An Inside Look at Utopia of the Seas: Is It Royal Caribbean’s Best Ship Yet?

Ready for the ultimate weekend getaway? We just set sail on Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Utopia of the Seas! From epic waterslides to stunning ocean views, this ship did not disappoint. But is it truly worth the hype? Here’s my full review of our 3-night sailing.

As a loyal Royal Caribbean cruiser with three decades of cruising under my belt, I am always eager to see how the latest and greatest ships stack up against their predecessors. So when I heard about the launch of Utopia of the Seas, billed as the biggest weekend at sea, I knew I was going to have to try it out. And I knew I would have to get as close to that inaugural sailing as possible!

So we set off on a three night Bahamas Cruise – here are all the details! And I do mean all the details – use the table of contents below to skip around if you are not down for a full novel. ;)

Who is writing this review?

I know reviews like this are super subjective. What I love, you might dislike, and vice versa. So to help put my perspective into context, here’s a bit about me and my cruising companions.

I’ll set something straight up front – I’m definitely a loyal Royal Caribbean cruiser. While I’ve sailed with nearly all the major cruise lines at least once, I’ve taken more than 20 cruises with Royal Caribbean because it consistently checks all the boxes for our family vacations. (You can see how I rank all the family cruise lines here.)

I took this cruise with my husband and our nine-year-old son, so I’m coming at this from the perspective of a family traveling with elementary-aged kids. If you’re looking for insights on the nightclub scene or the adults-only areas, this might not be the review for you. But if you’re planning a family trip with kids, I’ve got you covered!

We’re also pretty seasoned cruisers. Living close to the cruise ports makes these trips an easy, go-to escape for us. As I mentioned, I’ve cruised with Royal Caribbean more than 20 times, but I’ve also sailed with Carnival, Norwegian and Disney Cruises. While I’ve tried to evaluate the Utopia of the Seas on its own merits, I’ll also share some comparisons to these other lines and ships where it makes sense. (You can find more of my cruise reviews here.)

A Brand New Ship: Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newest marvel, setting sail for the first time in July 2024. As the sixth addition to the immensely popular Oasis-class fleet, it boasts a capacity of 5,668 passengers and comes packed with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a ship of this size. But what truly sets Utopia apart is its unique itineraries. It’s currently the only ship of its size offering 3- and 4-night sailings to the Bahamas, earning it the nickname “the biggest weekend at sea.”

As a local who loves to squeeze in quick getaways, this is a game-changer. We often stick to 3- to 5-night cruises over long weekends, but that usually means choosing from smaller, older ships, as the mega-ships are off doing week-long itineraries. Utopia of the Seas changes the game by bringing all the excitement of a big ship to shorter itineraries – and I couldn’t be more happy about it!

Port Canaveral – My top tips!

We sailed out of Port Canaveral, which is hands-down my favorite cruise port in Florida. It’s easy to navigate, offers plenty of parking, and has lots of affordable hotels nearby if you need to stay overnight. Compared to other Florida ports, it’s a dream. Miami and Ft. Lauderdale can feel like complete chaos, and while Tampa’s port is lovely, it’s limited to smaller ships due to the low clearance of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

Parking at the Port

If you’re driving to Port Canaveral, the most convenient option is the on-site parking garage. It’s super easy: just show up and follow the signs. You can’t pre-book parking here, so don’t get fooled by those pre-paid parking deals online. Those are all off-site lots, and they require shuttle rides to the terminal – not worth the hassle when the on-site option is so straightforward.

Where to Stay the Night Before Your Cruise

If you’re arriving the night before your cruise, I highly recommend the Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral. It’s clean, comfortable, and has great amenities like a pool and cozy fire pits. Plus, it’s just a short drive to the cruise terminal, making embarkation day stress-free.

If you have extra time, plan on a visit to Kennedy Space Center, which is a must-see for space enthusiasts of all ages.

Fun Bonus: Watch a Rocket Launch!

Here’s a cool perk of sailing from Port Canaveral – it’s home to NASA! If there’s a rocket launch scheduled on your departure day, you might get to see it right from your ship. I’ve been lucky enough to experience this twice – once on this cruise and once on a Disney Wish sailing.

