Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class ship is now available for booking. 

The 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral onboard Utopia of the Seas can be booked through Royal Caribbean's website, with the first sailing in July 2024. The current bookings are open through April 2025. 

Utopia of the Seas will sail year-round from Port Canaveral, with every sailing visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line's private island destination in The Bahamas. 

The inaugural sailing is listed as July 22, 2024 and is a 4-night cruise that sails to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Pricing starts at $1,112 per person for an interior stateroom, $1,152 for an ocean view stateroom, $1,217 for a balcony stateroom, and $2,686 for a suite. 

The next sailing is July 26, 2024 and is a 3-night cruise to The Bahamas, with an interior cabin starting at $802 per person. 

The ship, which is larger than older Oasis Class vessels, will measure 236,860 gross registered tons and 1,188 ft. in length. This means that she will be slightly larger than the current largest cruise ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas. 

Additionally, Utopia of the Seas will have a capacity of 5,668 passengers at double occupancy. 

Here's what to look forward to on Utopia of the Seas

Brand-new dining venues and bars

There are some Royal Caribbean staples found onboard every ship in the fleet, such as Chops Grille and Schooner Bar. At the same time, Royal Caribbean strives to provide passengers with new experiences to keep them wanting to come back time and time again.

Utopia of the Seas is no exception.

Onboard, you will find some bars and restaurants that, when launched, will not be available on any other Royal Caribbean ship, including the brand-new Pesky Parrot bar in the Royal Promenade.  

This venue is a new-to-brand Caribbean tiki bar that will serve tropical beverages, both frozen and on the rocks, and take the place of the Bionic Bar. 

Likewise, Utopia of the Seas will be the first ship to have the immersive train car dining experience. While little is known about this specialty dining venue, it further the brand's goal to move towards new food and beverage concepts to differentiate restaurants from being just another place for dinner.

Read more: Royal Caribbean will add new immersive dining experience to Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas will also be the only Oasis Class ship to have Izumi located in Central Park, meaning that you will be able to indulge in fresh sushi al fresco while listening to live music under the stars.

Plus, for those in a hurry, you can take advantage of Izumi in the Park, which is a grab-and-go window that will also serve fun sweet treats. Note that Icon of the Seas will also have the same concept when she launches in January 2024. 

Up on the pool deck, guests will find three complimentary dining options, including the brand-new poolside food truck, to grab a bite to eat at after enjoying one of the five pools, eight hot tubs, or three water slides. Plus, there will be a three-story Lime and Coconut bar. 

New staterooms

There will be 2,834 staterooms onboard Utopia of the Seas to choose from, including the standard interior, ocean view, and balcony cabins. Some interior cabins, however, will be designed a little bit differently. In addition to the traditional rectangular shape, select inside staterooms on Utopia of the Seas will be in a square layout, meaning that they will have more floor space. 

There will also be new suites. The Solarium Suites will be located on Deck 14 above each bridge wing, and according to Royal Caribbean, they will be similar to the Ultimate Panoramic Suites that are found on Oasis of the Seas and offer guests 280 degree views of the ocean from the large living space. While they will not include a private balcony, they will incorporate the infinite balcony concept that will be new to the brand on Icon of the Seas. 

Moreover, the cruise line is introducing the Sky Junior Suite. Unlike traditional Junior Suites, these staterooms will be located within the suite neighborhood and receive Sky Class benefits. On other Oasis Class ships, standard Junior Suites are in the Sea Class.

This means that you will receive an even more enhanced cruising experience, with perks such as complimentary wi-fi, all-day dining in Coastal Kitchen, and access to the exclusive suites-only deck. 

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class

And while not new, you will be able to book the impressive Ultimate Family Suite, which will have three bedrooms, expansive corner balcony, an in-suite cinema, table tennis, and two-story slide. The Royal Loft Suite will be receiving some upgrades, too, such as the brand-new outdoor shower and spa tub in the primary bathroom. 

Return of the neighborhood concept

Fans of Oasis Class ships know that Royal Caribbean invented the neighborhood concept when Oasis of the Seas launched in 2009. Essentially, they divided the ship into distinct areas that offer guests different atmospheres. What you will find, for instance, in the Royal Promenade will differ from the Boardwalk, Central Park, and Pool and Sports Zone. 

