The world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, is to sail in Europe next year.

The highly anticipated ship from Royal Caribbean International will set sail from its home in Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean on 4 March 2022 before making its way to Barcelona and Rome in May.

New features for the ship including the Suite Neighborhood, a cantilevered pool bar named The Vue, and Wonder Playscape – an interactive, open-air kids’ play area.

Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley said he was encouraged by the ‘significant’ increase in bookings and the return of its ships in the US and Europe.

“With half of our fleet sailing again, we are encouraged by what we’re seeing. These regions are in the position to welcome a brand-new, innovative ship like Wonder of the Seas,” he said.

The seven-night Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale will visit destinations including Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Wonder of the Seas will sail in the Mediterranean in 2022 in place of Allure of the Seas. Allure will now sail from Fort Lauderdale on six- and eight-night Caribbean cruises, which have been opened today for bookings.

Guests currently booked on Allure’s 2022 Mediterranean itineraries will automatically be rebooked to sail on Wonder.

RCI said booked guests and travel partners impacted will be contacted with further details. 

European itineraries will see Wonder of the Seas sail from Barcelona and Rome on seven-night Western Mediterranean cruises, stopping at destinations including Palma de Mallorca, Spain and Capri, in Italy.

Wonder’s Caribbean itineraries are available to book today on Royal Caribbean’s website. The new ship’s European sailings will open on 22 September.