Royal Caribbean International, who just announced its second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, would be delayed, has announced its upcoming Utopia of the Seas will be entering service earlier than originally expected.
The cruise line is now offering a new 3-night inaugural sailing on its sixth Oasis-class ship. Guests booked on the original 4-night original sailing have been given the option to move to the earlier cruise. The only difference between the two cruises is the 4-night sailing will include a day at sea. Both cruises will visit Nassau and the cruise line’s private island, CocoCay.
Booked guests received the following email: “Utopia of the Seas is ahead of schedule and arriving at Port Canaveral earlier than originally planned. Although the July 22nd, 2024 inaugural season sailing that you booked will still take place, we are adding an extra voyage prior to this one. Now, the first inaugural season sailing will be a 3-night weekend cruise on July 19th, 2024 instead of the 4-night sailing on July 22nd, 2024.”
Booked guests who choose to transfer to the 3-night Bahamas & Perfect Day sailing will remain in the same stateroom as their initial reservation. The cruise fare will be prorated for the change and Royal Caribbean will provide a one-day refund. This applies to pre-paid gratuities, WiFi and beverage packages along with other add-ons as well.
Booked guests have until March 12, 2024 to make their decisions. However, if you wish to remain on the original July 22 sailing, simply do nothing. If guests respond to move to the earlier sailing, that transfer will take place by March 19, 2024.
Royal Caribbean has assured booked guests that the first two sailings of Utopia of the Seas will include maiden voyage special events, souvenir gifts, and all the experiences an inaugural sailing offers.
“Whether you join us on your original sailing or the new one, we’re thrilled you’ve chosen to set sail on Utopia of the Seas for the inaugural season! Make sure to look out for some sweet commemorative items to celebrate our newest ship in the fleet in your stateroom during the first and second sailing, despite which of these sailings you end up choosing.”
Utopia of the Seas is the sixth Oasis-class ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet with a seventh unnamed ship of the same class to debut in 2028.