Royal Caribbean is renowned for building some of the world’s biggest cruise ships over the last three decades. Just last year, the cruise line built the brand-new Icon of the Seas as the largest cruise ship in the world, soon to be followed by her sister-ship Star of the Seas this summer.

I love to cruise, but I prefer booking sailings with unique and interesting itineraries. I also cruise on a budget, normally opting for the cheapest cabins on the smallest, oldest ships. Because Oasis class ships are so massive, the vessels are port restricted and offer limited itineraries to choose from. Not to mention, these massive ships are typically more expensive than other options in the cruise line’s fleet.

Needless to say, I avoided sailing on Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships for many years. The gigantic size didn’t appeal to me, not to mention the itineraries seemed boring compared to other vessels. Instead, I cruised on some of the older vessels or Quantum-class ships with more exciting ports of call.

Last month, my husband and I had the opportunity to cruise with my family and grandparents aboard Utopia of the Seas. The 4-night cruise was modestly priced at $1,400 and included stops in Nassau, Bahamas, and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. It wasn’t the most exciting itinerary, but the dates worked well for us, and we could drive to the port. Utopia of the Seas just debuted in July 2024 - we were excited to sail on Royal Caribbean’s newest ship.

Any cruise is a great vacation, but not everything was perfect during our sailing. There were some aspects of Utopia of the Seas that I loved, while other nuisances were frustrating and disappointing.

Royal Caribbean has a long-time history of building megaships

Beginning in 1988 with Sovereign of the Seas, Royal Caribbean set a precedent for building the world’s largest passenger cruise ships. As the first true megaship in the cruise industry, Sovereign of the Seas revolutionized ship design, more than doubling the size of the cruise line’s earlier vessels and paving the way for the future of cruising.

In 2009, Royal Caribbean built Oasis of the Seas as the first in a new ship class. The 225,282 gross ton cruise ship was 40% bigger than anything the cruise line had built before - it was a monumental achievement.

Oasis of the Seas was the first passenger ship to surpass 220,000 gross tons in terms of size. Royal Caribbean also debuted the first neighborhood concept on Oasis of the Seas, which was meant to make navigation easier onboard the massive vessel. New areas and features included an open-aired Central Park, an aft-facing Boardwalk, the first zip line at sea, and the first-ever aqua amphitheater.

It’s easy to see how Oasis class ships shaped the history of cruise design, forcing competitor cruise lines to build bigger ships too. Today, most of the mainstream cruise lines operate their own 200,000+ GT megaships.

When Oasis of the Seas first debuted, I was only 14 years old and in high school. I wanted so badly to sail on this brand-new ship for our annual family cruise, but the cost was too high. As our family focused more on port-intensive and unique itineraries, our interest in Oasis class ships dried up.

Because of their sheer size, port options are limited, and tendering is impossible for this ship class; therefore, itineraries were repetitive.

It wasn’t until 2018 that I sailed on an Oasis class ship, Allure of the Seas, for the first time. I was blown away by the amenities and state-of-the-art technology. I still have fond memories of watching the Mamma Mia musical!

Later, I sailed Harmony of the Seas in February 2022, right after the pandemic. The ship was sailing at half capacity, so we didn’t need to worry about crowds or lines. This was a skewed experience though, and we greatly enjoyed the quieter ambiance onboard.

Although I’ve cruised over 50 times, I have rarely sailed on an Oasis class ship. My husband and I were excited to cruise on Utopia of the Seas for the first time, which would be my husband’s first time on an Oasis class ship!

To start, the price was quite high for a 4-night cruise

I’m always looking for a good deal when I book my cruises. My husband and I decided only a few months prior that we wanted to join my parents and grandparents on this cruise. While they had booked balcony cabins for $1,300 the year before, we ended up paying $1,500 for an interior cabin.

We don’t mind booking a cheap interior stateroom, but it was disappointing to pay more than my parents. Because Utopia of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newer ship, demand drives up the prices.

This means we spent $750 per person for a 4-night cruise, or $187 each night. This includes port fees and gratuities for both of us. We also opted to pay slightly more to select our stateroom location instead of reserving a guaranteed cabin.

Our cabin was thoughtfully designed, and we didn’t mind saving money by booking the cheapest stateroom

Sailing on a brand-new cruise ship means your cabin will be the largest and greatest stateroom design. After sailing on older and smaller ships for quite some time, we appreciated the modern amenities incorporated in this design.

First, the stateroom was spacious and didn’t feel too cramped. We loved having a couch for additional seating - something that other competitor cruise lines have slowly phased out.

The bathroom was also thoughtfully designed. It was apparent that Royal Caribbean reduced the width of the sink and vanity to expand the shower size. My husband and I are both tall, so this extra space made all the difference.

We also noticed how many chargers and outlets were available. The vanity featured a row of outlets and USB ports while the nightstands each had an outlet and USB-C port to use. With so many outlets, I didn’t even need to use my outlet extender.

Our cabin on Deck 9 was also very quiet. Utopia of the Seas is so large that we were situated in a block on interior staterooms towards the back of the ship. The stateroom was surrounded by five other interior cabins! I’m always worried about noisy neighbors, and having many different neighbors could make for a noisy cabin. Luckily, this wasn’t the case for us.

Embarkation day was hectic, and I hated having to make so many reservations

After boarding in Port Canaveral, the first task on our agenda was to make reservations for specialty dining and shows. We attempted to make reservations in the weeks leading up to our cruise, but continued to get errors. The app would show availability, but fail when we attempted to actually book anything.

We had a group of eight people traveling together, which made it more difficult to reserve the headliner shows. My mom beelined for the box office after we made it onboard, and was met with hundreds of other people doing the same.

My husband and I were in charge of reserving specialty dining. With our Diamond Plus benefits, we didn’t want to pay beforehand for a reservation and not receive our BOGO perk. There were few options available for Chops Grille and Giovanni’s, but we secured two reservations that fit our schedule.

Unfortunately, my mom didn’t have much luck with reserving the shows. She waited in a long line without success. Instead, I went on the app and found seats available for all of the late-night shows, including the ice show and diving spectacle.

This was one of my least favorite parts of sailing on an Oasis class ship. With so many people onboard trying to see the same shows, you either need a reservation or you wait in a long standby line. This made me appreciate the smaller vessels where you don’t need to fret about reservations. It’s frustrating to pay thousands of dollars and still worry that you won’t be able to see the headliner production shows.

We also hated dealing with crowds and long lines, especially on embarkation day

The first few hours of a cruise are more hectic, as you need to complete your mandatory safety drill and find your stateroom. When these aren’t available until the afternoon, no one has a place to go, and everyone instead wanders around the ship.

I couldn’t believe the sheer number of people crowding into the promenade and the Windjammer! Of course, going to the buffet on the first day of the cruise is one of the worst things you can do for crowding. Everyone heads up to the Windjammer Buffet for lunch on the first day.

Not to mention, Utopia of the Seas offers fresh lobster for lunch on embarkation day. This only entices people further to visit the buffet instead of utilizing other included venues.

Navigating the crowds and stuffy buffet was my least favorite part of the cruise. We were attempting to find a table for my grandma, who uses a walker, and this was a nightmare. Next time, I would even consider booking a specialty dining option for lunch to avoid the crowds.

Sailing on an Oasis class ship means you’ll have more options for dining, which was a highlight for us

This cruise was a special occasion for our family, as we were celebrating my grandpa’s 90th birthday. After a few months of health scares with him, we didn’t know if he would be able to join this cruise.

Because we were celebrating, we decided to splurge and book two evenings at specialty dining. These for-charge restaurants offer an elevated experience with more attentive service, higher quality food, and fewer crowds.

We booked Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen for the first night, and we received our own private table in the back of the restaurant. This was such a nice surprise, especially considering my grandpa is hard of hearing. It was easy to have a conversation with the quieter ambiance. The two-story venue overlooked the ship’s aft - it was one of the most beautiful specialty dining venues I’ve seen on a ship!

The food was fantastic, too. We gorged on burrata salad, truffle pizza, creamy carbonara, tender filet, and fried Nutella ravioli. This was our favorite meal of the cruise!

The following night, we dined at Chops Grille in Central Park. We rarely book two specialty dining meals on a short cruise, but Utopia of the Seas had so many enticing options that we couldn’t resist!

We greatly enjoyed this meal as well, especially when my grandpa gave a touching toast to the table that brought tears to everyone’s eyes. The service was very attentive, and the ambiance was quiet and intimate.

Finally, we also wanted to try the Mason Jar - which is Royal Caribbean’s first specialty dining option for brunch. My sister raved about her meal here over the summer, so we booked a brunch slot for the last day. Unfortunately, this was our least favorite of the specialty dining experiences.

We enjoyed some of the entrees, such as the gooey cinnamon roll and the southern burger, while others fell flat, including the chicken and waffles. The cocktails were a highlight though, and I would return just to the bar for the craft drinks on the menu!

Considering we paid nearly $50 per person with gratuity, I would skip this restaurant in the future.

