Royal Caribbean is building a restaurant that will make you feel like you're dining on a train traveling through the Old West.
Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class ship, will be the only ship in the fleet to feature an immersive train car dining experience.
Though still two months from entering service, the excitement around the brand-new specialty restaurant continues to grow.
Royal Caribbean Blog had an exclusive opportunity to visit Royal Caribbean's headquarters in Miami, Florida for a sneak peek regarding what guests can expect when dining at Royal Railway - Utopia Station. From the unique dishes, specialty co*cktails, and overall ambiance, I can confirm it's worth the hype.
The experience begins with co*cktails on the platform
Royal Caribbean's beverage team worked to develop new alcoholic beverages that reminisce about the Wild West. Compared to Empire Supper Club, however, the drinks are not meant to be paired with the meal. Instead, they are meant to pair with the specific period you're traveling through.
You'll find everything from a Pisco Sour, a drink that was popular in San Francisco during the era, to co*cktails inspired by the Gold Rush and even a bourbon cherry co*ke for something a bit more mainstream.
Since Utopia Station is very much a family-friendly specialty restaurant, kids can enjoy a non-alcoholic Sarsaparilla served in a flask.
While on the platform, you will hear and see the steam engine powering up
The immersive experience begins before you step onto your designated train car.
Upon arrival, you're presented with a ticket that lists your name, as well as the date you’re riding, where you’re departing from, your car and table number, and your departure time.
As you're waiting on the platform, you'll hear the train's whistle, as well as see steam, flood the platform as patrons await their boarding call.
Take special note of the barrels of blasting powder and the "wanted" sign, as they both foreshadow different plot points of the story that will unfold during your meal.
"This is truly a storytelling platform," said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer.
The Wild West theme, which is the first to debut on Utopia when the ship launches in July, is what Schneider referred to as a "long form" story that's a "lean in family experience."
Instead of simply admiring the passing scenery, passengers on the train will help take down the notorious Yates brothers who are trying to steal the royal bling.
Schneider discussed how "short form" stories aren't out of the picture, though.
"Short form would be whiskey tasting through the Tennessee mountains, or when we do our wine tasting today, we sometimes do it in [the] Main Dining [Room].”
“It would be much better to [do a] wine tasting in a room like this where...you're flying through Napa and can...pair wines with things as that kind of immersion," he said.
Despite being an immersive dining experience, train passengers have time between theatrical moments to mingle with their party and enjoy the meal.
It’s not smooth sailing, or riding, I should say. From outlaws impersonating conductors to lost snakes, sandstorms, mine explosions, and more, you’ll encounter plenty of obstacles during your 75-minute train ride.
The experience is meant to appeal to guests of all ages, with jokes and elements targeted to be understood by different age groups. The guidebook, for instance, reads, “Ever since becoming a dry county in 1861, spirits here have been pretty low.”
There are also moments for audience participation; however, Royal Caribbean designed it so nobody feels obligated to participate during their meal. For instance, while in motion, telegraphs to passengers will be read out loud.
Perhaps one is disclosing that your neighborhood has a foot fungus, while the next is a reminder from someone’s mother warning them to limit their bean consumption.
You may even be chosen to be the honorary deputy onboard! Whatever it may be, passengers won’t feel as though they have to hop out of their seats to interact with the actors.
During the preview, all dishes were pre-selected
While I was intrigued by Soapy Smith’s Corn Chowder topped with crispy cayenne-dusted crackers, I was only able to try the Fart & Dart Baked Beans.
The meal began with an amuse-bouche before we were presented with the Outlaw Bread Cart, which was served in a miniature cart with wagon wheels, showcasing how the immersive experience wasn’t limited to just the storyline.
The selection included pretzel, cheese, and dry nut bread, as well as pimento cheese spread and frontier butter made with horseradish and garlic.
As someone who isn’t the biggest fan of beans due to their texture, I was pleasantly surprised by the Fart & Dart beans.
Topped with juicy pulled pork and pickled onions, and paired with crispy Cajun rye bread, it was a unique dish that I would have been hesitant to order.
