Join The Inside Cabin LIVE on the Wonder of the Seas - 14 Night Transatlantic - Westbound

[h20skibum]

2 hours ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

Question for experienced Oasis Class cruisers - As I explore the ship I have noticed that despite all the various venues there isn't a library or any other quiet area where you can lounge and read a book.   Not complaining, just curious if there is such a spot on this massive ship that I may have missed.   

deck 14 near the aft elevators.  It may be listed as the Card Room on Wonder.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

2 hours ago, h20skibum said:

deck 14 near the aft elevators.  It may be listed as the Card Room on Wonder.

Thanks!   It was listed as "seven hearts" on the deck plan in the app, but it was called the "card room" on the deck plans posted around the ship.    There are a few other places on the ship that are either missing or have a different name.  e.g.  There is an "Escape Room" on deck 14 which is not listed on the app, but it appears on the deck plan signs.

[Teeara]

17 hours ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

Thanks!   It was listed as "seven hearts" on the deck plan in the app, but it was called the "card room" on the deck plans posted around the ship.    There are a few other places on the ship that are either missing or have a different name.  e.g.  There is an "Escape Room" on deck 14 which is not listed on the app, but it appears on the deck plan signs.

One of the major failings of Wonder is that since they made this ship originally for the Chinese market it doesn’t have the kind of spaces that we like such as the library.  So there aren’t any quiet spots for people to get away to.  We’ve been spending most of our time in our cabin, but since we’re in an Owner’s Suite we have plenty of room (as you well know since you got to visit us during the cabin crawl).  I saw a lady at lunch in the Windjammer today sitting in the back reading her book.  Sometimes you just have to find a spot.  My mom’s favorite spot was the Cafe Promenade.  You might also try the Schooner Bar up on Deck 6.  It might be less crowded there.

Edited November 6, 2022 by Teeara

[The-Inside-Cabin]

We had our picture taken with the Captain.    He was shaking hands and we learned later from the photographer that this was the first time they were shaking hands since the restart 

 

 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Palma and Halloween on the High Seas

 

 Wonder of The Seas

Palma is the first of our four consecutive port days that will start our 14-nightcruise.  Back-to-back port visits, each with all-day excursions, don’t leave much free time for other activities.  We are looking forward to all the sea days on the transatlantic so we will have time to explore the ship.

The Wonder of the Seas moored in Palma

 

The Wonder of the Seas moored around 8 AM at the cruise terminal, which is located about 1.5 miles from the main city streets and about 4 miles from the town center.  The port offered a shuttle bus from the ship to the base of the Palma Cathedral for €10 round trip.

Map of Mallorca showing ship location and Vallidemossa 

Close-up of Palma showing key points of interest 

IN-ROOM ANNOUNCEMENTS 

 

We can’t hear any announcements (except emergency announcements) in our cabin which is typical for most cruise lines.  On other cruise lines, we could hear a chime or something that indicated an announcement was forthcoming so we could open the hallway door, balcony door or turn to a certain TV channel.  The good news is our cabin door is soundproof, but the bad news is that we can’t easily hear the pre-announcement chimes to let us know to open the door.  What this means it that we never hear the announcement that the ship has been cleared and we can go ashore.  Broadcasting non-emergency announcements on the same TV channel as the ship’s location would seem to be an easy solution.  Nevertheless, we now know that we won’t hear anything in our cabins so for now we will assume the ship has been cleared on schedule and proceed accordingly.  We may just leave our door open in the morning so we can hear the ship clearance announcement.

 

ROOM SERVICE BREAKFAST

 

We ordered room service breakfast using the hang tag that was available on request.  There weren’t any hang tags in our cabin, but our room steward brought us a handful when we asked.  I’m not sure if they are supposed to be in the rooms in the first place.

The rooms don’t have any tables, so you have to either clear off the dresser or desktop or use the bed. 