Along with specialty restaurants, Utopia of the Seas features a plethora of complimentary restaurants as well. For instance, we enjoyed the fresh Mexican cuisine at El Loco Fresh and breakfast at Johnny Rockets (although dinner and lunch are not included here).

The entertainment was also spectacular and some of the best I’ve seen at sea

In the last few years, it’s been evident that most cruise lines are cutting back on entertainment to save on costs. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line has cut all of their Broadway shows, while Carnival Cruise Line is relying heavily on game shows for entertainment these days.

I appreciate that Royal Caribbean is still pushing the boundaries and prioritizing entertainment on their newest ships. Two of the standout shows on Utopia of the Seas include Aqua80Too, a high-diving show in the Aquatheatre, and Youtopia, an ice skating spectacle with Olympic-style stunts.

The Aqua80Too show was undoubtedly the highlight, featuring gravity-defying dives, synchronized swimming, and breathtaking performances. The music, production, and overall execution were absolutely spectacular.

The main theatre also features a well-done show called All In. The show incorporated incredible technological effects and lighting, which was memorizing. The music was varied too with some modern hits, which I loved!

My husband and I finished the cruise with a late-night comedian, which is always a lighthearted way to end the night. Both comedians were extremely funny - we laughed so much it brought tears to our eyes!

I loved all of the themed bars and lounges on Utopia of the Seas

Each evening of our cruise, our family gathered before dinner to enjoy happy hour. This is one of my grandpa’s favorite activities of the day — he claims a glass of bourbon each day is his secret to a long life!

There is certainly no shortage of bars or lounges on the ship. In fact, Utopia of the Seas has 23 bars across its various neighborhoods, serving up cocktails, wine, beer, and other spirits. Some of the bars are more exclusive to the brand-new ship, such as the Pesky Parrot, while others are Royal Caribbean staples, like the Schooner Bar.

One of our favorite bars to visit was the Pesky Parrot, which is a new tiki bar specializing in tropical, fruity cocktails with exotic decor. Another favorite spot on the pool deck was the Lime and Coconut bar, where I could enjoy my favorite Lime & Coconut cocktail!

Even with thousands of guests sailing, the bar service was surprisingly fast. We never waited too long for a drink and the bartenders were attentive.

I’m not rushing to book another Oasis class ship, but I would sail again

While we had a great time on our quick getaway cruise with family, my husband and I aren’t in a hurry to book another trip on an Oasis class ship. We still prefer smaller vessels and have recently found ourselves drawn more to Celebrity Cruises. Their Edge class ships strike the perfect balance - innovative, modern, luxurious, and ideally sized - all while sailing to fascinating destinations.

I’m happy to see Royal Caribbean sailing shorter itineraries aboard their newer ships, as most cruise lines used to sail their oldest and smallest ships on these sailings. Royal Caribbean recently announced that most Oasis class ships will be sailing shorter itineraries in the near future!

I would happily book Utopia of the Seas again for a quick getaway cruise, as the ship is more of a destination in itself. There was so much to do, see, and eat that we nearly ran out of time to try it all.

I've cruised seven times so far on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas, and that's afforded me the chance to try a few kinds of rooms.

The most common type of room I booked was an oceanview balcony because they give me extra living space, a private veranda, and they're not nearly as expensive as a suite.

I also got to try three different suites, which are some of the biggest rooms you can enjoy on a cruise ship.

Suites are expensive, but they're unlike traditional cabins because of how much extra space they have and better perks too.

Here's how the spaces stacked up on the newest ship in the fleet — and which cruise room I liked best for its excellent value.

I stayed in balcony cabins because they were priced well

No matter which ship you're sailing on, it's hard to go wrong with a balcony cabin for the space and price balance it provides.

I stayed in a balcony cabin on three different cruises, including the first voyage I went on even before the ship launched as part of a media event that Royal Caribbean invited me to.

I then subsequently stayed in balcony cabins on two other sailings, including most recently in a connecting oceanview balcony when we booked two of them with my kids.

One advantage of sailing on a new ship like Utopia is you have modern decor and plenty of connectivity. It's such a relief to have USB and power outlets on both sides of the bed, as well as around the cabin.

While bringing a USB hub with you is a great cabin hack, it's probably unnecessary on a ship like Utopia.

I'm also impressed by how much storage space there is in this cabin.  

My wife and I each had our own giant closet, and there was still a set of drawers and other places to put our belongings.  More than enough space for a weekend cruise.

The price of a balcony cabin for two people on Utopia of the Seas for a 3-night cruise ranged between $1700 and $2000, depending on how in-demand that sailing was.  While that price is significantly more than a balcony cabin on an older ship that is on a longer sailing, the reality is you're paying a higher price to enjoy the very best Royal Caribbean has to offer around the ship.

Of course, the best thing about a balcony cabin is the actual balcony itself!

My wife and I love to go out here for sailaway and enjoy the views without competing for a spot on the pool deck. Plus, it's quieter too.

She prefers a balcony as a quiet reading spot on sea days, and there's enough room for the two chairs they provide to make it feel quite cozy.

When our kids were younger, it was so nice having that extra space for them.  

Ultimately, I still think a balcony is the best value you'll find on any cruise ship because of the space you get compared to what you paid.

It's usually not much more money to upgrade from an interior cabin to a balcony, and I really like the fresh air and views you get with a balcony.

An inside cabin was spacious and comfortable

Inside rooms are the most cost effective cabin you book, and our writer Allie just sailed in one of the smallest cabins on Utopia.

With an inside room, you're usually getting the lowest price and that's exactly why Allie chose this room. It cost just $1,539 for two people on a 4-night cruise.

Located near the aft of the ship, this room may have been the least expensive cabin, but there was enough size for two people to share it. Even without natural light, the stateroom didn’t feel dark or cramped. 

A few things stood out about this room. First, it had a full couch that added somewhere else to sit besides the bed.

Second, the room had so much storage space. Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships have lots of storage space, even if Utopia is only doing short cruises.

Allie also loved how many USB outlets the room had. Regardless of your stateroom type, every cabin has lots of extra plugs to use, "Between our phones, iPads, laptops, headphones, and smartwatches, we utilized most of these outlets during the cruise."

Another win with this cabin was the bathroom.

Instead of a cramped bathroom that you'd find traditionally on older ships, this bathroom felt incredibly spacious. 

The shower alone was quite big and was easily twice the size of those on older cruise ships, providing plenty of room to move around comfortably.

Crown Loft Suite

The first suite experience I had on Utopia of the Seas was for the inaugural sailing when I took my family with me, and we booked a Crown Loft Suite.

Located within the Suite Neighborhood, these are two deck cabins that have some of the best views from any stateroom.

This room measured 670 square feet, which was almost four times bigger than the balcony I stayed in.  That's in addition to the 105 square foot balcony that comes with the room.

That amount of living space is welcome considering I was sharing the room with my wife and two kids.

The layout is the master bedroom and bathroom are upstairs, with the living room downstairs.  The kids share a sofa that converts to a bed.

I love that this room has two full bathrooms, one on each floor.  This makes sharing this cabin with my kids palatable given how much time they spend in there as teenagers.

Because this room was located on deck 18, I really liked how convenient it was to get to the suite sun deck, Coastal Kitchen, or Suite Lounge. 

Royal Caribbean designed the suite area on Utopia (and Wonder of the Seas) to be far more integrated. In fact, I think the suite sun deck is my favorite area of this ship, and I'd often go out there to do work.

This room also comes with the Sky Class suite benefits, which include complimentary WiFi for everyone, access to Coastal Kitchen restaurant, access to the suite concierge and much more.

Of course, suites aren't cheap and they are definitely not going to be a great value on a brand new ship where premium fares are the norm.

I liked that we had a single room for all four of us, but the sleeping arrangement isn't ideal necessarily. 

Ultimate Family Suite

The biggest splurge I ever had on a cruise ship was when I booked the Ultimate Family Suite for a weekend cruise on Utopia.

I had never stayed in this kind of a room because of the crazy high price that it usually has, but on a weekend cruise, the cost was only moderately crazy and I decided to give it a try.

I was worried this would be a "one and done" type room, where the novelty would wear off quite quickly.  Luckily, that was not the case.

The suite spans two decks, featuring three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a large living room, a play area, and a dedicated movie room, providing ample space for families.

Besides being a really big suite, it also has some eye-catching features. These are the things that draw people to book this suite and I can tell you, they are as fun in person as they look in photos.

There's an in-suite slide connecting the upper children's room to the living area, a digital gaming table, a LEGO wall, and a private balcony equipped with a hot tub and climbing area for young kids.

The suite is equipped with multiple gaming consoles, including a PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, and a private movie room offering diverse entertainment choices within the comfort of the suite. 

Best yet, the room is a Star Class suite, so you get the very best perks and amenities, such as the services of the Royal Genie.

