The Royal Railway
RCL’s Utopia of the Seas, Part 2
One of the best things about my job is getting to try new travel adventures and experiences for the first time…and the one I’m sharing this week is one of the coolest we’ve done yet!
In Part 2 of my sneak peek of Royal Caribbean’s vibrant new ship, Utopia of the Seas (you can find Part 1 here), I’m sharing all about their unique new restaurant dining venue: The Royal Railway.
Ready to book ‘The World’s Biggest Weekend’ on Utopia of the Seas? Reach out here, then relax as we take care of everything.
Here are all the details of our adventure on The Royal Railway – Utopia Station, a one-of-a-kind interactive and immersive dining experience:
Telegraphs and Tickets
One of the many special touches I loved is how we received a telegraph in our room which begins, “The Royal Railway cordially invites you…” along with our beautifully designed, printed tickets. We had to bring the tickets to the train for entry (they checked them just as they might on a real train but we got to keep them); that little detail made it special before we even arrived. Keep in mind, you will most definitely need to make a reservation for this trip, and there is an additional expense as it’s outside of the dining options included in the standard fare.
A Grand Welcome to Utopia Station
We were very very lucky to be on this inaugural sailing and to be on board for this brand new dining concept; in fact, we were the very first group to ever experience it as guests! At 6:00 PM on the inaugural night, we were greeted by a costumed train conductor at the beautifully designed Utopia Station. The entrance itself feels Disney-esque, reminiscent of the immersive experience of the now-closed Star Cruiser Hotel.
The platform, complete with a bench labeled “Utopia Station” and a ticker displaying your departure information, really adds to the charm. Adults are also handed a bottle that looks like an old-timey sarsparilla bottle, but it’s their version of apple pie moonshine. More juice than booze, but it was a fun way to start the adventure.
Boarding the Train
The ‘train’ is there when you arrive, so it all requires suspension of disbelief. The arrival of your train is signaled by steam coming up from underneath, accompanied by train and whistle sound effects to complete the illusion. Don’t miss your train! Guests with a 6:00 PM reservation are advised to arrive by 5:45 PM and take care of bathroom visits before boarding, as the train won’t wait.
Another nice touch as we boarded was the gift of a beautiful illustrated map of our journey, another keepsake to enjoy. Little things like this made this experience really special.
The train cars are very beautifully appointed as a fine dining car on an antique railroad, featuring white tablecloths and seating arrangements for two or four on either side. Seated by the window, our shades were initially drawn, building anticipation as they told us about the menu and our destination: Durango Station.
The Journey Begins
As the trip began, the window shades lifted, revealing dynamic scenery that mimics the view of the Wild West from a moving train, creating a sense of movement. Actors enhance the experience by playing out a story involving a Marshall or Deputy posing as a train conductor seeking fugitives, who also come through the car and engage with guests in a fun, interactive way.
The servers even entered and exited as though moving from car to car on a real train. Much like dinner theater, It’s a family-friendly environment great for adults and kids of all ages; nothing scary for kids here.
Dining Delights
The culinary journey includes a variety of drinks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts served by an attentive staff who graciously accommodated my egg allergy. Everyone’s meal is served at the same time and the service was excellent; despite some room for improvement in the menu, the overall dining experience was exceptional. Highlights include:
- Bar/Bar Cart: Drinks overall were fabulous and they indulged our special request for one of our favorites: espresso martinis.
- Appetizers: The menu offered soup, chicken fingers and even “Fart & Dart Beans” (yes, I had to try those) and a standout bread service.
- Entrees: Options for dinner included lobster salad, short rib, and chicken…the short rib was the best, while the lobster salad was unique but not very filling.
- Desserts: Highly praised by everyone at our table, we recommend both options: a chocolate cigar and a vanilla coconut cake.
Overall, The Royal Railway on Utopia of the Seas is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique, interactive dining experience. Whether you’re a fan of themed dining or simply looking for something fun and different, this venue delivers on all fronts. With stellar service, engaging entertainment, and great food, it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss!
Royal Caribbean will also be adding other themes for this train adventure on future sailings, including a more adult-focused dinner focused around Marco Polo’s travels, called “Silk Route”.
Utopia of the Seas truly delivers; whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, this ship exceeds expectations. We’ll be back in October for more!
Reach out today to spend an epic weekend aboard this new, exciting ship.
Amy Westerman
President
The Curated Travel Collection
P.S. For more of our travel stories, tips and trends visit our blog.