 

Continental Breakfast is delivered free, while anything else on the menu will cost you $7.95 per delivery, not per item, plus an 18% gratuity.

They seem to deliver on the early side of the 30-minute window you select and they will call about 10 minutes beforehand to alert you that they are on the way.

 

LEAVING THE SHIP

 

We were concerned that with the large numbers of passengers on this massive ship, there might be delays while departing but there weren’t any lines or delays in leaving the ship.  There are two gangways, one forward and one aft, on Deck 2, with escalators down from Deck 3.  We haven’t experienced any delays so far.

The cruise terminal is a large empty hall without any services.  Guides for private tours were holding signs and there was a booth selling the €10 round-trip shuttle bus tickets.

 

SPAIN DAY TOURS

 

We booked an all-day Palma and Valldemossa Tour with Spain Day Tours for €69.  Gabriel, our guide, holding a sign, met us in the terminal.  Spain Day Tours limits the group size to 18 people (we had 13) but we still were using a large 40-passenger bus.  Our driver was Domingo.

 

Our first stop was Castell de Bellver, which was built in the 14th century for the King of Majorca and is one of the few circular castles in Europe.  The castle is open after 10 AM if you wanted to take a look inside.

Castell de Bellver 

We spent about 20 minutes here walking around the perimeter and enjoying the view.

Our tour continued and we headed to Central Palma where the bus stopped near the Palma Cathedral long enough for us to get off and start our walking tour.

Although the Cathedral was open, there was a line and our group decided not to go inside.

There were numerous horse-drawn carriages around the Cathedral offering rides for €60.

We stopped by the pastry shop, Ca Na Cati, near the town hall to get a snack.

Inside the nearby Palma Town Hall were several giant puppets that are used in an annual Gathering of the Giants in Palma.

These giant puppets, made of cloth and plywood, were inside the Palma town hallA giant Panda was posing in the park with passing children

We spent about 90 minutes in Central Palma before heading back to our bus and driving about 30 minutes north to Valldemossa.

Gabriel led us on a 45-minute walking tour where we learned about how Chopin, George Sand (aka Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin Dudevant), Catalina Homar, and Archduke Ludwig Salvator had spent time here back in 1839.  We had free time afterward and we enjoyed a snack at the Sa Foganya Café before exploring some of the shops on Valldemossa’s main street.

One of the small streets in ValldemossaStatue of Chopin

This is where we enjoyed lunch

 

Judy found a Robin Ruth bag at one of the shops in Valldemossa 

 We were back on our bus around 2:15 PM and arrived back at the cruise terminal at 2:50. 

 

Pete with our driver Domingo and guide Gabriel 

Dinner was at 8 PM in the MDR where our table for 6 remains empty of the other guest assigned.  I suspect that when people get the Unlimited Dining Package they are determined to get their money’s worth and avoid the “free” MDR.

As we packed for this cruise, we wondered if many people would bring costumes for Halloween.  That question was answered this evening with a Halloween Parade on the Royal Promenade at 9:30 PM.  There were hundreds of people in costume, many of them very elaborate.  Here is a video that shows the parade along with the follow-on-party in Studio B.  One of the advantages of a large ship is that the energy level for parties and events can be off the charts for what you may be used to on smaller ships.

 

 

We had a great time.

 

[nini]

@The-Inside-Cabin

Thank you for sharing your experiences. We are beginning to research other cruise lines, mainly RCI. It is definitely  learning experience.

[Oceansaway17]

On 11/6/2022 at 2:29 PM, The-Inside-Cabin said:

We had our picture taken with the Captain.    He was shaking hands and we learned later from the photographer that this was the first time they were shaking hands since the restart 

 

 

very nice to see the again.

He is good captain and speaks slow and likes to explain things well.

I had him on Ovation in 2019 first cruise in Alaska.

 

Sure hope he puts the stabilizers out for you trip over the next few days.

