Utopia Cruise 2024
The Utopia, docked at Cocoa Cay
Port Canaveral, December 23
We checked in early, around 11:30. Although it was busy, the check-in went smoothly and we were soon on board. As our cabin wouldn't be available until 1:00 pm we went for a buffet lunch. Because everyone had the same idea, we struggled to find a seat, but after a few minutes of searching, we did find a table.
At 1:00pm, we found our cabin and moved in
We were still missing a suitcase so we decided to have a look around the ship while we waited for it to be delivered.
The Royal Promenade from inside the elevator
The solarium at the front of the ship - adults only
One of the whirlpools. We never did get to use them
The pool deck, looking down into the center of the ship. The Royal Promenade
The main dining room, where we ate dinner on three nights
It was Christmas, so the kids got to meet Santa and his elves and presumably received a present - all for a price of course.
It was appropriately cold - this is the ice rink !
That evening, we went to the production show "All In" which was a high energy song and dance production. Noisy too !
"All in"
"All In"
Nassau, December 24th
The next day, we docked in Nassau. As we had visited the island before, we rented a car from Hertz and took a self guided tour of the island. We stopped for lunch and then headed back to the ship.
The Straw Market
The British Colonial Hotel where we stopped in for a quick look
Leaving Nassau
Leaving Nassau
That evening, we went to see the diving show "Aqua80Too". It started well, but after about ten minutes, it stopped and a few minutes later was cancelled due to "technical difficulties" Fortunately we got to see it again the next night.
"At Sea" December 25th
The next day was Christmas Day and we spent the whole day just mooching around the ship. Of course, we opened our presents on Christmas morning.
In the evening, we went to the "Aqua80Too" show again. This time, no problems !
"A Perfect Day at Cocoa Cay" - December 26th
Our last day was spent on Royal Caribbean's private island - a "Perfect Day at Cocoa Cay".
Sunrise as we arrived at Cocoa Cay
We had paid extra so we could use the "Hideaway Beach" area which is reserved for adults only. That turned out to be a good decision as it was remarkably uncrowded.
"Hideaway Beach"
"Hideaway Beach"
The area around the pool was a little more crowded, but we stayed on the beach, which was fine.
That evening, we went to the Ice Show " Youtopia - a fantastical ice skating show" which was the best of the shows. The performers did many costume changes and danced in many different styles, with several jumps and spins which still photographs can't show.
"Youtopia" - an excellent ice show
(After the excellent "Youtopia" we also went to a comedy show in the main theatre. It wasn't funny - best forgotten !")
Next morning, we docked back at Port Canaveral and were home by 9:00 am thanks to a quick Uber ride.
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