The sprawling pool deck has three pools, a children's water playground, and three waterslides.

The music was loud, the unclaimed lounge chairs were sparse, and the waterslide lines were long.

The third option, a toilet bowl-shaped slide, closed for maintenance halfway through my four-day voyage before I could attempt it.

Otherwise, I didn't spend much time at the pool deck. It was too chaotic, and I hated simmering shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers in the overloaded hot tubs.

Lots of those activities are near the pools.

There, you'll find a mini golf course and playground, both great for kids. Or, head to the sports court for events like pickleball and basketball. (The ping pong tables are separate, wind-proofed behind glass walls.)

Be wary of the zipline — you could spend more time in line than on the slow-moving ride. And if you don't look up upon landing, you might break your glasses (as my sister did).

At least the racing dry slides are foolproof (sorry, Ashley).

The neighborhood offers family-friendly activities reminiscent of a beachside pier: a carousel, a kid's netted climbing wall, arcade games, a Johnny Rockets, and a sports bar.

Splurge on sweets from the candy store. Then, sweat out the sugar high at the two rock climbing walls.

The ship's Boardwalk area is anchored by the water-based Aquatheater, home of the swim, dance, dive, slackline, and tightrope-walking "Aqua80too" show.

The unforgettable performance, named after its nostalgic 1980s soundtrack, is as chaotic as the pool deck at 1 p.m., especially if you sit in the splash zone.

Make time for it — you'll regret missing the thrilling performance.

Expect impressive twirls, jumps, and calisthenics.

It was an exceptional step up from the ice show on Utopia's predecessor, Wonder of the Seas, which I left early out of boredom.

Depending on the day, the rink also opens for free skating or transforms into a laser tag arena.

I rarely enjoy these staple cruise shows. However, "All In"'s unexpected acrobatics and detailed high-tech sets wooed me.

Was it as unique as the other two shows? No — but it was an inspired and feverish take on a tired formula.

That said, I'm tired of hearing covers of Walk the Moon's "Shut Up and Dance" on every ship.

So, you've sent the youngsters to the children's club. Now what?

Well, you're never far from the ship's 16 bars, six of which are in the mall-like Royal Promenade.

The tiki-themed Pesky Parrot is great for frozen drinks and conversing with the animatronic parrot. Or, grab a drink at Rising Tide, a platform that levitates between the Royal Promenade to Central Park throughout the day.

Its plant-engulfed benches and restaurants are cocooned from the rest of Utopia, save for the looming echoes from the overhead pools.

It's Utopia's calmest section and a great place to play chess, listen to live jazz, or indulge in a glass of bubbles.

(Most cocktails are about $14. Wines and beers start at about $8 each.)

Relive your young 20s with a silent toga and "Royal Kappa Chi."

For a less collegiate affair, lace up your dancing shoes for the cover band-directed Music Hall or the Latin band-led Boleros.

Utopia has almost no adult-only zones, save for the Solarium lounge's pools and hot tubs.

It's indoors, tucked under a glass-paneled dome. So, if you want to relax without the kids, you'll have to contend with the ever-present smell of chlorine and the lack of unfettered sunlight.

Its morning crowds are typically less chaotic than Windjammer, the primary all-day buffet, and El Loco Fresh, the Mexican-inspired buffet with long lunch lines.

The former serves relatively diverse options, such as an Indian-themed night.

I ate most of my evening meals in the main dining room.

The menu rotates daily. Order the prime rib when available — it's one of the best I've had.

Other complimentary venues include the Boardwalk's hot dog stand (pass) and the two cafés (smash, especially the soup at Central Park's café).

Grab a drunk slice of pizza from Royal Promenade's Sorrento's or a mid-swim snack from the poolside Spare Tire.

They're as small as $6 shave ice and as hefty as $155 per person omakase at Izumi.

Or, splurge on the Japanese restaurant's other options: teppanyaki, sushi, and bento box takeout.

The terrace has a great view of the Boardwalk, where you can similarly pay for a burger from Johnny Rockets or wings from the adjacent sports bar.

