I tried new Utopia of the Seas – this is what happened

Words by Jo Kessel

It’s clear the moment I step on board Royal Caribbean’s brand new cruise ship Utopia of the Seas that something is different. At first glance, this 6,700-passenger mega ship looks strikingly similar to the line’s other behemoths.

There are five Utopia of the Seas pools, a trio of water slides, a couple of climbing walls and even a surf simulator…plus you’ll find bars at every turn and a buffet with a delectable display of lobster and prawns. So far so normal.

Utopia of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas

The difference comes down to two main factors. First off, the train. Incredible though it may sound, Utopia is the first cruise ship in the world to have a train on board, more of which later. The second difference is the vibe. Everything’s more high-octane – the music, the energy, the fun. And that’s because Utopia has been dubbed ‘The Ultimate Weekend’.

All cruises on it will be short – either three or four nights in duration – and will sail roundtrip from Port Canaveral. And on short voyages everyone’s packing as much into their time as possible. Indeed, this is an ideal taster cruise for anyone who’s never tried it before – it’s long enough to get a feel and short enough if it ends up not being your thing.

My Utopia of the Seas cruise is the three nights Friday to Monday sailing and, like everyone else, I get stuck straight in and am so busy that I don’t switch on my cabin TV once.

As for Utopia of the Seas cabins, they are chic and modern: think firm mattresses, excellent lighting and décor in hues of beiges and blues. Mine also has a particularly deep balcony…if only there was time to spend on it!

– READ MORE: Inside entertainment on Icon of the Seas –

What to do on Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas

The first day is at sea and goes a bit like this: Breakfast is in Central Park – yes, Utopia has an actual park onboard. It’s an al fresco garden at the heart of the ship with 12,000 plants and gardeners who tend to them. Park Café ends up being one of my favourite eateries – perfect for a cuppa and a smoked salmon bagel or muffin. Better still, it’s a spot that most other cruisers aren’t aware of.

Afterwards I find Utopia’s wraparound promenade deck and circuit it a few times. This is the second biggest ship in the world (Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas which launched in January is the biggest) and it takes 3.5 minutes to walk from one end of the ship to another.

Then I move onto the Pesky Parrot [above, right], a new-to-Royal Caribbean tiki bar which serves fruity, frozen cocktails, one of which is irresistibly called a ‘Painchiller’. I have an achy neck; can this help? “Absolutely,” promises the bartender. It’s packed with Bacardi rum, pina colada mix and blood orange sour…and after just a few small sips, guess what? The pain in my neck evaporates.

This is just as well, because next on the agenda is the Ultimate Abyss – it’s the longest dry slide at sea and spans a whopping ten decks. Hands turn clammy and the heart rate quickens at the sight of it, but nonetheless I inch off its precipice and swirl, whirl and rattle down its length. Do I enjoy it? No. Am I pleased I did it? Yes, although I did feel a tad dizzy by the end.

The rest of the day is spent splashing down the water slides, lazing by the pool, feasting on those buffet prawns and sipping cocktails, rounded off by a surf and turf dinner in the main dining room – the steak is cooked to perfection. I even manage a cheeky apple cobbler dessert.

And then I grab a seat in the ship’s Aqua Theatre for a show which is like nothing I’ve ever seen before – think Cirque de Soleil with a cast of former Olympic divers and acrobats. It’s a jaw-dropping, gasp-inducing display of somersaulting dives, aerial arabesques and tightrope walking (all done over a pool) which leaves me breathless.

– READ MORE: What’s Royal Caribbean’s new private beach club like? –

Utopia of the Seas itinerary

Every cruise on Utopia – be it the three or four-night one – will stop at Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas [above, right], en route from Orlando and the Bahamas.

Here, turquoise water gently laps onto white-sand beaches and there are hammocks strung between palm trees where you can sway and listen to the sound of the waves.

This speck of an isle is, quite frankly, paradise and I choose to spend my second cruise day here quietly sipping cocktails and swimming in the shallows with sharks. Not big man-eating ones, obviously, but non-threatening babies.

But the beauty of Utopia is that you can do it your way. Want to chill? Do just that. Fancy a thrill? Coco Cay has a water park with record-breaking slides. Prefer to party? Head to the new adult-only hideaway beach where there’s a live DJ and a big buzz.

– READ MORE: What to do on Perfect Day at CocoCay island –

Utopia of the Seas entertainment

Inside Utopia of the Seas Royal Railway

Now back to that train. It’s called the Royal Railway [below] and when I return to my cabin from Coco Cay, there’s an invite on my bed to ride on it. Utopia Station is on deck 4 and when I arrive there’s a train on the platform. Mine will be a Wild West-themed journey accompanied by dinner and, full disclosure, it’s not an actual train. It’s a Virtual Reality experience although the carriage is real.

Nonetheless, once I’m seated at a table for four and the train sets off, it all feels remarkably authentic. It sounds like a train, my seat jolts as if we were moving and the scenery out the window is of the Wild West. Better still, so is the menu, with breads served in a wagon, poussin for mains and a chocolate medley for dessert. But it’s the starter that’s standout, with a particularly amusing name: Fart & Dart Beans. They’re delicious!

How much is Royal Railway on Utopia of the Seas?

Royal Railway starts at $74.99 for an adult and $24.99 for a child – in GBP that’s £58.25 adult price and £19.41 child price, at the time of writing.

– READ MORE: The coolest things on cruise ships in 2024 –

Utopia of the Seas review

Utopia might not be the biggest ship, but it is intent on you having the biggest, best and most fun weekend of your life. And so it is fitting that the godmother of the ship is none other than popstar Meghan Trainor who plays out our cruise with a fantastic live concert. On the bill is her hit song ‘All About The Bass’, but the message is clear. This ship is all about the fun too. And if you like to party then on Utopia you will find…utopia.

Book Utopia of the Seas

Utopia will be offering three and four-night sailings from £404 departing Fridays and Mondays from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas, round trip.

You can book directly via the Royal Caribbean website or speak to a travel agent who can organise flights for you as well as extend your stay in the USA if you wish.

– READ MORE: What you need to know about the NEXT Royal Caribbean ship –

Utopia of the Seas FAQs

How big is Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas size is 236,473 gross tons, 1,188 feet long and 211 feet wide. It is Royal Caribbean’s second-largest cruise ship after sister vessel Icon of the Seas.

How many passengers on Utopia of the Seas?

Utopia of the Seas can fit up to 6,700 passengers onboard.

How many pools on Utopia of the Seas?

There are five pools on Utopia of the Seas.

When does Utopia of the Seas sail?

Utopia of the Seas is already sailing. Its maiden voyage took place on July 19, 2024.

Where does Utopia of the Seas sail from?

Utopia of the Seas sails from Port Canaveral in Florida, USA.

What Broadway show will be on Utopia of the Seas?

There is no Broadway show on Utopia of the Seas but there will be other shows across four platforms – stage, ice, water and air. Expect scavenger hunts, comedy nights, game shows and more.

– READ MORE: We tried the latest ultra all-inclusive ship… –