I know you said you aren’t a fan of the doors not closing by themselves. But I have to say that I LOVE that the doors won’t slam closed on this ship. We were just on jewel of the seas and our room was sandwiched between a big family split up on both sides of us. They were up at 0600 and CONSTANTLY going in and out of each other’s room. It was like someone was playing a joke on us. The door slamming over and over would wake us up and keep us up. My husband talked to the family and even complained to costumer service who said there was nothing they could do. The slamming doors never stopped. I’m happy to close my door all the way if it means it’s not spoiling someone else’s vacation. I’ve been on 6 cruises and this was the first time other people slamming doors was a problem for us. I wonder if they purposely designed the doors this way because of similar complaints.
The doors still slam and make a loud sound, they just don’t latch. Late at night I realized the sounds from the hallway were a little too clear, I checked and realized that our door was not latched!
@@nozomu5996 just me and the wife with gratuities it was 4400 for a jr suite. I check prices regularly. It’s over 5400 now for the same room on that trip. It’s crazy. Ships are full again.
Sailed on Wonder of the Seas in September. Fantastic Cruise. The Aqua Show Intense was incredible. Appreciate the incredible athletic talent of the performers. Food and service was outstanding.
Matt you did it again! Great review, so informative and what a gorgeous ship. I will sail my first time with Royal Caribbean on May 2, 2022 on Freedom of the Seas and your channel has been extremely helpful. Then in November will be Harmony of the Seas as I turn half a century old.
I saved this to watch now because my Wonder Transatlantic is just 3 days away! Unfortunately, dining packages were taken off sale about 3 months ago so it would be a major splurge for me to go specialty but I can tell you the Mason Jar was the only one I had already decided I had to do, even before the name was announced. I'm from New York and Philly but I LOVE southern food, and their menu blew me away when I saw it online. I will definitely pay for that one. Thanks for all the tips!
We are booked on Wonder for 10/2023, we are so excited. We also enjoy the broadway shows, so I hope they add one by the time we are on the ship. Thank you Matt for doing a great job on your review!
Just got back from our cruise yesterday. It was funtastic! Wonder Of The Seas is a great ship. I have cruised on two different cruise lines, and think I have found my favorite. My favorite entertainment was the ice show! It was wonderful! I also had trouble with my cabin door, it was very difficult to get open. I had maintenance come and he did something to fix it.
I have been on the inaugural sailing, and although the Windjammer seating area is indeed bigger, I felt the food selection was less than what I have seen on other, even smaller, ships.
thanks Matt you are my go to guy for all RC stuff quickly explained and easy to see new things without having to watch a 1 hour selfie video. Don't get me wrong I like seeing people's views and some YT are good at it but I like this tour with voiceover the best.
I agree with your wife! I was very disappointed about the Wonder not having a Broadway type show! My husband and I are booked on the Wonder for her back to back 2023 Christmas and New Years!! We can't wait
Completely agree with the Wonder Playscape. I don't have small children but when I walked by it my immediate thought was it wasn't worth loosing a Flowrider for that space.
Oh, I couldn't care less about one or two FlowRiders. I think there's a very small subset of people who really care about it. And there's still a Flowrider, so it's not like there isn't one. I give them credit for trying, but wish it was more of a draw for kids.
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog haha, I know you’re not a Flowrider fan, I just thought they could have done better with that real estate. That being said, I haven’t been on a Flowrider since 2019!
@@rescue22executive my son (14) loves the Flow rider and will most likely spend a lot of time there. Can you tell me if you noticed how crowded it was with 1 vs 2 flow riders? We sail April 8th.
That space also gets way too hot on even the mildest of days. My kids said "daddy it's like we are in a tin can". For our entire cruise that space was virtually empty due to the heat. Hopefully the cooler European weather will make that space more practical.
Going on Wonder ots next week; April 1sr sailing. I'm excited for The Mason Jar and Hooked. This is only my 2nd RC cruise the last one was in Adventure which wad a blast. I will report back under this comment about my findings.
Hey Matt thanks for your great videos! We’re booked on Wonder in July sailing western Mediterranean. I didn’t realise when I booked that there was no Broadway show, my family is really disappointed with this, for us it’s the pinnacle of our vacation. I really hope RC have a change of heart on this 🙏
Doing the April 20, 2022 Transatlantic cruise on Wonder of the Seas. Thanks for your review. I’ll be looking forward to trying your recommendations during the 10 days at sea.
Strange that on my recent Liberty cruise (30 Jan to 6 Feb) our drink beverage covered the cafe promenade Starbucks coffee(I had refreshment package, wife had deluxe). Wife had at least one Starbucks coffee a day. Each time the barista would scan our sailpass card and then made our drinks. And that was that. No additional charge or anything on our daily balance.
Going end of the month, have been waiting 3 years cant wait! Have been studying. Reserved brunch at the mason jar and a special spot on the island day! Ty
amazing review!!! i think the doors do that as there seem to be a lot of complaints of being locked out as the doors are so heavy! so maybe they thought to do it this way as it’s easier to pull the door shut leaving than it is to get in once you’re locked out! who knows! 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
Wonder is beautiful. I hope to sail one day on this ship. I have to say, watching your videos my top ships start with this one. It is big, but at the same time it does not feel too big and it has just the right feeling.
So far, my favorite places on here are the pool deck, solarium, the promenade, love the giant movie screen, the windjamer, and the running/walking track
On Wonder right now. I love the Mason Jar. Fortunate to have brunch and dinner, fantastic. I loved the shows, 365, Tap Factory and InTENse we all good. I love central park and didn't find the screen intrusive. I enjoyed hearing the music in central park. Great list. Edited to add: my cabin door closes all the way maybe getting worn in
@Wonderboy Wonderboy if you're from the south I agree you probably would be disappointed. My family is fromtbe South and great cooks. But I did enjoy it
I’m a fan of the door not fully shutting as I have a few times walked across the hall to families or friends room and forgot my key. This way if we have the option of leaving out door propped open we can walk in and out and shut it when we need. And the not slamming this is great cause now I don’t have to hear doors slamming in the middle of the night or 7am
I am surprised that brunch isn’t more of a thing … after a late night if you don’t have much planned for a sea day …. 11:30am brunch followed by a spa treatment or reading a book by the pool seems perfect. That’s what I do at home. 🤷🏻♀️ Maybe it is my demographic but brunch is a more of an event than breakfast or lunch or even dinner. I am pleased by the addition of brunch - a key ritual in my opinion.
