Cruising the Ultimate Weekend Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas

Ship overview

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas is the latest Oasis-class ship, offering a mix of new and classic features that will appeal to cruisers of all ages (but is definitely geared towards adults more than previous Oasis-class vessels). Whether you're traveling with family, friends or your significant other, Utopia of the Seas has something for everyone.

For those looking for tips on planning and what to expect when cruising with Royal Caribbean, check out my guide to Royal Caribbean tips and tricks here.

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Itinerary overview

Day 1: Embark in Port Canaveral

Day 2: Nassau, Bahamas

Day 3: Perfect Day at CocoCay

Day 4: Disembark in Port Canaveral

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Nassau

Your first stop is Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. Nassau is known for its beautiful beaches, culture and colorful colonial buildings. However, since this is such a short cruise, consider staying onboard Utopia of the Seas this day and enjoy all the excitement it has to offer.

For those looking to explore, consider heading to Fish Fry at Arawak Cay, where you can enjoy authentic Bahamian cuisine, such as conch fritters and grilled fish. Regarding excursions, a day pass to the Atlantis Resort is a great option for those who enjoy water parks.

If planning to venture out on your own, know that you will need to secure a ride from the Taxi Stand before the port's exit. The taxis will try to wait until they have as many riders as they can fit going to the same destination, so do plan in a good amount of buffer time when departing and returning to the cruise port.

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Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

The holy grail of private islands, Perfect Day at CocoCay has something for everyone, including those with no set plans. Remember to check out a towel before leaving the ship, as you will need to bring your own (though they do have a kiosk on the beach if you forget). Bring your equipment along instead of renting from Royal Caribbean for those interested in snorkeling.

Hideaway Beach is the newest addition to Perfect Day at CocoCay and is a fantastic option for adults only (though it comes at an additional cost). However, that additional cost gains entrance into arguably one of the island's best areas, where Royal Caribbean has replicated all of Perfect Day at CocoCay’s best features in one location. The area has more bars available to guests, a large swim-up bar area with a (very loud) DJ, a heated pool, a pizza/empanada food stall, a Snack Shack and a sports bar called On the Rocks. Best of all, the beach was designed as a well-secluded cove that limits waves (and jellyfish, which commonly plague other areas such as South Beach).

Groups looking for an elevated food and beach experience should book the Coco Beach Club or one of the swanky cabanas within (again, booking a cabana here might be cheaper than individual tickets, depending on the number in your group). The lunch at Coco Beach Club is top-notch, with filet mignon, lobster and a fantastic tapas spread (among other options). Beach loungers in this area come with towels, so there is no need to check out towels from the ship. Compared to Hideaway Beach, which is 18+ only, Coco Beach Club allows children.

Thrill Waterpark boasts the tallest waterslide in North America, Daredevils Peak (but also has six other great slide options). A word of caution—beware of the Screeching Serpent slide! For large families, booking a cabana at Thrill Waterpark might save money versus booking individual tickets.

Those looking to go on Up Up and Away, the helium balloon on Perfect Day at CocoCay, make sure you book through the Cruise Planner as soon as your cruise is confirmed. This books up quickly (but is often canceled/refunded due to inclement weather).

Bar service while enjoying the beach loungers across the island is hit or miss, so if you would rather not have to get up and make your way to a nearby bar, consider booking a cabana or day bed at one of the many “neighborhoods” across the island (which come with a dedicated server). South Beach is a bit more geared towards adults (and is the farthest away from the ship), while Breezy Bay and Chill Island are quite close and family-friendly.

Prices fluctuate greatly for Perfect Day at CocoCay, depending on ship and sail date, so consider booking your reservations in the Cruise Planner as soon as your booking is confirmed so you can be sure to snag the lowest prices possible (and then check back periodically in case the price drops).

What to know before you go

Packing for a weekend cruise is all about maximizing your fun with minimal luggage. Since you’ll be heading to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, make sure to pack swimwear, sunscreen and flip-flops. A light jacket or sweater is also a good idea for the cooler evenings on deck. Don’t forget your favorite cruise essentials like a lanyard for your SeaPass card, a reusable water bottle and electrolytes.

Nassau is in the Bahamas, so the local currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, everything is cashless, so your SeaPass card will be your best friend. No need to worry about language barriers—everyone speaks English in both Nassau and on CocoCay.