The same neighborhoods will be found onboard Utopia of the Seas, including the Suite neighborhood that debuted on Wonder of the Seas:

• The Royal Promenade 
• Pool and Sports Zone
• The Boardwalk, which will be the ending point of the longest dry slide at sea
• Central Park

• Vitality Spa & Fitness
• Youth Zone
• Suite Neighborhood 
• Entertainment Place

Utopia of the Seas construction 

Utopia of the Seas is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. It has been a little over a year since construction began in April 2022. 

Unless Royal Caribbean decides to order another Oasis Class ship, this will be the last ship constructed for this class. It appears as though the cruise line is pivoting towards focusing on the upcoming Icon Class, which is their first new class of ship since Quantum of the Seas launched in 2014. 

Related: All about Quantum Class ships

Royal Caribbean ships are known for having some of the most thrilling activities at sea, including zip lines, surfing and skydiving simulators, ice skating rinks, bumper cars, and more. 

However, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean's sister cruise line, is more upscale and offers guests a more refined cruising experience than you would find onboard a Royal Caribbean ship.

Plus, they now offer the ability to bundle your initial cruise fare to make it more inclusive, meaning that you will not have to worry about adding each cruise-add on after booking. Currently, the All Included rate only includes gratuities, Wi-Fi, and Classic Drinks Package. They advertise that this saves you anywhere from $200 to $800. 

Celebrity Cruises was originally founded by the Chandris Group in Greece in 1988 and was acquired by Royal Caribbean Group in 1997, meaning that the two brands have shared the same holding company for over twenty years!

And while the two brands may have the same parent company, there are some things that you will not find onboard any Celebrity cruise ship in the fleet. 

Smoking in the casino

Regardless of which ship you sail on, smoking is not permitted in the casino onboard any Celebrity ship. 

As a reminder, smoking is not allowed in the cabins either, even if you have a balcony. If you are caught violating their smoking policy, a $250 cleaning fee will be charged to your onboard account. 

It is, of course, permitted in designated outdoor areas. There are identifiable by signage. Plus, ashtrays will be available for smoking use. 

A teppanyaki restaurant

Izumi Hibachi is available onboard select Royal Caribbean ships. Here, passengers may elect to pay extra for this teppanyaki specialty dining experience. The price is usually somewhere around $50 if purchased in advance via the Cruise Planner for dinner. 

There is not a teppanyaki restaurant onboard Celebrity ships. They do, however, have sushi restaurants. Like Izumi, dining here is not included in the cost of your cruise fare. The a la carte pricing ranges anywhere from $4 for edamame to around $10 per roll. 

Plus, they have other specialty restaurants to choose from, so you will not go hungry or be without options!

Onboard thrills

One of the biggest differences between and Celebrity cruise and a Royal Caribbean cruise is that you will not find any WOW factor thrills onboard Celebrity ships. They lack water slides, rock walls, any kind of ice or roller skating rink, etc. This contributes to the more upscale environment. 

If you have children who like staying active and bouncing from activity to activity, this is something you should consider. They may not enjoy spending a week onboard a ship without those kinds of things to keep them occupied. 

They do have youth programming called Camp at Sea, though! They offer complimentary activities for children  ranging from three-years-old to seventeen -- think of things like games, arts and crafts, video game and sports tournaments, and even slumber parties!

If you drop your children off outside of the complimentary hours (i.e.,  9:00am to 12:00pm, 2:00 to 5:00pm, and 7:00 to 10:00pm), you will be subject to paying an additional $6 per hour per child. 

Private islands

Visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay is a must for many cruisers sailing to the Caribbean or Bahamas. It certainly lives up to the WOW factors that their ships deliver, as you will find a water park, zip line, exclusive beach club, and even hot air balloon on the island. 

In other words, you can make your day whatever you want it to be. Of course, not all activities are included in the cost of a Royal Caribbean cruise, which is something to be mindful of when planning your cruise budget. The water park, for instance, usually costs over $100 per person, as does the Coco Beach Club.

It is important to note that Celebrity ships do not visit Perfect Day at CocoCay. In fact, they do not have a private island of their own! 

While Labadee, Haiti is also a private destination owned by Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity ships are going to stop sailing here in 2024. Per their website, "Please Note: While we don't currently sail to Labadee Haiti you can still discover the beauty of the Caribbean on a Southern Caribbean Cruise."