Been on her the last 2 weeks. Saw you all over last week. Still wish R.C. could figure out the smoke in the casino not bellowing out into 4th floor dining. The new casinos in Vegas do an amazing air handling job. Crew is sooooo happy to be back!!!
Excellent video Good Sir! It was like reliving my cruise in 15 minutes. My top 3 favorite finds on the ship: The comedy show was superb, and the ambiance in that particular bar felt precisely like a hip New York comedy club. Also loved the art auction and gallery. Got to pack in some culture, learned a bit about artists. It was pretty funny spotting the 'plant' too. I swear I seen the same guy who bid $75,000 on a Dali piece bussing the tables in the WIndjammer 🤔. Lastly and maybe my favorite- The Casino bar was laid out nicely, and had a super top secret late nite buffet from 11p-3a. No signs for it, not even a hint for it on the Cruise Compass. Little appetizers, finger sammiches, desserts... It really hit the spot, doesn't weigh ya down much, and was way better than the late food from Sorrento's and Cafe Promenade. (Eh who the hell am I trying to fool; At 3 or 4am, when a fresh pie slides out at Sorrentos, after a jam packed day of sun, fun, and adult beverages? That is still the best dining moment! Pure, indulgent bliss 👌)
I am waiting for next year to go on the Wonder OTS. I cannot wait to tryout The Mason Jar. As well, compare and contrast what RCCL did on the Wonder to the other 4 Oasis class ships.
Just got back and I loved this better than all the other Royal Caribbean cruises. I did learn some stuff I missed that I will try when we go back.. Loved Port Canaveral.. very easy on and off ship the parking was great was nice not having to fly to Miami. Loved that there was also a non smoking casino. It would be nice if it was bigger. Still had to go to the the Smokey casino to cash in ugh! Would also love a broadway show. Thx for ur comments
Also forgot to mention that the Intense aqua show was awesome! Liked the Tyson Hawkins comic he kept it straight down the middle.. the other comic was too political not really wanting to hear that stuff on vacation.. he didn’t know his audience
0. THERE WAS VIRTUALLY NO CRUISE DIRECTOR!!! Adam or Andrew was literally non-existent the entire trip. I won't have known who he was if we didn't go to one of the shows and he was the MC. It was the first, last and only time we seen or heard him. I've never realize how a good cruise director can really add to the experience until now after doing 6 or 7 cruises with entertaining cruise directors! 1. CASINO LOCATION: The smoke smell from the casino permeates thru the ENTIRE 4th floor including the dining room! You won’t notice it right away but after the 3rd night if you are asthmatic or sensitive to smoke you will get nauseous. This is primarily due to the central location of the casino, the size of the of the casino, and the automatic sliding doors that stay open much too long. 2. PLAY AREA: The dry play area for kids behind the Windjammer under the Ultimate Abyss gets too hot too fast. My kids said it feels like being in a tin can under the sun. Same with the mini golf area. The cooler European weather will be better for that area. 3. CENTRAL PARK: The design of the ship, being mainly hollow space above the central park area allows for every decibel of noise (music, movies, etc..) coming off the 15 floor pool deck into the peaceful central park area. In fact it sounds louder in central park because the sound from above just bounces around the hollow space. 4. STAFF/BARTENDERS: First I will say all the staff are awesome and nice but many working the bars are NOT bartenders and NOT trained properly to manage a bar where multiple people are waiting for drinks. A lot of fellow cruisers shared this complaint with me. For instance there could be one guy receiving a beer at the bar with 6 patrons on the other side of the bar waiting and the bartender will ignore them and ask the next person walking up what they want. One time it took a bartender 4 minutes to make me a rather sweet gin and tonic. I was excited to get the drink package UNTIL I got on this ship and was discouraged from using it both by the poor bartending skill and the attitude the bartenders gave when asked to make drinks. Go to the Mason Jar or the Sports Bar (see Alexandra) for awesome bartenders and well-made drinks. Other than them the BIONIC BAR actually was the BEST PLACE ON WONDER TO GET A DRINK! AND ALSO THE QUICKEST! 5. FOOD: Not the best food on a cruise. The dinner menu was more repetitive than other cruises I've been on. I think this was primarily due to Covid shortages for supplies and staff. You will end up spending extra at the specialty restaurant if you are a foodie. 6. POOL AREAS: I'm not a pool guy but people I met complained that the biggest ship on the planet had the same amount of pool spaces as other smaller ships. I guess they expected bigger pools. Albeit there was an unlimited amount of deck chairs around a pool the size of a master bed. lol. HERE ARE SOME Positives: 0. STAFF was amazing! Kadek (Philippines) in the staterooms and Jessica (Mauritius) in the dining hall were the best! 1. THE BOARDWALK: Best part of the ship for kids (when not in the pool) and for Dad's who want to watch sports and eat wings all day. 2. CENTRAL PARK: It is a must see to believe how beautiful this place is. One of the best ideas in cruising since the beginning. Just wear earplugs. 3. ULTIMATE ABYSS: My kids loved it. The thing looks really cool! 4. MASON JAR: Best Food, Ambiance and Drinks ever on any cruise ship! 5. SOLARIUM: Is a great adult enclosed wet space for those of us that don't need a tan. I only wished they had an actual swimming pool in there. 6. SORENTOS Pizza/Promenade Coffee /Confectionaries: Great additions to this ship since these places open later and offer amazing fixings. 7. OVERALL CRUISE EXPERIENCE was a 4 out of 5. If anything Wonder, unlike all my previous cruises, makes me want to cruise again right away.
I just booked Wonder of the seas for March 2023. For my 50th Birthday. I sailed Symphony of the seas In March - The same week that Wonder sailed for the first time and not only was the Broadway show cancelled due to lack of staff ( The whole crew quit) but we also did not have an aqua theater show the entire cruise.
Matt, great review. I have to disagree with you on the cabin doors automatically locking. On my first cruise I locked myself out a couple of times leaving my cruise card in the room. No one I know has a home with doors which automatically slam shut and locked so I don't have an issue with needing to manually close the door completely.