Pro Tip: Check the Kennedy Space Center launch schedule ahead of your trip to see if your cruise coincides with a launch. It’s an unforgettable way to kick off your vacation!

Boarding and the Muster Drill

Let’s talk a little about the check-in and boarding process. After all, that’s the first step to getting on with your cruise vacation! You can check in to your Utopia cruise starting 45 days before your sail date, on the Royal Caribbean app or website. You will be asked to upload some information, including your passport details and photos of everyone in your party, and you’ll be given a boarding time, which is when you should plan to arrive at the port. This helps ensure all 5,000+ guests don’t show up at the same time.

We have always found boarding at Port Canaveral to be very quick and efficient. If you are driving to the port, you just follow the signs to drop off your luggage. Pull up, hand off your checked luggage to the luggage porters, and then head to the parking garage to park your car. (Don’t forget to have a few dollars handy to tip the porters.)

Once you park, you can head to the check in area. We selected an 11:00am boarding time, and arrived just a little bit after that. We were able to walk right on. Since we were staying in a suite on this cruise, we were able to use the priority line for suite guests. But the regular security line was very short anyway.

After boarding, you need to go ahead and find your muster station. If you’re not familiar with the muster drill, it’s a mandatory process where all passengers are shown where to go in case of an emergency. Basically if the ship is sinking, this is where you get your lifeboat! Everyone must show up at their muster station to check in before the ship can sail. If you don’t show up – it is a really big deal. So I suggest just checking that task off the list immediately, so you can relax and start enjoying your cruise! It only takes a few minutes to walk by your designated location and give the attendant your name.

Exploring the Neighborhoods!

One of the coolest things about Utopia of the Seas is the neighborhood layout, which is a signature feature of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships. It basically breaks the ship up into themed areas, each with its own vibe, so whether you’re looking to chill, play, eat, or party, there’s a spot for you. Here’s a quick rundown of the different neighborhoods on board.

Central Park

Yes, you read that right – there’s a park in the middle of the ship! Central Park is this beautiful open-air space with real trees and plants, giving it a totally serene vibe. It’s lined with fancy restaurants and little shops, and there’s usually live music playing in the evenings. It honestly feels like you’re in a city park… until you look up and remember you’re on a cruise ship!

Funny story – sometimes there are even stowaways in the garden here. Like this owl who hitched a two week vacation on the Allure last week.

The Boardwalk

If you’ve got kids (or you’re just a kid at heart), you’ll love the Boardwalk. It’s designed to look like a classic seaside beach boardwalk, complete with a carousel and a candy shop. There are plenty of casual dining options here. Think hot dogs, burgers, and ice cream – plus the AquaTheater, where they do these insane high-diving shows. It’s a super fun, lively area that’s perfect for families.

The Royal Promenade

This is like the “main street” of the ship, and it’s always buzzing with activity. It’s lined with bars, shops, and quick-bite spots – including the famous Sorrento’s Pizza. They do parades and themed parties here, too. It’s a great place to people-watch or grab a drink before heading to a show. It’s also where you’ll find the Cafe Promenade to grab that morning coffee.

Entertainment Place

Speaking of shows, Entertainment Place is where you’ll find all the big performances. There’s a huge theater for Broadway-style shows, an ice rink with ice-skating performances, and a comedy club for adults-only laughs. There’s something going on every night!

Pool and Sports Zones

This is the action-packed part of the ship. There are multiple pools and some seriously awesome water slides. If you’re feeling brave, you can try the Ultimate Abyss, which is a dry slide that drops you 10 decks in just a few seconds. There’s also the FlowRider surf simulator, a zip line over the Boardwalk, mini-golf, and a sports court. More details on all the activities coming below!

Vitality Spa and Fitness Center

If you need a break from all the action (or just want to burn off some of those buffet calories), head to the Vitality Spa and Fitness Center. It’s got a full-service spa and a really nice gym. Plus, the Solarium is here – a peaceful adults-only area with its own pool and amazing ocean views.

The neighborhood layout really makes Utopia of the Seas feel more manageable, even though it’s a massive ship. Whether you’re looking for excitement or a quiet place to unwind, there’s a neighborhood that’ll fit the bill.

