When it's time to "do it all" in terms of robust choices for cruise activities, dining and entertainment, Royal Caribbean International's new Wonder of the Seas, delivers the goods. Yet, this fifth Oasis-class ship—the world's largest cruise ship—also offers plenty of spaces to chill out and relax.
Staying in luxurious suite accommodations is one way for cruisers to relax and indulge, and with this new ship's design, Royal Caribbean created an eighth neighborhood, called the "Suite Neighborhood." It's a pampering ship-within-a-ship enclave. Here's a snapshot look.
Wonder of the Seas: Suite Neighborhood
Travel Agent toured the exclusive Suite Neighborhood last Thursday while on board. Located on Decks 17 and 18, this ship-within-a-ship enclave is exclusive, private and offers plenty of space for suite guests to spread out. The entry area on Deck 17 is shown in the photo below.
Nearby is the exclusive Suite Lounge, where suite guests can relax, read a good book, socialize with fellow suite guests, enjoy a coffee or cocktail and more. The lounge offers comfortable, upholstered couches and chairs in individual seating areas. Guests enjoy exterior views through floor-to-ceiling glass.
Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean's senior vice president of sales, trade support and service, tells Travel Agent that the Suite Lounge offers complimentary drinks and appetizers for the ship's suite guests during cocktail hour.
In addition, the Suite Lounge has a concierge desk area staffed by several hotel department crew members. Here, suite guests can request specialty dining reservations, arrange for shore excursions, set up an in-suite cocktail party, ask about account charges, set up private cars/drivers during port days and more.
Another exclusive space within the Suite Neighborhood is Coastal Kitchen.This specialty restaurant is a popular favorite with suite guests as it's offered on many of the line's other ships.
Suite-Only Sun Deck
Most notable is that Wonder of the Seas' Suite Neighborhood has a newly designed Sun Deck, so suite guests have access to a new infinity plunge pool, in-water loungers overlooking the sea and a full bar.
"Our suite guests have been asking us for even more exclusivity especially when it comes to the suite-only Sun Deck with the plunge pool," Freed notes.
More Suite Accommodation Choices
In addition, Freed says that for this ship the line moved Sky Class Suites to the Suite Neighborhood—joining the Royal Class Suites there. "Royal Caribbean has always been about 'choice' and now with the Suite Neighborhood we can offer more choice then ever." she says, citing suite categories and exclusivity.
"While our two-story loft suites are a big hit with guests, there are some guests that want luxury but only one-story," she adds.
On Deck 17 within the Suite Neighborhood, guests can stay in 28 one-level Grand Suites on Deck 17. There's one accessible Grand Suite, No. 1752. Shown above and below are photos of the living area and bathroom of Grand Suite, No. 1770.
The Ultimate Family Suite
In addition, the Suite Neighborhood's Deck 18 suites include what the line describes as the grandest Ultimate Family Suite in its fleet. Spanning 1,134 square feet inside and 212 square feet on the outside private balcony, this two-level loft suite (just one on the ship) can accommodate up to 10 people. This suite was occupied during our sailing, so we couldn't check it out. But it offers many fun family features, including an air hockey table and table tennis on the balcony. Bed-wise, the Ultimate Family Suite has two king-sized beds, four twin-size bunk beds and a pull-out double sofa bed.
In addition, on Deck 18, there is one, two-level Royal Loft Suite with 1,524 square feet of space, plus an 843-square-foot private balcony. This contemporary suite has two sets of two twin beds that convert to Royal King beds, as well as one double sofa bed.
Other Deck 18 suites include eight 545-square-foot Crown Loft Suites with a 114-square-foot balcony. These two-level urban lofts offer contemporary décor and guest baths. Plus, there are 10 one-bedroom, 556-square-foot Owner's Suites; those have two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed, and one double sofa bed, accommodating up to four people in those suites. The suites also have a 243-square-foot balcony.
In addition, while not situated within the suite complex, "there are Star Class suites and other suites outside of deck 17 and 18—Aqua Theater Suites, for example—that have access to the private suite area," says Freed.
Wonder of the Seas will be sailing in the Caribbean for just a few weeks more. Then the vessel heads to Europe for the summer 2022 Mediterranean season, sailing between Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome). The ship will return to the U.S. later this year and homeport at Port Canaveral, FL.
For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.
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