The countdown is on for the next big thing coming to vacations, the ultimate short getaway: Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas is almost ready for its debut. Starting today, the next in the lineup of game-changing Oasis Class ships is making its way to the open ocean for the first time to begin five days of testing. The sea trial, also known as one of the final construction milestones, begins just 10 weeks ahead of the new vacation’s homecoming party and official introduction in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, in July 2024.

More than 900 experts, specialists across areas like naval architecture, engineering, navigation and design, are on Utopia to push the ship to its limits and make sure it’s ready for smooth sailing. The teams are carrying out hundreds of tests and inspections, from how the ship moves through the open water and the operation of its navigation systems to engine performance, back-of-house technical checks and more. The ultimate short getaway will cover more than 1,000 miles during the five-day trial, and once complete, it will be all systems go for the final phase of construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

Starting July 19, Utopia will welcome vacationers to make more memories on short getaways than ever before as the first Oasis Class ship to debut with 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday cruises. Friends and families can celebrate just getting away, or any occasion, with a lineup of firsts and signature experiences that brings big weekend energy to every day of the week. From more than 40 ways to dine, drink and party, including Royal Railway, a first-of-its-kind immersive train car dining experience; to more pools than the days to count, thrills like the longest dry slide at sea; and show-stopping entertainment across air, ice, water and stage, everyone can enjoy their version of the ultimate short getaway on Utopia.

The party also extends from ship to shore because every vacation on Utopia includes time to thrill and chill on Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. With the island’s 14 waterslides, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean and The Bahamas, the newly opened adults-only oasis, Hideaway Beach, that features a private beach, pools and spots for drinks and bites, exclusive cabanas and live music; and more, Utopia’s combination of adventures at sea and on land will redefine short getaways for years to come.