Our Stateroom – Grand Suite

As a brand new ship, you would expect the staterooms to be top notch. And they did not disappoint. For this cruise, we decided to splurge on a Grand Suite – a first for our family. I was especially curious to explore the suite-exclusive areas on this shiny new ship (all in the name of research, of course). ;)

I’ll give you a summary of the suite experience here. But if you’re considering booking, you’ll want to check out my full review of our Grand Suite on Utopia of the Seas also!

Most of the suites on Utopia are clustered in what they call the “Suite Neighborhood” on Deck 17. This is where we stayed, and it was seriously worth the splurge. The amenities in this area are exclusively for suite guests. You get access to Coastal Kitchen, which is a quieter, more upscale dining option, and a private suite sun deck with cushy loungers and a small pool. It feels a little more tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the ship, which is great if you want to relax. And perhaps the best perk – there were complimentary drinks in the lounge from 11am until 11pm!

Now typically the staterooms are not ready until at least 1pm, but when we peeked into the suite area, our stateroom attendant waved us in and let us know that the room was all ready for us. That was such a nice surprise, and we were able to drop our carry-on bags off right away.

The cabin itself was very spacious. There was a king sized bed and a sofa bed. I do prefer rooms with a pullman bed (a bunk that pulls down from the ceiling) rather than a sofa bed, but they didn’t have any Grand Suites with that option.

The bathroom was huge – by cruise ship standards. There was plenty of space to move around, double sinks, lots of storage space, and a deep bath tub/shower combo. It felt more like a normal hotel bathroom that a cruise ship bathroom!

And the balcony was also oversized, with plenty of space for two loungers and a small dining table. It quickly became our favorite spot to relax with a glass of wine in the evenings, and the space was easily large enough for a private meal with a view.

There was a refrigerator, and it actually stayed pretty cold. I pre-ordered some water bottles to the stateroom and they were there waiting for us. (I highly recommend this if you are a big water drinker like me.)

Service was top-notch, thanks to our fantastic cabin steward. He serviced the room twice a day (a perk exclusive to suite guests, as non-suite cabins now receive just one daily service). He also made sure to leave us plenty of towel animals, which, let’s be honest, is my favorite part of cruise ship housekeeping. I’m a sucker for a good towel monkey!

Again, if you want all the details on the our cabin and the suite benefits, go check out the full cabin review here.

The Pool Scene & Water Slides

I’ve been on a lot of cruise ships, but Utopia of the Seas definitely takes the cake when it comes to pools. I’m talking more pools than any other ship I’ve sailed! Here are some highlights.

The Pools (so many pools!)

There are three pools on Utopia’s main pool deck (not counting the splash pad or the Solarium pool), and each one has its own vibe. The pool closest to Splashaway Bay and the water slides was definitely the go-to spot for families. It’s the most convenient if you’ve got little ones who want to bounce back and forth between the slides and the pool.

The other two pools felt a bit more grown-up, even though they’re open to all ages. These were the spots to grab a cocktail, listen to live music, and watch for inappropriate dancing and scandalous bikinis. :-D It was a fun scene with a good mix of people, but never so crazy that it felt out of control. I imagine the spring break cruises will get pretty wild here though.

One unique feature are the casitas (basically cabanas) that you can rent in the pool area for some private space. We indulged in a casita on this cruise – you can check out my tips for renting a casita here.

Water Slides

Utopia has some of the best water slides at sea! There are three slides to choose from – including that big yellow one that looks like it’s dropping you down a funnel. Lots of fun. Note that kids needs to be 48″ tall for the water slides.

Splashaway Bay (Kids Water Park)

If you’ve got little ones, Splashaway Bay is going to be their favorite place on the ship. It’s a colorful sprayground just for kids, with mini slides, splash pads, water cannons, and a giant tipping bucket.

Just be aware – kids must be potty trained to play here. If your little one is still in diapers (including swim diapers), there is a smaller splash area with a toddler-sized slide that they can use.

Solarium (Adult Pool)

Looking for a quieter, kid-free pool experience? Head to the Solarium. This adults-only area is gorgeous, with its own pool, hot tubs, and a more relaxed vibe. It’s shaded by a glass canopy, so it’s perfect if you want to stay out of the direct sun. And the views from up there are incredible!

