Fans of the decade of excess are going to want to check out Royal Caribbean's new show.

Utopia of the Seas is the sixth Oasis Class cruise ship and launches this summer with an all-new show that follows up on arguably Royal Caribbean's best musical tribute show to date.

Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Entertainment Nick Weir posted a teaser on his X account that revealed the name of its next show.

"Aqua 80 Too" is all the video teaser displayed, but it is clearly a follow up to Aqua 80 that first debuted on Oasis of the Seas.

Held in the open-air Aquatheater, Royal Caribbean first debuted Aqua 80 on Oasis of the Seas in 2019 to coincide with her massive amplification.

Read more: Oasis of the Seas ship guide

Like all Aquatheater shows, it features a live performance of world-class acrobats, extreme sports athletes and divers set to music.  In the case of Aqua 80s, it's only music of the 1980s.

It's a musical tribute to the decade, and many cruisers have come back loving the show.

Reddit user kanojo22 posted, "I must recommend the Aqua80 show. It was amazing! I watched it 3 times and loved it every time. Even my kids who aren’t 80s music fans like me thought it was great."

Their post sparked a great deal of responses echoing the initial post.

LitigatedLaureate added, "Aqua 80 is the best cruise ship show I've ever seen. Honestly I'd rather sit and watch Aqua80 over a fair amount of actual Broadway shows I've seen."

KTrentLR agreed, "I couldn't agree more! Aqua '80 is the best aqua show in the fleet."

Royal Caribbean has not officially announced the entertainment for Utopia of the Seas yet, but Mr. Weir is fond of leaking bits of information about new shows on social media.

His passion for his shows is evident in how much work goes into crafting these original productions.  As such, he enjoys sharing behind-the-scenes previews of what guests can expect.

Utopia of the Seas is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. Since the Aquatheater isn't ready yet, Royal Caribbean can still prepare for the show from land.

Royal Caribbean has its own Entertainment facility in South Florida, where the cast for the new show will begin rehearsals.

Inside the custom facility are stages where cast members can practice nearly all aspects of the show so that when they can get onboard the ship, they're not starting at the first step.

Coming July 2024

Utopia of the Seas will be the first new Royal Caribbean's ship that offers shorter cruises first. Usually new ships  conduct longer voyages when they enter service.

Utopia will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida on 3- and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas, each scheduled to stop at Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Why short cruises? It's an effort to attract first-time cruisers, who are leery of going on any cruise ship for a week.

The idea is to offer short cruises on its newest hardware so that anyone who is considering a short cruise as their first sailing will see a clear delineation between what options are out there.

The inaugural sailing is 3-night weekend cruise on July 19, 2024. 

While Utopia is about 7% smaller than Icon, she is still packed with plenty for passengers to do to keep them busy.

On the top deck, you'll find three pool areas, an aqua park for kids, surf simulator, zip line, basketball court, and 295-foot dry slide down the back of the ship.

The Royal Railroad will feature a classic train motif that delivers a mixed reality experience. After prototyping the train car experience at Royal Caribbean's Miami headquarters, the team feels confident it will deliver an incredible new option for passengers.

Izumi has been moved up to Central Park, which is a first for the Oasis Class. Izumi will also have a new pickup window which allows quick grab and go offerings for guests.

Park Cafe will have a new evening terrace experience, which the cruise line hopes will invigorate evenings in this neighborhood.

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar has been relocated into the deck 11 and 12 former Wonderland location.

Speaking of food, there will be a food truck on the pool deck, and a tiki bar on the Royal Promenade.

With Utopia of the Seas just four months from setting sail out of Port Canaveral, construction appears to be moving along quite nicely. 

Photos taken by Pascal Collin Photography reveal that the ship is taking shape. According to his Facebook, he captures his images via drone. Iconic features such as the Ultimate Abyss dry slide and semi-enclosed AquaTheater are clearly visible. 

The ship is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. She has yet to undergo any sea trials, which is when certain systems and features are tested that cannot be done when the ship is docked. 

Just a few weeks ago, Royal Caribbean announced that construction of the ship is ahead of schedule, so they'll be able to move the inaugural cruise to July 19, up three days from July 22. 

Utopia of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's first new build that's initially offering shorter cruises, as newer ships usually conduct longer voyages. Icon of the Seas, for instance, offers 7-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. When Star of the Seas launches in August 2025, she, too, will boast longer itineraries. 

In comparison, Utopia will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida on 3- and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas, each scheduled to stop at Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, except a single sailing in May 2025 that'll visit Cozumel, Mexico. 

Wonder of the Seas will be joining the short cruise market in September 2025, meaning both of their newest Oasis Class ships will cater to those seeking shorter experiences. Allure of the Seas was the first Oasis vessel to offer shorter cruises, which began in late 2023. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will move Wonder of the Seas to offer short cruises

Even if you've cruised on all five of the Oasis Class ships at sea, there are brand-new experiences onboard Utopia that you won't find on any other ship in the fleet, including Royal Railway - Utopia Station. 

This immersive dining experience takes place on a train car. While indulging in a multi-course meal, you're simultaneously "transported" to different places and times, including America's Wild West and other remote destinations across the globe. 

They're also expanded on their complimentary fast-casual dining options with the addition of the Spare Tire. This poolside food truck will serve cheeseburger flatbreads, pulled pork sandwiches, daily rotating desserts, and more. 

Utopia of the Seas isn't Royal Caribbean's last Oasis Class ship, either. In February, Royal Caribbean Group announced that they placed an order for a seventh Oasis ship from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. 

Delivery is expected in 2028, two years after the third unnamed Icon Class ship sets sail. At the time of writing, the ship name, as well as homeport, have yet to be revealed. 

Utopia of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean's plan to become the preeminent choice for a weekend cruise

Onboard Utopia, cruisers will find numerous pools, a surfing simulator, mini-golf course, zip line, kids' aqua park, high-diving spectaculars, ice skating shows, plenty of dining choices, and so much more. 

Essentially, the ship will offer the best of what the cruise line has to offer on a vessel that's well above anything else you'll find in the short cruise market. In the past, shorter sailings (i.e., those between 2 and 5 nights) to The Bahamas have been offered on Vision, Radiance, Voyager, and Freedom Class ships, with the newest being Independence of the Seas which launched in 2008. 

While you can't go wrong with a Freedom Class ship, the offerings on Oasis Class vessels are truly unparalleled. 

Read more: Guide to weekend cruises: Tips for taking a 3-night Royal Caribbean cruise

In addition to a fun-filled ship, every cruise is scheduled to stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's award-winning island in The Bahamas, giving guests even more ways to eat, drink, and play. 

