RCI-Royal Caribbean's newest ship - Utopia of the Seas, embarked on her maiden voyage on Monday, July 22nd, docking at Nassau Cruise Port with thousands of passengers. This arrival designates the Bahamas as the first Caribbean nation to host the prestigious Oasis Plus-class vessel.
With max capacity to accommodate 7958 passengers (in 2834 staterooms) and the potential to bring in up to 16,000 passengers weekly, the 17-deck Utopia OTS aims to enhance the cruising experience in the Bahamas. Her itinerary includes stops at Nassau and the private CocoCay Island.
According to Philip Simon, President of Royal Beach Club, Utopia OTS will make bi-weekly visits to Nassau. This newly constructed ship is the first to be dedicated to the Bahamas, bringing 700,000+ guests annually on 3- and 4-night roundtrips from Florida USA (homeport Cape Canaveral/Orlando).
These visits are expected to foster significant interaction between tourists and the local community, thereby boosting the socio-economic aspects of the region. Simon emphasized Royal Caribbean’s commitment to the Bahamas, projecting 2.2+ million guests this year. As the 6th vessel in the Oasis class, Utopia of the Seas features 8 unique neighborhoods, 21 dining options, 5 whirlpools, a zip line, an ice skating rink, and 2 rock climbing walls, among other amenities.
Mike Maura, CEO of Nassau Cruise Port, celebrated the ship’s arrival as a major milestone. The vessel and its guests were welcomed with vibrant heritage music and dance performances.
Nassau has been designated as Utopia’s "home away from home," highlighting the Bahamas’ promising potential. This ship’s arrival underscores Nassau's value and that of the broader Bahamas.
The influx of tourists via Utopia of the Seas is anticipated to generate substantial business for local entrepreneurs, with Nassau expecting to welcome 5 million cruise passengers this year alone. Maura projected that 6+ million passengers will visit in 2025, creating significant opportunities for the local community. He noted that the ship’s presence is crucial for the country’s economic growth.
Additionally, Nassau Cruise Port welcomed 30,000+ passengers from 6 different ships on Sunday, who explored the rich Caribbean offerings of the Bahamas.