Royal Caribbean Officially Names The Largest Cruise Ship In The World

Royal Caribbean welcomed Wonder of the Seas to its fleet with a beautiful naming ceremony in Port Canaveral last week that emphasized the essence of family.

Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said that on looking around, he sees the firm’s loyal guests. He sees the firm’s incredible employees, both shoreside and shipboard. He sees many partners. I see travel advisors. But above everything, he said that he considers families. He added that since March 2022, over 180,000 guests had made it to the Wonder of the Seas, creating wonderful vacation memories for their families and them.

In his speech, Bayley called out Alex Lockwood, one of Royal Caribbean’s own family, a housekeeping team member, who has been associated with Royal Caribbean for almost 40 years and, per Bayley’s estimate, has played a crucial role in creating unforgettable memories for nearly 1.4 million guests.

Highlighting the shipping line’s commitment toward families, “Wonder Mom” Marie McCrea was chosen as the godmother for the ship after a long search for just the ideal woman on TikTok.

Every vessel needs a guiding spirit, and who can do it better than an incredible mom, Bayley mentioned? 

McCrea was nominated by her eldest daughter and was selected for her fortitude amid great adversity and her joyous spirit. Attendees learned about her whole story in a video detailing how McCrea cared for her severely disabled husband until the end of his life while engaged in her battle with cancer. She did this while raising three children with a joyous outlook on life.

McCrea took over the stage soon after to name and bless the vessel before pressing the button that released a massive bottle of Champagne (equaling 12 bottles) to smash against the ship’s side.

The Wonder of the Seas is the fifth vessel in the line’s Oasis class. Like others, it features many neighbourhoods but is the first to boast a Suite Neighborhood that offers suite-class guests a luxurious, private sun deck coupled with a bar and plunge pool. Other firsts include the first-ever Mason Jar Southern Restaurant and Bar, as well as an underwater-themed kids’ play area, the Wonder Playscape, with a mini-climbing wall, slides, and more.

The Wonder of the Seas sails around the year from Port Canaveral, extending alternating western and eastern Carribean itineraries.

Reference: travelmarketreport, porthole, cruiseradio

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