Royal Caribbean International's sixth Oasis-class ship, Utopia of the Seas, will sail short cruises when it debuts next summer.
The 236,857-gross-ton Utopia will begin by sailing three-day weekend and four-day weekday getaways when it launches in July 2024 out of Port Canaveral, slightly later than its originally expected spring debut. The ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas.
"There's incredible opportunity for new business with short Caribbean cruises," said Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean's senior vice president of sales, trade support and service. "The interest for these itineraries has been on the rise for vacationers new to cruising and are ideal for those who want to get away more often but for a shorter period of time."
/Royal-Caribbean-describes-the-Pesky-Parrot-as-a-Ca.jpg?n=8433&tr=w-600%2Ch-340%2Cfo-auto "Royal Caribbean describes the Pesky Parrot as a Caribbean tiki bar serving fruit-based cocktails and frozen drinks.")
Royal Caribbean describes the Pesky Parrot as a Caribbean tiki bar serving fruit-based cocktails and frozen drinks. Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean
The ship will have several new spaces not on other Oasis-class vessels, like a Caribbean tiki bar called the Pesky Parrot. The Ultimate Abyss slide will be on the Utopia but 43 feet longer and with "zoom booster rollers" and transparent racing windows. Royal Caribbean contends it will be the longest dry slide at sea at 259 feet.
The Utopia also will have resort-style and sloping beach entry pools. A food truck and three Lime and Coconut bars will be at the heart of the pool deck.
The ship will also feature a new immersive specialty dining experience that blends technology with the sensation of dining in a train car.
/Giovanni%27s-Italian-Kitchen-%26-Wine-Bar-will-span-tw.jpg?n=9024&tr=w-600%2Ch-340%2Cfo-auto "Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar will span two decks on Utopia of the Seas.")
Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar will span two decks on Utopia of the Seas. Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean
The ship will include several tweaks, including the addition of an Izumi in the Park window that will serve fresh sushi and Japanese-inspired food (the upcoming Icon of the Seas is also getting Izumi in the Park). Another change includes expanding Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar to a two-story space and adding an outside terrace called Gio's Terrazza to overlook the Boardwalk.
The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar, which debuted on Wonder of the Seas, will be on the Utopia.
Two casinos will have 370 slot machines and 30 table games.
Bookings open for Crown and Anchor Society members on June 22 and for everyone else on June 23.