- Royal Caribbean launched its second-largest cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas, on July 19.
- Utopia targets a slightly younger demographic looking to escape for a three or four day weekend.
- Both ships feature a similar layout divided into eight neighborhoods, but like Surfside, other amenities new to Icon, such as the Aquadome and the adults-only Hideaway, are not available on Utopia.
Royal Caribbean International broke records this year when it launched the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas.
Six months later, the cruise line is back with its second-largest cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas, which launched July 19 from Port Canaveral, Florida.
But while the two ships have much in common, they also have key differences: “While the overall impression of Utopia is not as ‘huge’ as Icon (just as a 36-ounce steak is not as big as a 48-ounce steak), there are other key differences,” Patrick Scholes, lodging and leisure analyst at Truist Securities, said in a report earlier this month.
Here’s how to know which one is right for you:
Party-packed weekend vs. family getaway
Royal Caribbean Billing as Icon “The Ultimate Family Trip” was announced before its release. Utopia catchphrase “The world’s biggest weekend.”
Icon offers weeklong cruises from Miami, while Utopia offers shorter three- and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral. “Specifically, Icon is geared towards families, while Utopia is targeted towards a younger demographic (slightly more millennials, slightly less Gen X) looking to get away for a three-night or four-day weekend, and Utopia’s cruise lengths are structured accordingly,” Scholes said.
With passengers now having less free time, Utopia has adopted a weekend theme, with a packed schedule of parties planned well into the early hours, some of which are only held onboard, so passengers can unwind at any time of the day.
These distinct identities are evident elsewhere too: the first model in the Icon class, Icon, has been launched with the range’s first residential neighbourhood, Surfside, designed for young families, while Utopia, the sixth model in the Oasis class, features the same nostalgic Boardwalk feel as its predecessors.
That said, both are great options for multi-generational families: Icon has a host of unique party options, and Utopia has a wide range of activities for kids (including Boardwalk, which, like Surfside, has a full-sized merry-go-round).
There are pros and cons to different trip lengths. The extra days offered by Icon sailings are only possible on its larger ships. I was still lost on my third day aboard Utopia. But Utopia can serve as a trailer for longer, less strenuous Royal Caribbean cruises.
“The number of first-time cruise (guests) is significantly higher on short cruises than on longer cruises for a very logical reason: … it’s a much easier product to purchase,” Michael Bayley, the cruise line’s president and CEO, said in an earnings call Thursday. “It’s only a few days, so it’s a smaller time investment for first-time cruisers.”
Which is more expensive, Utopia or Icon?
Utopia’s daily rates are roughly the same as Icon’s, Scholes told USA Today in an email, but because Utopia’s routes are shorter, voyages will likely be cheaper.
Utopia’s cruise prices through the end of the year range from $764 to $819 per person in double occupancy. Royal Caribbean websiteand Icon starting price The range is from $1,382 to $1,402.
Short and long cruises:Which one is right for you?
How else would you compare it?
Both ships feature a similar eight-district layout, a design type that originated with the Oasis Class. But like Surfside, Utopia doesn’t feature other amenities added to Icon, such as the Aquadome and adults-only Hideaway. However, the Solarium, a glass-and-steel enclosed area for passengers 18 and over at the front of the ship, features lounge chairs, a Jacuzzi and a bar, incorporating elements of both.
The ship also has fewer new spots overall than the Icon, which takes some of the pressure off having to try all the newest spots.
While Icon borrows elements from the Oasis Class, Utopia also incorporates some features introduced in Icon, such as smart elevators that allow passengers to select their floor from outside to reduce congestion, and Izumi in the Park, a walk-up facility for Izumi, a Japanese restaurant serving sushi, gyoza, and other dishes.
Additionally, both properties will feature many of Royal Caribbean’s classic menu items, including Chops Grill Steakhouse, Schooner Bar and the Windjammer Buffet.
While each ship has its own unique personality, there’s a vacation experience that suits nearly everyone. The cruise line has “a really good, strong product line that we can offer our customers, and they’re booking it,” Mr. Bailey said on the earnings conference call.
A reporter for this story received access to the Utopia of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International. USA TODAY retains editorial control of content.
Nathan Diller is USA TODAY’s consumer travel writer based in Nashville. He can be reached at ndiller@usatoday.com.
