Royal Caribbean International will operate the sixth Oasis class ship, to be called Utopia of the Seas, on three and four night cruises in the Caribbean when the ship will enter service next year.

While it is unusual that a brand new major ship would be employed on the short cruise market that is usually catered for by older ships replaced on key markets by newer tonnage, the move comes after the Royal Caribbean Group had reported very strong demand for cruises in the Caribbean.

“As the first of the game-changing Oasis Class ships to offer short getaways when it debuts, the next big thing coming to vacations sets the stage to make more memories in one short trip than ever before. Starting July 2024 from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Utopia (of the Seas) will introduce unmatched weekend energy across a combination of more than 40 ways to dine and drink, more pools than the days to count, ways to thrill and chill, and more of all the above at Perfect Day at CocoCay – Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas – including its new adults-only Hideaway Beach opening in early 2024,” the company said in a statement.

At the first quarter conference call of the Royal Caribbean Group, CEO Jason Liberty said that strong demand for Caribbean itineraries had translated into higher load factors at better-than- expected pricing for both ticket and onboard. “Our yields are now exceeding record highs, and we expect this trend to continue for the rest of the year and beyond,” he said at the conference call after the publication of the results.

“While demand has been strong across all products and markets, we continue to see exceptional strength from the North American consumer. This strength, in combination with the incredible Perfect Day of CocoCay has resulted in record yields for our Caribbean sailings,” Liberty stated.

Image: Royal Caribbean International web promotion of Utopia of the Seas