Utopia of the Seas review: What it's like on Royal Caribbean's biggest ship sailing short cruises - The Points Guy (2024)

If you're big on action-packed vacations but short on PTO, a cruise on Royal Caribbean's new Utopia of the Seas might be your solution.

Typically, cruise lines earmark older ships for short sailings and send new ones on longer itineraries — a bummer for cruisers who want to experience a new vessel but only have three or four days to do so. Royal Caribbean changed all that when Utopia launched in July. It's the line's first brand-new ship designated for short-cruise service, and it's far bigger and more amenity-packed than any other cruise ship sailing short itineraries in North America.

With Utopia's bevy of waterslides and pools, oodles of food and drink venues and an almost limitless list of entertainment and party options, I was right to be skeptical that I could see and do it all during my all-too-brief three-night sailing. However, that didn't deter me from trying (sleep be darned!), and I was able to experience a good bit.

The thing about vacations, though, is that you can do as little or as much as you like, and Utopia offers plenty of spaces to chill out or party on, depending on your personal cruise vibe. From new restaurants and bars to activities and itineraries, here's everything you need to know to decide if Utopia of the Seas is the ship for you.

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Overview of Utopia of the Seas

The 237,000-ton, 5,668-passenger, 18-deck-high Utopia of the Seas debuted in July 2024 as the world's second-largest cruise ship. It is the sixth vessel in Royal Caribbean's popular Oasis Class of gigantic ships, and it's larger than all of its sisters. It's only smaller than Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas and will only drop to third-largest in the world when the second Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, launches in 2025.

As with all Oasis Class ships, Utopia of the Seas features individual "neighborhoods" — eight distinct areas on different decks, each with its unique vibe. This layout makes it easier to find your way around and helps spread passengers throughout the enormous ship. Although I'm often directionally challenged on ships, I was able to navigate pretty well during my time on board.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries

Here's a breakdown of the neighborhoods on Utopia of the Seas.

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Royal Promenade (Deck 5)

As on other Oasis Class vessels, the Royal Promenade is the vessel's main thoroughfare. It's lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and bars.

Don't miss the lively new Pesky Parrot bar or the Rising Tide Bar, a small lounge-area platform that ascends and descends over three decks, ending at Central Park. Stop in popular Sorrento's for free pizza or get your caffeine fix at Starbucks (extra charge).

Central Park (Deck 8)

Central Park is a leafy haven that provides respite on a buzzy (at times frenetic) ship. It teems with living plants and trees.

Benches and small tables with chairs beckon passengers to sit a spell. You can also chill out with a glass of Champagne at the Trellis Bar or enjoy a meal at specialty restaurants like Chops Grille, Izumi and Izumi in the Park.

Entertainment Place (Deck 4)

Here, you'll find entertainment venues like the casinos (smoking and nonsmoking), The Attic comedy venue, Park West Gallery, Studio B (for ice skating shows), the Royal Railway: Utopia Station immersive dining experience and the first level of the Royal Theater.

The Boardwalk (Deck 6)

From a walk-up hot dog stand and diner favorites at Johnny Rockets to a carousel and the colorful candy store Sugar Beach, the carnival vibe is strong throughout this open-air neighborhood. Here, you can watch your favorite team and play arcade games in Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, take a spin on the carousel or see a spectacular show at the AquaTheater.

Pool and Sports Zone (decks 15 and 16)

Perhaps the buzziest part of Utopia of the Seas, the upper decks hold almost limitless attractions. You'll find five pools, a slew of hot tubs, the kid-friendly water park Splashaway Bay, the FlowRider surf simulator, mini golf, the underwater-themed Playscape playground, the sports deck, a zip line and the entrance to the ship's 10-deck-high Ultimate Abyss dry slide.

Dining and drink options are numerous, including the Windjammer buffet, El Loco Fresh grab-and-go Mexican eatery and the new Spare Tire food-truck-style venue.

Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center (decks 5 and 6)

Utopia's expansive spa and fitness area is located forward of the Royal Promenade. Passengers can select from more than 100 services, treatments and medi-spa-type procedures in the spa. The fitness center features a wide variety of cardio and strength training machines and added-fee fitness classes.

Youth Zone (decks 14 and 16)

When they aren't hanging out at the pools and the splashy play areas on Deck 15, families with young kids will likely spend a chunk of time exploring this area of the ship. Adventure Ocean, on Deck 14, offers supervised activities and entertainment for kids ages 3 through 11. The added-fee Royal Babies and Tots Nursery is also here. The Social 100 teen club and arcade are on Deck 16.

Suite Neighborhood (decks 17 and 18)

Suite guests can enjoy access to their exclusive amenities in one dedicated neighborhood. It's home to a private sun deck with hot tubs, a dedicated lounge, a sit-down restaurant and 24-hour concierge service.

What I loved about Utopia of the Seas

So much for families to do

Utopia offers seemingly endless attractions for families. My daughters are adults now, but I couldn't help but think about how bananas they would have gone over this ship when they were younger (and probably even now in their 20s).