It was not just a fun room to stay in, but the best kind of suite to entertain. We knew many friends on this sailing, and Michael Poole, and it was fun having them visit and enjoy the suite with us.

As you might imagine, the downside to this kind of a suite is the price tag. It cost $12,609.08 for the 3-night cruise, making it a significant investment. You could book three sailings on Utopia in a lower category room for that price.

The other issue is the FOMO that comes with this suite.

Given how much fun this suite is and all the things you can do in it, there were many times I was torn between spending more time in the cabin at the expense of missing out on all the great fun Utopia has to offer.

There was nothing like this sort of room, and I doubt I'll stay in one again.  But it was a true memory maker that my kids still talk about fondly.

Two bedroom Aquatheater suite

The final type of suite that I've tried on Utopia of the Seas is the two bedroom Aquatheater suite that's on the back of the ship.

This is usually the least expensive of the Star Class suites, and it's also arguably the best choice for a family because it offers two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. That's a rare combination.

The bathrooms are large, and compared to the loft suite, it was so nice being able to close a bedroom door and have privacy.

There's also a generous living area, and a wraparound balcony. You won't complain about a lack of living space in this type of room.

We love the expansive wraparound balcony, and because it was December when we sailed, it was perfect weather to enjoy being outdoors.

You'll find panoramic ocean vistas from the balcony and a direct view of the AquaTheater. This means you can watch the Aquatheater show, Aqua80sToo, directly from our suite. 

Another advantage of this suite are the service of the Royal Genie.

This gets you all-inclusive dining and beverage packages, and priority reservations.

The main issue with being at the back of the ship is that the suite is a considerable distance from central amenities, which may require more walking. Also, if you're someone that goes to bed early, it would be tough with the noise from the Aquatheater show performance.

We paid five thousands dollars less to stay in the Aquatheater suite compared to the Ultimate Family Suite, which is still expensive, but far more palatable. 

Suites are always a splurge and not for the value seeker.  But there are definitely rationale to choosing one over the other when it comes to the overall cost.

If I had to pick a winner, I'd say my connecting balcony felt like the best bang for my buck

In terms of pure value, I'll almost never overlook two connecting balcony rooms.

As one of my favorite family cruise hacks of all time, it holds up on Utopia.  We get two full bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a fraction of the price tag to get that set up in a suite.

Of course, we don't get suite benefits or amenities, but on a ship like Utopia where there is so much going on during the day and night, it's not the sort of sailing where you'd feel drawn to spend lots of time in your room.

I'd much rather save money on my cabin and then use those savings for a fun time at Perfect Day at CocoCay, like booking a beach cabana.

My husband, Luke, and I have been cruising together on Royal Caribbean for nearly 10 years. Budget-friendly spring break cruises in college eventually turned into far-flung getaways to Asia, Alaska, Iceland, and Norway.

When choosing a vacation, we prefer booking a cruise with a unique itinerary. In fact, we often book our cruises without caring about the ship at all. We want to use our vacation time and money to visit new countries or destinations, and cruising allows us to see more while stretching our vacation budget further.

However, we recently sailed with my family on a 4-night cruise aboard Utopia of the Seas. My husband had never sailed on an Oasis class ship before. Although he has sailed on nine different Royal Caribbean ships, he had yet to set foot on some of the world’s biggest ships.

This wasn’t my first time onboard an Oasis class ship, so I warned him the crowds could feel significant compared to our other cruises. While the dining and modern amenities were a highlight for Luke, he hated the crowds. The cruise was great, but it wasn’t perfect - here’s why.

First impressions are important, and the crowding on embarkation day was an immediate turnoff

After boarding in Port Canaveral, we made our way onto the promenade and eventually to the Windjammer for lunch. Luke saw me frantically running around trying to get dining and entertainment reservations, which was something he hadn’t experienced before.

With so many people onboard an Oasis class ship, reservations are crucial. We weren’t able to reserve any entertainment beforehand, and we wanted to ensure our BOGO Diamond Plus benefit was applied to specialty dining. Because of this, our first few hours were chaotic, to say the least.

After working up an appetite, we ventured to the next crowded space onboard: the Windjammer buffet. We were told lobster would be served for lunch, and Luke is a big seafood lover. The lobster tails were a highlight, but the crowds were frustrating, so we avoided the Windjammer for the rest of the cruise.

By skipping the buffet, we splurged on specialty dining, which was a major highlight for Luke

When Luke and I first started cruising together, we were cheap college students or newlyweds and only dined at complimentary restaurants. Now, we value the option to upgrade our dining with specialty restaurants.

Luke was especially impressed with all of the dining options onboard, including unique specialty restaurants. With only four days onboard Utopia of the Seas, we were able to try three different specialty restaurants: Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, and Mason Jar.

Compared to smaller ships, Luke was blown away by all of the dining options. He didn’t even have time to try one of his favorites: Izumi Sushi. On the other hand, our meal at Mason Jar was slightly disappointing, and we wished we had tried another restaurant. Even still, having so many dining choices—both complimentary and specialty—was a huge perk of sailing on an Oasis class ship.

However, Luke still found the main dining room to be slightly disappointing. This is a common feeling we’ve had with cruising in general, but Luke was hopeful Royal Caribbean’s newest ship might be different. At this point, we pretty much expect to book specialty dining for the type of dining experience we want.

Along with dining, another highlight of sailing on an Oasis class ship was the high-quality entertainment

Luke enjoys cruise ship entertainment, but it’s not usually a highlight for him. While he enjoys the comedians and headliner shows, the entertainment isn’t one of his top reasons to cruise.

However, the entertainment on Utopia of the Seas was unlike anything Luke had seen before. In particular, he loved the Aqua80Too diving show at the AquaTheatre. The high-diving spectacle was mesmerizing, and Luke thought all of the performers and athletes were wildly talented.

In addition, he thoroughly enjoyed the ice skating performance, Youtopia. Although Luke had enjoyed other ice skating shows on Voyager class ships, he thought this performance was the best yet. We also enjoyed the late-night comedian on the final night - one of our favorite shows to attend together.

Beyond dining and entertainment, Luke also appreciated the modern amenities throughout the ship

After sailing on many older vessels together, Luke was impressed by the thoughtful design onboard Utopia of the Seas. For instance, he loved the unobstructed jogging track for uninterrupted runs. I also enjoyed walking here with my parents, taking in the ocean views.

In addition, our stateroom was well-designed with modern amenities and improved connectivity. Luke said the USB port and outlet on the nightstand was a “lifesaver” with all of our devices that need to be charged.

Our cabin's bathroom was another thoughtful design that Luke appreciated, including the large walk-in shower. Considering he is 6'4 tall, the larger shower was a huge upgrade!

Luke still prefers smaller ships for a more personal experience and better itineraries

While Utopia of the Seas had many modern amenities, Luke said he would rather cruise on smaller ships in the future.

Our recent cruises have been on smaller ships with longer itineraries, like our 12-night voyage to Iceland on Jewel of the Seas. With fewer passengers, we found it easier to recognize familiar faces and build a sense of community onboard, which we always enjoy.

However, Luke felt the Oasis class ships were less intimate than other ships. Although the service was excellent, Luke missed having a more personal connection with fellow passengers and crew members.

Perhaps a longer voyage could alleviate some of this, but most Oasis class ships only sail 7-night itineraries, with shorter itineraries in the near future. Because of their size, Oasis-class ships have a more limited port selection, which is another drawback for destination-focused travelers.

Ultimately, while Oasis-class ships offer fantastic dining and entertainment, they don’t provide the intimate atmosphere and diverse itineraries we prefer. For quick, fun-filled getaways, they’re a great option. But for longer, more immersive trips, we’ll stick to smaller ships or sail with Celebrity Cruises to explore more unique destinations.

It pains me when I see cruise passengers making easily avoidable mistakes, but I saw many again when I was on my Utopia of the Seas cruise last week.

I just sailed on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas for a 3-night cruise, and it was a great escape for a few days to some of the best weather I've ever had on a cruise.

This particular ships is so adept at appealing to people that have never been on a cruise ship before, and that's great for the cruise line's bottom line to grow their customer base.

Unfortunately, first time cruisers are among the most likely to commit a cruise ship faux pas, and it was evident on this sailing too.

Before you go on Utopia, make sure you aren't making any of these mistakes.

Not specifying liquors

It's so easy to walk up to a bar and ask for a drink by name, but you ought to do one other thing.

When you order just the drink name, a majority of the time you're going to get well liquor, which is the cheapest brand and those brands tend to have the worst "bite" to them.

Name brand liquors tend to be smoother, or they have a particular flavor that you might prefer.

It's less an issue with a cocktail Royal Caribbean has created for a specific bar, like the PB&J Old Fashioned at the Mason Jar, or the Goalpost Margarita at Playmakers.

What I'm talking about is when you simply ask for a Bloody Mary, Pina Colada, or Margarita.

You should always specify the liquor you want.  If you have a drink package, it's included with the cost. Plus, it will taste better and perhaps be even more potent.

