What's worth exploring on "The World's Biggest Weekend"?
Utopia of the Seas, just launched this summer, features 18 decks and 2,834 staterooms, with a capacity for 5,668 passengers at double occupancy.
It is the second-largest cruise ship in the world and offers lots for cruisers to experience on short sailings.
The Oasis-Class vessel currently sails three and four-night cruises to the Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Its shorter sailings require cruisers to plan their time carefully, choosing the most important amenities to take advantage of.
Amid two casinos, carousels, multiple pools and whirlpools, surf simulators, rock climbing walls, and more, how can you decide which features to spend time on?
Utopia is home to 22 dining venues and 13 bars and lounges, but there are ten onboard attractions, in particular, that you can't afford to miss.
1. Royal Railway ($)
The Royal Railway: Utopia Station is a must-see attraction, especially if you're looking to splurge on a specialty restaurant.
This venue is the only one of its kind in the entire fleet, so it's worth exploring during a sailing on Utopia of the Seas.
The Royal Railway takes a dinner-and-a-show concept to a new level. It's more like an immersive experience than a simple restaurant.
Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer, called the venue a "storytelling platform."
There's room for multiple stories on the train-car-themed platform, but the vessel currently features a Wild West experience.
The Royal Railway has a flat entrance fee of $74.99 per adult and $24.99 per child. It's also included in the Unlimited Dining Package for a $15 surcharge for adults (no extra cost for kids).
2. Ultimate Abyss
Royal Caribbean's signature dry slide, the recognizable bright purple Ultimate Abyss, is worth trying on Utopia.
While most Oasis Class ships feature the 10-deck slide, Utopia's is 43 feet longer than previous iterations—and is the tallest dry slide at sea.
The Ultimate Abyss spans 259 feet long, offering 10 stories of thrilling drop.
Intrepid guests can queue up to ride a mat down the stainless steel slide.
A glass platform at the launch area shows cruisers just how high the area is—going all the way from the top decks down to the Boardwalk.
A ride down the Ultimate Abyss can reach up to nine miles per hour as it twists and turns!
The Ultimate Abyss is free to ride and has no age limit. However, guests must be at least 44 inches tall and weigh less than 300 pounds.
2. Escape U ($)
Whether or not you're a puzzle aficionado, the escape room on Utopia of the Seas is worth a shot.
Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line to have escape rooms on its ships, and Escape U: Freshman Year is a brand-new concept for the fleet.
For $30 per person, guests join a team to try to escape from the university-themed room.
Groups of 2-12 guests receive 30 minutes to solve various puzzles and figure out where their missing professor has gone.
It's neither too easy nor too hard, and passengers of all ages will enjoy putting their minds to this mystery.
3. Perfect Storm waterslides
The Perfect Storm waterslides on Utopia of the Seas are a thrilling trio of slides designed for guests to have a variety of experiences.
Typhoon is a fast-paced slide with steep drops and rapid turns. Cyclone has another intense ride experience, with tight spirals at a dizzying speed.
Read more: 5 things to know before sailing on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas
Supercell has a giant, swirling bowl that spins guests around before dropping them through the center.
The waterslides are free of charge, but guests must be 48 inches tall to ride.
4. Laser tag
Did you know you can play laser tag on a cruise ship?
Utopia's laser tag takes place in Studio B, which is the ice skating rink that doubles for many other events.
Families and guests of all ages can participate in this fun-filled, fast-paced game.
Each participant receives a lightweight vest with sensors and a harmless laser gun that shoots infrared beams.
Laser tag is free of charge, but you'll want to book a time slot ahead of time using the Royal Caribbean app. Guests must wear close-toed shoes to participate.
5. Aqua80 Too
Aqua80 was such a fan-favorite on Oasis of the Seas that Royal Caribbean decided to debut a sequel on its newest Oasis-Class ship.
Aqua80 Too, Utopia's AquaShow, features a live performance by world-class acrobats, athletes, dancers, and divers, all set to a soundtrack of upbeat, familiar hits from the 1980s.
Whether you attend for the nostalgic 80s music, the awe-inspiring feats of athleticism, or the wonderous light shows, this show has something for everyone.
Among all of Utopia's entertainment, it's one of the must-see performances onboard.
6. FlowRider
The FlowRider is a thrilling surf simulator found on most Royal Caribbean ships.
Powerful jets of water are pumped over its blue vinyl surface to simulate a 40-foot-long wave.
Guests can either bodyboard lying down or stand up surfing on an ocean-like wave of water.
It's an adventurous experience where you can learn to surf on a cruise ship!
The Flowrider area also has lifeguards present and seating all around the pool, so spectators can enjoy the experience.
The FlowRider is free to watch and use, but guests needing extra practice can pay for additional lessons.
7. Izumi Omakase ($)
The chef-led Izumi Omakase is only available on Utopia of the Seas, and it's worth the extra cost.
It's an eight-course communal dining experience.
Read more: Utopia of the Seas restaurant and dining guide
Each course of dinner is paired with a special drink, and both the host and chef will guide you through it in English and Japanese.
The cost is $129.99 per guest, and there is no kids pricing. It is also included in the Unlimited Dining Package with a $59.99 surcharge.
Utopia of the Seas is also the second Royal Caribbean ship to place Izumi Sushi and Hibachi in Central Park (after Icon of the Seas).
