Royal Caribbean's newest ship Utopia of the Seas made her debut just last week, taking guests on weekend cruises to the Caribbean out of Port Canaveral, Florida. She is the 6th Oasis Class ship in the fleet, and offers many fan-favorite venues, alongside brand new concepts. One of the newest offerings onboard is: Royal Railway - Utopia Station. This is a fully immersive, specialty dining experience that is part dinner, part entertainment as you sit back in an old fashioned train car and enjoy a delicious meal while watching a live performance play out in front of you.
While Royal has many themes in mind for this experience, right now they are transporting guests to the wild west with drinks, food, and a fun western show that keeps you on your toes and laughing all dinner long.
Arrival & Pre-Dinner Drinks
The experience begins even before you arrive, when your "train tickets" are dropped off at your stateroom with instructions. When it is time for dinner, guests bring their tickets down to the restaurant lobby, where you are greeted by an old-fashioned train station flip-board, displaying guests names and table numbers. Once all guests have arrived, you are ushered onto the station platform where cocktails and appetizers are served. Enjoy a flavorful drink presented in an old-fashioned flask, and mingle with your fellow passengers until you hear the train conductor call out, "All aboard!"
Dinner & a Show
There are two beautiful train dining cars that you will step into, and you can easily find your table number based on your train ticket. Each table sits by a window that is an LED screen, displaying western scenes, so you feel as though you truly are traveling through the wild west. Each table sits 2-4 guests, with comfortable booths, dim lighting from the wall sconces, and many other details reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century train car.
Once everyone is settled, the train "rolls" away from the station. There are mechanics within the seats that provide subtle vibrations and movements, and you will hear background noises of train wheels rolling along the tracks- truly bringing the whole experience to life. The best part is the live performers. The conductor begins the evening by warning you about the bandits, letting the other crew members know that the bandits must not be permitted to get their hands on the precious onboard artifact. *Spoiler Alert* the bandits of course make their way onto the train, and you will watch the adventure play out as the cast members make jokes, and interact with you and your fellow passengers. Throughout the dining experience telegrams are read aloud, each with quips about certain guests onboard, so you feel as though you are truly traveling by train across the desert, and receiving telegrams along the way.
The food on the train is just as fun as the entertainment. The menu consists of American classics with a modern twist and a dash of humor thrown in. You can indulge in Fart & Dart Beans, Golden (Chicken) Nuggets, Corn Chowder, Braised Short Ribs, Baked River Trout, the Royal Railway Chocolate Cigar, and the Denver Gold Bar. All the options are gum-smacking delicious!
Pricing & Reservations
Currently, the Royal Railway's dining experience sits at $75 for adults, and $25 for children. These prices are subject to change based on the theme; as new menus and entertainment are introduced in the future.
We highly recommend reserving Utopia Station well in advance, as there are currently only 2 sittings per day, 48 people per seating. It is very limited, and is the most popular experience onboard. If you are in Star Class, you can work with your Genie to reserve the Royal Railway, and those with the specialty dining package will get $15 off the price for adults, and children are included.
Future Themes
Royal has hinted at many future themes for Royal Railway - Utopia Station. Another experience will take guests through Asia on the historic Silk Road, and we can only imagine how delicious the menu will be! In addition, Royal is planning themes around holidays such as "Halloween Horror" nights in October, and the "Polar Express" at Christmastime. There is even a wine train experience for adults in the works.
Booking Your Cruise
Now that you are ready to book your cruise on Utopia of the Seas and experience the Royal Railway for yourself, reach out to the experts at Harr Travel. We know the ship inside-and-out, and have an amazing relationship with Royal Caribbean. Our advisors will craft the cruise vacation of a lifetime for you, your friends, family, or group at an exceptional rate, and give you the Harr Travel signature service every step of the way.
or email:
Comments