Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas has departed the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, for five days of sea trials — a critical final exam before the ship sails to Port Canaveral for its July 19 debut. The vessel will cover more than 1,000 miles while a crew of over 900 engineers, naval architects, navigation specialists, and designers put virtually every system through its paces.
At 236,860 gross tons and 1,188 feet long with 18 decks and a capacity of 5,668 passengers, Utopia of the Seas is the sixth ship in Royal Caribbean's Oasis class and will rank as the second-largest cruise ship in the world — just behind the line's own Icon of the Seas, which debuted out of Miami earlier this year. It will be the first Oasis-class vessel powered by liquefied natural gas, a cleaner-burning fuel that Port Canaveral already has experience accommodating as the first North American homeport to host an LNG cruise ship.
Once it arrives in Florida, Utopia takes over the three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries currently operated by Allure of the Seas, with every sailing stopping at Royal Caribbean's private island destination Perfect Day at CocoCay. That island features 14 waterslides, a massive wave pool, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, and the adults-only Hideaway Beach area. The ship's onboard highlights include the longest Ultimate Abyss dry slide at sea — 295 feet, a full 43 feet longer than those on its sister ships — along with five pools, eight hot tubs, three waterslides, a surf simulator, and the familiar Oasis-class neighborhoods like the Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, and Central Park.
Dining options add considerably to the ship's appeal. A brand-new concept called Royal Railway – Utopia Station will seat guests inside replica railway cars with digital screens cycling through global destinations, pairing the scenery with themed cuisine. Other newcomers include the Pesky Parrot cocktail bar and The Spare Tire poolside food truck, alongside returning favorites such as Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Chops Grille, Hooked Seafood, and 150 Central Park, among many others.
This information was reported by GMToday.com.