From complimentary beaches to paid excursions, including the brand-new adults-only Hideaway Beach, you're able to customize your day at CocoCay to be exactly what you desire. Whether you prefer lounging on white sand beaches or spending the day at the island's waterpark, there are plenty of options to suit everyone's preferences. 

Even if you aren't keen on the short cruise market, CocoCay is a popular stop on longer sailings, too. 

Read more: I went to CocoCay for the first time, and here's what I'd do differently

Royal Caribbean is ahead of schedule with its next new cruise ship and wants to get it in service faster.

Guests booked on the inaugural sailing of Utopia of the Seas were informed on Tuesday that there will be a new first sailing.

Inaugural sailings are a big deal to be on, as it's both a badge of honor to be able to be say you were onboard. Plus, they are a big celebration too.

The inaugural sailing was scheduled to be on July 22, 2024, but Royal Caribbean will be adding an extra voyage prior.

The new inaugural sailing is 3-night weekend cruise on July 19, 2024. Utopia will then continue with her previously scheduled sailings after, which would be the July 22 sailing.

Why the change? Royal Caribbean said in an email the new ship will be ready sooner, "Utopia of the Seas is ahead of schedule and arriving at Port Canaveral earlier than originally planned."

Anyone booked on the original inaugural sailing of Utopia of the Seas will have opportunity to move their booking to the new inaugural 3-Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise on July 19.

How to move to the new sailing

If you were booked on the original inaugural and want to transfer to the new voyage, there are options available.

Royal Caribbean is offering guests the chance to move to the exact same stateroom currently booked – at no additional cost to you.

The cruise fare rate will be prorated for the change from a 4-night to a 3-night cruise, meaning, Royal Caribbean will provide a 1-day cruise fare refund. It's only available for changing to the new date.

If selected, the booking will be transferred to the new sail date by March 19th, 2024.

Otherwise, guests can remain on the July 22 sailing as booked.

Guests have until March 12th, 2024 to select the offer. If you are booked on the July 22 sailing and do absolutely nothing on your part, you'll remain on that sailing.

Moving to a weekend cruise for her inaugural

It's almost fitting that Utopia of the Seas is moving her inaugural to a 3-night weekend cruise, as that is the focus of the new ship.

Utopia will be Royal Caribbean's first new Oasis Class ship to start cruises with short 3- and 4-night cruises instead of 7-night cruises. It's a flip of the script for the cruise line, because usually older ships operate weekend cruises.

The change is a concerted effort to attract first-time cruisers, who are leery of going on any cruise ship for a week.

The idea is to offer short cruises on its newest hardware so that anyone who is considering a short cruise as their first sailing will see a clear delineation between what options are out there.

Read more: Five moves Royal Caribbean is making to overhaul its weekend cruise business for the future

Utopia will be the second new Royal Caribbean cruise ship to launch in 2024, following up on Icon of the Seas.

Icon has drawn a substantial amount of attention for being the biggest cruise ship in the world and ushering in a new category of vessel.

While Utopia is about 7% smaller than Icon, she is still packed with plenty for passengers to do to keep them busy.

On the top deck, you'll find three pool areas, an aqua park for kids, surf simulator, zip line, basketball court, and 295-foot dry slide down the back of the ship.

The Royal Railroad will feature a classic train motif that delivers a mixed reality experience. After prototyping the train car experience at Royal Caribbean's Miami headquarters, the team feels confident it will deliver an incredible new option for passengers.

Izumi has been moved up to Central Park, which is a first for the Oasis Class. Izumi will also have a new pickup window which allows quick grab and go offerings for guests.

Park Cafe will have a new evening terrace experience, which the cruise line hopes will invigorate evenings in this neighborhood.

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar has been relocated into the deck 11 and 12 former Wonderland location.

Speaking of food, there will be a food truck on the pool deck, and a tiki bar on the Royal Promenade.

Read more: Utopia of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Another inaugural cruise change

This is the second Royal Caribbean cruise ship to have her inaugural sailing change in just a week.

Last week Royal Caribbean announced the first sailing for Star of the Seas would be pushed back by two weeks.

Star of the Seas will be the second Icon Class ship and launch in 2025. Instead of her first cruise being on August 17, 2025, the new inaugural sailing was pushed back to August 31st, 2025.

The reason for the delay was not specified, other than noting, "after a review of the work that remains to be done, we’re unfortunately forced to delay the ship’s delivery date."

Just like Utopia, guests booked on the original inaugural cruise of Star of the Seas were given the chance to move to the new sailing with no penalty and cruise fare price protection.

Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class vessel, will offer guests more than 40 ways to drink and dine. 

From the brand-new immersive train car dining experience to brand favorites such as Sorrento's and Park Café, there's no shortage of options, both complimentary and specialty, to indulge in. 

Whether you are craving a quick hot dog or want to sit down and enjoy omakase at Izumi, there's something to appease all preferences and tastes. 

Here is your ultimate guide to all the food and beverage options on Utopia of the Seas. 

What restaurants are included & what costs extra?

When planning your cruise onboard Utopia, it's important to understand what restaurants are and are not included in the cost of your cruise fare. 

It is possible to not spend a penny extra on dining while onboard your 3- or 4-night cruise. However, there are some pretty amazing specialty options that you can't find on other ships in the fleet, such as Royal Railway - Utopia Station. 

Complimentary restaurants

🍴Main Dining Room

🍽️ The Spare Tire

🍴Sorrento's 

🍽️ Boardwalk Dog House

🍴Park Café

🍽️ Windjammer

🍴Solarium Bistro

🍽️ El Loco Fresh

🍴Coastal Kitchen (suites only)

🍽️ Johnny Rockets (breakfast only)

🍴Sprinkles 

🍽️ Cafe Promenadé

Specialty restaurants

🍴Royal Railway - Utopia Station

🍽️ Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar

🍴Izumi

🍽️ Izumi in the Park

🍴150 Central Park

🍽️ Chef's Table

🍴Starbucks

🍽️ Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade

🍴Chops Grille

🍽️ Hooked Seafood

🍴The Mason Jar

🍽️ Johnny Rockets (lunch and dinner)

🍴Sugar Beach

New and redesigned venues on Utopia of the Seas

It wouldn't be the ultimate weekend getaway if Utopia was an exact replica of other Oasis Class ships, would it? 

Onboard, you'll find two venues that are exclusive to this ship, as well as some that are relatively new to the brand, such as Izumi in the Park. Some fan favorites got a refresh, too. 

Royal Railway - Utopia Station

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Royal Railway is a one-of-a-kind dining experience that will combine adventure and food to techy travel. Before you begin your meal, you'll enjoy some pre-dinner drinks at the station platform. When the train "arrives," a whistle will blow, and you will board the dining car for a multisensory culinary adventure. 

