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Trading the Parks for the Port: My Epic 5-Day Voyage on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas (and How Brightline Got Me There)

My ultimate review of the world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, including a full tour of the Main Dining Room, Ultimate Abyss, and AquaTheater show, inTENse. Plus, find out why taking the Brightline train from Orlando to Miami is the only way to cruise! [WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE FULL TOUR!]

Cartoon family looking at Wonder of the Seas cruise ship, smiling. Overlay text reads: 4 Night Family Cruise

I spend 4 nights on Wonder of the Seas - here’s how it went.

For years, my content has been focused on the magic and logistics of the Orlando theme parks. But every so often, the Orlando Parks Guy needs a break from the land of endless fun to conquer the seas of endless fun. And I want to take you with me.

Today, I’m changing my usual flight path from Orlando International Airport (MCO) and doing something entirely new: I'm taking the high-speed rail service, Brightline, from my hometown straight to Miami for a magnificent voyage aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest and largest ship, the Wonder of the Seas.

This isn't just a trip; it's a deep dive into the logistics of cruising from Florida in 2024—from the train platform to the pool deck. Over the next five days, I’ll show you exactly what this Oasis Class mega-ship is like, bring you along on some of my favorite experiences, and share the behind-the-scenes tips you need to know. Most importantly, I’m going to make the case that this ship is a destination unto itself, one that truly must be seen to be believed.

Hello and welcome back to my channel (and my new blog space)!


Click here to watch the full adventure on YouTube!

DAY 1 — EMBARKATION: MIAMI

Our journey to the port begins not on the highway, but on the rail line. We’re taking Florida’s new high-speed train service, Brightline. For a family like mine, the convenience is a game-changer. We've all made that grueling 3- to 4-hour drive from Orlando to Miami, sitting in endless traffic, arriving stressed, and already tired before the vacation even starts. The Brightline completely eliminates that headache. It’s quiet, incredibly fast, and allows you to be productive—or just relax—while the landscape blurs past.

My family and I opted for Premium Class today, which I highly recommend. It gave us access to the exclusive lounge at MCO, a delicious continental breakfast, and premium seating on the train. The seats are spacious and comfortable, the WiFi is fast, and the ride itself is smooth. When you pass miles of bumper-to-bumper traffic on the roadways, you realize the time you saved and the stress you avoided. If you’re cruising from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, consider the train; it’s an exceptional way to kick off your vacation.

The Brightline station in Miami is conveniently located near the cruise terminals. Because I had checked in online with the Royal Caribbean app weeks ago, the physical process moved like clockwork. We checked our luggage curbside—a huge relief—and headed through security, which was as straightforward as an airport. Passports were scanned, our SeaPass cards were handed over, and within minutes, we were walking the gangway.








The Awe of the Royal Promenade








Walking onto the Royal Promenade on an Oasis Class ship, especially one as grand as Wonder of the Seas, is an awe-inspiring moment that every cruiser should experience. The space is a multi-deck marvel that stretches away from you—it’s not a hallway; it's a bona fide shopping mall. Shops, cafes, bars, and a sea of people moving with the energy of a city square. This is the moment where you realize two things: first, this is the start of something truly big, and second, this ship is unlike any other floating city you’ve seen.

We quickly completed the mandatory safety briefing at our muster station. It’s an essential formality, but I love how Royal Caribbean has made this a quick and efficient process through the mobile app. Our attendant was friendly, reviewed the life jacket procedure with a smile, and we were done in minutes.

Lunch was a quick but essential stop at Windjammer Marketplace. Embarkation day is always a busy one for the buffet, but it's also a great time to log into the Royal Caribbean mobile app and start booking onboard activities. Pro Tip: A lot of first-time cruisers overlook this step until Day 2 or 3 and end up missing out on prime booking slots. We devoured our fantastic lunch, but didn’t linger; we had priorities.

Checking Out the Kids’ Spaces

After lunch, we headed to Adventure Ocean for the open house. Even if you don’t have young children, it’s worth a look to see the detail and thought that went into these areas. The club spaces are bright and thoughtfully zoned by age: tiny play areas for toddlers, engaging activity rooms for elementary kids, and high-tech spaces for tweens. The staff are energetic, and you can immediately see why families feel comfortable leaving their little ones here. If you want a more in-depth look at this area, you may also want to check out my separate video, Wonder of the Seas with Kids, which I’ll link for you in the description below the video.

