NASSAU, Bahamas, July 22, 2024 — Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, the joint-second-largest cruise ship in the world with sister ship Wonder of the Seas, received a grand welcome when she arrived in Nassau on her maiden voyage to The Bahamas.
Among those welcoming Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship were Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation;Minister for Grand Bahama, Ginger Moxey; Minister of State Basil McIntosh; Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism Lisa Anderson; and Director General of Tourism Latia Duncombe, along with cruise and maritime guests.
Commenting on the ship’s maiden voyage on his Facebook page, Deputy Prime Minister Cooper said, “Today marked a significant milestone as the Utopia of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean’s largest and newest vessels, made its inaugural visit to Nassau. It was a pleasure to welcome them on behalf of The Bahamas.
“I also had the distinct pleasure of meeting Ivanna Seymour, the First Officer (Navigation) on this magnificent ship. As the highest-ranking Bahamian on board, her career exemplifies what we can achieve when we set our sights on lofty goals. She’s an inspiration to us all.”
He congratulated Royal Caribbean International “for its continued partnership with The Bahamas and for continuing to develop local talent.”
Royal Caribbean took delivery of Utopia of the Seas from the shipyard, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, on June 13, 2024, and it arrived at its new homeport of Port Canaveral, Florida, on July 11, 2024. The sixth vessel in Royal Caribbean’s innovative Oasis class received a spectacular sendoff when it officially began its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral on Friday, July 19.
As Utopia of the Seas sailed out of the port with revenue guests for the very first time, she was led by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, Canaveral Fire Rescue City/Port Fireboat 2 with a water cannon display, and two local tug boats.
The 236,473-gross-ton ship joined an evening parade of departing ships from one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. Also departing and wishing Utopia of the Seas well on her first sailing were Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Glory, and Utopia of the Seas’ fleetmate, Royal Caribbean International’s Adventure of the Seas.
Port Canaveral is now home to two of the three largest cruise ships in the world, with both Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas offering sailings from the Space Coast.
While Wonder of the Seas offers exclusively 7-night voyages, Utopia of the Seas has been carefully designed to offer shorter sailings, giving travelers more flexibility to enjoy the massive ship for the ultimate weekend getaway.
Utopia of the Seas‘maiden voyage is a 3-night Bahamas itinerary with visits to Royal Caribbean International’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, as well as Nassau.
The 4-night itineraries will visit the same ports and will also include a day at sea for guests to enjoy the massive ship. The ship can welcome 5,668 travelers at double occupancy, and is also home to nearly 2,300 international crew members.
Utopia of the Seas features five pools that range from upbeat to lowkey. Three resort-style sloping-entry pools accompanied by three Lime & Coconut bars, which are at the heart of the ship’s pool deck. Aside from the brand-new Royal Railway, Utopia of the Seas features more than 20 dining experiences, including new and classic venues.