The ship and its shorter itineraries are designed to appeal to young families and multigenerational groups, according to the line. That strategy plays out in many ways on Utopia of the Seas.

From pools, waterslides and a zip line to a well-equipped arcade, a 10-deck dry slide and an expansive sports zone, teens will have plenty of ways to pass their time on board. The ship also features exclusive hangouts where teens can chill out and enjoy activities like dance parties, sports competitions, trivia games and karaoke.

Even the youngest cruisers have outlets beyond the Adventure Ocean kids program, such as Splashaway Bay, the ship's interactive aqua park designed for toddlers and small children. Additionally, the underwater-themed Utopia Playscape offers bright climbing structures, slides and puzzles. It's located beside the mini-golf course and the ship's casual Mexican walk-up restaurant, so families don't have to go far to stay entertained and well-fed.

Strong party vibe

Royal Caribbean really leans into the party scene on Utopia of the Seas, but not just the dance-and-drink-all-night, adult-style parties. Utopia offers something for every age. Families can celebrate together during family fun festivals, silent discos and daytime pool parties. Evening brings more grown-up fun with Red, the 18+ techno-style night club party hosted by the ship's resident DJ.

In addition to already established soirees like DJ-led poolside parties and celebrations on the Royal Promenade, Utopia kicks it old-school with two new parties.

Relive the glory days at the Royal Kappa Chi collegiate-style party, complete with pong battles and flip cup championships. The Silent Toga Party might be the best partnership since peanut butter and jelly, combining a silent disco and a toga party. The Rezolution dance party (with incredible light projections) and the Senses Sunset Pool Party are other celebrations worth checking out.

Nonalcoholic co*cktails

I was impressed with Utopia's creative selection of zero proof co*cktails available on the drink menus at several bars. Although Royal Caribbean amped up its party game on Utopia of the Seas, it seems to understand that you don't necessarily need alcohol to have a great time. The line put as much care and attention into creating mocktail offerings as it did with its co*cktails, according to Ed Eiswirth, senior director of beverage operations at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

I loved that the drinks menus at several watering holes incorporated a separate zero-proof section with nonalcoholic options, so guests don't have to ask for a separate menu or flag down a bartender to inquire about nonalcoholic options.

The few times zero-proof options weren't on the menu, though, the bartender was quick to offer alternatives. Such was the case at the On the Rocks bar at Hideaway Beach on Perfect Day at CocoCay. The bartender made me a sublime zero-proof Coconut Mojito ($7), in which he swapped out rum with club soda. I'm a big fan of both rum and mojitos, but I didn't miss the alcohol one bit. The bar also serves nonalcoholic Heineken beer.

Other mocktail favorites I sampled were the All Aboard Spritz, made with lime juice, cranberry juice, desert pear syrup and club soda and the Watermelon Mint Lemonade, a watermelon syrup infused lemonade with mint (both $7 and listed on several bar menus).

What I didn't love about Utopia of the Seas

Few late-night dining options

With so much to see and do during my three-night sailing, sometimes grabbing dinner within the traditional time frame wasn't possible. Other than the late-night bites at Mason Jar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. (added fee) and complimentary Sorrento's Pizza (more on both below), most dining venues shut down by 9:30 p.m. (For example, the Windjammer buffet closes at 9 p.m., and the main dining room closes at 9:30 p.m.) While room service is available on board 24/7, it incurs a $7.95 convenience fee per order, plus an 18% gratuity.

It would be nice if Windjammer stayed open until 10 or 11 p.m. to accommodate passengers enjoying late-night activities or families who pick up their kids from Adventure Ocean activities after 9 p.m.

Too many things to do

I know this seems counterintuitive, given how I love the many attractions of this ship, but hear me out. With so many alluring activities, restaurants and bars on board, it low-key stressed me out that I only had three nights to experience as much of the ship as possible. In order to see as many shows and attend as many parties as possible, I marked up my Cruise Compass planner so much it started to look like a study guide.

I always want to do all the things during my vacation, but I did try to temper my urge to overwhelm my schedule. In the end, I was content to have seen all three original shows in the Royal Theater, Studio B and the AquaTheater, sample as many bars as I could, and enjoy some time on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean is not sad that you'll have too much to do in such a short time on board. What better way to encourage cruisers to book a second sailing than by limiting their ability to experience everything the first time around?

Limited seating on Royal Railway — Utopia Station

This immersive dining experience debuted on Utopia of the Seas, providing cruisers a unique opportunity to take a virtual train trip and time travel simultaneously. Two built-to-scale rail cars on the ship transport dining passengers to the Old West. The journey is fraught with danger (OK, fun) as bandits board the train and make their demands. The 90-minute dinner show is a fun and unique attraction that's ideal for families.

The challenge? Each of the two train cars holds only 24 diners. With such limited seating — even with two shows per night — it can only accommodate 96 passengers (of the thousands the ship can hold) each night. So, if Royal Railway is on your wish list during your Utopia of the Seas sailing, make sure to book your reservation as soon as possible to ensure your ticket.

