Royal boss reveals plan to target Utopia of the Seas at the short-cruise market

Starting 19 July, the 5,668-passenger vessel will operate three- and four-night weekend cruises calling into Royal’s private island destination Perfect Day at CocoCay from Port Canaveral, Florida. 

The ship was delivered to Royal at the ceremony on Thursday (13 June) by French shipbuilding firm, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, which is based in St Nazaire, France. 

Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group’s president and chief executive, said Utopia of the Seas would deliver “the ultimate weekend getaway” whereas the last ship Royal launched – Icon of the Seas – provided “the ultimate multi-generational vacation”. 

“We are laser-focused on delivering a variety of vacation options and priceless memories for our guests,” he added. 

Utopia of the Seas, Liberty said, is one of the most “fuel-efficient" ships on the planet. “There is a real meaningful difference between this ship and [first Oasis-class ship] Oasis of the Seas,” he continued. “[Sustainability] is a journey that we go on every single day.” 

Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International’s president and chief executive, said: “With the delivery of Utopia of the Seas, we have the keys to the ultimate weekend. 

“This is the short vacation that packs every way to make amazing memories in a three-night weekend or four-night weekday getaway.

"Vacationers want every minute to be a minute well spent, and the unmatched combination of Utopia and Perfect Day at CocoCay will deliver that. We are proud and excited to soon debut Utopia in a big way.” 

Bayley outlined how he believes Utopia of the Seas could surpass Icon of the Seas’ performance "by the end of this year”.