This Is Royal Caribbean’s Best Ship
Planning a vacation that keeps the whole family entertained can be a challenge. While parents are usually looking for relaxation and comfort, kids want nonstop excitement, which makes traditional vacations seem impossible to execute. On the other hand, cruise ships provide a level of convenience that is hard to compete with. Meals, accommodation, and entertainment are all included, making it a top choice for families in recent years.
Not every cruise ship is designed with families in mind, though. Some cater more to couples, solo travelers, or young adults seeking nightlife and luxury experiences, while others fall short when it comes to kid-focused activities and programs. This is why finding a ship with a nice balance of entertainment options is so important.
One Royal Caribbean ship, in particular, has recently become a favorite among those traveling with family members. With multiple sailings each year, a wide range of onboard attractions, and more affordable pricing than the cruise line’s newest vessels, Wonder of the Seas is one of the most recommended ships for cruisers of all ages. Here’s a closer look at why families continue to rave about Wonder of the Seas, what guests can expect once they’re onboard, and how much it typically costs to set sail on this popular mega-ship.
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Royal Caribbean Best Ship For Families
Wonder of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world, with the capacity to hold 5,734 guests and 2,204 crew members. As part of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, its size is one reason families choose to book a trip aboard it. However, this is only part of what makes it such a popular choice.
The ship offers many attractions designed to keep kids engaged during the trip. One highlight is Wonder Playscape, an interactive underwater-themed playground with climbing walls, puzzles, and slides for younger children and tweens. Those seeking more excitement will enjoy Splashaway Bay, a water park full of pools, dump buckets, and kid-size water slides. For older, adventurous kids, the Ultimate Abyss is the tallest slide at sea, dropping ten stories in seconds. Similarly, The Perfect Storm waterslide trio and a nine-deck-high Zip Line also offer thrills that both older kids and adults can enjoy.
In addition to the attractions onboard the ship, kids can join the Adventure Ocean program, which is split into age-appropriate groups for children between six months and 12 years old. While parents take a well-earned break, kids participate in fun and educational activities like science experiments, crafts, and acting. Teens have their own space as well. They have access to a dedicated lounge where they can socialize in a relaxed but supervised environment.
Families also benefit from several perks onboard. My Family Time Dining, an option similar to Disney Cruise Line’s Dine and Play, allows kids ages three to 11 to eat early and then go to Adventure Ocean activities, giving parents time to enjoy the rest of their meals. Additionally, the ship’s library features a space with children’s books in multiple languages and comfortable seating perfect for family reading time.
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Wonder Of The Seas Is A Budget-Friendly Alternative To Royal Caribbean’s Newer Ships
Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas departing Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Wonder of the Seas debuted in March 2022, just two years before Royal Caribbean launched its newest mega-ships, Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. Like many other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean lowers the prices of its older ships as newer ones are introduced. Wonder of the Seas is a great alternative for families looking for a premium experience without such a high price tag.
Fares aboard Wonder of the Seas vary by itinerary and season but are relatively affordable. Short sailings between three and four nights start at just under $500 per person, while seven-night cruises begin at around $1,200 per person. In comparison, sailings on Icon and Utopia of the Seas range from $600 for shorter trips to over $2,200 per person for longer itineraries.
Royal Caribbean also regularly runs promotions that make sailing even more affordable. Deals like those allowing third and fourth guests to sail for free are frequently applied to Wonder of the Seas bookings. Combined with the ship’s lower base fares, it’s easy to understand why families choose it over others. When comparing prices, Wonder of the Seas offers exceptional value, but affordability is only part of the cruise experience. The ship’s destinations and port activities also play a role in why families choose it.
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Where The Wonder Of The Seas Sails
Cruise passengers walking toward Wonder of the Seas while docked in Labadee, Haiti.
While the ship matters when booking a family cruise, where it goes is just as important. Wonder of the Seas offers itineraries that are both simple and fun. Most sailings depart from Port Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale in Florida on three to seven-night sailings.
The ship primarily sails to the Caribbean, stopping in destinations like Cozumel, Roatán, San Juan, and Puerto Costa Maya. In these ports, cruisers will find relaxing beaches, thrilling watersports activities, exciting excursions, and more. In addition to booking guided tours through Royal Caribbean, families can choose to explore on their own.
Another popular destination on almost every Wonder of the Seas itinerary is Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. The island is designed for all ages as it features a waterpark, splash zones, beach clubs, and the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean. It’s a cruise stop where families can spend the entire day together without worrying about transportation or unexpected costs.
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Ultimately, selecting the right cruise ship can make or break family travel experiences. As cruise lines release bigger ships with the most upgraded attractions and technology, it’s worth considering which options will make for a smooth trip. For many families, the best ship is not always the newest or the biggest, but the one that offers the best value, comfort, and fun.
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