dazzles Music Hall (2-deck disco nightclub); Suite Sun Deck (plunge pool, bar, sunbathing area with loungers), Social100 Patio (teen lounge and sundeck/decks 16-17, with a bar, spa pool, games); The Lime & Coconut (2-deck poolside bar lounge)
• Adventure Ocean's Escape Room provides "puzzle break" team gaming experience, where teams race against the clock and work toward escaping the submarine-themed room before their time runs out.
• Art Gallery; Focus Photo Gallery and Shop
• Boardwalk neighborhood (with games and attractions)
• Carousel (with handcrafted wooden figures)
• Casino Royale with a VIP Gaming Room; Card Room
• Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center; 9 jacuzzis (2 cantilevered); 4 swimming pools
• Royal Promenade Boutiques (perfumes, jewelry, duty-free alcohol, general store, logo/souvenirs)
• Solarium Lounge (includes Solarium Cafe, pool bar and adults-only pool area); Solarium Bar
• Video Games Arcade; Explorers, Aquanauts, Adventure Science Lab; The Living Room and Night Club teen areas; Fuel Teen Disco; Royal Babies and Tots Nursery; Adventure Ocean kids lounge area; Kids Avenue; Workshop (family venue); H2O Zone family and kids area
• Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, soccer; tennis tables); 1x FlowRider (surf simulator); Zip Line (82 ft/25 m); Jogging Track; 2x Rock-Climbing Walls; Wonder Dunes (Mini-Golf Course).
• The ship has a total of 19 pools.

Central Park is an outdoor relaxation zone (within the ship's interior) with ~21000 live plants. Central Park's huge garden features multi-deck-high metal columns and green walls (covered in vines and ferns), several pathways, recordings of various species (birds, insects, animals) played, live seasonal plants (flowers, shrubs, trees). Signage boards provide detailed info on all Central Park's trees and plants.

Adventure Ocean (kids complex) consists of several themed spaces/rooms: AO Babies (nursery for toddlers 6-36 months), AO Juniors (3-5 yo, open-play area), AO Kids (6-12 yo, open-play area, video games, interactive touch-screen tables), AO Play Place (indoor playground with climbing equipment), AO Theater (kids cinema/event space for talent shows, puppetry and dance classes, games, trivia, watching movies), AO Workshop (laboratory for arts-crafts and science activities, also houses the Escape Room).

New for RCI's Oasis-Class design are "The Vue Bar" (Deck 15 forward-portside/cantilevered pool bar) and "Wonder Playscape" (aft-starboard on decks 15-16/2-deck interactive indoor kids playground with mini-golf, slides, climbing walls, rope nets, jungle gyms, puzzles, various games, a touch-activated interactive mural).

(NEW) Unique shipboard features

RCI's OASIS-Plus ships have some unique features not currently available on the other Oasis-class ships. These brand-new for Royal Caribbean venues were revealed in October 2017 (during the vessel's construction) and include:

• "Ultimate Family Suite" is a new cabin type (8-passenger, 2-bedroom loft suite sized 125 m2 / 1350 ft2) featuring exclusive / in-cabin slide from the kids bedroom (upper level) down to the living room (lower level), floor-ceiling LEGO wall, air-hockey table, 2 hanging egg swing chairs, separate TV room (3D movies, popcorn machine, media library, video gaming consoles with games), large wraparound balcony (sized 20 m2 / 210 ft2, fitted with bumper pool table, small climbing wall, full-size whirlpool).
• "Hooked Seafood" - New England-style seafood specialty restaurant for lunch and dinner. It is located in the fully-eclosed Solarium complex (forward on Pool Deck 15) and offers fresh seafood and also has a cantilevered raw bar (The Vue Bar) where raw shucked oysters can be ordered.
• "El Loco Fresh" is a Mexican restaurant (capacity over 100 seats) offering fresh-made favorites. It is located in Sports Zone (Pool Deck 15) replacing "Mini Bites" (food bar on Harmony OTS). El Loco Fresh offers Mexican fare with fresh-made mole sauce and salsa verde, made-to-order burritos and tacos.
• "Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade" has 30 large-sized TVs for watching live sporting events, as well as a video games section fitted with arcade machines. The sports bar/arcade is located on Deck 6 (Boardwalk). It spans the neighborhood's entire length and takes the place of Sabor and Starbucks (on Harmony OTS). Starbucks was relocated on Deck 5 (Royal Promenade). Playmakers Sports Bar menu offers fast-food classics like chicken wings, burgers, popcorn shrimp, sliders, sundaes.
• "Sugar Beach Candy and Ice Cream" is a premium shop for sweet treats located on Deck 6 (Boardwalk). The shop has colorful walls packed with candies, premium ice-cream, a huge variety of toppings and also offers family-friendly activities and workshops. Sugar Beach replaced "Johnny Rockets" (fast-food bar).
• "Battle for Planet Z" / Laser Tag experience) is available at "Studio B" complex (Deck 3) and offers glow-in-the-dark laser tag gaming with top-notch special effects.
• "Escape Room" (submarine-themed, located on Boardwalk Deck 6) provides puzzle-breaking team gaming experience.
• On Deck 15 are installed three 24-hour, self-service vending machines (by Pharmabox Franchise). They allow purchasing of select merchandise, including Tech Shop (electronics, gadgets, batteries, headphones, walkie-talkies, Nintendo 3DS gaming consoles), Splash Store (sunscreens, skincare products, swim accessories) and Health Essentials Store (toiletries, medicines).

