Royal Caribbean International has made a “big” announcement for the future of “small,” ok, short cruises. The cruise line has announced that its newest Oasis Class ship, Utopia of the Seas, will sail short market 3- and 4- night cruises from Port Canaveral beginning in July 2024. Yes, that’s just over a year from now!!
Utopia of the Seas is the biggest and best entry into the short cruise market by Royal Caribbean to date. As the first Oasis Class vessel powered by liquified natural gas, the new ship also promises to be more environmentally friendly than your average weekend cruise.
Utopia of the Seas Features
Utopia of the Seas will bring many new (and updated) amenities to the short cruise market. Multiple pools and three Lime & Coconut bars, which have quickly become Royal Caribbean favorites. Cruisers can also enjoy Mexican-inspired street food and libations at El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca. Old favorites like the Solarium, where adults can enjoy pools and whirlpools as well as a complete bar and the Solarium Bistro will also be available. The most awesome Ultimate Abyss slide to date will also be available!
Of course, cruising is not all about sunshine, pools, and waterslides, Utopia of the Seas will feature some old and new eateries. According to the cruise line, Utopia of the Seas will feature more than 20 dining options including,
- Immersive dining experience – Combining multiple courses, technology and different destinations and storylines, the new, one-of-a-kind experience to be revealed at a later date is a locomotive journey that engages all the senses. (Stay tuned for this!!)
- Izumi and Izumi in the Park – Joining the Royal Caribbean staple in its new Central Park location, is a convenient, new window that serves up fresh sushi and Japanese-inspired sweets. Next door is a reimagined Izumi restaurant, with double the teppanyaki tables and new al fresco seating.
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar – Now spanning two stories, the reimagined favorite and menu of authentic Italian dishes, varietals and classic cocktails with a twist extend to the new outside terrace – Gio’s Terrazza – that overlooks the signature Boardwalk.
- More returning favorites on the menu include The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar, where live country music complements southern staples; Windjammer, featuring hundreds of dishes and flavors for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner – all inspired by Royal Caribbean’s international chefs; Hooked Seafood; and Chops Grille, now connected to the signature Trellis Bar.
Why Place a Ship Like This in the Short Cruise Market?
Why would Royal Caribbean, or any other cruise line, place a modern ship like Utopia of the Seas in the short cruise market? Well…..how long do you have? OK, seriously. Cruise marketing, no matter the line, tends to focus all the marketing on the features of their biggest and best ships. However, cruise lines have typically dropped some of their oldest, OK, most “mature” ships in the short 3- and 4- night market. Utopia of the Seas and all the marketing surrounding her represents the most modern imagery and the best experience for cruising. Everyone…..including those who may have other ideas about cruising have seen the pictures of the largest ships with their attractions and said……how do I sail on that ship?
Putting your best product in the short cruise market, where your first timers are most likely to be, ensures you’ll capture the imaginations of your customers with the very best ships, making them want to return for longer cruises where they’ll spend more money.
I can’t wait to cruise on Utopia of the Seas!!!! What about you? – MJ
Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