Thankfully, Royal Caribbean plans to add a second dining experience based on Marco Polo's Silk Route journey, adding more shows and mealtimes to the nightly schedule. Additionally, the line suggested that daytime events like wine- and whiskey-tasting events are in the works.

Related: The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Utopia of the Seas cabins and suites

Utopia of the Seas features 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 also offers virtual balconies in select inside cabins. These accommodations include 80-inch LED TVs that provide live views from outside the ship, so you can pretend your room has a window.

Royal Caribbean debuted the concept of interior-facing balconies with its Oasis Class vessels. On Utopia of the Seas, guests can book a traditional balcony facing the ocean or one overlooking the Boardwalk or Central Park. (The interior-facing rooms lack privacy, so be prepared to keep the curtains closed if you don't want your shipmates to see into your cabin.)

I stayed in a basic balcony cabin, which featured a queen bed with two small nightstands on each side. The nightstands held bedside lamps with U.S. outlets and USB ports at the base of the lamp. I shared the cabin with a colleague, so our room steward separated our queen to create two twin beds. While we each had our own nightstand, the space between the two beds was very narrow. A couple of times in the middle of the night, when I reached for my phone on the nightstand, I realized I was actually pawing at the edge of my roommate's mattress (thankfully, she's a sound sleeper).

Additionally, the wide pillows seemed better suited to a queen bed setup and not a narrow twin bed. A minor inconvenience, but once I scooted my pillow a bit too far and knocked my water bottle off the nightstand in the middle of the night. I solved the issue simply by moving my water bottle. The nightstands also had small cubbyhole-style shelving for a sleeping mask, PJs or whatever else you need handy.

Though wide, the pillows straddled that line of being firm enough yet providing a good amount of softness and flexibility. Additionally, the mattress was incredibly comfortable, and I slept well every night. (Good sleep is something I often struggle to achieve.)

Separating the bed into two twin beds also created a super-tight space between one bed and the balcony door. However, I didn't spend any time on the balcony — less because of difficulty accessing it and more because I had so many other things to do on board.

The TV hung from the wall across from the bed. Under it were five wall hooks on which to hang lanyards, towels or hats.

A sofa provided cozy seating, and it could convert to a bed for a third guest. Two throw pillows offered a pop of color and texture. Two wardrobe cabinets flanked the sofa. The unit to the left of it featured open shelving, two pull-out drawers and a hanging bar at the top for jackets or short dresses or skirts. It also held a small safe for your passport, wallet, jewelry or other small valuables. The other storage area contained two bars for hanging clothes. If you need to hang long clothing, you can remove the bottom bar and use only the top one.

Directly opposite the couch was a desk with a lighted vanity mirror. The lovely blue velvet chair in front of the desk looked chic and felt comfy. An outlet strip was just above the desk surface on the wall. It featured North American-style 110-volt outlets and European-style 220-volt outlets, as well as both USB and USB-C outlets.

To the right of the vanity, a five-drawer dresser provided additional storage; one drawer held a hairdryer and box of tissues. The dresser also contained the cabin's minifridge.

The cabin was done up in a palette of blue, tan and cream. The desk and cabinets were a light wood with bronze fixtures. The room felt more like an upscale hotel room than a cruise cabin, and I liked the minimalist vibe.

Our bathroom wasn't huge, but we had plenty of room to store toiletries thanks to three corner shelves to the right of the vanity and a shelf at the bottom that spanned the width of the vanity. The backsplash's contemporary design of blue flowers and the tiled-style pattern of the floor worked well and elevated the feel of the space.

The glass-enclosed shower featured a detachable rain showerhead, a metal soap holder and a pull-out clothes hanger string for drying swimsuits. Additionally, two hooks were on the wall under the showerhead, as well as on the back of the door. The shower included a full-size dispenser of the line's Salt + Breeze hair and body wash. I loved its light, musky fragrance — vetiver, coconut and sandalwood — and wished I had brought extra toiletry containers so I could take a sample of it home with me.

If you want to upgrade your cruise vacation, Utopia of the Seas delivers with its Royal Suite Class suites. Choose from three categories — Star, Sky and Sea — with several suite configurations in each class. 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.

As on Wonder of the Seas, Utopia features a designated suite neighborhood, where the suites, exclusive sun deck, lounge area and restaurant are clustered together and require keycard access.

Only on Utopia of the Seas, two expansive Star-tier Solarium Suites are perched above the ship's navigation bridge, boasting spectacular 280-degree top-deck views. Each features 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, which features a lofted master bedroom, a massive living room and a private balcony with an outdoor shower, hot tub, TV and minibar.

The two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites allow guests to watch AquaTheater productions from their personal balconies.

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 table tennis and a private hot tub.

Passengers with mobility issues can book one of Utopia's spacious accessible cabins, which feature pull-down racks in the closet, a shower seat and a ramp that drops down automatically for access to the balcony.