Among Wonder OTS' show productions are the newly developed by RCI musicals:

• "1977 "(at Studio B / ice-rink theater) - themed on time traveling and dimension-jumping, with Panasonic-developed video projection technology
• "Flight - Dare to Dream" (at Royal Theater) - themed on the history of flying, featuring 3D video and automation technologies
• "Hairspray" (at Royal Theater) - themed on the Broadway musical
• "HiRo" (at AquaTheater) - themed on heroes combat fighting, with high-flying acrobatics, diving and extreme-sport stunts.

Itineraries

Wonder of the Seas itinerary program was originally based on year-round deployment in Asia as RCI's first OASIS-Class liner specifically designed for the Chinese source market.

For the inaugural season (starting March 2022) were scheduled 4-5-8-night itineraries from China to ports in Japan ( Kobe-Osaka , Shimizu-Shizuoka , Tokyo , Hakata-Fukuoka City , Kagoshima , Yatsushiro-Kumamoto City , Naha , Sakishima-Ishigaki Island ) with roundtrip departures from homeport Shanghai Baoshan .

• With delivery planned for 2022-Q1, Wonder OTS' Maiden Voyage was scheduled for March 26, 2022 (5-day roundtrip from Shanghai to Fukuoka and Kumamoto). RCI mentioned that Wonder OTS could be also seasonally deployed in the Southern Pacific Ocean (Australia and New Zealand), with relocation voyages (RepositionCruises.com) via Singapore .
• Bookings on Wonder's China sailings opened in mid-April 2021.

However, in mid-September 2021, RCI announced that instead of China, Wonder OTS' inaugural season will be in the Caribbean, with homeporting in Florida USA ( Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale 's Terminal 18).

• The Maiden Voyage was rescheduled for March 4, 2022. Followed an eastbound Transatlantic crossing for the Western Mediterranean season (May 8-Oct 27, 2022) with homeporting in Barcelona Spain and Civitavecchia-Rome and 7-day roundtrips.
• In Europe (2022), Wonder OTS replaced Allure OTS, with all Allure bookings automatically transferred to Wonder.

The Caribbean voyages were open for booking on Sept 15th, the Mediterranean voyages - on Sept 22nd.

In February 2024, RCI opened for booking Wonder OTS' short Caribbean voyages. Starting September 1st, 2025. the ship changes homeports (Port Canaveral to Miami ) offering 3- and 4-night roundtrips out of PortMiami. Previously, from Port Canaveral , were operated 7-day roundtrips.

Wonder Of The Seas - user reviews and comments

Photos of wonder of the seas.

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Wonder Of The Seas Wiki

Wonder OTS is Royal Caribbean Group's 5th Oasis-class liner (ordered in December 2016), with sisterships Utopia , Harmony , Symphony , Oasis , Allure . These are currently the world's biggest passenger liners ever constructed. constructed. The shipowner planned the OASIS-Plus vessel's cost per berth to be lower compared to Allure and Oasis.

Like her sisterships, Wonder OTS has telescoping funnels to be able to sail under bridges. Unlike the original/smaller Oasis-class ships, Wonder has no Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine (specialty restaurant) and 150 Central Park (dinner-only specialty restaurant), while the adult-only Solarium complex has a swimming pool and 2 additional whirlpools.

The following aerial photo shows an Oasis-class vessel (as looked from above).

The vessel's construction officially started with the steel-cutting ceremony (shipyard/hull number C34) held on April 24, 2019. The keel-laying was on October 10, 2019, held at Chantiers de l'Atlantique Shipyard in Saint-Nazaire (STX France) . A 65x155 ft (20x47 m), 970-ton keel block (part of the midship hull section) was lifted by a 1400-ton gantry crane and placed into the shipyard's building dock. During the ceremony, under the first hull block were placed newly minted coins - to stay there until the end of the ship's construction. The steel-cutting ceremony was attended by Joseph Pineau (RCCL's Director Newbuilds), Beatrice Siri (RCCL's Associate VP, Architectural Design and Outfitting), Jean-Yves Jaouen (shipyard's SVP Operations), Florence Mauduit (shipyard's Oasis Contract Director) and Laurent Castaing (shipyard's General Manager).

On February 18, 2019, RCI signed a shipbuilding order with Chantiers de l'Atlantique for a 6th Oasis-class liner (planned delivery 2023-Q4). This was the shipyard's 23rd vessel built for Royal Caribbean.

Next RCI official YouTube video shows Oasis-Plus ships' fun statistics and best features.

The ship was launched (floated out from drydock) on September 5, 2020. The complex operation started at ~at 7 am. With the assistance of 7 tugboats, the engines-free vessel was moved from the shipbuilding yard's Basin B to Basin C. The 500-m (1640-ft) long maneuvering was completed in ~1 hour.

