Royal Caribbean's Next Oasis Class Ship, Utopia of the Seas, to Sail Short Getaways
by Dori Saltzman /When Utopia of the Seas – Royal Caribbean's next Oasis-class ship – debuts in July 2024 at Port Canaveral, it will sail three- and four-night getaways in the Bahamas, with every sailing visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay. Three-night sailings will depart on Fridays, while four-night sailings will depart on Mondays.
As with all Oasis-class ships, Utopia of the Seas will offer more than 40 ways to dine, drink, and have fun, including several new-to-Royal offerings.
"Utopia of the Seas is the next big thing coming to vacations and is the first of the game-changing Oasis Class to offer three- and four-night getaways when it debuts," said Vicki Freed, senior vice president, sales, trade support, and service of Royal Caribbean. "There’s incredible opportunity for new business with short Caribbean cruises. The interest for these itineraries has been on the rise for vacationers new to cruising and are ideal for those who want to get away more often but for a shorter period of time. Travel partners can sell Utopia with confidence knowing that their clients will want to come back for more."
New to Royal Caribbean
While most of the dining onboard Utopia of the Seas will be familiar to past Royal Caribbean cruisers, one new option will be an immersive dining experience (as yet unnamed). Combining multiple courses, technology, and different destinations and storylines, the experience will take people on a journey around the world while engaging all their senses.
Also new will be the Pesky Parrot, a Caribbean tiki bar that greets passengers the minute they walk on the ship in the Royal Promenade, as well as a poolside food truck serving up handheld bites.
The ship will also feature an all-new accommodation category, the Solarium Suites.
Other Highlights
Utopia of the Seas will have three sloping beach-entry pools, as well as three Lime & Coconut bars. Nearby, cruisers will be able to hit the waterslides with The Perfect Storm, while young kids can enjoy Splashaway Bay. The ship will also have the line's most adrenaline-pumping Ultimate Abyss, now 43 feet longer at 259 feet and featuring new zoom booster rollers and transparent racing windows.
And no Oasis-class ship would be complete without a FlowRider surf simulator, 10-story high zip line, and mini golf.
Now spanning two stories, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar and Gio's Terraza will feature a menu of authentic Italian dishes, wine varietals, and classic cocktails, as well as an outside terrace that overlooks the Boardwalk.
Next door to Izumi in the Park – in its new Central Park location – will be a walk-up window serving fresh sushi and Japanese-inspired sweets. At the restaurant, cruisers will find double the teppanyaki tables and a new al fresco seating area.
Other returning eateries include The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar; Hooked Seafood; and Chops Grille, now connected to the signature Trellis Bar.
Live music lovers will find four venues for live music including Boleros, Music Hall, Bell & Barley English Pub, and Schooner Bar.
"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. "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."
Utopia of the Seas opens for bookings on June 23, with a pre-sale window for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members on June 22.