[Oceansaway17]

On 11/6/2022 at 1:07 PM, Teeara said:

One of the major failings of Wonder is that since they made this ship originally for the Chinese market it doesn’t have the kind of spaces that we like such as the library.  So there aren’t any quiet spots for people to get away to.  We’ve been spending most of our time in our cabin, but since we’re in an Owner’s Suite we have plenty of room (as you well know since you got to visit us during the cabin crawl).  I saw a lady at lunch in the Windjammer today sitting in the back reading her book.  Sometimes you just have to find a spot.  My mom’s favorite spot was the Cafe Promenade.  You might also try the Schooner Bar up on Deck 6.  It might be less crowded there.

I just have done the Wonder and I understand what you mean.

I just got off the Equinox Celebrity and she had a very nice library mid ship with a lot of nice seats.

 

I too like to read a book while eating at buffet and to do this I have to go early or late otherwise I get glared at for reading by some even if in a table for 2.

[taglovestocruise]

On 11/5/2022 at 12:27 PM, The-Inside-Cabin said:

Question for experienced Oasis Class cruisers - As I explore the ship I have noticed that despite all the various venues there isn't a library or any other quiet area where you can lounge and read a book.   Not complaining, just curious if there is such a spot on this massive ship that I may have missed.   

Have you tried Vintages, usually dead as a door nail during the day and there are some good size couches In the back. + lots of food a few steps away.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

8 hours ago, taglovestocruise said:

Have you tried Vintages, usually dead as a door nail during the day and there are some good size couches In the back. + lots of food a few steps away.

Vintages is called Giovanni's wine bar on WOTS.    I poked my head in there the evening we went to Giovanni's.   I will have to check in out during the day.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Here are the highlights of our second full sea day. 

 

I was up early and looking for a place to get coffee - Wasn't sure if I would have to go all the way to Windjammers. 

 

We are very close to the Vitality Café and I learned they only have espresso drinks - not regular coffee.  They directed me to the Promenade on Deck 5 which had everything I needed.  Coffee, hot water and a nice selection of pastries, all at no extra charge. 

 

We had room service breakfast and relaxed in our cabin until 12:45 when we headed to the Boardwalk for lunch at Johnny Rockets.  The price is $12.99 pp plus 18% or $30.66 for two.  Soft drinks are included but there is an extra charge for milkshakes or beer. 

 

 

We ordered Chili Cheese Fries and Onion Rings along with a Route 66 Burger and #12 Burger.  We also got a Root Beer Float and a Diet Coke.  The food was delivered in 15 minutes and was hot and very good. 

 

Onion Rings and Chili Cheese Fries

 

Number 12 Burger

 

Route 66 Burger

 

While we were enjoying our lunch we watched a few people exiting the Abyss Slide after their ride from Deck 16 down here to Deck 6.  Based on the infrequent arrival of people at the Abyss exit, I assumed that there wasn't much of a wait, if any, to enjoy this attraction. 

 

The Boardwalk also has the Boardwalk Dog House hot dog stand, Sugar Beach (Ice cream), Playmakers Sports Bar, a Kids Shop and an Arcade in addition to a Carousel.  The Aqua Theater is at the aft end of the Boardwalk where you can also access the two Rock Climbing Walls. 

 

 

Judy went to Windjammers to meet up with other knitters while I hung out in my cabin working on the blog. 

 

There isn't a library on the WOTS, but the Card Room on Deck 14 is relatively quiet and has a table for a book exchange (which was empty when I checked). 

 

 

We had dinner in the Main Dining room.  Our table for 6 is now only set for 2 as it appears the others assigned will not be joining us.  I suspect that many prefer to enjoy the wide variety of other dining options and if you get the Unlimited Dining Package (UDP) then you are disincentivized to ever eat in the MDR.  We have found the food and service in the MDR to be outstanding. 

 

Tonight's show was  Tap Factory - Energy Machine.  This was billed as an "Explosive high octane show that merges percussion, acrobatics, hip hop,  music, urban tap dance & comedy". 