Waiting to go onto CocoCay later in the morning

Since Utopia of the Seas visits Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day of CocoCay every cruise, I thought I should include a CocoCay specific mistake too.

While I'm all for sleeping in on vacation, you really ought to get up early and hit the beach or pool before 10am.

Certain areas of the island will have chairs get taken up quite quickly, especially since there's almost always two ships in port.

Oasis Lagoon in particular seems to run out of chairs first, and Chill Island will only have chairs at the very far end left if you wait too late.

If you bought admission to the Coco Beach Club or Hideaway Beach, there are couches by the pool that are on a first-come, first-served basis.  Those pretty much get gobbled up in the first hour the ship is docked.

Personally, I don't want to have to search for a chair and umbrella. Or relegate us to sharing just one or two chairs because that's all that's left.

Another added bonus of getting off the ship early is during the summer months when afternoon thunderstorms are common.

If you get to the island in the morning, that's usually when you'll find the best weather. It's coolest in the morning hours, and the greatest chance of precipitation is in the afternoon.

Paying fees for cash at table games

When I sat down to play Blackjack in the ship's casino, I saw at least two different people request cash to play from the dealer and they got hit with a 5% fee.

Royal Caribbean charges a fee for cash withdrawals in the casino, unless you're a Prime member or higher in the casino loyalty program.

However, anyone can avoid the fee by going to a slot machine and pulling cash from there.

For some reason, there's no fee when you use the banker feature on a slot machine to get cash. You can then immediately cash out, go to the cashier and exchange it for cash. At that point, you can go to the Blackjack table and try your luck, and you'll be up 5%!

Waiting to buy a drink package on the ship

I doubt people waiting to buy a Royal Caribbean beverage package on the cruise ship ever goes away, but plenty still do it.

If you sit at any bar on embarkation day, sooner or later someone asks the bartender to buy a drink package and they'll end up paying full price.

On Utopia of the Seas, it was $115 per person, per day to buy a drink package on the ship!

That same drink package could have been had for 30% less or more if they had pre-purchased before the cruise began.

If there's even a remote chance you'll want the drink package, always pre-pay to save money.

Ordering typical drinks instead of fun new cocktails

If there's one area Royal Caribbean doesn't get enough credit for, it's their cocktail menus.

I totally understand why pina coladas, margaritas, and daiquiris are so popular because they're essentially ubiquitous with a tropical vacation.

While it's not a mistake to order one, Royal Caribbean has spent a lot of time coming up with fun new cocktails that are way more interesting.

There are so many great choices available, and they all work with a beverage package.

Here are some ones to look out for:

• 1400 - 1400 Bar
• No Joke, Smoke & Coke - Mason Jar
• She's A Geisha - Izumi
• The Urban Garden Martini - 150 Central Park
• Toasted marshmallow old fashioned - Schooner Bar

There's plenty more, but keep an eye out for new ones to try. They might end up being your go-to favorite.

Overlooked Solarium Bistro

I'm guilty of this mistake too, but the best alternative restaurant you're not eating at on Utopia of the Seas (and other ships) is the Solarium Bistro.

Solarium Bistro is complimentary and open for all three meals. It's a combination of buffet and sit down restaurant, and it's probably way less crowded than the Windjammer.

I'd argue Solarium Bistro is the best choice for a more laid back breakfast, and it's usually a ghost town at dinner.

Plus, it has beautiful windows to see the ocean from.

And yes, kids are allowed in this restaurant even thought it's in the adults-only Solarium.

Trying to leave the ship without a SeaPass card

No matter which ship it is, it seems inevitable someone tries to disembark the ship on the last day without their SeaPass card.

Before you can leave the ship at the conclusion of a sailing, you need to scan your SeaPass with the ship's security one last time.  The purpose is to check you out of the ship.

This means you'll need to have your SeaPass with you as you leave.  Unfortunately, there are a few people who don't have it, and it stops the line dead in its tracks.

At this point, security needs to look them up in the system and manually check them out, but this takes some time and it slows down the disembarkation line.  On Royal Caribbean's older ships, this backs up the line and it inconveniences everyone.

Make sure you have everyone's SeaPass card with you when you leave your ship on that final morning.

Packing prohibited items leads to problems later

Something else related to the last day of the cruise is the table of prohibited items I saw for pickup.

Royal Caribbean bans a lot of things from being brought on a cruise ship because they are a danger, risk, or troublesome. 

By far the two most common things people bring on a cruise that are absolutely not allowed are clothing irons and steamers.

On the final morning, there was a table full of them.

But here's the other problem with packing something you're not supposed to have: it holds up your luggage delivery.

When the ship's security sees you packed a prohibited item, your suitcase is held back and you have to go down to security to retrieve your bag.

Make sure you read through all the things you cannot bring on a cruise before you start packing.

A weekend cruise is short and seems to ends just as it starts, but they're exactly what many people that have never cruised before tend to book.

According to Royal Caribbean Group executives, the market for people that have never gone on a cruise before has been growing at a rate of 16% year over year.

The company told investors recently that short cruises are an important entry point for new-to-cruise customers, and Utopia of the Seas has been the vector for attracting even more of those customers.

"Caribbean bookings have been strong with Icon and Utopia continuing to perform well above expectations," said Naftali Holtz, Chief Financial Officer for Royal Caribbean Group.

With such focus on a short cruise, I went back on Utopia of the Seas to try it out again.

I took my wife and daughters on a weekend sailing that departed on Friday and returned on Monday, booking connecting balcony rooms.

Here's what you should consider before you decide on a short cruise.

The best thing about a short cruise is you can squeeze it in almost anytime

The saying "better than being at home" holds true for the reasons to book a weekend cruise.

The best thing about a cruise that begins on a Friday and ends on a Monday is the convenience factor.

With the weekend taking up most of the itinerary, you can minimize the amount of days off from school or work you need to take.

In my case, I can have the kids skip work on a Friday, but still make it in for school on Monday morning. For most other people, a weekend cruise means less days out of the office than a week-long one.

There's a good chance the fare for a 3-night cruise will cost less than a 7-night cruise, and that's attractive to most people.

Anyone on a tight budget may gravitate towards a short sailing in order to save money. Granted, the cost per night may be more on a short cruise, but it's still relatively inexpensive.

Plus, that low price tag makes it easier to bring friends and family.  It seems there's always a wedding, quinceanera, or bachelorette party on a weekend sailing.

Also, Royal Caribbean isn't wrong that a short sailing is a great introduction to cruising.

New cruisers are usually tepid about committing to a week on a ship because they're unsure if they'll like this vacation, worried they'll get seasick, or think they'll be bored.

A quick few days is easier to manage, and it's attractive because you get to give a cruise a try without a lot of risk.

To that point, the cruise line is also stacking short cruises with visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas so first-timers have no sea days.

Short cruises are quick and not as cheap as you think

There are a few realities of a short cruise worth considering before you pick it out.

By definition, the nature of this sailing is that it's only a few nights and it will feel like it's over before you know it.

With just a few days onboard combined with a port visit every day, it leaves little time to "see it all" on the ship, and this is compounded by the fact Royal Caribbean has giant Oasis Class ships sailing these short cruises.

Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas have more things to do see, eat, and do onboard than you can in a week, let alone a weekend.

I'm lucky enough to have sailed on Utopia a half dozen times, but I hear all the time from people they didn't get to see everything because of how limited their time was aboard.

I feel it takes a day or two to get fully into "cruise mode" where you settle into life on a cruise ship, and that basically means the cruise is over before you know it.

Another issue is the cost. While the overall cruise fare is probably going to be cheaper than a longer one, the per-night cost tends to be much more.

It cost me $1,723.54 for two people in an oceanview balcony cabin. That means I paid $3447.08 for two connecting rooms for my family. That cost is on par with a weeklong cruise on other ships.

As an example, a 3-night Utopia of the Seas in a balcony cabin over July 4th weekend, costs $841.23 per person. But a 7-night cruise on Harmony of the Seas over the same week costs $1659.96 per person.

The per night cost, is actually cheaper on Harmony.  And that difference grows dramatically if you opt for a smaller and older ship doing a 7-night sailing.

Speaking of costs, you've got to factor the cost of flights and transportation into your vacation budget, and those flights might be more expensive than your three nighter.

Ideally, a weekend cruise is best for those that can drive to the port easily.  But if you're going to fly down for it, you'll need to incur the cost of airfare, hotel, rental car, food, and more.  Definitely don't even think about flying down the same day the cruise begins.

One more potential issue with a weekend cruise is you're only ever going to The Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean would tout this fact as a plus, given how popular it's private island is among everyone.  While this is true, there's simply no alternatives if you want to mix it up if you're taking a weekend cruise from Florida.

To be fair, there are 3-night cruises that sail from Los Angeles, and four-night cruises from Tampa, or Galveston, and those do offer sailings to Mexico instead. 

A short cruise is worth it, but longer cruises are better

I had a great time on Utopia of the Seas for the weekend, but it greatly helps that I live so close to make it very convenient.

