Utopia of the Seas: Review and Insights
The world’s biggest weekend is here! Royal Caribbean International debuted the newest Oasis Class ship, Utopia of the Seas, on July 19, 2024. The ship is the second-largest vessel in the world (as of the launch date) and offers exciting features for travelers of all ages and preferences.
Utopia of the Seas will homeport from Port Canaveral, Florida, year-round, offering three and four-night cruises to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas. While the voyages are shorter, guests are sure to leave filled with fun memories and rejuvenated from their adventures.
Here are some fast facts on Utopia of the Seas:
- 1,188 Feet/362 Meters Long
- 5,688 Guests / 2,290 Crew
- 2,834 Staterooms
- 18 Total Decks
- First LNG Powered Oasis Class Ship for Royal Caribbean
- Built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique Shipyard in France
- Over 40 total bars and restaurants in total
- Godmother - GRAMMY Award-Winning singer Megan Trainor
I just returned from a preview sailing on Utopia of the Seas before the ship welcomed the first revenue passengers. Follow along for a complete review and insights into this new mega-fun ship.
First Impressions
Upon arrival at the terminal at Port Canaveral, DJs, dancers, and an energetic crew welcome guests and are ready to help travelers get into the party experience. Everything is colorful and lively, setting the tone for the fun and adventure that awaits.
Guests enter the ship at the Royal Promenade. It’s home to multiple eateries, shops, and bars and serves as a central gathering place onboard Utopia. There’s much to do here, and guests will spend a lot of time in this area of the ship. Like the cruise terminal, music was coming from every venue to keep the party going. If you want to sing, dance, and have a good time on this ship, it’s easy to find!
After looking around and making an obligatory stop at the Utopia sign in the middle of the Promenade, I found an elevator bank to head up and explore more of the ship. Like Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has implemented a touchscreen elevator model on Utopia where guests tap the floor they want on kiosk screens at each elevator bank. Once you do that, you are assigned a letter that denotes the car that you should move in front of to ride that elevator.
Next, I stopped by Central Park for a quick bite and to look around. Central Park is one of the eight neighborhoods on Utopia of the Seas and is home to several specialty eateries, shops, and lounges. The design is an homage to its NYC namesake and offers lots of greenery, plants, beautiful sculptures, and artwork around the area. It’s among one of the most elegant spaces on the ship and a fun place to gather. Central Park turns quiet late at night and plays ambient nature sounds in the background.
After seeing these two areas, I was excited to see what other fun features were around the ship, so I dropped my bags in my stateroom and quickly went out to explore.
Ship Design
There are eight neighborhoods on Utopia of the Seas - Central Park and The Royal Promenade (as mentioned above), The Boardwalk, the Pool & Sports Zone, the Entertainment Zone, the Youth Zone, the Vitality Spa and Fitness, and the Suite Neighborhood.
The neighborhoods are spread all across the 18 floors of the vessel. One tip I highly recommend, mainly as Utopia focuses on shorter sailings, is to study a deck map of the ship before you get onboard. Familiarization will ensure you have an idea of what you want to see and a general understanding of what this mega-sized vessel offers. There is a TON to see onboard! Knowing where the ship venues are located, which elevators are closest, and if something is forward or aft on the vessel will help guests move around the ship more efficiently. A little homework ahead of time will allow guests to spend more time in the action instead of looking at maps and trying to figure out which way to go. Now, if you’ve sailed on an Oasis Class previously, you will undoubtedly have an advantage and be familiar with the overall layout.
Further, this ship has tons of fun art in public spaces and stairwell landings. It adds a funky and lighthearted element central to this ship's theme.
The Boardwalk is home to several fun spots for families and those young at heart. It’s located at the aft mid-ship, just one level up from the Royal Promenade. Kids can enjoy the arcade, a fully functional carousel, and several spaces on the Boardwalk. At this level, you will also find the entrance to the Aqua Theatre, a rock climbing walk, and the ending of an Oasis Class favorite activity, The Great Abyss dry slide. The design of The Boardwalk is fun, amusement park-themed, and a great spot to enjoy the outdoors.
At the Pool & Sports Zone neighborhood, guests can challenge each other to friendly games at the onboard sports courts, try the FlowRider surf simulator, play mini-golf, or do what everyone wants on a Caribbean vacation - hang by the pool and get in the water.
There are tons of pools on Utopia of the Seas and many surrounding lounge chairs. You won’t struggle to find a place to sit. In addition to adult-only pools with in-water loungers, there is also a dedicated kids' water play areas. In this section, you will also find the ship’s numerous waterslides, perfect for daredevil travelers looking to cool off.
Note that the pool space is where a lot of the action can be on Utopia of the Seas, and it can get loud, especially during planned pool parties and events. There are a total of 10 pools and 18 water slides on the ship!