Head to The Mason Jar for Southern comfort and Hooked Seafood for coastal classics.

Or, opt for the cruise line's first Royal Railway, an interactive train-themed restaurant that's as hard to book as it is pricey, starting at $120 per person.

The options to pass the time on Utopia are seemingly endless, from the four slides to arcade games to bar-hosted karaoke and trivia.

Not once did I sit still, wondering if I'd run out of things to do.

Instead the opposite — I intermittently retreated to my cabin, overwhelmed with decision paralysis.

If your family includes both active children and activity-reluctant parents, the floating summer state fair might still be a great option.

You won't be aboard Utopia longer than four days, enough time for kids to stay engaged with its amenities. It's a great trial run for cruise-curious travelers, especially those who might enjoy giant activity-packed ships.

A four-night Utopia voyage in 2025 currently starts at about $650 per person.

A cluster of the most enticing activities is located on deck 16. There, you'll find a mini-golf course, racing dry slides, a playground, a surf simulator, a zipline, and a sports court next to a table tennis alcove.

Most of these amenities might have long lines during sea days.

The zipline is slow and short but worth trying once.

The mini-golf course is more exciting in the evening when its bright lights are on, and the daytime crowds are at dinner.

The area looks as its name describes, complete with a carousel, two rock climbing walls, a smaller netted climbing course for young children, and plenty of family programming.

The lush park is home to several food and beverage outposts.

Grab a glass of bubbles and take a break at one of the plant-lined benches. Or, start a game at the tables with built-in chess and checkerboards.

Utopia of the Seas' busy, chair-lined pool deck is home to three pools, a children's water playground, and three waterslides.

Two are racing slides, while the other looks like a giant toilet bowl.

Drop the youngsters off at the children's and teens' clubs before heading in — the glass-ceiling-lined retreat is adult-only.

Access to the large gym is also complimentary, but you'll have to pay for fitness classes or treatments at the adjacent spa and salon.

Utopia has three primary nighttime productions: figure skating "Youtopia," song-and-dance "All In," and water-based acrobatics "Aqua80too."

Youtopia's ice rink is open to guests on select afternoons. On other days, it also doubles as a laser tag arena.

Be sure to book the shows in the app or when you first board the ship.

If you can't grab a seat, other entertainment includes comedy shows and live music, such as nighttime jazz in Central Park and cover bands at the lively Music Hall.

Royal Railway — a $120 per person immersive train-themed restaurant — has become a mega-hit on the mega-ship.

It's one of Utopia of the Seas' 27 dining options, 10 of which are complimentary.

Free snacks include a poolside ice cream kiosk and food truck. For more substantial meals, grab a plate from the buffet, a sandwich from the two cafés, or a hot dog on the Boardwalk.

Dinners at Chops Grille (a steakhouse), Giovanni's (an Italian eatery), and Izumi (a Japanese restaurant) cost extra.

A meal at the seafood restaurant Hooked Seafood comes in at $65 per person, while Izumi charges about $155 for omakase.

Recognizable on-land favorites, like Starbucks and Johnny Rockets, also have an additional fee — as does shave ice at the surf simulator-adjacent bar and sweets from the candy store.

If you forgo the buffet or specialty restaurants, the ship's three-deck main dining room will be your go-to for complimentary breakfasts and dinners.

The dinner menu rotates daily, and the food is pretty decent.

Cocktails cost about $10 to $14 each, with most on the pricier side. Beers and seltzers are $7.50 to $8, while glasses of wine are more expensive at $8 to $16.

If you're a big drinker, consider purchasing the more than $100-a-day deluxe beverage package.

Utopia has 16 bars.

If you're craving a poolside piña colada, head to one of two Lime and Coconut bars.

Looking to catch the latest game? Grab a pint at Playmakers, the sports bar.

If you're a wine drinker, Giovanni's Wine Bar will be perfect for you.

It's located in the Royal Promenade, a mall-like walkway with six bars — perfect for a do-it-yourself crawl.

