Bow to the The Lord of Weekend Sails
It seems that Royal Caribbean is on a roll lately, releasing massive cruise ships every few months like it’s no big deal. The Icon of the Seas blessed us with its… iconic… presence in January 2024, and now it’s time to turn the spotlight to Utopia, which set sail a few months ago in July 2024. So, is Utopia as good as the other Royal Caribbean ships, and does it deserve your attention? Yep. This is a ship that brings a lot of the fun features you can find in the latest releases, with a few changes here and there to satisfy a very specific cruise demographic.
The important thing to know is that Utopia of the Seas is all about 3- and 4-night cruises. It’s even earned nicknames like “the best weekend on the planet,” since this ship is all about getting as loud as you can and packing in the most excitement in a short amount of time. Utopia of the Seas manages to offer plenty of activities and entertainment options, though there’s still room for improvement, especially when it comes to casual dining. Nevertheless, this is an amazing ship for the whole family, particularly for those looking for a quick getaway.
What we like about Utopia of the Seas
I love the variety of entertainment options that Royal Caribbean managed to pack into this ship, which is part of the Oasis class. There’s so much cool stuff to see and do here, for both kids and adults alike! One of my favorites is the Ultimate Abyss, which consists of two slides that hold the title of the “tallest dry slide at sea.”
There are also water parks and three main pools (ten pools in total), with one of them themed after a cozy beach. If that’s not enough, you can also find mini-golf, a zip line, multiple water slides, and much more. You won’t get bored here, and kids will have to burn a lot of energy to experience everything in just three or four days.
The shows are also pretty good. Aqua80Too is probably the best show onboard. It takes place at the AquaTheater and features incredible divers and acrobats performing right in front of your eyes. The performers are amazing, and it’s awesome to watch them dive from such great heights, landing perfectly in the pool below. “All In” is another show that’s more typical of cruise lines, with good singers, though it’s a bit generic. Youtopia is Utopia of the Seas’ ice skating show, which also features talented singers and musicians. It’s good, but I’d say the one show you definitely shouldn’t miss is Aqua80Too.
Dining on Utopia of the Seas is hit or miss. The specialty restaurants are very good, but the casual dining options can be a bit underwhelming. You know what’s great? The bars and drinks. Many guests online are actually saying that Utopia of the Seas might have some of the best drinks on the high seas, and several of them are included in the drink packages. One standout is the brand-new bar called The Pesky Parrot, which even has an animatronic parrot encouraging you to drink, and it offers amazing cocktails you should definitely try. The Wipeout Bar also introduces a fun new option with shaved ice, available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.
Nightlife is also okay, but don’t expect anything revolutionary, since this is mostly a cruise made for families. You can find the silent disco night (with a few twists), street parties at the Royal Promenade and bands playing at most bars. It’s good, but nothing outstanding.
There are plenty of great specialty restaurant options, including the southern-inspired Mason Jar, the fan-favorite Chops Grille, and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. One of the most intriguing options, however, is The Royal Railway. This interactive restaurant could easily be a ride at Universal Studios, as it reminds me so much of the Hogwarts Express from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
For this one, you enter a restaurant that simulates the interior of an 1800s train, where you get to dine while watching a show with staff members roleplaying. The storyline is set in the Wild West, so you’ll encounter pesky robbers, a sheriff and more cliche characters. The coolest feature is that digital screens replace the windows, displaying a landscape that resembles the Wild West, with vast deserts and all, making it feel like you’re actually moving inside a train. Yeah, just like the Hogwarts Express!
What we don’t like about Utopia of the Seas
The biggest downside of Utopia of the Seas is its casual dining options. I’m not talking about the Main Dining Room, which is fine, but the choices when you want a quick bite by the pool. While there are plenty of options, the food is somewhat disappointing. The only new casual dining venue made specifically for Utopia of the Seas is called The Spare Tire, and the food there is often considered pretty bad. For a ship that’s all about weekend fun and soaking up the sun in a laid-back way, it’s disappointing that options for pizza, tacos, and fast food are a bit meh.
Aside from that, I think Utopia of the Seas gets most things right. There’s plenty to see and do, with some great shows, numerous pools, and awesome waterslides for the whole family. I also like that the price isn’t too bad. A 4-night Bahamian cruise starts at $600 per guest, per night, while a 7-night cruise aboard Icon of the Seas starts at $1,600 per guest, per night.
So, do we recommend this one? Yes, especially for families looking to have fun with their children. Utopia of the Seas is also a great option for those who haven’t cruised in a while or haven’t cruised with Royal Caribbean before. It’s a brand-new ship that’s less than a year old and gives you a chance to experience some of the best Royal has to offer without breaking the bank. Maybe start with Utopia, and then consider checking out its big brother, Icon of the Seas?
Sounds like a good plan.
Utopia of the Seas FAQ
Is Utopia of the Seas a new cruise ship?
Yes! Utopia of the Seas began sailing in July 2024.
What is the main itinerary for Utopia of the Seas?
Utopia of the Seas focuses on 3- and 4-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
Does Utopia of the Seas offer any 7-night cruises?
No, Utopia of the Seas currently only offers 3- and 4-night cruises.
Does Utopia of the Seas have the Wizard of Oz show?
No, the Wizard of Oz stage show is only available onboard Icon of the Seas.
Is Utopia of the Seas good for kids?
Yes! Utopia of the Seas offers two waterparks, one designed specifically for young children. It also features 10 pools, multiple slides for all ages, an arcade, a short zipline, and much more.
