Photo Tour: Highlights of Royal Caribbean's Newest Ship, Utopia of the Seas

Image: Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship, Utopia of the Seas. (Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

by Laurie Baratti
Last updated: 6:30 PM ET, Fri July 19, 2024

Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, makes its official debut on July 19, but we’ve got a sneak peek at what awaits aboard this impressive vessel.

Utopia is the first Oasis Class vessel to be designed and constructed specifically to accommodate short Caribbean getaways—whether it’s three nights on weekends or four nights during the week—all of which boast big “weekend” energy.

It’s designed to provide party vibes and endless entertainment, with five pools, waterparks, slides, rock climbing, live music, shows and other activities, plus more than 40 ways to drink and dine across the ship. And that’s not even counting the waterpark, beaches, pools, zipline, hot air balloon, eateries and bars available when you reach Royal Caribbean’s fan-favorite private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at Coco Cay.?

Ahead, we’ll take a look at some of the most special spaces on board the fabulous new Utopia of the Seas, where the weekend is too big to stay put.?

Boardwalk –inspired by classic seaside boardwalks of the early 20^th century, the open-air Boardwalk neighborhood is your pathway to fun, no ticket required. Located in the aft portion of Deck 6, you’ll find the Boardwalk filled with live music, caricature artists, face-painters, balloon animals, a rock-climbing wall and kids vertical climbing gym. Of course, it’s also filled with delightful eats from the Dog House, Johnny Rockets and Sugar Beach candy shop. Plus, for those who can’t miss a game, the Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade provides almost countless TVs screening all sorts of sporting competitions while also serving up delicious drink and pub-type fare.?

The Boardwalk area aboard Utopia of the Seas.

The Lime and Coconut – This Caribbean-themed outdoor bar dominates the outdoor actions with, not one, but three venues that all sit at the heart of the pool deck action. Jam out to the beats of DJs and live musicians pumping out lively tunes on deck with a refreshing tropical cocktail in hand.?

The Lime and Coconut aboard Utopia of the Seas.

The Spare Tire – This all-new poolside food truck is stocked with tasty quick bites and handheld favorite foods for guests who are famished from having too much outdoor fun. It offers the ultimate grab-and-go solution for those who can’t peel themselves away from the pool.?

The Spare Tire poolside eatery aboard Utopia of the Seas.

The Ultimate Abyss – At ten stories high—43 feet longer than any of its predecessors—The Ultimate Abyss aboard Utopia of the Seas claims the title of longest dry slide at sea. It features speed-boosting rollers and transparent racing windows, to give guests an extra dose of that stomach-dropping feeling.?

FlowRider – This signature surf simulator machine pumps an incredible 30,000 gallons of fast-rushing water to the surface so guests get to experience the thrill of taming a wave or the exhilaration of a bodacious bout of boogie boarding.?

The FlowRider wave simulator aboard Utopia of the Seas.

Rock Climbing Wall – Who says you need to be on dry land to experience the elation of scaling a rockface? Royal Caribbean’s signature rock climbing wall reprises on Utopia of the Seas with two separate 40-foot climbing surfaces, one on either side of the AquaTheater.

Rock Climbing Wall aboard Utopia of the Seas.

Royal Railway—Utopia Station – Taking Royal Caribbean’s “eatertainment” strategy to the next level, this train-on-board-a-cruise-ship concept is Go on a five-course journey through America’s Old West in a train car that rattles and rumbles beneath you while the scenery of a bygone era flashes by outside the “windows”. The ultimate immersive dining experience at sea transports guests in multiple ways, with the venue providing the sensory aspect, actors interacting with diners and culinary creations that complement the storyline.?

The Royal Railway-Utopia Station restaurant aboard Utopia of the Seas.

Pesky Parrot?–?This new type of tiki bar that’s gone Caribbean style is a new-to-brand addition aboard Utopia of the Seas, which has fruit-based concoctions made with rum, tequila and gin, frozen beverages on tap, and more. You’ll find this playfully exotic enclave on the Royal Promenade on Deck 5. There’s even an actual pesky parrot in residence (named Brian, of all things) who’s on hand to either delight guests with his avian antics or mouth off, depending on his mood.?

The Pesky Parrot bar aboard Utopia of the Seas.

Casino Royale?–?Found on Deck 4, the dazzling Casino Royale ups the ante with more than 370 slot machines, nearly 30 table games and more. There’s also a separate, non-smoking casino venue located on the same floor.

The Casino Royale aboard Utopia of the Seas.

AquaTheater – The line’s signature AquaTheater aquatic amphitheater space can be found at the ship’s stern at the end of the Boardwalk. It’s where you’ll find the current original production, Aqua80too!, a sequel to the fan-favorite show Aqua80. Guests go retro and get into the 80s groove as high divers, slackliners, dancers, gymnasts and aerialists perform their death-defying dives, stunning stunts and mesmerizing maneuvers. It’s all choreographed around and inside the deepest pool on the high seas, which features a dynamic hydraulic floor that can raise and drop to accommodate various elements of the performance.?

The open-air AquaTheater aboard Utopia of the Seas.

Royal Theater – This is where you’ll find Utopia of the Seas’ original theatrical productions performed on a high-volume, high-tech proscenium stage. Currently, you can keep an eye out for “All In!”, a dynamic, dancing, singing celebration of history's biggest parties and musical celebrations, from Studio 54 to Burning Man. The performers push their talents to the max for 45 minutes straight, complemented by impressive moving set pieces and high-tech elements, like choreographed lasers and drones.?

The Royal Theater aboard Utopia of the Seas.

