I sailed on Royal Caribbean's latest ship designed to attract cruise newbies — here's what to expect if it's your first time
Royal Caribbean's latest ship, Utopia of the Seas, is operating short voyages to attract first-timers.
In mid-November, I spent three nights on Utopia, the world's second-largest cruise ship.
Here's what to expect if it's your first cruise.
Royal Caribbean's latest ship, Utopia of the Seas, has more than 40 restaurants and bars across eight neighborhoods and three waterslides. Yet most travelers will only be on the ship for a few days.
The world's second-largest cruise ship, which launched in July, sails exclusively on three- and four-night Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida, in a bid to appeal to first-time cruisers and newcomers to the brand.
So far, the strategy is paying off.
Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean's parent company, told analysts in late October that demand for the ship has been "incredible," as fares and onboard revenue have surpassed the company's expectations.
If you're one of the newbies booked on a 2025 Utopia of the Seas cruise, here's my unofficial guide to the mega-ship.
2 dry slides will expeditiously transport you down 10 decks to the Boardwalk, a great section for families with young children.
The area looks as its name describes, complete with a carousel, two rock climbing walls, a smaller netted climbing course for young children, and plenty of family programming.
It's a bustling compliment to Central Park, Utopia's most peaceful section.
The lush park is home to several food and beverage outposts.
Grab a glass of bubbles and take a break at one of the plant-lined benches. Or, start a game at the tables with built-in chess and checkerboards.
It wouldn't be a cruise without an afternoon at the pool. You'll have several to choose from.
Utopia of the Seas' busy, chair-lined pool deck is home to three pools, a children's water playground, and three waterslides.
Two are racing slides, while the other looks like a giant toilet bowl.
There are more opportunities to swim or simmer in hot tubs at the Solarium.
Drop the youngsters off at the children's and teens' clubs before heading in — the glass-ceiling-lined retreat is adult-only.
Most of Utopia's amenities are free, save for the arcade, escape room, and casinos.
Access to the large gym is also complimentary, but you'll have to pay for fitness classes or treatments at the adjacent spa and salon.
Wind down your busy day with a show.
Utopia has three primary nighttime productions: figure skating "Youtopia," song-and-dance "All In," and water-based acrobatics "Aqua80too."
Youtopia's ice rink is open to guests on select afternoons. On other days, it also doubles as a laser tag arena.
Reservations for the three shows go fast.
Be sure to book the shows in the app or when you first board the ship.
If you can't grab a seat, other entertainment includes comedy shows and live music, such as nighttime jazz in Central Park and cover bands at the lively Music Hall.
You'll have to reserve some restaurants in advance, too.
Royal Railway — a $120 per person immersive train-themed restaurant — has become a mega-hit on the mega-ship.
It's one of Utopia of the Seas' 27 dining options, 10 of which are complimentary.
Free snacks include a poolside ice cream kiosk and food truck. For more substantial meals, grab a plate from the buffet, a sandwich from the two cafés, or a hot dog on the Boardwalk.
Be prepared to pay extra for fancier dinners.
Dinners at Chops Grille (a steakhouse), Giovanni's (an Italian eatery), and Izumi (a Japanese restaurant) cost extra.
A meal at the seafood restaurant Hooked Seafood comes in at $65 per person, while Izumi charges about $155 for omakase.
Recognizable on-land favorites, like Starbucks and Johnny Rockets, also have an additional fee — as does shave ice at the surf simulator-adjacent bar and sweets from the candy store.
Don't feel pressured to spend big on dining.
If you forgo the buffet or specialty restaurants, the ship's three-deck main dining room will be your go-to for complimentary breakfasts and dinners.
The dinner menu rotates daily, and the food is pretty decent.
Expect to pay extra for drinks, too.
Cocktails cost about $10 to $14 each, with most on the pricier side. Beers and seltzers are $7.50 to $8, while glasses of wine are more expensive at $8 to $16.
If you're a big drinker, consider purchasing the more than $100-a-day deluxe beverage package.
There are plenty of venues for using your drink package.
Utopia has 16 bars.
If you're craving a poolside piña colada, head to one of two Lime and Coconut bars.
Looking to catch the latest game? Grab a pint at Playmakers, the sports bar.
If you're a wine drinker, Giovanni's Wine Bar will be perfect for you.
Prefer something hoppier? Bell and Barley is Utopia's take on an English pub.
It's located in the Royal Promenade, a mall-like walkway with six bars — perfect for a do-it-yourself crawl.
Start with a cocktail at the karaoke bar and end with a frozen "Pain Chiller" at the tiki-themed watering hole.
Feeling the "drunchies" coming on? Take a pit stop at the complimentary pizza slice shop.
There's a good chance your vacation will include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
The mega-ship is scheduled for more than 100 voyages in 2025. All but one would include a stop at Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
The tropical port is separated into several sections, from complimentary beaches to an extra-fee waterpark and pool club.
Unlike being on board Utopia, there's no need to rush from one area to another — you'll likely be docked there all morning through the afternoon.
Read the original article on Business Insider