Start with a cocktail at the karaoke bar and end with a frozen "Pain Chiller" at the tiki-themed watering hole.

Feeling the "drunchies" coming on? Take a pit stop at the complimentary pizza slice shop.

The mega-ship is scheduled for more than 100 voyages in 2025. All but one would include a stop at Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The tropical port is separated into several sections, from complimentary beaches to an extra-fee waterpark and pool club.

Unlike being on board Utopia, there's no need to rush from one area to another — you'll likely be docked there all morning through the afternoon.

The meal usually features the chef's preferences, seasonal and high-quality ingredients, a seat at the sushi bar, and, sometimes, a pricey bill.

An omakase dinner at New York City's three-Michelin-starred Masa, for example, costs $750 per person, while "cheaper" options can begin at about $65.

However, the meal was as rocky waves carrying the vessel.

For starters, I expected to be seated at the sushi bar across from the chefs preparing my meal, as is traditional.

Instead, The five other omakase diners and I — sat facing each other at a communal table.

Without some chit-chat, the excited yells and cheers from the adjacent teppanyaki venue will be the only noise filling the air.

Thankfully, it'll be ever-present throughout the about two-hour-long meal. As will your self-described "geisha-inspired waitress," who bowed whenever she walked into the small dining room.

She did a great job explaining each dish and providing cultural tutorials on ingredients such as matcha and edomae nigiri.

The quality of the three raw fish dishes exceeded my expectations.

The second course, a carpaccio, was excellent.

The yellowtail and tuna were fattier than I expected, cut by their respective allium and jalapeño toppings. The Hokkaido scallops and salmon were just as succulent, served with caviar and gold leaf.

I didn't mind the repeat cuts. They were great, and the salmon still came bedazzled.

The two-parter showcased spicy tuna on seaweed tempura and temari.

Despite its uncommon shape — a ball of sushi rice wrapped in salmon, tuna, and avocado — the temari tasted as simple as its four ingredients.

Forgettable, compared to its neighbor.

The tuna wasn't spicy. But the tender, finely chopped fish and avocado were a satisfying textural complement to the crunchy fried seaweed and masago (more fish eggs).

Sesame oil spiked my nose before every bite, and the fry maintained its structural integrity despite its heavy luggage.

The waitress informed our table that the raw oyster of our fourth course was sweet. I found it to be one of the briniest oysters I've had in a while.

Two dishes later, the miso-broiled black cod tasted under-marinated. I missed the deeply flavorful, savory-sweet balance I associate with the popular preparation style.

Don't expect A5 wagyu. The sweet ginger-forward dressing overpowered the flavor of the beef.

It's for the best — it was overcooked, chewy, and difficult to eat.

Our meal started with a yuzu-sake refreshment and was interluded with a sweet mix of sake, strawberry, and lime.

You're welcome to sprinkle in other libations throughout the eight-course journey, be it plain Japanese rice wine or the "Spicy Okinawa," a cocktail of Sriracha, grapefruit, and sake.

Order the latter if you enjoy a savory but refreshing pick-me-up.

Thankfully, I have a second stomach for dessert.

The sakura sorbet was a light and floral palette cleanser. It was more straightforward than the chair-shaped chunk of milk chocolate mousse, matcha, puffed rice, and yuzu jelly.

Enjoy digging through the pillowy mousse. You'll need to search and find the latter two components.

The waitress did a great job of providing cultural insight into the eight courses, which were all uncomplicated and palatable.

If you don't have a high-end sushi or omakase experience to compare this to — or if it's not accessible to you on land — it'll likely be a fulfilling meal. I even heard another patron opine that this meal was better than the one he tried in New York City.

The cheaper options I've tried on land also featured more premium ingredients, such as otoro (fatty tuna), uni (sea urchin), and Japanese A5 wagyu beef.

I would've enjoyed the Izumi dinner more if it were $50 less expensive.

Yes, the meal was sprinkled with caviar and gold leaf. And yes, the quality of the raw fish was the best I've had on a ship. But for more than $150 per person, I expected a near-perfect experience inclusive of higher-end ingredients and exclusive of overcooked and under-marinated proteins.