Sea trials (in the Bay of Biscay) were conducted on August 20-24, 2021. The 4-day operation tested all systems (navigation, propulsion, engines, etc) prior to the delivery (November 5th). Then the vessel was relocated to Marseille-Fos Port (France) and drydocked for further outfitting. During the drydock, the ship's name (on the hull) was enlarged and positioned lower than on the sisterships. Wonder OTS was officially delivered on January 27, 2022, in Marseille. The ceremony was attended by Richard Fain (RCG's Chairman), Jason Liberty (RCG's President and CEO), Michael Bayley (RCI's President and CEO), and Laurent Castaing (shipbuilder's General Manager).

Wonder OTS is the third Oasis-Class boat built by STX France - after Harmony OTS (2016) and Symphony OTS (2018). A fourth vessel (Utopia OTS) is currently on order and planned for inauguration in 2024-Q2.

Wonder OTS has as namesakes the cruise liner Disney Wonder ( Walt Disney ) and the cruiseferry Moby Wonder ( MOBY LINES ).

CURIOUS: In the period May 6-16, 2022, RCI conducted a TikTok contest (#SearchForWonderMom / 16000+ videos were submitted) for finding a godmother for Wonder OTS. The contest was open only to Americans (USA and Puerto Rico), at least 16-years-old. The winner (Marie McCrea/Pennsylvania resident) and his/her family received a 7-night cruise (to CocoCay Bahamas) and will be accommodated in the largest stateroom (Ultimate Family Suite), in addition to first-class flights, 3-night accommodation in a 5-star hotel (pre-cruise) and US$1000 in OBC/onboard credit.

The ship's christening ceremony was held on December 9, 2022, dockside at Port Canaveral. The naming event (led by godmother Marie McCrea) was in the evening and attended by Royal Caribbean executives (including Jason Liberty and Michael Bayley) and partners, VIPs, and travel agents.

Inaugural cruise itineraries 2022-2023

In September 2021, RCI changed the ship's inaugural deployment from Asia (China to Japan itineraries) to the Caribbean (homeporting in Fort Lauderdale) and Europe-Mediterranean (homeporting in Barcelona and Civitavecchia-Rome).

The Maiden Voyage was rescheduled from March 22, 2022 (5-day 5 days Shanghai China to Japan) to March 4, 2022 (7-day Eastern Caribbean from Port Everglades). Prices started from just USD 950 (EUR 810 / GBP 695) per person with double occupancy.

(Inaugural Transatlantic crossing) 14-day from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona (from $1440 pp)

(Inaugural Mediterranean cruise) 7-day Western Mediterranean roundtrip from Barcelona (from $1200 pp)

Inaugural China itineraries 2022 (canceled)

With RCI planning to deploy the boat year-round in Asia (China homeporting), Wonder OTS' Maiden Voyage was initially scheduled for March 26, 2022 (5-day roundtrip from Shanghai-Baoshan ), priced from USD 1280 pp.

Royal Caribbean China's schedule for Wonder OTS included 4-5-8-night roundtrips from China to ports in Japan - Kobe-Osaka , Shimizu-Shizuoka , Tokyo , Hakata-Fukuoka , Kagoshima , Kumamoto-Yatsushiro , Naha , Sakishima-Ishigaki Island .

The boat's inaugural program (March 2022 through January 2023) included the following itineraries (themes, length, call ports), with prices in USD per person (Inside cabin rates with double occupancy).

