When b + b asked (and begged) for a family cruise, Todd and I knew it was time to give in to the ultimate floating playground - Royal Caribbean’s (almost) brand-new Utopia of the Seas. We decided to make it a summer adventure and, spoiler alert: it checked all their boxes.

Because I’m a firm believer in easing into vacation mode, we flew into Florida two days early and checked into the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes for a two-night stay. Best decision ever as it truly set the tone for the trip. The rooms were impeccably clean, modern, and inviting (the kind where you walk in and instantly exhale). The boys loved the water park, which was the perfect outlet for their pre-cruise energy, while Todd and I soaked up the relaxed luxury of the property. We had a fantastic Father’s Day dinner at Primo, their on-site Italian restaurant, which was both elevated and family-friendly. To top it all off, one evening we found ourselves under the stars, playing cornhole and football (why, of course!) on the lawn while watching a surprise fireworks display. Pure magic before the adventure even began.

(Insert pro tip here: we’re not a big rent-a-car fam. We Uber everywhere on vacation and it worked out perfectly again - straight from Orlando Airport to JW, then later to Port Canaveral and right back to the airport to head home. Easy peasy.)

The minute we boarded, the boys dove headfirst into everything the ship had to offer. The possibilities for play were endless - wave rider, rock climbing wall, waterslides galore, arcade, ping pong, zipline, mini golf, soccer, football… to name just a few. There were football throwing contests, kids’ bingo, early-morning pickleball open plays for my hubby, and - drumroll - FREE ice cream ALL. DAY. LONG.

If you’re looking for Michelin stars, keep looking. But if you want lots of choices and easy kid-pleasers, the Windjammer Marketplace Buffet is where it’s at. We ate most of our meals there because it was plentiful, varied, and perfect for picky eaters (and their parents). We tried a few others too: El Loco Fresh Mexican (surprisingly delicious!), Sorrento’s Pizza (nothing special, but it made two little boys very happy), Park Café (basic breakfast, done right) and the formal dining room (“meh” food, stellar service). Todd and I splurged on one “fancy” dinner at Izumi Sushi in Central Park (yes, there’s a faux-park in the middle of the ship). The vibe was dreamy - birds chirping, twinkle lights, open sea breeze but the sushi itself was forgettable. We missed our boys anyway, who were happily playing at Adventure Ocean, the wildly popular Kids Club.

Speaking of Adventure Ocean… can I just say, it was incredible, game changer. Spotless, secure, fully staffed, and stocked with activities that had b + b begging to go back. They popped in daily (sometimes twice a day!), which gave Todd and I a rare chance to sneak away for the Solarium (adults-only retreat) or hit the gym. The gym deserves its own shoutout: huge, modern, and loaded with equipment. I got in two amazing sweat sesh workouts while watching the ocean pass by - a highlight for this mama.

We signed up for one excursion, Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. On paper, it looked like paradise: waterparks, wave pools, obstacle courses, pristine beaches. In reality? Let’s just say it lived up to its name for the boys (nonstop action and endless energy burns), while for us it was more of a “Perfect Day to sit back, cheer them on, and sneak in a mocktail or two:)” We arrived early (8-ish) and enjoyed two glorious hours with zero lines. But once the crowds rolled in, the waits were an hour+ per slide. The boys had a total joyride but the island itself was underwhelming and didn’t match the glossy photos. Probably not one I’d repeat.

Our balcony stateroom was a lovely surprise - perfect for four. The boys shared a pull-out sofa, Todd and I had a comfy queen, and we had just enough storage, a tiny fridge, and best of all, a balcony with endless ocean views. Squeaky clean. Airy. Inviting. Choosing high accommodations on the ship was a bit of an unknown, but Deck 14 proved to be the best call for our family - close to everything, especially the Kids Club.

The ship itself? Spotless. Polished to perfection. Top to bottom pristine. The service? Impeccable - friendly, accommodating, and somehow always one step ahead.

Four nights felt just right. At first, I worried it wouldn’t be long enough, but for our family, it was the perfect length: enough time to play, explore, and relax - without overstaying.

When all was said and done, with a balcony room, extra sweets and drinks not included, activities, and a few extras, we spent roughly $6,500 for the four of us (minus flights and our pre-vacay in Orlando). Was it worth it? For b+ b, absolutely. Their smiles (and daily ice cream cones) said it all. For Todd and I, it was relaxing, family-filled, and memorable… but we’re already dreaming about cafes, castles and cobblestones .

Oh, and what to pack! Sure, you’ll remember the swimsuits, sunscreen, and flip-flops - but here are a few things we were extra glad (or wished) we had: Sneakers – A total must. Several of the ship’s activities required sneakers, so the boys lived in theirs when not in slides. Formal wear? Not really. Todd and I brought a couple of “nicer than casual” outfits, and the boys had one set of “nice” clothes, but truthfully, it wasn’t necessary. Lanyards (skip them). Never once used them. Towel bands - A cruise essential for marking your spot, especially on excursions where every towel looks the same. Layers for the A/C. This one’s huge: I was freezing onboard and so were the boys. Definitely bring a few popovers! Snacks from home. Even with all the food at your fingertips, having some favorite snacks on hand was surprisingly handy.

Oh, and p.s. every adventure leaves a trail… ours just happens to sparkle with Amazon finds. Browse (and shop!) our recs from our loved-hard Scout pool tote to our cheerful beach chair straps, fave flips, and the handsome duds my three boys rocked all cruise long.

smiles + SONshine,

-SeaChelleB