I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. It's the world's largest — and this is why it's my favorite cruise ship.

Brittany ChangJan 14, 2024, 17:29 IST

The Boardwalk neighborhood is one of a few reasons why Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas is my favorite ship so far.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas in December of last year.
The realistic Boardwalk was my favorite "neighborhood" on the massive cruise ship.

A year has passed since I first sailed on Royal Caribbean's massive Wonder of the Seas.

Since then, I've been on two luxurious cruise ships with fares and amenities that could shock Royal Caribbean's regulars.

But these shiny new floating resorts' complimentary champagne and luxurious suites weren't enough to topple the Wonder of the Seas from its top spot on my "best cruises" list.

That's because Royal Caribbean's mega cruise ship had one standout feature I've yet to see on another vessel: the Boardwalk.

At 235,600 gross tons, the Wonder of the Seas has held onto its title of the world’s largest cruise ship since its debut in 2022.

The Wonder of the Seas began revenue sailings in 2022.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Walking around the 1,188-foot-long vessel can feel like an overwhelming task.

The Wonder of the Seas had three pool slides on its colorful pool deck.Brittany Chang/Insider

At its size, I needed well over two nights to explore everything it had to offer.

The Solarium was one of the only adults-only spaces aboard the Wonder of the Seas.Brittany Chang/Insider

Like any cruise ship, there was a buffet, atrium, and pool deck.

Guests have to pay extra to eat at the onboard Johnny Rockets.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

If you’re wondering what the Boardwalk looks like, just turn to its name.

A ride on the carousel on Royal Caribbean's ship is complimentary.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Like the boardwalks I spent my afternoons at, this neighborhood was lined with various inoffensive American dining options.

Expect appropriately colorful decor around this open-aired neighborhood.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

There was even a recognizable Johnny Rockets serving up classic burgers and fries, although dining here comes at an additional cost.

Johnny Rockets specializes in American fare like burgers and milkshakes. It costs extra aboard the Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

It wouldn’t be a true boardwalk without fun activities for children.

Younger children can climb around this netted play area aboard the Wonder of the Seas.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

More experienced climbers could instead traverse the tall rock-climbing walls.

The two rock-climbing walls flanked either side of the neighborhood.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

At night, travelers flocked to this open-aired theater to catch a showing of “inTENse.”

"inTENse" was the best show I've ever seen on a cruise ship.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Instead of singers and musicians, the fast-paced “inTENse” had divers, dancers, synchronized swimmers, and even a tightrope walker.

The water show aboard the Wonder of the Seas was set to an energetic soundtrack.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

But even during the day, all of Boardwalk’s amenities kept me coming back.

Playmakers is one of several speciality restaurants aboard the Wonder of the Seas.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Royal Caribbean struck a delicate balance with the Boardwalk.

The hot dog stand aboard the Wonder of the Seas serves up complimentary food.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

In theory, it’s just copying a concept that already exists.

The Boardwalk neighborhood aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas was reminiscent of a real beachside walkway.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

This space was designed to accommodate more guests than you might expect: The ship can host more than 9,288 people, including crew.

A balcony stateroom on the Wonder of the Seas.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

It’s undoubtedly a massive ship. But in just two months, the vessel will lose its title of the world’s largest.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas' Surfside will also be an open-air neighborhood.Brittany Chang/Insider, Royal Caribbean International

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I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. It's the world's largest &mdash; and this is why it's my favorite cruise ship.