ONBOARD UTOPIA OF THE SEAS — Fun, fun, fun may be the resounding hype of ‘the world’s biggest weekend’ – as Utopia of the Seas’ three- and four-day cruise option is dubbed – but the main pursuit in launching short itineraries is to engage the intergenerational market and first-time cruisers, says Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

Based year-round at Port Canaveral, the 5,668-passenger Utopia of the Seas’ itineraries include a day at the line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, giving guests the experiential holiday combo of a high-energy ship with a Bahamas beach resort that has all the delights of a family friendly theme park, complete with 14 waterslides and a balloon ride, as well as the Hideaway Beach oasis for adults.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Four-day cruises add a stop at Nassau. This writer’s three-day preview cruise proved Utopia of the Seas delivers on the promise – described by Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group – to create a utopian playground at sea that delivers the perfect short getaway and ultimate family vacation.

Oceanview Veranda stateroom 9200 also has a roomy shower

On its maiden voyage as this article appears, Utopia of the Seas is RCI’s sixth Oasis Class ship, sister to Wonder of the Seas, launched in February 2022. Built at Chantiers de L’Atlantique shipyards in Saint-Nazaire France, the 18-deck, 236,473 GT Utopia is the first Oasis Class ship powered by environmentally-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), following Icon of the Seas. The positive attitude of Utopia of the Seas’ 2,290 international crew was palpable upon boarding, at staterooms, in every dining area including the vast Windjammer buffet, and in all public areas during the entire cruise.

Oceanview Veranda stateroom 9200 on Utopia of the Seas has a king bed (or two twins), seating area​ and desk plus ample cupboards and drawer space

Decidedly structured with Royal Caribbean’s eight signature neighbourhoods dedicated to specific activities and demographics, Utopia of the Seas has something for everyone in every category, from dining to activities to accommodations.

As Oasis Class ships are already renowned for their thrill-seeker sensations – including the rock-climbing wall, zipline, Flowrider surf simulator, and the Perfect Storm trio of racing slides – RCI ramped up the adrenalin-pumping action on Utopia of the Seas. Not for the faint of heart, the Ultimate Abyss is now lengthened to 295 feet (89.9 metres), plummeting daredevils from 150 feet (45.7 metres) above sea level down a winding, 10-deck dry slide to land on the Boardwalk.

Utopia of the Seas gives guests plenty of places to splash around, with five pools, eight whirlpools and four waterslides on board. Lest guest feel the urge to drink or snack, each pool has a bar nearby, with mere steps to the closest eatery.

Dining options are more appetizing than ever on Utopia of the Seas. Besides the elegantly furbished Main Dining Room and favourites including Chops Grill, The Mason Jar and Hooked Seafood, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar is expanded over two decks.

In the beautifully treed Central Park boulevard – location of the elegant 150 Central Park which serves continental dishes – the new Izumi Hibachi & Sushi restaurant includes teppanyaki tables and serves varieties of Sake cocktails. Next door, Izumi on the Park serves Japanese street food for take-out.

By far Utopia’s most anticipated new dining-cum-entertainment option, Royal Railway-Utopia Station is literally an immersive dinner theatre experience in one of two ‘old’ railway cars that lead guests on a virtual train ride, complete with costumed characters choreographed to make the destination come alive in a scripted ‘play.’

Royal Railway Utopia Station, an immersive dining experience

The first, 90-minute themed ride to debut is a Wild West adventure complete with bandits and a sheriff. Future themes will include a romantic Date Night and a Silk Road voyage through China, India, ancient Persia, Turkey and Italy. The experience takes off with pre-dinner drinks at Utopia Station platform, where a flipboard sign times the upcoming journey. Then guests are ushered into the 24-seat railway dining car. The ride starts with tech-simulated sounds, bumps and grinds to emulate a train ride, while a virtual show through ‘windows’ show passing scenery. Priced at US$24.99 for kids and $74.99 for adults, this experience quickly sells out.

Clean lines and lots of light at Solarium Bistro

Those who love to bar crawl will find 23 unique spots, all which also serve non-alcoholic drinks. On the Royal Promenade, Pesky Parrot is an instant success, its Caribbean tiki bar setting a cheerful home to Utopia’s live parrot, whose foul tongue was no doubt influenced by a drunken sailor or two. For Bourbon aficionados, the Mason Jar Bar serves heady concoctions. Every bar serves non-alcoholic drinks.

When it comes to booking any of the topflight entertainment, guests are advised to book seats as early as possible. Options include ice skating extravaganzas, stage performances and breathtaking spectacles in the AquaTheater that have aerial dancers flying high before dipping into water dance routines. It’s worth checking the daily Cruise Compass for the varieties of free live music performances and organized parties.

As for accommodations, the new category of Solarium Suites gives guests access to all the amenities of the exclusive Suite Neighbourhood. For those who enjoy the sensations of serene exclusivity – notably couples or seniors in an intergenerational group – this writer highly recommends considering the value of a Solarium Suite. Besides access to dining in the elegant Coastal Kitchen, it includes the gloriously secluded outdoor Suite Deck with its private pool, cluster of cabanas and bar. For those whose idea of a weekend away includes moments of quiet repose, this setting would be ideal.

A serene space for suite passengers, complete with its own bar

When Bayley greeted cheering crowds during the preview celebrations, he said, “Every day on Utopia of the Seas will feel like the weekend.” He predicted the ship will bring friends and families together “to make wonderful memories on a short getaway like never before.”