Next, we checked out Social 100, the dedicated teen hub. This space is brilliant, featuring two distinct areas: an indoor club pulsing with games and music, and The Patio, an outdoor lounge that truly comes alive after dark. For families traveling with teens, like us, this kind of separation is gold. It provides privacy for the grownups and an age-appropriate social scene for the kids. It’s the perfect blend of freedom and structure.

Our Home Away From Home

Soon after, I received a text message—the magical message every cruiser waits for: our rooms are ready. Riding the elevator up, passing all the themed decks, truly feels more like navigating a massive hotel than a cruise ship. For this sailing, we booked two rooms: a balcony cabin for Michele and me, and a snug but functional interior stateroom across the hall for Martin. That extra space makes a significant difference when you’ve got a teenager who values his own routine and a little privacy. The balcony room, of course, opens onto a beautiful ocean view, and both cabins have smart storage designs that make unpacking quick and painless—another key to a stress-free vacation.

Wonder of the Seas stateroom showing a bed, sofa, and balcony

Our balcony stateroom was spacious and quiet. The bed was a little stiff, which is typical on Royal Caribbean ships.

With bags tucked away, we headed straight for the pool deck. The first-day energy is infectious: families crowd the slides, the music is pumping, and the water’s edge is a living postcard. It’s busy—Day 1 usually is—but that wonderful bustle is truly part of the excitement. We test the water slides for a minute, make a mental note to come back when the crowds thin out, and then head inside to get ready for dinner.

Dinner tonight was in the Main Dining Room. Service is always smooth, and the menus are dependable. We all went for the chicken parmesan tonight. It’s a family favorite, and Royal Caribbean does a great job with it.

After dinner, we wandered the top deck as the ship lights came on, the rail catching the city glow as Miami slowly slipped away into the horizon. The ship has its own nighttime rhythms: Michele headed to a show, I spent a few moments in the casino, and Martin immediately disappeared into Social 100 with his new friends. There’s a practical reason for teens to go that first night: the icebreakers and orientation events make it incredibly easy to meet people right away.

Later, we met up at Café Promenade for coffee and a low-key debrief of the day. The ship hummed beneath us as she sailed south towards the Bahamas. Day 1 was officially done, a seamless transition from Orlando to the open sea.


DAY 2 — SEA DAY ADVENTURE


I wake early on Day 2, the way I do on every sea day—the glorious quiet is the ship’s best amenity. Coffee in hand, I stand on our balcony and watch the sun lift over the horizon. Everything feels slow, perfectly paced, and utterly peaceful.

Sea days are for rediscovery. The pools are quiet in the early morning, towels are perfectly folded, and the crew is arranging chairs. We started with Windjammer for a full family breakfast—eggs, fruit, and crispy hashbrowns. The buffet is lively but calm; the mood is easygoing.


Behind the Scenes Tour

Behind the scenes tour - this is one of many kitchens on board Wonder of the Seas

Touring one of many kitchens on Wonder of the Seas.

One highlight of our day was a behind-the-scenes tour of Wonder of the Seas. This is a special experience that truly puts the ship's scale into perspective. Walking through the main kitchen, the enormous bakery, and the refrigerated storage rooms reminds you just how much goes into feeding thousands of guests and crew members at sea. The bakery smells warm and sweet—and I was shocked to learn that everything is made from scratch, with the kitchens running 24 hours a day. Our guide explained how the ship carries extra provisions during hurricane season in case we need to be diverted. It’s a powerful reminder of the precision and logistics behind all the fun.

The kitchens operate 24 hours a day, with 3 shifts doing everything from food prep, cooking, to baking and clean up.

After the tour, we were scheduled for the rock climbing wall. It looks deceptively easier from the ground than when you're halfway up. The holds shrink as the wall tilts outward, and the blue ocean drops away thousands of feet behind you. Traveler Tip: The ship provides climbing shoes, but not socks—so plan ahead and bring a pair! The climb is exhilarating, and the perspective from the top is absolutely stunning.