Hi Matt, I respectfully disagree on a few points. 1. The noise from the movie screen above CP is acceptable during the day, but at night you can’t even sit out and have a conversation without yelling. Movies play past midnight and it ruins what makes CP at night special. My dad always want a “29” balcony and he couldn’t enjoy it because of the noise at night. 2. The teen area was a complete disappointment according to my teen and those he hung out with. The hot tub is so little that only a few people can fit. The mocktail bar was not open. There was a tiny foosball table, but nothing else. I think Royal needs to involve teens in creating spaces for them. 3. Even though the Windjammer is large it’s poorly laid out. There are not enough stations which created crowds and then it was jammed up. The quality of the food needs improvement. I agree about the Mason Jar bar. It is a great space to hang out and listen to Bryan James.
Booked for 2023. One thing I noted is the change in seating in Windjammer...chairs look very comfy...I've always hated most of the chairs on all the fleet especially the Windjammer, those plastic webbing chairs for instance! Not wide enough and totally hurts your legs! And have always thought a decorator chose the chairing with no thought to the comfort of the passenger, trying to be chic' and cool to the discomfort of everyone!... they all suck. Glad to see the padded big chairs! Thx RCCL We've been on all the O class ships except Harmony, I never liked the missing pool in Solarium! So can't wait to experience Wonder! Good job Matt
its my dream to go on wonder of the seas, its just so far away and so expensive for us here in australia to get over to the US to cruise on her. we have our first RCCL cruise coming up in march next year on quantum of the seas so im very excited about that :)
Matt I saw you when you were on your second half of the trip and I was so nervous to say hi !!! 😩 I think the music on the pool deck needs to be better! The DJ who did the red night club experience should be up there ! That was the best party on the ship hands down! The ship is beautiful I loved it so much I can’t wait to go back!
Can't wait to cruise with my family celebrating our November's birthdays!!🎉 🤗I would like to decor our cabin door! Do u know if I'm allowed to and if the door is magnetic!?!?🙏
I kinda ignored all the RCB stuff while the pandemic was in full swing, but I’ve come back the last few months now that our Feb 2023 cruise seems to be happening for real. I didn’t realize Wonder was so different from say, Allure. These features actually make me really want to try her out next while we wait to afford Icon! Some of these things would be perfect for our two young kids (2 under 3).
They should increase the wind jammers on other Oasis class ships. Breakfast we avoid it and go to the solarium cafe. You get a good selection and it’s not usually that busy.
Thanks for the thorough report and review on the Mason Jar. It sounds like my kind of place for many of same reasons that you enjoyed it. I didn’t realize that Harmony was your previous favorite, I’m excited to sail on her for the first time next month!! I appreciate your passion and sharing on everything Royal Caribbean 👍😃
i go on harmony (first time!) this summer and I'm so excited! i know it's not the as new as wonder but it's new to me! only been on allure before so I'm super excited
You are right, stayed in a Central Park balcony room and the bands were blaring most of the day. In the evening you had the period where Park concerts were going on. We do think the opportunity to watch a movie from you balcony would be a plus. If you want some peace and quiet you have to go to a sea view balcony or an inside room.
Just went on my first cruise in February. Harmony of the seas was not thrilled about the Buffets. We would go to the solarium for breakfast not a very good variety. I purchased coffee package and I couldn’t find any place that made specialty coffees! No one could give us answers. I found this very frustrating. Every coffee place we asked only had Starbucks so my question is how do use your coffee package if they don’t offer you any place that has specialty coffees.😖 We did book another cruise on Wonder of the sea. The buffets look like they have a better selection. I am looking forward to the mason jar. Thank you. I found this video informative.
Matt, we sailed with you the week of March 11. We stayed in a Central Park Balcony (our favorite balcony on the Oasis class ships) and absolutely loved it. We also agree that the sounds from the pool deck and movie screen were minimal during the day and nonexistent at night. Lastly, the improvement in the Windjammer was amazing...the seating and food selections were clearly enhanced compared to other Windjammers on the other Oasis class ships.
Just finished a seven night trip on the Wonder. I desperately missed the jazz lounge. Also, any Broadway type show. The Promenade deck was wildly over used. Super loud music. Dance parties, stair cases jammed every night for photo ops. There is a karaoke bar on this level that is half the size it needs to be based on the activities they try to squeeze in there. The only peaceful entertainment was either out side in Central Park (hot-muggy) on super uncomfortable seating or happening at near midnight. This 58 y.o couple felt like we were on a Carnival cruise. The boat is great. RC’s vision has left us looking for the “good old days”.
Watching this while onboard Wonder of the seas!! I had to double check the bathroom door and yes matt is right the door has that magnetic closure. One thing I was disappointed was on some staterooms I saw they had both showerhead a standard one and a rainfall shower head, but my stateroom only has the standard one.
We are going on what will be our 10th Royal Caribbean cruise next week. Looking forward to having brunch at the Mason Jar. I want the red velvet pancakes! We already booked two more cruises on Royal Caribbean. One for this year out of LA and then the Wonder again next May. I know they added Starbucks in Cafe Promenade and it is included in the drink package. Is is part of the diamond drinks? I didn't think so but I told my daughter I would ask.
Just came home from Wonder yesterday. Loved, loved, loved the ship! One thing creeped me out, was the animals staring at me in above the urinals' in public bathrooms. Other than that it is hard to find fault with the design.
I've ate authentic southern food all my life growing up in Georgia so I'm not going to pay extra to eat at The Mason Jar. For those people not from the south and wanting to try it, very cool idea. The Wonder is definitely on my list of Cruises I want to try. Great video thanks!
I'm from Georgia as well and plan to visit The Mason Jar at least once. It's something that's never really been done before, so I'd at least like to see just how good they replicated the food.
@@atmosfear3314 I would if it wasn't a speciality restaurant. I'm just not paying extra for food I've spent my life eating. If you go let us know what you think, how it compares to the real deal.
Thanks for this great review. Regarding your comments about why the cabin doors don’t close fully on Wonder of the Seas, I was thinking it may be because passengers were complaining about slamming doors during the night. Those cabin doors do make quite a bit of noise when they slam shut. Also, with regard to not having a Broadway show, it may be because of the current supply shortages, so this may be a temporary situation. I hope.
We didn't get a Broadway show on our Harmony cruise because the leads all got Covid. But they brought in extra entertainment, which was great. I'm ok with not having a Broadway show on every cruise.
