Serenade of the Seas will sail from Cartagena, Colombia and Colón, Panama in 2025 and 2026. 

The Radiance Class vessel is set to conclude Royal Caribbean's first-ever world cruise on September 10, 2024. Afterward, the 90,090 gross registered ton ship will remain in Tampa through March 2025, offering 5- to 9-night cruises to the Caribbean, before relocating to the West Coast for a summer season in Alaska. 

Then, Serenade of the Seas will embark on a 13-night Panama Canal cruise from San Diego to Miami on September 19, marking the last time the ship will visit Florida through at least April 2026. 

Effective October 5, Serenade will offer cruises to the Southern Caribbean from Cartagena, Colombia and Colón, Panama.

Sailings departing from Cartagena, Colombia will spend a day in Colon, Panama, and vice versa

Similar to many European cruises, all voyages on Serenade of the Seas from Colombia and Panama are "interport" sailings, meaning that guests may choose their embarkation city. 

Unlike Caribbean sailings that depart solely from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Port Canaveral, interport cruises offer flexibility and a broader choice for travelers, allowing guests to determine which city is most convenient or appealing for their departure. 

Currently, Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is sailing interport cruises, where passengers may embark in Barcelona, Spain or Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. 

Read more: I sailed on a Radiance Class ship

Most itineraries are 7 nights

On October 5, 2025, Serenade will depart from Cartagena, Colombia on a 7-night cruise to Willemstad, Curaçao; Oranjestad, Aruba; and Colón, Panama before returning to Colombia on October 12. 

Though all itineraries visit at least two of the ABC (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) islands, each voyage offers a blend of destinations and experiences. Some, for example, may only visit Bonaire and Curaçao, while others call at Curaçao and Aruba or Aruba and Bonaire. 

Select sailings visit all three: 

• December 12, 2025 from Colón, Panama
• December 14, 2025 from Cartagena, Colombia

On sailings with three ports of call, including Panama or Colombia, the ship will spend three days at sea. 

If you want to sail through the Panama Canal, you will have to book a dedicated Panama Canal cruise

Colón, Panama sits at the entrance to the Panama Canal and is a significant port city for maritime trade. However, it's not located inside the canal. Instead, it serves as a gateway to the canal's operations. 

Sailing through the Panama Canal is a bucket list cruise for many, as it offers a unique opportunity to traverse one of the world's most famous engineering marvels. 

Do not book a sailing to the Southern Caribbean on Serenade of the Seas in hopes of seeing the canal in person—you'll end up disappointed. 

Royal Caribbean offers repositioning cruises through the canal throughout the year, typically in the fall and spring. In 2025, guests may choose from four sailings on two Radiance Class ships: Serenade of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. 

• 16-night Panama Canal cruise on Serenade of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Los Angeles, California on April 13
• 15-night Panama Canal cruise on Radiance of the Seas from Tampa, Florida to Los Angeles, California on April 19
• 13-night Panama Canal cruise on Serenade of the Seas from San Diego, California to Miami, Florida on September 19
• 16-night Panama Canal cruise on Radiance of the Seas from San Diego, California to Fort Lauderdale, Florida on October 4 

Updates to Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor single supplement benefit

WAAAYTOOO took to Royal Caribbean Blog's discussion forum to share an update they received in their recent Crown & Anchor newsletter. 

"Starting August 1, Pinnacle Club and Diamond Plus members with more than 340 points will enjoy a reduced single supplement cruise fare of 125% on all Transatlantic, Transpacific, and Panama Canal sailings," the post reads. 

"We want to make booking these popular voyages even easier. For all other sailings, you will continue to enjoy a reduced single supplement fare of 150%."

Read more: Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program info, tips & secrets

This means, for example, if the cruise fare is $1,000 per person, Pinnacle Club and Diamond Plus cruisers would only pay $1,250. Before this update, the fare would have cost $1,500. 

The change only applies to Pinnacle Club and Diamond Plus sailors with 340+ cruise points. There's no single supplement benefit for Gold, Platinum, Emerald, or Diamond Crown & Anchor members. 

Celebrity Cruises received 18 awards at the 2024 Wine Spectator Awards, increasing the cruise line's total to 136 over the last 12 years. 

“We are continually innovating and expanding our beverage offerings to remain at the forefront of trends and meet the preferences of Celebrity guests,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. 

“We are honored to receive continued recognition for our elevated wine program from the experts at Wine Spectator," the world’s leading authority on wine anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication reaching about 3 million readers worldwide. 

Celebrity Cruises won nine 2024 Awards of Excellence for the 12th year in a row:

• Opus on Celebrity Reflection
• Grand Cuvée on Celebrity Silhouette 
• Grand Epernay on Celebrity Solstice
• Moonlight Sonata on Celebrity Eclipse
• Silhouette on Celebrity Equinox
• Cosmopolitan on Celebrity Summit
• Metropolitan on Celebrity Millennium
• San Marco on Celebrity Constellation
• Trellis on Celebrity Infinity

They also received the 2024 Best of Award of Excellence for Le Voyage on Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Beyond; the 2024 Best of Award of Excellence for Tuscan on Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Beyond; the 2024 Best of Award of Excellence for Cyprus on Celebrity Apex; the 2024 Award of Excellence for Normandie on Celebrity Edge; and the 2024 Award of Excellence for Fine Cut on Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Apex.