We passed the water slides on our way to the Boardwalk, where a Family Fun Day was underway. These events fill the space with laughter, games, and the delicious smell of popcorn. We made a spontaneous stop at The Dog House for a grilled sausage—it’s an easy, handheld snack just because, well, it’s right there and it’s included. Nearby, Sugar Beach tempts with candy displays and bright colors. It's not included, but the prices are fair, and exploring a candy shop is always a fun little detour.



A Flight Over the Boardwalk

Me on a zip line going across the top deck on Wonder of the Seas

I never thought I would be ziiplining across the top of a cruise ship!

Lunch was again at Windjammer—variety is its real selling point, as you know from my other cruise videos. Afterward, I found time to try the famous zip line, a short but dramatic flight nine decks above the Boardwalk. It’s quick, exhilarating, and surprisingly scenic, but definitely not for the faint of heart! You have to see the footage of the view from the zip line in the video—it’s incredible.

By midafternoon, I’m in Central Park with a coffee. Real plants, quiet music, and warm sunlight filtering through the canopy—it’s easily my favorite quiet space on the ship, a true oasis within an oasis. Later, a nap felt unavoidable, which was perfect, as we had more plans this evening.

Dinner tonight was again in the Main Dining Room. Michele ordered shrimp, Martin went for steak, and I chose the butter chicken—a mild, flavorful Royal Caribbean classic that I always enjoy. Afterward, we wandered into the casino again—just long enough for a little bit of luck—then finished at Café Promenade for late-night pastries and coffee. The ship hummed a gentle lullaby, and we were rested and ready for our first port.





DAY 3 — NASSAU, BAHAMAS

Passengers walking back to the cruise ship terminal in Nassau Bahamas

The cruise port in Nassau, Bahamas is completely refurbished. It’s cleaner, brighter and safer.

Good morning from Nassau, Bahamas! Day 3 begins with a walk around the ship and then a run on the track. Roughly 2.4 laps equals one mile, and watching the harbor grow closer each lap feels incredibly motivating. The air is warm and humid, and the sunrise hits the ship just right.

Michele met me for coffee at Central Park Café—it’s calm and breezy, a rare quiet space onboard that we both cherish. After breakfast, we headed forward to the Solarium, the adults-only pool area. With its warm whirlpools, plenty of shade, and panoramic sea views, it’s an underrated place to relax before a port day. It’s where you go when you need a moment away from the main pool deck energy.

Next up: a fun, spontaneous pickleball tournament on the sports deck. It’s easy to join, incredibly social, and great fun with that endless ocean backdrop. The fact that the entire ship is full of easy-to-access activities like this is what sets an Oasis Class ship apart.

We’ve visited Nassau before, so today’s plan was simple: a short walk along Bay Street, a few souvenir shops, and my traditional Dairy Queen stop (a necessary ritual!). Disembarkation was quick and organized—tap your SeaPass, and you’re free to go.



Turning Ice into an Arena



The Laser Tag arena on Wonder of the Seas - a massive inflatable fortress.

The laser tag area is a giant inflatable fortress with several rooms and hiding spots. It’s great fun for everyone.

Back onboard, I grabbed a cappuccino from Starbucks on the Promenade, then headed to laser tag in Studio B. This is one of the coolest uses of space at sea—the actual ice rink is transformed into a glowing, multi-level arena for a battle between the aliens and the robots. Trust me on this: Book it as soon as you get onboard on Day 1 in the Cruise Planner; spots go fast. They can usually accommodate some walk-ups, but don't risk it!

Dinner was again in the Main Dining Room. Michele had bolognese, Martin took the steak, and I tried the risotto. It was reliable, well-prepared, and served with the consistency that makes Royal Caribbean’s dining team shine.

After dinner, we walked the Promenade—Boleros’ music spilled out, and the Bionic Bar drew a small crowd as the robotic arms mixed drinks with surprising efficiency. The Rising Tide Bar glided upward slowly between decks, carrying guests and drinks together in a silent ascent.

Later, Martin joined friends at the FlowRider surf simulator. Michelle and I did a little "spying" just to see how he did—a classic parent move. He was having a blast, and you have to watch the video to see the footage of the wipeouts!