But do note that the Solarium Bistro restaurant adjacent to the pool is absolutely family friendly. So don’t expect a totally kid-free experience. Just a kid-free pool.

The Onboard Activities

In my opinion, this is where the Utopia of the Seas really shines. There is so much to do on this ship that you can’t possibly see it all in a weekend. And that’s okay with us, as we plan to spend many weekends on this ship in the future! Here are some of the best activities onboard:

The Abyss Slide

We’ve already covered the water slides above, but the Abyss is something entirely different. It’s a huge dry slide that takes you from the Sports Deck all the way down to the Boardwalk. This is a super fun concept, but the reality wasn’t as fun as I expected.

First off, you have to be in dry clothes to ride, which is kind of inconvenient if you’re hanging out by the pool. And second, it drops you off way down on the Boardwalk, which means you can’t just send your kids down and wait for them at the bottom. You’ve got to go with them (or race to meet them down there), which is a bit of a hassle. Honestly, it felt more like a mode of transportation than an actual activity.

But hey, I appreciate that Royal Caribbean is trying new things and adding unique features to their ships. Maybe it’ll be a bigger hit with older kids and teens. Note that kids need to be 44″ tall to ride the Abyss slide.

The Flowrider

The FlowRider is a classic Royal Caribbean attraction, and it’s just as fun as ever. My son was finally tall enough to give it a try on this cruise, and he had an absolute blast boogie boarding. They even let him try stand-up surfing a couple of times, which he thought was the coolest thing ever!

If you’re planning to give it a go, I definitely recommend heading there early in the day or during dinner hours to avoid the longest lines. It’s super popular, especially with kids and teens, so timing it right can save you a lot of waiting around.

Note that kids need to be 52″ to boogie board (on their bellies) and 58″ to stand up surf. Although if they are great at boogie boarding, staff might give them the go ahead to try standing up.

Zip Line

This was my nine-year-old’s absolute favorite activity on Utopia! The zip line flies you right over the Boardwalk, and it’s definitely high enough to give you a little adrenaline rush. Way too high for me – but my kid had zero fear and loved every second of it.

Note that kids need to be 52″ tall and at least 75 pounds to ride the zipline.

Quick Tip: If your child is just under the weight limit, ask if they can be weighed with the helmet and harness on. My son was just below the requirement at first, but once they added the gear, he made the cut. Shoutout to the crew member who suggested it – totally saved the day!

Rock Climbing Wall

The rock walls have been a recognizable feature of Royal Caribbean ships for quite a while now. And they are just as much as ever. My son loved climbing the wall, and he made it all the way to the top to ring the bell this time!

Note that kids need to be at least 6 years old to climb (plus the harness must fit them), and they need to have a pair of socks!

The Sports Court

Utopia of the Seas has a pretty large sports court, and it was a big hit with my son. They have designated times for free play as well as organized activities throughout the day. He had a blast joining a soccer competition and trying out a few other kids’ games over the weekend. It’s a great spot for burning off some energy and making new friends.

Mini Golf

Mini golf is pretty much a cruise ship staple these days, and Utopia’s course was a lot of fun. It’s cute, colorful, and open pretty much all the time, so it’s a perfect way to kill a little time between other activities. We found ourselves popping over for a quick round more than once during the weekend.

Laser Tag

This was a new one for us, and it was a blast! Laser tag takes place in the same venue as the ice skating show, so it was only available on one day of our itinerary (when the show wasn’t scheduled). They set up this huge inflatable arena for the day, and honestly, it was way more fun than I expected. We were running around like kids and laughing the whole time.

Note that kids need to be at last five years old and 40″ tall to participate.

Tip: Reservations are limited, and you can’t sign up until you’re onboard. So check the app as soon as you get on the ship and grab a spot before they’re all gone!

Escape Room

The Escape Room is a relatively new addition to Royal Caribbean ships, and it looks like a ton of fun. Just a heads up – there’s an extra charge for this activity, and time slots are pretty limited. You can reserve your spot in the cruise planner before your trip, which I’d definitely recommend if it’s on your must-do list.

Unfortunately, there’s an age minimum of 12 years, so we couldn’t try it out this time. But it’s definitely on my list for a future cruise once my son’s old enough!