My recommendation for a new cruiser is to go with a 7-night voyage instead so there's a mix of sea days and port days, and you get more variation in where you sail to. Plus, nearly all of Royal Caribbean's cruises around the Caribbean visit Perfect Day at CocoCay too.

However, I know how attractive it is to hop on a cruise ship for the weekend and getaway from it all.  If the numbers from the cruise line are any indication, more and more people are doing just this.

The biggest downside to a short cruise is how quickly it comes to an end, leaving you little time to try to squeeze everything in.

It's refreshing that Royal Caribbean puts some of its biggest and newest cruise ships on 3- and 4-night cruises, but it's a struggle to do everything you wanted to.

Pros and Cons of a short weekend cruise

✅ Low risk option
✅ Cheaper than a week
✅ Less days off work/school

❌ Cruise is over before you know it
❌ Expensive if you add airfare & hotel
❌ No itinerary variation

Nonetheless, it's great to get away for a few days and be on a cruise ship than not.  And for first timers, there's a good chance they experience it, love it, and come back again for more.

If you're going to take a 3-night cruise, plan your time accordingly so you can maximize every minute.

Taking a long weekend vacation on the Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship is the perfect escape, and I think paying more for a balcony room was worth it.

In February, I went on Utopia of the Seas for a 3-night cruise to The Bahamas and I paid $1,723.54 for a category 4D balcony room instead of a cheaper inside room.

I went with a balcony because I wanted the natural light and extra space you get with the outdoor veranda, but the room itself was bigger than I expected.

We stayed in room 9282, which is on deck 9 and a short walk from the aft elevators.

I'm no stranger to Utopia, having sailed on her already a half dozen times.  Picking a room on deck 9 meant we were mostly equidistant to the public decks, but closer to the Royal Promenade than the pool decks.

Royal Caribbean doesn't let guests access their cabins until 1pm, but that's only a few hours of waiting (assuming you board the ship as early as possible).

I prefer to be close the elevators rather than pick a room down the hall. While I can appreciate the view you have on the back of the ship, I prefer the convenience of being near an elevator.

All cabins on Utopia of the Seas are opened with your SeaPass card, which uses RFID technology. This means just tapping your card against the reader instead of inserting the card in the door.

Because Utopia is a new ship, the rooms look about as contemporary as you'd expect in terms of aesthetics.

I had just stayed in a balcony room on an older and smaller ship a few weeks prior to this, and the differences in the room are rather stark.

I found this balcony room on Utopia to feel bigger and more open than the one on Enchantment of the Seas.  Of course the decor looks more dated on Enchantment, but that ship was built in the 1990s.

As you walk into the room, there's a vanity on your left and a couch on the right.

The vanity has a desk, chair, and mirror.  It also has a number of USB outlets.

Royal Caribbean has been steadily increasing the amount of USB outlets in its cabins, in addition to standard electrical outlets.  More people are bringing more devices with them on vacation.

I really think you could stay in a room on Utopia of the Seas and not need to bring a USB or power extender with you and not feel constricted with how to keep everything charged.

The couch is rather large, but doesn't open up into a bed.  

While I'd like to tell you I used the couch for leisurely afternoon naps or to sit and have a conversation with my wife, but in reality, the couch was the destination for so many of our belongings.

Bags, dirty laundry, pool towels, and souvenirs all seem to end up on the couch one way or another.

On either side of the couch are two rather large closets.

There's an impressive amount of storage space in this room, something I missed having on Icon of the Seas.

You'll also find the room's safe in one of the closets. 

My wife and I each took one closet, and that was more than enough room for our clothes on a short cruise. There was even an entire set of drawers opposite the closet we never used.

The drawers offer lots of storage access as well.  Eventually Utopia will stop doing just weekend cruises and move onto longer sailings.  When it does, rest assured there's enough room for all your clothes.

The king size bed is next to the balcony in this particular cabin.  Keep in mind every room alternates whether the sofa or the bed is near the balcony.

The bed can be split into two upon request by your stateroom attendant.

There's a nightstand on each side of the bed, and both have a lamp with one power outlet and one USB C outlet.

I cannot stress enough how convenient it is to have a power outlet near the bed so you can keep your phone charging at night while you use it from the comfort of being in bed.

Nearly all other ships don't have an outlet near the bed, so I have to plug it in back at the vanity.

Opposite the bed is the TV. It's a nice flatscreen television that's big enough to see from the bed.

The one feature it doesn't have is the ability to stream videos from a smart device or computer. Some other recent Royal Caribbean ships have that feature, but not Utopia.

While I would have liked the ability to cast a YouTube video or Office episode to the TV, the truth is I rarely watch any TV on a cruise.

Below the television are a set of hooks you can use to hang up items.

This is useful for keeping hats, umbrellas, or anything else lightweight off the floor (or couch, in my case). It's a case of Royal Caribbean noticing all the cruise cabin hacks calling for magnets to be brought onboard and providing something on their own.

Moving out to the balcony, a sliding door provides access and you'll find two chairs and a table.

Each chair has a foot rest, which is a really nice idea.

It's not a spacious balcony, but there's enough room for two people to comfortably sit or stand and enjoy the view and ocean breeze.

While I'm comfortable enough booking an inside cabin, paying more for a balcony is such a nice luxury. Being able to pop outside on a whim is lovely.

I don't spend nearly as much time out here as I should, but I really like going out in the morning to gauge the weather, or enjoying a sunset at night.  

Back inside our room, the bathroom was bigger than I expected.

The bathroom has a mirror, sink, toilet, and shower.  I was impressed that a standard stateroom has both a shower wand and shower head.  

While you can't use both at the same time, it's a feature usually only found in a suite.

Overall, I was quite pleased with my room selection.  We booked the connecting balcony room next to it for my kids to stay in, providing the ultimate family cruise hack that I rely on so often.

I didn't set any records for the cheapest cruise cabin price, but this is a brand new cruise ship.  New ships are just going to cost more, period.

Because I live about an hour by car from Port Canaveral, being able to quickly drive to the port and hop on a cruise ship for the weekend is worth the higher cruise fare compared to having to fly or travel a longer distance to another ship.

Safety is the top priority on cruise ships, but one protocol might be a little surprising on Royal Caribbean's newest ship.

Utopia of the Seas has been sailing since summer 2024, and she's brought many innovations with her. Among them is this ship uses a more environmentally friendly fuel type, Liquified Natural Gas, or LNG.

The ship has a new dual-fuel engine, but Icon of the Seas was the first Royal Caribbean ship to begin using LNG.

On a recent sailing, passengers were informed of a refueling function that was to take place, and it meant all passengers had to comply with a strange request.

Refueling while at CocoCay

Cruise ships are kind of like airplanes in the sense they can be refueled just about anywhere.

On a recent sailing, Utopia of the Seas was set to be refueled while docked at Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

This might seem odd to be refueled at a private island instead of the ship's homeport, but there's a logic to it.

Evidently refueling LNG takes many hours, and the cruise line does it at CocoCay because there's less impact on the ship's timeline.

The 236,473-gross-ton ship visits Perfect Day at CocoCay twice a week, because the ship only operates 3- and 4-night short Bahamas cruises.

Utopia is docked at CocoCay for more hours than in Port Canaveral, and that gives them more time to get it done. If they waited until the ship was back in Port Canaveral, there could be a delay in departing on time.

As part of the refueling process, passengers are informed they have to adhere to a few strict rules while it takes place.

First, there's no smoking at all allowed on any open deck. No outdoor smoking areas are open during refueling operations, and signs are posted to remind guests.

Second, all balconies and infinity verandas are closed and off limits during the refueling process.

That's a more impactful change considering passengers woudn't be able to use their balcony for much of the day.  However, there's a certain logic to it.

By electing refuel in CocoCay, Royal Caribbean is betting most passengers are off the ship anyway enjoying the beaches and pools of their island.  So it's less likely a passenger would want to or need to use their balcony.

The open decks of the ship, including the pools, are still open and functional.

A similar experience should be expected for Icon of the Seas when it gets refueled. And just like Utopia, Icon has received her supply of LNG while at CocoCay.

There was no change to Utopia's schedule, merely a functional need that coincided with the port day, similar to crew safety drills or other functions while in port.

LNG is a step towards the future

Cruise ships leveraging LNG is a move in the right direction, but it's not the ultimate solution for fuel needs.

LNG can reduce carbon emissions by about 30%, sulfur emissions to almost nothing, and nitrogen oxide emissions by about 85%.

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, spoke last year on the work his cruise line is doing to be more environmentally friendly.

He explained Royal Caribbean's commitment and mindset regarding the environment, "Everything that we do is put through that lens of trying to be as sensible as we can buy new ships, for example; Icon, Utopia, Star."

When Royal Caribbean was working on plans for ships like Utopia or Icon, LNG was the best option at the time.

Cruise ships can be built in 18-12 months, but they take years to come to fruition. Icon of the Seas, for example, was conceived before 2016 and finally launched in 2024.

