First sea trials for RCCL’s Wonder of the Seas

During its four-day navigation of the open sea between Belle-Ile and Yeu island, some 60 tests involving aspects like speed, maneuverability, fuel consumption, stability, noise and vibration levels will be checked. Around 500 professionals are on board the August 20 sailing, with the ship scheduled to return on the morning of August 24. 

Technical handover

Postponed by a few months due to the global health crisis, Wonder of the Seas' technical handover to Royal Caribbean is set to take place in November. What's touted by the company as the world's largest cruise ship will then head to a French port before leaving in February 2022 for Shanghai, its homeport in Asia.

The first cruise is planned for March 26. Wonder of the Seas has capacity for 6,800 passengers and 2,400 crew.

Fifth Oasis class ship

The ship follows Oasis of the Seas (2009) and Allure of the Seas (2010), built by STX Europe in Turku, Finland, and Harmony of the Seas (2016) and Symphony of the Seas (2018), delivered by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Following an agreement with Chantiers in February 2019, a sixth one could be launched in autumn 2023 which would make it the 23^rd ship built for Royal Caribbean by the yard.