While sailing through your ocean, you'll simultaneously be transported to different times and places, from America's Wild West to remote destinations across the globe. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean shares a glimpse of its first mixed reality restaurant concept

The Spare Tire

COST: INCLUDED

Royal Caribbean has gotten its fair share of criticism regarding the lack of complimentary dining options. In recent years, they have striven to do better, and this is evident with the addition of The Spare Tire, a poolside food truck that'll serve pulled pork sandwiches, cheeseburger flatbreads, daily rotating desserts, and more. 

"There is a truckload of flavor to be explored," says the cruise line. 

Izumi in the Park

COST: NOT INCLUDED

While not brand-new to Royal Caribbean ships, Utopia will be the only Oasis Class vessel to have Izumi in the Park onboard. 

Izumi in the Park is a to-go sushi window where you can grab sushi, hot gyoza, or soft-serve bubble cones for an extra charge. 

Each item is priced à la carte, meaning that you'll only pay for what you order, whereas The Mason Jar, for instance, charges everyone the same cover.

Izumi

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Similarly, Izumi itself isn't a new restaurant; however, it'll feature three different dining styles onboard Utopia: teppanyaki, sushi, and, for the first time, a private multicourse omakase-inspired dining room. 

With six teppanyaki tables, it'll be the largest Izumi in the fleet. 

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

For the first time, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar will span two stories and feature a new outside terrace called "Gio's Terrazza" that overlooks the Boardwalk Neighborhood. 

Pesky Parrot Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

The Pesky Parrot Bar will replace the Bionic Bar in the Royal Promenade. This Caribbean-themed bar will serve tropical drinks made with rum, tequila, and gin. 

Returning favorites

Hooked Seafood

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Hooked Seafood first launched on Symphony of the Seas back in 2018. Now, it can be found on numerous ships in the fleet, including Wonder, Icon, Navigator, and, of course, Utopia of the Seas. 

This specialty restaurant focuses on New England-style seafood dishes, such as Maine Lobster Rolls, Drunken Mussels, Maryland Drab Cakes, and more. 

El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca

COST: INCLUDED (El Loco Fresh) / NOT INCLUDED (Cantina Fresca)

El Loco Fresh is your go-to spot for fresh Mexican fare. This complimentary grab-and-go spot offers burritos, quesadillas, nachos, tacos, and a salsa station, so you can customize your dish to your liking. 

Next to El Loco Fresh is Cantina Fresca, a Mexican-themed bar known for its specialty margaritas, including the Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita, Mezcal Mule, and Cozumel Sunrise, as well as aguas frescas and a selection of Mexican beers. 

Chops Grille

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Chops Grille is Royal Caribbean's signature specialty steakhouse that can be found on every ship in the fleet. 

Sorrento's

COST: INCLUDED

Sorrento's has quickly become a staple onboard newer ships. This pizza joint caters to guests seeking a quick snack after a long day ashore, as well as those craving a late-night bite after catching a show. 

150 Central Park

COST: NOT INCLUDED

While not as upscale as the brand-new Empire Supper Club on Icon of the Seas, 150 Central Park is perfect for guests seeking a sophisticated dining experience. 

Windjammer

COST: INCLUDED

Windjammer Marketplace is the cruise line’s signature complimentary buffet that's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day of your cruise. 

The Mason Jar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

The Mason Jar is a specialty restaurant that highlights southern cuisine and is open for brunch and dinner. During brunch, you can order things like Meemaw’s Fried Chicken N’ Waffles, a Sweet-Tooth Cinnamon Roll, or Crispy Chicken Sandwich. 

Highlights on the dinner menu include Fried Green Tomatoes, Lobster N’ Crawfish Gumbo, Chicken Pot Pie, and St. Louis-Style Ribs. 

Don't forget to try the jalapeño cornbread! 

Coastal Kitchen 

COST: INCLUDED (suites only)

Coastal Kitchen first debuted on Quantum of the Seas in 2014. It has since then become a favorite for guests staying in suites. 

Those in Sky and Star Class suites will have all-day access, whereas those in Star rooms (i.e., Junior Suites) will only be able to dine here for dinner, subject to availability. 

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class

Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Playmaker's is the beloved sports bar that serves à la carte food and hand-crafted beverages. There are a variety of menu options that range from $3.00 to $29.99, including nachos, onion wings, jalapeño poppers, fries, and wings. It's the perfect place to watch your favorite sports team on one of 68 televisions! 

Boardwalk Dog House

COST: INCLUDED

At the Boardwalk Dog House, you can customize your perfect hot dog at the toppings bar. They have various links, too, ranging from traditional beef to chicken and pork.

Read more: The top decadent Royal Caribbean snacks

Starbucks 

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Purchasing a cold brew or hand-crafted beverage at Starbucks on Utopia of the Seas will cost you extra, even if you have a Royal Caribbean drink package. 

Moreover, top-tier loyalty members cannot redeem their daily drink coupons here; they'll have to visit Cafe Promenadé.

Park Café

COST: INCLUDED

Park Café first launched on Oasis of the Seas and is home to the legendary Royal Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich. In addition to made-to-order salads, sandwiches, and desserts, you can also dine here for breakfast if you want to avoid the crowds at the Windjammer.  

Johnny Rockets

COST: INCLUDED (breakfast) / NOT INCLUDED (lunch and dinner)

Johnny Rockets is a retro diner-style restaurant where you’ll feel like you stepped back in time to an era of soda fountains and drive-in theaters. On Oasis Class ships, you can eat breakfast here for free, while lunch and dinner have a cover charge of $12.99 per guest. 

Solarium Bistro

COST: INCLUDED

As the name implies, the Solarium Bistro is located in the Solarium, Royal Caribbean's adult-only area. However, children are able to eat at the bistro. It serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is usually less busy than the Windjammer. 

Chef's Table

COST: NOT INCLUDED

The Chef's Table is the ultimate culinary treat for foodies! You'll indulge in a multi-course meal, each of which is paired with the perfect wine. Every course is carefully chosen and is accompanied by a presentation from the chef and sommelier.

Main Dining Room

COST: INCLUDED

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a Main Dining Room onboard that serves three-course meals each night of your cruise. It's open for breakfast and lunch, too. To see when it's open on your specific sailing, check the Royal Caribbean app. 

Read more: 21 Tips for the Best Cruise Ship Main Dining Room Experience

Sprinkles 

COST: INCLUDED

Sprinkles is where you can enjoy complimentary soft-serve ice cream throughout the day! Once you've selected your flavor, head over to the new toppings bar. 

