(CNN) — It’s been three years in the making, but the world’s largest cruise ship is finally ready to welcome passengers.
Measuring a staggering 1,188 feet, Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas was delivered last month and is due to begin its maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the Caribbean on March 4.
The 18-deck cruise ship was built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, and has capacity for 6,988 guests and 2,300 crew members.
Innovative ship
“We’re excited to introduce guests across the world to Wonder of the Seas and its world-class features after a six-year-long process,” Mark Tamis, senior vice president of hotel operations at Royal Caribbean International tells CNN Travel.
“From planning to delivery, we’ve utilized our expertise across Royal Caribbean, as well as incorporating our guest’s suggestions and travel partner feedback to create something truly awe-inspiring.”
The ship will begin operating five- to seven-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the Caribbean in March before launching Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Rome in May.
Covid disruptions
Wonder of the Seas during the start of its physical construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France.
Bernard Biger/Chantiers de l’Atlantique/Royal Caribbean
“We’ve always prided ourselves on offering guests the best and most innovative ships to give them a truly extraordinary experience. Wonder encompasses all of that,” adds Tamis.
The ship was originally scheduled for delivery in 2021, but this was pushed back due to delays brought about by the global pandemic.
Welcome addition
Wonder of the Seas features eight on board neighborhoods spread over 18 decks.
Royal Caribbean
The fifth and newest of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class vessels, Wonder of the Seas is one of several brand new cruise ships that are set to hit the waters in the coming weeks and months.
Discovery Princess, the newest addition to the Princess Cruises fleet, was handed over at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
Meanwhile, Disney Wish, the first new cruise ship Disney has built in ten years, is due to be delivered this summer, while Silversea Cruises’ new luxury cruise ship Silver Dawn is scheduled for a spring debut.
CNN’s Marnie Hunter contributed to this report.