• 4-Night "Chan May Cruise" - leaving roundtrip from Hong Kong (5 PM), visiting Danang-Chan May, Vietnam (7 AM - 7 PM) and ending in Hong Kong (7 AM). Prices started from USD 645 pp.
• 4-Night "Fukuoka Cruise" - leaving roundtrip from Shanghai (5 PM), visiting Fukuoka-Hakata Japan (7 AM - 7 PM), and ending in Shanghai (6 AM). Prices started from USD 700 pp.
• 4-Night "Okinawa Cruise" - leaving roundtrip from Shanghai (5 PM), visiting Naha-Okinawa Island Japan (7 AM - 7 PM), and ending in Shanghai (6 AM). Prices started from USD 700 pp.
• 4-Night "Taipei Cruise" - leaving roundtrip from Hong Kong (5 PM), visiting Keelung-Taipei Taiwan ((7 AM - 7 PM) and ending in Hong Kong (7 AM). Prices started from USD 890 pp.
• 5-Night "Okinawa and Ishigaki Cruise" - leaving from Shanghai (5 PM), visiting Naha-Okinawa Island Japan (7 AM - 7 PM) and Sakishima-Ishigaki Island Japan (9 AM - 7 PM) and ending in Hong Kong (7 AM). Prices started from USD 640 pp.
• 5-Night "Okinawa and Ishigaki Cruise" - leaving roundtrip from Shanghai (5 PM), visiting Naha-Okinawa Island Japan (7 AM - 7 PM) and Sakishima-Ishigaki Island Japan (9 AM - 7 PM) and ending in Shanghai (6 AM). Prices started from USD 820 pp.
• 5-Night "Okinawa and Ishigaki Cruise" - leaving roundtrip from Hong Kong (5 PM), visiting Naha-Okinawa Island Japan (11:30 AM - 9 PM), Sakishima-Ishigaki Island Japan (10 AM - 8 PM) and ending in Hong Kong (7 AM). Prices started from USD 800 pp.
• 5-Night "Okinawa Overnight Cruise" - leaving roundtrip from Hong Kong (5 PM), visiting Naha-Okinawa Island Japan (overnight/ Day 3 arrives at 11:30 AM - Day 4 departs at 3 PM) and ending in Hong Kong (7 AM). Prices started from USD 845 pp.
• 5-Night "Fukuoka and Kagoshima Cruise" - leaving roundtrip from Shanghai (5 PM), visiting Fukuoka-Hakata Japan (7 Am - 6 PM), Kagoshima Japan (10 AM - 8 PM) and ending in Shanghai (6 AM). Prices started from USD 730 pp.
• 5-Night "Fukuoka and Kumamoto Cruise" - leaving roundtrip from Shanghai (5 PM), visiting Fukuoka-Hakata Japan (7 AM - 7 PM), Kumamoto Japan (7 AM - 6 PM), and ending in Shanghai (6 AM). Prices started from USD 780 pp.
• 6-Night "Best Of Japan Cruise" - leaving roundtrip from Shanghai (5 PM), visiting Kobe Japan (overnight/Day 3 arrives at 12:30 PM - Day 4 departs at 4:30 AM), Osaka-Kyoto Japan (7 AM - 6 PM), Aburatsu-Miyazaki Japan (11 AM - 7 PM) and ending in Shanghai (6 AM). Prices started from USD 1420 pp.
• 8-Night "Best Of Japan Cruise" - leaving roundtrip from Shanghai (5 PM), visiting Kobe Japan (overnight/ Day 3 arrives at 12:30 PM - Day 4 departs at 4:30 AM), Osaka-Kyoto Japan (7 AM - 4 PM), Shimizu Japan (10 AM - 8 PM), Tokyo Japan (8 AM - 9 PM) and ending in Shanghai (6 AM). Prices started from USD 1190 pp.
• 9-Night "Best Of Japan Cruise" - leaving roundtrip from Hong Kong (5 PM), visiting Naha-Okinawa Japan (11:30 AM - 10 PM), Osaka-Kyoto Japan (9 AM - 9 PM), Kochi Japan (9 AM - 7 PM), Aburatsu-Miyazaki Japan (7 AM - 7 PM) and ending in Hong Kong (7 AM). Prices started from USD 1900 pp.
• 9-Night "South Korea and Japan Cruise" - leaving roundtrip from Hong Kong (6:35 PM), visiting Jeju South Korea (7 AM - 7 PM), Busan South Korea (7 AM - 6 PM), Fukuoka-Hakata Japan (7 AM - 5 PM), Kagoshima Japan (10 AM - 8 PM) and ending in Hong Kong (6 AM). Prices started from USD 1460 pp.

Bookings on Wonder OTS China cruises opened in mid-April 2021.

However, in mid-September 2021, RCI announced that the newbuild will be redeployed (from Asia to the Caribbean and then Europe/Mediterranean) for its inaugural season 2022-2023, starting with homeporting in Fort Lauderdale. The decision was based on a significant increase in the company's bookings in the USA and Europe, which prompted to introduce this new/world's largest ship on these markets first.

All Royal Caribbean Oasis-class ships are with a DNV Green Passport. This is a key element for the Clean Ship Design certificate. The certificate is not compulsory, but it shows the environmental commitment of the operator line Royal Caribbean International. Another interesting feature is that the hulls have a special non-toxic covering that minimizes friction and saves fuel.

Follows a list of fun facts about the RCI Wonder ship - the world's ever-largest passenger vessel.

• Draught: 31 ft (9,3 m)
• Depth (below the waterline): 74 ft (22,6 m)
• above the waterline height: 236 ft (72 m)
• Deadweight Tonnage 19950 tons
• Engines/powerplant (total output 96 MW): three Wartsila diesel (type 12V46D, power output 13,86 MW each), plus three Wartsila diesel (type 16V46D, power output 18,48 MW each)
• Diesel-electric propulsion: 3x ABB thrusters (type Azipod XO, power output 20,5 MW each), plus 4x Wartsila bow thrusters (type CT3500, power output 5,5 MW each)
• All Royal Caribbean Oasis-class ships are the world's first cruise vessels with a DNV Green Passport. This is a key element for the Clean Ship Design certificate. The certificate is not compulsory, but it shows the environmental commitment of the operator line Royal Caribbean International. Another interesting feature is that their hulls have a special non-toxic covering that minimizes friction and saves fuel.
• Ultimate Abyss slide is at 150 ft (45,70 m) above sea level, featuring 31 sections, two 360-degree circles, 27-degree slide incline, a 28 m (92 ft) serpentine-like drop, 13,14 seconds average sliding time (top to bottom), around 300 small LED lights and graffiti artworks.
• Aquatheater has two diving boards installed 10 m (33 ft) above its swimming pool.
• The ship was constructed out of 500,000 individual pieces (27 times the pieces used for the Eiffel Tower's construction).
• The shipboard art collection has more works than the Louvre museum (in Paris) has paintings. The onboard art's worth is over USD 7 million.
• The ship has a total of 23 "water areas" (swimming pools, large-size outdoor jacuzzies, waterslides, flowriders).
• The ship has 20 restaurants and offers over 300 individual menu options. Eight specialty restaurants offer over 200 different dishes daily. Total restaurant seating is 4908 seats.
• The onboard bars menus have a total of 127 specialty cocktails, in addition to all the classics.
• Each day are made 110,000 ice cubes.
• Each day are consumed 480,000 gallons (1,87 million liters) of freshwater.
• Daily food consumption statistics show chicken (9,730 lbs / 4,4 tons), eggs (10,000), beef (15,000 lbs / 6,8 tons), ice cream (700 lbs / 320 kg), baking potatoes (20,000 lbs / 9,1 tons), flour (12,600 lbs / 5,7 tons), salmon (2500 lbs / 1,1 tons), french fries (5000 lbs / 2,3 tons), bacon (5300 lbs / 2,4 tons), limes (800 lbs / 360 kg), pineapple (4000 lbs / 1,8 tons), oranges (5000 lbs / 2,3 tons), lemons (1000 lbs / 450 kg), cherries (40 jars), olives (20 jars).
• The ship's food and drinks dedicated staff are 1056 in total, including 249 (culinary), 184 (beverage), 91 (kitchen stewards).
• The ship weighs more than 17,000 African elephants. Note: Male elephants weigh between 10,360 - 13,330 lbs (4,7 - 6 tons).
• Around 2350 tons of water is needed to be filled all the ship's 23 water facilities (swimming pools, jacuzzis, 2 FlowRiders, waterslides, the aqua park Splashaway Bay).

