10 side-by-side photos show how a Royal Caribbean cruise ship transforms with colorful lights at night

Deck 15 on the world's largest cruise ship during the day and at night — Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas during the day and at night. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world.
When the sun goes down, the ship glows with bright, color-changing lights on its outdoor decks.
Take a look at how the cruise ship transforms with vibrant colors at night in side-by-side photos.

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After taking my first cruise on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, I think the ship might be even more beautiful at night.

During my nighttime walks across the 1,188-foot-long ship on a seven-day Caribbean cruise in 2021, I noticed it was equipped with a variety of lighting that transformed the vessel into a colorful oasis when the sun went down.

Take a look at the vibrant nighttime atmosphere at sea.

Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

With 18 decks and 8 "neighborhoods," 21 restaurants, and a slew of bars and activities, this cruise ship is massive.

The ship has four outdoor decks that all guests can enjoy at night.

screen on the world's largest cruise ship during the day and at night — Outdoor decks seen during the day and at night. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Kids on the ship have a 1 a.m. curfew.

All the pools close by 11 p.m., according to Cruise Compass, a daily schedule received on Royal Caribbean cruises.

Pool on the world's largest cruise ship during the day and at night — A pool seen during the day and at night. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Decks 15 and 16 are the pool decks.

But the decks are stunning at night, with lights beneath the water.

Pools on the world's largest cruise ship during the day and at night — Another pool seen during the day and at night. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Above the pools, more lights change colors. I thought the rainbow glow over everything made the decks feel magical.

From the upper decks, guests can see the glows of the Central Park inner neighborhood on deck eight.

Deck 8 on the largest cruise ship in the world — Central Park seen during the day and at night. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The outdoor deck full of plants lights up yellow at night. It reminded me of my own neighborhood at home during the holiday season.

Down on deck six, there's another outdoor neighborhood, the Boardwalk.

Carousel on the world's largest cruise ship during the day and at night — The Boardwalk's carousel seen at night and during the day. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Reminiscent of a carnival, it's even brighter and more colorful at night.

Some lights in front of restaurants are on during the day, like the ones in front of this candy store.

sugar beach on the world's largest cruise ship during the day and at night — A candy store on the boardwalk, Sugar Beach, seen during the day and at night. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Sugar Beach is a candy store that's right across from the carousel on the Boardwalk.

But above them, additional lights come on at night, making the space even more colorful.

Johnny Rockets on the world's largest cruise ship during the day and at night — A restaurant on the boardwalk, Johnny Rockets, seen during the day and at night. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I thought the neon lights at Johnny Rockets enhanced its classic diner feel.

At the back of deck six, the Aquatheater glows neon at night.

Aquatheater on the world's largest cruise ship during the day and at night — The Aquatheater seen at night and during the day. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Pictures of stars fill the screens.

I found that when night came, the best place to be was deck 16, for the sunset views followed by glowing pools.

sunset from the largest cruise ship in the world — The sunset seen from deck 16. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Exploring these mostly-empty, lit-up decks after hours was one of my favorite parts of the trip.