I recommend saving money for another specialty restaurant if you often eat Japanese food.

Find a calm reprieve at the plant-filled Central Park. There, you can grab a cocktail from the outdoor Trellis bar to enjoy with your takeout from the grab-and-go Izumi sushi window.

Its carousel and rock climbing walls could be irresistible to any young cruiser. A milkshake from Johnny's Rocket and a bag of candy from the candy store likely help, too.

The zipline, mini-golf course, surf simulator, sports court, and dual 10-deck dry slides are perfect for sea days.

The zipline is short, and the ping-pong tables can get busy, but at least they're complimentary (unlike the nearby arcade).

After, you can perch at a pool or hot tub in the roomy adult-only Solarium.

It's a calm complement to the colorful pool deck, where the loud music, water playground, and three pools and waterslides are as overwhelming as they are crowded.

Head to The Attic for comedy shows. The small venue is perched between Studio B, home of Utopia's ice skating show, and the Royal Theater, home of the elaborate song-and-dance production.

Looking for more intimate entertainment options? There's also a karaoke bar (if you consider that a show).

Seats fill up fast. And for good reason — the buzzy show features swimmers, divers, dancers, slackliners, and tightrope walkers.

It's a unique and impressive production, perfect for folks who enjoy the energetic, acrobatic flair of Cirque du Soleil shows.

Options range from an ice cream stand to an upscale steakhouse.

Most will be recognizable to Oasis-class fans, like the Mexican-inspired buffet El Loco Fresh and the specialty Hooked Seafood restaurant.

About one-third are complimentary, including the main dining rooms and the two grab-and-go cafés.

If you're lucky enough to snag a reservation at Royal Railway, you'll be greeted with a new American menu, an immersive train-themed setting, and a $120-per-person check.

Omakase, located inside the sushi and teppanyaki restaurant Izumi, is even pricier, at around $155 per person.

The Spare Tire snack stand is free, great for poolside guests looking to munch on sandwiches and taquitos reminiscent of 7-11.

Utopia has 16 bars, including the fan-favorite Playmakers sports bar and the English pub-themed Bell and Barley.

Pesky Parrot is a new standout addition. The immersive tiki-themed pit stop — perched inside the mall-like Royal Promenade neighborhood — is helmed by a talking animatronic parrot.

From the hanging dollar bills to the fake window with beach views, Pesky Parrot looks more like a kitschy neighborhood watering hole than a traditional cruise ship bar.

Cocktails run $10 to $14. Wines cost between $8 and $16 a glass, while beers and seltzers start at about $7.50.

The ship has 2,834 cabins. The Solarium Suite category, with its expansive views, is a first for the cruise line. Its keycard also unlocks a suite-exclusive neighborhood outfitted with a restaurant, sun deck, pool, and bar.

For a less pricey option, opt for an inside cabin.

Not all are dark and dingy — some have windows facing the Royal Promenade or Central Park.

Most itineraries include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private Bahamian island.

The cheapest is currently a three-night voyage with an additional stop at Nassau, Bahamas, starting at about $615 per person.

Good luck planning your onboard to-do list.

Mini-golf has become a popular cruise amenity. As such, Utopia of the Seas' nautical-themed course can amass a crowd of eager participants during the day.

For a more unique experience — and to avoid a long wait — go back at night.

At sundown, the nine holes light up like a colorful Christmas tree. The veins of the giant octopus cascade a bright rainbow, while the coral-like blobs become a pinball machine that lights up when hit by golf balls.

Almost every Utopia of the Seas itinerary includes a stop at Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. There, guests can spend their sunny afternoon at the 14-slide waterpark, where tickets can cost more than $100 per person.

Or, just stay on the ship and entertain yourself with the three free waterslides.

Two are racing slides, perfect for couples and siblings, while the other brings riders around a bright orange toilet bowl-like funnel.

Don't enjoy waterslides? Why not try dry ones, known as the Ultimate Abyss?

