Wonder of the Seas review: A firsthand look at dining, activities, and what it’s really like onboard

If you're planning a Wonder of the Seas cruise or simply curious about one of Royal Caribbean’s largest ships, let me walk you through exactly what to expect. I recently sailed with a large family group, ages ranging from toddler to 80s, and experienced nearly every corner of this floating city.

This Wonder of the Seas cruise ship review covers it all: from the first jaw-dropping step onto the Royal Promenade to surprise towel animal celebrations, toddler splash zones, lobster dinners, aqua shows, and quiet moments watching the ocean from our connected balconies.

Wondering what to expect on Wonder of the Seas? Here's your answer: it’s massive, meticulously designed, packed with things to do, and surprisingly easy to navigate. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a Royal Caribbean regular, this ship offers something for nearly everyone, though it's not without a few quirks. This isn’t a quiet, boutique cruise — it’s full throttle, all day, every day. But if that sounds like your kind of fun, you won’t be disappointed.

Related: Royal Caribbean ship classes: Best ships by class for 2025

On this page:

• First impressions and boarding
• Staterooms and balcony perks
• Food and dining highlights
• Shows, activities, and nightlife
• Port days: CocoCay, St. Thomas, St. Maarten
• Pros and cons of Wonder of the Seas

Explore sailings on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas:

First impressions and boarding

If you're curious about the Wonder of the Seas boarding process, I can confidently say it was one of the smoothest I've experienced. We sailed out of Port Canaveral, and even with a large group ranging from toddlers to grandparents, we were through security and onto the ship in under 30 minutes. You'll need your passport or ID and your SetSail pass (printed or on your phone) — having those ready made check-in easy and quick.

What surprised me most was boarding the ship itself. You don’t enter through a quiet hallway or basic gangway, you step directly onto Deck 5’s Royal Promenade, right into the heart of the ship. That layout choice isn’t accidental. It sets the tone immediately.

Our gangway funneled us into a glowing indoor boulevard: patterned tiles underfoot, chrome and glass staircases to either side, a massive balloon net overhead (for the Bon Voyage party), and Beyoncé playing over the sound system. To our left, a full-sized red Mustang for photos. To our right, Starbucks, Sorrento’s Pizza, shops, and staff selling keycard lanyards and camera equipment. It was electric and alive, a vibe I was ready for.

For the first-time cruisers in our group, the effect was jaw-dropping. One of them actually stopped walking mid-step and just said, “This is a ship?” That moment of awe, seeing a floating city come to life, is something you never forget.

If you're sailing from Wonder of the Seas embarkation Port Canaveral, rest assured: from check-in to your first bite of pizza, it’s an experience that starts strong and pulls you into vacation mode instantly.

Staterooms and balcony perks

We booked five side-by-side balcony cabins on Deck 8 and asked the steward to open the balcony dividers between them. Instantly, our five small balconies became one long private space, the ultimate setup for a large group cruise. This connected patio became our favorite hangout for morning coffee, dolphin watching, reading, and late-night chats under the stars. For anyone researching connecting balcony cabins Royal Caribbean, I’d say this setup made our cruise feel more like a shared home than five separate hotel rooms, and the refreshing sea air didn't hurt either.

Inside, our cabin was spotless and beautifully designed, a solid example of what you’ll find in any honest Wonder of the Seas balcony stateroom review. We had ample storage, including drawers, closets, and space under the bed. Light wood finishes and warm lighting gave the room a hotel-like feel. A curved glass shower, detachable shower head, and a built-in retractable clothesline made the bathroom more functional than expected. My only disappointment was the extra-tiny nightstands, but the incredibly comfortable bed and cloud-soft pillows more than made up for it.

The cruise ship provided a pack-and-play for my granddaughter and it fit easily between the bed and wall, and our steward made her day with daily towel animals and toy arrangements. He knew all our names by day one and made sure we were never short on towels, pillows, or smiles.

Royal Caribbean regulars take stateroom door decorating seriously, something we hadn’t fully realized. We brought magnetic whiteboards to leave notes for each other, but our neighbors went even further: rubber ducks, handmade magnets, and themed decorations were everywhere. For my parents’ 60th anniversary, our steward went above and beyond — decorating their room with towel swans, rose petals, and glowing tea lights. It was a beautiful, personal touch that made the night unforgettable.

If you’re wondering about the best cabins on Wonder of the Seas for families, I highly recommend mid-ship balcony staterooms near Central Park or the Boardwalk. Ours were just two decks above the Royal Promenade and one deck below Central Park, which made grabbing a snack or morning coffee incredibly convenient, especially with a toddler and elderly parent in tow.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: Bring a whiteboard or magnets. With a group, these little notes make it easier to coordinate, and door decorations just make cruising more fun.

