Royal Caribbean has certainly been making headline news recently with new ship launches, ship refurbishments and the rebranding of Perfect Day at CocoCay. Today, Royal Caribbean announced that their fifth Oasis Class ship will be named Wonder of the Seas and be homeported in Shanghai, China. Wonder of the Seas will not be the first Royal Caribbean ship to call Shanghai home. Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean launched Spectrum of the Seas, the line’s first Quantum Ultra class ship which sails a regular schedule of cruises from Shanghai year-round. Royal Caribbean also operates two other vessels in Asia, Quantum of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas.
Also Read: Spectrum of the Seas joins the Royal Caribbean Fleet
The details were revealed by Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley at a global cruise industry conference event held in Shanghai. Slated for a highly anticipated debut In 2021, the world’s largest cruise ship will introduce a new era of cruising as the first of the renowned Oasis Class to sail the Asia Pacific.
Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean President and CEO said:
“Royal Caribbean is known for its innovation and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and an Oasis Class ship in China is proof of that,”
“Wonder of the Seas will redefine the ultimate vacation and be revolutionary in her own right, and she marks one of Royal Caribbean’s most exciting chapters to come.”
Today also marked an important milestone for Wonder of the Seas. Halfway around the world in Saint-Nazaire, France, Wonder’s keel was lowered into place at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, marking the start of the ship’s physical construction. During what is known as the keel-laying ceremony, a 970-ton block, measuring 155 feet by 65 feet, was lifted onto the building dock with a 1,400-ton crane.
Wonder of the Seas Gallery
Wonder of the Seas will take the spotlight as world’s largest cruise ship from the current holder, Symphony of the Seas, when she debuts in 2021. Wonder of the Seas will likely incorporate many of the same design elements including the iconic seven-neighborhood concept that her sister ships feature, and will likely have offerings specific to the Asian market. From the initial rendering, Wonder of the Seas looks to be sporting a sleeker design, new top-side venues, including the replacement of the starboard FlowRider for an outdoor lounge. The basketball court has been moved to the opposite side and looks more like a street ball court and there is now what appears to be a park where the basketball court was typically located.
Also Watch: Symphony of the Seas – Ultimate Cruise Ship Tour
More information on Wonder of the Seas itineraries and brand-new adventures will be announced soon.