Guests sailing onboard one of Celebrity's ships have a selection of over 500 wines to choose from

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a novice, Celebrity's trained sommeliers, who are available in every restaurant, are eager to assist, guiding passengers through the extensive list of onboard wines, including Celebrity's private labels. 

Guests may also choose from various wine-focused programs, such as World Wine Tours, Food & Wine Pairing Workshops, and Destination Wine Tours in ports around the globe.  

The World Wine Tour allows you to sample wines from around the world and learn about regional and varietal technicalities, all from the comfort of your ship. Food & Wine Pairing Workshops educate participants on the fundamentals of food and wine chemistry, including how the two interact. 

Destination Wine Tours are for those who want to immerse themselves in wine-producing areas worldwide. Sampling an Italian wine on the ship differs from the experience of visiting a local winery first-hand! 

Pricing varies; however, on my upcoming Celebrity Ascent cruise, the World Wine Tour and Food & Wine Pairing Workshop start at $55 per guest. The Premium Wine Tasting is more expensive, costing $199 per attendee. 

Seven ships have the acclaimed Cellar Masters onboard

On Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Solstice, and Celebrity Summit, wine aficionados should explore Cellar Masters, which has a large selection of international wines, all hand-picked by Celebrity sommeliers. 

Cellar Masters was replaced by the Craft Social Bar on Celebrity Equinox. While wines are still available, it's more of a sports bar than a wine bar. 

Both the Classic and Premium Drink Package include wine, but the latter has a more extensive list of wine options

Celebrity's Classic Package is their basic option which includes select beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, and wines by the glass up to $10 per serving. Though a few wines are available, your selection will be far more limited than if you purchase the Premium Package. 

The Classic Package costs $84.99-$89 per person, per day. Since the Premium Package includes a wider array of beverages, it is more expensive, costing as much as $109 per person, per day. 

However, you can save on your Celebrity drink package by purchasing it in advance through the online Cruise Planner. At the time of writing, for example, the Classic Package was advertised for $67.99 per day on my upcoming Celebrity Ascent cruise. The Premium Package was listed as $79.99 per person, per day. 

If you book a package and later discover the price has dropped due to a pre-cruise sale, you can cancel and rebook for no penalty. You will be refunded the full amount of the original booking. 

Guests who booked Celebrity's All Included fare will receive a Classic Package, as well as Basic Wi-Fi. Both can be upgraded to premium packages through the Cruise Planner or once onboard. You will get a better rate by purchasing the upgrade online, though. 

Your drink package doesn't dictate your ability to participate in one of the onboard wine experiences. They are available to all guests willing to pay extra. Even if you have a package for your cruise, you will have to pay for the wine-focused programs. 

Like with the packages, it's best to reserve your spot for the experiences beforehand, as they tend to sell out as the departure date approaches. If you want until you're onboard, the program you were looking forward to may be sold out. 

Unexpected emergencies arise and prevent people from embarking on their long-awaited cruise, and those who don't purchase travel insurance are often out hundreds or thousands of dollars. One individual, however, took to Reddit to share a feel-good story about her experience with Royal Caribbean's customer service after undergoing emergency surgery. 

Infamousunicornsocks was set to embark on a Royal Caribbean cruise in less than one month with her husband of seven years and five-year-old daughter. However, an emergency abdominal surgery and nasojejunal feeding tube placement postponed their plans. 

"Unsure how long I would be in the hospital for, much less how long the Dobhoff [tube] would be in for, I called Royal Caribbean customer service fully expecting to [lose] my entire deposit & cruise price as I didn’t buy the travel insurance," she writes. 

She spoke to a customer service representative who couldn't promise anything without first reviewing her medical documentation. However, within less than 24 hours, she received a call back with an offer to change the sail date for just $100 per person. 

Typically, if you cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise less than 30 days before sailing, you forfeit 100% of the cruise fare, regardless if the sailing is 4 or 10 nights. 

To receive a full refund, you must cancel your cruise 90 or 75 days or more before the first day of sailing. Even then, non-refundable deposits won't be refunded. Guests on shorter sailings (i.e. between 1 and 4 nights) have a longer window, as they can cancel for a refund up to 75 days before the cruise. 

Passengers on sailings 5+ nights must cancel 90 days or more in advance for a full refund, minus the non-refundable deposit. Those canceled between 89 and 75 days before will have to pay a 25% cancelation fee, while those who cancel the cruise 74 to 61 days prior to departure will pay 50% of the total fare. 

