"There will be nothing better on planet Earth": First look at Royal Caribbean's new weekend party cruise ship

In:
29 Apr 2024
By: 
Elizabeth Wright

Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class ship, is only a few short months from setting sail. The ship will make 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas. 

Utopia-Hero-2

As the company's first new build specifically designed for the short cruise market, there's a lot to look forward to, from a lively pool deck to new experiences meant to curate the ultimate party vibe. 

"There will be nothing better on planet Earth than having a phenomenal experience and party vibe onboard Utopia of the Seas," said Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International. 

Sailing onboard Utopia of the Seas will be a vacation experience that truly rivals any other destination on the planet. 

Pesky Parrot is the go-to spot for fruity cocktails 

Pesky Parrot

Whether you're stopping in for a pre-dinner drink en route to the Main Dining Room or settling in for a night of lively conversation, Pesky Parrot will keep you coming back for more. 

In addition to tropical beverages made with rum, tequila, and gin, Pesky Parrot will feature other "surprises" that have yet to be revealed. 

This brand-new, Caribbean-themed bar will take the place of the Bionic Bar in the Royal Promenade. It's central location promises that it'll become a favorite destination for guests onboard. 

Read more: Utopia of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Lime & Coconut will be at the center of all the action

utopia-lime-and-coconut-bar

Royal Caribbean's resort-style pool bar, which will have three locations onboard Utopia of the Seas, is going to keep the party going all day (and night) long. 

"Lime & Coconut is really going to open up the pool deck, and guests are going to be able to use the whole pool deck for their pool parties and their activations at night," said Julie Ansorge, Product Owner, Product Development for Royal Caribbean International. 

"[It] will really provide a space that has that ultimate pool party that the guests are looking for." 

Vue Bar at night

The Vue, which first debuted on Wonder of the Seas, isn't far from the pool deck. This bar is perfect for those who want to enjoy a beverage and soak in all the amazing panoramic views of the ocean. You'll want to visit during sunset at least once! 

Other returning bars and lounges include the fan-favorite Schooner Bar, Music Hall, and the Attic, as well as Boleros, the Latin hot spot for dancing, that will feature an updated menu with new drinks. 

At Bell & Barley, the iconic English-style pub, guests will be able to build their own gin & tonics in addition to ordering one of the traditional favorites. 

Bell-and-Barley-Utopia

Though alcohol is often at the center of every high-spirited party, Royal Caribbean promises that there will be plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to choose from, too, ensuring that Utopia can offer the perfect short getaway for all kinds of travelers. 

When Icon of the Seas launched in January 2024, the first-of-its-kind ship featuring brand new mocktails that Royal Caribbean thinks are worthy of rolling out fleetwide.

Read more: 2024 Royal Caribbean Drink Package Prices, Tips, Pros & Cons

Guests will be able to choose from a variety of specialty dining experiences, including the first-ever immersive train car experience

Royal-Railway-exterior-Utopia

With a total of 21 dining venues onboard, it will be hard, nay impossible, to go hungry. In addition to some returning favorites, Utopia of the Seas will feature the first immersive train car restaurant, Royal Railway. This unique dining experience will combine adventure, food, and technology. 

Throughout the multi-course meal, you'll simultaneously be transported to different places and times, including America's Wild West and other remote destinations across the globe. 

The Mason Jar is another favorite that can be found onboard Utopia of the Seas. It's a "proven success," according to Laura Tchigladze, Senior Manager, Food and Beverage Operations Excellence for Royal Caribbean International. 

Mason Jar entrance

"The bar is packed, [and] you have a live band that is so fantastic it gets you out of your chair. The bar continues to serve the small bites that we know our guests absolutely love. The energy in that space is so exciting."

Serving both brunch and dinner, the Mason Jar is sure to entice passengers at all hours of the day. 

From Meemaw’s Fried Chicken N’ Waffles to delicious Sweet-Tooth Cinnamon Rolls, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Lobster N’ Crawfish, there's something to satisfy all cravings. 

Playmakers entrance

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is one of the more relaxed specialty venues onboard, and it's more than just a spot to watch the latest sporting event. It's the ideal place to reconnect with friends and family over wings, juicy burgers, and more. 

Utopia of the Seas will have two impressive casinos 

Celebrity casino

Onboard, guests can try their luck at nearly 30 table games, as well as over 370 slot machines. Those who are part of Royal Caribbean's Club Royale loyalty program can continue to work their way up the ranks, possibly earning a free cruise! 

Gambling, however, is a risky endeavor, so please gamble responsibly!

Read more: I gambled enough in Royal Caribbean's casino to get free drinks and a cruise

Every sailing is scheduled to call on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island in The Bahamas

CocoCay aerial with balloon in view

"There is no better option for a quick getaway than the combination of Utopia of the Seas plus Perfect Day at CocoCay," said Claudia Diaz-Gonzalez, Associate Vice President, Product Development for Royal Caribbean International. 

In addition to everything exciting onboard, guests can continue the party ashore. Whether you want to hang out at the complimentary Oasis Lagoon pool, settle into some comfortable lounge chairs on the beach, ride the tallest water slide in North America at Thrill Waterpark, or splurge on the adults-only Hideaway Beach or Coco Beach Club, you're able to truly make your day at CocoCay, well, perfect! 

"When you combine Utopia with Perfect Day, there will be no vacation like it, and our intention is that people have such an incredible time that they'll come back again and again," said Bayley.

Read more: Hideaway Beach at CocoCay: cost, tips & review


Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer. 

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