Royal Caribbean's latest mega-ship has set sail with new restaurants and amenities that were missing from its predecessor

Brittany ChangJul 19, 2024, 22:30 IST

Royal Caribbean launched its sixth Oasis Class cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas, on Friday — just six months after Icon of the Seas' inaugural sailing.Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's latest mega-ship is now operating short Caribbean itineraries.
At 236,860 gross tons, Utopia of the Seas is now the world's second-largest cruise ship.

Step aside, Icon of the Seas — there's a new giant cruise ship in Florida. And it's already attracting weekend warriors with a new ultra-long slide, food truck, and omakase dinner.

Royal Caribbean's new 236,860-gross-ton Utopia of the Seas embarked on its maiden voyage on Friday, marking the launch of the world's second-largest cruise ship.

For some travelers, the mega-ship's arrival at its homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida, has been a long time coming. In April, Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said the company had seen "extraordinary" demand for the new floating hotel.

If it feels like Royal Caribbean just debuted another giant vessel, you'd be right.

Icon of the Seas first set sail in late January.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Icon of the Seas still claims the 'world's largest cruise ship' title.

Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay.Pieter De Boer

At 1,188 feet long and 236,860 gross tons, Utopia is shorter and lighter than Icon.

Icon of the Seas, left, and Utopia of the Seas, right, are the two largest cruise ships in the world.Royal Caribbean International

The biggest discrepancy between Utopia and Icon isn't their sizes. It's their itineraries.

Royal Caribbean launched Hideaway Beach, the new adult-only section of its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, in January.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

The two mega-ships share plenty of similarities.

Royal Caribbean says Utopia of the Seas' Ultimate Abyss dry slide is the longest dry slide on a cruise ship.sbw-photo

You'll have to stick with Icon if you want seven pools and six waterslides.

Utopia of the Seas has five pools, three water slides, and eight hot tubs.sbw-photo

Neighborhoods like Boardwalk, another Oasis-class staple, have returned on Utopia.

The Boardwalk, as seen on R'soyal Caribbean fifth Oasis Class ship, Wonder of the Seas.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Icon's Surfside neighborhood was designed for families with young kids.

Utopia Playscape, shown in a rendering, has features like three dry slides and buoy swings.Royal Caribbean International

Popular Royal Caribbean entertainment venues like the shape-shifting water-based AquaTheater and ice skating rink are available on both ships.

The Boardwalk neighborhood is home to the AquaTheater.sbw-photo

Regarding food, Icon of the Seas has 14 specialty and 13 complimentary dining venues.

The Sprinkles ice cream kiosk, shown in a rendering, has a toppings bar and vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream.Royal Caribbean International

A new poolside food truck also debuted on Royal Caribbean's latest ship.

The Spare Tire food truck, shown in a rendering, is located next to one of Utopia of the Seas' pools.Royal Caribbean International

For a more entertaining dinner, head to the cruise line's first Royal Railway.

Jay Schneider, the chief product-innovation officer at Royal Caribbean Group, told reporters in January that Royal Railway, shown in a rendering, is designed to be an "immersive dining experience."Royal Caribbean International

Fans of Johnny Rocket's milkshakes will be delighted with Utopia.

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar on Utopia of the Seas, shown in a rendering, is two stories tall.Royal Caribbean International

Japanese restaurant Izumi's grab-and-go sushi window, which debuted on Icon of the Seas, is also on the new floating resort.

Izumi, shown in a rendering, has sushi, teppanyaki, and a new "omakase-inspired experience," according to Royal Caribbean.Royal Caribbean International

Icon's swim-up pool bar and coffee and tea-infused cocktail lounge are absent from its successor.

The new Pesky Parrot, shown in a rendering, is a "Caribbean tiki bar" with tropical and frozen drinks.Royal Caribbean International

If you need to sleep off the drinks, head back to your cabin. The fresh air from the balcony, which you'll likely have, will help, too.

An ocean-view balcony cabin on Icon of the Seas.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Or book the cruise line's first-ever Solarium Suites.

The new Solarium Suites, shown in a rendering, have floor-to-ceiling windows.Royal Caribbean International

Utopia of the Seas has more amenities, restaurants, and bars than travelers could experience in a three-day cruise.

If you want a quick weekend getaway with an omakase dinner, a tiki bar, and an ultra-long dry slide, Utopia of the Seas might be a good choice.Royal Caribbean International

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