"Our sailing has been postponed to this fall and although I’m set to now have the [nasojejunal] feeding tube replaced with a G-J tube directly through my stomach and probably won’t get [to] enjoy much of any food, I’m so grateful for their kindness and compassion, fully knowing it was saw something they didn’t have to do," Infamousunicornsocks shares about their resolution.  

"My hope [is] that by sharing this, the next person going through something similar can be hopeful knowing that they’re dealing with a company that at least tries to help the consumer by listening and being understanding."

While Infamousunicornsocks had a positive experience with Royal Caribbean's customer service, do not neglect to add travel insurance to your upcoming cruise

Travel insurance plans provide financial peace of mind during stressful and unexpected situations, from lost luggage to medical evacuations. 

Policies purchased through Royal Caribbean include six benefits underwritten by Arch Insurance Company: 

• Trip Interruption: Up to 150% of total trip cost if you can't start or finish your cruise vacation because you're sick or hurt, there's a death in the family, or another covered reason.
• Trip Delay: Up to $2,000 ($250 per day) for catch-up expenses
• Missed Connection: Up to $300 if you miss your trip departure for covered reasons by three hours or more. 
• Accident and Sickness Medical: up to $25,000 if you get hurt and $25,000 if you get sick on your cruise vacation.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Up to $50,000 for emergency medical transportation during your vacation. 
• Baggage Protection and Delay: Up to $1,500 if your bags are lost, stolen, or damaged and up to $500 to buy necessary personal items if your bags are delayed.

Read more: Royal Caribbean will increase price of travel insurance policy

If that's not enough, you can add a "Cancel for Any Reason Credit" for an extra cost by calling 1-888-722-2195 or informing your travel agent. 

Per the policy's contract, "This additional enhancement is offered by Royal Caribbean International as a special service to guests that purchase this cruise ticket Cancellation Penalty Waiver Addendum...Credits are valid for one year from issue date, are not transferable, and have no cash value."

"To be eligible for the credits: 1. The travel protection plan must be purchased prior to having made final payment for the cruise; and 2. Notification of cancellation must be given to Royal Caribbean International prior to the ship's departure."

Alternatively, those who travel frequently—for work or leisure—should look into annual policies, which provide insurance coverage for one year of travel, rather than on a trip-by-trip basis. 

Even if you plan on taking just one cruise this year, annual policies cover all types of trips for one set price, including land-based trips to Europe, road trips along the Pacific Coast Highway, all-inclusive stays in Mexico, domestic flights, and more. Typically, however, the destination must be 100+ miles from home. 

Travel insurance is helpful for situations that occur before and during the sailing

In 2019, Vincent Wasney and his fiancée, Sarah Eberlein, were hit with a $2,500.22 medical bill from onboard treatment that had to be paid out-of-pocket since they did not purchase insurance, as KFF Health News and NPR reported. 

According to the invoice, the general ward admission and observation totaled $2,285.78, with the i-STAT blood test, out-of-facility services, and medication amounted to $97.99, $104.55, and $11.90, respectively.

The couple was traveling on Independence of the Seas on a cruise gifted by their real estate agent after purchasing their first home in Saginaw, Michigan in 2018.

Following three seizures, Wasney was evacuated by a rescue boat and transported to the emergency room at Broward Health Medical Center, where he incurred further debt.

Have you ever put a travel insurance policy to use? Let us know in the comments! 

When you book your next Royal Caribbean cruise, prices may appear higher than in the past. 

On July 1, Senate Bill 478, also known as the "Honest Pricing Law," went into effect. Rather than create confusion with different booking systems, cruise lines—including Royal Caribbean—have changed how they advertise cruise fares in the United States. 

Now, the advertised price will include a breakdown of fees to help give consumers more transparency when budgeting for their vacations, regardless of whether they reside in California, Florida, New York, etc. However, it neither impacts the total price of the cruise nor the portion of the fare that's commissionable to travel agents. 

Read more: New law forces Royal Caribbean to change advertised price for cruises

If, for example, you find a 7-night sailing aboard Wonder of the Seas advertised for $1,282 per person, you won't be surprised with added fees later on. Instead, you can estimate how much the fare will cost. In the past, passengers had to prepare for the cruise fare to increase once port fees and taxes were added. 

Though the total price is the same, the $1,282 cruise on Wonder of the Seas may have been advertised at around $1,120 per person in the past, with taxes & fees added once the cabin selection was made. Now, the $325.18—or $162.59 per person—of taxes & fees are included in the price, simplifying the booking process by providing transparency. 

Taxes & fees are included regardless of whether you're sailing to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Australia, or Asia. With port fees notoriously higher in Alaska, potential cruisers aren't left shocked by the $300+ in fees added to the cruise fare. 

Note, however, that the law doesn't apply to bookings made from Canada. 

A sailing onboard Wonder of the Seas in July 2025, the price starts at $1,672 CAD, with taxes and fees listed as an extra $203 CAD. However, the same sailing on Royal Caribbean's Australian and United Kingdom websites includes taxes and fees. 