"When decisions are made on building ships, they're made with the information that's available at the time. And of course, the information at the time when we signed contracts to build ships is different from how it looks today," Mr. Bayley said. 

"In five years, how we do this is going to look different as well," Mr. Bayley continued.

To that point, he was blunt in admitting the fuel of the future isn't known yet.

"There is no magical fuel," Mr. Bayley said, and he believes "that's the formula for success in the future."

"Five to ten years ago, LNG was viewed as the solution to creating a more sustainable fuel. But now it's not considered the best option."

A better fuel isn't just a cruise ship problem, it's something the entire marine industry is investigating. 

"We are working diligently, not only as a company but [also] within the industry and within the larger sector of the maritime industry, which is vast."

Mr. Bayley indicated Royal Caribbean is committed to figuring out a sustainable answer, "I can assure you we're committed to that."

Utopia of the Seas is the newest Oasis Class cruise ship that Royal Caribbean is using to attract someone who has never cruised before to give one a try.  I might not be the target audience, but I think it has some of the best features on any cruise ship.

When you take a ship that sails just three night cruises and has 21 places to eat, 23 bars, five pools, three water slides and two casinos, you get a vacation meant to dispel the myth that you could be bored on a cruise.

Since Utopia of the Seas started sailing in 2024, I've gone on the ship six times. The first few were for evaluating what's new and different, but I came back again and again because it's the perfect weekend escape.

The 5,668 passenger ship is almost like a city, with more events happening every day than I could possibly attend.  That's the fun of this ship. You have the choice of all or none of it, and I like having those choices.

Sailing from Port Canaveral, Royal Caribbean wants it to be the gateway ship for millions of Americans that have been reluctant to cruise because they think it's boring, restrictive, or a strange way to vacation. To that point, Utopia only sails short weekend cruises so there's little risk in giving a cruise a try.

I've sailed on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships for decades, but its newest ship has managed to reinvent what the giant ships are all about.

Designed for first timers, but I love it even more

It's very unusual for a brand new cruise ship to start off with weekend cruises, but Royal Caribbean has a plan to flip the script on cruise vacation expectations.

The short cruises are meant to give someone that is concerned a week long cruise would be too long.

The ship itself offers more to do than other Oasis Class ships that came before it, with a special emphasis on parties.  Royal Caribbean calls it "the ultimate weekend party" and that's because they planned out new parties, events, and entertainment to cater to the "I'm here for a good time" crowd.

There are many more late-night parties, additional pool deck events, and high energy shows in each of the three theaters.

I'm not the target audience, but I still like that Utopia isn't a carbon copy of other ships, and I love some of these changes because it's made the ship better for everyone.

A great example is a brand new tiki bar that's been added to the Royal Promenade, The Pesky Parrot.

Pesky Parrot replaced an aging robot bar concept from last decade.  Not only is it a step up in replacing that, but it's actually a fun bar with great cocktails. The Food & Beverage team spent months coming up with tropical drinks that went beyond a pina colada.

Somewhere else that resonates with seasoned cruisers is the resort-style pool deck.

Utopia features "the best in class" features, and its pool deck is a shining example of that. It's colorful, well spaced out, and has a giant Lime and Coconut bar presence to ensure it's convenient to grab a pool drink anytime.  

It even has a soft-service ice cream stand that actually has sprinkles for once. And if you want a bite to eat, a new grab-and-go meal spot is near the pool too.

The Solarium is restricted to just adults at least 18 years old, and it's an expanded area compared to the original Oasis Class ships.

These are great changes that aims to create a fun pool deck experience for someone new to it all, but I can appreciate the changes too.

It’s five times bigger than the Titanic, but not difficult to navigate

For some reason everyone likes to compare cruise ships to the RMS Titanic, so Utopia of the Seas is approximately five times bigger with a gross tonnage of 236,473 (the Titanic weighed 46,328 tons).

It's amazing how easy you can know where you are, and where you're going on a ship as big as Utopia of the Seas.

The ship is split up into 8 neighborhoods, with different attractions, amenities, and points of interest contained within each.

• The Boardwalk: Outdoor spot to walk and enjoy bars and restaurants, along with the AquaTheater (Deck 6)
• Suite Neighborhood: This exclusive area is for suite guests (Deck 17 & 18)
• Central Park: This outdoor neighborhood has a tree-lined street of shops and restaurants, including Izumi, Chops Grille, and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen (Deck 8)
• Royal Promenade: This multi-deck boulevard has bars and retail shops (Deck 5)
• Youth Zone: This area has Adventure Ocean programming, an arcade, and a teen club (Deck 14)
• Vitality Spa & Fitness: This neighborhood has Royal Caribbean's signature spa and a fitness center (Deck 5 and 6)
• Entertainment Place: Home to the casino, comedy club, and theater (Deck 4)
• Pool and Sports Zone: Waterslides, pools, and sports activities (Decks 15 and 16)

It may seem like a ship as massive as Utopia would take you weeks to figure out where everything is, but it's a lot easier to get around than you might think.

Another way to make it even easier to move around Utopia is this ship has destination elevators.

Instead of pressing a button to wait for the next available elevator, you select the floor you want to go to at a panel in the elevator lobby.  The system assigns you an elevator to wait for.

Once inside, the elevator takes an optimized route to the assigned floors.  It's meant to reduce elevator wait times and get people moving faster.

While I don't think the destination elevators are as good as the ones on Icon of the Seas, it's definitely a step in the right direction.

The coolest restaurant at sea is only on Utopia of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's restaurant game has steadily improved year after year, and you'll only find its latest creation on Utopia of the Seas.

Royal Railway is a classic train restaurant that looks and even moves like a real train. 

Guests have boarding tickets and wait to board their assigned train.  Once in the car, there's waiter service at tables. Each table has a virtual window that gives diners a look out to the world as their train moves through The Old West.

There's a family friendly story that goes along with the dinner experience, but it's an really fun meal and something completely different than you'd find anywhere else in the world, including on land.

Royal Railway Utopia Station is one of many extra cost restaurants on Utopia.  

There are restaurants that are included with your fare that cost nothing extra to eat there, but many more offered that have an extra cost.  My advice is buy a dining package if you're interested in more than two specialty restaurants.

If you'd rather save money and stick to the included restaurants, fret not, because you won't go hungry.  The Main Dining Room, Windjammer, Sorrento's and El Loco Fresh all have great food that I'd eat every day.

An underrated included restaurant is the Solarium Bistro, and my favorite place for a snack on a sea day is still El Loco Fresh. I love that toppings bar.

Utopia has a few other dining firsts that foodies are going to want to try.

The first ever chef-driven Japanese restaurant within Royal Caribbean's fleet is on Utopia at Izumi Omakase. 

Izumi is found on many other ships, and its hibachi tables are super popular.  But Omakase is a Japanese food fan's dream restaurant.  An intimate multi-course menu where the chef prepares a special plate and associated cocktail to go with it.

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen isn't a new concept for Royal Caribbean, but it's in a new location on Utopia.

They moved the restaurant to prime real estate that overlooks the Boardwalk neighborhood and it's simply gorgeous.

What I loved to do on Utopia of the Seas

Every cruise visits the best beach day in the Caribbean

Because Utopia only sails 3- and 4-night cruises, every sailing goes to Perfect Day at CocoCay, and that's a big difference maker.

I'm biased given how much I sail on Royal Caribbean, but their private island is heads and shoulders above every other cruise line private island because of how much there is to do that's worth your time.

There are beaches, pools, an adults-only area, and a waterpark within the island.  Most of it is included in your cruise fare, but there's a lot that's free too.

It's bold to name your island "Perfect", but I think it's a well-deserved title.  Our family has found relaxing and enjoyable visits every time we have gone there, and I think it's exactly what a cruiser wants.

Plus, CocoCay works for both new and established cruisers because it's that high quality. 

Modern cabins

I recently sailed on one of Royal Caribbean's smaller cruise ships that was built almost 30 years ago a week after I was on Utopia of the Seas and the differences in my stateroom were eye-opening.

You'll find cabins of all categories on Utopia, from tiny inside rooms to giant multi-floor suites.

No matter which cabin you pick, it feels up to date with nice touches throughout.  I especially like how much storage they've included in all the cabins.

Plus, there are more USB plugs available than traditionally found on cruise ships.  Be sure to keep an eye out for USB plugs at the bars around the ship too.

A balcony is the most popular type of stateroom on Utopia, and they have exactly the perfect amount of living space.

Each cabin has a bed that can be split apart, private bathroom with shower, vanity area, mirror, safe, television, and closets.

A sequel to an all-1980s music show? Yes please!

Decade-based entertainment isn't new to cruising, but Royal Caribbean is embracing the 1980s more and more, and I love it.

An all-new show was developed for the AquaTheater called "Aqua80s Too", which is a follow-up to the original "Aqua80s" show on sister ship Oasis of the Seas.