Related: Best cabin on a cruise ship – How to choose the perfect stateroom for your cruise style

Food and dining highlights

When it comes to the food on Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas, I’ll admit, I expected quantity over quality. But we were pleasantly surprised across the board. With over 6,000 guests onboard, the kitchen somehow managed to deliver consistency, variety, and memorable meals in both complementary and specialty venues.

Our group rotated between the Windjammer Marketplace, Main Dining Room, and a few paid restaurants — and we left more impressed than we thought we’d be. If you're looking for an honest Wonder of the Seas dining review, here's the rundown of what stood out:

The Windjammer Buffet became our go-to for relaxed breakfasts and lunches, and immediately impressed us with its hand washing stations. The layout made it easy to navigate (even during peak times), and the food covered every base — from tikka masala and vegetable curry for the vegetarians in our group to roast beef, burgers, and mac and cheese for the more traditional palates. On special days, the staff set up cupcake and cake tables, which felt like a mini celebration every time. The ocean views from the windows made every meal feel scenic, even on sea days.

The Main Dining Room exceeded our expectations. We chose the early seating to have time for evening shows, and the service was consistently warm, familiar, and fast. Our servers remembered our names, dietary preferences, and even had the cheese rolls waiting for us by night three. Theme nights made each dinner feel fresh — French night brought duck à l’orange and escargots; Caribbean night served up jerk chicken, pepper pot soup, and rum cake; and Royal night included lobster tail and filet mignon. My granddaughter’s food always came out first (berries included), which helped keep her calm and happy while we ate.

If you're curious about the best restaurants on Wonder of the Seas, two stood out for our group:

• The Mason Jar: The charred watermelon salad, chicken & waffles, and sky-high red velvet pancakes were Southern comfort food done right. The live country music and swing chairs outside added to the charm.
• Izumi Hibachi: A bit hit with all of us, the performance-style meal included generous portions and a chocolate lava cake that was, no joke, one of the best desserts on the ship.

Casual options came in handy, too. Sorrento’s Pizza (open until 3am) was a favorite for late-night snacks, and Park Café just down the hall from our stateroom offered bagels, premade salads, and roast beef sandwiches that worked for breakfast or quick lunches. Even my dad — not one to exaggerate — said it was “the best pizza at sea.”

🛟 Cruisebound tip: On embarkation day, skip the buffet rush and head straight to Park Café or The Solarium Bistro for a quieter lunch. You’ll avoid crowds, get served faster, and still enjoy a great meal while the rest of the ship scrambles for Windjammer tables.

Wonder of the Seas drinks

When it came to drinks, Royal Caribbean’s beverage options on Wonder of the Seas didn’t disappoint. We had the Deluxe Beverage Package, which covered cocktails, wine by the glass, mocktails, and specialty coffees — making it easy to try new drinks without worrying about the tab. Favorites included the margaritas at the cantilevered Vue Bar and late-night White Russians at Schooner Bar. For non-drinkers, there were fresh juices, soft drinks, and plenty of water stations throughout the ship.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: If you’re not a big drinker, skip the full package and grab a specialty coffee card instead — it’s cheaper and works at most onboard cafés (just not Starbucks).

Shows, activities, and nightlife

Royal Caribbean pulled out all the stops with entertainment on this sailing. If you’re scanning a Wonder of the Seas entertainment review and wondering which shows are truly worth your time, here’s my take: a few are outstanding, some are filler, and all are at least well-produced.

The undisputed standout was inTENse at the AquaTheater — a jaw-dropping mix of high dives, synchronized swimming, and aerial acrobatics performed by an all-female cast. We arrived 30 minutes early and barely grabbed decent seats, so definitely plan ahead. The open-air setting and cliffside vibe made it feel like a Vegas show… if Vegas were floating in the Caribbean.

We were also blown away by 365: The Seasons in Studio B — a surprisingly emotional and athletic ice skating show with seasonal themes, beautiful costuming, and creative lighting. Definitely one of the best shows on Wonder of the Seas and worth grabbing a reservation through the app.

One miss for us was Voices in the main theater. Despite strong vocal talent, the show felt like a placeholder, especially for a ship that could easily host a Broadway production. Other nighttime entertainment, however, filled in the gaps nicely: pirate parades on the Promenade, themed trivia games (the Harry Potter and Star Wars nights were especially fun), karaoke, live jazz at Music Hall, and a game show night where — yes — my parents won the Newlywed Game-style competition and got a Royal Caribbean swag bag to prove it.