Going Oct 2023 - can't wait - agree on the Broadway show. You have the biggest theater but... what are they showing there? The ice show is really good - but much smaller seating. The aqua shows usually are really good too.
glad you really only liked stuff- booked for Feb 2023- my kids are 9/11 so will be a year older. I liked that most of the activities there they will do. I do wish they add to that playground- as my 9 yr old still would play for a little.
Just came home from a 7 day trip on " the Wonder " from Barcelona to Barcelona (solo traveler). It was great !!!! One big disturbing item though . I stayed in a cabin (9504) with connecting door . Although that door was closed , there is a gap between door and wall . So , especially at night or quiet moments during day time I literally could hear and understand every single word /sound my neighbours made . Not to mention bathroom noises . Their privacy was nihil !!!! So , connecting rooms....maby great solution for families but not if you stay next to total strangers ......the ship itself is great and so was the food and the crew !!!!!
just recently went on symphony of the seas and there were many things I didn't like about the boat. While it was massive and a beautiful ship, the majority of the public space was in interior spaces, with no view of the ocean. Most of the time it felt like I wasn't even on a cruise, and I had to go out of my way to find somewhere to view the ocean as the majority of the spaces were interior.
@@ss_sailaway we were on deck 11. From our cabin you could not see the screen even. In the evening we would hear the live music down on Central Park but as far as I know I never heard the movie screen. If I did it was so soft that I never associated it with the movie screen,
Hey, my wife and I were on Wonder with you the First week (Inaugural). We to Love the ship, but were also somewhat disappointed with the "entertainment" in general. The Best show for us was the Ice show. The amenities on board are "wonder"ful and the food was actually really good. (OH THOSE CHEESE ROLLS!!!) One thing i will say, is all the extra restaurants where overbooked and sold out. I wish they offered a "To Go" or "pickup" for food at a counter so we could at least take it to a lido deck or our room. It would be nice to be able to order anything off those menus and give it a shot. I guess they want to make sure that if something is wrong they can "easily" return it and get you another, but We would totally of ordered Ribs or even Sushi to go.
@@sarasf93 yes , and on most 90% of the cruises you can prebook on the royal Caribbean APP. if you don't have the app you can always go up to the counter once on the ship and they will help you get a reservation. The problem with ours, was it was booked full online prior to even going because it was the inaugural. You should be able to get yours just fine.
@@sarasf93 if you don't buy the food package but only buy individual meals at the specialty restaurants, you can make a reservation online on the cruise planner.
@@CarolinaGonzalez-yz5pd make sure you make reservations for the shows as soon as you get on the ship! It’s a beautiful ship! We loved the Vue bar and the Mason Jar bar. Don’t miss the parade, best on any ship!
The movies being heard on CP balconies is a serious disappointment in my opinion. Music from the pool deck is pleasant. But the monologue, noise & music from a film would be annoying. The Boardwalk balconies are undesirable for that reason especially with the aqua show. (Which was incredibly loud on Oasis recently) The movie screen by the pools is horrible for having CP balcony.
I was told here that if you purchase a premium drink before the cruise you will always pay the lowest price. I just saw a recent cruise compass that showed a cheaper price on the first day of the cruise that I paid online? Should I have waited?
Did you have any thoughts on the new suite deck as the parent of a tween? I wonder how practical the area is for parents since it isn't connected to the pool deck.
I know you said you aren’t a fan of the doors not closing by themselves. But I have to say that I LOVE that the doors won’t slam closed on this ship. We were just on jewel of the seas and our room was sandwiched between a big family split up on both sides of us. They were up at 0600 and CONSTANTLY going in and out of each other’s room. It was like someone was playing a joke on us. The door slamming over and over would wake us up and keep us up. My husband talked to the family and even complained to costumer service who said there was nothing they could do. The slamming doors never stopped. I’m happy to close my door all the way if it means it’s not spoiling someone else’s vacation. I’ve been on 6 cruises and this was the first time other people slamming doors was a problem for us. I wonder if they purposely designed the doors this way because of similar complaints.
That doesn't bother me either. I always pull doors shut in hotels to make sure it's closed.
People can be inconsiderate, especially younger generations.
@@glenarledge1825 ??????
The doors still slam and make a loud sound, they just don’t latch. Late at night I realized the sounds from the hallway were a little too clear, I checked and realized that our door was not latched!
@@pjeaje like me, he wonders what your age has to do with doors slamming, that's obviously what he doesn't understand.
I love that the newer ships have more greenery! Kind of random I think, but it is aesthetically pleasing.
We love strolling through Central Park and having our cabin overlooking it.
What I hate the most about Wonder of the Sea is I haven't book yet 😁😃
You're not wrong
We booked one for Nov of 23. It was a lot and prices have gone up since
@@mre1129 How much? Wanna go there with my family but I’m scared about the price… what bunker you guys chose and the price per person?
@@nozomu5996 just me and the wife with gratuities it was 4400 for a jr suite. I check prices regularly. It’s over 5400 now for the same room on that trip. It’s crazy. Ships are full again.
@@mre1129 Dang do they have more than one Wonder Of The Seas? Holy that price is actually insane for two people….
If the new doors keep people from slamming them, they are a good thing. Thanks for the review.
Hello 👋 how are you doing today?
Exactly what I thought!
Sailed on Wonder of the Seas in September. Fantastic Cruise. The Aqua Show Intense was incredible. Appreciate the incredible athletic talent of the performers. Food and service was outstanding.
Matt you did it again! Great review, so informative and what a gorgeous ship. I will sail my first time with Royal Caribbean on May 2, 2022 on Freedom of the Seas and your channel has been extremely helpful. Then in November will be Harmony of the Seas as I turn half a century old.
Glad you enjoyed this video!
Wonder is definitely on my list. For now, Odyssey in 10 days, then Symphony in September.
Not a bad list!
I saved this to watch now because my Wonder Transatlantic is just 3 days away! Unfortunately, dining packages were taken off sale about 3 months ago so it would be a major splurge for me to go specialty but I can tell you the Mason Jar was the only one I had already decided I had to do, even before the name was announced. I'm from New York and Philly but I LOVE southern food, and their menu blew me away when I saw it online. I will definitely pay for that one. Thanks for all the tips!
Can’t wait!!! Doing Wonder out of Rome this Summer after 3 cancellations, and lucking out with the Allure swap! Thanks for the awesome tips!!!
