All eyes may first be on Royal Caribbean International’s upcoming Icon of the Seas, launching in January 2024, but a sixth Oasis-Class ship — Utopia of the Seas — will follow shortly behind in July 2024. Set to sail from Port Canaveral, Fla., the new liquefied natural gas-powered vessel will feature three- and four-night weekend and weekday getaways, respectively.
“Vacationers are looking to make every moment count by celebrating and recharging with their friends and family, and Utopia of the Seas makes all that possible in more ways than one,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “With the variety of dining, bars, pools, entertainment and thrills that make Oasis-Class ships revolutionary, and the experiences to match on our private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, we’ve combined the best of the best to create the world’s biggest weekend for everyone.”
Editor's Note: This story was last updated on Feb. 8, 2024.
Dining Onboard Utopia of the Seas
For the most part, the deck plan of Utopia mimics the same venue placements as its Wonder of the Seas predecessor. The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar, first introduced on the fifth Oasis-class ship, is again along for the ride, as are long-term favorites such as Johnny Rockets, Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, Windjammer and more recent El Loco Fresh, Cantina Fresca and Hooked Seafood, as far as dining is concerned. However, Wonderland is gone this time around. Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar is instead taking up residence in the double-decker space that overlooks the Boardwalk neighborhood below, with a fresh outside terrace dubbed Gio’s Terrazza.
Izumi and Izumi in the Park will now reside in the Central Park area, with twice as many teppanyaki tables and a new alfresco seating option. There will also be a convenient pickup window to grab sushi, street food and sweet treats, and the restaurant itself will feature a new multi-course, omakase-inspired private dining experience complete with sake cocktails.
This will free up space on deck four for an immersive dining experience described by the line as “combining multiple courses, technology and different destinations and storylines” for a “new, one-of-a-kind experience.” Now known as Royal Railway – Utopia Station, the line describes the train travel-themed dining experience as “a locomotive journey that engages all the senses.” First, guests will enjoy pre-dinner beverages at the station platform before a whistle prompts passengers to board a dining car for a virtual trip from America’s Wild West to other global locales.
Joining popular watering holes including multiple Lime & Coconut bars is a new poolside food truck, dubbed The Spare Tire and set to serve quick bites and other handheld items, such as pulled pork sandwiches, a cheeseburger flatbread, a daily rotation of desserts and more. Plus, the Pesky Parrot Caribbean-themed bar will join the Royal Promenade, while returning classics will include the Schooner Bar and Bell & Barley English pub.
More Activities, Entertainment and Neighborhoods
Production shows will be staged in the main Royal Theater, while the AquaTheater will host dazzling water performances. The famed Studio B ice rink and The Attic comedy venue will also be reprised, as will the adjacent Casino Royale. As jazz clubs are being converted to non-smoking Casino Royale spaces on other Oasis-Class ships, so too will Utopia have a smoke-free alternative. Collectively, the casinos will feature over 370 slot machines and close to 30 table games. Boleros and Music Hall will again showcase live music, while Spotlight Karaoke will invite guests to sing at the mic.
For thrill seekers, the 10-deck-tall Ultimate Abyss dual dry slide will be 43 feet longer to measure 259 feet total, with enhanced zoom booster rollers and translucent racing windows. The Perfect Storm waterslides, Splashaway Bay waterpark, five resort-style pools, a FlowRider surf simulator, AquaDunes mini golf and the Utopia Playscape (for young kids) will round out the deck activities.
There will still be a neighborhood dedicated just to suite guests as well, encompassing an exclusive Suite Sun Deck; the adults-only Solarium and attached Solarium Bistro will also return. There will even be a new category of Solarium Suites, in addition to the Royal Loft Suite and Ultimate Family Suite options.
Itineraries
Utopia will depart from Port Canaveral to visit Nassau, the Bahamas, and Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay private island, which will soon showcase the adults-only Hideaway Beach, opening in early 2024.
Bookings for Utopia of the Seas are available now.