Spotlight Karaoke – Channel your inner superstar and steal the spotlight at this inviting venue on Deck 5’s Royal Promenade. You can belt out your solo favorites, share the stage for a duet with your bestie, or sit back and watch others put their vocal talents to the test. Or, book a private karaoke room for your group if you don’t want to risk your fellow guests recognizing you the next day.?

Spotlight Karaoke aboard Utopia of the Seas.

Studio B – Studio B is Utopia’s ice rink, which is sometimes open for guest skating, but is also the performance space for Royal Caribbean’s original on-ice production, Youtopia. Audiences are taken on an odyssey through various visions of utopia, from post-war ideals to fantastical realms, as a cast of incredible ice dancers and figure skaters perform jumps, spin and stunts that will have your jaw on the floor.?

The Studio B skating rink aboard Utopia of the Seas.

Fitness Center – Situated on Deck 6, just behind the Vitality Spa & Salon, this fully equipped onboard fitness center has everything you need for a full and complete workout at sea, with state-of-the-art cardio equipment, like treadmills, bikes, ellipticals and stair-steppers, a full spread of weight machines, free weights, yoga mats and step aerobics platforms. Of course, the gym also offers fitness classes, some included in your fare and others for an additional fee.?

The Fitness Center aboard Utopia of the Seas.

Central Park – This open-air neighborhood is already a well-loved feature aboard other Royal Caribbean ships, where wandering pathways filled with statuary and lush greenery recall New York’s iconic Central Park. Located on Deck 8, it’s home to distinguished specialty restaurants, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi (and its new takeaway window, Izumi in the Park), Park Café, Chops Grille and 150 Central Park, as well as the Trellis Bar and The Collection retail shop.?

The Central Park neighborhood aboard Utopia of the Seas.

The Royal Promenade – As you first step onto the ship, you’re greeted by the multitudinous sights and sounds of the Royal Promenade, which spans Decks 5 and 6. As its name suggests, this is the place to see and be seen; where you can go for a quiet pint at the Bell & Barley pub, grab a slice at Sorrento’s, sing your heart out at Spotlight Karaoke, dance the night away at Bolero’s, peruse the retail shops, plan your next cruise and more. Altogether, you can choose from eight bars and eateries in this area alone.

The Royal Promenade aboard Utopia of the Seas.

Swimming Pools – Two Main Pools and the Beach Pool comprise the larger pool area at the center of the deck. It’s here that you’ll also find The Perfect Storm high-speed waterslides and the Splashaway Bay splash pad for kids. Here, at the heart of the action, you’ll also encounter the three Lime and Coconut bars for frosty drinks and cooling cocktails to help beat the heat and help you chill out. Here, kids can play their hearts out while adults soak in the sun and kick back with some live island tunes that keep the party going all day long. Also around the pool area, you’ll find the Spare Tire, a new poolside food truck with handheld favorite foods, Mexican-inspired street food and drinks at?El?Loco Fresh?and?Cantina Fresca, and Sprinkles for soft-serve ice cream.?

Main Pools and The Perfect Storm waterpark aboard Utopia of the Seas.

Arcade – If you find yourself in need of a place to enjoy the A/C while also keeping the kids entertained, step on into the Arcade, located on Deck 16. This space is loaded with 80s and 90s video game cabinets, as well as some more modern versions. It’s also got those classic arcade games everyone loves, like air hockey, skeeball and electronic hoops so you can square off with friends or family in a friendly competition.?

Social 100 – Also situated on Deck 16, Social 100 is the dedicated teens’ lounge aboard Utopia. It boasts a stylish contemporary vibe and is outfitted with TVs and video game consoles, along with plenty of places to kick back and hang out with new or old friends.

The Social 100 teens' lounge on board Utopia of the Seas.

Solarium Suite – Brand new and available exclusively on board Utopia of the Seas, the Solarium Suite features incredible 280-degree views from high up on the ship’s forward face. You can even bring in the ocean breeze with the push of a button, as one of the floor-to-ceiling windows that flank both the living area and bedroom rolls down. Plus, guests that stay here enjoy Royal Suite Class Star status that unlocks VIP access shipwide, inclusive amenities and unexpected surprises.?

Living area of the Solarium Suite on board Utopia of the Seas.

Ultimate Family Suite – Vacationing with the family (or friends who are as close as family)? You might want to go all out and spring for the Ultimate Family Suite, which accommodates up to 10 guests in three spacious bedrooms—one of which boasts bunk beds for the kids. A two-story slide means you won’t have to walk downstairs, although you might want to, since the steps are piano keys that make music as you step. Tons of fun and relaxation are built-in, with features like a kids’ climbing gym, cinema room, karaoke station and private whirlpool.

Living area of the Ultimate Family Suite aboard Utopia of the Seas.

Ocean View Balcony Cabin – This stateroom affords plenty of luxury in a compact package, with views over the azure waters of the Caribbean and picture-perfect sunsets, a spacious balcony for kicking up your feet in the refreshing breeze, ample bathroom, a king-sized bed and a convertible sofa. Plus, drawer and closet space enough to suit the most notorious overpackers. Alternatively, you can opt for a Boardwalk View Balcony stateroom, which features the same configuration, but overlooking the vibrant outdoor Boardwalk neighborhood.

An Ocean View Balcony stateroom aboard Utopia of the Seas.

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Laurie Baratti

Assistant Editor

Laurie Baratti is an Assistant Editor for TravelPulse. She is a San Diego-based journalist whose work has previously appeared in publications like TravelAge West, SPACE, Modern Home + Living, Montage, and Sandals Life magazines. Travel writing has long been her passion, and she is always looking for excuses to explore the world outside of her native California. Laurie is also a lifelong equestrian, a proud pet-parent, and an underground advocate of the Oxford comma.