If you have a cruise booked on Wonder of the Seas, there are a few hidden secrets to know about before you set sail.
As the world’s biggest cruise ship and fifth Oasis Class ship, Wonder of the Seas provides an extensive variety of choices for dining, entertainment, and relaxation. Exploring the entire ship can seem overwhelming, and it’s easy to overlook unique features, dining options, and areas to hang out onboard.
After walking up, down, and around the ship for the past few days, I’m sharing the top 10 hidden secrets to know about before your cruise on Wonder of the Seas.
Astronauts onboard
Wonder of the Seas, like all Royal Caribbean ships, has an elaborate and diverse art collection. From a gigantic purple dragon spanning ten decks in the ship’s atrium to art pieces in every stairwell onboard, there is no shortage of inspiring art to discover.
One of the most unique art features is a set of three astronauts scattered throughout the ship. One can be found in Central Park peering through glass into the Royal Promenade below. Another is found at the Boardwalk, hanging on the rock climbing wall. The third astronaut is located at the movie screen seating area on the pool deck.
Finding the astronauts can be a fun way to explore the ship for guests of all ages, and they make for a great photo opportunity as well.
Late night bites at The Mason Jar
If you’re looking to try Royal Caribbean’s newest specialty restaurant, you can taste select menu items on a late night menu.
Late night menu prices range from $3 to $9 and include crab beignets, fried green tomatoes, and the crispy chicken sandwich. The menu is available every day starting at 9pm.
This can be a great option for those wanting to try just a few items from The Mason Jar, or for those who are unable to dine at the restaurant for brunch or dinner. As The Mason Jar is in high demand as the newest restaurant in the fleet, reservations can fill up quickly.
Late night bites at The Mason Jar are included in Royal Caribbean’s dining packages.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen menu items at Giovanni’s Wine Bar
Similar to at The Mason Jar, you can order menu items from Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen at the wine bar next door. The kitchen is open from 12pm to 10 or 11pm each day.
Menu items include four types of pizzas as well as appetizers like fried lasagna, calamari, and Italian stromboli. Two popular desserts, Go Bananas and Mamma’s Tiramisu, are also available.
Unlike at The Mason Jar, ordering food at the wine bar is not included in the dining package, and menu prices range from $3 to $12.
Virtual Balcony in the Diamond Lounge
The Diamond Lounge on Wonder of the Seas is located within the Entertainment Place neighborhood on Deck 4. Because the space does not have any windows, Royal Caribbean added two virtual balconies. This helps give those in the lounge an idea of what the weather is like outside without having to leave the lounge, and it also provides a nice view.
USB plugs in bars
Select bars and lounges onboard have USB charging plugs and hooks for bags or purses, including Playmakers, Schooner Bar, The Mason Jar, and Giovanni’s Wine Bar.
Having USB plugs available in common spaces onboard is great for those needing to charge devices or use a laptop. In addition, the hooks are helpful for guests wanting a secure place to put their purse or jacket while at a bar.
Quiet seating on Deck 17
On other Oasis Class ships, the outdoor deck space on Deck 17 was reserved for the Suite Deck. Because Wonder of the Seas has a separate suite neighborhood, though, this space is now open to all guests.
Comfy loungers and pool chairs are available here, and the area tends to be much less crowded than other areas on the pool deck. While this area is prone to high winds, it’s a nice spot to relax while enjoying the sun and ocean views.
To access this area, walk all the way forward on Deck 16 (the upper pool deck) and go up the stairs.
Seating and game area on the running track
Located on each side of the running track is an outdoor seating and game space with excellent ocean views.
One side of the ship has a few tables and chairs, shuffleboard, and a ping pong table. The other just has seating areas. Not many guests know about this area, so there are rarely many people here, and it’s a tranquil spot to enjoy ocean views without the crowds.
To access these areas, head to the running track on deck 5 and walk forward. Depending on the side of the ship, the seating area will be on the right or left side.
Solarium bridge wings
In the Wonder of the Seas’ Solarium are two bridge wings that extend over the edge of the ship. These can be a nice spot to watch sailaway or catch a sunset while at sea.
Unlike other outdoor deck spaces onboard, the Solarium bridge wings usually do not get very crowded. To access the bridge wings, head to the very front of the Solarium.
Less crowded seating at the Windjammer
Unlike on other Oasis Class ships where the Windjammer is quite small, the Windjammer on Wonder of the Seas is the biggest in the fleet. It wraps around the Boardwalk neighborhood on Deck 15, offering views of the ocean and Boardwalk below.
There are main seating areas at the Windjammer on each side, which can get crowded during peak dining times.
If you walk all the way to the back of the Windjammer, though, you will find a smaller seating area that tends to be much less crowded.
There is also a separate entrance to the Windjammer that can be accessed near the lower area of the Wonder Playscape on Deck 15.
Private teen deck
Teenagers aged 13-17 onboard have access to Social 100, an outdoor deck exclusively for teens. Located on Deck 17 next to the waterslides, Social 100 features a private hot tub, non-alcoholic bar, selfie area, games, and comfy seating.
This is a fantastic spot for teenagers to hang out and relax with new friends while at sea.
In addition to the outdoor deck, teens also have access to the indoor Social 100 area located on Deck 16. The indoor space features a gaming area, comfy seating, vending machine, books, and foosball tables.