AquaTheater shows are high-energy spectacles of diving, acrobatics, dancing, and really, really high diving. They're impressive on their own, but when you mix in the top hits of the 1980s, you've got the best 45 minutes on the ship.

For too long, cruise ships focused on the '60s and '70s, but it's refreshing to see more '80s tunes onboard.  And the show is worth seeing every single time we've sailed on Utopia.

The best bar for music in the fleet

I think I've been up to the Mason Jar bar just about every night of my six sailings on Utopia of the Seas, and it's because I think it's the best bar in the fleet.

The Mason Jar is a specialty restaurant that serves up food from the Southern United States, but it's the bar that truly stands out.

It's a country bar with a country trio band that plays country music hits, and I love going up there for them. They're extremely talented, and their energy is infectious. 

Plus, Royal Caribbean created an entire drink menu just for the Mason Jar. Many of the drinks are inspired by cocktails and liquors of the south, and they're really good.

I'd recommend the PB&J Old Fashioned, No Joke Smoke & Coke, or the Mississippi Moonlight as top choices to try.

Come for the drinks, stay for the band!

What I hated about Utopia of the Seas

The theater show was dull

I was underwhelmed by the "All In" show in the Royal Theater because it felt like a step backwards for Royal Caribbean.

In looking back at their newest cruise ships, Royal Caribbean had steadily pushed the envelope with their original productions, but All In was a stereotypical musical medley with dancing and no plot.

I liked the music, and the performers were fantastic, but the show was too plain.  In an era where Broadway shows and high-flying productions are the norm, All In felt like a one-and-done for me because it just didn't have anything that compelling.

Hard sell if you don't live in Florida

Sailing short cruises is going to attract plenty of new cruisers, but if you're an established Royal Caribbean fan, it's going to be a stretch to fly down for a weekend cruise.

I think there's a lot that veteran cruisers will love about Utopia, but because it only sails short cruises, many people have written it off because of the itineraries.

The obvious counter argument is to book two cruises in a row, and you get a 7-night vacation. However, that still seems like a compromise to some who prefer a 7-night sailing that goes beyond The Bahamas.

I think it's still worth coming down for, even for a short cruise.  Heck, tack it onto a land vacation if a repeat visit to Nassau isn't interesting.  

Nonetheless, I wouldn't be opposed to more varied itineraries, even if it was once a month.

It's impossible to get a reservation for Royal Railway

Royal Caribbean hit a homerun with Royal Railway, but it's become a victim of its own success.

Ever since Royal Railway was announced, demand for it has been through the roof, and it's the hottest ticket in the cruise industry right now.

At some point in the weeks leading up your cruise, reservations open up for the restaurant and it sells out almost immediately.  If you don't book it the same day or two it first comes online to book, you probably won't be able to dine there at all.

I am certain there are cruisers who wait to book it onboard the ship and it's all but guaranteed there's no chance of getting a spot.

I'm not sure what the answer is to fix this, but if they ever roll out the promised additional Royal Railway themes that include the Orient Express or a brunch offering, that might open up sufficient slots to create more inventory to meet demand.

Who should book a cruise on Utopia of the Seas

Without a doubt, the ideal cruiser for Utopia of the Seas is someone that has never been on a cruise before.

This is the ship to convince friends that want a fun, energetic, and memorable vacation that a cruise is right for them.  Royal Caribbean planned it specifically for them, and there's no doubt it's who would love it.

But I also think Utopia is a great family getaway cruise.

The fact it sails every weekend, means you can easily work it into a long weekend vacation.  Or you enjoy time at one of the Orlando theme parks and then rest up on the ship.

Plus, if you're a Royal Caribbean super fan, you'll love that Utopia has the very best features in the fleet right now. 

Don't let the party ship reputation fool you. It's the Royal Caribbean ship experience many of us love, but with extra parties.

Itineraries and pricing

Utopia of the Seas is homeported in Port Canaveral, Florida, which is about a half hour from Orlando International Airport and an hour from Walt Disney World.

Utopia sails only 3- and 4-night cruises, with each sailing visiting Nassau, Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

One downside to a short cruise is it leaves you very little time to "see it all", but I look at it like visiting a city.  You can go to New York, London, or Los Angeles and never come close to seeing it all, and that's practically to be expected.  So you book subsequent trips to see more of it. I think a cruise on Utopia is the same idea, where you can take more cruises to have more time onboard.

Prices for a 3-night Utopia of the Seas cruise from Port Canaveral start at $627 per person for an interior cabin, based on double occupancy. 

Pricing is variable, and depends on when you go, which cabin you select, and other factors. 

Many cruise ship cabins are cramped and compact, but one Royal Caribbean suite is anything but.

During a 3-night getaway on Utopia of the Seas—Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship—I tried something I had never booked before: a Star Class cabin.

Star Class is the highest tier of the cruise line’s lucrative Royal Suite Class. The program offers top-of-the-line benefits for suite passengers on Royal Caribbean’s newer vessels.

Related: A beginner's guide to sailing in Star Class on Royal Caribbean

With benefits like an included Deluxe Beverage Package, Ultimate Dining Package, reserved spots at entertainment shows and activities, and all-day access to a private, suites-only neighborhood, Star Class provides a cruise experience unlike any other.

Best of all, though, Star Class passengers can utilize the services of a Royal Genie, a crew member who provides personalized experiences onboard.

Acting as somewhat of a concierge, Royal Genies can escort guests around the ship, plan their cruise schedule, reserve tables at venues, and organize in-room dining experiences, among other services.

It’s no secret that Star Class suites are expensive, but one is usually cheaper than the rest

Unsurprisingly, Star Class suites come with a hefty price tag. You can easily expect to pay around $10,000-20,000 for a Star Class suite on a short cruise, with even steeper prices on 7-night itineraries.

Like any Royal Caribbean cabin, the exact price of a Star Class suite varies based on the time of year you book the cruise, along with the type of Star Class suite booked. The most expensive suites, such as the Ultimate Family Suite and Royal Loft Suite, can cost over $50,000 for a 7-night cruise.

One Star Class cabin, on the other hand, is priced more reasonably—the 2-bedroom AquaTheater suite.

On the aft of every Oasis Class cruise ship is the AquaTheater entertainment venue. If you look to either side of the AquaTheater, you’ll see sprawling balconies, which belong to the ship’s AquaTheater suites.

These suites are highly sought-after while cruising on Oasis Class ships, as they offer not only the aforementioned suite benefits, but also access to some of the most impressive balconies onboard.

There are both 1 and 2-bedroom AquaTheater suites onboard these vessels, but only the 2-bedroom suites belong to Star Class. These are almost always the cheapest Star Class suites offered, particularly the cabins on deck 9, which are slightly smaller than those found a deck below.

On my recent Utopia of the Seas cruise, I spent three nights in a 2-bedroom AquaTheater suite. At just over $11,000 with three guests in the cabin, it was the cheapest Star Class cabin available to book onboard.

Take a tour through the coveted 2-bedroom AquaTheater suite

Entering the cabin, you are welcomed by a spacious entryway, complete with a mirror and decorative table.

Immediately upon entering, guests will notice the spacious living room.

A cozy couch and chair make for an excellent lounging space, complete with a coffee table in the middle. The couch can be converted into a double bed when traveling with extra guests.

From the couch, guests can enjoy the living room’s television. For Star Class passengers, a selection of movies are included in their cruise fare.

Under the television is shelving, which features a Lavazza Espresso machine along with additional complimentary beverages.

A mini fridge is found here, too, which comes stocked with both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

Because the suite includes a Deluxe Beverage Package, you will find Coca-Cola souvenir cups in the cabin as well. These can be used at Coca-Cola Freestyle machines around the ship.

Next up is the dining table, and Star Class guests may find this quite useful during their time onboard. Because room service—including from specialty restaurants—is included, many passengers enjoy meals from the comfort of their cabin.

Lastly, the living room also features floor-to-ceiling closets which include shelving. Because Utopia of the Seas only sails short 3 and 4-night cruises, guests may find there is more storage than necessary. That being said, the closets can still be useful for storing items like luggage and shoes.

Primary Bedroom

The primary bedroom in the 2-bedroom AquaTheater suite is spacious and opulent. A king-sized bed dominates the room, with a comfortable ottoman placed at the foot of the bed.

The bed is topped with a luxury pillow top mattress, making it noticeably more plush than those in more basic cabins onboard.

Guests can find nightstands with storage and charging outlets on either side of the bed.

One wall of the bedroom features two large closets and full-length mirrors. Inside the closets is hanging space along with shelving and the cabin’s safe.

On the other side of the room is a vanity and a door directly to the balcony.

Inside the master bedroom is a bathroom.

The bathroom comes with several upgraded features compared to bathrooms in standard cruise cabins, including a bathtub and upgraded toiletries.

Second Bedroom

As the name implies, the 2-bedroom AquaTheater suite also features a second bedroom. This room can accommodate four passengers, as it has both a king-sized bed and two twin-sized pullman beds that can be pulled down from the wall. Nightstands and charging outlets are found on each side of the king-sized bed.