 

There wasn't any story arc or theme to the various performances.  In addition to tap dancing, there was a very limber contortionist and some gymnastic performances, but no singing or talking.  It reminded me a little of Cirque du Soleil.  This was the only performance for this cruise but I suspect it will become a regular feature during the ship's upcoming Caribbean season. 

 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Third Sea Day

 

We enjoyed Johnny Rockets so much yesterday we decided to give it a try for breakfast.  They are open from 8 am to 10 am and there isn't any extra charge for breakfast. 

 

Unlike yesterday, when the restaurant was almost empty, it was almost full today for breakfast.  There were a few empty tables and we were seated immediately but the waiter let us know that there would be a delay in getting our food for reasons which weren't explained.  I speculated that the kitchen must be undermanned, since they had plenty of tables and waiters to serve the customers. 

 

Judy ordered a fried egg and I chose "the works" egg scramble along with some French toast to share.  Our beverages were delivered right away, but the food took about 35 minutes.  Everything was very good. 

 

Judy ordered a fried egg

 

The "Works" scramble

 

French Toast

 

We stopped by the photo lab to check out our pictures.  We preordered the 100 photo package but we have only had 58 pictures taken so far - we need to get busy! 

 

Most of the typical cruise ship shops are on Deck 5 with a few on Deck 8.  They had the typical selection of luxury goods, along with a logo shop, sundries and liquor and cigarettes.  One observation was that nothing we saw was marked with the price - from a Rolex Watch to a can of pringles - if you wanted to know "how much" - you had to ask. 

 

The Texas Hold'em Tournament isn't held every day.  There were two scheduled for this 14 night cruise and I was too late to sign up for the first one, but was able to get a seat on the second.  They run two 10 seat tournaments at the same time.  However, each table is a separate tournament and they never mix.  $100 gets you $1000 in tournament chips with additional $1000 tournament chips available for $50.  Blinds start at 25/50 and double every 10 minutes.  I watched the first tournament for about 30 minutes to get a feel for the play.  Pretty conservative play overall - not many people limping in, but the high noise level in the casino made it difficult to hear much of the usual banter around the poker table.  They had live dealers and not the automatic poker tables you find on other cruise lines. 

 

Ready to start the Texas Hold'em tournament

 

As we were exploring the forward part of the ship on Deck 14 we saw a group of guests busy at work trying to break out of the "Escape Room".  There is no extra charge and you need to make a reservation.  They need at least 6 people but no more than 12.

I spoke with some people who have did escape rooms ashore and they said this was fun, but not as challenging as some you will find elsewhere. 

 

Escape Room Puzzlers in progress

 

Dinner this evening was in Giovanni's Italian Kitchen.  There is a  $59 extra charge (18% tip included).  Judy had the Spaghetti Pomodoro with a Meatball Gigante - or giant meatball - and this meatball was the size of a baseball and definitely qualified as Gigante.  I enjoyed the Linguine con le Vongole along with a bottle of "Good" Chianti.  Yes "Good" is the brand name.  When the waiter suggested a bottle of "Good" Chianti I was thinking he was describing the quality instead of the brand name.  On the way out,  I ordered a pizza to go to enjoy in our cabin as a midnight snack. 

 

Assorted Meat and Cheese Platter

 

Linguine con le Vongole w Giant Meatball

Inside of Giant Meatball

Spaghetti Pomodoro

 

Our waiter Iwayan

 

Pete with "Good" Chianti

Chocolate Ravioli

Next to Giovanni's is Giovanni's café where you can order wine, appetizer's and pizzas for $12. 

 

There were only game shows in the Royal Theatre this evening which we don't care for so we headed back to our cabin for the rest of the evening. 

Jazz in the park Smooth Quartet was playing during our dinner at Giovanni's.  They attracted about 30 people who sat in the chairs to watch the performance

Edited November 8, 2022 by The-Inside-Cabin

[blueslily]

1 hour ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

Vintages is called Giovanni's wine bar on WOTS.    I poked my head in there the evening we went to Giovanni's.   I will have to check in out during the day.

