The countdown to the debut of Royal Caribbean International’s latest Oasis Class ship is on. RCI recently took delivery of the Utopia of the Seas at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France after more than two years of construction on the vessel.
To celebrate the occasion, more than 1,600 crew members and workers joined Royal Caribbean Group President Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean International President Michael Bayley and Chantiers de l’Atlantique General Manager Laurent Castaing at the ship’s AquaTheater, one of the ocean liner’s major features.
Less than five weeks from its debut voyage, the Utopia of the Seas will now sail to the US to ready for its maiden sailing on 19 July from Port Canaveral, Florida.
The Utopia has been built with short getaways in mind. It will offer three-night weekend and four-night weekday getaways, boasting over 40 dining and entertainment options, numerous pools and access to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas.
Designed for different moods, Utopia of the Seas will offer five pools, including resort-style and beach-entry pools, three Lime & Coconut bars and the new poolside food truck, Spare Tire. For a quieter experience, there’s an adults-only Solarium pool and an exclusive Suite Sun Deck.
For thrill-seekers, the ship boasts the Ultimate Abyss, the longest dry slide at sea at 259 feet, with new zoom booster rollers and transparent racing windows.
Other attractions include the FlowRider surf simulator, a 10-story zip line, twin rock climbing walls, Utopia Playscape for children, with slides, climbing walls and games, and the kids’ aqua park Splashaway Bay.
When it comes to cuisine, Utopia Station’s Royal Railway will offer a unique dining experience that combines food and technology to transport guests to different times and places.
In addition, Izumi in the Park will debut on the Oasis Class, with sushi and Japanese-inspired street food.
Elsewhere, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar will span two stories with the first Gio’s Terrazza overlooking the Boardwalk, while the Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar will serve up Southern American fare with live country music.
Those looking for tropical cocktails can hit the new Caribbean tiki bar, Pesky Parrot.
Meanwhile, live music and entertainment are available day and night, with musicians and DJs playing various genres.
RCI’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, features the adults-only Hideaway Beach with private beach, pools and a live DJ. It also offers 14 waterslides and the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean.
“Taking delivery of Utopia of the Seas is an incredibly important milestone, as it marks yet another evolution of our game-changing ships and our mission to create the best vacation experiences responsibly,” Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty said.
“From the ultimate multigenerational vacation on this year’s earlier debut of Icon of the Seas to now the ultimate weekend getaway on Utopia of the Seas, we are laser-focused on delivering a variety of vacation options and priceless memories for our guests.”
Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said the cruise line now has “the keys to the ultimate weekend” following the delivery of the new vessel.
“This is the short vacation that packs every way to make amazing memories in a 3-night weekend or 4-night weekday getaway,” he remarked.
“Vacationers want every minute to be a minute well spent, and the unmatched combination of Utopia and Perfect Day at CocoCay will deliver that. We are proud and excited to soon debut Utopia in a big way.”
RCI unveiled its plans for Utopia of the Seas in June 2023. Dubbed the ‘World’s Biggest Weekend’, the Utopia allows holidaymakers to set sail on Fridays or Mondays.