Cafe Promenadé

COST: INCLUDED

Cafe Promenadé is open 24 hours a day, so you can start your day with a cup of coffee and a fresh croissant and end it with a grab-and-go sandwich or dessert. 

They also have specialty coffees available for an extra charge. 

Sugar Beach

COST: NOT INCLUDED

If you find yourself in the mood for something a little bit sweeter than a soft-serve cone, head over to Sugar Beach where you can purchase Royal Caribbean's in-house ice cream. 

Spotlight Karaoke

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Aspiring singers should check out Spotlight Karaoke. If you aren't much of a singer yourself, it's a fun place to listen to others! 

Boleros

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Boleros is a Latin-themed bar with live music that's found on numerous ships in the fleet.

Schooner Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Perhaps the most well-known bar is the Schooner Bar. This nautical-themed staple is found on all Royal Caribbean ships. 

Music Hall

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Onboard Utopia, the Music Hall will be the prime spot to enjoy live bands, music performances, and DJs.

The Attic

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Ready for a good laugh? Don't miss the fantastic comedy shows at The Attic while sipping on your favorite cocktail. 

Bell & Barley

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Bell & Barley is Utopia's rendition of the classic English-style pub found on other ships.

Rising Tide Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

The Rising Tide Bar will transport you from the Royal Promenade on Deck 5 to Central Park on Deck 8, all while you sip on a drink! It's arguably the neatest form of transportation onboard, other than the Ultimate Abyss slide. 

Solarium Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

The Solarium Bar is located within the Solarium, meaning that you won't find any children running around! It's perfect for parents looking for a quiet escape while their children have fun at Adventure Ocean. 

The Lime and Coconut

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Royal Caribbean’s resort-style pool bar has a few signature drinks that you shouldn't forget to try: 

• Lime & Coconut, made with Malibu coconut rum, coconut milk, coconut syrup, guava syrup, and lime juice 
• Blue Wave, made with Tito’s vodka, blue curacao, and pineapple juice 
• Caribbean Sunset, made with Aperol, sparkling wine, and a splash of soda

There are three different Lime & Coconut locations onboard Utopia, all of which are located on the pool deck.

Vue Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

The Vue first debuted on Wonder of the Seas and replaced what would have been a second cantilevered hot tub. It is the ideal spot to grab a drink while watching the ship sail away from Port Canaveral, Nassau, or Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Trellis Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

The Trellis Bar will be connected to Chops Grille in Central Park, rather than a standalone bar. 

Wipeout Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Located at the aft of the ship near the entrance to the Ultimate Abyss slide is the Wipeout Bar. 

Utopia of the Seas was successfully floated out at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas is the latest in the line's Oasis Class of ships.

This important first step in the journey of cruise ship construction occurred over the weekend, where the ship transfers to a "wet dock" to finish construction work.

New ships are first assembled in a dry dock, where blocks of the ship are put together on land. Once the exterior of a vessel is complete, it's ready to move to the ocean.

The process itself took nearly 15 hours, beginning with filling the new ship’s dry dock with more than 46 million gallons of water overnight. Utopia was then moved into an outfitting dock, where it will be completed in summer 2024. Since construction on the next Oasis Class ship started in April 2022, the new vacation has taken shape with more than 74 blocks of steel that have been lifted and assembled into place. 

The float out of any cruise ship is an important milestone in the process of construction.

With Utopia in wet dock, work will continue leading up to her handover to Royal Caribbean. She will remain in her basis until such time she is ready for delivery.

This is the fourth Oasis Class ship built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Naizaire, France (Wonder, Harmony and Symphony of the Seas).

Utopia of the Seas may be the sixth ship in the Oasis Class, but she's far from a carbon copy of her sister vessels.  While she will have a number of features you can find on other Oasis Class ships, Royal Caribbean has added a few tweaks and additions that make her stand out.

The new ship will have a new tiki bar experience, new dining experiences, immersive dining, and an open deck filled with plenty of activities. The 295-foot-long Ultimate Abyss slide will reclaim the title of "longest dry slide at sea".

Utopia will be the first Oasis class that uses a more environmentally friendly fuel type, Liquified Natural Gas, or LNG.

There's plenty of dining changes to expect on Utopia as well. 

Something brand new to Utopia of the Seas is an immersive dining experience that combines visuals and dining to create something not seen before on Royal Caribbean.

The Royal Railroad will feature a classic train motif that delivers a mixed reality experience. After prototyping the train car experience at Royal Caribbean's Miami headquarters, the team feels confident it will deliver an incredible new option for passengers.

Izumi has been moved up to Central Park, which is a first for the Oasis Class. Izumi will also have a new pickup window which allows quick grab and go offerings for guests.

Park Cafe will have a new evening terrace experience, which the cruise line hopes will invigorate evenings in this neighborhood.

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar has been relocated into the deck 11 and 12 former Wonderland location.

Utopia of the Seas will debut in July 2024 and enter service offering short cruises to The Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Florida.

The 236,860-ton ship will be the second largest ship in the world at the time she launches, right behind equally new Icon of the Seas. 

Royal Caribbean will change its traditional playbook by starting off a new cruise ship with just short cruises, which the line hopes will capitalize on the short cruise market.

This is a big change for the line, because traditionally new ships start off with the more lucrative week-long cruise market. Royal Caribbean is flipping the script and putting Utopia in the short market first.

Why the dramatic change? It's all about drawing in new cruisers.

Someone that has never cruised before may be leery of trying a cruise, and hesitant to commit to 7-nights.  Instead, they opt for short cruises.

Traditionally, Royal Caribbean deploys its older and smaller ships to the short cruise market.  While these ships are still great choices for a vacation, there's simply nothing like a new ship.

Royal Caribbean is betting by offering short cruises on a brand new and impressive ship, new cruisers will flock to try it and subsequently book more cruises.

Royal Caribbean isn't done revealing new features coming to Utopia of the Seas.

Its potentially last Oasis Class cruise ship is about a year away, and we know of a new dining concept coming to the ship.

While aboard the President's Cruise sailing on Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider, gave a presentation about Utopia of the Seas.

According to Mr. Schneider, Utopia of the Seas will feature The Spare Tire, the line’s first food truck-style eatery.

It will be located on the pool deck, and Royal Caribbean previously disclosed it would serve up, "handheld favorites".

Royal Caribbean's plan for the pool deck is to create a resort-style experience that draws guests to a relaxing day. The five pools on Utopia provide both lowkey and upbeat fun.

There will be resort-style and sloping beach-entry pools, including the three pools and three Lime & Coconut bars at the center of the pool deck. 

This is second all-new dining experience revealed coming to Utopia of the Seas.

Previously, Royal Caribbean announced a new immersive dining experience that will create a classic train car motif that serves meals.