In September 2018, RCCL trademarked the Oasis-Class ships smokestack area (located top-deck midship). The design features a crown-shaped bottom section with 2 slanted funnels above. In October 2018 was trademarked ship's oblong-shaped stern. The design features AquaTheater Suites (with balconies), Ultimate Abyss (2 cascading waterslides) and RCCL's logo.

Ship Fact Sheets

Wonder of the seas.

2,204 International Crew

16 guest decks

18 Total Decks

24 Guest Elevators

4 Bow Thrusters

with 7,500 Horsepower Each

• Suite Neighborhood
• The Mason Jar
• Wonder Playscape
• Ultimate Family Suite

Complimentary

Boardwalk Dog House Cafe Promenade El Loco Fresh Main Dining Room Park Cafe Solarium Bistro Sorrento’s Vitality Cafe Windjammer

150 Central Park Chef's Table Chops Grille Coastal Kitchen Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar Hooked Seafood Izumi Johnny Rockets Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade Starbucks Sugar Beach Wonderland

Bars & Lounges

Bionic Bar Boleros Cantina Fresca Cask & Clipper Rising Tide Bar Schooner Bar

Solarium Bar The Attic The Lime & Coconut Trellis Bar Wipeout Bar

Kids & Teens

Adventure Ocean Arcade Social100

Splashaway Bay The Patio

2,867 STATEROOMS

Other Amenities

• 8 Neighborhoods
• AquaTheater
• Casino Royale
• Conference Center
• Focus & Picture This
• Golden Room
• Jogging Track
• Medical Center
• Outdoor Movie Screen
• Rock Climbing Walls
• Royal Theater
• Sports Court
• Spotlight Karaoke
• The Perfect Storm
• Ultimate Abyss
• Vitality Spa & Fitness Center

Updated November 2022

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN ARABIA

• Destinations
• Brochure 23-24

THE WORLD’S NEWEST WONDER

Wonder of the seas, everything is a big deal on the boldest and biggest ship in the world, wonder of the seas℠. this is a larger-than-life, island-hopping adventure with epic thrills for all ages. kids can revel in next-level playtime. adrenaline chasers meet their match at ultimate abyss℠. and everyone savors delicious dining options from homespun southern classics with a twist to rustic italian favorites. get ready to launch from the space coast to our private island, perfect day at coco cay and discover the eastern and western shores of the caribbean. only on royal caribbean®..

A BOLD NEW CLASS ACT

The biggest ship in the world and the first of its class to feature eight unique neighborhoods — including the luxurious new suite neighborhood — wonder of the seas offers even more room for onboard adventure, palate-pleasing dining and awe-inspiring entertainment..

ALL OUT. ALL DAY.

This isn't just another day at sea. It's way more to see — and do. From fleet favorite thrills, like the FlowRider® surf simulator’s 30,000 gallons of rushing awesome, to all-new adventures designed to change the way you play, including a whole new immersive spin on mini golf and a climbable, slidable space that’s leagues away from your ordinary playground.

BOLD BITES AND ENDLESS DELIGHTS

The biggest ship in the world is going even bigger on flavor, with limitless options to satisfy every palette. Upscale cuisine? Check. Craveable comforts? Check. Quick but delicious bites you can grab between adventures? It’s all on the menu.

SHOWS WHOAS

Vacation is no time for tame — and the new Wonder of the Seas℠ ups the ante on downtime with more ways to get your whoas in. Whether you’re looking for showstopping moments and jawdropping feats at the boldest AquaTheater ever, or your own slice of the spotlight at our signature karaoke bar.

Or Contact our Reservations Team Middle East: +971 4 331 4299 Saudi Arabia Toll Free: 800 897 1419 Email: [email protected]

A NEW WAY TO SEA DAY

Make the most of every moment at sea, with more to see, do, play and conquer. like the all-new playscape, an underwater-themed world with endless opportunities for kids to explore. wonder dunes, where you can tee up under the sun or stars for an immersive, story-based mini golf journey like nothing you've played before. the fleet-favorite flowrider® surf simulator. and the twisting, turning, fun-drenched thrills of the perfect storm℠ waterslide trio..

