Ports and Pensions

Is the world’s (second) biggest ship too big? That was the question on my mind before we booked.

If you’ve been following the channel, you know I’m a big fan of the Freedom class ships. They are easy to navigate, they have everything you need, and you don’t need a GPS to find your cabin.

With all the hype surrounding the new Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, everyone is obsessing over "bigger and newer." But looking at the price tags for Icon, we decided to take a look at the former heavyweight champion: Wonder of the Seas.

Is it too crowded? Is it worth the money? Here is my honest take on why Wonder might just be the "Goldilocks" of the Royal Caribbean fleet.

The "Too Big" Myth

Let’s look at the numbers. Wonder of the Seas holds nearly 7,000 passengers. As a retired Fire Chief, my first thought is "crowd control nightmare."

But here is the surprise: It felt less crowded than Freedom of the Seas.

How is that possible? It comes down to logistics and layout. On smaller ships, everyone congregates in the same two spots: the pool deck and the Promenade. On Wonder, they use the "Neighborhood" concept. They have split the ship into distinct zones—Central Park, the Boardwalk, Entertainment Place, etc.

It disperses the people. While 2,000 people are at the pool, another 2,000 are walking through Central Park or sitting on the Boardwalk. The traffic flow just works.

The "Must-Dos" That Sold Me

There are a few features on this ship that you simply cannot get on the older, smaller vessels. These were the game changers for us:

1. The Solarium (Climate Controlled) On Freedom or Independence, the Solarium is open-air. In the Caribbean summer, that means it’s hot and humid. On Wonder, the Solarium is fully enclosed in glass and air-conditioned. It was my favorite spot on the ship. Quiet, cool, and relaxing.

2. The Mason Jar This restaurant is unique to Wonder (and the new Utopia). It serves Southern comfort food—lobster gumbo, fried chicken, red velvet pancakes. It has a live country band and a great bar. It’s good, hearty food, and it’s a venue that actually feels like a destination, not just a dining room.

3. The AquaTheater I’m going to say something controversial: I prefer the AquaTheater on Wonder over the new AquaDome on Icon. On Wonder, it’s open-air. You get the ocean breeze and the wake of the ship as the backdrop for the high-diving show. It’s spectacular.

The Verdict: Wonder vs. Freedom vs. Icon

So, where does Wonder fit in?

vs. Freedom Class: Wonder is a massive upgrade in terms of food options and entertainment. If you are bored of the same old Windjammer buffer, Wonder solves that problem.
vs. Icon Class: Wonder gives you 90% of the amenities of Icon for a significantly lower price. You still get the slides, the neighborhoods, and the size, but you aren't paying the "new ship premium."

My take? Wonder of the Seas is the sweet spot. It’s the perfect size for someone who wants variety but doesn't want to pay Icon prices.

Watch the Full Review

We put together a full video showing the Solarium, the Mason Jar, and the sheer scale of this ship. You can check it out below to see if it’s the right fit for your next vacation.

Have you sailed on the Oasis class? Do you think they are too big, or just right? Let me know in the comments.

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If you use a CPAP machine, the recent crackdown on extension cords and power strips by cruise lines like Royal Caribbean has probably caused you a bit of anxiety. You’ve heard the horror stories: you pack your standard extension cord, security flags your bag, and suddenly you’re standing in line at the "naughty room" to surrender your contraband.

As a retired Fire Chief, I get it. Unapproved electrical devices are a legitimate fire risk on a ship. But as a traveler, I also know you need to breathe at night! If you are worried about the logistics—where to plug it in, how to get distilled water, and how to pack it—we’ve put together this guide to help you sleep easy on your next voyage.

1. Packing Your Machine: Carry-On Only! First things first: Never put your CPAP in your checked luggage. Between the baggage handlers at the airport and the porters at the cruise terminal, your bag goes through a lot of tossing and turning. I always pack my CPAP in a carry-on—either a backpack or a small rolling suitcase—to ensure it stays safe and doesn't get broken before the vacation even starts.

2. The Power Struggle: Outlets and Extension Cords One of the biggest variables on a cruise ship is the outlet situation.

Newer Ships: You’ll often find USB and standard outlets right next to the bed (we saw this on Star of the Seas).

Older Ships: The outlets might be all the way across the room at the desk/vanity.

The "Official" Solution: Do not bring your own extension cord from home. Instead, let the cruise line provide one for you.

Special Needs Form: Most lines (like Royal Caribbean) have a special needs form on their website. Fill this out about 30 days before you sail.

Check the Box: Look for the option for CPAP/BIPAP. This alerts the crew that you need an extension cord and distilled water provided in your cabin.

On Board: If you forget the form, ask your Room Steward on Day 1 or try requesting it via the cruise line's app.

The "Better" Solution (My Personal Favorite): If you want to be self-reliant and avoid the hassle of waiting for a cord, look at your CPAP's power brick. The cord that connects the brick to the wall is usually removable. You can buy a longer replacement power cord (e.g., 6-10 feet) that plugs directly into your CPAP’s brick.

Why this works: It is not an extension cord; it is a specific power cable for your device. Safety Factor: From a fire safety perspective, this is actually better because it is one continuous line from the wall to your machine, rather than daisy-chaining cords.

3. The Water Situation Don't stress about lugging a gallon of water through the terminal. Use the same Special Needs Form mentioned above to request distilled water. It will usually be waiting in your stateroom when you arrive.

4. The "Fire Chief's Hack": Magnetic Hooks Cabin nightstands are notoriously small. Once you put a CPAP machine on one, you have zero room for your phone, glasses, or book.

The Fix: Bring strong magnetic hooks (link to Amazon). Since ship walls are metal, you can stick a hook on the wall right above your side of the bed. In the morning, hang your mask and hose up on the hook. It keeps the gear off the dirty floor, lets it air dry efficiently, and keeps your nightstand clutter-free.

Want to see exactly what cord I’m talking about or how we set up the room? Check out our full video breakdown below:

Watch: How to Cruise with a CPAP: Distilled Water, Outlets, and Cabin Hacks

Have you traveled with a CPAP recently? Let us know your experience in the comments on the video! Stay safe, and we’ll see you on board.

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