Ice Skating

Ice skating at sea is such a fun novelty! But on our sailing, the only time slots for ice skating were during our day at CocoCay. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend skipping a beach day for ice skating – but hey, to each their own.

If you decide to give it a try, you’ll need to reserve a time slot in the app once you’re onboard. And don’t forget to pack long pants and socks, since they’re required to skate. Kids need to be at least six years old to skate on their own, but younger kids can go with a parent.

The Usual Cruise Stuff – Bingo, Trivia, Scavenger Hunts, etc.

Utopia has all the usual cruise stuff too – bingo, trivia, scavenger hunts, you name it. We jumped into a few of these throughout the weekend, and they were a fun way to break up the day. We didn’t win any cash at Bingo, but we did win a medal at the Family Scavenger Hunt. ;) It’s just good old-fashioned cruise fun.

Casino and Arcade

Of course, Utopia of the Seas has a casino. So if giving away all your money is your thing, you’re in luck! ;) I was surprised to find a smaller non-smoking casino, too, which is something I’ve never seen on another ship. Nice touch, Royal Caribbean!

And if your little ones feel like burning through their allowance, there’s an arcade ready to take their money, too. Luckily for us, with so much else to do on this ship, my son barely even noticed it. Aside from a couple of air hockey games, we got off pretty easy!

Shows & Entertainment

Now one thing to note about the Utopia (and most of the larger Royal Caribbean ships) is that the shows require reservations. You can make your reservations online in advance of the cruise, and you should definitely do that.

I honestly don’t love this system and consider it one of the downsides of sailing on the larger ships. First of all, if you book your cruise last minute, you might find that all the show reservations are already taken. In that case, you’ll have to try your luck in the standby line, where they let people in on a space-available basis about 15 minutes before showtime.

But even if you do snag a reservation, you’ll need to get there at least 20 minutes early or they’ll give your seat away. It just adds a layer of stress that I don’t love on vacation, plus you lose the flexibility to make spontaneous evening plans.

That said, this is how it works on all of the big Royal Caribbean ships these days, so it is what it is. The good news is that the entertainment is worth the hassle! Here are some of the highlights:

The Aquatheater

The Aquatheater show is hands down the most impressive entertainment on Utopia of the Seas. It’s an aquatic performance with synchronized swimmers and high diving. And when I say high diving, I mean from a tiny platform into an even tinier pool – it’s wild to watch! This is definitely a can’t-miss show. I recommend booking it early in your trip so that if it gets canceled due to bad weather, you’ll have a chance to reschedule.

Ice Skating Show

The ice skating show is my personal favorite! It’s such a fun and unique concept, and the skaters are seriously talented. The music is always upbeat and entertaining, making the whole show a blast to watch. Definitely make time to catch this one – it’s totally worth it!

Headliner Shows

These are the more typical cruise ship shows – usually a mix of singers, dancers, and a little comedy from the host. Honestly, I found these to be the least interesting of all the entertainment options. So if you’re short on time, this is the one I’d skip. It’s worth mentioning that Royal Caribbean used to offer full Broadway shows on some ships (like Mamma Mia!), but they’ve phased those out, which is a real bummer because they were always fantastic.

Comedy Club

The comedy club on Utopia of the Seas hosts an adults-only comedy show. I love a good laugh, but we didn’t get to check it out this time since we were traveling as a family. I do wish they offered at least one family-friendly show, like they do on the competing Carnival Freedom. On the plus side, we did get to play bingo in the comedy club space, and it’s a great little venue. Maybe next time!

And of course, there are plenty of other great spots to hangout in the evenings. Classic cruise ship karaoke, piano tunes in the Schooner Bar, live music in the loungers, watching a game at the sports bar. You get the idea.

Food & Dining

The Windjammer Buffet

I honestly think the Windjammer is the best buffet at sea. :-D Seriously, though. I’ve cruised on a lot of cruise lines and I am always disappointed by the buffet on other ships by comparison. There are so many options, everything is so fresh, and it’s open for all three meals every day. What else can you need?

More (Free) Quick Service Options

If you want a quick bite but also want to avoid the buffet chaos, there are a ton of great options on Utopia!