We wrapped the night with a quick stop at Sorrento’s Pizza. Late-night slices are practically a cruise ritual on Wonder of the Seas. We ended the evening with a quiet stroll through Central Park, which is dramatically lit up at night. Fellow passengers were having romantic dinners in the specialty restaurants, and a soft jazz band played in the courtyard. It’s truly hard to believe this beautiful, serene garden is on a moving cruise ship, and it was a perfect way to end Day 3.



DAY 4 — PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

I’m up before sunrise with a coffee from Café Promenade, walking the ship while everyone is still asleep. There’s something special about watching an island appear from the deck—bright, turquoise water, soft light, and the promise of a perfect day ahead. We’re arriving at Royal Caribbean’s private island: Perfect Day at CocoCay.

We stepped off early and caught the tram to Hideaway Beach, the new adults-only section of CocoCay. This is a paid upgrade—it was $35 per person on this sailing—and I can tell you right now: It is worth it. It’s a world apart, offering calm water, an open infinity pool, food, music, and plenty of loungers, but never a crowd. If you're looking for an escape, this is it.

Martin joined us later at the main Oasis Lagoon, the massive family pool with built-in bar seating. The atmosphere here is livelier—families playing, DJ music, and a tropical energy that feels very different from other private islands.

We decided to skip Thrill Waterpark this time; we’ve done it before and wanted a more relaxed day. Instead, we wandered, swam, and stopped at Skipper’s Grill for lunch—burgers, salads, and plenty of shaded seating. Everything here is fantastic, but there’s also the Snack Shack, which serves one of my all-time favorite chicken sandwiches and some excellent mozzarella sticks. The best part? All the food on the island is included. For all the tips, I have an entire video dedicated to Perfect Day at Coco Cay, and I'll add that link in the description too.


See my Top 10 Tips for visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay

The Grand Finale Preparations

By early afternoon, we were back onboard. With most guests still on the island, the ship felt wonderfully empty—perfect for some final exploring.

We headed to the Ultimate Abyss, the dry slide that drops ten decks down. The thought of it is terrifying—a swirling slide on the side of a massive ship—but it’s actually more fun than scary. In fact, it looks much worse than it is, but it's a huge rush. You need to watch the video to truly appreciate the speed of the descent!

Wonder of the Seas slide: the ultimate abyss

The side spans 10 decks! But it looks worse than it is. It’s actually great fun and kids love it.

Afterward, Martin and I found ourselves in the arcade. We purchased game credits with our SeaPass Cards and ended up having some unexpected father/son time that became one of the unexpected highlights of the trip. It’s those little, unplanned moments that really stand out sometimes.

Dinner tonight was at The Mason Jar. It’s a specialty restaurant with Southern-inspired dishes and live country music. It’s rare for us to spring for specialty dining, but Royal Caribbean gave us a great special offer, and we decided to try it. I ordered the phenomenal fried chicken, Michele went for the salmon, and Martin stuck with a gourmet burger. It’s a warm, lively setting, and the service was beyond excellent.

After dinner, we made our way to the AquaTheater for the headline show, inTENse. This is one of the most elaborate performances at sea—synchronized swimmers, aerialists flying high above the deck, and high-diving acts that truly seem to defy gravity. We sat near the back for the wide view—a perfect balance of lighting, sound, and scale. I won't give away the climax, but trust me when I say you have to watch the video to believe the final high-dive act.

We ended the night playing mini golf on the top deck under the glow of neon lights. It was a fun, casual family moment. Before bed, a quick casino visit (with another little win!), then Café Promenade for one last dessert and coffee. We packed lightly for the morning and left our balcony door open to hear the ocean.

DAY 5 — FAREWELL

It’s the final morning, and that quiet buzz returns—the one that always comes at the end of a cruise. Breakfast was in the Main Dining Room—French toast, coffee, and a calm, unhurried goodbye to the trip.

Wonder of the Seas isn’t subtle—it’s engineered spectacle, delivered with precision and energy. But it’s also full of quiet corners, friendly crew, and a wonderful rhythm that allows you to slow down and take it all in. From the smooth ride down on Brightline to the dizzying heights of the Ultimate Abyss, this trip was a masterclass in modern cruising.

If you want to see the rock climbing wall from my perspective, the thrilling footage from the zip line, the amazing acrobatics of inTENse, and all the details of our incredible Brightline journey, you absolutely must watch the video!

