Wonder of the Seas Cruise Review
Stepping aboard Wonder of the Seas, one of the world’s largest cruise ships, was the start of an unforgettable adventure and we can’t wait to share our full review!
This time, we set sail kid-free, ready to experience Royal Caribbean in a whole new way. Our week took us to stunning ports—Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatán, and one of our favorites, the private island paradise of Perfect Day at CocoCay.
It was also a week of firsts for us: our first time trying the Deluxe Beverage Package and our first dive into several of the ship’s specialty dining venues, including the Southern-inspired Mason Jar, fresh flavors at Izumi Sushi, and the elevated experience of 150 Central Park.
From sipping cocktails poolside to exploring unique restaurants and enjoying everything this mega-ship has to offer, follow along as we share our honest review of the Wonder of the Seas—what wowed us, what surprised us, and how this sailing measured up to our expectations.
Food on Wonder of the Seas
If there’s one thing we love about cruising, it’s the food—and Wonder of the Seas didn’t disappoint. With a huge variety of included dining options and specialty restaurants, there’s something for every appetite. Here’s how our meals shaped up during our kid-free cruise:
Breakfast
- Windjammer Buffet – A classic choice with a wide variety of hot dishes, pastries, fruit, and an omelet station. Great for variety, though seating can be tricky during peak times.
- Park Café – Quick, grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches, cereal, fruit, and coffee. Perfect for a casual start to the day.
- Johnny Rockets – A surprising favorite on the Oasis Class Ships! The B.E.L.T. breakfast sandwich and French toast were outstanding. Included with your cruise fare—don’t miss it.
- Main Dining Room (MDR) – Brunch offered a relaxed sit-down option with classics like eggs Benedict, omelets, French toast, and traditional sides. While the French toast didn’t quite live up to past experiences, the breakfast burrito was a hit.
Lunch
- Windjammer Buffet – Reliable with plenty of options, perfect for a casual meal.
- El Loco Fresh – Our favorite included lunch spot for fresh tacos, nachos, and quesadillas. Fast, flavorful, and convenient.
- Mason Jar – Embarkation Day lunch didn’t fully meet expectations, but generous portions and a Southern-inspired menu made it interesting.
- Izumi Sushi – Worth every extra penny. Fresh, beautifully prepared sushi and creative rolls made this specialty dining experience a highlight.
Dinner
- 150 Central Park – We splurged one night here. While the meal was enjoyable, it didn’t quite justify the added cost in our opinion.
- Main Dining Room (MDR) – Consistently excellent service and delicious food. Themed nights were a fun twist, with Mexican Night being our favorite. Always left satisfied (but still somehow saved room for a slice of Sorrento’s pizza!).
Final Thoughts on Food: 8/10
Whether you stick to the included dining or splurge on a few specialty meals, you’re in for a satisfying culinary adventure at sea.
Beverages on Wonder of the Seas
This was our first sailing where we splurged on the Deluxe Beverage Package—thanks to a Black Friday deal and the fact that we were cruising kid-free.
The package covers just about everything you could want: cocktails, beer, wine, specialty coffee, bottled water, fresh juices, sodas, and even energy drinks. Having it made the cruise feel carefree and fun since we could try new drinks without worrying about the bill at the end.
We made it a mission to sample drinks at as many bars as possible, and each had its own vibe and specialty:
- Schooner Bar – A Royal Caribbean classic and always a cozy place to grab a drink.
- Boleros – Our favorite bar onboard! The Latin-inspired cocktails were great, but the live music is what truly made this spot unforgettable.
- Cask & Clipper – Home of the best Stout Espresso Martini we’ve ever had. Smooth, rich, and a new go-to.
- Lime & Coconut – Perfect for a poolside day. Their signature Lime & Coconut cocktail is a must-try.
- The Vue Bar – Located just outside the Solarium, this was our frozen cocktail spot. Nothing beats sipping something icy while looking out at endless ocean views.
- The Mason Jar – While the food here didn’t wow us, the drinks were a completely different story. The Mississippi Moonlight became one of our absolute favorites.
- Hideaway Bar at CocoCay – If you’re looking for the ultimate adults-only experience, this is it. With a swim-up pool bar, tropical vibes, and refreshing mojitos, it was hands down one of the most fun stops during our cruise.