Thanks Matt. We are looking forward to our transatlantic cruise in April 2022. You have some wonderful insights and suggestions.
Hello 👋 how are you doing today?
We are booked on Wonder for 10/2023, we are so excited. We also enjoy the broadway shows, so I hope they add one by the time we are on the ship. Thank you Matt for doing a great job on your review!
We are also booked 10/8/23.
I LOVE THAT GIANT BUFFET. 😅😍
It was so nice to have all that space!
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog 🥹
Just got back from our cruise yesterday. It was funtastic! Wonder Of The Seas is a great ship. I have cruised on two different cruise lines, and think I have found my favorite. My favorite entertainment was the ice show! It was wonderful! I also had trouble with my cabin door, it was very difficult to get open. I had maintenance come and he did something to fix it.
I will be on this ship end of the year, so loved the video!!!!
I have been on the inaugural sailing, and although the Windjammer seating area is indeed bigger, I felt the food selection was less than what I have seen on other, even smaller, ships.
😮😢
Going on wonder in mid April and seeing these videos makes us excited to check it out!
thanks Matt you are my go to guy for all RC stuff quickly explained and easy to see new things without having to watch a 1 hour selfie video. Don't get me wrong I like seeing people's views and some YT are good at it but I like this tour with voiceover the best.
I agree with your wife! I was very disappointed about the Wonder not having a Broadway type show! My husband and I are booked on the Wonder for her back to back 2023 Christmas and New Years!!
We can't wait
I'm contemplating Wonder of the Seas for our next booking. We loved Oasis of the Seas by the way. Fun ship!
You really should try Wonder!
Completely agree with the Wonder Playscape. I don't have small children but when I walked by it my immediate thought was it wasn't worth loosing a Flowrider for that space.
Oh, I couldn't care less about one or two FlowRiders. I think there's a very small subset of people who really care about it. And there's still a Flowrider, so it's not like there isn't one.
I give them credit for trying, but wish it was more of a draw for kids.
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog haha, I know you’re not a Flowrider fan, I just thought they could have done better with that real estate. That being said, I haven’t been on a Flowrider since 2019!
@@rescue22executive my son (14) loves the Flow rider and will most likely spend a lot of time there. Can you tell me if you noticed how crowded it was with 1 vs 2 flow riders? We sail April 8th.
That space also gets way too hot on even the mildest of days. My kids said "daddy it's like we are in a tin can". For our entire cruise that space was virtually empty due to the heat. Hopefully the cooler European weather will make that space more practical.
Going on Wonder ots next week; April 1sr sailing. I'm excited for The Mason Jar and Hooked. This is only my 2nd RC cruise the last one was in Adventure which wad a blast. I will report back under this comment about my findings.
I have booked a trip on April 23rd 2023! Super excited to go my first time on a cruise and of course I pick the biggest one lol
Hey Matt thanks for your great videos! We’re booked on Wonder in July sailing western Mediterranean. I didn’t realise when I booked that there was no Broadway show, my family is really disappointed with this, for us it’s the pinnacle of our vacation. I really hope RC have a change of heart on this 🙏
Doing the April 20, 2022 Transatlantic cruise on Wonder of the Seas. Thanks for your review. I’ll be looking forward to trying your recommendations during the 10 days at sea.
Dennis go see Alexandra (Romania) at the Sports bar for the best bartending and best drinks! Tell her Olaf sent you!
@@olaf2046 - Where is the sports bar? Thanks
Strange that on my recent Liberty cruise (30 Jan to 6 Feb) our drink beverage covered the cafe promenade Starbucks coffee(I had refreshment package, wife had deluxe). Wife had at least one Starbucks coffee a day. Each time the barista would scan our sailpass card and then made our drinks. And that was that. No additional charge or anything on our daily balance.
Just got my first cruise in WOS in February 🎉 I just love having a next cruise 🚢 booked and am looking forward to it!
Love your videos. Will be going on WOS in July. There are 20 of us. Kids to grandparents.
Have a great time!
Yes we go to southern food places all the time. We really need more of these restaurants period.
OMG! I thought the room door issue was just me. So frustrating. Literally my door was open one night and I didn't notice until the next morning!
Great video.. Thank you for the info
Wonder was our first Oasis class ship, what a dream vacation we had.
Thanks, Matt, for this list. I'm on the TA in April and it was good to see your reviews.
Going end of the month, have been waiting 3 years cant wait! Have been studying. Reserved brunch at the mason jar and a special spot on the island day! Ty
You got this!
amazing review!!! i think the doors do that as there seem to be a lot of complaints of being locked out as the doors are so heavy! so maybe they thought to do it this way as it’s easier to pull the door shut leaving than it is to get in once you’re locked out! who knows! 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
Wonder is beautiful. I hope to sail one day on this ship. I have to say, watching your videos my top ships start with this one. It is big, but at the same time it does not feel too big and it has just the right feeling.
So far, my favorite places on here are the pool deck, solarium, the promenade, love the giant movie screen, the windjamer, and the running/walking track
Planning on a cruise beginning 2023!
On Wonder right now. I love the Mason Jar. Fortunate to have brunch and dinner, fantastic. I loved the shows, 365, Tap Factory and InTENse we all good. I love central park and didn't find the screen intrusive. I enjoyed hearing the music in central park. Great list. Edited to add: my cabin door closes all the way maybe getting worn in
@Wonderboy Wonderboy if you're from the south I agree you probably would be disappointed. My family is fromtbe South and great cooks. But I did enjoy it
Have a great time. I miss the ship!
In the name of research!
The perfect reason to book a cruise.
Amen!
I’m a fan of the door not fully shutting as I have a few times walked across the hall to families or friends room and forgot my key. This way if we have the option of leaving out door propped open we can walk in and out and shut it when we need. And the not slamming this is great cause now I don’t have to hear doors slamming in the middle of the night or 7am
I am surprised that brunch isn’t more of a thing … after a late night if you don’t have much planned for a sea day …. 11:30am brunch followed by a spa treatment or reading a book by the pool seems perfect. That’s what I do at home. 🤷🏻♀️ Maybe it is my demographic but brunch is a more of an event than breakfast or lunch or even dinner. I am pleased by the addition of brunch - a key ritual in my opinion.
