RCI-Royal Caribbean's newest liner Wonder of the Seas (world's ever-largest cruise ship) returned to St-Nazaire France - at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard (fka STX France) after completing 4 days of sea trials including 7 dozen tests, which were successful and up to expected standards.
Wonder OTS is expected to become the 5th ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class when she debuts in March next year, building on the signature features the unmatched liners have touted since first revolutionizing the industry over a decade ago.
She is scheduled to commence cruises sailing from Shanghai and Hong Kong in March 2022.
The 6360-passenger ship Wonder OTS comprises 7 neighborhoods - Royal Promenade, Central Park, Boardwalk, Entertainment Zone, Sports Zone, Youth Center complex, Wellness complex. Wonder and Symphony are currently the world's largest passenger ships - with GT tonnage 228,100 tons (or 1000+ tons larger than Harmony OTS). Wonder also has 28 more staterooms, the new RCI "Family Suite" (2-level / on 2 decks), redesigned Boardwalk area.
Wonder OTS' launch and inauguration were pushed back from 2021 to 2022 due to the global COVID crisis which caused the closure of shipyards and destinations.
These first 4 days of sea trials are followed by further testing of technical and navigational systems, as well as propulsion and the engines' conditions including fuel consumption, speed, stability noise, vibration measurements.