Give the video a like and let me know in the comments what you would like to see next. And now, here comes another one of my videos that YouTube has picked just for you.

Click here to watch the full 5-day adventure on Wonder of the Seas!


About Darren: 

Darren is an Orlando-based travel writer and YouTuber who specializes in helping travelers make the most of their vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises. Through detailed travel guides, reviews, and insider tips, Darren gives families, couples, and first-time visitors everything they need to plan magical Orlando theme park trips and unforgettable cruise adventures.

🎥 Watch his latest videos and travel guides on YouTube: Orlando Parks Guy


Search for more information on my blog.


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Wonder of the Seas - Activities for Kids | Royal Caribbean

Activities for kids and families on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas. The largest cruise ship in the world.

What can kids do on Royal Caribbeans Wonder of the Seas? Let me start by saying the kids club is just the beginning. Here are my top activities for kids and families on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas


Laser Tag: Clash for the Crystal City


The story goes that sometime in the distant future. Two teams battle it out in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag faceoff in a frozen-themed wasteland. 

The course itself is a massive inflatable castle, that is set up in Studio B, the ship’s indoor ice rink.

laser tag on Wonder of the Seas

The ice is covered with carpet so you won’t slip but shoes are required for this. 

Children must be at least 5 years old to play and 40 inches but it’s not just for kids. It’s a great activity for families or even if the kids can play themselves while you watch. 
Here’s a tip: you need to make reservations once onboard Wonder of the Seas, so on Day 1 scroll through the Daily Planner in the Royal Caribbean app to see which days laser tag is being offered.

Chances are you’ll want to play more than once so sign up for a few games. Stand-by spots are also available but you know…it’s standby so who knows if you’re going to get in. Better to make a reservation.

Wonder PlayScape

For your little ones, Wonder PlayScape is an underwater-themed world with slides, child-size climbing walls, games, and puzzles.

Wonder of the Seas | Royal Caribbean | Wonder Playscape

And by night, the playscape transforms into an otherworldly seascape with special lighting and effects. 

Adult supervision is required here but there are places to sit. Or, you can get in on the fun and play together. 

Boardwalk on Wonder of the Seas

The Boardwalk Neighborhood located on deck 6 aft, is where you’ll find complimentary carousel rides and even special events like the Family Fun Day Carnival.

Carousel on Wonder of the Seas - Royal Caribbean

The carnival has a chocolate fountain, cotton candy machines, games for kids,and live entertainment.

Be sure to check the daily planner on the Royal Caribbean app for special events on the Boardwalk.

These events are popular so I recommend getting there a few minutes early. 

But of course, the carousel is the main attraction here. Those are hand-carved horses by the way!

The Boardwalk Neighborhood also has the Dog House featuring hot dogs and brats. 

All of this is included in your cruise fare. 

Ultimate Abyss

There are 2 kinds of people in the world. Those who think sliding down 10 stories on Wonder of the Seas, sounds exciting, and those who think it sounds terrifying.

Well, it’s actually not as terrifying as it looks.

Ultimate Abyss Slide on Wonder of the Seas
Ultimate Abyss Slide on Wonder of the Seas - Royal Caribbean

It’s a regular slide, not a water slide, and you sit in on a mat all the way down.

You can actually control how fast you go once inside by pulling up on the front handle.

While it is thrilling, it’s not as intimidating as you might think.

Inside there are lighting and sound effects that make it even more exciting.

wonder of the seas ultimate abyss slide

Just remember that when come to a stop at the bottom, you’ll be on Deck 6 - the Boardwalk and you will need to take an elevator back up.

The minimum highest is 44” and you do not need reservations. 

Adventure Ocean Kids Club

Royal Caribbean ships are of course family ships, but Wonder of the Seas takes it to the next level. Adventure Ocean is way beyond a kids club. 

Adventure Ocean - Wonder of the Seas - Kids Club

Adventure Ocean is included for children between the ages of 3 and 11. 

Inside there are plenty of activities just for kids like science experiments, an Imagination Studio presented by Crayola, scheduled character appearances starring popular DreamWorks characters, and scavenger hunts. 

They also have field trips to the sports courts, and video arcades where the games are free movie nights (even Disney movies which I think is awesome...because well, you know, this isn’t Disney Cruise Line). 