Port fees are charges imposed by each port of call to allow the ship to dock which are passed on to passengers 

It doesn't matter whether you're staying in a multi-level suite or a tiny interior stateroom, as everyone onboard pays the same amount in port fees. 

They're a combination of several charges, including the per-passenger fee (head tax), docking fee, and pilot fee, which covers the costs of bringing the local pilot onboard to help guide the ship into port. 

Unlike gratuities, you don't have the option to pay them onboard. Instead, they're part of the cruise fare that must be paid in full by the final payment date. 

Though the new advertised prices include taxes & fees, passengers will still have to budget for gratuities

As of November 2023, the daily gratuity for passengers in standard staterooms (i.e., interior cabins to Junior Suites) is $18.00 per person, per day, and $20.50 per person, per day for guests in Grand Suites and above.

If you're going on a 7-night cruise in a balcony stateroom, gratuities will amount to $126 per person. Unlike discounted rates for third and fourth guests, they're still subject to the full gratuity rate, so a family of four can expect to pay around $500 in tips for a weeklong sailing. 

This is upsetting to many who are fans of the updated pricing model. 

"Just need to include the gratuities in the headline cost and we'll all understand the basic cruise fare before we start the booking process," Mike Shad commented on a Royal Caribbean Blog post. 

"Good, now we just need gratuities in there too, because that's another $200-$300 that they don't disclose," added Tiffany Miller. 

When it comes to gratuities, passengers have the option to prepay them or have them added to their onboard account during the sailing to be settled at the end of the cruise. If you choose to prepay them, they must be paid in full by the final payment date.

Royal Caribbean isn't the only cruise line impacted

The advertised fares for Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean's upscale sister line, are also subject to California's Consumer Legal Remedies Act, as fares for sailings with Carnival, Virgin Voyages, Princess, and Holland America Line. 

"The prices displayed for Carnival cruises are now inclusive of taxes and fees. The total price has not changed due to this update, and by showing the total price while shopping you can now see the total cost before completing your booking," reads Carnival's website. 

Read more: After 6 Royal Caribbean cruises this year, my wife and I tried Carnival for the first time, and here’s what we liked and didn’t like

Royal Caribbean wants you to cruise with its CEO on its newest cruise ship.

While sailing on this year's President's Cruise, Royal Caribbean announced the date and cruise ship for the next annual event.

While onboard the 2024 President's Cruise sailing through the Western Mediterranean, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley announced the 2025 President's Cruise will be held on Utopia of the Seas on the September 22, 2025 sailing.

This is a 4-night cruise that departs Port Canaveral, Florida and visits Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas.

The past two cruises have been held on Oasis Class ships. The 2023 President's Cruise was on Allure of the Seas, while this year's is on Oasis of the Seas. 

Selecting Utopia brings the event back to the United States, and it celebrates onboard the cruise line's new focal point for attracting new cruisers.

Guests onboard the 2022 President's Cruise sailed to Alaska aboard Ovation of the Seas.

The 2020 President's Cruise, which was a European cruise onboard Allure of the Seas, was canceled due to the global cruise shutdown during the pandemic, and a 2021 cruise was never scheduled. 

What is a President's Cruise?

A Royal Caribbean President's Cruise is an annual sailing hosted by Michael Bayley, the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean. 

Anyone is eligible to attend, meaning you don't have to hold a certain status within the Crown & Anchor Society. It's a great opportunity for Royal Caribbean fans to sail together with exclusive merchandise and special events.

The 2023 President's Cruise included a live performance by the ten-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan, while this year's cruise brought the '80s band Culture Club onboard. 

Additionally, there are tons of surprises and commemorative opportunities for those onboard. Since Mr. Bayley is onboard, it's common for some of the most loyal cruises to want to join, making President's Cruises somewhat of a reunion. 

"The annual President’s Cruise is one of the most spectacular Royal Caribbean adventures. Set sail with President & CEO Michael Bayley on a special voyage filled with surprises and unique moments at every turn," says the Royal Caribbean website. 

"We’re talking celebrity guest entertainment, customized shore excursions, exclusive parties, unforgettable events and so much more. No matter where in the world the President’s Cruise takes you, once-in-a-lifetime memories are always on the itinerary."

What to expect on Utopia of the Seas

The choice of Utopia of the Seas coincides with a couple of initiatives for Royal Caribbean.

First and foremost, Utopia is a brand new ship and the President's Cruise is an opportunity to show off what Utopia offers and what makes this ship stand out from the fleet.

Utopia is all about a fun time, and it boasts more than 40 ways to dine, drink and celebrate. 

This particular sailing will also occur once the new beach club opens in Nassau, Bahamas.  Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island is a brand new concept, where Royal Caribbean passengers have the choice to purchase admission to a limited-access beach club located on Paradise Island.

The 17 acre property is meant to be a private oasis exclusive for Royal Caribbean, and it will open in summer 2025. 

The sailing will also include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, which essentially sets up this President's Cruise to encompass a few of the cruise line's crown jewels in one sailing.

