Royal Caribbean’s New Utopia Of The Seas Is Ideal For First-Time Cruisers

Royal Caribbean is among the most popular cruise lines as it offers something for every traveler and has a good reputation. Meanwhile, the cruise line is launching its brand-new Icon of the Seas, a massive ship accommodating 5,620 guests on 18 passenger decks. The ship features eight onboard “neighborhoods” to explore, seven swimming pools, water slides and attractions. It will also feature more than 40 restaurants, bars and cafés.

While all this sounds wonderful, it probably isn’t the best choice for someone going on their first cruise. In fact, with its sheer size, it might be overwhelming, plus at first, it is only offering seven-night Caribbean cruises out of Miami in 2023. However, another new Royal Caribbean cruise ship could be a better choice for first-timers.

Royal Caribbean launching Utopia of the Seas

Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean is launching another new ship in 2024, named the Utopia of the Seas. This ship would truly be a better choice for first-timers and is part of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class of ships.

The Utopia of the Seas will offer more than 20 dining options, as well as 20 bars and entertainment venues. It will also feature five swimming pools, water slides and more fun options. What makes this a better choice for first-time cruisers is that it will offer three-night and four-night Bahamas itineraries sailing from Port Canaveral in Florida.

This makes the Royal Caribbean ship one of the only extra-large ships to handle such short itineraries as most of the ships doing so are older and smaller.

Get a taste of cruising

With a short itinerary, Utopia of the Seas is ideal to give first-time cruisers a taste of what cruising is all about. In fact, they will enjoy all the same amenities of an Oasis-class ship without having to book a seven-night or longer cruise.

During its first season, Utopia of the Seas will exclusively sail to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral. Passengers will get the chance to spend a day in the capital of the Bahamas, Nassau. They will also visit Royal Caribbean’s own private island, CocoCay.

Speaking of the new cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s CEO Michael Bayley said it is ideal for “vacationers [who] are looking to make every moment count by celebrating and recharging with their friends and family. We’ve combined the best of the best to create the world’s biggest weekend for everyone.”

As all the 2024 sailings are three or four nights, first-time cruisers can spend a long weekend experiencing this mode of travel before committing to a longer cruise.

Having a day to spend in the Bahamas offers different opportunities for everyone. Guests can head out on a tour of the island, or spend the day relaxing on the beach.  Meanwhile, CocoCay has been named the best private cruise line island for three years in a row. Royal Caribbean’s island offers two private beaches, plenty of swimming pools and waterslides. It also offers swim-up bars and various dining options.

This sounds like the perfect option for anyone who wants to “get their feet in the water,” so to speak, on their first Royal Caribbean cruise.

Visit Royal Caribbean’s website to make a reservation or find more information about the World’s Biggest Weekend.