Kids may also be escorted to Windjammers buffet for dinner - they even have their own little buffet.

kids buffet on Wonder of the Seas

Adventure Ocean is open from about 9 am to 10 pm, but it does close periodically so be sure to check to schedule.

On Port Days it’s typically open the entire time Wonder of the Seas is in port. 

Adventure Ocean Late Night Party starts at 10 pm, for $7 per hour. Kids can stay until 2 am.

I recommend you attend the Adventure Ocean open house on Embarkation Day. You can meet the crew and register your child. You can also play together in the different spaces during open house. 

Babies and Tots Programs on Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas has a babies program just for those between the ages of 6 months and 18 months in Adventure Ocean Babies.  

Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas Babies and Tots

Adventure Ocean Junior is for children ages 18 months to 36 months. They must be potty trained to enter. 

A small fee applies to both AO Babies and AO Junior which is about $7 per hour. 

Social 100 Teen Club

Teens age 13 - 17 have their own space on board too - and Wonder of the Seas really does a great job of giving them options and variety.

Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas Teen Club

They will just be so thrilled to get some space (and believe me, you will too!)

There are 2 parts, the Social 100 Club on Deck 16, an indoor place to chill, play video games, and socialize.

They also have planned activities at the sports deck in the evenings. 

Plus there’s a private Social 100 outdoor area on Deck 17.

Here they have places to chill, and sit in the hot tub, there’s even a refreshment bar serving non-alcoholic beverages.

Wonder of the Seas - Teen Club
Wonder of the Seas Teen Club - Social 100 - Royal Caribbean

Teens are allowed to come and go as they please. 

If you have a teen who is going by themselves, I recommend they attend on the first night. The crew does introductions and icebreakers so the kids can make friends.

Also on Day 1 parents can tour the teen club and register.

wonder of the seas - teen club - social 100

The Perfect Storm

There’s a water park located on the pool deck which features dual racer sides, the first boomerang-style and headfirst mat racer waterslides at sea, and a Champagne bowl slide, where after braving the slide, you emerge in a giant "bowl" before sliding down one more tube.

wonder of the seas - water slides

Oh, I know what you’re thinking - sounds like a toilet bowl. Exactly! 

This onboard water park is included with your cruise fare.

Height and weight restrictions apply, I recommend these slides for those ages 7 and up. 

Splashaway Bay

"wonder of the seas" splashaway bay

Pint-sized cruisers can have a blast too in Splashaway Bay water park.

This water playscape features colorful waterslides, water cannons, fountains, pools, and whirlpools for tots to tweens (and their supervising parents).

Kids must be potty trained. The slide has a minimum height requirement of 42”. 

Wonder of the Seas Zip Line

You are suspended on the Zip Line nine decks up above the Boardwalk Neighborhood on Wonder of the Seas.

It’s hard to imagine that this can be done on a cruise ship! The zip line is open to kids age 12+ and a minimum of 52”. A parent must be present. 

zip line on "wonder of the seas" Royal Caribbean
zip line on wonder of the seas

You’ll need closed-toe shoes with laces so, don’t forget those. The zip line is included in your fare, no reservation is required.

Check the daily planner in the Royal app for times once onboard. 

Flowrider Surf Simulator

This surf simulator is one of the most popular activities for kids and adults alike. Reservations are recommended -make them in the Royal app. If your child is new to surfing, they offer boogie boarding in addition to stand-up surfing. 

Private lessons are also available starting at around $70.

Surf Simulator - Flow Rider - Wonder of the Seas

If they get the hang of it, expect a big cheer from the crowd. We all know it’s not easy so it’s nice to see others cheer them on.

Wiping out is inevitable but don’t worry, Flowrider is basically a giant trampoline with water, so you just bounce around until coming to a rest.

Still, you will need to pass a quick physical agility test and sign a waiver so you should allow for additional time prior to your reservation time. 

Wonder Dunes Mini-Golf

I recommend playing miniature golf at night. Why? Because it’s hot on the top deck during the day.

But Wonder of The Seas has something special: nighttime lighting effects.

Wonder of the Seas - mini-golf

This is actually a great activity that the entire family can enjoy together.

It’s included with your cruise and you can play as many times as you like. No reservations are required. 

