“You’ve never been on a cruise ship like this,” Royal Caribbean promises about the coming Utopia of the Seas.
Well, you have, if you’ve cruised on any of the five sister ships in the Oasis Class. And yet each of the ships has its own personality. Utopia will feature eight distinct neighborhoods, 21 dining options, an array of bars and lounges along with all the pools, whirlpools, surf simulators and rock climbing walls.
But there’s a difference to this from earlier Oasis Class ships. Utopia’s cruises are being offered as more like weekend getaways, a three-night Friday to Monday sailing from Port Canaveral each week stops in Nassau and Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay. Then comes a four-night Monday to Friday sailing with the same itinerary but also a day at sea.
Royal Caribbean has revealed details of the innovations in its dining lineup. Here are the highlights of what’s on the menu:
Royal Railway-Utopia Station: This new, one-of-a-kind dining experience combines adventure, food and tech to travel, all by train. The journey starts with pre-dinner drinks at the station platform where, at the sound of the train whistle, guests board the dining car for a multisensory culinary adventure that will transport them to any place and time, from America’s Wild West to far-off destinations across the globe, all without leaving the ship.
The Spare Tire: Guests can refuel with quick bites and handheld favorites to keep the party going at this new poolside food truck. From pulled pork sandwiches, cheeseburger flatbread, daily rotating desserts and more, there is a truckload of food to be explored.
Izumi and Izumi in the Park: Joining the Royal Caribbean staple in its new Central Park location is a convenient pickup window that serves sushi, Japanese-inspired street food and sweets. Next door is a reimagined Izumi restaurant, with a new multi-course omakase-inspired private dining experience paired with sake cocktails, more teppanyaki tables, al fresco dining and more.
Utopia will also offer all the Royal Caribbean classic dining experiences, with some twists. Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar will span two decks along with a new outside terrace Gio’s Terrazza, which overlooks the signature Boardwalk and will have a reimagined menu of Italian dishes, varietals and classic cocktails
Other returning favorites on the table are the popular The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar, Hooked Seafood, Chops Grille, that connects to the signature Trellis Bar.
It’s all aboard Utopia from Port Canaveral starting in July.
Story by Wallace Immen, The Cruisington Times
