Tips for meeting profs considering an incentive-at-sea
Last week, Royal Caribbean officially launched its new ship Utopia of the Seas with a preview cruise to CocoCay, the company’s private island near Nassau. Dubbed the host of “the world’s biggest weekend,” Utopia of the Seas is a fully loaded mega-vessel that hosts three- to four-day trips to CocoCay and Nassau.
Its 236,473-tonnage makes it the second largest cruise ship in the world, and it comes fully stocked with plenty of attractions to make incentive attendees smile. I was onboard for this pre-maiden voyage, and have plenty to share with meeting profs about this site inspection.
What Life is Like in Utopia, from Baby Boomers to Generation Alpha
Utopia of the Seas attracts a new generation of cruise-goers with a high energy, nonstop party atmosphere, but also satisfies its loyal clientele with a multitude of family-friendly pools and play zones, including several teen-only hangouts. The ice rink and aqua theater set the scene for full-scale original productions, in addition to a comedy club, music hall, art gallery, full casino and more. The ship’s Aqua Show, dubbed “80s Too,” is an incredible 45-minute performance set to the best of 80s radio and features acrobatics, synchronized swimming, tightropes and nail-biter high dives, and was my favorite offering on the events calendar.
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I also took advantage of the ship’s Vitality at Sea spa, which hosts full-service hair and nail salons as well as a full menu of massages and treatments for body and face. Spacious and cream-toned, the spa is lightly scented by essential oil misters and includes plenty of comfortable seating while waiting to enjoy an upcoming appointment.
What to See, Do and Eat
With over 40 locales for food and drink, passengers will need to make a serious effort to try it all. Options include everything from a poolside food truck to sushi at Izumi in the Park, located in Utopia of the Seas’ “Central Park,” one of my favorite sections of the ship, with its perfectly manicured, labeled and lush foliage.
The most impressive dining option is The Royal Railway–Utopia Station, a Western-themed immersive dining experience inside a “train car” whose LED-screen windows take patrons on a journey through a Prohibition-era wild west. Delicious, themed menu options are complimented by a live theater performance that entertains all ages and makes for a can’t-miss reservation.
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The ship’s newly designed accommodations have something to offer everyone. Cabins range from interior staterooms (designed as a square rather than a rectangle to maximize floor space) to suites in the Star Class, an ultra-luxe experience that includes a “Royal Genie,” or personal concierge for the entirety of your stay. These staff members arrange dining, entertainment, excursions and all other elements that go into planning a flawless cruise.
How to Maximize your Private-island Activation
CocoCay is Utopia of the Seas’ primary destination (with Nassau added on to its four-night Bahamas cruise), and it’s hard to imagine a more jam-packed paradise. With crystal clear beaches around every corner, the island offers a range of settings to suit your mood. Chill Island is filled with both group and private seating arranged near a beachside BBQ, and jet ski tours shuttle vacation goers around the shoreline. Royal Caribbean has also added the brand-new Hideaway Beach to CocoCay, an adults-only sandy haven that includes private cabana and pool options. If adventure is your goal, you’ll find no shortage of thrills on any one of the island’s 14 water slides, its wave pool or even the Up, Up and Away helium balloon ride.
Set Sail with These Final Takeaways
Royal Caribbean rolled out the red carpet to host its preview cruise, and meeting profs can take away some important lessons from their approach. For instance, SWAG is always appreciated, but never more so than when it immediately comes in handy. Delivered to my room before we arrived at CocoCay was a well-made waist bag with convenient compartments and a discreet logo, filled with a water- and sink-proof phone case and a rechargeable portable fan. These items were perfectly timed (and needed). Even better, all of them slimmed down and barely made a dent in my carry-on.
In addition to attracting incentive attendees by sailing off to a tropical locale, the budgetary benefits of inclusive packages make a solid argument for consideration. Most packages include a range of dining options and downtime activities both at sea and ashore. Amenities such as spas, gyms and business centers have made cruise ships an increasingly attractive option for business travelers.
