There's a new Royal Caribbean cruise ship joining its fleet.
Measuring 1,188 feet, Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas was delivered today at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France and is on schedule for her maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida to The Bahamas on July 19, 2024.
Delivery of the ship signifies transfer of ownership of a new cruise ship.
The 18-deck cruise ship has a maximum capacity for 5,668 guests and 2,290 crew members. That's a total of up to 7,958 people.
Utopia of the Seas delivered
Executives from Royal Caribbean took delivery of the ship at a ceremony at the shipyard.
Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley and General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique Laurent Castaing hosted Utopia’s first party of many to recognize the achievements of the nautical engineers, designers, architects and more.
"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," said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.
"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."
"With the delivery of Utopia of the Seas, we have the keys to the ultimate weekend," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.
"This is the short vacation that packs every way to make amazing memories in a 3-night weekend or 4-night weekday getaway. 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!"
Utopia is the sixth vessel of the venerable Oasis Class, and is now the second largest cruise ship in the world, measuring 211 feet wide and 1,188 feet long.
She is not as big as Icon of the Seas, which launched earlier this year and is 1,198 feet long, 20 decks high, and weighs 250,800 gross tons. That makes Utopia 10 feet less in height, two decks shorter, and 13,940 gross-tons lighter.
At 236,860 gross registered tons and 1,188 feet long, Utopia of the Seas is slightly larger than Wonder of the Seas, the newest Oasis Class ship at sea that launched in 2022.
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class debuted in 2009 with the introduction of Oasis of the Seas. Since then, the class has grown to include six ships, including Utopia of the Seas.
More than two years of construction took place, with construction of the ship beginning in March 2022, and sea trials taking place in May 2024.
The cruise ship is not scheduled to leave Saint-Nazaire until June 23, 2024.
Utopia of the Seas will be based year-round at Port Canaveral beginning July 2024.
A new market for a new ship
Utopia will be the first new Royal Caribbean ship to enter service with short cruises. Typically, new ships begin with at least 7-night cruises because it tends to be a more lucrative market.
Royal Caribbean's plan is to start with 3- and 4-night sailings designed to attract first-time cruisers who are hesitant to go on a longer sailing as their first cruise.
The idea is offer the very best new cruise ship in the short cruise market to give new cruisers an obvious choice of which ship is best for them to try. Shorter cruises allow passengers to get a taste of the best that Royal Caribbean has to offer without committing to a weeklong cruise.
Combined with a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean thinks it will cement them as a first-time cruiser's dream choice.
Once they fall in love with cruises, Royal Caribbean pushes them to try Icon of the Seas or Wonder of the Seas, which offer 7-night cruises.
What's new and different on Utopia of the Seas
Despite being the sixth in the Oasis Class, you'll find tweaks, additions, and new offerings on Utopia of the Seas.
Utopia will boast five pools, three water slides, 21 dining venues, 23 bars, two casinos, eight hot tubs, and will be the only Oasis-class ship to include two Solarium suites.
The ship will have a brand-new Caribbean-themed bar, Pesky Parrot, in the Royal Promenade. That compliments the expansive Lime & Coconut bar on the pool deck.
Perhaps the most anticipated new feature on Utopia of the Seas is the a new immersive dining experience, Royal Railway - Utopia Station.
You'll feel like you've boarded a classic train car that can transport you to different places around the world and in different eras.
At launch, Royal Railway will offer a trip to the Old West, but more ideas will follow. The restaurant will cost extra, and pricing is not yet known.
Speaking of the pool deck, there will be a new food truck concept added for guests. It will serve up, "handheld favorites"
After enjoying a tropical co*cktail, passengers can make their way to one of the many dining options onboard, whether it's Royal Railway - Utopia Station, the classic Main Dining Room, the two-story Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, or casual Windjammer Marketplace.
There will also be a zipline, laser tag, escape room, and rock wall to climb.
Inaugural sailing is next month
The first sailing of Utopia of the Seas will take place on July 19, 2024, offering a 3-night sailing to The Bahamas.
All of Utopia's sailings include visits to its private island, CocoCay.
Another Oasis Class ship to come
Utopia of the Seas is not the end of the Oasis Class.
Royal Caribbean placed an order for a seventh ship from Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard that is set to launch in 2028.