FOR THE SUN OF IT

It's all about that vacay wade of life at the redesigned pool deck on the all-new Wonder of the Seas℠. Soak up the sun, chill in the shade, get your adrenaline fix, or grab a cocktail from the two-story poolside bar The Lime & Coconut℠. And for the ultimate pool day upgrade, reserve one of our private poolside casitas.

BIG TIME PLAYTIME

Ditch the same-old neighborhood playground for a whole new way to explore. The all-new Playscape is studded with slides, climbing walls, games and puzzles where adventurers of all ages can discover an underwater world with endless possibilities.

ONLY FOR THE BRAVE

There's a place where only the bold venture and only the bravest return. Step to the edge. Peer into the darkness. There's no turning back once you take the plunge 10 stories down the tallest slide at sea. Are you brave enough — or will you become a permanent resident of the Ultimate Abyss℠?

DIALED UP DISHES FOR DAYS

Wonder what it’s like to dine onboard the biggest ship in the world wonder no more — this ship is packed with an abundance of options to please every possible craving. whether you’re dressing up for date night, taking your taste buds on a world tour, or just looking for a quick and easy meal that delivers on big time quality and flavor..

FINE DINING IS OUR SPECIALTY

If you’re looking to upgrade your already amazing dining experience onboard, specialty restaurants are the move. Snag favorite coastal faves like melt-in-your-mouth lobster rolls at Hooked SeafoodSM. Savor elevated cuisine driven by seasonal ingredients at the elegant 150 Central Park. And dine on dishes that defy the imagination at Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine.

AN EPICUREAN ADVENTURE

Diverse new flavors aren’t just found in port. Onboard you’ll discover all sorts of ways to taste your way around the world. From the freshest hand-rolled sushi and sizzling teppanyaki at Izumi Hibachi & Sushi to Old World Italian classics like osso buco and Papardelle paired with perfect vintages at Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar.

BOLD BITES. CHILL VIBES.

Laid back and top notch are not mutually exclusive. Casual eats onboard offer food that’s just as delicious. Whether you score gameday favorites with an icy draft at PlaymarkersSM Sports Bar & Arcade, grab insanely good Mexican fare at El Loco Fresh, or enjoy a slice of piping hot pizza perfection at Sorrento’s.

LET ADVENTURE

Be your guide, wonder of the seas℠ is going to change the way you vacay — big time. with thrills at every turn, a pool deck overflowing with sun and games for all ages, bold bites of all types, and showstoppers that never stop. launch from the space coast to our private island, perfect day at cococay and explore the gems of the caribbean..

WHERE THRILLS COME TRUE

It’s always an exciting time in Cape Canaveral, with everything from captivating museums to unforgettable manatee sightings, and world-class golf to out-of-this-world adventure at the Kennedy Space Center. And now, the Space Coast is your launch site for the best family vacation in Orlando — onboard the new Wonder of the Seas℠. Let the bolder memory-making begin.

SET YOUR SIGHT ON PARADISE

The world's newest wonder is your gateway to the gems of the Caribbean. Take on rainforest roaming in Roatán and cenote scoping in Cozumel on a Western Caribbean itinerary. Or claim your slice of paradise on the beaches of St. Thomas and take a true culture trip to the two sides of St. Maarten — Dutch and French — on Eastern Caribbean sailings. Both with stops at our totally reimagined private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

CALL US NOW

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• Royal Caribbean International

Current Cruise Director (CD) List, starting 12-2021

By DELTABLUE , November 29, 2021 in Royal Caribbean International

Recommended Posts

ADVENTURE: 'Tornado' Tanya #2051

ALLURE: Cory Rogers #2054

ANTHEM: Mark from Southampton #2076

BRILLIANCE:

ENCHANTMENT:

EXPLORER: Simona Ferraiuolo as of December #2076

FREEDOM: Tom Hopkins #2007 Christopher Turdo #2052

GRANDEUR: Rob McNally #2063

HARMONY: Michele Scarpato #2009

INDEPENDENCE: Sophie #2053

JEWEL: Susan Adams Nov. #2028

LIBERTY: Katy Mc C ullagh #1998

MARINER:   Eric Lopez Ramirez #2078

NAVIGATOR: Tom Hopkins #2052

OASIS: Dennis Charles #1991 ODYSSEY: Mitch Merucci, effective 10-23-12 #2026 OVATION: Dan Whitney #2001

RADIANCE: RHAPSODY:

SERENADE: Bill Brunkhorst #2027

SYMPHONY: Brian Leavitt #1932

WONDER: Mike Szwajkowsk #2026

The # in the listing refers to the post # the info came from, if you need to go back to confirm.  The high #s are from the old thread.  They will drop and start again with this new thread. 

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Thanks Deltablue.  I sent a request to the moderator to close the old thread.

