Launching July 22, Utopia of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean's beloved Oasis Class series of ships. The fact that Royal Caribbean is launching an Oasis Class ship on the heels of the much-touted debut of Icon of the Seas — the bigger, newer Icon Class of ships — is a testament to the popularity of Oasis Class vessels.
Larger than its sister ship, Wonder of the Seas, Utopia will be the world's second-largest cruise ship (until the second Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, steals that spot in 2025).
Royal Caribbean hopes to draw a new crowd of never-cruised-before travelers by focusing on short three- and four-night itineraries that allow folks to sample cruising without too much of a commitment. It's the first time the line has earmarked a new Oasis Class ship for short-cruise service from its beginning. When it debuts, Utopia of the Seas will be far bigger, newer and more amenity-packed than any other cruise ship sailing short itineraries in North America.
From new restaurants and bars to announced itineraries, here's everything we know so far about Utopia of the Seas.
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Overview of Utopia of the Seas
The 237,000-ton Utopia of the Seas will be 18 decks high and is expected to carry up to 6,700 passengers in 2,830 cabins, placing it just behind Icon of the Seas as the world's second-biggest cruise ship.
Utopia of the Seas will be the sixth vessel in Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class of ships, which includes Oasis of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas.
Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries
It will sail a series of three- to four-night cruises to the Bahamas from Florida's Port Canaveral (near Orlando). All of the Utopia of the Seas sailings will include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas. Fares for a three-night sailing start from $469 per person (excluding taxes and fees).
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Like other Royal Caribbean vessels, Utopia of the Seas will teem with family-focused attractions like multiple pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a zip line and a two-story dry slide called the Ultimate Abyss. And that's just on the top decks.
Inside, you'll find an extensive selection of shops, as well as new and returning favorite restaurants and bars, a massive casino, an indoor ice-skating rink and theaters with Broadway-style shows. It will also feature a designated suite area with an exclusive lounge, restaurant and sun deck. With so much to do on board, your biggest challenge might be hitting all the activities on your to-do list on a three- or four-night sailing.
Related: The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained
Utopia of the Seas' design and layout will mirror the line's last new Oasis Class ship, Wonder of the Seas, launched in 2022. Like other Oasis Class vessels, the ship will feature individual "neighborhoods," each with its unique vibe. The Royal Promenade will be the ship's main thoroughfare, lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and bars. Also, leafy Central Park will be reprised on Utopia.
Entertainment venues like the casino and comedy club will be in the aptly named Entertainment Place, and the vessel will also feature the exclusive Suite Neighborhood for suite passengers.
Other neighborhoods include The Boardwalk — where you'll find the AquaTheater and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade — and the Pool & Sports Zone — complete with an expansive Caribbean-themed pool deck and a three-story Lime and Coconut bar. The Youth Zone (with a for-fee arcade and youth activity programming) and the Vitality Spa & Fitness area round out the list.
Utopia of the Seas cabins and suites
Utopia of the Seas will feature 2,830 cabins and suites, with more than 20 types of accommodations to suit every budget and group size. They include inside (windowless) cabins, ocean-view cabins and balcony cabins. Cruisers can choose from varied suite options, including the new posh Solarium Suites, exclusively on Utopia of the Seas.
The ship will also offer virtual balconies in select inside cabins. These accommodations will include 80-inch LED TVs that provide live views from outside the ship.
Royal Caribbean debuted the concept of interior-facing balconies with its Oasis Class vessels. On Utopia of the Seas, guests will also have the option to book a traditional balcony that faces the ocean or one overlooking the Boardwalk or Central Park.
The line's Royal Suite Class comprises three categories of suites — Star, Sky and Sea. All come with VIP perks such as a dedicated lounge area for suite guests, complimentary drinks and dining, personal concierge services via a Royal Genie, reserved pool deck seating and other amenities. Which perks you get depends on your suite tier.