A video shared on YouTube shows what crew cabins are like on the world's second-largest cruise ship. 

Bryan James, an entertainer for Royal Caribbean, has worked on numerous ships in the fleet, including Wonder of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas. Currently, he's at the shipyard in France gearing up for the launch of their newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. 

When he isn't singing, you can find him playing video games or making videos for his social media channels. On Instagram, he's amassed nearly 200,000 followers, while his TikTok has over 800,000. 

In his most recent YouTube video, he gives viewers a look into the crew accommodations on Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class ship. Despite the small quarters—particularly the shared bathroom—, the video has received positive comments thanking James for sharing. 

@Disneyobsessed23 wrote, "Omg this is so cool man! I am now thinking about working on a cruise ship now!"

"Downside: tiny room.  Upside: it's not shared with another random crew member (like most crew cabins on most ships)," commented @pileofstuff.

Let's look at his single crew cabin onboard Utopia of the Seas. 

Read more: 7 new things coming to Utopia of the Seas, including a giant slide and train restaurant

"I think...the strangest part about being on a ship is the tiny, tiny rooms we have to live in"

Before showing viewers his stateroom, James tries to explain just how small the room is: "Imagine your adult walk-in closet and then cut it in half, and then cut it in half two more times...that's about the size of our rooms." 

Cabins aboard Icon of the Seas were redesigned to maximize limited floor space; however, those on Utopia don't appear to be as modernized. While James doesn't have to share his stateroom with another crew member, the available space is minimal. 

What you see when you enter is pretty much what you get. The single twin-sized bed is directly across from the personal sink and closet. There's not even a nightstand to store the cabin's phone, so it's hung on the wall. The television is affixed to the wall at the foot of the bed, too. 

James' friend and fellow performer Jeff, who is about 6'4" or 6'5", laid in the bed to show just how small it is. To comfortably fit, he says he curls up when he sleeps. 

The Jack-and-Jill bathroom means he shares it with another crew member

Despite sharing the washroom, there's just barely enough space for a toilet and shower. Both crew members have their own sinks in their stateroom, eliminating the need to work one into the bathroom's floor plan. 

Jeff once again serves as a model to showcase the overall size of the shower: "If I just barely go up on my tiptoes, there's the ceiling." 

"You can never get the shower head actually over your head; you have to kneel down," says James. 

Since there's not a ton of floor space, he has to store the stool in his wardrobe

According to James, the only stressor of his crew cabin on Utopia of the Seas is trying to effectively manage the space: "That's why I try to only bring one bag of stuff because if you have anything more than one bag,...there's no room." 

Above the bed, he shows two cabinets and one open-face shelf for more personal items. The latter is where James keeps water bottles, while the cabinets are where he stores his laundry bag. Jeff has a different approach, as he claims he keeps his clean clothes in the concealed cabinets. 

Beside the stateroom's door, there's a small built-in shelving unit that houses the safe, and there are a few hooks on the wall. Since cruise ship cabins have magnetic walls, James could bring more hooks to hang items like hats, lanyards, small bags, etc. 

You can follow along on James' journey on Royal Caribbean's newest party ship on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. According to his Instagram, he'll be onboard Utopia of the Seas until September 9, 2024. 

Though Utopia of the Seas is officially one month from embarking on her maiden voyage, there's a lot of work to be done before she can welcome guests onboard. 

Royal Caribbean International has taken to social media to share short reels of Utopia's progress. 

While the vessel has taken shape, countless details need to be finalized, from finishing up the brand-new Solarium Suites to planting tens of thousands of plants in Central Park. 

Read more: 7 new things coming to Utopia of the Seas, including a giant slide and train restaurant

Izumi in the Park is an Oasis Class first onboard Utopia of the Seas. 

Guests can order classic sushi rolls, hot gyoza, and soft-serve bubble cones at the convenient to-go window, for an additional charge. 

Utopia will also have the largest Izumi Hibachi in the fleet, boasting six Teppanyaki tables with the ability to seat 48 passengers. 

The Boardwalk is another Oasis Class staple found on Utopia of the Seas at the aft of the ship on Deck 6. 

When Oasis of the Seas launched in 2009, she was the first cruise ship in the world to feature interior-facing balcony cabins, with staterooms overlooking the Central Park and Boardwalk neighborhoods. 

In addition to first-of-their-kind cruise ship balconies, the Oasis of the Seas' Boardwalk was the first to feature an outdoor theater called the AquaTheater, where passengers can watch high-diving spectacles into the deepest pools at sea. 

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, while not a new concept, has been redesigned for Utopia of the Seas. 

In addition to being two stories, passengers can dine al fresco on Gio's Terrazza, which overlooks the Boardwalk neighborhood. 

The same space has been used for various purposes on other Oasis Class ships, ranging from Wonderland on Symphony, Wonder, and Harmony of the Seas to a card room on Oasis of the Seas and Chef's Table/the Crown Lounge on Allure of the Seas. 