Right off the pool area was one of my favorite spots on the ship, The Solarium. The covered sun-filled space is forward and has loungers all around, a bar, hot tubs, and a generally calm and relaxing vibe. It's reserved for guests only 18+ and is a solace from the party outside at the main pool.
Utopia is known for being the ‘ultimate weekend.’ What is a weekend without a party? The Entertainment Zone is where guests will be wowed by the amazing talent onboard Utopia of the Seas. Programming is jam-packed with things to do from early morning into late night. Enjoy comedy shows, big-energy Broadway-style shows, live music (literally everywhere), ice skating shows, and much more. Tip - Consult your Cruise Compass schedule for what is going on each day. You don’t want to miss out on anything.
The Youth Zone includes the line's award-winning Adventure Ocean Youth Program for kids aged three through 11. The programs are complementary and offer all-day camps and programming. The Royal Babies and Tots Nursery (available for a fee) provides supervised care for the youngest of cruisers. Teens have dedicated programming with unique spaces and activities like parties and game nights. The Wonder Playscape in the Youth Zone has slides, climbing walls, puzzles, and other features for kids.
Pamper yourself at Utopia’s Vitality Spa and Fitness Center. Enjoy a state-of-the-art gym with a full range of exercise programs. I tried a Stretch and Release yoga class, which was a great way to start the day before I dived into all the ship had to offer. Vitality Spa has a full-service spa menu, a hair salon, and a Thermal Suite. Specialty treatments include a zero-gravity wellness massage, bamboo massages, acupuncture, IV therapy sessions, and much more.
The last neighborhood, the Suite Neighborhood, is located on deck 18 and caters to guests in the Royal Class Suites—more on the specifics of this area to follow.
Dining
You won’t go hungry on Utopia of the Seas. Author’s note - bring stretchy pants to wear after your vacation on this ship. You will want to try everything in a few days! The following is an overview of the eateries, separated by included options and specialty venues.
Included Options - No Cost
The Main Dining room occupies decks 3-5 of the aft of the ship, and all levels serve the same menu. Depending on the day, the restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I dined here several times on my voyage. The menus are a robust selection of appetizers, mains, and desserts, each with multiple options. For those with dietary restrictions, let the cruise line know beforehand and remind the wait staff at each seating.
Each night, there is a themed menu—for example, one night featured French-themed dishes, while another featured Caribbean-themed dishes. I found the food to be satisfying, and the service was what made the experience great. Our wait staff was attentive and fast. The food quality was typical for a main dining experience on a Royal Caribbean ship, but there were a few standout items, such as the Crab Cake appetizer I had during dinner service.
Windjammer, a staple on all Royal Caribbean ships, is the main buffet area on Utopia of the Seas. It offers a wide variety of options for each meal from morning to evening, and the seating is ample.
Sorrento’s, everyone’s favorite pizza bar, is right in the Royal Promenade and open morning to late, late night. Grab a table right on the Promenade, and people-watch as you enjoy a tasty slice of pie. Cafe Promenade (also in the Royal Promenade) serves coffee, sandwiches, cookies, and other light bites.
The Park Cafe, located in Central Park, offers grab-and-go sandwiches, sides, and even a make-your-own salad bar. I enjoyed this venue, sitting outside with a coffee and soaking up Central Park's lush views and sounds. It was quiet and an easy space to grab a bite.
El Loco Fresh, located right off the pool deck, offers quick Mexican options like burritos, quesadillas, and tacos. The Boardwalk Dog House (in the Boardwalk neighborhood) is a hot dog spot great for families. The Spare Tire, Royal Caribbean's first-ever ‘food truck’ concept, offers grab-and-go bites by the pool.
Also included is the Vitality Cafe, which serves healthy bites and smoothies. Enjoy breakfast and lunch in a light-filled, comfortable setting at the Solarium Bistro (located off the beautiful Solarium on deck 15). After a day at the pool, stop by Sprinkles for soft-serve ice cream cones to cool off.
If you are a guest in the Suite Class, you will receive included dining at Coastal Kitchen on deck 18 for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, depending on your suite tier.
Specialty Venues - Additional Cost
Royal Railway is the new specialty eatery on Utopia, offering a first-of-its-kind immersive dining experience. This railway-themed dinner treats guests to a meal and a show. It’s fun for families and adults alike and a unique way to cap off the end of the day onboard the ship.
150 Central Park, an Oasis Class specialty staple, returns on Utopia of the Seas. This elegant eatery has six or eight-course tasting menus and is an excellent spot for a special night ‘out.’
Chops Grille, like other Oasis Class ships, is located in Central Park. This traditional white tablecloth steakhouse serves juicy cuts of meat, fine seafood, and a great wine selection.