Within the highest Star tier of suites (and exclusive to Utopia of the Seas), two expansive Solarium Suites will be perched above the ship's navigation bridge, providing spectacular 280-degree top-deck views. Each will feature a huge living room, a dining area and an infinite balcony. The infinite balcony technology, which Royal Caribbean debuted on Icon of the Seas, allows guests to lower a large window at the touch of a button to let fresh air into their room.
Other Royal Suite Class accommodations include the 1,500-square-foot, two-level Royal Loft Suite; it has a lofted master bedroom, a massive living room and a private balcony with an outdoor shower, hot tub, TV and minibar.
Additionally, the three-bedroom Ultimate Family Suite can accommodate up to 10 guests and features a slide from the upper level to the lower one. It has a private cinema and karaoke station, a balcony with a ping pong table and a private hot tub. The two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites allow guests to watch AquaTheater productions from their personal balconies.
Utopia of the Seas restaurants and bars
Utopia of the Seas will offer more than 20 restaurant and bar options, with a solid mix of included-in-fare and extra-fee specialty dining venues. Here is what you can expect on board.
Restaurants
The following dining options are included in your fare:
The Dining Room: The multilevel main dining space will serve multicourse meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Windjammer Cafe: As on other Royal Caribbean ships, the buffet-style restaurant will be the go-to for varied breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
Solarium Bistro: Passengers can opt for healthful, lighter fare like salads, soups and fresh fruit.
The Spare Tire: Debuting on Utopia of the Seas, this food truck-style eatery will be found poolside and feature sandwiches, flatbread and various desserts.
Coastal Kitchen: Suites guests and Royal Caribbean's top-tier Pinnacle loyalty program members will have exclusive access to this space, serving California and Mediterranean fusion dishes.
Sorrento's Pizza: Curb pie cravings day or night at Royal Caribbean's popular pizza parlor.
Other spots to fuel up for free will include El Loco Fresh for fast-casual Mexican fare; Sprinkles for serve-yourself ice cream; Boardwalk Dog House for hotdogs, sausages and brats; and Park Cafe for coffee, tea and pastries.
Here is a rundown of added-fee specialty dining available on Utopia of the Seas.
Royal Railway — Utopia Platform: While full details are still under wraps, the new Royal Railway — Utopia Station restaurant will use technology to virtually transport guests to different places and times. After enjoying pre-dinner drinks on the station platform, guests will "board" the train and enjoy a multicourse dinner.
150 Central Park: This upscale restaurant offers six- to eight-course tasting menus and is only on Oasis Class ships. Dishes here highlight locally sourced ingredients, some prepared tableside.
Chef's Table: This private, five-course wine pairing dinner is hosted by the executive chef and onboard sommelier.
Chops Grille & Trellis Bar: You'll find the same flavorful steaks, fresh seafood and extensive wine selection at this version of Royal Caribbean's marquee steakhouse. On Utopia, the venue will be attached to the signature Trellis Bar, perfect for a convenient pre-dinner co*cktail.
Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar: As on other ships, this popular Italian eatery will feature homemade pasta and fresh seafood, as well as a solid selection of wines. New to Utopia, the venue will span two floors. Guests can opt to dine alfresco on the restaurant's outside terrace overlooking The Boardwalk at the line's first Gio's Terrazza.
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi and Izumi in the Park: Guests can opt for a multicourse meal and entertainment in a private dining setting or grab fresh sushi and Japanese-inspired sweets at Izumi in the Park's walk-up restaurant.
Hooked Seafood: Serving New England-style seafood, Hooked will be the spot for Maine lobster rolls, crabcakes, oysters and other fresh seafood.
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade: Like its predecessors on other Royal Caribbean vessels, this popular sports bar perfectly pairs pub grub with arcade games.
Related: Playmakers: Royal Caribbean's cruise ship sports bar (with menu)
The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar: This popular venue is a returning favorite for Southern comfort food and live music.