Inside the faux train cars, which will be decorated and built to the specifications of actual train cars, diners will encounter a handful of tables placed next to windows with digital displays, where footage of destinations will flash by.

It will be located on deck 4 where Izumi is located on other Oasis Class ships.

More Utopia of the Seas dining

We also know about a number of other restaurants coming to Utopia of the Seas. In fact, Utopia will have more than 20 dining options.

Izumi and Izumi in the Park will be located in Central Park, featuring a convenient, new window that serves up fresh sushi and Japanese-inspired sweets. Next door is a reimagined Izumi restaurant, with double the teppanyaki tables and new al fresco seating.

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar spans two stories and has a menu of authentic Italian dishes. There's even a new outside terrace – Gio’s Terrazza – that overlooks the Boardwalk neighborhood.

El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca will have Mexican-inspired street food and drinks.

Solarium Bistro is a returning restaurant concept open for all meals that serves up Mediterranean food and salads.

More returning favorites on the menu include The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar, Windjammer buffet, Hooked Seafood, and Chops Grille.

Launching in July 2024

Utopia of the Seas will debut in July 2024 and enter service offering short cruises to The Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Royal Caribbean will change its traditional playbook by starting off a new cruise ship with just short cruises, which the line hopes will capitalize on the short cruise market.

The inaugural voyage is scheduled for July 22, 2024.

We're just about a year away from the launch of Royal Caribbean next, and perhaps final, Oasis Class cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas. With that much time left, there's still plenty of construction left.

Utopia of the Seas is under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, and Royal Caribbean shared with travel advisors a look at what construction of this ship entails and what makes this ship different.

Utopia will be the first new Royal Caribbean cruise ship to start off with short 3- and 4-night cruises. She will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida and will have a number of differences from her Oasis Class sister ships.

Utopia will have a new tiki bar experience, new dining experiences, immersive dining, and an open deck filled with plenty of activities.

During the webinar, two members of Royal Caribbean's product development team shared a photo update of how the new cruise ship is progressing.

LNG Fan Room

Utopia will be the first Oasis class that uses a more environmentally friendly fuel type, Liquified Natural Gas, or LNG.

The photo shows the ship's "fan room", which is a structure that helps vent and ensure the integrity of that fuel source.

It's located at the top of the vessel, and Royal Caribbean integrated the space into the look of the Lime and Coconut Bar.

 There were also photos of the LNG being delivered to the shipyard in France.

Royal Caribbean Director of Product Development, Darren Budden, shared that getting the LNG tanks was an issue because they were being manufactured in an area in China at a time when the country was on lockdown due to a Covid-19 spike.

"If you don't have the base of the vessel completed, it increases exponentially the complexity of building around it. So we all rejoiced on the day that we physically saw that those tanks were delivered," he shared during the webinar.

Royal Promenade

The Royal Promenade is the focal point of any Oasis Class ship, and this area is taking shape.

One big change to the Royal Promenade is there will not be a Bionic Bar. Instead, a new tiki bar known as the Pesky Parrot, will take its place.

Royal Caribbean Senior Product Owner, Keri-Ann Chin-Sang, talked about this new venue, "It replaces the former Bionic Bar, but we're super excited for it to be a first impression as guests are walking on the ship right at embarkation, you're going to see all of the comfortable lounge furniture, a huge expansive bar that's going to be offering tropical cocktails, frozen drinks, entertainment, a few surprise and delight moments."

Central Park

Compared to other Oasis Class ships, Utopia of the Seas will have a few changes to Central Park.

Izumi has been moved up to Central Park, which is a first for the Oasis Class.

"It's actually going to be a huge Izumi with both Teppanyaki and Sushi. The relocation really allowed us to expand the number of teppanyaki tables. So we now have six tables versus three on previous Oasis class ships," said Ms. Chin-Sang.

Izumi will also have a new pickup window which allows quick grab and go offerings for guests.

Park Cafe will have a new evening terrace experience, which the cruise line hopes will invigorate evenings in this neighborhood, "We're really trying to activate Central Park in the evenings, give people that romantic twinkling vibe that they're looking for wine and jazz in the park and, you know, a space that really brings the outdoor to life right at the heart of the ship."

Izumi is in the former location of Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar combined.

Solarium

The adults-only pool area is at the front of the ship in the Solarium.

Mr. Budden noted that Royal Caribbean made a change to the design of the Solarium with Wonder of the Seas that resonated with guests having the roof enclosed.

"It allows us to have complete climate control. Our guests have really, really loved the Solarium experience there, so we're leveraging that again with Utopia and building on the lessons learned."

"This is going to be an incredibly relaxing experience where people can go and just spend the day really in a climate controlled environment, which we've never been able to deliver to this extent before."

Ultimate Abyss

Utopia of the Seas will have the dry slide experience, known as the Ultimate Abyss, albeit with a few tweaks.

Mr. Budden alluded to the fact MSC's World Europa now claims to have the longest dry slide at sea, so the team at Royal Caribbean felt compelled to make changes to the Ultimate Abyss.

Suffice to say, Utopia will take back the claim of the longest dry slide at sea when the ship launches.

"We've also added some more thrill. So in our usual experience, you go through several circular completions, but we've added some acrylic dead ends that make you think like you're going to slide out and go all the way down into the Boardwalk, but you're actually going to pivot at the last minute," Mr. Budden shared.

"We've also put some rollers in to to bump up your speed as you go along and a section where you're going to be able to see the other rider. So if you know that person and you're racing against them, you'll be able to see in real time if they're ahead of you or not."

The team also talked about the fact they considered many other changes to the Ultimate Abyss, but skipped them because guests would not necessarily notice them.

"We had an inventory of options and then we really went through all of them and chose the ones that we felt were the biggest impact."

"There were a bunch of other ones, but they were really quite expensive and not a lot from an experiential improvements."

One example of a change they passed on was a way for guests to activate lights in the slide on their way down.

"There were a number that if you were sliding quickly, you would actually miss and there was another amenity where there was going to be this little lit button that if you touched it, it would bring a whole bunch of lights. But as we actually started to talk through it, it was like nine out of ten or more of our guests would never know that that was a part of it."

"So we really focused on putting the investment where we were going to see a noteworthy improvement to the experience."

Lime & Coconut

Utopia will have a three-story Lime and Coconut Bar. 

The aforementioned pipe room is not present in this construction photo, but will help form a sort of overarching umbrella.

Royal Caribbean believes the Lime and Coconut's prime location on deck 15 will make it a focal point for fun on the pool deck.

Nearby you'll find the best soft serve ice cream in the fleet, with a revamped Sprinkles location. It will feature toppings as well as complimentary ice cream.