Other accessibility considerations on Utopia of the Seas include lifts in one of the main pools and the hot tub in the Solarium area, wheelchair-labeled seating in dining and bar venues and lower playing tables in the casino.

Utopia of the Seas restaurants and bars

Utopia of the Seas offers 21 restaurants and 23 bars, with a solid mix of included-in-fare and extra-fee specialty dining venues. Here is what you can expect on board.

Restaurants

As you might imagine on a ship this size, dining options are robust. I would have loved to have had one more day to try out more of them. Know that you'll have to prioritize your favorites on Utopia's short sailings.

As with all Royal Caribbean cruises, the main dining room is where cruisers can enjoy table-served meals that are included in the cost of their fare. You can choose between traditional assigned dining and anytime dining. With traditional seating, you'll be given a specific time and table for each night of your cruise. Guests with anytime dining can eat any time during meal hours, based on availability. (You might have to wait for a table.)

Utopia's main dining room spans three levels (decks 3, 4 and 5). It serves three courses of globally inspired dishes.

The evening I dined here, it was "A Taste of French" night, with menu selections like escargot, roasted beef tenderloin and creme brulee. Other dishes included starters such as crispy buttermilk calamari and Caesar salad, main courses like seafood linguine, beef bourguignon and spring pea risotto, and tempting desserts such as warm apple cobbler and cappuccino chocolate cake.

For my dinner, I ordered the wedge salad and the extra-fee lobster tail ($16.99). The lobster tail was smaller than I expected from an added-fee dish, but it was tasty. The vegetables were simply prepared — steamed with little seasoning. My meal was good, but I wasn't bowled over by it. My two tablemates ordered the butternut squash soup, the herb-crusted salmon and the roasted beef tenderloin and reported favorably on all their dishes.

My overall impression is that you'll have plenty of options if you eat here every night, but you will not have FOMO if you choose to eat at Utopia's extra-fee specialty restaurants instead.

As on other Royal Caribbean ships, the buffet-style Windjammer Cafe restaurant is the go-to for more casual meals with varied breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Stop at the multisink handwashing station before you enter to keep germs from spreading. If you forget, a costumed crew member will joyfully remind you to "Washy! Washy!" How can you say no to a happy hamburger?

For breakfast one morning, I chose the guacamole toast and boiled eggs. The guacamole was fresh and flavorful, served on thick, fresh bread and topped with fresh cilantro and pickled radish. Other breakfast options included the standards — made-to-order omelets, eggs Benedict, yogurt parfaits, fresh breads and varied breakfast meats.

I visited Windjammer a couple of times during lunch and dinner to see what was offered. Stations were well spaced out, keeping the lines for food under control. Both meal times offered a good variety — salads, steak, roasted vegetables and chicken dishes. Additionally, the buffet included a station with rotating international dishes like vegetable bhaji and egg fried rice. My favorite part of the buffet was probably the kids' dessert station. The adorable tyke-size buffet made it easy for younger cruisers to serve themselves. It featured fruit cups, baguettes with cream cheese, dessert croissants and cupcakes.

Another included-in-the-fare dining option is The Spare Tire, which debuted on Utopia of the Seas. This food truck-style eatery is located poolside on Deck 15. The menu features a chipotle chicken sandwich, a pepperoni or ranchero beef tornado (a rolled-up flatbread type of snack), a Mediterranean veggie wrap and a fried raspberry cheesecake pocket.

Also on Deck 15, the Solarium Bistro serves healthful, lighter fare like salads, soups and fresh fruit within the adults-only Solarium area. I heard only good things from guests who ate at this lovely dining area.

The quick build-your-own salad I had at Central Park Cafe on Deck 8 was fresh and sated my "I'm hungry but don't want a heavy dish" craving. The cafe is a pleasant place to grab a breakfast pastry or a lunchtime salad or sandwich. It's also home to the line's infamous Kummelweck sandwich, slow-roasted beef with secret seasonings tucked into a thick roll.

I grabbed finger sandwiches and mini desserts at the Promenade Cafe on Deck 5 on a few occasions. The egg salad sandwich and Caprese sandwich on focaccia bread were on point. Note that the specialty coffees here are made with Starbucks coffee and are included in your fare. (You'll pay extra at the Starbucks outpost for similar beverages.) It's open 24 hours, making it a great spot for a quick late-night snack.

The Royal Promenade is also home to Sorrento's Pizza, the spot to curb pie cravings day or night (it's open 24 hours), and it was busy every time I walked by. I popped in twice for a midday snack and a late dinner. I sampled the cheese pizza and the veggie pizza. I was a big fan of both and appreciated the liberal amount of cheese.

Other spots to fuel up for free include El Loco Fresh (Deck 16) for fast-casual Mexican fare; Sprinkles for serve-yourself ice cream (Deck 15); and Boardwalk Dog House (Deck 6) for hotdogs, sausages and brats. Both the Park Cafe and Cafe Promenade were buzzy spots for coffee, tea, light bites and pastries (Deck 5).

