Travel Agent is aboard Royal Caribbean International’s new 5,734-passenger Wonder of the Seas this week as it sails a Bahamas/Caribbean itinerary roundtrip from Port Everglades, FL. It’s the ship’s first revenue cruise from South Florida, where it will operate voyages for several weeks, prior to repositioning to the Mediterranean for summer 2022 and then to Port Canaveral, FL, to sail Caribbean voyages later this year.
Fifth Oasis-Class Ship
This is the line’s fifth Oasis-class ship, and a sixth, yet-unnamed sister is on the horizon, executives say. Spanning 18 decks (16 of those guest decks), Wonder of the Seas is 236,857 gross tons, 210 feet wide and 1,188 feet long.
What’s new and different? This ship has eight neighborhoods including the new Suite Neighborhood, which we’ll have the opportunity to tour later this week.
The ship also has a totally redesigned pool deck with more ways to soak up the sun and a two-story poolside bar, The Lime & Coconut. AquaTheater also has a new backdrop. Plus, the new Wonder Playscape recreates the underwater world with slides, climbing walls and games; it’s designed for all ages.
New Specialty Restaurant, The Mason Jar
Today, Travel Agent toured and dined at The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar, a new specialty dining experience on Wonder of the Seas. Located on Deck 15 aft adjacent to the Windjammer Marketplace, this eatery delivers the tastes of the U.S. South. Cruisers can chow down on everything from low-country classics to bayou staples and barbeque favorites.
At dinner time, “live” country music is on tap. During our voyage, the "Country Crew Trio LIVE!" entertained.
What’s on the menu at The Mason Jar? Cruisers will find such tasty dishes as Creole-style “Lobster ’n Crawfish Gumbo” and “Gran’s Fried Chicken.” A brunch menu also offers breakfast dishes such as “Sweet-Tooth Cinnamon Roll” or savory southern “Chicken ’n Waffles.”
Royal Caribbean suggests allotting 90 minutes to two hours for the dining experience.
This eatery has a cover charge of $24.99 per person for brunch, $39.99 per person for dinner, and $10.99 for children six to 12 years of age. Beverages are an added charge. The Mason Jar's bar and restaurant are open from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. but late night service is from 9:30 p.m.to 1 a.m.
Stay tuned next week for more on that Suite Neighborhood.
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