The ribbon-cutting ceremony of the largest ship in the world, the Wonder of the Seas, was a grand spectacle of maritime tradition and modern extravagance befitting its immense scale and engineering marvel. Owned by Royal Caribbean International, Wonder of the Seas was designed to redefine luxury and innovation at sea and set a new standard in cruise liners with its groundbreaking design, unmatched capacity, and luxurious amenities. Designed by the world-renowned naval architects at Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France and built by the same firm, the Wonder of the Seas boasts jaw-dropping dimensions: a length of 1,188 feet, a beam of 210 feet, and a staggering gross tonnage of 236,857. With a capacity for nearly 7,000 passengers and over 2,200 crew members, it is a floating city of innovation and entertainment.
Construction and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Details
The construction of Wonder of the Seas began in 2019 and the ship was launched in 2022, with its maiden voyage setting sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the Caribbean. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening inauguration were fitting tributes to the ship’s size and splendor. The ship was constructed at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, where initial ceremonies and sea trials took place. These events included private shipyard christenings or inspections involving engineers, designers, and executives from the ship-building company and Royal Caribbean International. The grand opening inauguration and ribbon-cutting ceremony officially marking the ship's entry into service took place in Fort Lauderdale. This event coincided with the ship's preparation for its maiden voyage to the Caribbean in March 2022.
The ceremony featured striking ceremonial ribbons in the ship’s signature hues of royal blue and gold, representing the elegance and innovation synonymous with Royal Caribbean International. CeremonialSupplies.com, a trusted provider of high-quality event products, supplies vibrant personalized ribbons that prominently display a company's logo, name or message - much like it was done for the Wonder of the Seas.
The centerpiece of the ribbon-cutting ceremony was a dazzling 12-foot-wide printed ribbon that spanned the entryway to the ship. Boldly branded with the ship’s logo, it captured the essence of the event. Surrounding this grand display were elegant stanchions and rope—gold-finished stanchions paired with deep blue velvet ropes—that cordoned off the VIP area, adding an air of exclusivity. The event carpet, a plush blue runner edged with golden accents, created a regal pathway leading to the ceremonial ribbon.
Enhancing the ambiance there were high-quality decorative products, including elegant bows and balloons that added a festive flair. Event carpets in a rich marine blue guided attendees to the ribbon-cutting area, where the stanchions and rope helped to manage the crowd while contributing to the nautical theme.
Grand Opening Inauguration
The grand opening inauguration began with a heartfelt speech by Royal Caribbean executives, highlighting the ship's advanced features, sustainability initiatives, and unparalleled guest experiences. Dignitaries, industry leaders, and celebrities graced the ceremony with their presence. Notable attendees included Royal Caribbean’s CEO Michael Bayley, Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s President Laurent Castaing, and Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis. Adding a touch of star power, award-winning actress and philanthropist Kristin Chenoweth served as the ship’s Godmother, a maritime tradition bestowing good fortune on the vessel. Chenoweth’s christening speech celebrated the ship’s innovation, luxury, and promise of unforgettable voyages.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony itself was a carefully choreographed event. As Chenoweth and Bayley held the ceremonial scissors—gleaming gold and adorned with decorative bows—anticipation filled the air. Balloons in shades of blue and gold cascaded from above as the ribbon was cut, signifying the official launch of Wonder of the Seas. Applause erupted, fireworks illuminated the sky, and a symphony played a triumphant fanfare, underscoring the moment’s significance.
Features and Design
The Wonder of the Seas boasts eight distinct neighborhoods, including a Central Park area with 20,000 real plants, an AquaTheater, and thrilling attractions like the tallest slide at sea. These elements were represented at the ribbon-cutting ceremony through immersive displays, adding to the excitement.
The ship’s branding extended beyond the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Royal blue and gold were woven into every detail of the event. The ship’s logo adorned printed decoration ribbons that accented tables, chairs, and stage backdrops. Personalized event carpets bearing the ship’s name added an additional layer of sophistication. Decorative stanchions and rope ensured orderly crowd management while maintaining the ceremony’s aesthetic appeal.
CeremonialSupplies.com High-quality Products
CeremonialSupplies.com’s high-quality products—from groundbreaking shovels and ceremonial ribbons to event carpets and stanchions and rope—exemplify the art of turning milestone moments into unforgettable celebrations. Trust the experience of CeremonialSupplies.com to combine tradition with innovation in event decorations of unmatched elegance and excitement. Talk to us on our live chat or click here for a quote.