Royal Caribbean is making a bold push into the short-cruise market, and the brand-new Utopia of the Seas is a perfect example of that investment. But, it wasn’t always possible to take a short cruise on a massive, state-of-the-art cruise ship.
For decades, short itineraries were hard to find. Even if you could find a 3-night or 4-night sailing, it was almost guaranteed you’d be cruising on an old, small, and dated cruise ship.
Short cruises have long served as a gateway for first-time cruisers to get a taste of the cruise life. Because of this, cruise lines typically assigned their oldest, most basic ships to these itineraries, offering a watered-down version of the full cruise experience.
I saw this firsthand back in the summer of 2009 when my family booked a short cruise with Royal Caribbean during a vacation to Florida. Shockingly, our only option was Majesty of the Seas, which was an older cruise ship built in 1992.
At 17 years old, she offered few amenities, onboard thrills, or entertainment options. At the time, Majesty of the Seas felt outdated and dingy. The ship was a far cry from Royal Caribbean’s newest ship at the time, Oasis of the Seas. The new Oasis Class ship would be revolutionary for Royal Caribbean as the biggest ship in the world, marking the beginning of a new era for the cruise industry.
Fast forward to today - and the landscape has changed completely. Over the years, Royal Caribbean has dramatically shifted its business strategy, placing a stronger emphasis on shorter itineraries aboard its biggest and newer vessels. In fact, the cruise line just announced that even more Oasis Class ships will be transitioning towards short itineraries in the next few years.
With a focus on attracting first-time cruisers by offering the best amenities at sea, Royal Caribbean is betting big on weekend getaways. Now, you can find the cruise line’s biggest and most innovative ships sailing on shorter itineraries, and Utopia of the Seas is a perfect example of this commitment.
Branded as the “ultimate weekend game-changer,” I was excited to sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. Our 4-night itinerary included two port stops in the Bahamas, including Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. We also had one sea day, allowing us to relax onboard and explore the ship’s many amenities.
I’ll be sharing an in-depth review of my experience aboard Utopia of the Seas.
Who should cruise on Utopia of the Seas?
In my opinion, Utopia of the Seas is one of the best options for first-time cruisers or those looking for a weekend getaway. As an Oasis Class ship and one of Royal Caribbean’s biggest vessels, you can find something for everyone onboard.
Because Utopia of the Seas offers only short itineraries to the Bahamas, the cruise embodies a high-energy environment. Whether you’re wanting to celebrate a bachelorette party or milestone birthday with extended family, Utopia of the Seas is a great option. With a focus on weekend fun, you can expect themed parties and bold nightlife. From party-loving adults, social cruisers, and friend groups, Utopia of the Seas is a no-brainer.
In fact, I cruised on this sailing with my 90-year-old grandparents, parents, aunt, and uncle - and we all had a fabulous time. With the latest and greatest amenities, there was plenty of fun to be had for all ages.
Even still, Royal Caribbean is a mainstream, family-friendly cruise line. You can expect to find fairly affordable rates for shorter sailings. You’ll get a solid bang for your buck with Royal Caribbean when cruising with kids, as Utopia of the Seas features a large Adventure Ocean and renewed youth programming.
Other onboard amenities for families include waterslides, splash pads, miniature golf, and a zipline. The shorter itineraries work well around school schedules and holidays for school-aged kids and working parents.
Finally, first-time cruisers wanting to try a shorter sailing should highly consider Utopia of the Seas, especially if you’re looking for the “wow” factor. You’ll be spoiled with a premium cruise experience from the get-go. With a ship as massive as Utopia of the Seas, you might even forget you’re on a cruise ship!
Utopia of the Seas Dining, Restaurants, and Food
One of the best aspects of cruising is enjoying the variety of dining and food options available. Foodies will love all of the dining options on Utopia of the Seas, as the megaship includes plenty of options for complimentary and specialty dining.
With over 20 restaurants and dining experiences onboard, you will probably run out of time to try everything! Utopia of the Seas has all of Royal Caribbean’s signature venues with 12 different specialty dining restaurants.
However, you will find more specialty dining restaurants compared to complimentary choices. Even still, there is no shortage of dining options.
Free Restaurants on Utopia of the Seas
During your sailing, you will be able to dine for free at multiple restaurants on Utopia of the Seas. There are 10 different restaurants and eateries available for cruisers serving up meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night.
Windjammer Café
Like most cruise ships, Utopia of the Seas has a standard, casual buffet with a wide selection of choices. You can enjoy global cuisines and American favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The buffet can get busy during peak times, so be prepared and allocate enough time to navigate the crowds.
The buffet is self-serve, so you can eat to your heart’s content. You can expect a rotating menu each day, along with some staples. In addition, lobster is served on the first day of your cruise during lunch in the Windjammer, so you won’t want to miss that!
Main Dining Room
Another cruise staple, Utopia of the Seas has a grand, multi-level venue for sit-down meals. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a rotating menu of international and American dishes. Guests will select either traditional dining - early or late - or flexible timing, known as My Time Dining.
