Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray (right), Canaveral Port Authority Commission Vice Chair Wayne Justice (left) and Utopia of the Seas Captain Gus Andersson exchanged commemorative plaques during a ceremony to acknowledge the ship’s historic arrival at Port Canaveral.
(Photo: Canaveral Port Authority)
 

Port Canaveral, FL – July 12, 2024 – Port Canaveral welcomed home Royal Caribbean International’s new Utopia of the Seas, the ultimate short getaway. Utopia is the first of its kind to debut with 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday vacations that will include a visit at Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
 
"Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas is one of the most anticipated new cruise ships in the industry,” stated Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. "We’re proud to be Royal Caribbean's partner for this industry first experience and excited to support the strong market demand for short itineraries. Our team is ready and committed to providing high-quality experiences to help all cruise guests launch their memorable journeys from our Port."
 
In keeping with maritime tradition, Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray and Canaveral Port Authority Commissioner Admiral Wayne Justice (USCG-Ret.) welcomed Utopia of the Seas’ Capt. Gus Andersson and crew with a commemorative plaque presentation to acknowledge the ship’s historic arrival at the port.
 
Port Canaveral is homeport for two of the three largest ships in the world. With Utopia’s arrival, she joins Royal Caribbean International sister ships Wonder of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas. A fourth Royal Caribbean ship, Voyager of the Seas, will homeport at Port Canaveral beginning November 26. Over the past year, Port Canaveral has prepared for the arrival of Utopia with expanded parking capacity of approximately 1,000 additional spaces at Cruise Terminal 1 (CT1) to cater to guests arriving by personal vehicles.
 

 

Utopia of the Seas, the ultimate short getaway, was built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, before embarking to Port Canaveral in Florida.  Utopia features more than 40 ways to dine, drink and celebrate, across eight themed neighborhoods; entertainment across air, ice, water and stage; five pools, two casinos and more at Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The new vacation also features the signature FlowRider surf simulator, a 10-story zip line, and The Ultimate Abyss, the longest dry slide at sea at 259 feet.