Royal Caribbean’s new cruise ship, which will be the biggest in the world when it launches in 2022

This is Royal Caribbean’s epic new cruise ship, which will be the biggest in the world when it launches in 2022.

Called Wonder of the Seas, the vessel will be based in Shanghai, China, and will feature an 82ft- (25m) long, 10-deck-high zip line as well as Ultimate Abyss – the tallest slide at sea at 10 storeys high.

It is currently under construction in Saint-Nazaire, France, and is 1,188ft (362m) long, 210ft (64m) wide and weighs 236,857 tonnes. It features a total of 18 decks, will have 2,867 staterooms and will accommodate up to 6,988 guests.

Royal Caribbean’s epic new cruise ship Wonder of the Seas will be the biggest in the world when it launches in 2022. It is pictured in Saint Nazaire, France, in September 2020

Wonder of the Seas is 1,188ft (362m) long, 210ft (64m) wide and weighs 236,857 tonnes. It features a total of 18 decks, 2,867 staterooms and will accommodate up to 6,988 guests

Wonder of the Seas is 1,188ft (362m) long, 210ft (64m) wide and weighs 236,857 tonnes. It features a total of 18 decks, 2,867 staterooms and will accommodate up to 6,988 guests

Royal Caribbean says that the Oasis-class ship will have ‘the signature amenities the world’s largest and unmatched ships are known for since they first revolutionised cruising more than a decade ago, including the unique neighbourhood concept’.

Wonder of the Seas will have eight neighbourhoods that guests can explore.

The Central Park area will feature ‘the first living park at sea, home to more than 20,000 plants — not to mention some of the fleet’s most coveted speciality restaurants and high-end boutiques’.

Boardwalk will be a stretch at the end of the ship with twin rock-climbing walls, a classic carousel and an ‘open-air AquaTheater’.

Wonder of the Seas is transferred to its outfitting dock at a shipyard in France in September 2020. The vessel will feature an 82ft- (25m) long, 10-deck-high zip line as well as Ultimate Abyss - the tallest slide at sea at 10-storeys high

Wonder of the Seas is transferred to its outfitting dock at a shipyard in France in September 2020. The vessel will feature an 82ft- (25m) long, 10-deck-high zip line as well as Ultimate Abyss – the tallest slide at sea at 10-storeys high

Wonder of the Seas is due to arrive in Shanghai in March 2022

Wonder of the Seas is due to arrive in Shanghai in March 2022

The Pool & Sports Zone will be home to the zip line and the Ultimate Abyss slide as well as pools, whirlpools and a FlowRider surf simulator. There will also be basketball and volleyball courts as well as a mini-golf course.

The Entertainment Place neighbourhood is where ‘world-class performers light up the stage night after night in headline shows and original productions at the Royal Theater’.

Meanwhile, the Royal Promenade will be the ‘pulsing heart of the ship, where shopping, dining and entertainment come together’.

The ship will also have a Vitality Spa and Fitness Center, a Youth Zone that includes a nursery for infants and toddlers, and a dedicated space for teenagers.

The final neighbourhood is the new Suite Neighbourhood, which is just for suite guests.

Royal Caribbean explains: ‘The new neighbourhood provides a private experience like no other, featuring world-class dining, a new sun deck for unparalleled ocean views, a private lounge and restaurant and much more.

‘Moreover, loved ones can make it the getaway of a lifetime when they book the expansive and beloved Ultimate Family Suite.’

Wonder of the Seas is due to arrive in Shanghai in March 2022 and its inaugural season cruises of four to nine-night sailings through the Far East are now open for bookings.

The vessel's keel is lowered into place in a ceremony at a shipyard in Saint Nazaire in October 2019, marking the start of the ship’s physical construction

The vessel’s keel is lowered into place in a ceremony at a shipyard in Saint Nazaire in October 2019, marking the start of the ship’s physical construction

Royal Caribbean says: ‘On the horizon for vacationers with their sights on a getaway aboard Wonder are visits to popular destinations in Asia. Between March and November 2022, guests can sail roundtrip from Shanghai to Japan, where they can immerse themselves in the local sights and sounds.

‘From pleasing their palate in Osaka, to exploring the nation’s oldest official residence in Fukuoka, to tasting the best beef in Kobe and enjoying the natural scenery of the islands of Okinawa, all senses can be fulfilled on these culture-rich itineraries. 

‘The combination of ports of call to choose from also include Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Ishigaki and Miyazaki, Japan.

A rendering showing what Wonder of the Seas will look like when it is complete. It will have eight neighbourhoods that guests can explore

A rendering showing what Wonder of the Seas will look like when it is complete. It will have eight neighbourhoods that guests can explore

Royal Caribbean says: 'On the horizon for vacationers with their sights on a getaway aboard Wonder are visits to popular destinations in Asia'

Royal Caribbean says: ‘On the horizon for vacationers with their sights on a getaway aboard Wonder are visits to popular destinations in Asia’ 

‘Wonder will transition to warmer climates and homeport in Hong Kong, November 2022 through January 2023, to offer highly anticipated Christmas and New Year’s holiday sailings to several ports of call. 

‘Part of the destination lineup are Chan May, Vietnam; Busan and Jeju, South Korea; Kochi and Okinawa, Japan; and Taipei, China.’

Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said: ‘China continues to be one of the most important parts of the world for Royal Caribbean. We have won the trust of our partners and the favour of travellers and built on that significantly since we first set sail 12 years ago.

Currently, the world's largest cruise ship is Symphony of the Seas, pictured. It is another vessel in Royal Caribbean's fleet

Currently, the world’s largest cruise ship is Symphony of the Seas, pictured. It is another vessel in Royal Caribbean’s fleet

‘By introducing Wonder of the Seas and the iconic Oasis Class to China, our strong commitment to the market’s growth is reaffirmed yet again for years to come.

‘It will be a remarkable moment to see years of partnership realised when the industry’s newest, most innovative ship becomes Shanghai’s new city skyline and takes cruise travel beyond imagination.’

Currently, the world’s largest cruise ship is Symphony of the Seas – another vessel in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.

It too has 18 decks, is 1,118ft-long, 215.5ft wide, weighs 228,000 tonnes and can accommodate 6,680 guests.

The ship was launched in 2018, is currently based in Miami and sails itineraries around the Caribbean.