18 decks, 20,000 plants, 9,000 passengers: Inside the world’s largest cruise ship

The "Wonder of the Seas" measures an incredible 1,188 feet, and has capacity for almost 7,000 guests and 2,300 crew.

At long last, the world’s largest cruise ship is set to embark on its maiden voyage.

The Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, over the weekend and is gearing up to welcome passengers aboard its first sail to the Caribbean on Mar. 4.

At an astonishing 18-decks tall, the Wonder replaces sister ship Symphony of the Seas as the biggest ship of its kind, and also dwarfs the largest military ship in the world, the U.S. Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.

It’s been a long journey to get the Wonder ready for its big debut. According to Cruisehive.com, the Royal Caribbean Group first ordered the ship in 2016 with a sailing deadline of 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in that plan, and delivery was delayed until this year.

The ship measures an incredible 1,188 feet, and has capacity for almost 7,000 guests and 2,300 crew. Guests have their pick of 2,867 staterooms over 16 guest decks, and can make their way through the vessel by using one of the boat’s 24 guest elevators.

The ship is divided into eight separate neighbourhoods, including a cantilevered pool bar named “The Vue” and a giant play area for kids. The “Central Park” neighbourhood features over 20,000 live plants.

The ship also boasts a water park with the “tallest slide at sea”, as well as a 10-deck-high zipline and a massive poolside movie theatre.

And if those perks aren’t enough, the “Suite Neighbourhood” offers private lounges and VIP pool areas for those guests who upgrade to a larger room.