The World’s Largest Cruise Ship Docks in the U.S. for the First Time

It’s always exciting when a new cruise ship arrives for her inaugural sailings, and the excitement is bigger than ever as Fort Lauderdale welcomes the largest ship in the world – Wonder of the Seas – as she reaches Port Everglades for the first time on February 20, 2022.

This ship’s debut has been a long time coming, as her construction and initial sailings have been delayed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the moment has finally arrived, and the ship is now arriving in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with full fanfare.

As a cruise ship arrives home for the first time, it is customary that she is escorted by fire boats and given special attention, such as ship horn greetings from other vessels in port.

For Wonder of the Seas, eager ship watchers have been advised of the best viewing locations close to the port, including Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, at the south end of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Guests can also view Wonder of the Seas‘ arrival via the Port Everglades webcam.

Wonder of the Seas was not originally scheduled to debut in the U.S. at all, as her initial voyages were planned for China in 2021. Those plans were changed throughout the pandemic, however, as construction delays and travel restrictions impacted cruise ship deployments throughout the world.

Instead, Wonder of the Seas is spending her first few months in Florida, offering 5- to 7-night Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries, all of which also include Royal Caribbean’s private island, CocoCay.

In May, the ship will head back to Europe for the summer season, sailing 7-night Western Mediterranean voyages with passengers able to embark either at Barcelona, Spain or Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy.

After the summer season, Wonder of the Seas will return to the U.S. in November to her new homeport, Port Canaveral, to offer 6- and 7-night Caribbean itineraries.

Source: Cruise Hive