When you’re planning your next cruise vacation with Royal Caribbean, one of the ships that might catch your eye is, of course, the magnificent Wonder of the Seas – the biggest cruise ship in the world. The wonder of the Seas Central Park neighborhood was definitely one our of favorite spots on the ship on our cruise in September.
In this article, I’ll tell you what you need to know about this fabulous area of the ship and why it might become your favorite as well.
Welcome to Wonder of the Seas Central Park Neighborhood
Imagine strolling through a lush, open-air park filled with thousands of plants and the soothing sounds of nature, all while being onboard a massive cruise ship! If I had told this to my cruise-self back in the 90’s I wouldn’t have believed it!
The Central Park area on Wonder of the Seas and the other Oasis-Class ships is truly a marvel. With its innovative design and the relaxing ambiance of a real park, Central Park makes your cruise vacation even more memorable.
So, let’s explore the many wonders of Central Park including its design, atmosphere, and amenities.
Wonder of the Seas Central Park Overview
When you step into Central Park on Wonder of the Seas, you’ll find yourself in a serene oasis filled with live plants and the soothing sounds of nature.
As you stroll along the pathways and under the trellises, take a moment to relax on one of the many seating areas, and admire the beautiful trees and plant life surrounding you.
The Central Park experience on Oasis-class ships is unlike any other, providing a unique retreat from the bustle of the ship’s other neighborhoods.
In contrast to the excitement of the Boardwalk or the Royal Promenade, Central Park offers a calm and tranquil atmosphere for passengers seeking some respite during their cruise.
Conversely, the Pool and Sports Zone is all about active fun, while Central Park is ideal for leisurely strolls, quiet conversations, and enjoying the peaceful setting.
This green sanctuary nestled on deck 8 boasts an impressive collection of plants and trees, creating a breathtaking sight for guests exploring this open-air nautical park.
I mentioned in our review of Wonder of the Seas about how noisy it was. Undoubtedly, one of the advantages of visiting Central Park is the opportunity to relax in a quiet area, unwind and soak in the idyllic ambiance.
Of course, it’s not just about the plants and lifelike nature sounds (Those bird sounds are coming from the speakers). Central Park also provides a diverse selection of venues to explore, from fine dining options to charming bars with a much chiller vibe than elsewhere on the ship.
While you’re taking in the wonders of Central Park, consider some fascinating facts about this remarkable space on board.
The park is meticulously designed to provide an authentic park experience, with thousands of real plants. You could spend a while just trying to track all the various species of plants which are all labeled.
Combine these lush surroundings with the intimate pathways and cozy seating areas, and you have a nature lover’s dream escape without ever setting foot off the ship.
Central Park is located on deck 8 mid-ship.
Central Park Restaurants and Bars
Now balancing this feel of an “escape into nature” Royal Caribbean had to be careful to select the correct venues that run alongside the park to ensure that they matched that general relaxed and chilled ambience.
On Wonder of the Seas, I think they go that balance 100% right.
Let’s take a look at each of the venues in turn:
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen genuinely feels like a little piece of Italy has found its way onto the Wonder of the Seas.
The rustic charm here is real – think home-style Italian dishes that smell as good as they taste.
Picture yourself tucking into a plate of fresh pasta, with the greenery of Central Park as your backdrop. And let me tell you, their outdoor seating at dusk? Simply unbeatable.
Giovanni’s Wine Bar
Right next door to the Kitchen, Giovanni’s Wine Bar is a cozy spot for wine lovers. Sipping on a glass of their finest Prosecco, I felt a world away from the ocean.
The vibe here is relaxed yet sophisticated, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
The staff know their stuff, recommending wines that hit the spot every time. Whether inside or out, it’s a great place to raise a glass.
Oh, and if Sorrento’s Pizza on Royal Promenade doesn’t do it for you, please try the Pizza in Giovanni’s Wine Bar. It’s in a different class!
Park Cafe
Park Cafe is your go-to for a casual laid-back bite. The Kummelweck roast beef sandwich they serve here was a game-changer for me. I’ve been on so many Royal Caribbean ships and had actually never had one. I couldn’t believe what I had been missing! It’s a must-try.
The vibe in the cafe is easygoing, ideal for grabbing something on the go or just chilling with a coffee. It’s like having a picnic, but you’re surrounded by the buzz of Central Park on a cruise ship!
For us, it was a great place to grab lunch or breakfast sometimes, and much quieter than the Windjammer Cafe.
Trellis Bar
The Trellis Bar is a little gem in Central Park. Sitting there one evening, cocktail in hand, with live guitar music in the background, I felt completely at ease.
This area changed my mind about this ship. Early in the cruise, I had started to think the ship was all about loud music and constant activity. That’s when I realized each neighborhood on the ship offers something different and truly something for everyone.
It’s in complete contrast to some of the livelier areas of the ship, it’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink or a relaxed nightcap.
The open-air setting here adds to the charm – it’s all about soaking in those peaceful ship evenings. Morag and I loved it there.
Chops Grille
Chops Grille is a standout on any of the Royal Caribbean ships, especially for steak enthusiasts.
