Discover the train that can board a cruise ship: Everything you need to know about Royal Railway — Utopia Station

As I arrived at the "platform" of Royal Railway — Utopia Station, I was filled with anticipation. The immersive Wild West dinner show had just launched on Royal Caribbean's latest ship, Utopia of the Seas. Unsure of what awaited me on the platform or inside the train car, I was eager to experience Royal's newest culinary entertainment venture, often referred to as "eatertainment."

My adventure began on a dimly lit train platform adorned with a prominent "Wanted" poster on an LED screen, showcasing the infamous Yates triplets bandits. A pile of luggage ready to be loaded onto the train added to the authenticity of the setting. Two elegant green train cars with gold accents awaited us, promising an unparalleled dining experience on the Royal Caribbean fleet.

After a brief wait of about 10 minutes, we presented our tickets to board our designated train car. The tickets included numbers that matched the table numbers displayed above each window in the train. With the conductor's call of "All aboard!" we set off on our Wild West journey.

What is the Royal Railway — Utopia Station immersive dining venue really like? Keep reading to uncover the details of my dinner experience aboard the Royal Railway's Wild West train car.

The Royal Railway pre-show experience

The "show" for my dining experience at Royal Railway kicked off even before I set foot on the train platform. After spending a few hours exploring Utopia of the Seas, I returned to my cabin to prepare for the evening. There, instead of the usual Royal Caribbean dining invitation, I found a train ticket along with a telegram filled with all the essential details I needed to know before heading to Utopia Station.

I also spotted the message light on my cabin phone flashing. I initially thought it was just a welcome aboard notification. To my surprise, the voicemail was a recording reminding me of my dinner reservation at Royal Railway. It was delivered by the train's "head engineer," who spoke in a charming Western accent. He shared some intriguing storytelling elements and cautioned me about a Wild West gang that might be nearby. This message truly set the stage for my 6 p.m. reservation.

The telegram advised me to arrive at Royal Railway — Utopia Station about 20 minutes in advance. Since the venue is located toward the back of the ship, I left my cabin at the front at 5:30 p.m. to ensure I had ample time to reach it. The station is situated on Deck 4, nestled between Casino Royale and one of the main dining areas.

In the lobby area at the landing between the stairwells, there was an old-fashioned train station departure flipboard. It showcased family names along with their table numbers, then flipped to reveal the message "Welcome to Royal Railway Utopia Station." Seeing my last name displayed was a delight. It also made for a fantastic photo opportunity while we waited to board.

After taking a few photos in the lobby, the staff invited diners to the train platform and offered a cherry-flavored welcome drink. Although I'm not particularly fond of cherry-flavored items, I adored the glass flask the drink was served in, which perfectly complemented the Wild West theme. Moments later, we heard the conductor call, "All aboard!" I showed my ticket and located my table.

The Royal Railway train and entertainment experience

The Utopia of the Seas train restaurant features two train cars, each accommodating 24 seats. With only 48 guests allowed for each time slot, it creates an intimate and engaging dining atmosphere. Boarding is organized by ticket type, with passengers for the first train car boarding first, followed by those assigned to the second. The seating process was straightforward, and everyone in my car found their tables within just a few minutes.

The train cars are styled to resemble those from the late 1800s or early 1900s, featuring cozy booths that can seat two or four people per table. The ambiance is enhanced by warm lighting from wall sconces, and the windows display digital projections of the train traveling through Western landscapes. The clarity of these images is so remarkable that if you let your imagination run wild, it feels as though you're gazing out at a real-world scenery from a genuine train.

Fun fact: Although all the images visible through the windows are digital, the Royal Caribbean concept team filmed actual Western landscapes for inspiration. One of those scenes was even part of the set for the award-winning film "Oppenheimer."

At exactly 6 p.m., the train "departed" from the station. My seat vibrated, and I felt a gentle jolt as the train began to move. Throughout our virtual journey, there was a subtle sound of wheels on the tracks in the background, even as light music played and the show unfolded.

The performers and crew who bring the show to life are truly the stars of Royal Railway — Utopia Station. Once the train departed, the conductor briefed us, cautioning us to be on the lookout for the Yates Triplets, the bandits featured on the poster at the station. Sure enough, the sisters joined us on the train shortly after we placed our dinner orders. The conductor made it clear that the staff needed our assistance to keep the sisters away from a locked box containing a priceless artifact.

Without revealing too much of the plot, I can say the show is family-friendly, featuring a storyline that entertains both adults and children. Adults will appreciate the witty humor, while kids will be thrilled by the action happening right before their eyes.

Speaking of humor, pay close attention when the telegrams are read onboard. These notes include humorous anecdotes aimed at the passengers, enhancing the experience of being on a train that picks up telegrams along its route, just as it would have in the Wild West. If you’re fortunate enough to receive a telegram, you can take it home as a keepsake.

