I sailed on Royal Caribbean’s newest giant cruise ship. These were my 8 favorite amenities.
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas is the second-largest cruise ship in the world. My eight favorite amenities included free activities and a new immersive bar.
Royal Caribbean’s latest vessel, Utopia of the Seas, is enticing first-time cruisers with quick three- and four-night voyages.
Good luck fitting everything you want to do in those short few days.
The 1,186-foot-long, 236,473 gross-ton floating resort offers a buffet of activities, from rock climbing walls to a zipline. If you have decision paralysis, have fun choosing between the more than 40 restaurants and bars.
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone — I spent my three nights on Utopia the same.
If you need a digestible guide to the mega-ship, here’s a list of my eight favorite amenities, including a 295-foot-long dry slide and a bar with a talking parrot.
1. The mini-golf course at night
The mini-golf course has nine holes.
Mini-golf has become a popular cruise amenity. As such, Utopia of the Seas’ nautical-themed course can amass a crowd of eager participants during the day.
For a more unique experience — and to avoid a long wait — go back at night.
At sundown, the nine holes light up like a colorful Christmas tree. The veins of the giant octopus cascade a bright rainbow, while the coral-like blobs become a pinball machine that lights up when hit by golf balls.
2. The 3 waterslides
Utopia of the Seas has three waterslides, two of which are racing.
Almost every Utopia of the Seas itinerary includes a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. There, guests can spend their sunny afternoon at the 14-slide waterpark, where tickets can cost more than $100 per person.
Or, just stay on the ship and entertain yourself with the three free waterslides.
Two are racing slides, perfect for couples and siblings, while the other brings riders around a bright orange toilet bowl-like funnel.
3. The 295-foot-long dry slides
The Ultimate Abyss dry slides span 10 decks.
Don’t enjoy waterslides? Why not try dry ones, known as the Ultimate Abyss?
The dual racing slides span 10 decks — starting on deck 16’s open-air activities area and ending on the Boardwalk.
Throughout the roughly 19-second descent, riders experience twists, turns, transparent tubes, and 300 twinkling LED lights.
It was my favorite way to travel from the ship’s upper to lower decks. If I had it my way, I would’ve spent all afternoon on it.
4. The caged-in tennis tables
Utopia of the Seas had three ping-pong tables.
Table tennis? One of the most common cruise ship amenities?
Hear me out — the ones on Utopia of the Seas were the best I’ve seen.
There’s nothing worse than running after one of those elusive white balls or trying to play against a windy day.
To prevent both, the new ship’s three ping-pong tables are surrounded by tall glass walls, shielding them from the elements while keeping the balls contained in the “arena.”
It’s a small but thoughtful design, great for novice players who spend more time running around for the ball than actually hitting it (like me).
5. The new bar with a talking parrot
Utopia of the Seas has Royal Caribbean’s first Pesky Parrot bar.
The mega-ship has 16 bars, many of which you can find on other Oasis-class ships.
The one exception to this is Pesky Parrot, a new tiki-themed watering hole.
A few “Teqkil-ya Zombie” and “Pain Chillers” drinks in, and the dollar bills hanging from the ceiling, frozen drink machines, and brightly patterned decor will make you forget you’re on a ship.
And yes, there’s actually a pesky robotic parrot quipping sassy one-liners.
Cocktails cost $10 to $14, with most on the pricier side. Wines run between $8 and $16 a glass, while beers and seltzers start at about $7.50.
6. The 3 shows
Utopia of the Seas has ice skating and water-based shows.
I don’t often enjoy cruise shows. Yet, Utopia of the Seas had some of the best entertainment I’ve seen at sea.
If figure skating is your favorite winter Olympic sport, you’ll enjoy the “Youtopia” show on ice. The rink is small — maybe dangerously so — but it still delivers twirls and jumps, along with projections that turn the ice into an ever-evolving set.
Speaking of jumps, if you prefer watching the summer Olympic diving event, head to the Aquatheater for “Aqua80too.” The swim, dance, and dive show — set to a nostalgic hit 1980s soundtrack — also sprinkles in some impressive slackliners and tightrope walkers.
Even the “All In” song-and-dance production was better than expected, bolstered by the unexpected acrobatics, detailed costumes, and a high-tech set.
7. The hidden gem of a buffet
Solarium Bistro offers a breakfast and lunch buffet.
When the breakfast lines at Windjammer buffet are too long, head to the Solarium Bistro. There, you’ll have the same food options while contending with fewer crowds.
The dining tables also extend into the neighboring adult-only Solarium, mimicking an al-fresco dining experience.
At night, the restaurant adopts a Mediterranean and Californian-inspired menu with options like hummus, Greek salad, and chicken kebab.
8. The café in Central Park
The Park Cafe has grab-and-go sandwiches and a build-your-own salad bar.
The ship has 27 dining venues, from the poolside ice cream kiosk to the $150 per person omakase.
The cafeteria-style Park Cafe is what the kids might call a “sleeper hit.”
At first glance, its soups, sandwiches, desserts, and build-your-own salad bar might not seem craveable. Yet, I found myself repeatedly stopping by, seeking a light afternoon salad to counteract the ship’s otherwise heavy meals.
Grab a table outside — Park Cafe is located in Central Park, a calm, plant-filled neighborhood removed from the chaos of the pool deck.