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar has been relocated into the deck 11 and 12 former Wonderland location.

Ms. Chin-Sang described the experience "Deck 12, where you enter, will be the wine bar. You'll walk down the spiral staircase that goes around a huge olive tree into the deck 11 Italian kitchen."

Another change will be the terrace seating.  Ms. Chin-Sang said the team wanted to deliver that outdoor dining experience.

"We just weren't sure how we were going to achieve that in this interior ship venue. And so we started thinking about this balcony and we went to the shipyard and we knew we wanted a balcony. And initially there was a lot of pushback on the engineering that would go into creating this cantilevered terrace. We worked at it for months and months and months."

"I think this is going to be one of the most incredible and amazing, stunning locations on the ship."

 The new exterior terrace will overlook the Boardwalk neighborhood.

Immersive dining experience

Something brand new to Utopia of the Seas is an immersive dining experience that combines visuals and dining to create something not seen before on Royal Caribbean.

As we first reported in April, the yet unnamed venue will feature a classic train motif that delivers a mixed reality experience.

"We're hoping to bring guests to more locations than they could have ever possibly visited on a short vacation in this amazing dinner experience," is what Ms. Chin-Sang said when touching on what guests can expect.

"The culinary is going to be great. The crew interaction will be amazing, and just the overall architectural feel of the space guests are really going to feel like they've been they've stepped off of a ship and onto a train."

It's located where Izumi was on previous ships on deck 4.

One car will have 24 seats, and since there are two cars, the whole venue will have around 48 seats.

After prototyping the train car experience at Royal Caribbean's Miami headquarters, the team feels confident it will deliver an incredible new option for passengers.

How long does it take to build a new cruise ship?

One question Ms. Chin-Sang and Mr. Budden were asked was how long it takes to build a ship like Utopia.

From the inception of the strategy to actually the first revenue sailing, it takes about five years, but could be done is as few as four years.

The actual construction of the ship takes closer to about two years.

The advent of block construction is what Mr. Budden said helps make construction go a lot faster, "the technology has shifted to building ships in blocks. And so those blocks can be built simultaneously in different areas."

In terms of how many people, Mr. Bidden said it takes "tens of thousands" of people employed in different areas.

When booking a cruise vacation, you are faced with the decision of what stateroom category you would like to stay in at the time of booking. 

The cabin that you book will impact your cruising experience, whether it is an interior stateroom to help save money to allocate towards other incidentals or splurging on a suite for an upgraded cruising experience.  

Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship, Utopia of the Seas, offers guests a wide variety of staterooms to choose from, including larger interior cabins and brand-new suites. 

Overall, Utopia of the Seas will have the same staterooms that are found on Wonder of the Seas, with the addition of three new categories and a few other enchantments. 

Here is a breakdown of all the cabin options onboard Utopia of the Seas to help you make the best decision.

Related: Your really dumb cruise ship cabin questions answered

Standard staterooms

Interior cabins

The cheapest accommodations onboard any cruise ship are interior staterooms with no windows. Utopia of the Seas, however, will debut a new category of interior stateroom. Rather than having a rectangular shape, these cabins will be square to allow for more floor space. 

And as always with Oasis Class ships, you may select interior rooms with a window that overlook the Royal Promenade, Central Park, or Boardwalk. Note that all with a view of Central Park will be located on Deck 9 mid-ship, while those overlooking the Royal Promenade are located on Deck 7. 

These staterooms range from 172 square feet for a standard interior to 199 square feet for those with a view of Central Park. 

Wonder of the Seas was the first Oasis Class ship to include virtual balconies off of the bat; they were added during amplifications to other ships. Like Wonder, Utopia will have virtual balconies. These staterooms include 80-inch LED televisions that provide live HD views from outside the cruise ship, so while you may not have a window or sliding door to allow fresh air to flow into your room, you will be able to see what is going on outside!

Ocean view cabins

Ocean view cabins do not have any direct access to the outdoors like balcony staterooms do; however, you will be able to wake up each morning to natural light! When deciding between an interior and ocean view, this is a selling point for many people.

At 179 square feet, they are larger than the basic interior cabins. Plus, some feature a forward facing view of the ship overlooking the helipad on higher decks.

Balcony cabins

Oasis Class ships were the first cruise ships in the world to feature interior facing balconies, meaning that you could book a cabin with a balcony facing the ocean or one of the interior neighborhoods. These staterooms will return on Utopia of the Seas! 

All balcony cabins have 182 square feet of interior space, as well as 50 square feet of balcony space. Unless, that is, you book a Central Park balcony. With 52 square feet of balcony, they are slightly larger than Boardwalk and ocean view balcony staterooms. 

Likewise, ocean view staterooms with large balconies have more space outdoors, with a balcony of 80 square feet. 

Suites

Sea Class

As with other ships with the Royal Suite Class, the only suites included in the Sea Class are standard Junior Suites. These tend to be the smallest suite options and come with fewer perks than suites in higher tiers.

You, for instance, will not be able to access Coastal Kitchen for breakfast or lunch. Likewise, wi-fi will be an additional expense, and you will not be able to utilize the concierge service. 

One of the primary benefits is the additional living space, as these suites are 287 square feet with an additional 80 square feet of balcony. And, of course, they are cheaper than other Royal Suites. 

Related: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

Sky Class

The new Sky Junior Suite will be similar to standard Junior Suites; however, those staying in these specific suites will receive Sky Tier benefits, meaning that they will have access to the Suite neighborhood, as well as dining at Coastal Kitchen any time of day and complimentary wi-fi, among other perks. 

Other Sky Class suites include Grand Suites, Owners Suites, Crown Loft Suites, and One-Bedroom AquaTheater Suites.

The total square footage of these suites ranges, as One-Bedroom Grand Suites clock in around 371 square feet, while One-Bedroom AquaTheater Suites are a little over 600 square feet.  

Related: 10 things to know about Sky Class suites on Royal Caribbean

Star Class

Suites within the Star Class are the only ones to include a Royal Genie, who serve as personal butlers and concierges for the duration of your cruise. In fact, their services begin prior to your vacation, as they can help arrange specialty dining reservations, entertainment seating, and shore excursions. This, among other benefits, is what makes this suite tier a costly investment. 

Solarium Suites are brand-new to Royal Caribbean and are only available on Utopia of the Seas. Each of the two suites will be located above the bridge wings on the port and starboard side of the ship on Deck 14. The stateroom numbers are 14130 and 14530. 

The panoramic windows will offer guests sweeping 280 degree views of the ocean from the large living space.

And while neither suite will have a balcony, it will offer the infinite balcony technology introduced on Icon of the Seas. With the push of a single button, the windows will lower to provide fresh air!

