If you’ve ever been on a cruise before, you know that the ship you’re on matters. Even if you’re only going to be on the ocean for a day or two, you want a ship with plenty of activities and amenities to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. If you’re into weekend cruises, you’ll want to know all about the Utopia cruise ship by Royal Caribbean. Utopia of the Seas is the latest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, and it’s designed for one thing in particular: perfect weekend vacations.
Yes, unlike other cruises that can spend up to several weeks at sea, Utopia of the Seas disembarks on Friday afternoon and returns to port on Monday morning. So, if you’re a weekend warrior who can’t afford to miss too many work days, the Utopia is a dream come true. Let’s get our life jackets on and “sea” what this new ship is all about!
What Is the Utopia Cruise Ship by Royal Caribbean?
Most cruises are designed to be big excursions for week-long vacations. Many cruises sail to multiple ports of call, giving passengers the ability to explore more destinations without having to worry about lodging or transportation from one place to the next.
However, the Utopia of the Seas is built for a different type of cruise: weekend vacations. In fact, if you try to book a trip on the Utopia from Monday to Thursday, you literally can’t.
In addition to being a Friday-to-Monday ship, the Utopia cruise ship by Royal Caribbean also promises the most bang for your buck. When you only have a couple of days to spend cutting loose, you want to be able to fit as much into your itinerary as possible. So, the Utopia of the Seas is built to have as many activities as can fit on a ship without having to reclassify it as a floating island.
What’s more, this ship hasn’t even launched yet! The official start date of the Utopia’s cruising career is July 19, 2024. Tickets are already selling fast, but if you want to be part of history, you still have time to book a room on the ship’s inaugural tour of the Bahamas.
If you’re interested in saving on your own cruise and being able to earn commissions by booking travel for others, be sure to check out our article about how to become a Royal Caribbean travel agent.
Features and Amenities
As soon as the ship disembarks on Friday at 5pm, you’ll be able to start having a blast. Royal Caribbean breaks down the amenities on the Utopia of the Seas by activity: pools, nightlife, and dining. The room options on this ship are also incredible.
Here are some of the activities you can expect during your trip:
- Pools – The Utopia of the Seas boasts 10 unique pools, some of which also include water slides. However, it’s unclear how many pools are actually on deck, as Royal Caribbean includes those at CocoCay as well. Either way, you’ll have plenty of poolside access, whether you have kids in tow or are just enjoying the scenery with friends or adult loved ones.
- Bars – There are two main bars within the ship. The first is the Pesky Parrot, which is designed to help you kick off your tropical vacation with a bang (aka, a shot or two of rum). If you love island cocktails, you may find yourself here for much of the journey until it’s time to go onto the island. The other main option is Giovanni’s Wine Bar, which is perfect for when you want a glass of red or white. Giovanni’s has a more sophisticated atmosphere, but it’s still got tropical vibes.
- Casino – Once you get out into international waters, all bets are on! The Utopia of the Seas has two casinos with a total of 30 table games and over 370 slot machines. Poker, craps, roulette—everything is available. Just make sure to pace yourself and budget accordingly since you’ll want to save some money for CocoCay.
- Live Shows and Karaoke – You don’t have to wait for the sunset to partake in nightlife activities. Comedy shows, karaoke, and live music are always available. This way, you can be fully entertained without having to spend any extra money. However, karaoke always works better after a few cocktails.
- Dining – This ship has three distinct dining options (in addition to the standard buffets and snack tables you get with every cruise). The first is a hibachi and sushi restaurant, which offers dinner and a show as the chefs prepare your meal in style. Second, you can get some fantastic pasta at Giovanni’s to accompany your wine. Finally, there’s an immersive dining experience called the Royal Railway: Utopia Station. This restaurant is designed to resemble a train car, and you get to sample various dishes and cuisines during your “trip.”
As far as accommodations go, Royal Caribbean offers four main room options. First, you can get something on the interior of the ship, which offers no view but is the most affordable. These suites can sleep anywhere from one to six people, and while they’re somewhat cramped, they’re still very comfortable.
A step up is an Ocean View room, which offers a window or porthole from which to see your surroundings. These rooms are often slightly larger, and Royal Caribbean highly recommends them when traveling with children.
The next option is a balcony room, which sits higher on the ship and offers a private balcony for you and your guests. On one side is the Boardwalk, and on the other side is Central Park, so you can take your pick based on what kinds of views you want during your stay.
Finally, you can upgrade to a Royal Suite, which has multiple levels and can sleep up to nine people comfortably. Plus, if you upgrade to the Royal Suite, you get a VIP pass for the entire trip, unlocking extra amenities and activities that aren’t available to everyone else.
Ports of Call
As a weekend-only cruise ship, the Utopia cruise ship by Royal Caribbean offers three- or four-night trips to the Bahamas. However, the ship also does offer limited trips to Cozumel, Mexico. Here’s an overview of each port of call and what you can do there.
Port Canaveral (Orlando)
The Utopia of the Seas departs from and docks at Port Canaveral, which is the premier hub for virtually all Caribbean cruise lines. Port Canaveral is not too far from Orlando, meaning it’s easy to get here from the airport when you arrive. Plus, if you want to extend your vacation, you can go back to Orlando and explore all the city has to offer, such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
One thing to keep in mind with any cruise is that you have to pay for parking if you bring a vehicle to the port. So, if you want to avoid these fees, we recommend getting a ride to and from Port Canaveral. While the fees aren’t too expensive, it’s often better to use that money for cocktails or dining.
Nassau
Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and one of the country’s largest cities. Although the Bahamas are technically part of the British Commonwealth of Nations, the island chain receives far more US tourists.
There are many things to do in Nassau, including exploring historical sites, as the city was once a haven for pirates during the 17th century. You can also take boat excursions into the ocean and explore more of the natural areas around the city. Keep in mind that Nassau is a major port for cruise ships, so the place can get pretty packed during the busy season.
Also, because it’s an island, most items are shipped, meaning there’s a premium attached to everything you buy. Something that may be cheap on the mainland could be twice as expensive in the Bahamas.
Coco Cay
Because Royal Caribbean has such a close relationship with the Bahamas, the company has its own island resort called Perfect Day at Coco Cay. Because this entire place is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean, you don’t have to worry about such large crowds. Also, the island is built to be as fun and accommodating as possible.
Some of the things you can do at Coco Cay include:
- Zip-Lining
- Beach Access
- Water Parks
- Hot Air Ballooning
There are four main beaches, including Chill Island, the Oasis Lagoon, the Coco Beach Club, and the all-new Hideaway Beach. Each spot has private cabanas, beach umbrellas, and pristine white sands. You can also hear music and grab drinks from various walk-up and swim-up bars to get the party started.
You can also eat at multiple spots in Coco Cay, such as Captain Jack’s, Skipper’s Grill, and a Slice of Paradise. Most of the food is designed to cater to American tourists, so you can find lots of burgers, wings, fries, and pizza. If you want something a bit more local, you can go to the Coco Beach Club or the Chill Grill.
Cozumel, Mexico
Almost all of the cruises on board the Utopia of the Seas go to the Bahamas. However, every once in a while, the ship will head to Cozumel, Mexico. Because of the distance, you’ll only visit this one city rather than two Bahamian islands. Cozumel is notable for having Mayan ruins, which are perfect to explore during your day on the mainland.
Since these cruises are so rare, be sure to book your spot as soon as possible.
How to Book Your Cruise With Boardwalk Travel Agency
Fortunately, there’s an easy way to book cruises with Royal Caribbean! And you can even earn money for your next cruise vacation while doing it. Becoming a travel agent with Boardwalk Travel Agency allows you to get access to discounts and free perks that aren’t available to most people.
Best of all, once you sign up to become an agent, you can start booking cruise packages for your friends and family and extend your discounts to them. When they travel, you earn a commission! You can book for other people and turn your passion for cruising into a side gig or even a full-time career.
Boardwalk Travel Agency only charges a one-time membership fee, and you can book vacations for Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and even Disney Cruise Lines. Once you learn how to use the system, there’s no limit to how many trips you can book for yourself or others. Also, because the vendor (e.g., Royal Caribbean) pays the commission, you can get money back from your own travel!
Are you ready to explore the Caribbean on the Utopia of the Seas? Sign up for Boardwalk Travel today and start planning!