Are you a fan of short cruises? You're about to get that option on a new Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean announced that its newest Oasis-class ship, Utopia of the Seas, will sail short cruises year-round from Port Canaveral in summer 2024.

This is a significant change in Royal Caribbean's launch of a new ship. Typically, new Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer 7-night cruises, with older ships offering short weekend cruises.

Utopia will break away from that model and begin sailing with short cruises, which could be a pivot aimed at attracting new cruisers who want a shorter first sailing.

This means every sailing will visit Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay, which the cruise line thinks will add a great deal of value for guests by including one of the most popular Caribbean ports of call that Royal Caribbean has at the moment.

The trips will also bring stops in Nassau in the Bahamas. 

Allure of the Seas will begin the trend of offering short cruises on on Oasis Class ship when she starts up those offerings in November 2023.

Utopia opens for bookings on Royal Caribbean’s website as soon as Friday, June 23. Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members can book on Thursday, June 22. In practice, it has been our experience there is no difference between these dates as to when you can book if you use a travel agent.

What's different about Utopia of the Seas

Being the sixth Oasis Class cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas will have a few notable differences from her sister Oasis Class ships.

Utopia will have 5 pools, 3 water slides, 21 dining venues, 23 bars, 2 casinos, and 8 hot tubs.

Utopia of the Seas will be different from any other Oasis Class ship, including Wonder of the Seas, in that she will feature the brand-new Pesky Parrot bar. This will be located in the Royal Promenade on Deck 5, effectively replacing Bionic Bar. 

The Pesky Parrot is a new bar with a Caribbean flair. You'll find fruit-based beverages made with rum, tequila and gin.

The Mason Jar will return on Utopia of the Seas.  Mason Jar was a new Southern American restaurant concept that first debuted on Wonder of the Seas.

In fact, Utopia has much more in common with Wonder than other Oasis Class ships.

Utopia will have the Vue Bar, Playscape for kids, one FlowRider, El Loco Fresh, and an expansive suite deck.

Likewise, guests will not find Izumi on Deck 4. Rather, this is where the Immersive Train Dining Experience will be located. 

Drawing inspiration from the allure of classic trains and their iconic dining cars, this new specialty restaurant will allow guests to dine in a restaurant that looks like a classic train car, complete with sights and sounds that are meant to immerse you in this fantasy.

Royal Caribbean is calling it an "immersive experience" because it combines visuals and food together.

Related: Royal Caribbean will add new immersive dining experience to Utopia of the Seas

Do not worry, sushi lovers! Fan-favorite Izumi will still be available on Utopia of the Seas.

The dining venue will be located on Deck 8 and will replace where Wonder of the Seas has Giovanni's Wine Bar and Kitchen. Moreover, the brand-new Izumi in the Park concept will be here, too. 

Izumi will have double the teppanyaki tables and new al fresco seating.

Izumi in the Park is a new option that Royal Caribbean initially developed for Icon of the Seas, and it will continue with Utopia.

Wonderland, however, is being removed from the ship. Royal Caribbean is moving Giovanni's Wine Bar and Kitchen to Deck 11 and 12, replacing the imaginative restaurant. 

Now spanning two stories, this restaurant has been reworked and has a new outside terrace – Gio’s Terrazza – that overlooks the signature Boardwalk.

Related: I spent $60 to eat at Royal Caribbean’s most bizarre restaurant. I thought I would hate it, but it was one of the best meals of my cruise

Other dining favorites will return on Utopia, such as Chops Grille, Hooked Seafood and 150 Central Park.

Utopia of the Seas will also be the only Oasis Class ship to feature two Solarium Suites, which will be found on Deck 14 above each bridge wing (i.e., one suite on the port side of the ship and one on the starboard side).

According to Royal Caribbean, these staterooms will be similar to the Ultimate Panoramic Suites that are found on Oasis of the Seas.

The Royal Loft Suite has a master loft and a downstairs bedroom that can accommodate up to 6 guests.

And Utopia will also have its own Ultimate Family Suite, which has three bedrooms, an in-suite cinema, corner balcony, table tennis, and two-story slide.

Deck 15 will feature a Poolside Food Truck, giving guests lounging by the pool another quick-service dining option.  

Finally, Sprinkles ice cream station will be bigger than ever, with three flavors to choose from and a new sprinkles bar.

Coming in 2024

Utopia of the Seas is finalizing the construction process before she can begin sailing in 2024.

The new ship is under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. 

Utopia of the Seas is the sixth Oasis Class cruise ship, and will be the second new cruise ship Royal Caribbean launches in 2024.  Icon of the Seas will debut in January 2024.

Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship has made it out to sea.

Icon of the Seas left her pier at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland to commence her sea trials.

Icon of the Seas will be conducting week-long series of sea trials where the ship's maneuvering and onboard technology are tested in real-life conditions.

There are over 450 specialists on the ship to carry out crucial, preliminary tests with Icon’s main engines, hull, lifeboats, thrusters and more.

This is the first sea trial for Icon, and this round will prepare the vessel for the second round of sea trials later this year. That is when Royal Caribbean says the ship will be, "pushed to its limits".

Before you pack your bags, there's still quite a bit of time left before she is ready to take on passengers.

Icon still needs plenty of work and fine tuning, and she's not slated to have her first cruise with paying passengers until January 2024.

On a webinar last week, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley talked about the excitement building now for Icon, "I think for all of the teams who've been involved in Icon for the past five years, the excitement level is beginning to really increase. You can feel it."

The shipyard is equally excited for the sea trials beginning, "We are once again very happy that we get to celebrate yet another significant achievement, as Icon leaves the outfitting pier for the first time, and continues her journey through the Turku archipelago towards the sea."

Not only is Icon of the Seas a new ship, but it it's a new direction for what a cruise ship can offer families on a vacation.

The ship is packed with just about everything Royal Caribbean thinks families will want on their trip.

There's a water park, more pools than ever, lots of new dining choices, adult-only spaces, an entire neighborhood for kids and more superlatives than you can associate with a cruise ship.

What are sea trials?

Sea trials are tests of a cruise ship's navigational and technical systems, which are the final part of cruise ship construction prior to delivery.

Everything from the ship's propulsion, to navigation, to engines are tested before it can be ready to join the fleet.

Sea trials range in duration, sometimes one or two sessions is common.

The sea trials are conducted with a combination of Royal Caribbean crew members, as well as shipyard workers. 

Happy Sunday! I would like to wish all the dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day! Hope you get to have a relaxing and fun-filled day with your family!

Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean is poised to release more information on Utopia of the Seas.

The cruise line has not yet announced where Utopia will sail from, her itineraries, or any other details. But that will change next week.

Royal Caribbean posted a countdown teasing a release of information to be posted on June 20.

Royal Caribbean News

• Celebrity Cruises released details about its biggest ship yet: Celebrity Ascent
• World's biggest YouTuber takes over Royal Caribbean cruise ship
• Royal Caribbean hires Bahamian business leader for head of new Bahamas beach club
• The Ultimate Family Townhouse is sold out for 2024 and costs $80,000 per week
• How can you win that Royal Up stateroom upgrade bid? It's pure luck
• 10 Reasons people leave their cruise ship vacation disappointed
• How to beat the crowds on your cruise ship

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 502nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available with small tweaks to how you cruise.

By doing things slightly differently, you can get a better overall cruise experience. Try these tips on your next sailing.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

New RCB Video: 15 ways board your cruise ship faster!

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Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 15 ways board your cruise ship faster! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Icon of the Seas will begin her sea trials this weekend

Icon of the Seas is approaching the next step on her journey towards completion.

Icon will depart from the Turku shipyard for the first time ever during the weekend.

Sea trials are when the ship's engines and systems are powered on to evaluate its performance.

Things you'll notice when cruising on the newest cruise ship

Sailing on a new cruise ship vs an old ship there are certain nuances you can expect.

New cruise ships have much more modern aesthetics, along with other advantages.  But they also come with a higher price tag.

If you've only sailed on older ships, or are simply curious what makes a new ship different from an older ship, here's a rundown of what to expect.

10 ways I saved money on my Alaska cruise

Given how expensive excursions are in Alaska, it’s easy to break the budget on an Alaska cruise.

From exploring ports without shore excursions to taking advantage of onboard discounts, it's easy to save money on my Alaska cruise without feeling like you're missing out.

Check out our list of 10 easy ways to save money on an Alaska cruise.

Pros and Cons of booking a cruise early vs last-minute

What are the best reasons to book a cruise super early or at the very last minute?

Both options offer have their benefits, whether saving money by booking far in advance or coming across a last-minute cruise deal.

We've got a look at the pros and cons of booking your cruise late and early to help determine which option works best for you.

Royal Caribbean's stateroom bidding upgrade program is quite popular because it offers the opportunity to get a bigger (and arguably better) cabin for less than if you booked it outright.  But how can you increase your chances to actually win the upgrade?

Among the frequently asked Royal Caribbean cruise questions we get on this site, how to win a Royal Up bid is among the top queries.

At some point before your cruise, you should get an email from Royal Caribbean alerting you to the option to bid for a room upgrade. Depending on which category of room you have booked, there is usually a variety of bigger and more opulent cabin choices to consider.

The allure of getting a nicer stateroom for a fraction of the normal cost tantalizes many guests, and the obvious next question is how to increase the chances of actually winning a Royal Up bid.

How RoyalUp works

When you get the email, you have the option of entering a Royal Up bid yourself or through your travel agent.

This program is similar to a silent auction, where the cruise line sets a minimum bid, and you can go up in price from there.

Any submitted offer is for the entire stay and applies to the first two people on the reservation. If your reservation includes multiple guests (between 2 and 5 passengers), the offer amount submitted will be per guest but only for the first and second guest on the reservation.

As an example, a $500 stateroom upgrade bid (if accepted) would result in a $1,000 charge.

When considering a bid amount, the website rates your bid, although it seems to universally increase your chance tied to the dollar amount. As you might imagine, it will make you think a higher bid is a better bid.

In reality, you have no idea what anyone else bid.  So there is absolutely no way to know how competitive your bid truly is, and whom you are competing against.

Unlike an auction on eBay where you can see the top bid so far, there's no such way with Royal Up.

It's important to remember that Royal Up is a mechanism for the cruise line to sell unsold cruise ship cabins, especially if there's a last minute cancellation.

The most important fact to realize about Royal Up is just because you get a bidding opportunity does not mean there is a cabin available to upgrade to.

While upgrading to unsold cabins is one part of the process, it seems more common for Royal Caribbean to leverage bids when someone cancels a reservation close to the sail date.

In short, RoyalUp is kind of a "black box" where guests don't have any insight into the logic of how winning bids are selected.  In addition, there's no indication when a bid will be selected. It's possible your bid could be active all the way until your ship departs.

It's all luck

In trying to answer the question of how to increase your chances of winning a Royal Up bid, the answer is simply luck.

In my experience trying out RoyalUp myself and talking with many other cruise fans, it's quite clear that there is no consistent strategy to actually winning a bid.

If you're in an inside room and trying to bid to a cabin category that has a lot of availability and less demand, such as an oceanview or balcony, your chances are probably a bit higher at winning a bid since there's more inventory of those types of cabins.

Suites, on the other hand, are tough to win because everyone on the ship dreams of moving up to a suite.  Combine that with the limited suite inventory, and you have a rather low chance at winning.

In comparing winning bids shared by past cruisers, there's even less consistency as to which strategy works best. There are winning bids for a minimum bid amount, as well as winning bids for a maximum amount.

To further validate these observations, I reached out to a few travel agents and asked them what their experience has been with their clients winning a stateroom upgrade bid.

Jenn Greene, a Travel Planner with MEI Travel, called the bidding program "random" when describing it to her clients, "Royal Up is completely random. I let clients know that it’s more like a lottery than a guarantee. And that if you really want it bid high. With ships sailing full, I am seeing less opportunities for clients to bid."

Mindy Breitman, a Travel Advisor for Cruise Planners, also couldn't find any patterns for her clients to benefit from, " I consider it a silent auction - totally random. I had two people on the same exact sailing bid for the same exact category and the same bid amount. One got the Royal up the other didn’t."

Sharla Manglass, a Travel Planner with MEI Travel, looks at a few variables that could swing your chances one way or another, "First- availability of staterooms that will fit your party size on the ship. Not all staterooms will sleep 3 or 4, and there are sometimes even capacity restrictions due to regulations."

"Royal Up success also depends on overall ship capacity. On a recent cruise for myself, the entire ship was sold out, so obviously no bids were accepted, even though we were offered them."

The experiences from these travel agents backs up what many cruise fans have shared over the years as well.

In short, treat Royal Up like a scratch off lotto game: it's fun to give it a try, but you should expect to lose and certainly don't make plans based on you winning.

Royal Caribbean's upcoming Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island has a new president.

On June 15, the company announced that Philip Simon will begin his role as the president of the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island and general manager of Royal Caribbean International Bahamas effective July 1. 

Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer for Royal Caribbean International, said, "Welcoming a leader who is as well-respected and accomplished in The Bahamas as Philip Simon is the start of an exciting chapter."

“With a project as significant as the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island that will introduce a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership, we are committed to maximizing Bahamian participation and building a development that will set new standards in environmental design and operation in The Bahamas. Philip, a resident and native of The Bahamas, has the experience and reputation to ensure that.”

Who is Philip Simon?

Simon is a longtime Bahamian business and land development executive who has a 20-year track record of responsible development and management.

Most recently, he was a managing partner at PMR Bahamas Realty Ltd. (Torch Cay), where he oversaw the company's business in the Bahamas. Prior to that, he was the president of The New Providence Development Company Ltd, and from 2002 to 2010, he served as CEO of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and managed the company's daily affairs. 

Simon received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Texas Tech University, graduating cum lade. He holds an additional degree in physics and mathematics from The College of The Bahamas, as well as a master's degree n business administration with concentrations in entrepreneurship and finance from the University of Maryland.

Throughout his lifetime, he has served on numerous boards: Bahamas Ferries, the Bahamas Venture Capital Fund, The Regional Management Consultancy Task Force, Civil Society Advisory Group, The Bahamas National Pride Association and The Bahamas Trade Commission. 

Moreover, he is the former chairman of the Self-Starter Youth Entrepreneurial Grant Program, an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Old Fort Bay, and and a former membership officer of YPO Bahamas. 

Currently, he serves as chairman of Junior Achievement Bahamas, as well as deputy chair of The Bahamas Primary School Student of The Year Foundation.

Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island

Scheduled to open in 2025, the Royal Beach Club will be an option for cruise passengers in Nassau. 

Originally announced in in March 2020, the cruise industry halted the development of the project. 

While not a private island like Perfect Day at CocoCay the 17-acre property will be available exclusively to Royal Caribbean cruise passengers. 

Guests who purchase a day pass will be able to relax on one of four beaches: Tranquility Beach, Hideaway Beach, Harbor Beach, and Sapphire Beach. And for those who want an upgraded experience, cabanas will be available to rent. 

The Royal Beach Club will also be home to a swimming pool. Current concept art depicts it as a long and narrow infinity pool with in-water loungers. 

Guests seeking a little bit more action and activity can head over to the water sports center, where they can rent snorkel or scuba gear, kayaks, jet skis, and floating mats for an additional fee. Likewise, inflatable water slides and parasail excursions will be available, too.  

Related: Royal Caribbean beach club in Nassau will open in 2025

First-of-its-kind venture in the Bahamas

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said, "The Bahamas has been a phenomenal partner since the very start, when they became our first port of call more than 50 years ago."

“As we continue to bring millions of visitors to experience attractions throughout Nassau each year, The Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island is the next bold adventure in Royal Caribbean’s commitment to both increasing tourism in The Bahamas and delivering memorable vacations to our guests.”

Once completed, the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island will have a public-private partnership, meaning that Bahamians will be able to own up to 49% equity and local businesses can take part in managing the majority of the experience.

Both the construction phase and operation of the Royal Beach Club will create hundreds of jobs. The economic impact is estimated to be around $1 billion over the course of ten years.

Moreover, the 17-acre property is divided between the cruise line and Crown Land, with Royal Caribbean owning 13 and the remaining four being Crown Land.

The Crown Land will be contributed as equity to help make sure that a share of all profits are returned to the Bahamian government and people. 

According to Simon, “I am excited to represent both Royal Caribbean International and the country in what will be a very unique opportunity for all sides, with the new beach club and the tremendous potential for extended growth and partnership for years to come."

Environmental pillars

Royal Caribbean is committed to delivering unforgettable vacations responsibly. Not only do they have a responsibility to take care of the oceans in which they sail, they want to look after their destinations, too. 

The company outlined six key environmental pillars for the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island:

• Zero waste to landfill
• 100% renewable energy by 2030
• No dredging and no overwater cabanas 
• Best-in-class wastewater treatment
• Protecting the island's natural habitat
• Local environmental monitoring 

A milestone in the construction of Royal Caribbean's first Icon Class cruise ship will begin this weekend.

"Icon will depart from the Turku shipyard for the first time ever during the weekend, when Icon's week-long sea trials begin," confirmed Meyer Turku's Facebook page. 

Over the course of the week, certain systems and features will be tested that cannot when she the ship is docked. 

"Thank you to everyone involved in the Icon project! Icon's seaworthiness is the result of the combined expertise of Meyer's top professionals from many different fields."

"Let's wish a good voyage to Icon of the Seas, and prepare to welcome Icon back to the shipyard after her trials!"

The Meyer Turku Facebook page stated that they will post more pictures of Icon of the Seas once she official departs. 

Related: 9 new things about Icon of the Seas I learned during my shipyard tour

What are sea trials?

Sea trials test a cruise ship's navigational and technical systems. This is the final part of a cruise ship construction prior to delivery.

During these tests, everything from the ship's propulsion to navigation and engines are tested. It is imperative that everything be in tip-top shape when the ship officially joins the fleet. 

Sea trials range in duration. Wonder of the Seas', for instance, was only four days. Moreover, sometimes it is common for there to be two different sessions. 

The sea trials are conducted with a combination of shipyard employees, as well as Royal Caribbean crew members.

First ship of her kind

Royal Caribbean has not launched a new class of ship since 2014, making Icon of the Seas that much more exciting.

Not only will she be the largest cruise ship in the world, but she will also feature many firsts for both the cruise line and industry, including the record-breaking Category 6 water park.  

Upon completion, she will be 6% larger than Wonder of the Seas, who currently holds the title for largest cruise ship in the world.

The 250,800 gross ton ship will be nothing short of thrilling, offering something to appeal to everyone!

From relaxing on the revamped pool decks, to catching an exciting show at the AquaDome, spending quality time together in the family-centered Surfside neighborhood, and indulging in brand-new culinary experiences, Icon of the Seas is set to offer the ultimate family vacation. 

"We think it's going to be the best family vacation in the world," said Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley.

"And all of the energy and time that's gone into creating this ship is just mind blowing."

Related: Why are new cruise ships still being built?

The wait for details on what Royal Caribbean has planned for Utopia of the Seas looks like it will be over soon.

Not much has been said about Utopia of the Seas, which makes Royal Caribbean's tease all that more exciting. 

"This is the one — for everyone.  Stay tuned for #UtopiaoftheSeas revealed — it all happens Tuesday, June 20," the company wrote on Facebook. 

The website has been updated to include a timer counting down to June 20, too. Here, guests are able to sign up for an email update to get more information when it becomes available. 

Following Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, and Wonder of the Seas, this will be the final Oasis Class ship. That is, unless, Royal Caribbean decides to order more in the future. 

The company has not said much about Utopia, which has added to the intrigue of what we can expect.

Measuring 1,188 feet long and over 230,000 gross tons, she will be smaller than the record-breaking Icon of the Seas. At maximum capacity, she will be able to accommodate around 7,000 guests, which is similar to other Oasis Class vessels. 

There has been no official word on where the ship will sail from or specific itineraries. Royal Caribbean has said, though, that she will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Guests interested in sailing on Utopia of the Seas should keep their summer schedule open for next year, as she is scheduled to hit the high seas in summer 2024. 

Here is what we know about the ship so far. 

First LNG-powered Oasis Class ship

Utopia of the Seas will stand out from her sister ships in that she will be the first Oasis Class vessel to be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG), which is the cleanest fossil fuel that is able to power ships today. 

LNG fuel has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 30%, sulfur emissions by close to 10)%, and nitrogen oxide emissions by around 85%.

Related: Which Royal Caribbean ships are powered by LNG?

Brand-new dining concept

According to Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider, Utopia of the Seas will feature "...a mixed reality immersive dining experience with a train motif...that's going to blow people away."

Immersive dining has become a trend around the world, and cruise ships are no exception to wanting in on this fad! 