Suite guests and Royal Caribbean's top-tier Pinnacle loyalty program members have exclusive access to Coastal Kitchen (Deck 17), serving California and Mediterranean fusion dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is located within the Suite Neighborhood.

Passengers can also choose from a good selection of extra-fee restaurants on Utopia of the Seas — from casual eateries to upscale dining. For specialty restaurants, you can make your reservations online or through the line's mobile app up to two days before your cruise begins. You can also book a table once you're on board by calling from your cabin or making a reservation in person at the restaurant.

As on other ships, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar features homemade pasta and fresh seafood, as well as a solid selection of wines. The new twist on Utopia is that the venue spans two floors and features an outside terrace overlooking The Boardwalk. My dinner here was fantastic. The Caesar salad was topped with some of the best croutons I've ever eaten — super buttery and full of flavor. The salmon penne was somehow both rich and light. The pasta was dressed in marinara sauce, with capers, anchovies and olives and topped with grilled salmon.

The price for dinner is $54.99 per person, or $14.99 for kids ages 3 to 12; diners 3 and younger eat free. Giovanni's is open for lunch on sea days and offers mostly the same menu. Two dishes not available for lunch are the filet mignon and osso buco. The cost for lunch is $24.99 per person (the lunch price for kids is the same as dinner).

The popular is near the Windjammer Cafe on Deck 15. It's a returning favorite for Southern comfort food and live music. I sampled mini portions of a few menu items, and the delicious shrimp po boy, salmon avocado toast and charred watermelon salad I tasted definitely made me pine for a full meal here. We also popped in one evening to enjoy live music.

The Mason Jar is open for dinner ($44.99 per person for adults, $14.99 per child) and serves brunch on embarkation days and sea days ($34.99 and $14.99). It also offers a "late night eats" menu from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. with light fare like crab beignets, fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese served with saltines. Pricing is a la carte and ranges from $3 (pimento cheese) to $9 (a hamburger).

Serving New England-style seafood, Hooked Seafood (Deck 16 at the front of the ship) is the spot for Maine lobster rolls, crabcakes, oysters and other fresh seafood. As with The Mason Jar, I had the opportunity to sample the lobster mac and cheese and a crispy cod sandwich. The venue was airy and chic, and the menu featured specialties like coconut shrimp, steak and lobster and the captain's platter with Maine lobster tail, grilled shrimp and the day's fresh catch. Dinner here will run you $65 per person (which I would be happy to pay based on my small tasting). On sea days, it's also open for lunch ($25 per person).

I was bummed I didn't have enough time to eat at Johnny Rockets on the Boardwalk ($12.99 per person for lunch or dinner), as the Streamliner veggie burger and onion rings were calling my name. Other menu items include hot dogs, a tuna melt, a grilled or crispy chicken club, and a grilled cheese sandwich. The $12.99 covers as many menu items as you'd like, except for the restaurant's hand-spun milkshakes. You'll pay $5 for an original or deluxe shake (Oreo cookies and cream or Oreo strawberry crumble). Boozy adult shakes will cost you $11.

Like its predecessors on other Royal Caribbean vessels, The Boardwalk's casual Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade perfectly pairs pub grub with arcade games.

You'll find flavorful steaks, fresh seafood and an extensive wine selection at , the line's marquee steakhouse (in Central Park on Deck 8). On Utopia, the venue is connected to the signature Trellis Bar, perfect for a convenient predinner co*cktail.

Passengers can sate their sushi cravings in two ways on Utopia at Izumi Hibachi & Sushi and Izumi in the Park. Book a multicourse meal and enjoy entertainment in a private dining setting, or grab fresh sushi and Japanese-inspired sweets at Izumi in the Park's walk-up restaurant. (Hibachi is $64.99 per person; sushi is priced a la carte.) Here, you also can book a new omakase-inspired eight-course private dining experience for up to six guests ($129.99 per person).

Related: Playmakers: Royal Caribbean's cruise ship sports bar (with menu)

Other specialty restaurants worth considering include upscale 150 Central Park, which is only on Oasis Class ships. It offers six- to eight-course tasting menus with dishes that highlight locally sourced ingredients, some prepared tableside. The executive chef and onboard sommelier host the ship's Chef's Table experience, a private, five-course wine pairing dinner.

I didn't have the opportunity to have a meal at Royal Railway — Utopia Station, but a tour of the train convinced me this might be the coolest venue on the ship. This immersive dining experience uses technology to virtually transport guests to different places and times. A trip to the Wild West is the current destination on Utopia.

After enjoying predinner drinks on the station platform, guests "board" the train and enjoy a multicourse dinner show peppered with Old West hijinks served up by local bandits. The cost is $74.99 per adult and $24.99 per child. However, if you have an Unlimited Dining Package, you pay a $15 surcharge for adults, and kids eat at no additional cost.

A second dining experience is in the works. The "Silk Route" will highlight stops along Marco Polo's return to Italy from China.

