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Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise lines in the world. In fact, it recently ranked as the number one cruise line for travelers in a new trends report.
If you’ve never been on a cruise before, Royal Caribbean is a great cruise line to choose because they offer something for everyone and have a good reputation and high customer satisfaction rate. Many cruisers are loyal to Royal Caribbean and don’t travel with any other cruise line.
Royal Caribbean made headlines last year when they announced Icon of the Seas, which will become the largest cruise ship in the world when it debuts in January 2024.
This ship will accommodate a staggering 5,610 guests on 18 passenger decks. The ship also features seven swimming pools, eight distinct “neighborhoods” to explore, more than 40 restaurants, cafes, and bars, and half a dozen water slides and attractions.
However, Icon of the Seas may not actually be the best choice for first-time cruisers.
This massive ship might be overwhelming if you’ve never been on a cruise before, and it’s only offering 7-night Caribbean cruises out of Miami, Florida in 2023.
Why Utopia of the Seas Is Perfect For Your First Cruise
Royal Caribbean is also launching another new cruise ship in 2024.
Although Icon of the Seas received a lot of press because it will be the world’s largest cruise ship when it arrives, Royal Caribbean is debuting a brand-new ship called Utopia of the Seas in 2024 too.
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This ship is actually a better choice for first-time cruisers.
Utopia of the Seas, which will begin cruising in June 2024, is part of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class of ships. These ships are chock-full of amenities, and Utopia of the Seas will have more than 20 dining options, 20 bars and entertainment venues, five swimming pools, water slides, and more.
However, it will be the only Oasis-class ship to cruise exclusively 3-night and 4-night Bahamas itineraries out of Port Canaveral, Florida.
This is one of the only extra-large ships to do such short itineraries. Most of the ships doing these cruises are older and smaller.
But Utopia of the Seas will give first-time cruises a taste of what cruising is like. You’ll get to enjoy all the amenities of an Oasis-class ship without having to commit to a 7-night (or longer) cruise.
Where Will Utopia of the Seas Go?
Utopia of the Seas will sail exclusively in the Bahamas from Port Canaveral during its first season. You’ll get to spend a day in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, as well as CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s own private island.
According to Royal Caribbean’s CEO Michael Bayley, this new ship is perfect for “vacationers [who] are looking to make every moment count by celebrating and recharging with their friends and family. We’ve combined the best of the best to create the world’s biggest weekend for everyone.”
Since all the sailings in 2024 are just 3 or 4 nights, first-time cruisers can spend a long weekend trying out this style of travel that is rapidly growing in popularity before committing to a longer cruise.
The Bahamas offer something for everyone, whether you want to spend a day relaxing on the beach, enjoy a tour of the island, or try an adventurous outdoor activity.
Royal Caribbean’s private island CocoCay has been named the best private cruise line island for three years running, and it offers two private beaches, swimming pools, more than a dozen waterslides, and various swim-up bars and dining options.
Hideaway Beach, an adults-only retreat, is also opening on the island in 2024.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com