Also, how about reading in Central Park. When on the Symphony, I've seen several people select quiet spots in there to read. I understand Wonder might be a little different in the park, but might be worth checking it out as an option 

[Cruise a holic]

Looks like a great time!  Following.

[Sunshine3601]

@The-Inside-Cabinin regards to room service and table situation.   I'm not surw if Wonder cabins have this option but some other royal ships do.

 

Check and see if your desktop slides out and you can relocate for one person to sit on bed and other person sit on chair provided to eat your meal.

Edited November 8, 2022 by Sunshine3601

[The-Inside-Cabin]

28 minutes ago, Sunshine3601 said:

@The-Inside-Cabinin regards to room service and table situation.   I'm not surw if Wonder cabins have this option but some other royal ships do.

 

Check and see if your desktop slides out and you can relocate for one person to sit on bed and other person sit on chair provided to eat your meal.

Thanks!    Yes.  We can pull the desk away and use it as a table!! 
 

[SHIP TRAVELER]

Thanks so much for your live review.  We have friends sailing back to Florida along with your and I think I know more about what is going on with the cruise than they do at this time.  He is a Poker player so if you meet someone from Texas in a ball cap at a cash game, ask him if he knows Phyllis?

I am enjoying your writing style very much and hope you will keep sailing with RCCL in the future.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

2 hours ago, SHIP TRAVELER said:

Thanks so much for your live review.  We have friends sailing back to Florida along with your and I think I know more about what is going on with the cruise than they do at this time.  He is a Poker player so if you meet someone from Texas in a ball cap at a cash game, ask him if he knows Phyllis?

I am enjoying your writing style very much and hope you will keep sailing with RCCL in the future.

Thanks - I haven't been doing the cash games, but I will be in the tournament tomorrow at 1PM.    Has he been playing in the tournaments?

[TheHawk1]

On 11/5/2022 at 8:29 PM, The-Inside-Cabin said:

It was listed as "seven hearts" on the deck plan in the app, but it was called the "card room" on the deck plans posted around the ship.

It is just a card room on Wonder, no pretense at trying to be a library any more.  They also removed the couple of computers that were in this room on other Oasis ships (Symphony & Harmony for sure) so that you had access to the internet without having to buy their Zoom package.

 

[Teeara]

Hey!  Try the seating behind Starbucks and in front of the Karaoke place.  We were there this morning for the Anchor’s Aweigh parade and the chairs (not the benches) were very comfortable for reading.  

[The-Inside-Cabin]

4th Sea Day

 

We have been trying the different options for breakfast and today we went to the Main Dining Room. 

 

When we arrived around 9 AM there were about 8 people milling around the entrance, but there wasn't any obvious line.  After a few minutes they asked who was interested in sharing a table and 5 of us raised our hands.  We were immediately escorted to a table for six on the port side. 

 

Here is a copy of the menu.  Fresh orange juice is $3.50. 

 

 

I ordered the Eggs Benedict and Judy a fried egg. 

 

Eggs Benedict

 

Fried Egg

 

Our conversation with our fellow guests was wonderful and we usually have a good experience when we share tables.  One of the couples at our table was from Norway and lived above the Artic Circle.   Fascinating discussion.

 

We tried the Boardwalk Hotdogs for lunch.  They are the served instantly as they are kept on those heated rollers that you see in various places selling hotdogs.  There are four types of hot dogs on the menu:  Classic, Chicken and Apple Sausage, Bratwurst and Pork Sausage.  However, today they only had the Classic and the Bratwurst available.  Toppings included sauerkraut and onions in addition to coleslaw and potato salad.  The hot dogs were very good and about what you would expect from a typical hot dog stand. 

 

While I was in the Boardwalk neighborhood, I checked out the sports bar and I spotted these retro video games from the 1980's.   There are available to play at no additional charge.

