SHANGHAI, Oct. 10, 2019* – Excitement was in the air today as Royal Caribbean International announced the homeport and name of its fifth Oasis Class ship. The next ship to join the leading cruise line’s innovative lineup will be named Wonder of the Seas and set sail from Shanghai, China. The details were revealed by Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley at a global cruise industry conference event held in Shanghai. Slated for a highly anticipated debut In 2021, the world's largest cruise ship will introduce a new era of cruising as the first of the renowned Oasis Class to sail the Asia Pacific.
         
“Royal Caribbean is known for its innovation and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and an Oasis Class ship in China is proof of that,” said Bayley. “Wonder of the Seas will redefine the ultimate vacation and be revolutionary in her own right, and she marks one of Royal Caribbean’s most exciting chapters to come.”
         
Today also marked an important milestone for Wonder of the Seas. Halfway around the world in Saint-Nazaire, France, Wonder’s keel was lowered into place at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, marking the start of the ship’s physical construction. During what is known as the keel-laying ceremony, a 970-ton block, measuring 155 feet by 65 feet, was lifted onto the building dock with a 1,400-ton crane.
         
“Royal Caribbean International has been a market leader in China for more than 10 years by consistently showcasing bold deployment strategies and driving growth of the new to cruise market,” said Dr. Zinan Liu, Chairman, Royal Caribbean Asia. “The deployment of Wonder of the Seas is a manifesto of new era for Royal Caribbean.”
           
Wonder of the Seas will be part of the Oasis class of ships, the largest in the world, and will combine the iconic seven-neighborhood concept that her sister ships feature along with a bold lineup of thrilling experiences, imaginative dining, unparalleled entertainment and the latest technology. More information on Wonder’s itineraries and brand-new adventures will be announced soon.  

About Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 16 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards.

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

*Sept. 2021 Update: In evaluating itineraries based on guest feedback and current government restrictions, Royal Caribbean made the decision to change Wonder of the Seas’ original plans to sail in China. Debuting in 2022, Wonder will set sail to the U.S. and Europe.

*July 2020 Update: The original press release noted Wonder of the Seas would set sail in 2021. The impact of worldwide port and shipyard closures has created delays in the construction schedule and delivery of Wonder. Based on adjusted plans and timelines created in partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, delivery of Royal Caribbean’s fifth Oasis Class ship is now scheduled for spring 2022. We look forward to welcoming Wonder to China at that time.