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Cruising in Luxury: A Memorable Mother-Daughter Trip on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas

  • lkelly2109
  • May 22
  • 6 min read

Last week, I embarked on an unforgettable journey aboard the Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas with my mom for a girls' trip to the Caribbean. Setting sail on Mother’s Day made it a double celebration of motherhood and adventure. While cruising offers a different experience than traveling in an RV, it brings a remarkable level of luxury and comfort that deserves to be shared.


A Floating Wonderland


Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas

The Wonder of the Seas is a massive ship, part of Royal Caribbean's famous Oasis class. It stretches over 1,188 feet long and can carry nearly 7,000 guests, and 2,500 staff. This enormous ship is indeed a floating city, filled with activities for all ages. The vibrant boardwalk, central park, multiple swimming pools, and a mini-golf course cater to families, while the FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing and zip lining adds an element of adventure for thrill-seekers.


The ship is uniquely divided into sections, each offering different atmospheres and activities. One of my favorite areas was Central Park, a stunning outdoor space that felt like stepping into a tropical garden. It’s not only beautiful but also home to some of the ship’s special restaurants and even a jewelry store.

 

For those who enjoy activities, this ship has it all! Multiple swimming pools, including a serene adult-only space called The Solarium, invite relaxation. The Solarium boasts fantastic ocean views, making it the ideal spot to unwind in a hot tub or pool. However, be prepared for it to be quite busy on sea days—it’s definitely a popular choice among guests!

 

Adventure seekers can hit the zip line, play a round of miniature golf, or try out the Flow Rider surf simulator. There’s even a running track and a gym for fitness enthusiasts, along with jaw-dropping performances in the ice-skating rink and aqua theater. The ship truly offers endless opportunities for fun and excitement!


Culinary Delights Await


Get ready to be wowed by the food! Most of your meals are covered with the cruise package, and the main dining room dishes out some seriously tasty five-star meals. If you're looking for something more laid-back, check out the Windjammer Café & Solarium Bistro. They've got a buffet with flavors from all over the world, like Caribbean, Asian, and Mediterranean eats. Plus, you can grab a bite at Sorrento's Pizza, Boardwalk Dog House, El Loco Fresh, and Cafe Promenade without spending a dime.


On our trip, we treated ourselves to some specialty dining at Hooked Seafood and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, which serves up Italian dishes. Both places were impressive, but Hooked Seafood really nailed it with its super fresh seafood. The Captain's Platter, featuring broiled lobster, fresh white fish, and shrimp, was a standout—full of flavor and perfectly cooked.


Other specialty dining spots include Johnny Rockets, Chops Grille, Wonderland, The Mason Jar, 150 Central Park, Chef's Table, Izumi, Playmakers, and Starbucks. Prices vary depending on where you go.


Islands Visited

Our itinerary included stops at beautiful locations such as St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Royal Caribbean’s exclusive Coco Cay in the Bahamas. Each destination offered a unique charm.


Exploring St. Maarten

The island of St. Maarten is stunning and renowned for its incredible beaches. We sailed into St. Petersburg and had a Trolley Tour of St.Petersburg scheduled. We explored the area in an adorable train bus, stopping at a local pirate ship called the Rusty Parrot, where we enjoyed a delightful sample of Hibiscus Rum and learned about the story of Captain Jack. Our next stop was the Amsterdam Cheese & Liquor Store, where we sampled some of the finest Dutch cheeses I have ever tasted. We bought a Gouda and Black Truffle cheese to take home. The tour provided us with the island's history and the division between the Dutch and French sides, each with distinct spellings and unique license plate identifiers. We concluded our trip with some shopping in downtown St. Maarten. Unfortunately, we didn't get to experience the French side of the island, but I would love to return and explore that part.





Shopping in St. Thomas

St. Thomas feels like a second home to me, as we frequently vacationed there when we owned a condo. We decided to stay near the ship, do some duty-free shopping, and take in the tropical scenery. This was one of our favorite ports, even though we didn't explore the island much. The Caribbean vibe and the bright turquoise waters you encounter as you step off the ship instantly relax you and put you in an island state of mind. One of my favorite places in St. Thomas is Megan's Bay, which offers an amazing beach experience. It tends to get very crowded on cruise days, so I prefer visiting on non-cruise days to truly relax and enjoy the beach without the crowds. It's a must-see if it's your first visit to St. Thomas. Another popular activity is taking the ferry over to St. John, which is another stunning island with pristine beaches to enjoy.




A Private Oasis at Coco Cay

Coco Cay was the highlight of our trip. As a birthday gift to myself, I upgraded our experience with a private cabana at the Beach Club, and the luxurious experience was worth every penny. From the moment you enter the beach club, you are treated like royalty. You're greeted with a complimentary fresh spritzer and escorted to your cabana. The cabana included a personal attendant who ensured all our needs were met throughout the day. All food is included in the cabana cost, and our attendant, Ajay, insisted we try all the delightful appetizers they offered, bringing us samples of everything, including shrimp cocktail, hummus, ceviche, baba ghanoush, and tzatziki. For lunch, we enjoyed a surf and turf meal while admiring the stunning, crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. Later, we relaxed in the infinity pool, taking in panoramic views that felt straight out of a postcard. It was an experience of pure relaxation and luxury that we will cherish forever.


The Beach Club offers an enhanced experience at Coco Cay. You can visit Coco Cay without any extra charges and enjoy other areas of the island, which also provide all-inclusive dining at no additional cost. However, if you have some extra money and desire a luxurious experience, I highly recommend upgrading to the Beach Club.




Activities and Experiences for Everyone


Whether you travel as a couple, family, or on a girls' trip like us, the Wonder of the Seas has activities for everyone. Kids can enjoy thrilling aquapark experiences, including water slides and splash areas, while adults can unwind at the spa or take on challenges like rock climbing and zip-lining. One notable feature is the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, which is 10 stories high!


Our evenings were filled with entertainment options, ranging from Broadway-style shows to themed parties, like the vibrant 80s night. Each night was a celebration of friendship and laughter, creating precious memories with my mom.




Practical Tips for Your Royal Caribbean Cruise


If you're thinking about a cruise with Royal Caribbean, here are some practical tips to enhance your experience:


  1. Book Specialty Dining Early: Specialty restaurant reservations can fill up quickly. Make sure to secure your spots as soon as possible.

  2. Plan Your Activities: With so many options available, it’s helpful to plan your days ahead of time. Review the ship’s daily itinerary to find events that interest you.

  3. Consider Wi-Fi Packages: While relaxation is essential, staying connected can be valuable. Look into Wi-Fi packages to share your experiences with friends back home.

  4. Pack for Different Moods: While beachwear is essential for port days, bring an outfit or two for themed dinner nights onboard. You might enjoy dressing up for elegant dinners or lively parties.


  5. Savor the Moments: Cruising offers endless activities, but don't forget to enjoy the little moments. Whether watching the sunset from your balcony or sipping a cocktail by the pool, take it all in!


Cherished Memories on Board


Our mother-daughter trip aboard the Wonder of the Seas truly created unforgettable memories. From luxurious ship amenities to stunning ports of call, every moment was an adventure filled with laughter and love.


Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, spending quality time with family, or exploring new destinations, cruising offers an exceptional experience. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend sailing with Royal Caribbean for a journey you won’t forget!


Ultimately, it’s these moments that matter—cruising the Caribbean, enjoying culinary delights, and creating lasting memories. Until our next adventure, happy travels!




 
 
 

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