If you'd prefer a quiet meal in your cabin, 24-hour room service is always an option. Continental breakfast is complimentary (pastries, cereals, fruit and yogurt, along with coffee and tea). American breakfast (various egg dishes, pancakes and breakfast meats), as well as lunch and dinner items (burgers, salads, soups and sandwiches), incur a $7.95 per-order service charge, plus an 18% gratuity. Breakfast is available from 6 to 11 a.m. Lunch and dinner items are available from 11 to 6 a.m.

Bars

With more than 20 bars and lounges, Utopia of the Seas offers passengers plenty of ways to celebrate a long weekend at sea. From sunny outdoor spaces to cozy pubs, there's a bar for every mood.

You'll find the Pesky Parrot on Deck 5 (starboard side across from the Guest Relations desk). This new Caribbean-themed bar replaces the Bionic Bar and its robotic bartenders on the Royal Promenade. If the Pesky Parrot's popularity during my sailing was any indication of its success, Royal has a real winner with this one. According to Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean's president and CEO, the inspiration behind the concept was that "aging, drunk, belligerent relative" who seems to both entertain and embarrass you at the same time.

During our media sailing, we didn't get to see the entire scope of the venue concept, which will feature an animatronic parrot named Brian who will emulate said belligerent relative. However, even without Brian, Pesky Parrot was probably my favorite bar on the ship. The brightly hued tropical decor and comfy seating instantly create a beachfront vibe. The bar also features a large virtual window displaying a beach scene with swaying palm trees, azure water and a handful of swimming pigs that make their way to shore every few minutes or so.

Ask the bartender to whip you up a Teqkil-ya Zombie ($14) with tequila, mezcal and a splash of fruit juice, served in fun tiki glasses. Or go for one of the premade $12 frozen drinks (Pesky's Peanut Butter Pina, Pain Chiller, Wing Zinger and Taste of Tropics).

Can't decide what to order? Let the menu choose your drink. It's designed in a circular accordion-style shape. If you place the menu on its side, you can roll it. The drink that ends face-up is the one you order.

One element I particularly liked about Pesky Parrot was the phone charging ports and hooks under the bar to hold a backpack, bag or purse.

The Lime and Coconut, the lively Caribbean-themed pool deck bar, has expanded on Utopia of the Seas to a three-deck-high venue. On the top deck midship, it provides a good vantage point to check out all the pool activities while you sip on a Goombay Smash made with Malibu rum, Kraken black spiced rum, orange and pineapple juices, or a Caribbean Mule with Absolut vodka, coconut syrup, lime juice and Goslings ginger beer. (co*cktails are $14.)

Utopia is also home to 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. Additionally, The Vue is a nice alfresco spot for a co*cktail. Adjacent to the ship's solarium, the bar is unique because it's cantilevered over the ship's side.

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, Utopia of the Seas boasts a dizzying array of onboard diversions. Add to that loads of parties and live music venues, and the tricky part might be fitting them all in during a three- or four-night sailing.

If you're a fan of live music, you'll get an earful on Utopia of the Seas. Head to Mason Jar for country tunes, soak up the soothing sounds from a string duo in the Royal Promenade, or raise a pint and tap your foot to live guitar music in Bell & Barley. You might even bump into the roving stowaway pianist during an elevator ride.

If it's a party you seek, you're in luck. The line upped the ante on ways to celebrate with lively parties, including a silent toga disco party and theme parties focusing on music, college life and popular musical eras. As previously mentioned, cruisers of all ages can get in on the fun.

From family-friendly silent disco parties to stay-up-all-night parties for the 18-plus crowd, Utopia delivers the fun. Party options include ReZolution, where partygoers wear white and become the canvas for high-tech projections; Senses, a pool deck party complete with pumping house music and sunset scenes on the big screen; and Plunge, a daytime pool party with surprise giveaways and guns that shoot Champagne.

Top-deck attractions are also plentiful on Utopia. Get your fill of fun in the sun with pools, waterslides, a kids Splashaway Bay water play area and a FlowRider surf simulator. Find the vibe you seek, with options ranging from the tranquil adults-only Solarium Pool to the bustling main pool area, with four pools and eight whirlpools. During my time on board, the main pool area was hopping during the day with entertainment team-led competitions, a live DJ and parties.

Out of the water, passengers can test their mettle on Utopia's 259-foot-long Ultimate Abyss slide (Deck 16). While the slide is available on other Oasis Class vessels, it received an upgrade on Utopia. The slide is 43 feet longer than previous iterations, making it the longest dry slide at sea.

Also on the top decks (15 and 16), you'll find the Utopia Playscape climbing structure and play area for kids, an ocean-themed mini-golf course and the sports court for volleyball, pickleball and basketball games. It's also home to the 10-story-high zip line. Although it wasn't operating during my sailing, it looked fun (or terrifying, depending on your perspective). On the top deck, the zip line glides across the ship's center over The Boardwalk.

Other dry diversions include the rock-climbing wall (Deck 7) and the Royal Caribbean Escape Room: Observatorium on Deck 14 near the entrance of Adventure Ocean. The added-fee attraction ($39 per person) requires reservations and is restricted to passengers 12 years and older.

