The world’s largest ocean liner takes to sea for the first time – BFMTV

The Wonder of the Seas has left the Chantiers de Saint Nazaire for a few days. These first trials in the open sea are an essential step before the delivery, to Royal Caribbean, of this giant which will be able to accommodate up to 9,288 people.

The Wonder of the Seas made its first sea trip this Friday, off Saint Nazaire. A full-scale test, an essential step before its delivery, in March, to Royal Carribean, the world number 2 in the sector. When it joins the fleet of this American-Norwegian company, it will officially become the largest liner in the world in circulation.

Not because of its length (362 meters, or as much as three football fields placed end to end) or its width (66 meters), but because no other liner will be able to accommodate more people on board. Its maximum capacity, according to the technical sheet published by the manufacturer, reaches 6,988 passengers and 2,300 crew members, for a total of 9,288 people, the equivalent of the municipality of Valréas in the Vaucluse. Just for the record, the France liner, delivered in 1960 by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, could accommodate 2,032 passengers. That is three and a half times fewer cruise passengers.

35 bars and 20 restaurants

The Wonder of the Seas is not intended for Europe: it will be based in Shanghai (China). Her first cruise to Japan is scheduled for March 2022 and tickets are already on sale. On board, passengers will be treated to activities worthy of an amusement park, from the surf simulator to the 5.4-meter-deep water pit, including a 24-meter-long zip line. For a meal or a drink, travelers can choose from 35 bars and 20 restaurants.

When they are done with the construction and development of this giant of the seas, the employees of Chantiers de Saint-Nazaire will still have their work cut out for them. Despite the plunge in cruise line activity in 2020, the order book has not been called into question. Six liners remain to be delivered by 2025.

In addition to these civilian orders, there are four military supply ships, the final delivery of which is scheduled for 2028. The real problem for the Saint-Nazaire shipyards today is not the orders, it is to find enough competent personnel. .