Johnny Rockets: This popular added-fee ($12.99) spot is worth its weight in golden french fries (and burgers, onion rings and milkshakes).
Vitality Cafe and Starbucks are other added-fee venues on board.
Bars
With more than 20 bars and lounges, passengers on board Utopia of the Seas will have plenty of ways to celebrate a long weekend at sea. Here are some to look forward to.
Pesky Parrot: This new Caribbean-themed bar will replace the Bionic Bar on the Royal Promenade. The low-key venue will serve frozen drinks and fruit-based co*cktails.
The Lime and Coconut: This lively Caribbean-themed pool deck bar will expand to a three-deck-high venue.
The Vue: The Vue first debuted on Wonder of the Seas. Adjacent to the ship's solarium, the bar is unique because it's cantilevered over the ship's side.
Add to the list returning venues like the aforementioned Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade for gameday bar favorites and drinks; Schooner Bar, the line's classic piano bar; the English pub, Bell and Barley; Boleros, the line's signature Latin bar where you can enjoy live salsa, samba and merengue music; and the romantic Giovanni's Wine Bar.
Related: Royal Caribbean drink packages: Everything you need to know
Utopia of the Seas activities
With several returning favorites and a few new or updated attractions, the newest Oasis Class vessel will be packed with onboard diversions.
Get your fill of fun in the sun with five onboard pools. Find the vibe you seek, with options ranging from the tranquil adults-only Solarium Pool to the bustling Lido Deck pool area with three pools and 11 whirlpools.
Younger cruisers will have a blast at the Splashaway Bay water park complete with slides, fountains, sprinklers and water cannons.
Out of the water, passengers can test their mettle on Utopia's 259-foot-long Ultimate Abyss slide. It's a Wonder of the Seas holdover — with an upgrade. The slide is 43 feet longer than previous iterations, making it the longest dry slide at sea.
The ship will also feature the signature FlowRider surf simulator, a 10-story-high zip line, a rock climbing wall and Utopia Playscape climbing structure and play area.
On Utopia of the Seas, passengers can choose to play at the main Casino Royale or a separate nonsmoking room. Casino Royale will offer about 30 table games and more than 370 slot machines.
The ship's Vitality Spa & Fitness will offer body- and soul-soothing treatments and ample opportunities to up your fitness game.
Related: How I had the busiest 2 days ever on Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship
Utopia of the Seas shows
Like on previous ships, the main Royal Theater will host Broadway-style stage productions, the AquaTheater will feature the line's iconic water and diving shows, and Studio B will feature ice-skating productions. Enjoy live music at various venues throughout the ship, including Boleros and Music Hall (or make your own music at Spotlight Karaoke). The Attic also returns as the go-to place for nightly comedy shows.
When will Utopia of the Seas set sail?
In 2024 and 2025, Utopia of the Seas will sail three- and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Orlando) to Nassau, Bahamas, stopping at Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
How much does it cost to sail Utopia of the Seas?
If you want a spot on the maiden voyage of Utopia of the Seas, fares for the four-night sailing start at $1,049 per person for an inside cabin and $1,180 per person for a balcony cabin (at the time of writing).
Rates for other itineraries start at the following prices:
- $399 per person for an inside cabin or $629 per person for a balcony cabin for a three-night Bahamas & Perfect Day cruise
- $496 per person for an inside cabin or $624 per person for a balcony cabin on four-night Bahamas & Perfect Day cruise
- $619 per person for an inside cabin or $739 per person for a balcony cabin for a three-night Bahamas & Perfect Day cruise
Bottom line
Utopia of the Seas will provide a dizzying array of dining venues, drink options and activities for Royal Caribbean cruisers. From brand-new experiences to evolving fan favorites from previous vessels, the ship offers both seasoned cruisers and new-to-cruising travelers plenty of ways to fill a long "Ultimate Weekend."
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