Now having it, however, it seems as though it should be a staple for anyone riding Utopia Railway to Grand Junction.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the meal (other than Michael Bayley being escorted on in handcuffs as he was a “stowaway”) was the sheer size of the short rib, if you could even call it “short.” My jaw fell as our waitress approached the table!
It was served with a small side of Fart & Dart beans, as well as peppery mashed potatoes and vegetables.
The presentation of the entrée included the actual rib, which is something I had never seen before.
While delicious, I did find that due to the large size of the cut of meat, it wasn’t as tender as I prefer my short ribs to be.
A few weeks ago, I dined at Wonderland onboard Quantum of the Seas and was impressed by the tenderness of the meat; I didn’t have to use my knife! There were moments I felt as though my tablemates thought I was seriously gnawing through the short rib!
The “Royal Railway Cigar” was a creative dessert trio. It’s fitting that we received a chocolate police badge after helping take down three dangerous bandits!
The details of the cigar, including the Oreo ashes and striped exterior, exemplify how specialty restaurants go one step further than anything you’ll receive in the Main Dining Room.
From the steam on the platform to various effects on the train, the goal is to “trick” everyone’s senses as they walk into Utopia Station
While you may technically be on a cruise ship, you’re supposed to believe you could be boarding a train to the Wild West.
Every seat, for instance, is equipped with a "butt-kicker." According to Schneider, “The intent of the butt-kicker is it’s timed with the noise jostling, so when you saw the actor kind of jump forward…these seats got a butt-kick…that butt-kick will be episodic"
They’re also working on incorporating scents into the experience, so if there’s an explosion, you should smell a hint of sulfur. However, they must be able to evacuate the smell for the next group.
During my ride, I also heard a gunshot echo throughout the train car. In the future, however, passengers should expect to hear bandits running “across” the top of the car.
Once completed, Utopia of the Seas will be one of the largest cruise ships in the world
Coming in at 236,860 gross registered tons and 1,188, Utopia of the Seas is slightly larger than Wonder of the Seas, the newest Oasis Class ship at sea that launched in 2022.
As Royal Caribbean's first-ever ship built targeting the short cruise market, guests will find numerous brand favorites and new experiences on 3- and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas.
It's meant to attract passengers who may be weary about committing to a weeklong cruise but still want to get a taste of what makes Royal Caribbean one of the most popular mainstream cruise lines in the world.
"There will be nothing better on planet Earth than having a phenomenal experience and party vibe onboard Utopia of the Seas," said Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
Guests can begin their day at the lively Lime & Coconut Bar on the pool deck before transitioning to the brand-new Caribbean-themed bar, Pesky Parrot, in the Royal Promenade.
After enjoying a tropical co*cktail, passengers can make their way to one of the many dining options onboard, whether it's Royal Railway - Utopia Station, the classic Main Dining Room, the two-story Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, or casual Windjammer Marketplace.
Read more: Utopia of the Seas restaurant and dining guide
Of course, it isn't a Royal Caribbean cruise to The Bahamas without a stop at their award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Guests have the option to enjoy the exciting amenities on the ships, ranging from the zip line to the FlowRider surf simulator, miniature golf, Perfect Storm water slides, and more, or venture ashore and test their bravery at Thrill Waterpark, relax at Coco Beach Club, head to the adults-only Hideaway Beach, or enjoy the complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas scattered throughout the island.
However you decide to spend your vacation on Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean promises that it will be a memorable getaway.
Read more: Photos show Utopia of the Seas beginning her sea trials
Utopia of the Seas' inaugural voyage is slated to depart from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida on July 19, 2024
Initially, Utopia of the Seas was scheduled to begin making regular sailings on July 22; however, construction moved faster than planned, and Royal Caribbean bumped the highly-awaited maiden voyage up a few days.
Rather than a 4-night cruise to The Bahamas, Utopia's first cruise will be a 3-night voyage to The Bahamas, with all planned itineraries afterward remaining unaffected.
Port Canaveral is the second largest cruise terminal in the world, surpassed only by PortMiami, which is home to Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship. Utopia of the Seas will be joined by Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's second Icon Class ship, in 2025.
