New Royal Caribbean Ship Leaves on Sea Trials

Posted on 22 August, 2021 by Spacejunkie2

The wonder of the Seas Royals 5th Oasis Class cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean International’s new Wonder of the Seas has departed on sea trials from Chantiers de l’Atlantique where she is under construction.

The Oasis-class ship will now spend a few days at sea, testing systems and performance with teams from the shipyard, vendors, class society and other stakeholders aboard.

Originally set to debut this year, the Wonder will now enter the cruise market in 2022 and become the biggest cruise ship in the world, and the fifth Oasis-class ship in service after the Oasis, Allure, Harmony and Symphony of the Seas.

The ship is being deployed to China and will be the first Oasis-class ship to sail in Asia. She could arrive in the market as soon as spring 2022 should those plans hold.

Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas Isn’t Going to China in 2021

Posted on 19 July, 2020 by Spacejunkie2

Royal Caribbean International is postponing Wonder of the Seas’ arrival in China until further notice.

Being built in France, the fifth Oasis-class vessel was scheduled to arrive in Shanghai in mid-2021.

According to the cruise line, the vessel is not going to be delivered next spring as previously planned.

“The coronavirus pandemic has caused an unprecedented impact on the global cruise ship industry and the construction of the new Wonder of the Seas was delayed due to the impact of it in shipyard operations,” said the company, in a statement issued in the Chinese market.

While remaining hopeful to see the 5,448-guest ship in Asia “as soon as possible,” the cruise line didn’t set an alternative timeline for it.

“We look forward to the arrival of Wonder of the Seas after the epidemic has been brought under control,” the company said.

“Royal Caribbean believes that the fundamentals of the Chinese economy have not changed because of the epidemic, and the trend of the cruise ship market will not change. After the public health risks are controlled, people will pursue socialization. The instincts of reunion and leisure will not change and may even be strengthened,” said Dr Zinan Liu, Chairman of the Royal Caribbean Cruises Asia, underlining the company’s commitment to the market.

“We are fully prepared to show the public that Royal Caribbean ships are a safe place,” he said.

Buffet Not Going Anywhere at Royal Caribbean

Posted on 2 July, 2020 by Spacejunkie2

“We will continue to have a buffet at Royal Caribbean,” commented Linken D’Souza, vice president of food and beverage operations, on a recent webinar aimed at travel agents.

The company’s iconic Windjammer venue, however, could look a bit different across the 26-ship Royal Caribbean International fleet.

Scenarios, said D’Souza, range from employee service to individual portions to individual (i.e.disposable) tongs, among many options.

“We’re continuing to work through a lot of the deals. Rest assured the buffet will exist,” he said.

“There will be (modifications) that ensure we have a healthy return to service,” continued D’Souza. “Your favourites and what you’re used to at the Windjammer will be there.”

The Windjammer has also gone through dramatic changes, even before COVID-19.

The big adjustments come in the breakfast lineup, now featuring an avocado toast bar, a carving station and improved bakery and pastry options.