6 hours ago, DELTABLUE said: ADVENTURE: 'Tornado' Tanya #2051   ALLURE: Cory Rogers #2054   ANTHEM: Mark from Southampton #2076   BRILLIANCE:   ENCHANTMENT:   EXPLORER: Simona Ferraiuolo as of December #2076   FREEDOM: Tom Hopkins #2007 Christopher Turdo #2052   GRANDEUR: Rob McNally #2063   HARMONY: Michele Scarpato #2009   INDEPENDENCE: Sophie #2053   JEWEL: Susan Adams Nov. #2028   LIBERTY: Katy Mc C ullagh #1998   MARINER:   Eric Lopez Ramirez #2078   NAVIGATOR: Tom Hopkins #2052   OASIS: Dennis Charles #1991 ODYSSEY: Mitch Merucci, effective 10-23-12 #2026 OVATION: Dan Whitney #2001   QUANTUM:   RADIANCE: RHAPSODY:   SERENADE: Bill Brunkhorst #2027   SPECTRUM:   SYMPHONY: Brian Leavitt #1932   VISION:   VOYAGER:   WONDER: Mike Szwajkowsk #2026 The # in the listing refers to the post # the info came from, if you need to go back to confirm.  The high #s are from the old thread.  They will drop and start again with this new thread.    All are welcome and encouraged to post new and/or updated info and I will try and get an updated list posted asap.  Can't do this without your continued assistance so keep me busy.

Deltablue thank you for carrying this on. I love reading the updates etc and would have truly missed it. 🙏🏻

jerseyshoreguy

Thanks for keeping this going.

Cru1s1ng2009

Thanks for keeping this going Deltablue. I see they still dont care about us 😜

Is Cory Rogers any good on the Allure?

I have not cruised with Cory as CD but had the opportunity to meet him when he came aboard Grandeur to shadow John Blair.  He had just come from Carnival and was there to learn the ropes.  I found him to be very personable and outgoing so I have good expectations for him.

CruisinMama2003

6 minutes ago, DELTABLUE said: I have not cruised with Cory as CD but had the opportunity to meet him when he came aboard Grandeur to shadow John Blair.  He had just come from Carnival and was there to learn the ropes.  I found him to be very personable and outgoing so I have good expectations for him.

Agree, very nice and approachable guy. 2 days into our 9 nt Indy cruise last month is when he accepted the Allure CD job, so his replacement took over from that point on.

4 hours ago, hollon said: Is Cory Rogers any good on the Allure?

If he was the CD in October on the Allure, I found him to be tolerable but not engaging.... Hope he will not be on the Enchantment. Yawn.

Thanks for keeping track of  the CD's.  Hope to sail with you again before too long..

13 hours ago, elsie3939 said: If he was the CD in October on the Allure, I found him to be tolerable but not engaging.... Hope he will not be on the Enchantment. Yawn. Thanks for keeping track of  the CD's.  Hope to sail with you again before too long..  

thank you, it's always fun when you have a good CD!

Deltablue:  According to Radio's live Anthem thread, CD Mark's last name is Rous.

Thanx, Donna!

Every CD has fans and detractors.  Form your own opinion.  🙂  

3 hours ago, DonnaK said: Deltablue:  According to Radio's live Anthem thread, CD Mark's last name is Rous.

Why is a CD last name important?  Just wondering.

Just for general identification purposes.  With all the RCI ships and some old and new CDs, a last name just helps to make things clear.

8 hours ago, DELTABLUE said: Just for general identification purposes.  With all the RCI ships and some old and new CDs, a last name just helps to make things clear.

We were on the Anthem's Thanksgiving cruise. CD introduced himself as ...." I am your cruise Director, It's Mark!". Exact words. Got me wondering what his last name or initial of last name was, not that it matters, but just curious.

8 hours ago, LGW59 said: Why is a CD last name important?  Just wondering.

If you are interested in this thread, then isn't the last name important?  Mark isn't exactly a unique name so you could have different Marks.  Isn't there a Mark Walker (or something like that)?

The current CD on Anthem is Mark Rous.

Just off the Independence OTS; Sophie was probably the worst CD I've encountered.  Monotone voice, hardly any enthusiasm and just boring.  

Update...12-2-21   Can anyone update on Freedom, please?

ANTHEM: Mark Rous from Southampton #2076/#12

Marc Walker announced on that other site that he will be joining Mariner on January 15, 2022.

Update II 12-2-21

MARINER:   Eric Lopez Ramirez #2078, Marc Walker as of 1-15-22 #22

lovesthebeach2

Thanks for keeping this thread going.

Vision of the Seas resumes sailing late January, 2022.  When do CDs get assigned?

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Carnival, royal caribbean cruises return to baltimore.

Cruises diverted from Baltimore to Norfolk amid Key Bridge collapse

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Cruise travelers who waited months for their vacations were excited for the return of ships to Baltimore over Memorial Day weekend.

The embarkations are the first cruise ships to depart Baltimore since the March 26 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge , which closed the main channel.

"This is just a wonderful day for us. It's been a wonderful weekend and we just can't thank everybody for making this happen to get us cruises back in Baltimore," said Cynthia Burman, the deputy director for business development and cruises for the Port of Baltimore.

"We are so happy, and it's probably one of the most visible signs that everybody can see. Cruise is back. Baltimore is back. Royal and Carnival, they're looking forward to being able to engage their itineraries out of Baltimore -- not only this weekend, but well into the future," Jonathan Daniels, the executive director of the Maryland Port Administration, told 11 News on Saturday.

The Key Bridge collapse forced the cruise lines to temporarily move ships to Norfolk, Virginia. The Carnival Legend was supposed to return to Baltimore in April but was rerouted to Norfolk, where Carnival provided buses back to Baltimore.

