Wonder of the Seas

 

Oasis Class / 6988 Passengers / Maiden Voyage: 2022 / Port Canaveral to Eastern and Western Caribbean

  • Other ships in this class:  Oasis (2009), Allure (2010), Harmony (2016), Symphony (2018), and Utopia (2024)

 

Highlights of the Oasis Class

  • AquaTheatre, Boardwalk, Broadway Musicals, Carousel, Central Park, FlowRider, Ice-Skating Rink, Laser Tag, The Mason Jar (Bar with music), Zip Line

Christmas-time on a Cruise ship can be magical.  (Note:  Photo on right is from Freedom of the Seas, December 2023)

Cabin Plusses and Minuses - location

#9651 - Inside Window View of Central Park

  • 12/15 - 12/22/24 (7 nights)
  • Our first Central Park View, deck 9 is one above Central Park.  Check out the photos below for the cabin and view.
  • The room was comfortable, quiet and felt open with the large window.  Obviously not a balcony, but a good value.

#14719 (or 12719) - Inside Balcony Over Boardwalk

  • 3/17 - 3/24/24 (7 nights)
  • This was reserved as a Balcony Guaranty (with cabin assignment received a couple weeks before departure - and it was very close to the Aqua Theatre, so we experienced the sound and feel from our room.  Coupled with being under the Windjammer, this was one of the more sound-challenging locations.  At the time, we were pretty early sleepers.  While we can still fade early, we get our naps so we can now enjoy more late-night activities.  We also avoid such close proximity to Theatre venues.  Good point though - of 7 nights, there were only 2 or 3 late night performances, running from 10:30 to 11:15, and quickly quieting after.

Wonder of the Seas Entertainment Highlights

  • In addition to the Aqua Theatre Show, we enjoyed live music in several venues.
  • Ellie Finnerty performed many Taylor Swift songs in the overflowing Pub.  Children and adults, male and female…joined in with her and cheered as they recognized each song intro.  She deserves a bigger performance space!
  • The lighted trellis is just one pleasant aspect of Central Park, with various musicians playing each evening.
  • Country music can be found at the Mason Jar, which also mixes some unique cocktails - like the PB&J Old Fashioned. (Photo at right)  Arrive early or be patient to get a seat.

Non-Musical entertainment

December

  • Ventriloquist Ronn Lucas - pretty funny.
  • Ice Spectacular - never ceases to impress.
  • Crazy Quest - every ‘Adult’ should experience this scavenger hunt at least once.
  • Comedians - Lester Bibbs & Spencer James give an 18+ performance.
  • Effectors II:  Crash & Burn - a high tech production which appeals mostly to the younger set.

March

  • Comedians - Louis Johnson & Kristin Linder - 18+ performances
  • The UK’s Premier Comedy Juggler Pete Matthews
  • Movie: “The Marvels”  in the Royal Theatre

Ports - December 2024

  • Coco Cay
  • Cozumel - canceled
  • Roatan, Honduras - we tried walking around but did not care to venture far.  Next time, a scheduled excursion will be in order.
  • Costa Maya - sites to see close to the ship.
    • And, a few Christmas trees at port.

Ports - March 2024

  • Coco Cay
  • St. Thomas - I always enjoy the view after taking the sky ride, which unfortunately has raised its price significantly.  I used to enjoy a burger and a Bailey’s Bushwacker.  Next time, I’ll just have the drink.
  • St. Maarten - typical shopping area near the port; take an excursion to see more interesting sights.

Will We Do It Again?

Yes.  However, the Wonder has moved from Port Canaveral to Miami, so we will more often choose an Oasis Class from our “home port.”