On Utopia of the Seas, passengers can choose to play at the main Casino Royale or a separate (smaller) nonsmoking room, both on Deck 4. Casino Royale offers about 30 table games and more than 370 slot machines.

Shoppers will want to spend time along the Royal Promenade, where you can snag duty-free perfume, jewelry, cosmetics and accessories. You'll find well-known brands like Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Cartier and Bulgari, among others. The Shop is well stocked with Royal Caribbean logo items (clothing and souvenirs). Get your liquor and tobacco products at Port Merchants.

Shops in the ship's Central Park neighborhood include the Coach Store (handbags, accessories and sunglasses) and Regalia (for designer watches and high-end jewelry).

Related: How I had the busiest 2 days ever on Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship

The ship's Vitality Spa & Fitness takes up an expansive area on decks 5 and 6. The spa offers body- and soul-soothing treatments, and the fitness center provides ample opportunities to up your workout game.

A haven of 22 treatment rooms, including two couples treatment rooms and three facial rooms, provides an ideal setting to recharge and relax. Select among salon and barber services (keratin treatments, manicures, pedicures and men's shaves). Full-body treatments like the aroma spa seaweed massage or the cleansing salt scrub are also available.

Prices range from $179 (a 50-minute Swedish massage) to $499 (the Ultimate Cryotighten sculpt and firm treatment). Medispa offerings include cool sculpting and anti-aging treatments like skin tightening and dermal fillers.

Passengers can purchase a daily pass for the thermal spa, which gives you access to rainfall showers, a steam room, a dry sauna and thermal loungers. When you arrive, you receive a bag of scrubs and body products to sample during your DIY spa session.

Utopia of the Seas' fitness center is well-equipped with treadmills, elliptical machines, free weights, spin bikes and other exercise machines. Training classes focusing on yoga, Pilates, spin, sculpting and other modalities are also available (some added fee).

Utopia also offers a good mix of daily programming, such as spa pamper parties, fitness seminars, pool games and dance classes. You can stay abreast of onboard happenings with the ship's printed Cruise Compass or the Royal Caribbean app.

Utopia of the Seas shows

Unlike on previous ships, Broadway-style stage productions won't be part of the main Royal Theater lineup. That doesn't mean passengers won't be wowed by Utopia's three original shows in the Royal Theater, the AquaTheater and Studio B.

The Royal Theater is home to "All In!" — a show celebrating some of history's most iconic parties and music festivals (think Studio 54 and Burning Man). The cast of singers, dancers and aerialists is top-notch, and the innovative special effects, using lighting, digital images and even drones, had me enthralled. I almost didn't know where to look — dancers ascended from a trap door on the stage, then aerialists spun from the ceiling. I was so impressed with the effects and action onstage that I caught myself with my mouth open a few times.

I was mesmerized by the incredible spectacle I witnessed at the AquaTheater's acrobatic and high-diving show. "Aqua80Too" is an action-packed blend of dancing, synchronized swimming, high-diving and aerial stunts. At times, the bottom of the pool would rise, providing a knee-deep shallow pool for performers to dance in, which was pretty cool. I'm an '80s kid, so I appreciated the creative blend of 1980s-era songs and colorful visuals.

Studio B is home to Utopia's fantastic ice-skating production, "Youtopia." The show presented a blend of contemporary and retro numbers, gorgeous costumes and nearly flawless execution. One number featured the cutest candy-themed costumes, which made me want to head straight to Sugar Beach after the show.

For a different kind of show, head to The Attic for nightly stand-up comedy acts by a rotating roster of guest comedians.

The Royal Promenade was designed as a main thoroughfare, making it a perfect parade route, and Royal Caribbean created yet another energetic parade to debut on Utopia of the Seas. Grab a seat at Sorrento's or snag a spot lining the Promenade for a good view of the action-packed "Effectors Homecoming Parade."

The parade is a departure from the full show "The Effectors" performed in the Royal Theater on Odyssey of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas. The homecoming parade on Utopia picks up the storyline at the end of the theater production when (spoiler alert) the band of superheroes — Captain Viz, Lume, Pixel and Reverb — defeat their arch-nemesis Crash and his sidekick Burn.

The parade celebrates their big win with musical performances and dance numbers, providing enough distraction for Crash and Burn to escape.

Younger passengers can take part in the parade, too. Kids in Adventure Ocean can enter a lottery to be chosen as a member of Reverb's "Sound Bytes" team (costumes and all). Their parents get VIP viewing on a limited-access balcony, a deck above the parade.

How much does it cost to sail Utopia of the Seas?

In 2024 and 2025, Utopia of the Seas will sail three- and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Orlando) to Nassau, Bahamas, with most of them stopping at Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Rates for these itineraries start at the following prices:

• $595 per person for an inside cabin or $702 per person for a balcony cabin for a three-night Bahamas & Perfect Day cruise
• $754 per person for an inside cabin or $894 per person for a balcony cabin for a three-night Perfect Day Getaway cruise
• $632 per person for an inside cabin or $782 per person for a balcony cabin on a four-night Bahamas & Perfect Day cruise
• $865 per person for an inside cabin or $945 per person for a balcony cabin on a four-night Western Caribbean cruise, stopping in Cozumel, Mexico

The fares above include certain fees, such as port expenses and taxes, but auto-gratuities are additional.