Though most of the cabin categories on Utopia of the Seas are familiar, the Solarium Suites are a new addition. 

The 839-square-foot suites are perched atop the bridges' wings and feature an infinite verandah design. 

There's a lot to look forward to on the pool deck, too, including the Perfect Storm waterslides. 

At the front of the ship, there's the adults-only Solarium. As you can imagine, the Solarium Suites are just steps from the Solarium, giving passengers easy access to the lounge chairs, whirlpools, and Solarium Bistro. 

The Ultimate Abyss on Utopia of the Seas will be the longest dry slide at sea, coming in at 259 feet long. It will also feature racing windows and zoom booster rollers for a "surprise" exit on the Boardwalk.

The Vue initially debuted on Wonder of the Seas, and it's making a comeback on Utopia of the Seas. Whether you're sailing away from Port Canaveral or enjoying a day at sea, it's the perfect bar to soak up the stunning views. 

The Royal Promenade is a central thoroughfare with a hub of activity, from the Latin-inspired Boleros Bar to the brand-new Pesky Parrot. 

You'll find Sorrento's, the pub, Starbucks, and a few retail shops here, too. 

Finally, Royal Railway - Utopia Station still has a ways to go before guests are able to enjoy the Utopia exclusive specialty restaurant.  

"The World's Biggest Weekend" just got more exciting, as Royal Caribbean released Utopia of the Seas' entertainment lineup. 

From original productions to late-night comedy shows, here's everything you can expect to find on the newest Oasis Class ship, starting with the AquaTheater. 

Aqua80Too is Utopia's high-diving spectacle and it's a sequel to the original Aqua80s show on Oasis of the Seas.

The show is a musical tribute to the decade.

First launched on Oasis of the Seas, the AquaTheater has become a fan favorite, with an enhanced, indoor theater found on Icon of the Seas. According to the infographic shared by Royal Caribbean, the show will feature 80s hits. 

The ice skating rink is another popular entertainment venue onboard Royal Caribbean ships. In addition to hosting unique skating shows, the rink can be transformed into an arena for game shows and even a nightclub! 

Youtopia is the name of the "fantastical ice skating show" on Utopia of the Seas. While details have yet to be revealed about the new show, past ice skating performances have included high-tech features, including synchronized drones! 

Plenty of entertainment onboard requires audience participation, too, including the ever-popular Crazy Quest, Battle of the Sexes, Family Feud, and Majority Rules. 

Read more: First photos: Inside Royal Caribbean's new Utopia of the Seas cruise ship

Utopia of the Seas will not feature a Broadway musical

Royal Caribbean made a name for itself by offering Broadway musicals, ranging from Hairspray on Symphony of the Seas to Grease on Harmony of the Seas and Mamma Mia on Allure of the Seas. 

Utopia of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's fourth new build in a row that won't feature a Broadway musical when launched, following Odyssey, Wonder, and Icon of the Seas. Icon of the Seas is home to The Wizard of Oz, a Royal Caribbean Production version of the classic story, rather than the 2011 musical adaption by Andrew Lloyd Weber.

Instead, guests can enjoy All In!, a high-tech original production in the main theater. 

Though not a Broadway musical, all Royal Caribbean Productions, such as Sonic Odyssey on Quantum of the Seas and Once Upon a Time on Freedom of the Seas, bring world-class performers to the high seas. 

Parties aplenty 

What's a weekend party cruise without an amazing lineup of onboard parties? 

If you're a fan of silent discos, you won't want to miss the event on Utopia of the Seas, as Royal Caribbean claims the Shush! Silent Party will be the largest silent disco in the fleet. Silent Toga! appears to be another silent disco, being described as "[a] toga party with a silent twist."  

Those who prefer poolside action will appreciate the not one, not two, but four pool parties onboard, including the Sail Away Pool Party, Hey Utopia!, Senses Sunset Pool Party, and Plunge Day Pool Party, a Vegas-inspired daytime party. 

Back inside, guests can partake in the Rezolution dance party with "epic light productions" and Royal Kappa Chi, a "throwback collegiate party" for those who may want to relive their college days. 

Adults who want to keep the fun going into the late hours can head over to Red, the late-night club with a live DJ, while the Spotlight Karaoke lounge is a bit more family-friendly for those who want to show off their natural talent. 

Read more: 7 new things coming to Utopia of the Seas, including a giant slide and train restaurant

With nine different places to listen to live music, you'll have to hop between venues to hear it all!

During the day, you can take in Caribbean beats on the pool deck. 

The ship really comes alive with music at night, though, ranging from the rock and pop band in the Music Hall to the staple piano entertainer at the Schooner Bar, the guitarist at the Bell & Barley Pub, and the sultry Latin band at Boleros. Central Park boasts live music, too, including a solo pianist and jazz band. 

The Country Crew Trio can be found at the Mason Jar, so even if you don't have a specialty meal booked at the Southern-inspired restaurant, it's worth checking out, especially if you're a fan of country hits and good company! 