Mid-Day Pick-Me-Up
- Cafe Promenade – Now, we weren’t just drinking alcoholic beverages all week! Cafe Promenade is the spot for specialty coffee. We made several trips a day to grab a coffee or a latte as a mid-day pick-me-up.
Final Thoughts on Beverages: 10/10
Whether you stick to included drinks or take advantage of the package, you’re in for a truly memorable beverage experience onboard.
Entertainment on Wonder of the Seas
We’ve been on a variety of vacations, but in our opinion, cruising consistently delivers some of the best entertainment at sea. It never ceases to amaze us that these performers are putting on live shows on a moving ship—the talent and precision are truly impressive.
During our sailing, we enjoyed a wide range of evening entertainment:
Production Shows
- inTENse Aqua Show – Featuring an all-female cast, this aquatic performance was visually stunning and full of energy. While it didn’t quite match the Aqua Show we saw on Oasis of the Seas, the athleticism and skill of the performers were incredible.
- Voices – Held in the Royal Theater, this production blended live singing and dancing with virtual elements. We hadn’t seen a show quite like this on Royal Caribbean before, and it was a delight. The songs were familiar and engaging, and the performers’ voices were absolutely phenomenal.
- 365: Seasons on Ice – A lively show in Studio B with upbeat music and a talented cast. The choreography and energy made this one of the highlights of our evening entertainment.
- Effectors II – This production was visually stunning. While the storyline may not be for everyone, it produced a show with incredible special effects and captivating performances that left us in awe.
Other Evening Entertainment
- Live Music – We loved the variety of live music onboard. Mason Jar featured fantastic country music, while Boleros was always hopping with Latin beats and a great band. Boleros quickly became one of our favorite spots to enjoy music with a lively atmosphere.
- The Quest: Adults-Only Game – A first for us, this interactive game was entertaining, engaging, and a fun way to connect with other guests.
- Silent Disco – Held in the Solarium, this was another first-time experience for us and an absolute blast. Dancing with headphones on while surrounded by panoramic ocean views is an experience we won’t forget.
Final Thoughts on Entertainment: 8/10
Overall, the entertainment on Wonder of the Seas offered something for everyone—from Broadway-style productions to live music, interactive games, and unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a major reason why cruising remains one of our favorite vacation styles.
Service on Wonder of the Seas
One of the things that keeps us coming back to Royal Caribbean is the top-notch service, and Wonder of the Seas did not disappoint. From the moment we stepped onboard, the crew made us feel well taken care of.
- Bars & Restaurants – Whether at the Main Dining Room, specialty dining venues, or bars throughout the ship, the staff was attentive, friendly, and efficient. Hideaway Bar in particular stood out with excellent service in the adults-only area.
- Room Attendants – Our stateroom was always spotless, and the attendants went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed.
- General Crew – Everywhere we went onboard, from lounges to public areas, the staff was welcoming and helpful, making the experience seamless and stress-free.
Final Thoughts on Service: 9/10
Overall, the service on Wonder of the Seas is reliable, friendly, and professional—a major reason why cruising with Royal Caribbean is such a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Ports of Call
While we won’t go into too much detail here—you can check out our daily blogs for full port experiences—each stop on this cruise offered something special.
- CocoCay – The adults-only Hideaway Beach made this private island stop extra special. Swimming, drinks, DJ, beer pong in the pool—these all made it one of the highlights of the trip.
- Cozumel – A great place to get off the ship, explore, and shop. Perfect for a laid-back day.
- Roatán – The port has really improved, with a beautiful pool area and plenty to see. Definitely worth a visit.
- Costa Maya – It had been a few years since our last visit, and we were impressed. Plenty of shopping options and a lovely pool/bar area to relax in.
Final Thoughts on Ports: 9/10
Overall, each port offered something unique, whether it was shopping, relaxing by the pool, or enjoying adults-only spaces.
The Wrap Up: Wonder of the Seas Cruise Review
Our week on Wonder of the Seas was unforgettable. Food impressed us (8/10), beverages stole the show (10/10), entertainment was engaging (9/10), service was excellent (9/10), and the ports offered a mix of shopping, relaxation, and unique experiences (9/10).
Overall Rating: 9/10
Whether cruising kid-free or with the whole family, Wonder of the Seas delivers an incredible experience, combining luxury, variety, and fun at sea.
Be sure to check out our daily blogs while onboard the Wonder of the Seas below and be sure to follow along on Our Next Family Adventure on Facebook and Instagram.
Why Roatan Shocked Us – In the Best Way