Chops Grille on Wonder of the Seas really benefits from the blend of classic steakhouse vibes with views of the park. It’s a unique mix that works.
If you’re up for a steak with a side of stunning views, especially when the park is all lit up, this is the place to go.
150 Central Park
150 Central Park definitely has a more upscale atmosphere to it than any other Royal Caribbean specialty restaurant. Looking at the menu, it definitely seemed to be closer to fine-dining than Chops Grille for example.
We didn’t get to try it out, but I did speak to a couple who had dined there and they absolutely loved it.
Rising Tide Bar
The Rising Tide Bar is something else – a bar that moves! At first, I mocked it. “What’s the point of drinking in a bar that is basically an elevator?”
However, my wife Morag eventually persuaded me to quickly grab an empty table one evening (they fill up very quickly!).
Riding it from the Royal Promenade up to Central Park with a drink in hand was a really cool experience. It’s definitely worth checking out at least once for the novelty alone. J
Just being there, watching the scenery change as you sip on your drink, is pretty cool.
Besides dining and drinking options, Central Park also boasts some fabulous shopping with the obligatory high-end retail stores of Regalia and Effy.
Central Park Activities
As you can imagine, with a much more laid-back vibe, any activities on Central Park are very much a low-key affair.
On our cruise in September, they had an occasional live Jazz Quartet performing in the center of the park. On other evenings it was “Guitar Melodies” which was very nice low-key classical guitar music.
Want a View of Central Park? Book A Park Balcony on Wonder of the Seas
On the Wonder of the Seas, there are basically two key locations for Outside Interior Balcony Rooms. You can overlook the Boardwalk and Aquatheatre, or Central Park.
The benefit of the Boardwalk / Aquatheatre is you can get a view of the Sea – the further aft you are the better.
However…..and this is the big issue. The Aquatheatre show is VERY noisy and can go on some evenings until after 11 pm. So if you are the type that is in bed by 10 pm, you are going to get some noise issues.
Central Park balcony rooms do not suffer from this issue. You won’t get a view of the sea, but you will have a stunning view overlooking the comings and goings of Central Park.
Personally, I would love a cabin in that location. Sadly we were in a Standard Interior room on Wonder of the Seas and our Royal Up bid wasn’t accepted, so we didn’t get to experience a Central Park Balcony. Perhaps next time?
What Makes Central Park One of the Nicest Neighborhoods on Royal Caribbean Oasis-Class Ships
If I were to summarize why I think this area is one of the nicest neighborhoods on Wonder of the Seas (or any of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class Ship for that matter), I think it is because it really is a unique location on the ship.
It’s a space where you can actually think for a minute that you are genuinely strolling around a City Center Park.
It’s a place where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the noisier Pool deck and Royal Promenade, but still be entertained – it’s a great place to people watch LOL
I do hope this gives some insight into this wonderful part of Wonder of the Seas.
I also hope you enjoyed our Wonder of the Seas Central Park pictures. I hope I was able to capture some of the feel and atmosphere of the place.
If you would like to find out more about the Ship, please read our Wonder of the Seas Review. You can also read our guide to Wonder of the Seas restaurants.
Any questions? Just leave them in the comments and I will be sure to answer them as best I can.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wonder of the Seas Central Park
What amenities are in Central Park on Wonder of the Seas?
In Central Park on Wonder of the Seas, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush greenery and relaxing spaces. The area offers bench seating for you to kick back and unwind, while taking in the beautiful ambiance.
They also live music performances on the small park stage in the evening, adding to the chilled atmosphere.
There are also restaurants and shops lining each side of the park.
How do I find the Central Park area on Wonder of the Seas?
Central Park is located on deck toward the middle of the ship. Once you reach Deck 8, simply follow the signs or ask a crew member to point you in the right direction.
Are there dining options in Central Park on Wonder of the Seas?
Absolutely! Central Park on Wonder of the Seas boasts multiple dining options to suit your taste buds. One notable restaurant is Chops Grille, an American steakhouse offering premium steak and seafood dishes. You might also want to try 150 Central Park for a more upscale dining experience.
You can find out more in full guide to Wonder of the Seas Restaurants.
What types of plants are featured in Central Park on Wonder of the Seas?
Central Park is home to a variety of plants, making it a real oasis at sea. You’ll find everything from lush trees and shrubs to vibrant flowers and exotic foliage, all carefully chosen to create a serene environment.
Each plant species is labelled to it can make for an interesting stroll.
Can I book a balcony cabin overlooking Central Park on Wonder of the Seas?
You bet! When booking your cruise on Wonder of the Seas, keep an eye out for Central Park view balcony cabins. These balcony cabins offer you a unique view overlooking the tranquil park area.
Imagine waking up to the sight of trees and the sound of birdsong—it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
What’s the difference between Central Park and Boardwalk areas on Wonder of the Seas?
Central Park is a lush, quiet retreat with upscale dining options, designed to help you unwind.
On the other hand, the Boardwalk area is all about excitement and entertainment, featuring a carousel, fun eateries, and the AquaTheater.
Ultimately, your preferences will determine where you spend more time, but both areas are worth exploring.
