When Royal Caribbean first introduced the Ultimate Abyss on Harmony of the Seas in 2016, it instantly became a guest favorite. This 10-deck-high thrill ride sends passengers twisting and turning from Deck 16 to the Boardwalk on Deck 6. But now, Royal Caribbean is taking it to the next level with an even longer and more exciting version on their newest ship, Utopia of the Seas.
“Hold My Beer”: Royal Caribbean’s Slide Rivalry
MSC Cruises thought they had the upper hand with their 250-foot Venom Drop on World Europa, the longest dry slide at sea. But Royal Caribbean wasn’t about to let that slide. They decided to one-up the competition by introducing an even more thrilling attraction. Essentially, Royal Caribbean said, “You have the world’s biggest slide? Hold my beer.”
The Ultimate Abyss: Bigger, Better, and More Thrilling
Measuring a staggering 259 feet, Utopia of the Seas’ Ultimate Abyss is 43 feet longer than its predecessors. To put it in perspective, that’s about ten times the length of a London double-decker bus!
Crafted in Germany, the two slides consist of 41 sections. Instead of installing a fully assembled slide, each section was meticulously put together on the ship, ensuring a perfect fit.
Illuminated Adventures Await
Once inside, guests will be dazzled by 300 LED lights and a new feature: zoom booster rollers. These add an unexpected twist to the ride, providing a surprising and exhilarating exit. Additionally, the Ultimate Abyss boasts transparent racing windows, giving riders an extra thrill as they speed down in about nineteen seconds.
Meet the Anglerfish Guardian
A 22-foot-tall anglerfish with 36 teeth stands guard at the slide’s entrance, ready to greet riders before they plunge into the “abyss.” This impressive figure was crafted in France and adds an element of fun and fright to the experience.
Oasis Class Exclusive: Ultimate Abyss on All But One
The Ultimate Abyss slide is a signature feature on all Oasis Class ships, except Allure of the Seas. Unfortunately, Allure missed out on this exciting addition due to a canceled Royal Amplification. Currently, Allure is cruising from Port Canaveral, Florida, offering 3- and 4-night trips to the Bahamas, including a stop at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay. In July, she will move to Miami and stay there until February 2025.
Future Updates and Exciting New Features
During Royal Caribbean Group’s fourth-quarter earnings call, President and CEO Jason Liberty announced that the second Oasis Class ship will undergo a major refurbishment. When it returns to service in April 2025, it will offer weeklong Mediterranean sailings from its European base. There’s speculation that an Ultimate Abyss may finally be added to Allure.
Utopia of the Seas: More Than Just a Slide
The Ultimate Abyss isn’t the only attraction on Utopia of the Seas. The ship will also feature Utopia Station – Royal Railway, a unique dining experience that transports guests through the Old West and Far East with themed shows, seat vibrations, and special effects. The menu will reflect the regions and eras, offering an immersive culinary journey.
Looking to the future, Royal Caribbean plans to use Utopia Station for more than just meals. They envision “short form” stories, such as wine tastings through Napa Valley or whiskey tastings in the Tennessee mountains, enhancing the dining experience with virtual journeys.
Sip and Savor: The Pesky Parrot and Lime & Coconut Bars
Replacing the Bionic Bar, the new Pesky Parrot Bar on the Royal Promenade will serve tropical cocktails made with rum, tequila, and gin. Its central location and vibrant Caribbean theme make it a must-visit spot on the ship.
Up on the pool deck, guests can enjoy the Lime & Coconut, Royal Caribbean’s resort-style pool bar. With three locations onboard, it’s set to become the heart of poolside parties and activities. According to Julie Ansorge, Product Owner, Product Development for Royal Caribbean International, “Lime & Coconut is really going to open up the pool deck, and guests are going to be able to use the whole pool deck for their pool parties and their activations at night.”
Building Excitement for Future Cruising
Utopia of the Seas aims to capture the excitement of cruising in just a few days. With 3- or 4-day itineraries, the goal is to get guests hooked on the cruising experience, encouraging them to explore other ships in the fleet. From the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, to smaller vessels with port-intensive itineraries, there’s something for everyone.
Countdown to the Inaugural Voyage
Utopia of the Seas’ inaugural voyage is set for July 19, departing from Port Canaveral, Florida. Initially scheduled for July 22, construction progressed faster than expected, allowing the maiden voyage to set sail a few days early. This 3-night adventure will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas.
Inaugural cruises are significant milestones, signaling that the ship is ready for regular service with paying guests. They follow a series of shakedown voyages, where crew members familiarize themselves with daily operations and ensure everything runs smoothly before welcoming customers aboard.
With these exciting updates and features, Utopia of the Seas is set to become a top choice for thrill-seekers and cruising enthusiasts alike. Get ready to slide into an unforgettable adventure!
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