(Photo Credit: Tanya M. Murnock)
 

Port Canaveral, FL – Nearly 800 people lined the shoreline at Port Canaveral’s Jetty Park today to bid “Bon Voyage” to Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas as she embarked on her first revenue sailing from Port Canaveral. "The World's Biggest Wave Out" party was hosted by the Port for the local community, campground guests and beachgoers to enjoy festive, family-fun afternoon with a DJ, bubble machine, fun giveaways, and homemade ice cream and hot dogs provided by local vendors.
 
The Friday afternoon cruise ship departure delighted the multitude of park guests with a special parade of ships that included Carnival Cruise Line’s Glory, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, and Disney Cruise Line’s Wish. The brand-new Utopia of the Seas was led out of Port by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Marine Unit, Canaveral Fire Rescue’s Fireboat 2 with her impressive water cannon display and flanked by two of the Port’s resident tugs, Christine S from E.N. Bisso & Sons Towing and the St. Johns from Marine Towing of Port Canaveral.
 

(Photo:  Canaveral Port Authority)
 

"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."
 

 
Port Canaveral welcomed home Royal Caribbean International’s new Utopia of the Seas when she arrived at Port Canaveral on July 11. Today marked the maiden voyage for passengers, offering the ultimate short getaway with 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday vacations that will include a visit to Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
 

(Photo:  Canaveral Port Authority)
 

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.
 

(Photo:  Canaveral Port Authority)
 

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.