New Giga-Liner Utopia of the Seas Sets Sail

(eap) Today, the new giga-liner of the American shipping company Royal Caribbean International sets sail from Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida) for the first time. The sixth ship in the “Oasis” class is 362 meters long and 64 meters wide and was built at the French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire. Up to 5,668 passengers can spend a three- or four-night getaway on 16 decks, heading for destinations in the Caribbean such as Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Already, there is plenty to discover on board: With over 20 dining options and more than 20 different bars and entertainment venues, no moment of boredom arises. A gastronomic highlight on the new luxury cruise ship is “Royal Railway – Utopia Station”, an immersive culinary experience that allows visitors to take a seat at tables in the carriage of a “locomotive”, where they can enjoy their food and drinks while virtually traveling the vastness of the world.

© swb-photo Another highlight attraction is “The Ultimate Abyss”, the longest dry slide on a cruise ship at 259 feet (almost 79 meters), which is not only an eye-catcher with two winding tubes, but also allows friends and families to race against each other. The slides start at a height of 150 feet (around 46 meters) above the sea and include 300 LED lights inside, roller coaster segments, a fake curve effect and a transparent section so that those sliding can compete. The slide was built by German manufacturer Wiegand, who also realized three water slides on the ship.

Furthermore, there is a ten-storey high zip line, a FlowRider surf simulator, a mini golf course, a playground with a kid-friendly ninja course, laser tag, climbing walls, an escape room and much more to discover. The focus of the new luxury liner is also on shows and events, which are performed on the open-air stage – the “Aquatheater” – in the “Music Hall” or in the “Royal Theater”.

“Every day on Utopia will feel like the weekend. The unmatched energy and ways to make memories – between the pools, thrills and more and our award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay – will bring friends and families together on a short getaway like never before,” says Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. ■