Been on her the last 2 weeks. Saw you all over last week. Still wish R.C. could figure out the smoke in the casino not bellowing out into 4th floor dining. The new casinos in Vegas do an amazing air handling job. Crew is sooooo happy to be back!!!
AGREE!!
Excellent video Good Sir! It was like reliving my cruise in 15 minutes. My top 3 favorite finds on the ship: The comedy show was superb, and the ambiance in that particular bar felt precisely like a hip New York comedy club. Also loved the art auction and gallery. Got to pack in some culture, learned a bit about artists. It was pretty funny spotting the 'plant' too. I swear I seen the same guy who bid $75,000 on a Dali piece bussing the tables in the WIndjammer 🤔.
Lastly and maybe my favorite- The Casino bar was laid out nicely, and had a super top secret late nite buffet from 11p-3a. No signs for it, not even a hint for it on the Cruise Compass. Little appetizers, finger sammiches, desserts... It really hit the spot, doesn't weigh ya down much,
and was way better than the late food from Sorrento's and Cafe Promenade. (Eh who the hell am I trying to fool; At 3 or 4am, when a fresh pie slides out at Sorrentos, after a jam packed day of sun, fun, and adult beverages? That is still the best dining moment! Pure, indulgent bliss 👌)
Great job as always Matt.
Good stuff Matt. Huge thanks! 😉
I am waiting for next year to go on the Wonder OTS. I cannot wait to tryout The Mason Jar. As well, compare and contrast what RCCL did on the Wonder to the other 4 Oasis class ships.
Man you must be rich to be able to afford a ticket
Just got back and I loved this better than all the other Royal Caribbean cruises. I did learn some stuff I missed that I will try when we go back.. Loved Port Canaveral.. very easy on and off ship the parking was great was nice not having to fly to Miami. Loved that there was also a non smoking casino. It would be nice if it was bigger. Still had to go to the the Smokey casino to cash in ugh! Would also love a broadway show. Thx for ur comments
Also forgot to mention that the Intense aqua show was awesome! Liked the Tyson Hawkins comic he kept it straight down the middle.. the other comic was too political not really wanting to hear that stuff on vacation.. he didn’t know his audience
Booked in Wonder of the Seas for 10/2023. I'm looking forward to checking out the Windjammer!
0. THERE WAS VIRTUALLY NO CRUISE DIRECTOR!!! Adam or Andrew was literally non-existent the entire trip. I won't have known who he was if we didn't go to one of the shows and he was the MC. It was the first, last and only time we seen or heard him. I've never realize how a good cruise director can really add to the experience until now after doing 6 or 7 cruises with entertaining cruise directors!
1. CASINO LOCATION: The smoke smell from the casino permeates thru the ENTIRE 4th floor including the dining room! You won’t notice it right away but after the 3rd night if you are asthmatic or sensitive to smoke you will get nauseous. This is primarily due to the central location of the casino, the size of the of the casino, and the automatic sliding doors that stay open much too long.
2. PLAY AREA: The dry play area for kids behind the Windjammer under the Ultimate Abyss gets too hot too fast. My kids said it feels like being in a tin can under the sun. Same with the mini golf area. The cooler European weather will be better for that area.
3. CENTRAL PARK: The design of the ship, being mainly hollow space above the central park area allows for every decibel of noise (music, movies, etc..) coming off the 15 floor pool deck into the peaceful central park area. In fact it sounds louder in central park because the sound from above just bounces around the hollow space.
4. STAFF/BARTENDERS: First I will say all the staff are awesome and nice but many working the bars are NOT bartenders and NOT trained properly to manage a bar where multiple people are waiting for drinks. A lot of fellow cruisers shared this complaint with me. For instance there could be one guy receiving a beer at the bar with 6 patrons on the other side of the bar waiting and the bartender will ignore them and ask the next person walking up what they want. One time it took a bartender 4 minutes to make me a rather sweet gin and tonic. I was excited to get the drink package UNTIL I got on this ship and was discouraged from using it both by the poor bartending skill and the attitude the bartenders gave when asked to make drinks. Go to the Mason Jar or the Sports Bar (see Alexandra) for awesome bartenders and well-made drinks. Other than them the BIONIC BAR actually was the BEST PLACE ON WONDER TO GET A DRINK! AND ALSO THE QUICKEST!
5. FOOD: Not the best food on a cruise. The dinner menu was more repetitive than other cruises I've been on. I think this was primarily due to Covid shortages for supplies and staff. You will end up spending extra at the specialty restaurant if you are a foodie.
6. POOL AREAS: I'm not a pool guy but people I met complained that the biggest ship on the planet had the same amount of pool spaces as other smaller ships. I guess they expected bigger pools. Albeit there was an unlimited amount of deck chairs around a pool the size of a master bed. lol.
HERE ARE SOME Positives:
0. STAFF was amazing! Kadek (Philippines) in the staterooms and Jessica (Mauritius) in the dining hall were the best!
1. THE BOARDWALK: Best part of the ship for kids (when not in the pool) and for Dad's who want to watch sports and eat wings all day.
2. CENTRAL PARK: It is a must see to believe how beautiful this place is. One of the best ideas in cruising since the beginning. Just wear earplugs.
3. ULTIMATE ABYSS: My kids loved it. The thing looks really cool!
4. MASON JAR: Best Food, Ambiance and Drinks ever on any cruise ship!
5. SOLARIUM: Is a great adult enclosed wet space for those of us that don't need a tan. I only wished they had an actual swimming pool in there.
6. SORENTOS Pizza/Promenade Coffee /Confectionaries: Great additions to this ship since these places open later and offer amazing fixings.
7. OVERALL CRUISE EXPERIENCE was a 4 out of 5. If anything Wonder, unlike all my previous cruises, makes me want to cruise again right away.
I think the best thing about my trip on Wonder will be you and your kids will not be on it. Talk about a negative nilly.
I just booked Wonder of the seas for March 2023. For my 50th Birthday. I sailed Symphony of the seas In March - The same week that Wonder sailed for the first time and not only was the Broadway show cancelled due to lack of staff ( The whole crew quit) but we also did not have an aqua theater show the entire cruise.
First view 🤍 thanks for all the great information, Matt! I put a lot of value in your opinions.
Congrats on the first 🎉
You rock!
I think the doors not shutting on their own is a good thing. I'm sure they did it because people are tired of slamming doors at 3am!