One wall of the bedroom is lined with a desk, drawers, closets, and a television. Storage is abundant, as are outlets, with four USB plugs along with two American-style and one European-style outlet along the desk alone.

There are no windows in the second bedroom, which effectively makes it an interior stateroom. Knowing this, passengers can expect to sleep soundly given the room’s pitch black conditions at night.

While the second bedroom doesn’t have its own ensuite bathroom, the suite has a second bathroom near the living room.

This bathroom includes upgraded toiletries, but it does not have a bathtub.

AquaTheater Suite Balcony

Of course, the pièce de résistance of the 2-bedroom AquaTheater suite is the wraparound balcony. Even though there are over 1,400 balcony cabins on Utopia of the Seas, few compare to those in AquaTheater suites.

The balcony wraps around the cabin’s exterior, forming a corner of Utopia of the Seas. Nearest to the primary bedroom are two padded lounge chairs.

In the widest balcony space you will find a 6-seat dining table and two reclining pool chairs.

This area looks over the AquaTheater, offering the perfect view for these impressive acrobatic and diving performances.

Another two chairs are placed in this area for optimal viewing.

If you want to try Star Class, the 2-bedroom AquaTheater Suite could be your best bet

Royal Caribbean’s Star Class offers a personalized, all-inclusive cruise experience unlike any other. For those looking to try Star Class on a “budget,” the 2-bedroom AquaTheater suite can be a (relatively speaking) cost-effective starting point.

At the end of the day, a Star Class cabin is, unquestionably, a splurge, but the 2-bedroom AquaTheater suite can make that luxury a little more accessible.

If you’re planning a cruise on Utopia of the Seas, you may want to verify your cabin is in a good location before putting down the final deposit.

Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship that launched in July 2024, has 2,834 staterooms for guests to choose from, including 572 interior cabins, 168 oceanview cabins, 1,918 balconies, and 176 suites. Although Utopia of the Seas offers short 3- and 4-night cruises, you’ll want to make sure your travel party picks the best cabin for your vacation.

Choosing the right cruise ship cabin can make or break your experience. You don’t want to be kept up all night or woken up early because of loud noises or lots of foot traffic.

Here are the cabins you should avoid booking on Utopia of the Seas.

Cabins below the pool deck

Cabins located on deck 14, one deck below the pool deck on deck 15, are subject to noises galore.

These cabins may seem like a convenient option since you'll be close to all the fun on the pool deck, but you’ll likely hear the sounds of deck chairs being moved early in the morning and the hustle and bustle of poolside activity throughout the day.

The pool deck on Utopia of the Seas is one of the main hubs of activity on the ship. While it’s the perfect place to enjoy the sun and attend one of the many pool parties onboard, cabins located beneath the pool deck hear constant noise. Not only that, but the Windjammer buffet is also on deck 15, so it will likely be noisy below this venue too.

Lastly, there is a large TV screen and DJ booth on deck 16 near a few balcony cabins on deck 14. These cabins, 14249-14253 and 14649-14653, will be quite noisy because it is near both main pools, the music, and TV.

If you value quiet mornings or plan to sleep in after enjoying activities late into the night, steer clear of cabins on deck 14.

Cabins near entertainment venues

One of the highlights of Utopia of the Seas is its wide variety of entertainment options, including lively shows, theatre productions, and more. If you want to avoid hearing music throughout the night, especially when you’re trying to sleep, avoid booking cabins above the Royal Theater and below Studio B.

While there are no cabins on decks 4 and 5, try to avoid booking cabins on decks 3 and 6. Cabins on deck 3 are below venues like Studio B, the comedy club, and the casino. Cabins on deck 6 are above the Royal Promenade, which is full of activity and noise. Deck 6 cabins in the forward of the ship are above the Royal Theater, which will be noisy as well. 

It may also be wise to avoid booking cabins near the Music Hall on decks 8 and 9 in the aft of the ship. Music Hall often hosts late-night concerts with music that may bleed into the halls and into the nearby staterooms.

Cabins next to Giovanni's terrace

Utopia of the Seas is the first Royal Caribbean ship to have an outdoor terrace at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. This terrace, located on deck 11, overlooks the Boardwalk neighborhood below.

There are two cabins next to this terrace that make you feel like you're part of the restaurant because you're practically on the terrace! These Boardwalk view balconies are cabins 11293 and 11693.

If you value privacy and don’t want people looking into your cabin every night while they're eating their meal, avoid booking one of these cabins.

Read more: Icon of the Seas vs. Utopia of the Seas: Comparing Royal Caribbean's newest and biggest cruise ships

Neighborhood interior view cabins

A unique cabin you can select on Utopia of the Seas is a neighborhood view cabin. These include cabins that overlook the Royal Promenade, Central Park, and Boardwalk neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are bustling areas of the ship featuring shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. Cabins nearby may experience noise from parades, parties, and music events, especially during evening hours.

The cabins you should avoid booking are the interior cabins directly above and below these neighborhoods. These interior cabins offer windows looking inward toward the ship’s neighborhood instead of the ocean. While these cabins provide an interesting view, they are subject to noise due to their placement near busy venues.

There are a few Promenade view cabins on deck 7 that are below Central Park and overlook the Royal Promenade. These cabins will be noisy from both the Promenade and Central Park, so definitely avoid booking these.

• 7185-7205
• 7587-7607

However, if you're a people watcher and don't like to be in the middle of the activity in the Promenade, you may enjoy the view from one of the above-listed cabins. 

There are also a handful of interior view cabins that overlook the Boardwalk neighborhood on deck 7, but are right above restaurants like Playmakers and Johnny Rockets. These cabins are 7319-7325 and 7719-7725.

Similarly, having a Central Park view interior cabin above a restaurant, like 150 Central Park, Chops, Izumi, or Park Cafe, could be prone to noise. Try to avoid these cabins on deck 9, including:

• 9177-9255
• 9577-9655

Read more: What a room on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas looks like

Obstructed view cabins

Utopia of the Seas offers a variety of balcony cabins, but some come with less-than-ideal views due to structural elements blocking the way, like the Ultimate Abyss slide. While you may be able to get a good deal on one of these cabins, you may feel disappointed if you were hoping for completely unobstructed views.

Before selecting a cabin, you can try to Google search the cabin number and ship to see if others have posted about their experience in the obstructed cabin you're considering.

General cabins to avoid

If you haven't learned already, it is very important to do research before selecting your cabin on a cruise ship. In addition to these Utopia of the Seas-specific cabins, try to avoid booking these cabins as well.

Cabins towards the front of the ship

Cabins located in the forward of the ship tend to experience more movement than other areas of the ship, leading to a rockier experience. If there are rough seas, the movement can be even more noticeable.

Guests prone to motion sickness may feel uncomfortable in a cabin that is located too far forward. Additionally, these cabins may experience noise from the anchor when arriving at a port of call.

For those sensitive to motion, mid-ship cabins on lower decks offer the most stability.

Cabins near high-traffic areas

While it may seem ideal to stay close to elevators and staircases, cabins nearby may be susceptible to more noise. Cabins located near the elevators and stairs tend to experience heavy foot traffic from passengers passing by. The convenience of being close to these spaces is tempting, but you might sacrifice tranquility for accessibility.

Also, if you are traveling without children, it may be worthwhile to not book a cabin near the Adventure Ocean kids club on deck 14. Adventure Ocean is fantastic for families traveling with children, but cabins near this area may experience loud foot traffic from excited young passengers.

Interior cabins on deck 12 below Adventure Ocean include 12137-12153 and 12537-12553. There are also four interior cabins on deck 14 near Adventure Ocean and the Solarium that may experience noise and foot traffic. These cabins are 14531, 14533, 14535, and 14537.

Connecting cabins (if you are not in a group)

Connecting cabins, which are designed for families or groups traveling together, come with a shared door to the next cabin. These doors are not as soundproof as regular walls, and noise from your neighbors may travel through them.

If you’re not booking both sides of the connecting cabins, you may hear more noise from the adjacent room than you would in a standard cabin. Even though the door remains locked, knowing that another cabin is just a door away might be unsettling for some cruisers.

Guarantee cabins (if you care about location)

Selecting a guarantee cabin often means you can save money when booking a cruise cabin. But, when you elect for a guarantee cabin, you lose the ability to select where your cabin is located. That means you will most likely be assigned a cabin at the very front or back of the ship since these cabins are the last to be booked. This is a good option for budget-conscious cruisers.

There is a possibility you can upgrade your cabin via RoyalUp, but this doesn't always ensure a better cabin location than the guarantee cabin Royal Caribbean assigned.

All in all, avoid booking a guarantee cabin if you want to select where you want your cruise ship cabin to be during your vacation.

Cabins to avoid on other Royal Caribbean ships:

• Icon of the Seas cabins to avoid
• Wonder of the Seas cabins to avoid
• Oasis of the Seas cabins to avoid