Izumi in the Park is the ship’s Japanese eatery, serving sushi and hibachi. On Utopia of the Seas, Izumi has a walk-up window where you can purchase sushi rolls on the go.
Giovanni’s Kitchen and Wine Bar is the onboard Italian spot. It serves family-style meals inspired by Tuscany's foods. You can also dine al fresco at the first-ever Gio’s Terrazzo, which overlooks the Boardwalk.
Hooked Seafood offers New England-style cuisine and a raw bar. The Mason Jar, which debuted first on fellow Oasis Class Wonder of the Seas, serves southern-inspired fare like chicken and waffles and BBQ. It also has an incredibly fun late-night bar scene with country music and bourbon cocktails—it’s a taste of Nashville at sea.
Other extra-cost eateries on Utopia are Playmaker’s Sports Bar and Arcade, which serves burgers and wings alongside numerous TVs featuring all the sports games you can think of. A Johnny Rocket’s restaurant returns on Utopia in the Boardwalk, serving delicious burgers and milkshakes.
Utopia also offers a Starbucks for your caffeine needs, as well as a Sugar Beach candy shop for those looking to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Bars and Lounges
Your next boat drink is never far away on Utopia of the Seas with its 23 total bars.
New (and most notable) is the Pesky Parrot Bar in the Royal Promenade. It is tropical-themed and has an enjoyable menu of tropical drinks and frozen beverage machines. It’s a great addition to this Caribbean-centric ship.
Boleros is the Latin-themed onboard bar with music and a fun cocktail list. The Schooner Bar, located in the Royal Promenade, has a wide range of beverages and a piano player on hand nightly who takes requests. Those wanting to grab a pint should head to Bell and Barley, an English Pub serving a large selection of beers and a make-your-own gin and tonic menu option.
Guests looking for a drink by the pool can head to the multi-level Lime and Coconut bar to find mai tais, pina coladas, daiquiris, and more. This bar is always a guest favorite and one of the most popular bars on the ship.
Other onboard bars on Utopia of the Seas include Giovanni’s Wine Bar, The Trellis Bar in Central Park, the Solarium Bar, outdoor bar The Vue, Cantina Fresca (by El Loco Fresh), Wipe Out Bar, and Oasis Class fan-favorite the moving bar Rising Tides.
Most bars on Utopia have a Zero Proof section on their menus, with drink selections that do not include alcohol.
Note: Drinks are not included in the cost of your cruise fare with Royal Caribbean. The line offers more details on beverage packages here.
Activities and Entertainment
Day and night, there’s always something going on onboard Utopia of the Seas. Whether you're looking to party and be in the action or prefer to escape and find a place to relax, both can be accomplished on this ship.
Looking to see a show? Utopia of the Seas entertains via ice, air, water, and stage. Check out Youtopia (a fantasy-themed ice skating show in Studio B), All In! (the signature show in the main theater), or laugh at a late-night comedy show at The Attic.
I saw Aqua80Too, a water show featuring synchronized swimming, dancing, tricks, high-dives, tightrope walking, and more. Held in the AquaTheater, this show is energetic and set to a fantastic 80s music remix. It’s fun and high-energy, and you will be absolutely amazed!
As it’s the ‘world’s biggest weekend,’ big group parties are a primary theme for Utopia of the Seas. Most of these events are themed for adults, but some family programming is offered. Options include the Revolutionize Dance Party, a collegiate-themed Royal Kappa Phi party, and Silent Toga! (a toga-themed silent disco), and multiple pool parties—the Sail Away Pool Party, the Senses Sunset Pool Party, and the Plunge Day Pool Party.
Live music is everywhere, with musicians and singers at several bars and live shows at The Music Hall. Utopia also has two separate casino areas and a family-fun escape room.
Staterooms
There are a whopping 2,834 staterooms onboard Utopia of the Seas. No matter your party size, there’s something to fit your needs. Staterooms are divided into these categories:
- Interior Rooms - Sleeps 1-6; 150 - 270 sq. ft.
- Featured Cabin - Virtual Balcony Interior, which has a digital ‘window’ giving the illusion of an outside view
- Ocean View - Sleeps 1-6; 174 - 364 sq. ft. Features a window view
- Balcony - Sleeps 1-6; 181 - 304 sq. ft. Private balcony offering an ocean view or a neighborhood view overlooking Central Park or the Boardwalk
- Royal Suite Class - Sleeps 1-9; 301 - 2604 sq. ft. Live it up in luxury on Utopia of the Seas with one of the ship’s many suite offerings.
My stateroom was a Standard Balcony Cabin that overlooked Central Park. This area is located mid-ship and has no ocean view, but instead, Central Park below and the blue skies of the Caribbean above. It’s right in the middle of the action but is a calming respite on the inside.