Your fare includes meals in the main dining room, the Windjammer buffet and a few other complimentary restaurants (such as Sorrento's, Spare Tire and El Loco Fresh); most entertainment and activities; use of the kids club; and basic beverages like standard coffee and tea, milk and select juices. Soda and alcoholic beverages, specialty restaurants, spa treatments, shore excursions and select onboard activities cost extra.

What to know before you go

Required documents

Since Utopia of the Seas is currently sailing short itineraries round-trip from Florida, U.S. citizens can sail with either a current passport or an official copy of their birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo I.D. Passports must be valid for at least six months.

The name on your reservation must match what's printed on your passport or other official proof of nationality. Additionally, double-check if you've recently gotten married or go by a different version of your name.

Gratuities

Utopia of the Seas guests will see an automatic service gratuity of $18 to $20.50 per person, per day, depending on cabin category, added to their onboard account and final bill. You can adjust this amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking. However, TPG does not recommend this, even if you are disappointed by the service.

Additionally, an 18% gratuity is automatically added to all precruise and onboard purchases of beverages and beverage packages, specialty dining and specialty dining packages, room service and minibar purchases. A 20% gratuity is added to precruise and onboard spa and salon purchases. You should not feel pressured to add an additional tip.

Wi-Fi

Royal Caribbean has one of the fastest Wi-Fi systems at sea, and you can make use of it on Utopia of the Seas. Wi-Fi packages with streaming bandwidth currently start at $17.99 per day per device, but prices change over time. If you're traveling with family or sharing a room with friends, consider multidevice packages that are less expensive on a per-device basis. Certain suite guests receive complimentary Wi-Fi, so know your included perks before you purchase a package.

Carry-on drinks policy

Every passenger of drinking age can bring a single bottle of wine or Champagne onto Utopia of the Seas at boarding, plus up to a dozen standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks such as sodas. You can enjoy your wine at no extra cost in your cabin or suite, but you'll need to pay a $15 corkage fee if you choose to drink it at a restaurant, bar or lounge.

Smoking policy

Smoking (including e-cigarette smoking) is forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 cleaning fee.

Passengers can smoke (cigarettes only) in Utopia of the Seas' casino; there is a separate nonsmoking casino (also on Deck 4, across from The Attic). Passengers can also smoke in designated outdoor areas of the pool decks, which include the starboard side of the Lime and Coconut on Deck 15. The Central Park and the Boardwalk neighborhoods, though open to the sky, do not offer smoking areas, nor does the jogging track.

Laundry

Utopia of the Seas does not offer self-service launderettes. Passengers can pay extra for laundry, pressing and dry cleaning services.

Electrical outlets

My standard balcony cabin included North American-style 110-volt outlets and European-style 220-volt outlets, along with USB and USB-C ports. The outlets on the nightstand lamp and at the desk area were convenient, too.

Currency

The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar, but you can keep your cash in your pocket when you're on Utopia of the Seas. Use your SeaPass keycard to charge any onboard purchases (drinks, souvenirs, extra-fee meals, shore excursions, etc.) to your onboard account, and Royal Caribbean will charge your credit card on file once the cruise ends. You can check your onboard bill in the cruise line's app, at Guest Services or via your in-cabin television.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on Utopia of the Seas.

Dress code

During the day, people dress casually. T-shirts, shorts, athletic wear, casual sundresses and bathing suits are commonly worn on board and ashore. Bring a cover-up to go from the pool back indoors.

An evening dress code only applies to Royal Caribbean's main dining room. On most nights, casual dress is acceptable, with jeans and shorts allowed in the main dining room. Swimwear, bare feet and tank-type T-shirts are not permitted in the main dining room.

Dinner at a specialty restaurant will require a step up from your typical dinner wear (collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses or pantsuits).

We had a casual "white night" during our preview cruise, which most passengers seemed to observe. Attire ranged from casual linen sundresses, shirts and pants to sequined dresses and suit jackets. Bring some crimson clothes and an extra sheet if you plan to attend the ship's Red party or toga party (togas are provided if you forget, though).

Planning to be active? Pack tennis shoes or Teva-style active sandals for rock climbing. For the Ultimate Abyss, your feet are tucked inside the mat you slide on, so you can wear any type of footwear.

Bottom line

Utopia of the Seas is one of the world's best cruise ships for cruisers who seek a big-resort experience that offers plenty of diversions day and night. Families will love this ship, and the short sailings provide a fantastic "first taste" for those who've never cruised before. However, this ship will also appeal to couples or friends sailing without kids who enjoy having lots of onboard options.

The vessel provides a dizzying array of dining venues, drink options, parties 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 weekend or short midweek getaway.

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