Matt, great review. I have to disagree with you on the cabin doors automatically locking. On my first cruise I locked myself out a couple of times leaving my cruise card in the room. No one I know has a home with doors which automatically slam shut and locked so I don't have an issue with needing to manually close the door completely.
This is how every hotel I've ever been to works. Door automatically closes and locks
@@krelshell4 doesn't mean it's a good thing. Also depends where you close it from. From wide open or nearly closed
Hi Matt, I respectfully disagree on a few points. 1. The noise from the movie screen above CP is acceptable during the day, but at night you can’t even sit out and have a conversation without yelling. Movies play past midnight and it ruins what makes CP at night special. My dad always want a “29” balcony and he couldn’t enjoy it because of the noise at night. 2. The teen area was a complete disappointment according to my teen and those he hung out with. The hot tub is so little that only a few people can fit. The mocktail bar was not open. There was a tiny foosball table, but nothing else. I think Royal needs to involve teens in creating spaces for them. 3. Even though the Windjammer is large it’s poorly laid out. There are not enough stations which created crowds and then it was jammed up. The quality of the food needs improvement. I agree about the Mason Jar bar. It is a great space to hang out and listen to Bryan James.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Booked for 2023. One thing I noted is the change in seating in Windjammer...chairs look very comfy...I've always hated most of the chairs on all the fleet especially the Windjammer, those plastic webbing chairs for instance! Not wide enough and totally hurts your legs! And have always thought a decorator chose the chairing with no thought to the comfort of the passenger, trying to be chic' and cool to the discomfort of everyone!... they all suck. Glad to see the padded big chairs! Thx RCCL We've been on all the O class ships except Harmony, I never liked the missing pool in Solarium! So can't wait to experience Wonder! Good job Matt
Your wife is right ...need a Broadway Show!
She's usually right about most things
its my dream to go on wonder of the seas, its just so far away and so expensive for us here in australia to get over to the US to cruise on her. we have our first RCCL cruise coming up in march next year on quantum of the seas so im very excited about that :)
Matt I saw you when you were on your second half of the trip and I was so nervous to say hi !!! 😩 I think the music on the pool deck needs to be better! The DJ who did the red night club experience should be up there ! That was the best party on the ship hands down! The ship is beautiful I loved it so much I can’t wait to go back!
Hope you enjoyed Wonder as much as I did. Hoping we get a chance to cruise together again soon
Can't wait to cruise with my family celebrating our November's birthdays!!🎉 🤗I would like to decor our cabin door! Do u know if I'm allowed to and if the door is magnetic!?!?🙏
I kinda ignored all the RCB stuff while the pandemic was in full swing, but I’ve come back the last few months now that our Feb 2023 cruise seems to be happening for real. I didn’t realize Wonder was so different from say, Allure. These features actually make me really want to try her out next while we wait to afford Icon! Some of these things would be perfect for our two young kids (2 under 3).
Welcome back!
They should increase the wind jammers on other Oasis class ships. Breakfast we avoid it and go to the solarium cafe. You get a good selection and it’s not usually that busy.
Great info Matt!
Thanks for the thorough report and review on the Mason Jar. It sounds like my kind of place for many of same reasons that you enjoyed it. I didn’t realize that Harmony was your previous favorite, I’m excited to sail on her for the first time next month!! I appreciate your passion and sharing on everything Royal Caribbean 👍😃
Thanks for watching!
We’re cruising on Wonder on April 1st. Looking forward to it. Oasis class ships are my wife’s favorites so happy wife happy life.
i go on harmony (first time!) this summer and I'm so excited! i know it's not the as new as wonder but it's new to me! only been on allure before so I'm super excited
You'll love Harmony
I am so excited to go on Wonder April 8
You are right, stayed in a Central Park balcony room and the bands were blaring most of the day. In the evening you had the period where Park concerts were going on. We do think the opportunity to watch a movie from you balcony would be a plus. If you want some peace and quiet you have to go to a sea view balcony or an inside room.
Was it noisy in an ocean view balcony deck 8 aft as well?
Going this Winter!
Just went on my first cruise in February. Harmony of the seas was not thrilled about the Buffets. We would go to the solarium for breakfast not a very good variety.
I purchased coffee package and I couldn’t find any place that made specialty coffees! No one could give us answers. I found this very frustrating. Every coffee place we asked only had Starbucks so my question is how do use your coffee package if they don’t offer you any place that has specialty coffees.😖
We did book another cruise on Wonder of the sea. The buffets look like they have a better selection. I am looking forward to the mason jar. Thank you. I found this video informative.
We watched Voices last night. It was the best music show I've ever seen at sea.
I love the design of that pool deck
Great Stuff !!!
Matt, we sailed with you the week of March 11. We stayed in a Central Park Balcony (our favorite balcony on the Oasis class ships) and absolutely loved it. We also agree that the sounds from the pool deck and movie screen were minimal during the day and nonexistent at night. Lastly, the improvement in the Windjammer was amazing...the seating and food selections were clearly enhanced compared to other Windjammers on the other Oasis class ships.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Jim!
Great news!
Congrats on ur 1k
Just finished a seven night trip on the Wonder. I desperately missed the jazz lounge. Also, any Broadway type show. The Promenade deck was wildly over used. Super loud music. Dance parties, stair cases jammed every night for photo ops. There is a karaoke bar on this level that is half the size it needs to be based on the activities they try to squeeze in there. The only peaceful entertainment was either out side in Central Park (hot-muggy) on super uncomfortable seating or
happening at near midnight. This 58 y.o couple felt like we were on a Carnival cruise. The boat is great. RC’s vision has left us looking for the “good old days”.
Watching this while onboard Wonder of the seas!! I had to double check the bathroom door and yes matt is right the door has that magnetic closure. One thing I was disappointed was on some staterooms I saw they had both showerhead a standard one and a rainfall shower head, but my stateroom only has the standard one.
That play place was fine. If your kids are fun they can have fun anywhere
We are going on what will be our 10th Royal Caribbean cruise next week. Looking forward to having brunch at the Mason Jar. I want the red velvet pancakes! We already booked two more cruises on Royal Caribbean. One for this year out of LA and then the Wonder again next May. I know they added Starbucks in Cafe Promenade and it is included in the drink package. Is is part of the diamond drinks? I didn't think so but I told my daughter I would ask.