The cruise line is also bringing back the Royal Loft Suite, Ultimate Family Suite for up to ten guests, and Two-Bedroom AquaTheater Suite. These are some of the most luxurious and fun suites available on any cruise ship. Who wouldn't want to watch the AquaTheater show from the comfort of their own balcony or play a game of ping pong in one of the most colorful and kid-friendly suites at sea? 

Note that the Royal Loft Suite will be a bit different than on Wonder of the Seas. Outside on the balcony, guests will find a brand-new outdoor shower. Plus, the primary bathroom will have a spa tub. In terms of square footage, though, you can expect to still over 1,500 square feet of living space. 

And if booking the Ultimate Family Suite is on your bucket list, you should plan on booking far in advance. Since there is only one of these suites onboard the entire ship, they tend to go quickly, despite the large price tag. 

What are the benefits to each Royal Suite Class?

Not all suites are created equally, both in terms of design and perks. If you book a standard Junior Suite, you may be disappointed when you board and discover that you have a limited number of benefits compared to higher tiered -- and more expensive -- suites. 

Star Class Benefits

• Complimentary gratuities and internet
• Expedited embarkation and disembarkation
• Reserved premium seats in select entertainment venues, as well as priority entrance to many onboard activities
• Access to Suite Lounge and Suite Sun Deck
• Royal Genie service
• All-day access (i.e., breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to Coastal Kitchen
• Complimentary specialty restaurants, Deluxe Beverage Package and/or Refreshment Package
• Still and sparkling water replenished daily
• Complimentary minibar stocked with Coca-Cola, beverages, and water
• Complimentary laundry and pressing services
• Luxury mattress, pillows, and bathroom amenities
• Frette linens
• Royal Caribbean plush bathrobes for use onboard
• Lavazza Espresso coffee maker

Sky Class Benefits

• Concierge service
• All-day access to Coastal Kitchen (i.e., breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Specialty bottled water upon arrival
• Complimentary internet 
• Priority embarkation and disembarkation
• Priority dining reservations
• Access to Suite Lounge and Suite Sun Deck
• Royal Caribbean plush bathrobes for use onboard
• Luxury pillow top mattress and bathroom amenities
• Lavazza Espresso coffee maker

Sea Class Benefits

• Dinner at Coastal Kitchen based on availability
• Royal Caribbean bathrobes for use onboard
• Luxury pillow top mattress and bathroom amenities
• Lavazza Espresso coffee maker

If you’re looking at just Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas announcement offering short cruises, you’re missing the bigger picture.

Royal Caribbean revealed this week that its next new mega cruise ship will sail short weekend cruises (along with 4-day sailings too), and it's a major deviation from the cruise line's traditional plan.

When a new Royal Caribbean cruise ship enters service, it always starts with 7-night cruises. Later in the ship's life, it may transition to shorter cruises.

With Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is flipping its script and starting off with short cruises immediately.  But there's more to the cruise line's plans than meets the eye.

Utopia is one big piece of a larger plan that will seek to establish Royal Caribbean as the preeminent choice for a weekend cruise by crafting a curated cruise experience second-to-none.

Attracting new cruisers

The first part of Royal Caribbean's strategy is to start off Utopia of the Seas with 3- and 4-night cruises so it's an attractive option for first-time cruisers.

The first-time cruiser market is the single largest source of new customers and growth in the cruise industry. An overwhelming majority of people have never cruised before, and new cruisers have long been the target of Royal Caribbean for creating new loyal guests.

Someone that has never cruised before might be leery of taking a longer cruise, because they're concerned they aren't sure if they'll like a cruise.

Short cruises are more attractive to newbies because the time commitment is less.

By jumping on this desire, Royal Caribbean not only wants to offer short cruises, but offer them on its newest ship that has all the best features.

The 236,860-ton ship will be the second largest ship in the world at the time she launches, right behind equally new Icon of the Seas. 

Utopia will dazzle new cruisers with pools, surf simulator, basketball court, mini golf, zip line and a kids aqua park.

Utopia will also have a variety of eye-opening shows, ice skating, bars, and plenty of dining choices.

In short, Utopia will offer the latest and greatest things you can do on a cruise ship that is heads-and-shoulders above what you'd find on any other cruise ship sailing short cruises.

Short cruises are a crowded market, with each of the major mass market cruise lines having something that they hope lures in new cruisers: Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line.

It's also probably not a coincidence Royal Caribbean is basing Utopia from Port Canaveral, which is a short half hour drive from Orlando.

Orlando is the number one family vacation destination, and it's why Disney Cruise Line has always placed its newest ships in this spot so that families have an easy way to get from land to sea and combine trips.

Royal Caribbean seems to want to position its newest ship to offer the most choices for families, with a near overwhelming amount of family fun, as the kind of choice where you have to wonder why anyone would pick anything else when comparing amenities.

Adding in a proven winning destination

You might think a new cruise ship filled with everything you'd want would be enough, but the second part of Royal Caribbean's plan is to offer cruises that always stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Ever since Royal Caribbean revamped its private island in the Bahamas, it's been a mega-hit for the line.  

Guest feedback has demonstrated overwhelming favorable responses to CocoCay being a favorite choice among cruisers.

Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley said earlier this year the island was a major success, "The demand for that product [Perfect Day at CocoCay] is exceptionally high."

"The demand not only is there from a volume perspective, but the rate is there and that rate has been going up again in a very healthy way."

"CocoCay is the number one destination that Royal Caribbean goes to in the world out of 100 global destinations, because it’s a curated experience designed and built to deliver a high-level experience to the customer."

Not only is CocoCay popular, but it's profitable too.

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty talked in May 2023 about how lucrative it's been for the company, "While demand has been strong across all products and markets, we continue to see exceptional strength from the North American consumer. This strength, in combination with the incredible perfect day at CocoCay has resulted in record yields for our Caribbean sailings."

Regardless of if you book a 3-night or a 4-night cruise on Utopia, you'll be able to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and combine a compelling brand new cruise ship with a proven hit for shoreside fun.

You can see that formula in Royal Caribbean's marketing, which combines all the water fun you can have between Utopia of the Seas and Perfect Day.

The goal seems to be to for guests to love their ship and private date experience.

A beach club finishing touch

The final piece of Royal Caribbean's strategy is to address the other port call in Nassau, Bahamas.

Nearly every short cruise visits Nassau, Bahamas, which is traditionally rated poorly by cruise ship passengers when compared to other ports of call in the Caribbean.

Read more: Best things to do in Nassau on a cruise

Mr. Bayley said recently Nassau ranks among the bottom 10% of ports in feedback.

Why so low? Part of the answer is there aren't enticing options.

