Royal Caribbean has officially unveiled another massive cruise ship

A colossal disco ball floated around the outer decks, assisted by drones, while purple and blue confetti showered down on guests, making visibility challenging. In the sweltering 90-degree heat, recording artist Meghan Trainor raised a glass of Champagne to her audience. With that, Trainor, the godmother of Royal Caribbean's latest ship, Utopia of the Seas, named the vessel – the 28th in the fleet, solidifying Royal Caribbean as the cruise line with the most ships in the industry.

The naming ceremony took place in Port Canaveral, Florida, close to Orlando, on Monday at the ship's sunlit outdoor AquaTheater. It commenced with a performance by DJ Ruckus and Rev Run from Run DMC, followed by a showcase from the ship's AquaTheater cast and blessings from local clergy.

"This ship is truly extraordinary," stated Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean's president and CEO. "... featuring eight distinct neighborhoods ... 40 dining options, countless pools and Jacuzzis, and spectacular entertainment ... that's why Utopia of the Seas is deemed the 'World's Biggest Weekend.'"

This title is appropriate, as Utopia of the Seas will concentrate on short sailings – a practice typically reserved for older ships. Recently, Royal Caribbean has started deploying some of its most luxurious vessels for shorter trips, aiming to attract first-time cruisers who may hesitate to embark on a week-long journey.

"It's not merely about size," Bayley remarked regarding the ship, now the second-largest in the world (following Royal Caribbean's newly launched Icon of the Seas). "It's about maximizing every moment in more ways than ever before."

The ship, accommodating 5,668 passengers, is the sixth in the Oasis Class series. Nearly 15 years since its inception, it continues to be Royal Caribbean's most sought-after class. Over time, the line has refined the series to introduce modern amenities, innovative cabin designs, and the latest technology.

New features for the class on Utopia of the Seas include an immersive train-themed dining experience known as Royal Railway Utopia Station, a food truck called Spare Tire, and an indoor tiki bar named Pesky Parrot.

The ship boasts an expanded version of Giovanni's Italian, a dining venue found on select other Oasis Class ships. It now spans two decks instead of one and overlooks an open-air amusement space known as the Boardwalk. Previously, it was located in the garden-like Central Park area, which is also featured on Utopia of the Seas.

Among the venues returning from earlier Oasis Class ships are the Rising Tide Bar, which 'levitates' on hydraulics between the Royal Promenade and Central Park areas; the Boardwalk's carousel and the Ultimate Abyss slide, which spirals down ten decks; and the stunning Ultimate Family Suite, perfect for families with young kids, featuring separate bedrooms, play areas with games, and a slide that lets kids glide from their bedroom to the living room below.

Through at least 2026, Utopia of the Seas is set to provide three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and the Western Caribbean departing from Port Canaveral.