Onboard Princess Cruises' Discovery and Enchanted Princess, for instance, guests will find 360, an immersive and destination-inspired restaurant that features a 7-course menu. The dining venue is enclosed with LED walls that project visuals that carry a storyline and align with each course. 

The unnamed dining experience is still a work in progress. One concept that the company is playing around with is serving each course in a different "destination." 

The first, for instance, might be Grand Central Station in New York, with the second in Oslo, Norway or Lombardy, Italy. 

Related: Royal Caribbean will add new immersive dining experience to Utopia of the Seas

Importance of booking as soon as possible

If you are hoping to snag a good rate, you will want to book your cruise onboard Utopia of the Seas as soon as possible once itineraries open, as you can often find the cheapest cruise fares when new itineraries are released. 

As sailings fill up and there is less availability, rates often increase. Booking early is one way to ensure that you are getting the best price. Plus, you are able to reprice if you find that the fare does drop.  

You are not able to reverse this practice and lock in a rate you saw earlier if you find that the price of your cruise of interest has increased. 

Note, though, that price adjustments do not happen automatically. You will be responsible for checking the website to see if the rate has dropped. Likewise, if you booked with a travel agent, you can contact them. 

If you have your eye on holiday sailing onboard Utopia of the Seas, booking early will ensure that you have the most flexibility regarding stateroom choice. Holiday sailings tend to book up quickly, meaning that you should not wait to book your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's cruise!

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

Demand is so strong for Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship that hasn't even begun sailing yet that the line has sold out every single reservation for its most expensive suite ever for the year.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is the cruise line's first new ship class in almost a decade, and the company is betting big on its success.

Despite being more than 7 months away from the first sailing in January 2024, it's already seeing record-breaking demand from customers.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley talked about how strong the business is right now, and highlighted an eye-opening statistic about sales for the new ship.

"I think the entire ship is just stunning. And I think we're seeing that in the bookings," he said during a webinar with travel agents on Wednesday.

"The sales for icon are amazing. The the yields are just fantastic. So again, we're very happy with how Icon is playing out."

To exemplify just how much demand there is for Icon, Mr. Bayley talked about how well the most expensive suite onboard the ship is selling.

The three-story "Ultimate Family Townhouse" is located in the Surfside neighborhood for young families.

"I think we mentioned that the Ultimate Townhouse, I think is pretty much sold out completely for 2024 at an average rate of about $78, $80,000 a week."

Bookings for Icon only opened up in October 2022.

This cabin is a 1,772-square-foot Ultimate Family Townhouse that will be three decks high and sleep up to eight people.

It features an in-suite slide, movie-viewing room, karaoke machine and a "backyard" with a ping pong table, outdoor seating and a white picket fence leading directly to the Surfside area.

Icon of the Seas will offer guests a variety of room options spanning across 28 unique categories, offering some of the most spacious rooms Royal Caribbean has ever designed. 

"Icon is going to be the best family vacation in the world,” said Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer in a video update from January 2023. "You can’t have an ultimate family vacation without a purpose-built neighborhood for families."

Royal Caribbean has created its first neighborhood on Icon of the Seas dedicated entirely to young families. It's an open-air space at the back of the ship.

Surfside was designed to become an area of the ship where families with kids ages 6 and under can play all-day together, where parents don't need to give up their relaxation time just because their kids want to play.

You'll find a giant aqua park designed for families: Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay splash parks for kids and the Water's Edge pool for parents. 

Surfside neighborhood will also offer family-friendly dining venues. 

Next to Splashaway Bay and next to a deep water pool, you have a grab-and-go eater at Surfside Bites. Then there's Surfside Eatery, which is Royal Caribbean's first buffet just families.  The Lemon Post bar is also a new concept that is the first bar to feature an adult menu and a kids menu. This will serve traditional tropical cocktails, as well as mocktails.

There's also a new specialty restaurant, Pier 7, which is described as a casual Boardwalk eatery.

The 1,198-foot-long mega-ship will be able to accommodate 7,600 guests across its 2,805 staterooms, which will make it the world's largest cruise ship once it debuts.

Icon will be 10 feet longer than Wonder of the Seas, which is currently the world's largest cruise ship.

The first sailing of Icon of the Seas will be a 7-night cruise from Miami on January 27, 2024.

The ship will sail year-round out of Miami in 2024, alternating between Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries, with four different routings available for departures between January 2024 and April 2025.