On Saturday, Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas returned to and departed from Baltimore for a five-day cruise to the Bahamas.

"It's excitement, you know, it's a great day for Baltimore, a great day for the community here, a great day for Royal Caribbean, as well, and we're looking forward to continue cruising out of Baltimore," Mise Tevsic, the captain of the Vision of the Seas, told 11 News on Saturday.

Cruisers were excited to get on board for trips they've planned for months.

"It's a relief. I mean, we spent weeks wondering and feeling a little bit guilty because we're wondering how it will work for us, knowing everything there were doing (to clear the Dali container ship ), so it was a relief that, OK, the port is back, all these people are back at work," John Carney, a Royal Caribbean cruiser, told 11 News on Saturday.

The Carnival Pride returned Sunday to Baltimore after setting sail from Norfolk. The Pride then left Baltimore for a 14-day cruise to Greenland.

"We're very thankful to the city and the port of Baltimore, as well as the first responders that helped with all the operation, and we're very happy to be back here on a beautiful sunny day," said Moises Clarena, Carnival's regional manager. "We weren't sure how long it was going to take originally, but with all everybody involved, they were able to make it happen quickly."

Carnival said the Pride will then continue its previously planned sailings, currently scheduled into the spring of 2026.

"Every vessel that calls this port, you're looking at a million dollars of economic impact. Last year, we handled 109 vessels -- $109 million worth of economic impact, so it's a very significant impact to the port and community, it's a significant part of the hospitality and tourism spectrum that makes Baltimore so special," Daniels said.

Video below: Carnival Legend rerouted from Baltimore, arrives in Norfolk

Royal Caribbean embraces a new beverage trend

When you sail with Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian or MSC Cruises, bars figure prominently into the proposition. 

All four cruise lines offer all-you-can-drink packages, and unless you're in your cabin, you're never all that far from a bar or your next drink.

Related: Royal Caribbean gives passengers something they asked for

Traditionally, cruise lines have featured tropical drinks by the pools and beverages themed to the venues they're being served in elsewhere on the ship. 

Royal Caribbean, for example, offers a deeper beer selection in its pubs while Bolero's, a Latin-themed club/bar serves "Cuban mojitos, Brazilian caipirinhas, and your favorite classic cocktails to the sound of a four-piece band playing salsa, cumbia, merengue, samba and more," according to the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean ( RCL ) recently launched a new menu its its Schooner Bar, the piano bar that's on every ship in the fleet. The cruise line detailed the new menu on its website:

If you love a great old fashioned, you’ll find five versions of it on the menu at Schooner Bar. ... You can also dial up your night with a glamorous champagne cocktail, topped with Domaine Chandon and sweetened with an Angostura-doused sugar cube. Or sip your way across the Caribbean with a Zacapa rum-spiked daiquiri, shaken hard and double-strained, or a classic Papa Doble, prepared with Bacardi Superior rum, lychee and grapefruit juice. If you’re a fan of the Tom Collins, you’ll find that, too — plus four additional versions that each spotlight a different spirit.

Those are all versions of classic cocktails with modern twists. Royal Caribbean has also been working on expanding its nonalcoholic and low-alcohol beverages, as those have become a trend among Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z (a generation that still has members under the legal drinking age of 21).

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Royal Caribbean embraces low- and no-alcohol beverages

On a media sailing before Royal Caribbean's new flagship Icon of the Seas began sailing with paying passengers, the cruise line's director of beverage operations, Ed Eiswirth, held an event where his team showed off the more than 100 new drinks created for the ship. It was a visually impressive lineup that leaned into fun and featured many nonalcoholic options.

These weren't your classic virgin cocktails that simply copy alcoholic drinks without the alcohol. Instead, Eiswirth's team created mixology-driven beverages designed for all ages.

The strategy makes sense because Icon of the Seas has multiple bars on board, including the Lemon Post in the Surfside area, which is designed for families. The strategy also applies to spots including the Rye & Bean coffee bar in the AquaDome and even the Swim & Tonic swim-up bar on the pool deck.

Essentially, Royal Caribbean wants to give underage passengers, as well as light and non-drinkers, a chance to taste mocktails that live up to the standards set by the on-board cocktail menu.

Eiswirth discussed bringing the concept to the entire fleet.

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Royal Caribbean added a zero-proof menu

Catering to people looking for no-alcohol and low-alcohol drinks isn't completely new for Royal Caribbean. The company first added a zero proof menu to its ships in 2021.

Eiswirth commented on his team's efforts to serve this audience in a statement reported by Royal Caribbean Blog .

"I stumbled on a lot of research around sober-curious guests and especially around Gen Z being super curious," he said. "These are young people who still drink alcohol, but they consume a lot less. They’ll go out at night and buy one really nice, handcrafted cocktail and then switch to something that’s no alcohol but that has just as much care taken and is really curated as well as a cocktail." 

Eiswirth wanted his mixologists to give the same care to nonalcoholic and low-alcohol beverages that they did to inventing new cocktails.

"We really took the time to curate them as stand-alone drinks without alcohol and really look at blending flavors that work together versus a stock virgin daiquiri that is just an alcoholic drink we’ve taken the alcohol out of. We didn’t even consider putting alcohol in these as we put them together," he added.

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