Wonder of the Seas picks by top Royal Caribbean executives

'I love the whole thing,' said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, also slipping in that he personally loves Chops Grille, the steak house.

From the moment the first Oasis-class ship sailed, in 2009, 'It was a huge success,' according to Bayley, 'And they keep getting better ... deliver[ing] from every single dimension. The ratings these ships get are unbelievable.'

He said the 'ability for families to come together and engage and have fun across all these dimensions ... really is a winning formula. It proves itself time and time again. So I'm in love with the whole thing.'

The Mason Jar

Following Bayley's remarks, 'I'll be more specific,' quipped Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, choosing new specialty restaurant The Mason Jar.

'It's my kind of food. It's Southern food and I love it,' Liberty said, adding that he'd spent time in Asheville, North Carolina, surrounded by great Southern food. In his view, the Royal Caribbean team 'did a really exceptional job bringing the recipes to life.'

Sean Treacy's perfect night out

Sean Treacy, SVP hotel operations, laid out his idea of the perfect night on Wonder of the Seas: It starts with a pre-dinner drink in The Mason Jar Bar, with its 'phenomenal country music band' and 'great cocktails. Then dinner in Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, his pick for 'the openness of the space, the food and the connectivity to Central Park.' 

Central Park — home to Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, 150 Central Park, Chops Grille and more

And a show. 'You can't lose on any of the shows; they're amazing,' Treacy said. 'But if you're here with a family, "The Effectors II: Crash & Burn." It's nonstop energy, activity and Royal Caribbean's own superheroes. How can you beat that?'

Vicki Freed's pick? The shows. She singled out the AquaTheater performances for the daring and talent of the Olympics-caliber divers as 'always a hit because it's different. 

New ice show '365' captures the seasons in vivid colors

'The other show I love, love, love,' Freed added, is '365: The Seasons on Ice,' for its World Champion skaters, the music, the colors and the costumes. For families, she also endorsed 'The Effectors.'

When it comes to dining, Freed, SVP sales and trade support & service, favors 150 Central Park, the ship's most elegant specialty restaurant. And, at the more casual Hooked Seafood, she was wowed by 'the whole lobster on a tray. It's like being at The Palm,' referring to the legendary US restaurant.

Poke nachos in Playmakers

Another food pick, from Andrew Trabosh, director, operations excellence, food & beverage operations, Royal Caribbean International: the poke nachos (raw ahi tuna, avocado, cilantro, serrano peppers, scallions, nori, sesame seeds, sriracha aïoli, truffle sauce and crispy wontons) in Playmakers Sports Bar in the Boardwalk neighborhood.

'Most energy efficient ship in the fleet'

And for Capt. Henrik Loy, the standout is that Wonder of the Seas is 'the most energy efficient ship in the fleet, benefiting from the latest technology and innovation.' 

Loy cited route optimization technology, the air lubrication system that generates millions of microbubbles to reduce drag 'so you get more speed for less energy,' and waste heat recovery from the engines that powers a turbine to supply 15% of the hotel power load — all 'great features I feel proud of,' the captain said.