Casino Royale – Royal Caribbean International – Wonder of the Seas
Submitted by: Arcadis
Lead Designer: Arcadis, Coral Gables
Wonder of the Seas is the 5th Oasis Class vessel for Royal Caribbean International which was launched December 2022 as the world’s largest Cruise ship. Building on the brand for the premium Oasis class vessels, Wonder of the Seas was the first ship Arcadis specifically designed for the Asian market.
Specific for this direction, Casino Royale was the first venue to be designed specifically for smoking. An enhanced fresh air replacement system to provide a better environment for all guests was developed. Fresh air is introduced throughout the casino via perforated column enclosures and recessed ventilation shafts along the perimeter bulkheads for 100% air recirculation though ceiling extractors. This system has since been added to the newer vessel in their fleet.
The Casino venue has an enlarged bar that is brought forward and more central in the space with access all around and including gaming machines integrated into the bar top. For the brand a new food service area was integrated in the casino for an enhanced VIP service.
The overall design palette / aesthetic was to be sensitive to the Asian guests. There are specific colors that needed to be avoided, while other colors and materials refer to prosperity and luck and were integrated into the overall design. The direction was for cool neutrals to work with the colorful gaming machines with an emphasis on gold accents and rich natural materials.
During the initial fit-out of the ship the Covid pandemic refocused the ship eventual deployment. This resulted in reconfiguration of the casino as several design improvements geared for the Asian market needed to be modified for the new deployment routes in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, the decision to provide additional slot machines and less VIP gaming tables to cater to the guest preference.
On Wonder of the Seas a separate new VVIP Casino called the Golden Room was designed and built out for exclusive guests. Upon re-deployment this venue was designated as the Non-Smoking casino has now become incorporated on the subsequent vessel Utopia of the Seas.