During my cruise, the main dining room had attentive service and a warm ambiance. The food served was hit-or-miss. Some of the options were excellent, such as the French Onion soup, while others fell flat, like the turkey dinner.
Solarium Bistro
Located in the adults-only Solarium, this venue provides lighter, health-focused food options for both breakfast and lunch. You can enjoy a selection of soups, salads, and fresh fruits here. In addition, this venue tends to be less busy than other options, so you can possibly avoid long lines and crowds by visiting the Solarium Bistro.
Park Café
Nestled in the middle of the Central Park neighborhood is Park Cafe. You can enjoy a wide selection of grab-and-go food for breakfast and lunch, which makes this venue popular for snacks and quick bites. Made-to-order salads, paninis, and sandwiches are the highlight.
Situated in the Central Park neighborhood, it offers made-to-order salads, paninis, sandwiches, and the signature “Kummelweck” roast beef sandwich with tender meat and juicy au jus, making it a popular spot for quick bites.
Café Promenade
The Royal Promenade is the heart of Utopia of the Seas, as it’s lined with shops, bars, lounges, restaurants, and more. One of the most popular venues here is Cafe Promenade, which serves coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and other snacks. This is another excellent choice for snacks or late-night bites.
Sorrento’s
One of Royal Caribbean’s signature dining options is Sorrento’s Pizzeria. This venue serves hot, fresh pizzas at most hours of the day. You can enjoy classic options like pepperoni and cheese or specialty pizzas like Hawaiian. You can expect to find longer lines as the night goes on and partiers want a late-night snack.
Boardwalk Dog House
Speaking of snacks, another option on Utopia of the Seas can be found on the Boardwalk. This venue serves gourmet hot dogs with various toppings. Hot dogs are my go-to snacks while cruising, so this is an excellent option for another quick bite to eat.
El Loco Fresh
One of my Royal Caribbean favorites! El Loco Fresh is a casual eatery serving freshly-made Mexican favorites. Options include burritos, tacos, nachos, salsas, and desserts for lunch and dinner. We dined here during our port day in Nassau, Bahamas, and avoided most of the crowds. The cheese and chicken quesadilla is one of my go-to options!
The Spare Tire
As a new addition to Royal Caribbean, this poolside venue is designed like a food truck, providing convenient snacks on the pool deck. In my opinion, the Spare Tire served glorified gas station food, and we only enjoyed the raspberry cheesecake chimis.
Specialty Dining on Utopia of the Seas
Although we enjoyed the complimentary dining choices on Utopia of the Seas, the ship really shines with its assortment of specialty restaurants. These dining options require a reservation, and you’ll need to pay a surcharge to dine here.
However, the specialty dining options are some of the best in Royal Caribbean’s fleet if you’re looking for an upscale, elevated dining experience. Considering Utopia of the Seas holds upwards of 6,000 guests, retreating to a quieter restaurant can be a welcome change.
Read more: 21 easy ways to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise
Royal Railway – Utopia Station
As the first of its kind, Royal Railway is an immersive dining experience that resembles a vintage train journey. You can enjoy a five-course meal with interesting, unique choices to choose from (think: Fart and Dart beans). You’ll enjoy dinner and a show with interactive storytelling and themed decor.
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
Sushi and teppanyaki lovers will appreciate the Izumi Hibachi and Sushi restaurant onboard. The multi-faceted Japanese dining experience includes teppanyaki tables, freshly-rolled sushi, and a private omakase-inspired dining room.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
For those wanting to gorge on delicious Italian, consider reserving either lunch or dinner at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. To start, the two-story venue is stunning and overlooks the Boardwalk with ocean views. You can select from a menu with Italian dishes, hand-tossed pizzas, and classic pastas. Don’t skip the filet here, as it was the best meal we had during our cruise!
Hooked Seafood
This restaurant specializes in New England-style seafood, such as Maryland crab cakes, shucked oysters, and lobster rolls in a nautically-themed setting onboard Utopia of the Seas.
Chops Grille
Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse is Chops Grille, set in an elegant atmosphere. The specialty restaurant is known for serving tender, hand-cut steaks, Maine lobster, and other high-end dishes paired with an extensive list of sides and wines.
Chef’s Table
This is an intimate dining experience with a small group of guests, accompanied by the ship’s chef. You can enjoy a five-course meal paired with perfectly selected wines, including detailed guidance by the ship’s chef, who provides insights into each dish.
The Mason Jar
One of the more unique options for specialty dining is The Mason Jar, a Southern restaurant and bar serving up classic dishes and Bayou staples. You can enjoy live country music for a lively dining experience in the bar area, but arrive early if you want a spot to sit. Although we enjoyed trying a new dining experience, we spent around $50 each for our brunch meal and felt it was subpar for the cost.
150 Central Park
Loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers rave about this upscale specialty dining venue. With a refined ambiance and menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, you can enjoy the high-end meal set within the serene Central Park neighborhood.
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
Located in the Boardwalk is one of Royal Caribbean’s staple restaurants, Playmakers Sports Bar. This lively sports bar features many large-screen TVs while serving up classic bar food like chicken wings and burgers. Don’t skip the Campfire Cookie if you visit!
