Last night, Port Canaveral, Florida, lit up with a celebration fit for the world’s newest wonder – the Royal Caribbean International’s latest ship, Wonder of the Seas. The cruise line’s latest addition was named by its Godmother and “Wonder Mom” Marie McCrea from Pennsylvania, marking the start of a new chapter for Wonder as it makes waves as Port Canaveral’s new year-round family vacation destination.
The evening ceremony was attended by Royal Caribbean executives and teams, families, friends, travel advisors, the cruise line’s partners, and more who came together on board the world’s largest cruise ship to celebrate the occasion in the brand’s unparalleled entertainment venue, the AquaTheater. In the time-honored role of Godmother, Marie McCrea bestowed a blessing of safekeeping on Wonder, its crew, and the millions of families who will make lifelong memories on board in the years to come.
The celebration was graced by the presence of Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley. The event was made even more special with Marie’s daughter, Allie, who nominated her mother for the role of Godmother as part of a nationwide search started by Royal Caribbean on Mother’s Day.
Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said, “Wonder of the Seas exemplifies Royal Caribbean Group’s focus on unparalleled innovation, sustainable cruise ship design, and our commitment to delivering world-class, memorable vacations, responsibly.”
Designed for making memories from end to end, Wonder inspires awe and adventure in kids and vacationers of all ages with experiences across eight neighborhoods – a first in the revolutionary Oasis Class. To find the perfect Godmother to match, Royal Caribbean launched the #SearchforWonderMom contest on TikTok, which saw 16,000 videos posted and 10.6 billion hashtag views. The search was complete when Royal Caribbean heard Marie’s story – a devoted mother, wife, and cancer survivor whose spirit inspired her family and those around her to set out on adventures and enjoy every moment together despite the hardships they faced.
Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said, “Marie’s story is one of incredible strength and family memories to last a lifetime, and those are the types of memories we’ve committed to creating with our guests and crew on every Royal Caribbean ship for more than 53 years.”
The latest addition to the revolutionary Oasis Class, Wonder of the Seas, features a lineup of new adventures and fan-favorite experiences that everyone in the family can enjoy. The highlights include the Suite Neighborhood, the new eighth neighborhood that welcomes Royal Suite Class guests to an elevated Suite Sun Deck with a plunge pool and bar, the most epic Ultimate Family Suite, and more. The first Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar serves up Southern staples and classics with a twist for brunch, dinner, and late at night. Another exciting addition is the new underwater-themed play area for kids, Wonder Playscape, with slides, climbing walls, imaginative puzzles, and more.
Marie McCrea, Godmother of Wonder of the Seas, said, “Carrying out my role as Godmother and being a part of such an important moment for Royal Caribbean and Wonder of the Seas was an honor. Having my family by my side to celebrate this incredible ship was yet another memory we’ve made together – and with our new Royal Caribbean family – that I’ll never forget.”
On Wonder of the Seas, travelers can look forward to over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges, along with returning favorites like The Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea; the FlowRider surf simulator;