The Wonder of the Seas — reportedly the largest cruise ship in the world with 18 decks and a capacity for 5,518 passengers at double occupancy — made its inaugural call Tuesday to Crown Bay, St. Thomas.
A plaque and keys exchange ceremony was scheduled for 10 a.m. between the captain of the ship, the Virgin Islands Port Authority, and other government and private sector officials. The ship arrived at 7 a.m. and is scheduled to depart at 4 p.m.
Part of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class fleet, the massive ship features eight neighborhoods, a redesigned pool deck, an Aqua Theater, and an all-new Wonder Playscape, featuring an underwater world studded with slides, climbing walls, and games.
Onboard, passengers can choose from 19 swimming pools, 20 restaurants, 11 bars, an ice rink, a casino, and even its own Central Park. The maximum capacity of this 236,857 gross ton ship is 5,518 passengers at double occupancy, or 6,988 passengers maximum plus 2,300 crew. The ship has 18 decks, 16 of which are for passengers.