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Ship-based activities

Aqua80 Too – A high-energy show featuring divers, acrobats and synchronized swimmers. The Aquatheater is one of the best features on any Oasis-class ship, so make sure to reserve your spot.

Studio B – Youtopia (a terrible name for a great show) is the must-see ice skating show, and again, reservations are strongly recommended.

Royal Theater – All In is an amazing, high-tech musical and dance production (which also uses drones). A shockingly fantastic performance.

Perfect Storm Waterslides – Try out the trio of waterslides on the pool deck.

Casino Royale – Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just looking for some fun, Casino Royale has plenty of slot machines and table games to keep you entertained. There’s also a non-smoking section if you prefer a smoke-free environment.

Solarium – Adults can retreat to the Solarium, an adults-only oasis at the front of the ship. Relax in the pool or soak in one of the hot tubs, all while enjoying stunning ocean views. While the Solarium is usually busy, it’s a next-level scene on Utopia’s Ultimate Weekend…

Music Hall – Dance the night away or enjoy live music at this two-story venue.

Crazy Quest – For the adventurous and outgoing, Crazy Quest is a must-do. This adult-only game show is known for its wild and wacky challenges that will have you laughing and cheering all night long.

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Dining on the ship

Specialty Dining - Consider paying extra on an evening or two for a lovely dinner at one of the fabulous specialty dining locations onboard: Chops Grille, Chef’s Table, 150 Central Park, Izumi Sushi & Hibachi and Hooked Seafood.

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar – Indulge in classic Italian fare at Giovanni's. This cozy spot is perfect for a laid-back dinner with a glass of wine. If the weather is cool enough, request a seat outside overlooking the Boardwalk and ships wake.

The Mason Jar – From “home-cooked” Southern brunch and dinner, this spot serves up hearty dishes with a side of live country music.

Utopia Station – This fully immersive train-themed restaurant features live actors who bring the journey to life as you enjoy a curated dining experience. Be sure to reserve as soon as reservations populate on the cruise planner website, including if you have an unlimited dining package (as reservations will be full before you’re able to board the ship).

Playmakers Sports Bar – Catch the game while enjoying wings, sliders and other bar bites at Playmakers. It’s a great spot for sports fans and is open late into the night.

Johnny Rockets – Start your day with a complimentary breakfast at Johnny Rockets. This classic diner is a great alternative to the buffet, offering everything from pancakes to breakfast burritos. Lunch and milkshakes are at an extra cost.

El Loco Fresh – Grab a quick lunch at El Loco Fresh, where you can build your own tacos, nachos and more.

Park Cafe – For a light bite or a quick coffee, head to Park Cafe in Central Park. Their Kummelweck sandwich is a fan favorite and the fresh salads are perfect for a healthy option.

Windjammer – The Windjammer Marketplace is your go-to for a buffet-style meal. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Sorrentos – Craving pizza? Sorrentos has you covered with freshly baked slices available into the early hours of the morning.

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Bars on Utopia of the Seas

Pesky Parrot Tiki Bar – Colorful décor and a laid-back vibe make this the perfect place to unwind with a tiki drink in hand.

Boleros – Sip on a mojito or caipirinha while enjoying live Latin music.

Schooner Bar – This nautical-themed bar is a Royal Caribbean classic. Enjoy a martini while listening to live piano music, or test your knowledge at one of the bars trivia.

The Lime and Coconut – Located poolside, The Lime and Coconut is the ultimate spot for a tropical drink. Try a Goombay Smash or a Pina Colada while soaking up the sun.

Cask & Clipper English Pub – For a pint of beer, conversation and live guitar music, head to the English Pub.

Rising Tide Bar – One of the most unique bars on board, the Rising Tide Bar slowly moves between the Royal Promenade and Central Park, offering a leisurely way to enjoy a drink and a view.

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For a quick weekend escape or a first-time cruise adventure, Utopia of the Seas is a fantastic choice. It offers all the best features of previous Royal Caribbean ships, along with exciting new upgrades to enhance your experience.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Bahamas. In need of further inspiration? Check out Alaina Gregerson’s guide, Discovering Eleuthera: Your Ultimate Bahamas Escape.