Read more: Utopia of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Perhaps the most unique form of entertainment onboard Utopia of the Seas doesn't come cheap 

Looking for the ultimate dining experience on your cruise? Look no further than Royal Railway - Utopia Station, which combines dinner with a show! 

Technology and theatrical elements are meant to trick passengers into thinking they're actually on a train traveling through the Old West, and on your journey, you'll enjoy a delicious menu inspired by the time and region. 

Dining at Utopia Station costs $119.99 per adult and $59.99 per child. Those with an Ultimate Dining Package (UDP) can upgrade for $49.99. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean's immersive train car restaurant brings the Old West and Far East to its next new cruise ship

Royal Caribbean has long been the ultimate choice for a family cruise vacation, and for the first time, they want to appeal to those who may be hesitant to book a weeklong cruise with the introduction of Utopia of the Seas. 

The 236,860 gross registered ton (GRT) vessel is just weeks from hitting the high seas, boasting new features that cannot be found on any of the other five Oasis Class ships. 

Historically, new ships enter service sailing weeklong itineraries. Utopia, however, was designed as "The World's Biggest Weekend," offering 3- and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas, including Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Here are 7 brand-new things coming to Utopia of the Seas. 

Solarium Suites

The Solarium Suites aboard Utopia of the Seas are one of more than 20 stateroom categories. Measuring 839 square feet, they feature an infinite verandah design, meaning that instead of walking outside onto your private balcony, you can enjoy the ocean's breeze from the comfort of your cabin with the push of a button. 

Perched atop the bridge's wings at the front of the ship, guests can soak in 280-degree views inside the two new Star Class suites that accommodate up to four passengers. As the name suggests, they're just steps away from the adults-only Solarium, offering a tranquil retreat from the lively pool deck. 

Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class comprises three tiers: Sea, Sky, and Star. Those within the Star Class come with the most perks, from priority boarding to a private butler (Royal Genie), access to the suite-only sun deck and restaurant, complimentary beverage and Wi-Fi packages, and so much more. 

With the enhanced benefits comes a hefty price tag. A Solarium Suite onboard the November 3, 2025 sailing costs $3,788 per person, totaling $7,779.50 for a party of two for a 4-night cruise. 

Read more: 4 Ways to Tell If You're Getting a Good Deal on Your Cruise

Royal Railway - Utopia Station

Utopia of the Seas will be home to the only immersive train car dining experience at sea. From the specialty cocktails to the unique menu curated based on the time and region you're "traveling" through, Royal Railway - Utopia Station is more than your standard specialty restaurant. 

The steam on the platform and various effects on the train are meant to trick everyone's senses during their journey. Every seat, for example, is equipped with a "butt-kicker" timed with the story. Additionally, Royal Caribbean is working on incorporating scents into the experience to make it a multi-sensory adventure. 

Don't worry, though—the storyline unfolds in intervals to allow for downtime to enjoy your meal with your travel companions. 

Dining at the brand-new specialty restaurant costs $119.99 per adult and $59.99 per child. Those with an Unlimited Dining Package (UDP) can pay a $49.99 surcharge for the dining experience. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean's immersive train car restaurant brings the Old West and Far East to its next new cruise ship

Izumi in the Park

From fresh sushi to a fun teppanyaki experience, Izumi has become a guest favorite across the fleet. For the first time on an Oasis Class ship, Izumi will be located in Central Park, and with six teppanyaki tables, the Izumi aboard Utopia of the Seas will be the largest in the fleet. Plus, the new private Omakase-inspired experience will feature a multi-course meal paired with sake cocktails. 

Guests can also get sushi to-go at Izumi in the Park. Though not a new concept, as it debuted on Icon of the Seas in January 2024, Izumi in the Park on Utopia is an Oasis Class first. 

Whether you're craving a classic roll, hot gyoza, or even a soft-serve bubble cone, you aren't limited to dining at Izumi. Instead, you can take your food to-go and eat on the pool deck, your cabin's balcony, etc. 

Read more: Utopia of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Longest dry slide at sea

After MSC World Europa stole the title of having the longest dry slide at sea, Royal Caribbean tweaked the Ultimate Abyss' design to be nine feet longer than the 250-foot Venom Drop. 

Measuring 259 feet long, Utopia's 10-story Ultimate Abyss will be 43 feet longer than the slides on other Oasis Class ships and about 10 times longer than a London double-decker bus. Moreover, they've incorporated transparent racing windows and zoom booster rollers for a "surprise" exit on the Boardwalk. 

The two slides were manufactured in Germany, while the iconic anglerfish was built in Germany. The latter stands 22 feet tall with 36 teeth. 

Poolside "food truck"

Compared to cruise lines like Carnival, one of the most common critiques Royal Caribbean has received over the years is that they don't have enough fast-casual dining options. 

Though venues like El Loco Fresh have been added to some ships, Royal Caribbean still lacks the variety that Carnival's lido deck offers, including fresh tacos from BlueIguana Cantina, juicy burgers from Guy's Burger Joint, and crispy chicken sandwiches from Big Chicken. 

