Wonder of the Seas Launches Year-Round Short Cruises From PortMiami

Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas has repositioned to PortMiami, marking a historic milestone as the Oasis-class vessel begins its first deployment dedicated to short Caribbean itineraries. As a notable move in the cruise industry, the ship will now offer three- and four-night Bahamas cruises year-round, with sailings scheduled through April 2027. Featuring stops at Nassau and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Wonder of the Seas aims to deliver a high-impact vacation experience for travelers seeking accessible getaways.

A New Era for Short Caribbean Cruises

The repositioning of Wonder of the Seas to PortMiami signals Royal Caribbean’s shift toward catering to younger and first-time passengers or those with limited vacation time. Short cruises, alternating between three-night weekend getaways and four-night midweek voyages, have gained popularity for offering luxury and convenience without requiring a full week at sea. These itineraries leverage CocoCay’s appeal, including its water parks, stunning beaches, and exclusive private island experiences, alongside visits to Nassau.

The inaugural Miami sailing departed on August 25, 2025, following the ship’s arrival and plaque presentation ceremony hosted by PortMiami Deputy Director Fred Wong. Florida Stevedoring/Farovi Shipping Corporation also marked the occasion, noting, “We are proud to welcome Wonder of the Seas, one of the largest and most innovative cruise ships in the world, to her new home at PortMiami.”

Enhancements for the Short-Cruise Market

Royal Caribbean introduced several onboard updates before Wonder of the Seas’ Miami debut, ensuring the vessel meets the evolving needs of shorter itineraries. The updates include an expanded non-smoking casino on Deck 4, replacing the Crown Lounge, alongside a new Crown & Anchor lounge on Deck 16 and refreshed facilities for teenagers. These additions debuted in mid-July ahead of the ship’s repositioning.

Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France and launched in March 2022, Wonder of the Seas was originally designed for cruising in Asia. The 227,625-ton ship is among the largest cruise vessels globally, capable of accommodating 5,734 guests and offering extensive dining options, multiple pools, and an adults-only solarium.

Strategic Deployment with Industry Implications

The arrival of Wonder of the Seas in Miami marks its integration into Royal Caribbean’s broader strategy to attract new demographics through shorter itineraries. By deploying its iconic Oasis-class vessels, such as Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, for these year-round Bahamas cruises, the company aims to balance the economic benefits of higher per-night costs with the appeal of shorter travel commitments. Utopia, which has offered similar itineraries from Port Canaveral since mid-2024, is a forerunner in this approach.

While this business model targets new and casual cruisers seeking shorter vacations, loyal passengers have voiced concerns regarding the reduced time to explore the ship's expansive amenities. Critics argue that mega ships like Wonder of the Seas were originally designed for extended voyages, yet Royal Caribbean remains confident that this shift will attract new travelers to its growing fleet.

New Sailing Cadence from PortMiami

• Three-night weekend cruises: Departing every Friday, these itineraries visit Nassau and CocoCay.
• Four-night midweek cruises: Departing every Monday, passengers enjoy a sea day paired with stops at Nassau and CocoCay.
• Operational schedule: Year-round departures are published through at least April 2027.

With its debut in the short-cruise market, Wonder of the Seas joins Icon of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas as part of Royal Caribbean’s Miami-based fleet. These three vessels collectively serve as a cornerstone of the company’s strategy to offer broad appeal and flexible vacation experiences.

Iconic Experiences Await Onboard

As the first Oasis-class ship to offer year-round short cruises from Miami, Wonder of the Seas provides guests with innovative entertainment, diverse dining options, and curated itineraries. Beyond its marquee destinations, CocoCay remains the highlight of the program, featuring thrill-seeking attractions such as the tallest waterslide in North America, luxury cabanas, and dedicated areas for relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the itineraries offered by Wonder of the Seas?

The ship offers three-night weekend cruises departing Fridays and four-night sailings on Mondays. Both itineraries include stops at Nassau and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Why did Royal Caribbean reposition Wonder of the Seas to PortMiami?

The company strategically moved the vessel to Miami to focus on shorter itineraries, catering to younger cruisers and first-time passengers seeking accessible vacations requiring fewer days off.

What onboard updates were made to enhance the short-cruise experience?

Wonder of the Seas received several updates, including an expanded non-smoking casino, a new Crown & Anchor lounge, and a redesigned teens area, debuting ahead of its Miami deployment.

How long is Wonder of the Seas expected to sail from Miami?

Royal Caribbean has scheduled year-round departures for the vessel from PortMiami through at least April 2027.

How does Wonder of the Seas compare to other ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet?

While Wonder of the Seas was the world’s largest cruise ship upon its debut in 2022, newer vessels such as Utopia of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, and Star of the Seas have since surpassed its size. It remains one of the brand’s flagship ships, offering world-class amenities and immersive vacation experiences.