Johnny Rockets
Another Royal Caribbean classic is Johnny Rockets, the 1950s-style diner that serves classic American fare, including burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Complimentary breakfast is offered, while lunch and dinner require a surcharge.
Sugar Beach
Those with a sweet tooth will love the variety of candies and hand-scooped ice creams here.
Starbucks
If you’re up late partying, you might need a caffeine pick-me-up the next morning. Guests can enjoy their favorite Starbucks coffee creations and seasonal beverages made by trained baristas. Drinks here are not included in Royal Caribbean's drink package. However, Cafe Promenade proudly serves Starbucks coffee.
Bars and Lounges on Utopia of the Seas
Aligning with the party vibes aboard Utopia of the Seas, you can find a wide assortment of bars and lounges onboard. Everything from Royal Caribbean classics to brand-new, specialty-themed bars can be found on the ship.
Two of my favorite bars include the Lime & Coconut Bar and the Pesky Parrot. The signature drink at Lime & Coconut Bar - appropriately named the Lime and Coconut Cocktail - is one of my must-haves while cruising. The tropical-themed bar, located near the pool deck, spans over multiple decks.
In addition, the Peksy Parrot is a one-of-a-kind bar with a tiki theme and crafted cocktails that you can’t find elsewhere. I loved the island decor and unique drink list here.
Other classics can also be found onboard Utopia of the Seas, including the Latin-themed Boleros, English-inspired Bell & Barley Pub, and nautical Schooner Bar. Even with thousands of guests onboard, bar service was quick and attentive, and I never waited more than five minutes for a drink.
Entertainment and Activities on Utopia of the Seas
In my opinion, one of the major highlights of cruising on Utopia of the Seas is all of the incredible entertainment available. You can enjoy the cruise line’s latest and greatest production and headliner shows, including some of the most unique entertainment you can see at sea.
My favorite show was the high-diving spectacle in the Aquatheatre named AQUA80Too, featuring 3D aerialists, stunts, high divers, and slackliners. The mesmerizing production was unlike anything else you can see on a cruise ship.
Similarly, the Youtopia Ice Spectacular was equally as impressive in the ship’s ice skating rink. The new show can only be found on Utopia of the Seas and features countless spins, jumps, and stunts from Olympic-level figure skaters. The ice show should not be missed!
In addition, you can see the new ALL IN! Signature Production Show, a highly energetic show in the theater with some of the biggest party hits and unbelievable special effects.
However, don’t forget to make reservations on the app or in your cruise planner before boarding for the most popular production shows, especially Youtopia and AQUA80Too. Standby lines are available for each show, and more slots open for shows after you board. I was able to snag late-night reservations for all of the shows immediately after boarding, although stressing about the availability was one of my least favorite aspects.
Along with show-stopping entertainment, Utopia of the Seas has nonstop parties and fun from the moment you step onboard. From poolside parties and sailaway parties, Utopia of the Seas brings all the energy. Other parties include the street dance party known as One Hit Wonders Party, the late-night RED: The Ultimate Nightclub Experience, the Royal Kappa Chi college frat party, an immersive ReZolution Dance Party, and the famous Silent Toga Party.
Onboard Thrills, Attractions, and Amenities
Royal Caribbean is best known for its innovative and revolutionary onboard thrills. There are heart-pounding, adrenaline-rushing attractions on Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships that you won’t find elsewhere.
From conquering The Perfect Storm waterslides to riding the waves of a FlowRider surf simulator and soaring above the ship on a zipline, Utopia of the Seas has it all. There is certainly no shortage of adventure onboard.
Utopia of the Seas also offers immersive and interactive attractions, such as the Royal Escape Room and laser tag arena. You can ice skate in Studio B, climb a rock wall with ocean views, or ride a nostalgic carousel in the Boardwalk.
For those wanting a more relaxing cruise experience, Utopia of the Seas has multiple pools, whirlpools, and lounge chairs. The adults-only Solarium is massive and offers a quiet retreat with serene views and a peaceful atmosphere. I spent most of my afternoons here, and I loved being able to relax uninterrupted.
Final Thoughts
Royal Caribbean made an unprecedented move by offering weekend getaway cruises aboard its newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. However, I think the gamble paid off. I loved being able to sail for just a few nights on a brand-new ship rather than settling for a small, old, and dated vessel.
With state-of-the-art amenities, endless dining options, modern technology, thoughtfully designed spaces, and awe-inspiring entertainment, Utopia of the Seas has so much to offer. Families, couples, seniors, and party-goers alike can each find something to love on this floating city. As long as you're prepared for crowds, longer lines, and plenty of steps to navigate the ship, you'll have a wonderful time.
I wouldn't hesitate to sail again on Utopia of the Seas. I've actually booked another 4-night cruise on this same ship for next winter because I loved the experience so much.
Allie Hubers
Allie Hubers has been cruising since she was a tiny toddler. What started as a yearly vacation with family quickly turned into a passion for travel, cruising and adventure. Allie's been on over 45 cruises all over the world. She even studied abroad on Semester at Sea, sailing the world on a ship while taking courses for college and visiting 4 continents.
