“Me” Time on Wonder of the Seas
Category: Ships -January 14, 2023
Imagine a vacation that has experiences for everyone, whether it’s parents, kids, grandparents, couples or friends. On a Royal Caribbean cruise, there’s a lineup of adventures, eats, entertainment, ways to chill and more to enjoy as a group. And while making memories in good company is what many of us want more of these days, finding time for yourself is also part of a memorable getaway.
The adventures you can do together on Wonder of the Seas run the gamut, from racing each other down 10 stories of twists and turns on The Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, to competing in mini golf and breaking bread at The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar. Now, believe it or not, there’s just as much range in the ways you can spend your “me” time on board, too. Think: strolling in a park with 20,000-plus real plants, rock climbing with the open sea as your backdrop or kicking back on in-water loungers.
Finding “me” time while on vacation with your family and friends is easy on Wonder. Keep reading for the seven top spots that can be your very own slice of paradise:
1. Central Park
Central Park is exactly what it sounds like—a lush park in the middle of the ocean. There are more than 20,000 real plants there, under the open sky, complete with meandering paths great for a stroll, shady benches where you can read a book and even chess boards and a library. And if you’re looking for a bite, there are restaurants to satisfy those cravings, from the elevated fare at 150 Central Park to the casual vibes at Park Cafe and hand-tossed pizza and pasta at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. You can also head there for a nightcap at Giovanni’s Wine Bar, Trellis Bar or Rising Tide Bar—with live music that fills the air at times throughout the day.
2. Rock Climbing Walls
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, leave everyone in the dust as you climb high up on the signature rock climbing wall on the back of the ship, where the ocean is center stage. Pick one of the different paths—whichever one you choose, there’s a bell waiting for you at the top as well as unbelievable views. And for another jolt of adrenaline, jump on the zip line that’s 10 decks high—it’s just you and the line, no one else.
Pro tip: With two walls and paths for every level, the rock climbing walls can be an adventure you enjoy as a group, too.
3. The Solarium
The serene Solarium, for those 16 and older, might be one of the most relaxing places on Wonder. Fully enclosed and climate controlled, here you’ll have whirlpools, a pool with in-water loungers, plenty of spots to get comfy, from benches and chairs to plush sofas, and views for days. Hunger can strike at any time, and when it does, you’ve got the complimentary Solarium Bistro, which serves up Mediterranean flavors for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You could even round out a relaxing afternoon by heading one deck up to New England-inspired seafood spot Hooked for freshly shucked oysters, crab cakes, lobster rolls, the Messy Fish Sandwich and more.
Pro tip: Catch a sunset or simply take in the miles of open ocean on the two bridge wings (walkways that extend over the side of the ship) that jut out of the Solarium.
4. Casitas
For poolside privacy, spend time tucked away in your very own casita. When you rent out one of these private alcoves, you’ll enjoy a front-row seat to prime views and Caribbean vibes. Ask your cabana attendant for a signature Lime & Coconut cocktail, a delicious blend of coconut rum, coconut milk, guava syrup and lime juice, from The Lime & Coconut, where DJs spin and live bands play.
5. The Suite Sun Deck
The Suite Sun Deck in the new Suite Neighborhood (the first on an Oasis Class ship) is a suites-only escape featuring a bar, plunge pool and in-water loungers to keep cool on. Whether you’re in the Ultimate Family Suite with an in-room slide, movie room and a karaoke area or the two-story Royal Loft Suite with a baby grand piano and a private whirlpool, you’ll also find you’re only steps away from the exclusive Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen restaurant.
Pro tip: On most Oasis Class ships, the outdoor deck space on Deck 17 is usually the Suite Sun Deck. Since Wonder has an entire Suite Neighborhood, Deck 17 now welcomes all guests with comfy couches and lounge chairs as well as unbeatable views.
6. The Vitality Spa
If you want to pamper yourself while on vacation, head to Vitality Spa. Have your choice of all kinds of treatments, from restorative massages to rejuvenating facials. You can even go to the salon for a haircut or blowout before a night out on the town that starts in a front-row seat at one of the incredible shows across four stages—air, ice, water and theater. Think: deck-defying aerialists and high diving feats at the AquaTheater, spectacular ice skating productions at Studio B and more.
Pro tip: Want to treat your partner or friend? Get pampered together with a menu of treatments for two, including the always-popular couples massage.
7. The Fitness Center
For you, working out could be one of the ways you find “me” time. Wonder’s state-of-the-art fitness center has all kinds of equipment, including treadmills and ellipticals with TVs, plus a schedule of classes that range from yoga to Pilates and cycling. You can even hire a personal trainer for a one-on-one session. Or, hit the running track around the entire ship for a view of the ocean so epic you’ll forget what lap you’re on.
Pro tip: If surfing is your kind of workout, how about giving the FlowRider surf simulator a try to hang ten on your feet or belly?
These are just seven of the ways you can get in both “me” time and family time on Wonder. Try them out for yourself on any one of these cruises.