According to Mr. Bayley, cruise ship passengers have, "come here many times before and there’s nothing new, fresh or innovative. Secondly, there needs to be more product, more experience, more uniqueness, more options."

"We want to improve the experience of our guests. We can’t keep selling experiences to people who say we love going to Perfect Day, it’s fantastic, we want to go back, but the Nassau thing, can you guys stop going there? We can’t do that, so yeah, we want to be a part of the solution."

The answer is the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island.

In 2025, Royal Caribbean will open its first Royal Beach Club, which is an extra-cost all-inclusive beach on Paradise Island, just across the waterway from where Royal Caribbean's ships dock their ships in Nassau.

It will be a limited capacity area, and a shore excursion option that will be open exclusively to Royal Caribbean ship passengers.

There will be pools, beaches, dining experiences, and live entertainment too.

The beach club will give Royal Caribbean a leg up on any other cruise line, because those lines will be stuck with the same old things to do in Nassau and nothing on the same level as Royal Caribbean.

A winning plan that no other cruise line can match

When Utopia launches, Royal Caribbean will have a three-pronged approach to attracting new cruisers to a vacation that other lines simply can't match.

A new ship with fun activities for everyone, a private island day, and an optional add-on beach club experience. It's the recipe for covering every day of a vacation with the wow-factor Royal Caribbean has always sought.

If a family prefers a longer trip, the new Icon of the Seas will offer 7-night cruises on a ship that the cruise line is calling the ultimate family vacation.

"Icon will be the best family vacation in the world," is what Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider said in a recent interview about the plans for this ship.

Utopia will have 40-plus ways to dine, drink and dance, more pools than days to count, more ways to thrill and chill, and even more of all the above at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class ship is now available for booking. 

The 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral onboard Utopia of the Seas can be booked through Royal Caribbean's website, with the first sailing in July 2024. The current bookings are open through April 2025. 

Utopia of the Seas will sail year-round from Port Canaveral, with every sailing visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line's private island destination in The Bahamas. 

The inaugural sailing is listed as July 22, 2024 and is a 4-night cruise that sails to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Pricing starts at $1,112 per person for an interior stateroom, $1,152 for an ocean view stateroom, $1,217 for a balcony stateroom, and $2,686 for a suite. 

The next sailing is July 26, 2024 and is a 3-night cruise to The Bahamas, with an interior cabin starting at $802 per person. 

The ship, which is larger than older Oasis Class vessels, will measure 236,860 gross registered tons and 1,188 ft. in length. This means that she will be slightly larger than the current largest cruise ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas. 

Additionally, Utopia of the Seas will have a capacity of 5,668 passengers at double occupancy. 

Here's what to look forward to on Utopia of the Seas

Brand-new dining venues and bars

There are some Royal Caribbean staples found onboard every ship in the fleet, such as Chops Grille and Schooner Bar. At the same time, Royal Caribbean strives to provide passengers with new experiences to keep them wanting to come back time and time again.

Utopia of the Seas is no exception.

Onboard, you will find some bars and restaurants that, when launched, will not be available on any other Royal Caribbean ship, including the brand-new Pesky Parrot bar in the Royal Promenade.  

This venue is a new-to-brand Caribbean tiki bar that will serve tropical beverages, both frozen and on the rocks, and take the place of the Bionic Bar. 

Likewise, Utopia of the Seas will be the first ship to have the immersive train car dining experience. While little is known about this specialty dining venue, it further the brand's goal to move towards new food and beverage concepts to differentiate restaurants from being just another place for dinner.

Read more: Royal Caribbean will add new immersive dining experience to Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas will also be the only Oasis Class ship to have Izumi located in Central Park, meaning that you will be able to indulge in fresh sushi al fresco while listening to live music under the stars.

Plus, for those in a hurry, you can take advantage of Izumi in the Park, which is a grab-and-go window that will also serve fun sweet treats. Note that Icon of the Seas will also have the same concept when she launches in January 2024. 

Up on the pool deck, guests will find three complimentary dining options, including the brand-new poolside food truck, to grab a bite to eat at after enjoying one of the five pools, eight hot tubs, or three water slides. Plus, there will be a three-story Lime and Coconut bar. 

New staterooms

There will be 2,834 staterooms onboard Utopia of the Seas to choose from, including the standard interior, ocean view, and balcony cabins. Some interior cabins, however, will be designed a little bit differently. In addition to the traditional rectangular shape, select inside staterooms on Utopia of the Seas will be in a square layout, meaning that they will have more floor space. 

There will also be new suites. The Solarium Suites will be located on Deck 14 above each bridge wing, and according to Royal Caribbean, they will be similar to the Ultimate Panoramic Suites that are found on Oasis of the Seas and offer guests 280 degree views of the ocean from the large living space. While they will not include a private balcony, they will incorporate the infinite balcony concept that will be new to the brand on Icon of the Seas. 

Moreover, the cruise line is introducing the Sky Junior Suite. Unlike traditional Junior Suites, these staterooms will be located within the suite neighborhood and receive Sky Class benefits. On other Oasis Class ships, standard Junior Suites are in the Sea Class.

This means that you will receive an even more enhanced cruising experience, with perks such as complimentary wi-fi, all-day dining in Coastal Kitchen, and access to the exclusive suites-only deck. 

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class

And while not new, you will be able to book the impressive Ultimate Family Suite, which will have three bedrooms, expansive corner balcony, an in-suite cinema, table tennis, and two-story slide. The Royal Loft Suite will be receiving some upgrades, too, such as the brand-new outdoor shower and spa tub in the primary bathroom. 

Return of the neighborhood concept

Fans of Oasis Class ships know that Royal Caribbean invented the neighborhood concept when Oasis of the Seas launched in 2009. Essentially, they divided the ship into distinct areas that offer guests different atmospheres. What you will find, for instance, in the Royal Promenade will differ from the Boardwalk, Central Park, and Pool and Sports Zone. 

The same neighborhoods will be found onboard Utopia of the Seas, including the Suite neighborhood that debuted on Wonder of the Seas:

• The Royal Promenade 
• Pool and Sports Zone
• The Boardwalk, which will be the ending point of the longest dry slide at sea
• Central Park

• Vitality Spa & Fitness
• Youth Zone
• Suite Neighborhood 
• Entertainment Place

Utopia of the Seas construction 

Utopia of the Seas is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. It has been a little over a year since construction began in April 2022. 

Unless Royal Caribbean decides to order another Oasis Class ship, this will be the last ship constructed for this class. It appears as though the cruise line is pivoting towards focusing on the upcoming Icon Class, which is their first new class of ship since Quantum of the Seas launched in 2014. 

Related: All about Quantum Class ships