Where can you go on ziplines, waterslides, and rock climbing walls in the same hour?
Royal Caribbean’s new Utopia of the Seas, the world’s second-largest cruise ship.
It would be wise to cram all these activities into the same 60 minutes. The 1,188-foot-long vessel is exclusively operating shorter, three- and four-night voyages — hardly enough time to experience all of its amenities, restaurants, and entertainment.
See what a vacation on the 5,666-guest, 236,473 gross-ton floating resort is like. Hang tight — there’s a lot to cover.
Like its siblings, Utopia is split into eight districts, or ‘neighborhoods.’
Find a calm reprieve at the plant-filled Central Park. There, you can grab a cocktail from the outdoor Trellis bar to enjoy with your takeout from the grab-and-go Izumi sushi window.
Younger children will likely be drawn to the Boardwalk neighborhood.
Its carousel and rock climbing walls could be irresistible to any young cruiser. A milkshake from Johnny’s Rocket and a bag of candy from the candy store likely help, too.
Energetic youngsters could frequent the cluster of outdoor activities on deck 16.
The zipline, mini-golf course, surf simulator, sports court, and dual 10-deck dry slides are perfect for sea days.
The zipline is short, and the ping-pong tables can get busy, but at least they’re complimentary (unlike the nearby arcade).
Desperate for a break from the kids? Send them to the children and teen clubs.
After, you can perch at a pool or hot tub in the roomy adult-only Solarium.
It’s a calm complement to the colorful pool deck, where the loud music, water playground, and three pools and waterslides are as overwhelming as they are crowded.
Utopia has as many pools as it does nighttime entertainment options.
Head to The Attic for comedy shows. The small venue is perched between Studio B, home of Utopia’s ice skating show, and the Royal Theater, home of the elaborate song-and-dance production.
Looking for more intimate entertainment options? There’s also a karaoke bar (if you consider that a show).
Head to the AquaTheater early if you plan on catching ‘Aqua80too.’
Seats fill up fast. And for good reason — the buzzy show features swimmers, divers, dancers, slackliners, and tightrope walkers.
It’s a unique and impressive production, perfect for folks who enjoy the energetic, acrobatic flair of Cirque du Soleil shows.
Feeling peckish? You’ll have 27 dining venues to choose from.
Options range from an ice cream stand to an upscale steakhouse.
Most will be recognizable to Oasis-class fans, like the Mexican-inspired buffet El Loco Fresh and the specialty Hooked Seafood restaurant.
About one-third are complimentary, including the main dining rooms and the two grab-and-go cafés.
A few are firsts for Royal Caribbean: Royal Railway, Spare Tire, a shave ice stand, and omakase.
If you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation at Royal Railway, you’ll be greeted with a new American menu, an immersive train-themed setting, and a $120-per-person check.
Omakase, located inside the sushi and teppanyaki restaurant Izumi, is even pricier, at around $155 per person.
For a cheaper treat, shave ice starts at $6.
The Spare Tire snack stand is free, great for poolside guests looking to munch on sandwiches and taquitos reminiscent of 7-11.
Head to Pesky Parrot for a post-dinner drink.
Utopia has 16 bars, including the fan-favorite Playmakers sports bar and the English pub-themed Bell and Barley.
Pesky Parrot is a new standout addition. The immersive tiki-themed pit stop — perched inside the mall-like Royal Promenade neighborhood — is helmed by a talking animatronic parrot.
From the hanging dollar bills to the fake window with beach views, Pesky Parrot looks more like a kitschy neighborhood watering hole than a traditional cruise ship bar.
Cocktails run $10 to $14. Wines cost between $8 and $16 a glass, while beers and seltzers start at about $7.50.
Sleep off all the ‘Rye Runners’ and ‘Teqkil-Ya Zombies’ in the comfort of your stateroom.
The ship has 2,834 cabins. The Solarium Suite category, with its expansive views, is a first for the cruise line. Its keycard also unlocks a suite-exclusive neighborhood outfitted with a restaurant, sun deck, pool, and bar.
For a less pricey option, opt for an inside cabin.
Not all are dark and dingy — some have windows facing the Royal Promenade or Central Park.
The ship will spend 2025 sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida.
Most itineraries include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamian island.
The cheapest is currently a three-night voyage with an additional stop at Nassau, Bahamas, starting at about $615 per person.
Good luck planning your onboard to-do list.
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