New Additions and Upgrades

Every ship from RCL has staples that define the brand and the onboard experience, but each one is also tailored for a unique journey. One thing I love about this company is that they really listen to feedback and are constantly evolving to meet their passenger’s wants and needs. Here’s how they’ve taken beloved spaces and either elevated or reimagined them:

• Royal Railway Utopia Station: This train adventure is unique and fantastic addition to the Royal Caribbean fleet – a real crowd-pleaser. There’s so much to tell about it I can’t fit here, so I’ll be sharing about it in Part 2 of my overview!
  
• Pesky Parrot: Replacing the Bionic Bar, this tropical tiki bar brings a vibrant, colorful atmosphere and is always buzzing with activity. You still have Johnny Rockets, but this adds a really, really cool new vibe, we loved it!
  

• Izumi in the Park: Following the concept from the Icon of the Seas, Izumi in Central Park now features a takeout window, making it a convenient spot for delicious sushi on the go. An absolutely awesome addition!

  
• Giovanni’s: One of our all-time favorites, Giovanni’s Italian has been elevated to a two-story layout with “Gio’s Terrazza” wine bar on deck 12. All I can say is WOW. The dining room offers indoor and outdoor spaces, and a coveted balcony with stunning views of the Aqua Theater and the boardwalk for people watching. Our favorite upgrade? The wine bar is traditionally a separate space called “Vintages”, but they brought them together here for the perfect before and after dinner spot.

  
• The Spare Tire: A new grab-and-go counter with a food truck theme on deck 15, it’s perfect for quick and tasty options for busy cruisers. 


• 150 Central Park: Once one of our less favored dining options, it has been revamped with a phenomenal menu that offers elegant dining for all palates, including tenderloin, lobster, and a cauliflower steak for vegetarians. Our whole party loved the food, and their cucumber basil martini is a must-try!

  
• Coastal Kitchen, Suite Lounge & Suite Deck: Reserved exclusively for suite guests, these spaces are beautifully designed, and the lounge offers a small dipping pool and sun deck. 

  
• Solarium Suite: This gorgeous new suite with its all-glass design and private Solarium access, is stunning. (The Solarium is the adult-only pool and sun deck, complete with the popular View Bar.) 


• The Mason Jar: This venue, which originated on the Wonder of the Seas, is a massive hit! With live country music, dancing bartenders, and an incredible atmosphere, it’s a really fun spot, whether you like country music or not. This was THE hotspot on the ship during our trip and I bet it will continue to be! 

  
• The Windjammer: One of our all-time favorites (especially their Indian food), this eatery has been moved to deck 15, with a different space configuration like a horseshoe, giving you great views to Central Park. Intentionally designed and large enough to accommodate guests all throughout the day with a great variety of food, this was a welcome upgrade. 

Fitness and Spa

Much like other Oasis Class ships, their gym and spa facilities are top-notch, with plenty of new cardio machines, a track, free weight area, and cycle studio. We had a fantastic couples massage and the service was excellent. We did notice the absence of a juice bar, a staple on Oasis-class ships which they had to remove for piping more energy. While disappointing, it was only a minor drawback, as they plan to have bottled juices on the ship. 

Entertainment Extravaganza

Utopia of the Seas offers some of the best entertainment at sea: between the new Royal Railway, The Aqua Show and All In Show in the Royal Theater, there is something for everyone. (We even got to see Meghan Trainor live…they named her “The Godmother” of Utopia, as she was only there for the inaugural sailing.) Although we missed the ice show this time, we’re looking forward to it in October when we return. There was so much to do, there’s just no way we could get to it all!

Of course you also have all of the family favorites available, from zip lining to waterslides and mini golf, so there’s something to keep everyone busy from day to night. We also got some nice celebrity sightings, probably because a movie was being filmed on board.