Royal Caribbean Takes Delivery of New World’s Largest Cruise Ship: Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has taken delivery of the Wonder of the Seas from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France.

At 236,857 gross registered tonnes (grt), the ship is biggest cruise ship ever built. It is the fifth installment in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class, which kicked off in 2009 with the Oasis of the Seas. The other four ships in the class come in at 225,000 grt to over 228,000 grt.

With its delivery, Wonder takes the “world’s largest” crown from sister ship Symphony of the Seas, at 228,081 grt.

Wonder of the Seas measures 1,188 feet in length and 210 feet wide. Passenger capacity comes in at 6,988 guests with an additional 2,300 crew.

Wonder of the Seas will make its official debut in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in March, starting with 7-night cruises to the Caribbean before heading to Barcelona, Spain and later Rome to offer summer cruises in the Mediterranean.

Construction of the vessel has been underway at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France since April 2019.

“Taking delivery of Wonder of the Seas is the culmination of 30 months of ingenuity and partnership across more than 2,000 committed crew members and workers who are among the best at what they do,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “Along with taking the revolutionary Oasis Class ships to a new level of wonder, innovation and adventure, Wonder sets the stage for the spring and summer vacations families and all travelers alike are looking forward to in the new year. The combination of brand-new features and favorites that span thrills, entertainment, dining and nightlife is unparalleled, and it’s what will make our latest and most innovative ship the world’s newest wonder and the ultimate vacation in the Caribbean and Europe.”