With the introduction of Utopia of the Seas, they're addressing the feedback by adding a new poolside "food truck" venue called the Spare Tire. Rather than venue to the Windjammer or stick with Mexican fare, guests can enjoy complimentary "handheld favorites" like pulled pork sandwiches, cheeseburger flatbreads, daily rotating desserts, and more without straying far from the pool deck. 

Read more: Things I wish Royal Caribbean would copy from other cruise lines

Pesky Parrot 

Replacing the Bionic Bar, the Royal Promenade is set to get a new Caribbean-themed bar called the Pesky Parrot that will serve tropical libations with rum, tequila, and gin. 

There will be frozen beverages, too. The central location promises it will become a favorite for guests onboard, whether stopping in for a pre-dinner drink or refreshing afternoon cocktail. Though not included with the cost of your cruise fare, Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package can be used here. 

According to Royal Caribbean, Pesky Parrot will feature other "surprises;" however, they haven't been revealed yet. 

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

Two-story Giovanni's 

Fans of Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar will appreciate the two-story dining venue featuring Gio's Terrazza, an outdoor terrace overlooking the Boardwalk Neighborhood, allowing guests to dine al fresco while enjoying authentic Italian dishes. 

This is an extra-charge venue, meaning you have to pay extra to dine at Giovanni's. The coverage charge for dinner is $54.99 per adult and $14.99 per child; however, lunch is cheaper, costing just $24.99 per adult. 

If you're interested in eating at Giovanni's Italian Kitchen on your upcoming Utopia of the Seas cruise, you should book your reservation in advance through the Cruise Planner. Not only does utilizing the Cruise Planner allow you to secure your desired dining time, but you can also take advantage of any pre-cruise discounts. 

Read more: How much does Royal Caribbean specialty dining cost?

Royal Caribbean has added pricing for its newest immersive train-inspired specialty restaurant.

The Royal Caribbean mobile app has been updated to list the price of Royal Railway - Utopia Station.

Dining at the brand-new specialty restaurant costs $119.99 per adult and $59.99 per child. 

Those with an Unlimited Dining Package (UDP) can pay a $49.99 surcharge for the dining experience. 

While Royal Railway is not Royal Caribbean's cheapest specialty restaurant, it's unlike any other dining experience Royal Caribbean has offered yet. This new concept incorporates a show element to it through the extensive use of technology to make guests feel like they've been transported to the Old West.

Currently, the price is only listed on the mobile app, and the app does not allow guests to make reservations. 

Read more: How much does Royal Caribbean specialty dining cost?

The immersive nature of the experience, combined with the live show, exclusive cocktails, and unique menu, make Royal Railway - Utopia Station unlike any other specialty restaurant in the fleet

From the moment you step foot on the station's "platform," you’re supposed to believe you could actually be boarding a train. 

The menu was designed with a cohesive theme, similar to Wonderland. Rather than the offerings you'd find at a standard steakhouse or Italian restaurant, you can expect a menu to match the journey. 

The Wild West theme, which is the first of many themes to debut on Utopia of the Seas, will feature a menu that borrowed ideas from classic Western United States fare. 

Royal Caribbean is still working on fully developing it all, but it promises to deliver something truly different from any other cruise ship restaurant.

Read more: Royal Caribbean's immersive train car restaurant brings the Old West and Far East to its next new cruise ship

Royal Caribbean is toying around with more themes

If riding through the Wild West doesn't appeal to you, don't give up hope. Royal Caribbean plans on adding more themes to Royal Railway - Utopia Station. They won't, however, be available when the ship sets sail on July 19. 

According to Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer, while the Wild West theme is a "long form" story that's a "lean in family experience, "short form" stories aren't out of the picture. 

What could "short form" stories look like? Think of a whiskey tasting through the Tennessee mountains or wine tasting while flying through the Napa Valley. Of course, these are just ideas; the final product is subject to change! 

Royal Railway isn't the only new restaurant on Utopia of the Seas

No longer are guests lounging on the pool deck limited to the options at El Loco Fresh. Now, passengers can head to the Spare Tire, Royal Caribbean's poolside food truck-inspired restaurant serving "handheld favorites" like pulled pork sandwiches, cheeseburger flatbreads, daily rotating desserts, and more. 

And while not a brand-new concept, Izumi in the Park on Utopia of the Seas is an Oasis Class first. 

Rather than carving out time to dine at Izumi, guests can order classic sushi rolls, hot gyoza, and even soft-serve bubble cones at the to-go window in Central Park. 

Speaking of Izumi, the Izumi on Utopia will be the largest in the fleet, with six teppanyaki tables and a private omakase-inspired dining room! 

Passengers craving Italian fare will appreciate the two-story Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, which has an outdoor terrace, dubbed "Gio's Terrazza," for the first time!

Read more: Utopia of the Seas restaurant and dining guide