As for things to do on Wonder of the Seas at night, there’s no shortage. We rotated between evening drinks at Schooner Bar, Vue Bar (perched over the ship’s edge), and the Rising Tide Bar that slowly moves between decks as you sip your cocktail. We spent a lot of time just exploring the ship while my daughters kept returning to the FlowRider, which was less crowded after dinner.

Daytime activities were just as packed. Our crew tried everything from rock climbing and ping pong to dodgeball and ziplining. The Wonder Playscape and Splashaway Bay were big hits with my granddaughter — she could splash for hours. And let’s not forget mini golf, escape rooms, and trivia for the low-effort crowd.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: Reserve AquaTheater and Studio B shows on the app the moment you board. And for great views without the crowds, grab a cocktail at Vue Bar during golden hour — it’s tucked away and totally worth the elevator ride.

Port days: CocoCay, St. Thomas, St. Maarten

Our Wonder of the Seas itinerary included three ports: Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten — and each one brought something special to the table for our multigenerational group.

Starting with our Wonder of the Seas CocoCay review: this stop was practically built for families. The pirate-themed splash pad was a toddler’s dream, and the soft-sand beaches were clean and easy to access. Free tram service made it a breeze to go from beaches to dock, a blessing when pushing a stroller or wrangling a large group of sea-soaked family members. We staked out shaded loungers under a cabana-style roof, grabbed beach BBQ from one of the food shacks (pulled pork and fresh fruit were hits), and just let the day unfold. It was low-stress, sunny, and a huge win for every age group.

St. Thomas turned out to be the highlight of the cruise. We booked a 6-hour catamaran excursion that included paddleboarding, snorkeling, and a relaxing sail with lunch. The grilled chicken skewers and tropical fruit felt homemade, and the water was calm enough that even our toddler stayed content. It was the kind of day where no one looked at their watch — just snorkeling, floating, and enjoying the moment. If you're planning ahead, this is one of the best excursions on Wonder of the Seas if you're looking for something active yet family-friendly.

St. Maarten brought a little more adrenaline. We signed up for SNUBA, which is a hybrid of snorkeling and scuba diving. We saw stingrays, vivid schools of fish, and even a piranha — though we think someone in our group may have just panicked. A few of us brushed up against fire coral (ouch), but we’d still do it again. The visibility was crystal clear, and the crew kept everything moving safely and smoothly.

Across all three ports, we appreciated how Royal Caribbean handled logistics. Disembarkation was organized, shuttles were clearly marked, and crew were always nearby to offer directions. For anyone cruising with kids or seniors, these stops qualify as family-friendly ports Royal Caribbean does really well — especially CocoCay, which had the least walking and the most options for shade, food, and kid play zones.

🛟 Cruisebound tip: For little ones, the ship does provide child-sized life jackets for check-out, but we brought our own — a comfy, coast-guard-approved one with a head pillow and buckle. It made everything easier and gave us peace of mind.

Pros and cons of Wonder of the Seas

No cruise ship is perfect, and Wonder of the Seas is no exception, though it comes impressively close. Here’s a quick look at what stood out in the best ways, and where things could be improved.

✓ Pros

• Spacious, clean, beautifully designed neighborhoods that help organize the ship and make it easier to explore.
• Wide variety of included dining options, with consistently good food and plenty for vegetarians and picky eaters.
• Incredible staff, from dining servers to room stewards, everyone we encountered was warm, helpful, and efficient.
• Family-friendly touches throughout the ship, including splash pads, kid-friendly food, and engaging activities for all ages.
• Deluxe Beverage Package offers solid value for those who enjoy cocktails, wine, or specialty coffees daily.

✗ Cons

• Elevator wait times can be frustrating, especially during peak times with so many guests onboard.
• Crowds are inevitable on a ship this size — you’ll notice them most at the buffet, elevators, and major shows.
• You can’t purchase cruise photos after disembarkation via the app, which is a letdown if you forget to buy them onboard.
• Premium dining and activities can add up fast, so budget-minded cruisers may need to plan carefully.
• Not all shows live up to the hype, with some main theater performances feeling a bit underwhelming compared to others.

Final verdict: Is Wonder of the Seas right for you?

For families, first-time cruisers, and anyone craving variety, Wonder of the Seas delivers big. The food was better than expected, the shows had real wow moments, and the ship design made it easy to find both energy and calm. That said, it's not ideal if you're looking for peace, quiet, or small-ship intimacy.

If your vacation goals include surf simulators, AquaTheater dives, late-night pizza, and toddler splash zones, then Wonder of the Seas is exactly what it promises to be: a megaship that brings the fun. Just make sure to bring your own energy, you’ll need it.

Ready to set sail? Compare Wonder of the Seas sailings now on Cruisebound and find your perfect itinerary.