Lori O'Connor, Leisure Travel Advisor at Provident Travel, recently sailed on the inaugural cruise of Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship at 1,188 feet in length.
Sailing from Cape Canaveral, Florida, Wonder of the Seas offers innovative design, adrenaline-filled activities and top-notch entertainment. We asked Lori to share her own experiences on the ship.
What were some of your favorite things about the Wonder of the Seas?
The Wonder of the Seas has something for everyone, from Splashaway Bay and Perfect Storm waterslides for kids to a quiet adults-only Solarium. For families, there’s an ice-skating rink, rock climbing walls, a carousel, a 10-deck-high zip line suspended over nine decks and more.
The ship is so large that it doesn’t feel crowded. It’s split into eight unique neighborhoods, including the Suite Neighborhood, an exclusive enclave just for suite guests. This private neighborhood has its own Coastal Kitchen restaurant, Suite Lounge and Suite Sun Deck.
The onboard entertainment was excellent. My favorite show was inTense in the AquaTheater. The theater has a pool, and the performance features aerial acrobatics, high diving and synchronized swimming.
How was your visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay?
Our day on Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay was a great highlight. This private island in the Bahamas has a Thrill Water Park, several beaches and many kinds of water sports. You can even rent a private over-water cabana.
What type of traveler is a good fit for Wonder of the Seas?
The ship is perfect for families, including multigenerational travelers. A nice accommodation option for families is the Ultimate Family Suite, a two-story suite with three bedrooms, a gaming area and even a slide. Another option is the AquaTheater suites, which have two bedrooms, a wraparound balcony and sleeping space for up to eight guests.
What kinds of travel do you specialize in?
I specialize in Hawaii, the Caribbean, all-inclusive resorts, cruises and family vacations. Having four kids myself, I understand what families need.
Once a trip is booked, I’ll offer recommendations for how to make the trip even better, such as reserving specialty dining or theater shows on cruises.
Why should travelers book a cruise with Provident Travel?
I love helping travelers make their dream trip a reality. I spend time talking with each client to learn what they want. Then, I recommend options that are a good fit for them. As a travel advisor, I can often offer preferred rates or complimentary extras, depending on the cruise or destination.
For example, if you book a balcony stateroom on a seven-night or longer Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ll get a complimentary specialty dining experience for two. If you book a junior suite or higher category of accommodations on Royal Caribbean, you’ll receive a specialty dining experience plus a complimentary spa treatment.
