What is the incredible Utopia of the Seas cruise like?

Shall we have dinner in the train car and go to the water theater? Or do we order a chorizo ​​steak in Central Park and then watch the ice skating show? What if we choose sushi, drinks and a musical?

Everything is possible in the Utopia of the Seasthe brand new Royal Caribbean cruise which proposes short itineraries to combine rest and fun from the state of Florida, in the United States, to the Bahamas.

And the first feeling is that three nights will not be enough for us to discover the experiences offered on board and we will not be able to see all the corners of the second largest tourist boat in the world (after Icon of the Seas).

In their 18 decks or coversthis ship houses 2,834 cabins for 5,668 guests (with double occupancy) and 2,990 crew members. If the figures are surprising, it must be taken into account that it measures 362 meters long, 64 meters wide and 9 meters deep.

In the eight neighborhoods We discover the five swimming pools, eight whirlpools, a pool with waves for surfing, a solarium, more than 40 options of themed restaurants and bars, two casinos, Aqua Theater, music hall, ice skating rink, giant outdoor movie screen and the Royal theater.

Utopia places emphasis on three pillars: gastronomy and cocktails; entertainment and parties; swimming pools and sports, with numerous water slides.

On deck 6, fly over the spirit of Coney Island along the Boardwalk which begins with the great Carousel and culminates in the shocking Aqua Theater: we find a bar with multiple screens that broadcast sporting events, a store overflowing with sweets and several vintage games, among which the Zoltar machine draws attention, the magician who tells the future for a couple of dollars and pays immediately to the film Big (translated as “I would like to be great”).

Deck 8 is exclusive to Central Parkwith restaurants and shops that follow one another on a tree-lined promenade, with square benches included: we sit down to enjoy a live jazz band and wonder if we are really on a boat.

The glazed elevators (on the floor it is clarified if necessary) Sunday -Sunday-, for example, for those who lose track of time) are agile for the number of people on board, with a system of screens touch very intuitive.

They arrive more often to deck 15, where the pools and the gigantic buffet dining room are located. All meals are served there and it is the place most frequented by those who want to have a little bit of everything and dress more informally than what is required in the dinner restaurant (each booth is assigned a turn and a table) and in the themed ones. (paid separately).

Above the pools and sports area, the ship has pickleball and ping pong courts, climbing walls, zip lines, mini golf, spa, fitness center, an extensive jogging track, surf waves and slides. water with different difficulties (the Ultimate Abyss is the most dizzying), among many other things.

“There are pools for all moods,” they promise at Utopia. And it’s true: there are the quiet pools for adults and the more lively ones, sloping with entrance to “the beach”, with Lime & Coconut bars, trio of The Perfect Storm water slides and a few places to eat, including a food truck next to the water. A little more hidden is the Solarium and the exclusive Sun Deck Suite.

In addition, there is a space for children, from a room with cribs for babies to creative games for children of different ages and an Escape Room.

There are also suites for all tastes and budgets, from internal or external ones with a balcony, to those with their own jacuzzi, children’s slides in the living room or a white grand piano in the living room.

From Port Canaveral, one hour from Orlando, United States, Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas cruise ship made its maiden voyage on July 15 and sailed to the Caribbean for 3 nights with a stop at the private island Coco Cay.

“It’s the ultimate 3-night weekend/4-night weekday getaway from the state of Florida, with a stop or two in The Bahamas (Nassau and Coco Cay). “We set out to create a utopian recreation space at sea that would offer the perfect getaway,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, referring to the new concept of weekend cruises to come aboard on Friday and leave the Monday morning before going to work.

For the Latin public, who travel from more distant destinations, it is “the ideal end to the vacation, after several days in the parks of Orlando and the malls of Miami.”

After more than two years at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, Utopia of the Seas is the sixth Oasis-class ship and the company’s second to be powered by LNG.

After the welcome from the authorities, the blessing and the required baptism, the opening party began with Rev Run and DJ Ruckus, and the show by the Grammy-winning singer and songwriter, Meghan Trainor.

“Perfect Day at Coco Cay”. With this motto, Royal Caribbean promises a perfect day on its private island in The Bahamas, a proposal of beaches and parties that works as an extension of the cruise.

Among other attractions, Coco Cay stands out for its 14 water slides, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean and the bustling adult Hideaway Beach with pools, bars, exclusive cabanas and live DJs.

For more peace of mind there is Coco Beach Clubwith white sand and turquoise sea, beachside pools and floating cabins on the water, with their own slide, lounge chairs and the option to order food through a touch screen.

Pool games in the sand, giant chess and even a beach library complete the services of the unmissable club.

“Every day in Utopia will feel like a weekend. The incomparable energy and ways to create memories, between the pools, the emotions and the award-winning Perfect Day at Coco Cay, you will bring friends and families together for a short getaway like never before. “This epic party and celebratory vacation is just beginning!” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

Something unique to book: Royal Railway – Utopia Station It is “the most immersive dining experience at sea.” It is a restaurant that simulates a train station with a car where five dishes of American cuisine are served, with landscapes of the Wild West on the screen windows and the performances of different characters.

Another great must-see is the night show at the Aqua Theaterwhere the public is amazed at the aerial acrobatics and the skill of the divers, whose dances end with chilling dives from very high platforms and impressive views of the ocean.

• How much does it cost. With rates that vary by date and category, the 3-night cruise starts at US$764 in an inside cabin (royalcaribbean.com).