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.