The entire experience, from settling into the train car to departing after the meal, lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Beverages on Royal Railway — Utopia Station

One of the highlights of my Wild West-themed dinner was the drinks. While the welcome beverage served on the train platform was complimentary, additional cocktails and soft drinks came at an extra cost. The cocktail menu featured several themed options. My personal favorite was the 49er, a delightful twist on a margarita made with tropical paw-paw liquor, mezcal, agave, and lime.

My dining companion chose the sarsaparilla Old-Fashioned, and I couldn't help but feel envious. This drink mixed Woodford Reserve bourbon, sarsaparilla syrup, root beer bitters, and a sweet vanilla foam.

The cocktail menu also included a Pisco sour, a beloved drink from Peru and Chile. I'm not entirely sure how it aligns with the Wild West theme, but it was delicious and brought back memories of an evening I enjoyed in Peru after hiking Machu Picchu.

Nonalcoholic beverages are also offered. You can choose from Abita root beer, cherry cola, strawberry lemonade, and Shirley gingers. The last option is a playful twist on the classic Shirley Temple, substituting lemon-lime soda with ginger beer or ginger ale.

Royal Railway — Utopia Station menu

As with everything on Royal Railway — Utopia Station, the food and its presentation are thoughtfully themed. Our meal began with a selection of appetizers, including corn chowder, chicken nuggets (which were more like upscale chicken strips), and a trio of empanadas. I chose the empanadas, served in a charming picnic-style basket. The dish featured six empanadas: two each of Cajun chicken, barbecue pulled pork, and a veggie option. The Cajun chicken was my favorite, as the filling was moist and had a nice kick.

Each table also received a loaded "Outlaw Bread Cart," designed to look like a miniature Western wagon. The bread service included blue cheese pretzels, wild rice and cranberry rolls, fruit and nut bread, and assorted crackers. Accompanying this was a duo of spreads: a creamy pimento dip and a sweet and savory caramelized onion butter. The pimento dip was my favorite; it was light and airy, almost whipped in texture. It paired wonderfully with the wild rice and cranberry roll I took from the basket.

The Royal Railway menu offers five entrees, including lobster salad, baked trout, and roasted chicken. The braised short ribs caught my attention the most, so I decided to order them. My dish came accompanied by a twice-baked potato, baby vegetables, and a bean medley. Just as I was about to dig in, our waiter intervened to pour bourbon au jus over my short ribs at the table. The au jus was incredibly rich and enhanced an already delicious dish.

As the show continued to unfold around us, dessert was served. The adult dessert menu presented two options: the Royal Railway Cigar and the Denver Gold Bar. I chose the cigar. When my server delivered the dessert, they made a humorous remark about there being no smoking onboard, which was amusing since the dessert looked like a lit cigar.

This dessert featured a hand-rolled chocolate cigar shell filled with sweet cream, elegantly presented on a bed of cookie crumb "ashes." A house-made dulce de leche ice cream, encased in a chocolate shell, paired beautifully with the chocolate cigar. The plate was also adorned with an edible star-shaped gold badge.

There’s a dedicated kid's menu that includes a fresh fruit appetizer, a choice of chicken enchiladas, beef sliders, or chicken nuggets for the main course, and a train-themed ice cream dessert.

Royal Railway reservations and pricing

You can secure reservations for Royal Railway — Utopia Station in advance via the Royal Caribbean app. The starting prices for the Wild West show are $24.99 for children and $74.99 for adults. If you have a dining package, adults receive a $15 discount, and kids are included in the price. Each reservation also includes a welcome drink, an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert. Cocktails are priced at $14, while soft drinks and nonalcoholic beverages range from $0 to $7. Reservations are essential due to the limited capacity for each dining time.

Royal Caribbean has announced that more shows and dining experiences are on the way for Royal Railway. The next offering is an adult-oriented dinner inspired by Marco Polo's journeys, titled Silk Route. As of now, the launch date and pricing for Silk Route have yet to be revealed. Additionally, Royal Caribbean executives have hinted that the Royal Railway will feature special events like wine and whiskey tastings during the day.

Final thoughts

For those looking to try something unique on Utopia of the Seas, Royal Railway — Utopia Station is a must-visit for food lovers and entertainment enthusiasts alike. This immersive dinner-and-a-show experience offers a delightful, family-friendly meal where both adults and children can enjoy the performance as well as the cuisine.

The attention to detail, even before stepping onto the train platform, is unparalleled compared to other offerings from Royal Caribbean. The dining experience feels truly magical, and the authenticity of the train setting is astonishing. I believe the 90-minute experience is worth the investment, especially for cruisers with a dining package that provides discounts for adults and includes meals for kids. Just make sure to arrive hungry and ready for a fantastic time.