This exciting new cruise ship offers an endless celebration, featuring over 40 dining options, bars, and spectacular stage performances.

When I first laid eyes on Utopia of the Seas eight months ago, it was merely an unadorned structure, taking shape at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. At that time, the Royal Caribbean ship resembled a blank slate, cloaked in scaffolding and netting, with splashes of light blue paint dotting the hull.

Upon boarding the 2,834-cabin ship in Florida last week, Utopia of the Seas had transformed into a vibrant spectacle, alive with color and sound, particularly emphasizing music. The rhythm was palpable even before I stepped aboard, as energetic tunes echoed through the festive terminal during check-in, leading me to ask the attendant if she needed earplugs. "I’ll definitely bring them next time," she replied.

Royal Caribbean dubs Utopia of the Seas "the World's Biggest Weekend," offering nonstop festivities on three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, close to Orlando. And party we certainly did during a preview sailing that celebrated the ship's christening by its godmother, Meghan Trainor.

With just three nights to explore the entire ship, it was full steam ahead from the moment I boarded. I made it my mission to visit as many of the 40+ restaurants, bars, and lounges as I could, while also trying to experience the various shows and pop-up parties, from high-energy daytime es to beer pong contests.

Ultimately, it was a futile endeavor. There's simply no way to enjoy all the offerings within such a brief itinerary, and I found myself utterly exhausted from racing between venues. Not to mention the relentless music pouring from the ship's impressive sound systems, all seemingly cranked up to 11 at all times. Meghan Trainor was spot on — it truly is all about that bass on Utopia of the Seas.

Take it from someone who got a bit too ambitious: don’t attempt to do it all. Instead, choose a few activities from the endless daily schedule and let your sailing experience unfold naturally. If there’s one thing I learned during my time on Utopia of the Seas, it’s that two experiences are essential: the Aqua80sToo show and dining at the Royal Railway, a brand-new spot for Royal Caribbean.

To learn more about these fantastic activities and get ready for your own adventure, continue reading my comprehensive review of Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas.

The Staterooms

Utopia offers 20 different cabin categories, from interior staterooms with 'digital windows' displaying live outdoor feeds to spacious suites loaded with amenities. The key question is whether you’ll spend your three- or four-day journey inside your cabin or out exploring the ship. If you plan to simply rest after a day of festivities, a smaller room might suffice. However, if you desire a serene getaway, the Solarium Suite, situated atop the bridge on the ship’s 'wings' with sweeping ocean views, could be a great choice.

Bars and Restaurants

Where to start? With over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges on Utopia, you'll find everything from sushi at Izumi to Italian dishes at Giovanni's, and classic burgers at Johnny Rockets. I didn’t even get the chance to dine in the main dining room, but that's definitely an option that doesn’t require reservations.

For quick bites, you can head to the all-day Windjammer Cafe buffet, enjoy the Mexican-themed Cantina Fresca buffet for lunch and dinner, grab a slice at Sorrento's pizza spot (a late-night favorite), or even visit a poolside food truck.

When it comes to bars, the standout is Pesky Parrot, a tiki bar on the promenade offering a range of on-the-rocks and frozen cocktails. I found most bars onboard to be so loud that conversation required shouting; ironically, the casino bar was one of the quieter spots on the ship, apart from the spa.

One dining venue deserves special attention: Royal Railway, which I covered for T+L in February, is an immersive dinner show that offers a unique experience not found on any other cruise ship today.

The evening kicks off with a ticket delivered to your cabin. As you approach the restaurant for your 'train ride,' your name lights up on a split-flap departure board outside the 'station.' A conductor checks your ticket, and then you’re off to your table in the dining car.

Without revealing too much about the plot of this theme park-style experience, expect an interactive meal that mimics the sensation of riding in a real train car. Performers bring the Wild West-themed setting to life, and Royal Caribbean hints that other themes, such as a Silk Road adventure, may be introduced in the future. I found it to be an engaging dinner-theater experience that is refreshingly different, in a positive way.

Where Utopia of the Seas Sails

The ship's home port is Port Canaveral, Florida, where it offers three- and four-night voyages to the Bahamas. The three-night cruises include a stop at Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, while the four-night itineraries also visit Nassau. You can even combine sailings for a week-long getaway.

Shore Excursions

My only excursion off the ship was to Perfect Day at CocoCay, a private island exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests. This destination features various zones, each with its own atmosphere: a water park designed for families and thrill-seekers, home to the tallest waterslide in North America, Chill Island for beach lounging, and an adults-only Hideaway Beach where the party continues. Guests can also book activities such as snorkeling, Jet Skiing, and swimming with pigs.

Amenities and Entertainment

Like all mega-ships, Utopia boasts nearly every amenity imaginable: pools, water slides, a FlowRider, rock climbing walls, an escape room, laser tag, mini golf — the list goes on. However, I want to highlight the spa, which felt surprisingly basic compared to the ship's extravagant features. I booked a massage to escape the festivities, only to find that Utopia doesn't provide the comprehensive spa experience I've enjoyed on other large vessels. After checking in, I was led to a co-ed waiting area — there was no locker room for slipping into a robe — and then escorted to my treatment room. When I inquired about using the thermal suite post-treatment, I learned I would need to purchase a separate day pass.

Entertainment is a key strength of Royal Caribbean. The shows on Utopia are all relatively brief — under an hour each, leaving ample time to enjoy other activities — but they are grand spectacles featuring impressive sets, costumes, and lighting. The offerings include a vibrant song-and-dance medley (with drones flying overhead) in the main theater, an ice-skating performance, and the spectacular Aqua80sToo, staged in the ship’s AquaTheater.

To say this production left me astounded would be an understatement. Picture yourself at SeaWorld, awaiting the Shamu show, but instead of an orca performing tricks, a group of dynamic aquatic acrobats leaps from the pool while high divers plunge from great heights. And all this unfolds to an incredible ‘80s soundtrack — hello, nostalgia for millennials! The performers' athleticism and artistry were outstanding. (Let’s just say their diving, aerial maneuvers, and dancing had me hyped for the Paris Olympics.) If I were to sail on Utopia again, I’d be reserving a seat for this show every single night.

Throughout the ship, there are smaller yet captivating performances, such as comedy shows in The Attic, a charming pianist in Schooner's, and a rock band in the Music Hall. There's always a show happening; it’s impossible to catch them all.

Family-friendly Offerings

While Royal Caribbean is known for being family-friendly, I believe Utopia is more suited for adults and teenagers than young children. The ship features numerous family-oriented amenities, like the Splashaway Bay waterpark and Adventure Ocean kids' club, but based on the party atmosphere I encountered, I might choose a different ship for travel with younger kids.

Accessibility

Utopia offers 46 accessible cabins across various categories, as per the ship's deck plan. During my cruise, I toured one that featured extra-wide doors, a roll-in shower, a lowered sink, and lowered closet rods, among other ADA-compliant features. Like other Royal Caribbean vessels, Utopia is equipped with portable visual and tactile alert systems that can be used in any cabin. Royal Caribbean also provides an extensive online FAQ about accessibility features and has a dedicated contact center for accessibility inquiries.