Solarium Bistro – A smaller buffet, with lighter options, open for breakfast and lunch.
Park Cafe – Cute deli with sandwiches and salads in Central Park.
Vitality Cafe – Smoothies, wraps, and other healthy things. Near the spa.
Cafe Promenade – Coffee, snacks and pastries.
Sorrento’s – The best pizza at sea. Also the best late night nosh.
Boardwalk Dog House – Hot dogs. On the boardwalk.
El Loco Fresh – Tacos and burritos on the sports deck.

Main Dining Room

The main dining room is the go-to spot for a traditional sit-down dinner each evening. You’ve got two options: traditional dining, where you get the same time, table, and server every night, or My Time Dining, which lets you pick a different time each evening.

Personally, I always go with the traditional time slot for a couple of reasons. First, I’ve had ridiculously long waits every time I’ve tried My Time Dining – even with a reservation. And second, I love getting to know our server throughout the cruise. It just makes the whole dining experience feel more personal. Plus, the evening show times are usually set around the traditional dining schedule, so having a set dinner time makes it easier to catch all the entertainment without feeling rushed.

Coastal Kitchen

If you’re staying in a suite, you’ll get access to Coastal Kitchen. This is basically a private restaurant for suite guests and is a great quiet alternative to the main dining room.

Specialty (Extra Cost) Restaurants

You could easily eat all day without spending an extra penny at the complimentary venues, but if you want to mix things up, Royal Caribbean is more than happy to take a little more of your money. ;)

The one specialty restaurant we always book is Izumi Hibachi. It’s so much fun watching the chefs put on a show, and they’re super interactive – perfect for families with kids. If you’re only going to splurge on one specialty dinner, this is my top pick.

You might also be tempted by the Utopia Railway, which is brand new for this ship. It’s a themed dining experience meant to feel like you’re eating in a train car. It sounds really fun, but it’s also really expensive. I actually booked a reservation but ended up canceling because my husband and son decided they’d rather play bingo that night. :-D Bingo was definitely the cheaper option, so I didn’t argue!

Aside from Izumi and the Railway, there are plenty of other specialty dining options to choose from. If you’re planning to try any, I highly recommend making reservations before your cruise. You can also usually get a better deal by booking lunch instead of dinner. Here’s a quick rundown of what else is available:

150 Central Park – Fancy schmancy spot with tasting menus.
Chef’s Table – Small group dinner with a wine-pairing menu.
Chop’s Grill – Classic steakhouse.
Giovanni’s – Family-style Italian dining.
Izumi in the Park – Sushi at sea. There’s also a grab-and-go window if you want a quick bite.
Hooked Seafood – Exactly what it sounds like.
Playmakers – Casual sports bar with games on the boardwalk. No reservations needed, but it gets packed during big games!
The Mason Jar – Southern style menu with a super cute venue.
Starbucks – Same as what you’re used to on land, but note that your drink package doesn’t work here (which is a little annoying). You can still use your drink package at Cafe Promenade for fancy coffee, though.

Ice Cream Stations

Of course, no cruise would be complete without free-flowing soft serve ice cream on the pool deck. No exception on Utopia. My son enjoyed about ten thousand vanilla ice cream cones over the weekend.

Room Service

And if all else fails, you can always order room service. There is a charge of $7.95 (+18%) for each room service order. But sometimes you just need to eat a pizza in your bed.

Theme Nights

Now if you’re wondering what to pack, you’re going to need to know about the theme nights. Now the cruise lines do change these up from time to time, but here is what we encountered on our sailing.

On our three-night cruise, we had three theme nights: Red Night, White Night, and a Toga Party. The first two are pretty straightforward – just wear all red or all white. Easy enough!enough.

For the Toga Party, they actually handed out togas to anyone who wanted to join in. (And no, you don’t wear your toga to dinner!) There was a family-friendly version earlier in the evening and a late-night, adults-only party later on. I’m guessing the second one got a little wild!

I was disappointed that there wasn’t a formal night on this itinerary. I always enjoy getting dressed up at least once on a cruise. But hey, you can always create your own formal night if you’re feeling fancy!

