‘The Ultimate Weekend’ Awaits on the Utopia of the Seas

What are you doing this weekend? Royal Caribbean has a suggestion for you.

How about jaunting off to The Bahamas aboard a luxury-laden ship? A ship that’s so sprawling it features 16 guest decks with 21 dining venues, 23 bars, five pools, three waterslides, two casinos and more. One that’s chockful of amenities that appeal to all types of travelers, from fun-loving families and weekend-warrior friend groups, to cozy couples and solo adventurers, and everyone in between.

This is Utopia of the Seas, which debuted this past July as the newest ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class lineup. From its homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida, the Utopia sails three-night weekend and four-night weekday cruises to The Bahamas year-round, calling on the capital city of Nassau as well as Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s 125-acre private island. 

Royal Caribbean not only bills the Utopia as “The World’s Biggest Weekend,” but it also backs up that claim with go-big-or-go-home hospitality. Translation: There is no getting bored on this ship, and pampering is standard protocol.

“Shorter cruises usually appeal to travelers in the ‘new-to-cruise’ market, and cruise lines typically sail their smaller and older ships on these itineraries. But Royal Caribbean is breaking that mold with Utopia of the Seas,” says Amy Short, director of Sales & Travel Technology for AAA Travel, who enjoyed a three-night cruise on the Utopia this past summer. “Utopia not only caters to first-time cruisers and seasoned cruisers alike, but it’s also one of Royal Caribbean’s biggest and best new ships.”

All decked out

The Utopia of the Seas certainly sports some big numbers—like a 5,668-guest capacity, a crew of 2,290 and 2,834 staterooms. And yet, this “floating city”—which is currently the world’s second-largest cruise ship, bested only by its sister ship Icon of the Seas—manages to feel warm and inviting, says Short.

“The Utopia is huge, yes, but its innovative layout—centered on a collection of eight themed neighborhoods—makes navigating the ship easy,” she says. “And there are dedicated spaces on board for everyone, whether you’re an active family with young children or a party of adults looking to kick back.”

Families with children, for example, are sure to love the boredom-proof Boardwalk area, complete with a carousel and the AquaTheater with its daring acrobatics shows. They’re also bound to be thrilled by the 10-story-high zip line, FlowRider surf simulator, sports courts, splash zones and the 259-foot-long Ultimate Abyss slide, which claims to be the longest dry slide at sea. Children’s clubs where kids from preschool age to teens can hang out with other guests their own age will certainly be a favorite, too.

Adults searching for some me-time will enjoy soaking in the sun on in-water loungers in the Solarium’s adults-only pool, strolling under the stars in the open-air Central Park neighborhood, or perhaps indulging in a bamboo massage at the Vitality Spa. To turn up the volume, picture yourself taking in the entertainment at the casinos, comedy club or theater in the Entertainment Place neighborhood or hitting The Royal Promenade for upscale shopping and bar-hopping, including savoring islandy cocktails at the Caribbean-style tiki bar The Pesky Parrot.

Utopia also has a Suite neighborhood that’s reserved exclusively for suite guests, including those staying in the Solarium Suites, which are positioned above the ship’s bridge wings to provide swoon-worthy 270-degree ocean views. Suite guests have access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant, a private sun deck with hot tubs, a lounge and 24-hour concierge service.

A menu of options

Royal Caribbean spared no expense on dining venues aboard the Utopia. Take your pick of dozens of dining options and more drink choices than you can shake a martini tumbler at.

One of Utopia’s must-try dining experiences is the Royal Railway – Utopia Station. This first-of-its-kind immersive dining journey unfolds on what appears to be an old-time train car that might—just might—be boarded by bandits during your five-course meal. Another must: Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, which serves up authentic dishes and offers seating across its two soaring stories, one of which features an alfresco dining terrace.

“What’s great about dining on the Utopia is that, if you don’t want to sit down for a full-course meal, there are many excellent counter-service options—from food trucks to specialty to-go windows—that extend beyond the buffet,” says Short.

Explore ship to shore

Every Utopia of the Seas itinerary includes a stop in Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, where cruisers can partake of white-sand beaches, pools, overwater cabanas, bars with live music, a water park, hot-air balloon rides, zip lines, a rock-climbing wall, a skywalk-meets-ropes course, water sports and more. The four-night weekday itineraries, sailing Monday through Thursday, also include an extra day at sea.

“On both Perfect Day at CocoCay and the ship, Royal Caribbean has thought of everyone—guests of all age groups, interests and activity levels,” says Short, who went on her first Utopia cruise with her husband but will also be bringing her children for her next Utopia sailing. “Just don’t expect to see and do everything in three or four days; there’s so much to experience.”

So, what are you doing on your next long weekend or weekday stretch of PTO? Why not enjoy a cruise that’s both short and sweet on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas?