Set Sail with Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas: A World of Luxury and Adventure Awaits

  

We were lucky enough to be invited to Royal Caribbean’s naming ceremony three night trade event onboard their newest ship, Utopia of the Seas.  Check out our Facebook post for some great pictures! As usual, Royal Caribbean did not disappoint with this ship.  She is a beauty, and definitely an amazing ship to sail three and four night itineraries.  The only problem is, you will definitely need to either sail again or sail on an Oasis Class ship for a longer itinerary. There is so much to do and see onboard, it is almost impossible to do in three or four days. It is a great ship to get a taste of cruising on an Oasis Class ship, especially if you are new to cruising.

 

This spectacular ship promises to redefine the luxury cruise experience with its state-of-the-art amenities, endless entertainment options, and sumptuous accommodations. Here's a sneak peek at what awaits you on this floating paradise.

 

A Floating Oasis of Fun and Relaxation

 

Decked Out in Style

 

From the moment you step on board, you'll be greeted by stunning interiors that blend modern elegance with lush comfort. With sleek design elements and expansive spaces, the Utopia of the Seas offers a visual feast at every turn.

 

Staterooms and Suites

 

Whether you're looking for cozy comfort or lavish luxury, this ship has it all. Choose from a variety of staterooms and suites, each boasting plush furnishings, breathtaking views, and personalized services.

 

Culinary Delights to Tempt Every Palate

 

Gourmet Gastronomy

 

Get ready for a gastronomic journey like no other. Utopia of the Seas boasts over 20 dining options, ranging from casual cafes to gourmet restaurants. Savor international cuisines crafted by world-class chefs, and don't forget to indulge in the decadent desserts!

 

Specialty Restaurants

 

For those special occasions, why not treat yourself to a meal at one of the specialty restaurants? Choose from a sizzling steakhouse, an exotic Asian fusion eatery, an intimate Italian bistro, or step abord the Royal Railway for an immersive dining experience.  For the trade event, we could not partake in any specialty restaurants, so we will definitely be sailing again to experience them (especially the Royal Railway).

 

Thrilling Adventures and Entertainment Galore

 

Onboard Activities

 

Adventure seekers will find no shortage of exhilarating activities. From the tallest waterslide at sea to the rock-climbing walls and surf simulators, there's something to get everyone's adrenaline pumping.

 

Spectacular Shows

 

Evenings come alive with dazzling Broadway-style shows, live music performances, and immersive virtual reality experiences that will leave you spellbound.

 

Rejuvenate and Unwind

 

Luxurious Spas

 

After a day full of excitement, retreat to the serene surroundings of the onboard spa. Enjoy a soothing massage, luxuriate in a thermal suite, or take advantage of the comprehensive range of beauty treatments.

 

Relaxation Zones

 

Find your personal sanctuary in one of the many relaxation zones, like the adults-only Solarium or the lush Central Park brimming with greenery and tranquil pathways.

 

Kid-Friendly Fun

 

Adventure Ocean

 

Young adventurers will have a blast in the Adventure Ocean youth program, featuring age-appropriate activities, games, and entertainment designed just for them.

 

Dedicated Spaces

 

Teens can hang out in their cool, teen-only zones, while younger kids can explore the splash pads, interactive play areas, and much more.

 

Book Your Dream Vacation

 

Eager to experience Utopia of the Seas for yourself? Dream Vacations is here to turn that dream into reality. With personalized service and expert guidance, we'll ensure your voyage is nothing short of extraordinary. Reach out to us today at kfreer@dreamvacations.com, visit our website or call (470) 735-3778 to book your adventure!

 

Set your sails for an extraordinary journey with Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas – where dreams truly come to life!

 

Embark on an Unforgettable Journey with Expedition Cruising

At Dream Vacations, we bring your dream vacation to life, and there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as an expedition cruise. For the adventurous spirit who seeks to explore the unknown, feel the thrill of discovery, and immerse in the awe-inspiring beauty of the world's most remote destinations, expedition cruising promises to be the ultimate escape.

Why Choose Expedition Cruising?

Expedition cruises blend the best of traditional cruising with the excitement of adventurous expedition travel. Think of it as a floating boutique hotel taking you to the doorstep of some of the most breathtaking and unspoiled destinations on the planet. Here’s why you should consider an expedition cruise for your next getaway:

    Remote Destinations: Expedition cruises take you to places that are often inaccessible by traditional means — the Arctic, Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, and more. You’ll experience the pristine wilderness of these regions, far from the well-trodden tourist trails.

    Educational Enrichment: These cruises come packed with expert-led excursions and lectures by naturalists, historians, and marine biologists. You'll return home smarter, enriched with knowledge about the regions you've explored.

    Up-Close Wildlife Encounters: Whether it’s snorkeling with sea turtles, kayaking alongside seals, or witnessing penguins in their natural habitat, wildlife encounters on expedition cruises are intimate and unforgettable.

    Small Ship Experience: With fewer passengers on board, you’ll enjoy a more personalized and intimate experience. This size also allows access to secluded ports and bays that larger ships can't reach.

Destinations That Call for Adventure

So, where can you go on an expedition cruise? Here are some of the top destinations that beckon the true adventurer:

    Antarctica: Set foot on the Last Continent and marvel at towering icebergs, glaciers, and an array of unique wildlife from whales to emperor penguins. The stark, icy beauty of this remote destination will leave you breathless.

    The Galápagos Islands: Charles Darwin’s famous archipelago is a living museum of biodiversity. Studded with diverse wildlife such as giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas, every island presents a new adventure.

    Alaska: Beyond the cruise ships, explore Alaska’s untouched wilderness, its coastal rainforests, majestic fjords, and vast glaciers. Witness brown bears fishing for salmon and bald eagles soaring overhead.

    The Arctic: Embark on an Arctic expedition to see polar bears wandering on pack ice, walrus colonies, and perhaps even the ethereal Northern Lights. Excursions might take you to Greenland, Spitsbergen, or the Canadian Arctic.

    Patagonia & Chilean Fjords: Navigate the icy waters of southern South America, exploring the rugged beauty of Patagonia and the secluded fjords of Chile. Trek through epic landscapes and witness massive glaciers calving into the sea.

Activities to Stir Your Sense of Adventure

Expedition cruising isn’t just about where you go, but what you do. Here's a taste of the diverse activities you can expect:

    Zodiac Excursions: Get closer to the action with guided Zodiac tours, perfect for exploring secluded bays, up-close wildlife encounters, or dramatic ice formations.

    Guided Hikes: Follow expert guides on hikes through rugged terrains, be it the volcanic islands of the Galápagos or the icy stretches of the Antarctic Peninsula.

    Kayaking and Snorkeling: Paddle through crystal-clear waters and snorkel amongst vibrant marine life, connecting with nature in the most direct way possible.

    Photography Workshops: Capture the incredible landscapes and wildlife with the help of onboard professional photographers, ensuring you bring home stunning memories.

What Cruise Lines Do Expedition Cruises?

    If you think that Expedition Cruising means roughing it while on board, you are completely wrong! You will find some of the most luxurious ships sailing these routes, such as Seabourn, Silversea, Celebrity Cruises, Hurtigruten and Viking. These ships offer the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration and education.

Ready to Set Sail?

At Dream Vacations, we don’t just plan trips — we craft once-in-a-lifetime adventures that you’ll remember forever. Let’s chart your dream expedition cruise together, tailor-made to your preferences and passions. Whether you're yearning for the icy realms of Antarctica or the tropical allure of the Galápagos, we’re here to make every moment unforgettable.

Contact us today to start planning your ultimate expedition cruise and bring your dream vacation to life!

Reach out to us at kfreer@dreamvacations.com or call us at (470) 735-3778.

Kathy Freer
Dream Vacations Freer & Associates
470-735-3778
321-735-0202
888-882-5793
kfreer@dreamvacations.com
kfreer.dreamvacations.com

kfreer.sealuxe.com

Until next time, keep dreaming of adventure! 🌍

Icon of the Seas Neighborhoods

We just returned from a three day preview sailing onboard Royal Caribbean’s brand new Icon of the Seas. Let me just say that this ship is amazing!  Royal Caribbean has totally knocked it out of the park with this ship.  I have always been a fan of the Oasis Class ships (Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas and soon arriving Utopia of the Seas).  The Icon of the Seas is everything I love about Oasis Class, but on steroids.  Now, when I say that, don’t be misled.  The Icon really isn’t that much bigger than the Oasis Class.  Here is a quick comparison:

 

	Oasis of the Seas	Wonder of the Seas	Icon of the Seas
Gross Tons	226,838	235,600	250,800
Length	1,187 feet	1,188 feet	1,198 feet
Width	215 feet	211 feet	213 feet
Double Occupancy Guests	5,602	5,734	5,610
Decks	18 (16 guest)	18 (16 guest)	20 (18 guest)
Staterooms	2,801	2,867	2,805

 

So, as you can see, the Icon is not that much larger than Oasis Class at all.  It does however feel a lot larger.  The spaces have really been opened up, especially the promenade area.  Gone are the promenade view staterooms.  They are replaced by other public spaces (bars, entertainment areas).  Royal Caribbean has also opened the promenade area to views of the ocean which brings in more light and makes the space feel wide open.

 

While we were onboard, we were able to view a number of different stateroom types and we made sure to visit each neighborhood on board. There are eight of them on Icon of the Seas: 

Aquadome: a tranquil oasis by day and vibrant hot spot by night with restaurants, bars, wraparound ocean views and entertainment in the next-level AquaTheater.  Behind the Aquadome is the Overlook, which is an incredible spot for lounging, looking out at the amazing forward views, or enjoying a cocktail at the bar.

Central Park: A real park and all that comes with it, including more than 33,500 plants. With a new live music venue, windows with champagne and sushi, and even an all-new dining experience that pairs eight courses with music, wine and more, evolving what’s become an all-time favorite was anything but a walk in the park.

Chill Island: Four of the seven pools on board are in this three-deck slice of paradise. There’s one for every mood, each with prime ocean views, from the vibrant Swim & Tonic - the cruise line's first swim-up bar at sea - to Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea. The lineup also includes Cloud 17, an adults-only retreat, and the serene, infinity-edge Cove Pool. Plus, The Lime & Coconut returns with four locations, including the brand's first frozen cocktail bar.

Royal Promenade: The next generation of Royal Promenade comes together with revolutionary feats in engineering, architecture and design to create a place with experiences for everyone day and night. From the neighborhood’s first ocean views to the seamless connection between two floors of 15-plus new and returning restaurants, bars and lounges, alongside dedicated areas for kids and teens, shows, activities like ice skating, and more, it’s the place to be and be seen.

Surfside: A neighborhood made for young families from end to end, Surfside is where adults and kids ages six and under can stay and play all day. There are three water experiences, including a pool for the grownups, and steps away are dining options, a bar, the signature carousel, an arcade, Adventure Ocean, and Social020 for teens.

Suite Neighborhood: Just steps away from your room, discover a retreat with upscale amenities exclusively for suite guests. Soak up rays on the two-story Grove Suite Sun Deck or take a tranquil dip in the private pool and hot tub. Savor upscale cuisine at two restaurants for VIPs only. Indulge in the casual elegance of Coastal Kitchen or al fresco Mediterranean bliss at The Grove. And at the Suite Lounge, enjoy bites and cocktails over jaw-dropping views right into the heart of the revolutionary AquaDome.

The Hideaway: An adults only (18+) area floating in mid-air eight stories up, the first suspended infinity pool at sea brings beach club vibes to the back of the ship at this adults-only paradise. Spend the day sipping bubbly champagne cocktails while the DJ spins relaxing beach beats until after the sun goes down. And whether you’re popping bottles from your full-sized daybed in the middle of the water or kicking back at the wraparound bar — every view is the best view at The Hideaway.

Thrill Island: Vacationers can scale new heights and reach top speeds with adventures that run the gamut, including Category 6 waterpark, the largest waterpark at sea; the daring Crown’s Edge experience; and returning favorites like the FlowRider surf simulator and new takes on mini golf at Lost Dunes and rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak.

There really is something for everyone on board this ship.  Whether you are looking for a quiet, relaxing place to just hang out in or an action packed family fun spot to keep the kids entertained, you can find it all on Icon of the Seas.

 

The demand is high for this ship, and the current rates reflect that.  If you are flexible in your travel dates, we might be able to find some great block space pricing that could literally save you thousands.  If you are ready for your Icon of the Seas adventure, send me an email or give me a call and let me help get you onboard!

Kathy Freer

Dream Vacations Freer & Associates

888-882-5793

470-735-3778

321-735-0202

kfreer@dreamvacations.com

www.MemorableVoyages.com

www.kfreer.dreamvacations.com