The dual racing slides span 10 decks — starting on deck 16's open-air activities area and ending on the Boardwalk.

Throughout the roughly 19-second descent, riders experience twists, turns, transparent tubes, and 300 twinkling LED lights.

It was my favorite way to travel from the ship's upper to lower decks. If I had it my way, I would've spent all afternoon on it.

Table tennis? One of the most common cruise ship amenities?

Hear me out — the ones on Utopia of the Seas were the best I've seen.

There's nothing worse than running after one of those elusive white balls or trying to play against a windy day.

To prevent both, the new ship's three ping-pong tables are surrounded by tall glass walls, shielding them from the elements while keeping the balls contained in the "arena."

It's a small but thoughtful design, great for novice players who spend more time running around for the ball than actually hitting it (like me).

The mega-ship has 16 bars, many of which you can find on other Oasis-class ships.

The one exception to this is Pesky Parrot, a new tiki-themed watering hole.

A few "Teqkil-ya Zombie" and "Pain Chillers" drinks in, and the dollar bills hanging from the ceiling, frozen drink machines, and brightly patterned decor will make you forget you're on a ship.

And yes, there's actually a pesky robotic parrot quipping sassy one-liners.

Cocktails cost $10 to $14, with most on the pricier side. Wines run between $8 and $16 a glass, while beers and seltzers start at about $7.50.

I don't often enjoy cruise shows. Yet, Utopia of the Seas had some of the best entertainment I've seen at sea.

If figure skating is your favorite winter Olympic sport, you'll enjoy the "Youtopia" show on ice. The rink is small — maybe dangerously so — but it still delivers twirls and jumps, along with projections that turn the ice into an ever-evolving set.

Speaking of jumps, if you prefer watching the summer Olympic diving event, head to the Aquatheater for "Aqua80too." The swim, dance, and dive show — set to a nostalgic hit 1980s soundtrack — also sprinkles in some impressive slackliners and tightrope walkers.

Even the "All In" song-and-dance production was better than expected, bolstered by the unexpected acrobatics, detailed costumes, and a high-tech set.

When the breakfast lines at Windjammer buffet are too long, head to the Solarium Bistro. There, you'll have the same food options while contending with fewer crowds.

The dining tables also extend into the neighboring adult-only Solarium, mimicking an al-fresco dining experience.

At night, the restaurant adopts a Mediterranean and Californian-inspired menu with options like hummus, Greek salad, and chicken kebab.

The ship has 27 dining venues, from the poolside ice cream kiosk to the $150 per person omakase.

The cafeteria-style Park Cafe is what the kids might call a "sleeper hit."

At first glance, its soups, sandwiches, desserts, and build-your-own salad bar might not seem craveable. Yet, I found myself repeatedly stopping by, seeking a light afternoon salad to counteract the ship's otherwise heavy meals.

Grab a table outside — Park Cafe is located in Central Park, a calm, plant-filled neighborhood removed from the chaos of the pool deck.

If you do, you could save hundreds of dollars on a more deluxe cabin — like me.

My $100 bet on an upgraded stateroom saved me an estimated $250. It was worth it.

The three-night vacation sailed roundtrip from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

I opted for the cheapest accommodation option: an interior cabin assigned by the cruise line. Naturally, I was given a forward windowless stateroom with a "virtual balcony," a TV screen that displays ocean views.

That is, until my Royal Up bet paid off.

The minimum bid was $50, while a bet with a "fair" chance of winning fell around $130 to $160. The middle of the dial was $500.

Some bidders online have reported winning with bids $25 to $100 above the minimum, while others said they've never been selected.

I took my chances on $100 ($50 per person)— and it was a success.

I was upgraded to a cabin with a window overlooking the Royal Promenade, an indoor mall-like walkway.

For that, it was worth the gamble.

Utopia of the Seas' most affordable 2025 itinerary is a three-night voyage to Nassau, Bahamas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Interior, dual occupancy cabins start at about $655 per person.

If you want one like mine — with a view of the Royal Promenade — you'll have to pay $175 more.