This style stateroom includes a queen-sized bed (or two twins as separated), a desk, a small seating area, and lots of closet space. The closet space was a real winner in this room with two separate closet areas with drawers, hanging spaces, and plenty of room to store all your things for a 3- or 4-night sailing.
The seating area features a small couch that’s perfect for lounging. A desk area is great if you need to catch up on emails or want to use it to get ready. There are ample power outlets at the desk as well.
Around the beds are nightstands with storage on both sides and lamps on either side. Both include plugs and USB chargers. In front of the bed is a large TV and a fun element—fixed hooks that are perfect for hanging hats, bags, or assorted goodies you pick up along your voyage.
The bathrooms are standard-sized, with a shower and good storage space. There are shelves along the mirror and a cubby below the sink to store personal effects. A combo soap/shampoo dispenser is included in the shower.
Being by Central Park and underneath the pool deck, you will get noise in this cabin inside (with the door closed) and on your balcony. By around 11, the music and other events had stopped; however, people were still in the area. You will likely hear music and other ship-going-ons from your balcony most of the day and evening.
If you value privacy and a more serene ambiance to enjoy our balcony, there may be a better category for your cruise than these interior-facing balcony cabins. However, the price point of these cabins offers substantial savings over a traditional ocean-facing balcony, and the size and amenities are very comfortable and comparable. If you don’t foresee spending time in the cabin for peace and quiet during the cruise, the Central Park and Boardwalk-facing balconies may be a good option.
Suites
Utopia’s Suite Neighborhood is an inviting retreat for those wanting to splurge on more space and upgraded amenities for their Ultimate Weekend. Guests staying in this area can access a dedicated sun deck, a lounge, and dining at the Coastal Kitchen restaurant. Also included is a 24-hour concierge service and priority ship boarding.
There are three tiers of suites - Star, Sky, and Sea. Star Suites include access to the Royal Genie Service, all-day dining at Coastal Kitchen, Sky Amenities, complimentary dining, and more. Sky Tier suite guests get all-day access to Coastal Kitchen and priority dining reservations. Sea Tier suite guests receive dinner at Coastal Kitchen and ensuite Lavazza espresso machines.
I had the opportunity to explore this area and some of the suites. The colors used for these staterooms are much more muted than those found throughout the rest of the ship. The overall feel is upscale elegance and a premium destination for those looking to splurge.
The largest suite on the ship is the Royal Loft Suite. It is an impressive 2,605 sq ft in total, with a 517 sq ft balcony. It sleeps up to 6 and has all the Royal Star Class amenities.
The second largest, the Crown Loft Suite, is a two-story suite with panoramic views and an extra guest bathroom on its main level. This suite offers 670 sq ft of room space with a 105 sq ft balcony and can accommodate up to four people.
I toured the Ultimate Family Suite on Utopia of the Seas. It features fun, colorful, family-friendly elements like bunk beds, a musical staircase, an en-suite slide, a movie room, and a spacious wraparound balcony with a hot tub.
Another featured Suite on Utopia of the Seas is the Owner’s Suite, which sleeps up to four and has an 861-square-foot room and a 226-square-foot balcony. Equally lovely is the Solarium Suite, an 839-square-foot room that sleeps up to four with an expanded living area that becomes an oceanfront balcony at the push of a button. AquaTheater Suites overlook the ocean and AquaTheater at the aft of the ship, with ginormous balconies.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed my time on Utopia of the Seas overall. Royal Caribbean has developed an exciting concept of offering only short cruises on an Oasis Class ship, helping to fill the needs of people who want a mega-ship vacation but have limited time to get away.
There’s a ton to see and do onboard this ship, and doing it all in just a 3- or 4-night cruise might seem overwhelming to some. As mentioned above, research the ship’s layout and onboard offerings before boarding. A general idea of what you want to do before you are onboard will ensure you don’t miss a thing. Although some may try, there’s no way to do all the activities and eat at all the restaurants during a short sailing. However, Royal Caribbean has designed this ship so that guests will want to come back and plan more ‘ultimate weekends’ in the future or enjoy a longer sailing on a sister ship. Download the Shipmate app and add your future sailing to assist with pre-cruise planning and familiarize yourself with the deck plans.
If you are a frequent Royal Caribbean Oasis Class ship cruiser, you will find many of the same familiar venues and elements around the ship, with a new twist. You will discover improved designs of venues and technology upgrades in staterooms and around the public spaces that add to the overall experience.
We hope you have an amazing time if you have a cruise planned on Utopia of the Seas. Book it for those considering planning their own ultimate weekend - you won’t be disappointed!
Related:
First Look at Utopia of the Seas
Best Deals on Utopia of the Seas
Top 6 Reasons to Try a Short Cruise
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