 

 

Royal Caribbean's production show called "Voices" was featured in the Royal Theatre this evening.   Reservations were required and although we have the "Key" and are eligible for the VIP seating in the balcony we have not taken advantage of those seats as we like to sit closer to the stage.  Also there is a railing that gets in the way of our view from the balcony seats. 

 

We found that plenty of seats were available right up until the show started. 

 

"Voices" is described as a "dynamic combination of virtual and live performances - in real time". 

 

Six singers and six dancers took to the stage and performed a variety of top hits from over the last 30 years.  While the live singing and dancing were excellent, the live performers were upstaged by the large video screens featuring huge headshots of brightly lit recorded singers.  It was almost impossible to stop watching the giant screens and the live performer's ended up as being backup singers to the recorded singers rather than the reverse.  The show would be improved if they simply turned off the background videos and let the live performers stand out. 

 

The live performers were outstanding

 

 

 

The large pre-recorded singers on giant screens detracted from the live performers

 

We reserved the Chef's Table before the cruise and the time was shifted to 8:30PM instead of 8:00PM. 

 

The Chef's Table is held at a large round table in the Solarium Bistro.  Nine Large Cabana style chairs surrounded the table and they could probably support 10 people if necessary.  We were joined by a couple from England and a group of 5 who were all on their first cruise with a group of 6 other friends and family who were at an earlier Chef's table seating. 

 

 

Here is the menu along with some pictures 

 

Scallop Carpaccio/Bottega Pinot Grigio

Smoked Tomato Soup/Semillion Sauvignon Blanc

 

Maine Lobster Salad/Peter Yealands Marlbourough Sauvignon Blanc

 

Roasted Branzino / Domaine William Fevre Chardonay

 

Grilled Filet Mignon / 50th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon

 

 

Peanut Butter Ganache/Chocolate Mousse/Salted Caramel Gelato

Salted Caramel Espresso Martini

 

The entire experience took about 2 and 1/2 hours.  We had a wonderful time and plan on doing this again on future cruises.

 

[Nunagoras]

Wonderful review, congrats!... Incidentally by reading your nickname and thread title, I'd think this would to be such a different sort of review on a far more humoristic side of the pond! It is wonderfully well documented though.

 

Some pro tips for you and for others reading this:

 

When cruising to Europe, you can purchase alcohol on the duty free shops after security on both the embarkation or any other port of call and consume it inside ship with no problem at all. Companies rely on the port's authorities and will "close their eyes" on said purchases granted the bottles or the boxes where bottles are supposed to be have the port's authority stamp on them.

 

Regarding gangway opening advice: If you want to know if gangway is open or not; enter a lift and see if the gangway signal is turned on near one of the gangway decks. On Allure they had the deck number flashing in orange color, as I remember. The newer ships with LED touchscreens might have it signaled differently, but it will be signaled there.

[RenieRaider]

On 11/1/2022 at 7:01 AM, The-Inside-Cabin said:

 

The printing on my room key is already peeling off.   Is that normal?  

Is it normal? I guess it is now.

That happened to our card keys on the Harmony. 

They used to print guest info right onto the cards, nice keepsake.

Now, they print guest info onto a sticky film and adhere it to the card.

 

 

 

 

[island lady]

42 minutes ago, RenieRaider said:

 

 

Ours has always peeled with the new (cheap) card set up since restart on all ships.   Bucky has taped his with clear package tape (which kept it from peeling), and I have replaced mine already.  

[FionaMG]

28 minutes ago, island lady said:

 

Ours has always peeled with the new (cheap) card set up since restart on all ships.   Bucky has taped his with clear package tape (which kept it from peeling), and I have replaced mine already.  

 

That's really strange. I wonder if it depends on the stock they have on board a particular ship. We've done three cruises since the restart, one each on Harmony, Odyssey and Anthem and the cards have been the same as in the past, with the details printed on them.