A $2,000 Ocean-View Experience: 7 Nights in a 179-Square-Foot Room on a Gigantic Cruise Ship!

I recently embarked on my first cruise experience aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, which, at the time, was the largest cruise ship in the world. This adventure took place in 2022, and the ship has since been surpassed in size by its successor, the Icon of the Seas. My trip lasted seven days, starting from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and included stops at Roatán in Honduras, and Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, with a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.

I stayed in a mid-tier ocean-view stateroom priced at $2,000, a special discounted rate from the original $3,000. Measuring 179 square feet, the room had a private bathroom and a king-size bed. Surprisingly, despite its compact size, the space was well-designed and made efficient use of every corner.

Located on the same deck as Central Park—a tranquil outdoor area adorned with 20,000 plants—my stateroom felt more spacious than I expected. Upon entering, I was impressed by how the design enhanced the room’s feel. The cabin featured an energy-saving system that required inserting a room key into a slot to power the electricity, which I found to be a good eco-friendly touch.

One side of the room had a mirror and a desk equipped with multiple charging outlets, including USB ports. This setup was practical for dining and organizing daily activities, as various flyers detailed ship happenings were provided each day. The desk also housed a mini-fridge and a few empty drawers, one of which contained a hairdryer I never used.

Across from the desk, a couch was nestled between two closets, where I found ample space for my belongings, complete with hangers and a small safe. The bathroom side maximized storage as well, with essentials like soap and a hair and body wash provided, while the trash can and toilet paper were neatly tucked under the counter.

Each night, my stateroom attendant refreshed the towels and often folded them creatively, adding a whimsical touch to my stay. The king-size bed was actually two twin beds pushed together, which occasionally left me waking up in the crevice.

A large flat-screen TV was mounted across from the bed, with a usable space for storage hooks beneath it. Thanks to the ocean-view status, I enjoyed the serene sight of the ship’s bow through a window adorned with an electronic shade for privacy at bedtime.

While I pondered if the room might feel too tight for a couple with lots of luggage or a family, it was the perfect size for my solo journey. One of the highlights of my experience was watching the sun rise over the Caribbean Sea directly from my room, a memory I hold dear from my week at sea.

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