The Itinerary – Nassau and Cococay

Right now, Utopia of the Seas is only sailing two itineraries. You can choose a three-night trip with one day in Nassau and one day at CocoCay, or a four-night version with the same ports plus a sea day. As a Floridian, I love the chance to take short weekend cruises on one of these mega-ships!

Cococay

CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, and it’s basically the ultimate beach day. There are beautiful beaches with plenty of lounge chairs, a massive pool, and an awesome sprayground with water slides for the kids. If you’re looking to splurge, there are also paid options like the water park, the fancy beach club, an adults-only area, and private cabanas.

We had a fantastic (and totally free) day just enjoying the beaches and pool. Honestly, I don’t think the beach club is necessary, especially if you’re traveling with kids—they’re going to want to be at the sprayground or in the pool anyway. I definitely recommend just getting off the ship, grabbing a spot in the sun, and enjoying everything CocoCay has to offer.

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is one of those cruise ports that people either love or hate. You will find tons of cruisers who claim it as their favorite port and just as many that insist you should just stay on the ship that day. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of wandering around Nassau’s port area, but there are a few spots that are definitely worth checking out. In my opinion, the best options are Atlantis’s Aquaventure Water Park, Baha Mar’s new water park, Cable Beach, and Blue Lagoon Island.

On this three-night cruise, though, we decided to stay onboard. Since this itinerary doesn’t include a sea day, we really wanted more time to explore all the activities on Utopia. And frankly, we’ve seen everything there is to see in Nassau many times over. We rented a Casita by the pool and had a super fun, relaxing day on the ship. If I do the four-night version next time, I’ll probably take the opportunity to head into Nassau, but skipping it this time was definitely the right call.

Adventure Ocean – Royal Caribbean’s Kids Club

Utopia of the Seas has a great kids club called Adventure Ocean, and it’s perfect for families traveling with little ones or tweens. There are separate areas and activities tailored to different age groups, so the activities are age-appropriate and engaging.

The space is large, with everything from arts and crafts stations to video games and interactive play areas. They also have a separate teen lounge with its own vibe, so older kids can hang out and socialize in a more relaxed, grown-up space.

We didn’t use the kids club much on this cruise because we were focused on family time, but it’s definitely a fantastic option if you’re looking for a little break or some adult-only time in the evening. From what I saw, the kids who were there were having an absolute blast.

The App, Messaging, & WiFi

Be sure to download the Royal Caribbean app before you depart for your cruise. Once you get onboard, you can connect to the ship wifi and have access to the daily schedule and maps of the ship. You can also make reservations for specialty restaurants, shows, and activities (like the laser tag and ice skating).

You can also use the app to message other people in your travelling party – for free! This is very handy. And it’s a feature that they used to charge extra for, so I very much appreciate it being complimentary now.

If you need internet access beyond the onboard messaging and ship app, you can purchase a Wi-Fi package. We always purchase Wi-Fi, as I need to stay connected to this website while traveling, and it worked very well on Utopia.

Bonus Activity: Cruising Ducks

If you’re new to cruising, you may be new to the concept of cruising ducks. It’s essentially a scavenger hunt at sea, and is a fun little tradition that is very popular on Royal Caribbean ships. Cruisers will bring along small rubber ducks and hide them around the cruise ships for other to find, often with a short note saying where they’re from or a fun message.

We found a few ducks hidden around Utopia of the Seas, and my son is always thrilled to find one. If you want to join in the fun, just pack a few ducks of your own to hide around the ship. It’s a cute way to add a little extra excitement to your cruise!

Would I sail on Utopia of the Seas again?

The short answer? Absolutely. I loved having the opportunity to sail on a larger ship with all the bells and whistles, but on a shorter weekend itinerary. It was the perfect mix of fun and relaxation, and it felt like just the right amount of time for a quick getaway. There’s so much to do on Utopia that we definitely couldn’t see it all in just three nights, so I’m already looking forward to coming back and exploring even more. Until next time, Utopia!

More Cruise Planning Resources

If you found this review helpful, here are some more articles to help you plan your perfect cruise!

• Grand Suite on Utopia of the Seas – Was it worth it?
• Renting a Casita on Utopia of the Seas
• Full Review of Carnival Freedom
• Disney Wish – Our First Disney Cruise!
• Which is the best family cruise line?