Royal Caribbean promised a party for the inaugural sailing of Utopia of the Seas. As usual, the cruise line delivered.
It was the second time this year Royal Caribbean International launched a new ship. While Utopia doesn’t come with quite the same hype as the debut of the ground-breaking Icon of the Seas, it is breaking ground in its own way as the largest-ever ship to be dedicated to the short-cruise market.
Utopia will offer three- and four-night jaunts from Port Canaveral on Florida’s east coast to RCI’s private island Perfect Day at Coco Cay – the global cruise line’s most popular destination.
Utopia’s debut also marks the latest incarnation of the 15-year-old Oasis Class, inarguably the most successful ship class in the history of the cruise industry.
The Pesky Parrot is a fun new venue on RCI's Utopia of the Seas. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
Traditionally, the short-cruise market is where older ships operate, typically attracting the drive market and priced to sell. Royal Caribbean has flipped that dynamic on its head, by putting its newest piece of hardware – and the world’s second-largest cruise ship – on the short-cruise path.
“Short cruises were not always representative of the best of the brand,” says Eric St. Pierre, National Account Manager for RCI in Canada. “But with Utopia we’re really going after new-to-cruise clients, turning a full ‘Operation Charm’ on them with the best we have to offer.”
Royal Caribbean National Account Manager for Canada Eric St. Pierre. (Photo Credit: Eric St. Pierre)
St. Pierre says Utopia will offer “a concentrated vacation,” packed with dining, gaming and entertainment options. There are two casinos – one non-smoking – more than 20 dining options and over a dozen stand-alone bars. There’s a big range of entertainment too, from full production shows – each about 45 minutes long -- to solo musicians in a pub-style setting.
With its base at Port Canaveral, less than an hour’s drive from the theme park mecca of Orlando, Utopia offers a big opportunity for Canadian travel advisors and tour operators to package a combination holiday St. Pierre describes as ‘surf and turf,’ “a little bit of land, a little bit of cruise.”
Alternatively, the three- and four-night cruises could be packaged with a sun and sand stay at nearby Cocoa Beach, where travellers can visit the Kennedy Space Center, or make the trip into Orlando for some theme park fun.
“We’re getting so much interest and so many questions from advisors about Utopia,” says Maria Gibson, Strategic Account Manager for Eastern Canada. “A common question is whether tour operators will package the short cruises along with an Orlando theme park visit. We’re really excited about this ship.”
Royal Caribbean’s stock price hit its highest-ever level during the Utopia preview, a strong indication that the market is cognizant of the massive success of the Icon of the Seas debut, the huge popularity of Perfect Day, and the innovation on its ships that is attracting both cruise veterans and first-timers.
Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley addresses media aboard Utopia of the Seas. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
Asked by TravelPulse Canada about the prospects for Utopia sales in Canada, Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley says the line has strong hopes and expectations.
“We really expect to see demand for some kind of combination holiday in the Orlando area. If you’re a family, that’s a great vacation. For the Canadian market that is spot-on. What kids wouldn’t be happy with that vacation.”
Bayley also enthused about the success of the Oasis Class. Utopia is the sixth ship of that product line, with a seventh scheduled to be delivered in 2028.
The raucous naming party on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
“This class has been a true game-changer,” Bayley said. “And it ages so well. The reasons why it works so beautifully is the size and the neighbourhoods concept. “Everyone has something to do during the day, then they can all come together in the evening for dinner and a fantastic show. It’s just an incredibly relevant vacation.”
The thousands of travel advisors, media and other invited guests on the Utopia naming voyage are clearly having a great time. The bars, shows and restaurants are packed, and the pool deck is filled with bodies enjoying the hot sun and cooling waters.
Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty with Utopia of the Seas godmother Meghan Trainor. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
Grammy Award-winning singer Meghan Trainor is godmother to the ship and performed her biggest hit ‘All About The Bass’ at the naming ceremony. She will sing again today after guests return to the ship from Coco Cay. Another highlight of the naming ceremony was a performance by one of the founding members of Run DMC, Reverend Run, along with DJ Ruckus.
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