Wonder of the Seas Sports Court

The sports court is always busy, especially with teens looking to play basketball. Social 100 will sometimes have activities planned here as well in the evenings. 

Spotlight Karaoke

From show tunes or shower tunes, your entire family can sing your favorite hits with thousands of popular songs to choose from.

Reservations are required and they can be made in the Royal app once onboard. This is a popular activity so I recommend reserving on Day 1.

Wonder of the Seas Arcade

The arcade on Wonder of the Seas isn’t as popular as other ships probably because there are so many other activities for kids.

But you’ll find a good mix of games from the 80s, 90s, and today.

The games are not included in your cruise fare but the Adventure Ocean team sometimes brings the kids over for free play. 

Rock Climbing Wall

Rock climbing walls have become a guest favorite on Royal Caribbean ships and Wonder of the Seas has 2! Both are located in the aft, just behind the Boardwalk Neighborhood. These 30 ft tall rock walls are open to kids age 6+.

wonder-of-the-seas-rock-climbing

Rock climbing is supervised by crew members and they are great about encouraging kids to keep going. It’s much harder than it looks.

Kids can safely and slowly repel back down - which is the fun part!

Reservations are not needed and it is included with your cruise fare.

Just remember to bring a pair of socks because special rock climbing shoes will be provided.

Intense Aqua-Theater Performance

Kids might not immediately be too fond of having to sit through a show but Intense on Wonder of the Seas is different.

wonder-of-the-seas Intense aqua theater show

It’s a high-energy show with powerful music and has everything from pool plunging to tightrope teetering and beyond.

This show is extremely popular and has limited seating so you definitely want to make a reservation in the Royal app as soon as you’re on board.

Arrive 30 minutes prior to show time to secure a good seat.

I also recommend sitting towards the rear of the theater as some performances take palace over the audience. 

Kid-Friendly Food on Wonder of the Seas

From the Sorrentos Pizza to the cutest buffet line called KidJammers, there are plenty of kid-friendly dining options onboard Wonder of the Seas.

wonder-of-the-seas-buffet

Even the main dining room is kid friendly.

It’s a great time to see if they want to try something new because almost everything is included in your cruise fare. If they don’t like it, that’s ok, they can order something else.

I got my son to try Escargot as an appetizer. It didn’t go well, but hey, he tried it and it was really funny to watch.

Need expert help planning your next cruise? Get started here ▸


Thank you so much for being so patient with us. We had a great first cruise. Your advice was spot on especially with the dining package.
— Wendy D. New Brunswick, New Jersey


Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.

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Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.


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World’s Largest Cruise Ship, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas Coming to Central Florida

The world’s only 7,000-passenger ship is sailing from Central Florida.

The world’s largest cruise ship is now calling Port Canaveral home. Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas sails from Cruise Terminal One in Orlando (Port Canaveral) Florida.

Port Canaveral is located about 60 minutes east of Orlando, Florida. If you’re visiting Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando Resort, you can easily add a Royal Caribbean cruise to your vacation.

See my Easy Guide to Wonder of the Seas ▸

Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas | Royal Caribbean

From Port Canaveral (Orlando, FL) Wonder of the Seas offers Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries including stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island.

What makes Wonder of the Seas different

  • Eight unique neighborhoods on the ship, including an all-new suite neighborhood

  • A redesigned pool deck

  • An AquaTheater with entertainment and ocean views

  • An all-new Playscape with slides, climbing walls, and games

  • Fan favorites like the FlowRider and Ultimate Abyss

This Royal Caribbean Oasis Class Cruise ship can hold nearly 7,000 passengers and 2,300 crew members, making it the largest passenger ship in the world.

Wonder of the Seas - Royal Caribbean

Wonder of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship.

Wonder of the Seas specializes in family-focused cruises that rival land vacations like those to Walt Disney World by offering a wide array of activities onboard and a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas | Royal Caribbean

Wonder is 236,857 gross tons, measures 1,188 feet in length, and has a maximum passenger capacity of 6,988 passengers, in addition to 2,300 crew.

Royal Caribbean - Wonder of the Seas Top Deck

Bookings for Wonder of the Sea’s Orlando itinerary are available now. The is very high demand to travel on the largest cruise ship in the world. Don’t wait to book!

Contact me to start planning and to receive special offers.

Start Planning Now

Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.

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