MIAMI — Wonder of the Seas has officially been welcomed into the Royal Caribbean International family during a naming ceremony in Port Canaveral, Florida.

Taking place Dec. 10, the ceremony was attended by the ship’s Godmother, Marie McCrea of Pennsylvania, as well as Royal Caribbean executives, families, friends, travel advisors and partners, all of whom came onboard what is regarded as the world’s largest cruise ship.

In the time-honoured role of Godmother, McCrea, who was nominated as a ‘Wonder Mom’ by her daughter Allie as part of a nationwide search started by Royal Caribbean on Mother’s Day, bestowed a blessing of safekeeping during the ceremony. A devoted mother, wife and cancer survivor, McCrae said carrying out her role as Godmother was an honour.

Marie McCrea

“Having my family by my side to celebrate this incredible ship was yet another memory we’ve made together – and with our new Royal Caribbean family – that I’ll never forget,” said McCrae.

Wonder of the Seas boasts eight neighbourhoods onboard, a first in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, including the Suite Neighborhood, the new eighth neighborhood that welcomes Royal Suite Class guests to an elevated Suite Sun Deck with a plunge pool and bar. Also onboard is the first Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar that serves up Southern staples for brunch, dinner and late-night bites, and a new underwater-themed play area for kids called Wonder Playscape featuring slides, climbing walls, puzzles and more.

Other highlights include over 40 restaurants, bars and lounges, the tallest slide at sea called The Ultimate Abyss, the FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing walls, The Perfect Storm racing waterslides, newly designed areas for kids and teens, as well as original entertainment across four ‘stages’ (air, ice, theater and water).

“Wonder of the Seas exemplifies Royal Caribbean Group’s focus on unparalleled innovation, sustainable cruise ship design and our commitment to delivering world-class, memorable vacations, responsibly,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “This milestone represents the culmination of millions of hours of work, from the most innovative minds in the industry, to deliver the world’s latest wonder.”

The new ship is now sailing seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral to Caribbean locales, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Mexico. For more information click here.