Royal Caribbean International has taken delivery from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique yard in Saint-Nazaire, France, of ‘Wonder of the Seas’, fifth of the six-vessel Oasis class, and at 230,000-plus gt, believed to be the largest cruise vessel yet built.
Marking the completion of three years of construction, a traditional flag-changing ceremony took place in Marseille, France, prior to Wonder sailing across the Atlantic to begin service from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the Caribbean before heading to the Mediterranean for summer cruises.
Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, said: “Wonder of the Seas will energise cruising in a bolder and bigger way. Adding this ship to our already best-in-class fleet elevates the company in continuing to lead the industry with new features and innovation. This is one more way that we’re delivering world-class and memorable vacations, responsibly, to guests around the world.”
Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, said: “Taking delivery of Wonder of the Seas is the culmination of 30 months of ingenuity and partnership across more than 2,000 committed crew members and workers who are among the best at what they do.”
Laurent Castaing, GM, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, added: “Wonder of the Seas represents a new step forward in the Oasis Class ships. Our teams have worked under difficult conditions but in a very united way to finally make major changes that enhanced the ship performance. Wonder is really an outstanding new ship.”
The vessel is 360m long, and has a diesel electric plant comprising six gensets, three 18,590 hp Wärtsilä 12V46Dand three Wärtsilä 16V46D, 18,480 kW (24,780 powering three 20,000 kW ABB Azipod units, with four 7,400 hp Wärtsilä CT3500 bow thrusters. With capacity for 5400 passengers, the vessel is capable of a 22.6 knot speed.
