Utopia of the Seas: Ship Review

She's a beauty!

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the brand-new Utopia of the Seas on a three-night cruise to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, and let me tell you—it exceeded my expectations. The newest Oasis Class ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, Utopia, lives up to its name with modern design, fantastic amenities, and plenty of space for everyone on board. Let’s dive into what made this trip unforgettable.

Cabin Comforts: Ocean View with Large Balcony

The cabin was designed with thoughtful touches and serene finishes that created a welcoming atmosphere from the moment we walked in. The bed? Incredibly comfortable—I slept like a baby. The pillows were a bit bulky, but when I mentioned that to our amazing cabin steward, he brought me a softer, smaller pillow. The shower stall also felt more spacious than on other Oasis-class ships, which was a pleasant surprise. The overall design made excellent use of the space, making it feel luxurious yet functional. Our cabin had a large sofa with trundle bed and would comfortably accommodate 4 people. We were on deck 12 and never once heard noise from the cabins around or above us.

Dining Delights: Specialty Restaurants Shine

When it comes to dining, Utopia of the Seas has seriously upped the game. We opted for specialty dining each night to try some of the new restaurants onboard.

On embarkation day, we kicked off the cruise with lunch at Mason Jar, a southern comfort food spot. The jalapeño cornbread and pimento cheese were incredible starters, and the chicken sandwich was a standout—not just a typical patty, but a freshly breaded and fried chicken breast that hit the spot.

We also tried Hooked, the seafood restaurant onboard. While the clam chowder was just okay, the twin lobster tails were excellent and worth every bite. For oyster lovers, you have the option of fresh-shucked on the half-shell or baked. I chose baked this time around and fell in love with the champagne and brie morsels. Another favorite was Central Park 150, a classic that did not disappoint. I highly recommend the braised short rib—rich, tender, and full of flavor. Our server surprised us with a lobster thermidor that quickly became our favorite entree and trumped the ones we had ordered.

One of our last meals was at Izumi Sushi, now located in Central Park. The new location feels fresh, and the food was better than ever. The wait staff made the experience even more enjoyable, with impeccable service and friendly smiles. Overall, the food across the ship was well-seasoned, generously portioned, and quick to arrive—a much-appreciated improvement. While we didn’t dine at the Windjammer, we walked through several times and loved the new layout, which improves traffic flow and had an inviting ambiance.

Navigating the Ship: Smooth Sailing with a Few Surprises

Getting around Utopia of the Seas was relatively easy, especially if you’re familiar with other Oasis-class ships. The layout will feel comfortable with a few notable changes, like Giovanni’s moving to Deck 12 and Izumi Sushi settling into Central Park.

One unique feature worth mentioning is the new elevator system. There are no traditional floor buttons inside the elevators. Instead, you select your floor outside next to the elevator bay, and an iPad-like device assigns you to a specific elevator. While this worked smoothly most of the time, there were a few bottlenecks during busy moments, like embarkation and post-show exits. Even then, the elevators moved quickly, so it wasn’t much of a hassle.

Despite the ship being near full capacity, it didn’t feel overwhelmingly crowded, thanks to the neighborhood layout that keeps guests spread out. However, I did notice the casino and even the smoke-free casino were much busier than on previous ships I’ve sailed.

Fun for the Kids: A Paradise of Activities

If you’re traveling with kids, Utopia of the Seas is a dream come true. The ship is packed with activities for children of all ages. From the mini-golf course, arcade, and playground to the enhanced pools and water slides, there’s no shortage of fun. The Abyss slide, the merry-go-round, and the sports area are just a few more examples of why this ship is perfect for families. And of course, the dedicated teens and children’s clubs ensure that every age group has something tailored to their interests.

Final Thoughts: Exceeding Expectations

Utopia of the Seas exceeded my expectations in every way. Whether it was the serene comfort of our cabin, the diverse and delicious dining options, or the abundance of activities, this ship has something for everyone. She's my new favorite ship, and I can’t wait to sail with her again!

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