Hello 👋 how are you doing today?
Wonder was our favorite ship we’ve been on, but that bathroom door magnet situation is a little frustrating at first.
Just came home from Wonder yesterday. Loved, loved, loved the ship! One thing creeped me out, was the animals staring at me in above the urinals' in public bathrooms. Other than that it is hard to find fault with the design.
I've ate authentic southern food all my life growing up in Georgia so I'm not going to pay extra to eat at The Mason Jar. For those people not from the south and wanting to try it, very cool idea. The Wonder is definitely on my list of Cruises I want to try. Great video thanks!
I'm from Georgia as well and plan to visit The Mason Jar at least once. It's something that's never really been done before, so I'd at least like to see just how good they replicated the food.
@@atmosfear3314 I would if it wasn't a speciality restaurant. I'm just not paying extra for food I've spent my life eating. If you go let us know what you think, how it compares to the real deal.
Thanks for this great review. Regarding your comments about why the cabin doors don’t close fully on Wonder of the
Seas, I was thinking it may be because passengers were complaining about slamming doors during the night. Those cabin doors do make quite a bit of noise when they slam shut. Also, with regard to not having a Broadway show, it may be because of the current supply shortages, so this may be a temporary situation. I hope.
I thought maybe it was because the ship was new and so the doors weren't "worn in" enough. Doubt that's the reason
I hope to cruise on the Wonder for my birthday this year.
We didn't get a Broadway show on our Harmony cruise because the leads all got Covid. But they brought in extra entertainment, which was great. I'm ok with not having a Broadway show on every cruise.
Going Oct 2023 - can't wait - agree on the Broadway show. You have the biggest theater but... what are they showing there? The ice show is really good - but much smaller seating. The aqua shows usually are really good too.
This made me want to book on Wonder for next year
glad you really only liked stuff- booked for Feb 2023- my kids are 9/11 so will be a year older. I liked that most of the activities there they will do. I do wish they add to that playground- as my 9 yr old still would play for a little.
Hello 👋 how are you doing today
Just came home from a 7 day trip on " the Wonder " from Barcelona to Barcelona (solo traveler). It was great !!!! One big disturbing item though . I stayed in a cabin (9504) with connecting door . Although that door was closed , there is a gap between door and wall . So , especially at night or quiet moments during day time I literally could hear and understand every single word /sound my neighbours made . Not to mention bathroom noises . Their privacy was nihil !!!! So , connecting rooms....maby great solution for families but not if you stay next to total strangers ......the ship itself is great and so was the food and the crew !!!!!
Wow thankfully our family was able to switch our 2 rooms to connecting ones! Be bad with strangers
Can you order more than one entree for the brunch menu? .. example, I order chicken & waffles AND French toast?
Yes
Great review as always. Other than the cabin door and shower door, how did you like the cabin itself? Basically the same as on other ships?
Room was just like other ships. Brighter design, but identical layout. Like all Oasis and Quantum class ships, lots of storage space.
just recently went on symphony of the seas and there were many things I didn't like about the boat. While it was massive and a beautiful ship, the majority of the public space was in interior spaces, with no view of the ocean. Most of the time it felt like I wasn't even on a cruise, and I had to go out of my way to find somewhere to view the ocean as the majority of the spaces were interior.
The lack of a broadway show is a big miss for me :(
I like the fact that the doors don't close all the way just incase you forget your key
I stayed in Central Park balcony movie screen was a non issue.
Glad to hear it (no pun intended)!
Which deck was your cabin on please?
@@ss_sailaway we were on deck 11. From our cabin you could not see the screen even. In the evening we would hear the live music down on Central Park but as far as I know I never heard the movie screen. If I did it was so soft that I never associated it with the movie screen,
29 days til wonder!!!!cant wait
Hey, my wife and I were on Wonder with you the First week (Inaugural). We to Love the ship, but were also somewhat disappointed with the "entertainment" in general. The Best show for us was the Ice show. The amenities on board are "wonder"ful and the food was actually really good. (OH THOSE CHEESE ROLLS!!!) One thing i will say, is all the extra restaurants where overbooked and sold out. I wish they offered a "To Go" or "pickup" for food at a counter so we could at least take it to a lido deck or our room. It would be nice to be able to order anything off those menus and give it a shot. I guess they want to make sure that if something is wrong they can "easily" return it and get you another, but We would totally of ordered Ribs or even Sushi to go.
Hi, sorry. Can you explain? How can you book the restaurant? The first day you go into the ship you book the restaurants?
@@sarasf93 yes , and on most 90% of the cruises you can prebook on the royal Caribbean APP. if you don't have the app you can always go up to the counter once on the ship and they will help you get a reservation. The problem with ours, was it was booked full online prior to even going because it was the inaugural. You should be able to get yours just fine.
@@sarasf93 if you don't buy the food package but only buy individual meals at the specialty restaurants, you can make a reservation online on the cruise planner.
Going on Wonder tomorrow!!
My family is going too!
How did it go!?? Any advice?🙏
@@CarolinaGonzalez-yz5pd make sure you make reservations for the shows as soon as you get on the ship! It’s a beautiful ship! We loved the Vue bar and the Mason Jar bar. Don’t miss the parade, best on any ship!
Thank You!!🤗 can't wait!! Are the Cabins doors magnetic? To decor!!
@@CarolinaGonzalez-yz5pd yes 🙂
The movies being heard on CP balconies is a serious disappointment in my opinion. Music from the pool deck is pleasant. But the monologue, noise & music from a film would be annoying.
The Boardwalk balconies are undesirable for that reason especially with the aqua show. (Which was incredibly loud on Oasis recently)
The movie screen by the pools is horrible for having CP balcony.
Frankly, I think the movie screen sound bleed issue has been overblown.
Hoping so…
@@ss_sailaway me, too because I have a CP balcony on the April transatlantic cruise.
Love your videos, btw is Starbucks included in Star Class? TIA
Yes it is. Starbucks drinks are included with Star Class
I was told here that if you purchase a premium drink before the cruise you will always pay the lowest price. I just saw a recent cruise compass that showed a cheaper price on the first day of the cruise that I paid online? Should I have waited?
Did you have any thoughts on the new suite deck as the parent of a tween? I wonder how practical the area is for parents since it isn't connected to the pool deck.