With Utopia of the Seas just four months from setting sail out of Port Canaveral, construction appears to be moving along quite nicely.
Photos taken by Pascal Collin Photography reveal that the ship is taking shape. According to his Facebook, he captures his images via drone. Iconic features such as the Ultimate Abyss dry slide and semi-enclosed AquaTheater are clearly visible.
The ship is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. She has yet to undergo any sea trials, which is when certain systems and features are tested that cannot be done when the ship is docked.
Just a few weeks ago, Royal Caribbean announced that construction of the ship is ahead of schedule, so they'll be able to move the inaugural cruise to July 19, up three days from July 22.
Utopia of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's first new build that's initially offering shorter cruises, as newer ships usually conduct longer voyages. Icon of the Seas, for instance, offers 7-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. When Star of the Seas launches in August 2025, she, too, will boast longer itineraries.
In comparison, Utopia will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida on 3- and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas, each scheduled to stop at Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, except a single sailing in May 2025 that'll visit Cozumel, Mexico.
Wonder of the Seas will be joining the short cruise market in September 2025, meaning both of their newest Oasis Class ships will cater to those seeking shorter experiences. Allure of the Seas was the first Oasis vessel to offer shorter cruises, which began in late 2023.
Read more: Royal Caribbean will move Wonder of the Seas to offer short cruises
Even if you've cruised on all five of the Oasis Class ships at sea, there are brand-new experiences onboard Utopia that you won't find on any other ship in the fleet, including Royal Railway - Utopia Station.
This immersive dining experience takes place on a train car. While indulging in a multi-course meal, you're simultaneously "transported" to different places and times, including America's Wild West and other remote destinations across the globe.
They're also expanded on their complimentary fast-casual dining options with the addition of the Spare Tire. This poolside food truck will serve cheeseburger flatbreads, pulled pork sandwiches, daily rotating desserts, and more.
Utopia of the Seas isn't Royal Caribbean's last Oasis Class ship, either. In February, Royal Caribbean Group announced that they placed an order for a seventh Oasis ship from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard.
Delivery is expected in 2028, two years after the third unnamed Icon Class ship sets sail. At the time of writing, the ship name, as well as homeport, have yet to be revealed.
Utopia of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean's plan to become the preeminent choice for a weekend cruise
Onboard Utopia, cruisers will find numerous pools, a surfing simulator, mini-golf course, zip line, kids' aqua park, high-diving spectaculars, ice skating shows, plenty of dining choices, and so much more.
Essentially, the ship will offer the best of what the cruise line has to offer on a vessel that's well above anything else you'll find in the short cruise market. In the past, shorter sailings (i.e., those between 2 and 5 nights) to The Bahamas have been offered on Vision, Radiance, Voyager, and Freedom Class ships, with the newest being Independence of the Seas which launched in 2008.
While you can't go wrong with a Freedom Class ship, the offerings on Oasis Class vessels are truly unparalleled.
Read more: Guide to weekend cruises: Tips for taking a 3-night Royal Caribbean cruise
In addition to a fun-filled ship, every cruise is scheduled to stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's award-winning island in The Bahamas, giving guests even more ways to eat, drink, and play.
From complimentary beaches to paid excursions, including the brand-new adults-only Hideaway Beach, you're able to customize your day at CocoCay to be exactly what you desire. Whether you prefer lounging on white sand beaches or spending the day at the island's waterpark, there are plenty of options to suit everyone's preferences.
Even if you aren't keen on the short cruise market, CocoCay is a popular stop on longer sailings, too.
Read more: I went to CocoCay for the first time, and here's what I'd do differently