Or opt for the thrill of the bid. If you put down as much as I did ($50 per person), and it's a success, you could save $125 per head.

Just don't go overboard. It wouldn't have been worth it if I had bet the suggested mid-tier of $500.

The two accommodations have nearly identical amenities. Both come with a cramped bathroom, desk, king bed, and couch that can convert into a bed.

Both have closets and wardrobes for storage, too. Mine were particularly spacious for a ship that only operates short vacations (Utopia of the Seas exclusively sails three- and four-night cruises).

My upgraded cabin had a real window (yay!). However, it faced the indoor Royal Promenade, which meant I still didn't have any natural light.

With this came an additional sofa, perfect for perching and people-watching.

In retrospect, I would've preferred a window that let in natural light, such as a Central Park-facing cabin.

But a win is a win.

Royal Caribbean's Royal Up is worth trying if you don't love the cabin you had originally booked. Nothing is more exciting than the thrill of a successful gamble. And if you play your cards right, you could save hundreds of dollars.

In the worst case, you keep your original accommodation. In the best case, you'll spend your next cruise luxuriating in a swankier cabin — on a budget, no less.

Utopia still has classic windowless interior cabins. For guests who want a slight upgrade, the four-month-old mega-ship also has interior staterooms with "virtual balconies" (a large screen displaying a live feed of ocean views) or windows.

My 180-square-foot nest for a three-night Utopia of the Seas cruise in mid-November overlooked the Royal Promenade, a wide mall-like walkway lined with stores, bars, and casual bites.

If you like atrium-style hotels, you'll enjoy this stateroom.

I'd agree. The small sofa adjacent to the window is perfect for perching and crowd-watching while you quietly contemplate which buffet to hit next.

Want to check the line at the pizza slice shop or Starbucks? No need to leave your room — just peek out the window.

The view from the window in an ocean-facing cabin is often the same no matter where you're standing — blue skies and maybe some water.

When I walked away from my window, all I saw was Royal Promenade's ceiling.

The Royal Promenade hosted an 11:30 p.m. dance party during my first night on the ship.

I'm convinced I could sleep through a nuclear war. Yet, the affair stirred me awake at least once.

Thankfully, the other two nights were almost soundless.

The other couch can be converted into a double bed, allowing the stateroom to accommodate a family of four.

There's ample counter space and shelves. However, the room is compact, making it difficult for even two people to maneuver around each other.

The tight floor plan could feel awkward if you're new to cruises.

If this isn't your first Royal Caribbean rodeo, you could be pleasantly surprised by the separate shampoo, conditioner, and body wash minis. (I've sailed on two of its other mega-ships, and neither came with hair conditioner).

Utopia exclusively operates short voyages. As such, its guests would only need to pack for a three- or four-night cruise.

The two tall closets, small wardrobe, and row of hooks under the TV could be ample.

The same goes for the outlets and the USB and USB-C charging ports, of which there are nine in the primary living space.

My carry-on fit comfortably inside the closet, and I only used two of the surprisingly deep shelves for my clothes.

If you don't want to unpack your luggage (it'll be a short cruise, after all), expect to leave your open bags on the two couches.

Or, if you're feeling a bit chaotic, the sizable desk could double as a defacto luggage rack, which was notably absent from the cabin.

The voyage would sail roundtrip from Florida's Port Canaveral to Nassau, Bahamas, and Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The same itinerary offers traditional interiors for about $100 less, while its Central Park-view counterpart is about $30 more expensive.

Surprisingly, the starting cost of an ocean-view cabin is about $15 cheaper. However, it wouldn't be conveniently located mid-ship like the Central Park and Royal Promenade-facing options.

Some cruisers prefer interior staterooms — it's easier to sleep in when there's no sunlight streaming through your windows.

If you're one of them, the Royal Promenade-view cabin would be a great upgrade from a classic interior.

If you're like me, I'd suggest paying more for a Central Park view or saving money with an ocean-facing cabin.

People-watching is fun — maintaining a natural circadian rhythm is even better. Plus, I much prefer disassociating while staring at the ocean than at other people.