3-Night Perfect Day Getaway Cruise on Royal Caribbean

Imagine three days of fun, sun, and unforgettable moments. That’s what you can look forward to on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas 3-Night Perfect Day Getaway cruise. 

Whether you’re looking to simply basque in the Caribbean sun or want to get your party on, this cruise promises an experience like no other. 

I had the opportunity to attend Utopia of the Seas’ preview sailing, and I’m here to give you the inside scoop on what you expect day to day on this sailing. 

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Getting to Port Canaveral from the Airport

If you’re flying in for your cruise, Orlando Airport (MCO) is the closest major airport to Port Canaveral. Melbourne International Airport (MLB) is about 20 miles closer to Port Canaveral than MCO, but it’s considered to be a small, regional airport. Depending on where you’re coming from one may be more cost effective for you. 

Either way, I recommend flying in the day before your cruise and staying the night at a hotel. You don’t want to miss your cruise because the airline delayed or canceled your flight. If you must fly on the day of, try to book the earliest available flight. That way if there’s an issue you hopefully have some options to get you to the port on time. 

Living in Phoenix, we took a redeye late Saturday night that arrived in Orlando Sunday morning. Since our cruise didn’t leave until Monday, we had a full day to explore the Cape Canaveral area.

Things to Do on Cape Canaveral

To get to Port Canaveral from Orlando Airport, you’ll need to book an Uber or transfer service. Royal Caribbean offers transfer services for a cost, or you can book a third-party transfer service from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral. 

More MCO to Port Canaveral Transfer Options

If you’re staying in a hotel near the port the day before departure, Uber or Lyft is your best bet for door-to-door service. Just note that Orlando airport is about 45 miles from Port Canaveral/Cape Canaveral so the ride can be a bit pricey. We paid $80 for our Uber but it can go up to over $100. 

For Melbourne International Airport, there are also shuttles that will get you to Port Canaveral for around the same price. Uber and Lyft are also available.

Where to Stay in Port Canaveral Before or After a Cruise

There are a good amount of hotels near the Port Canaveral area. We stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites which was comfortable and had free breakfast and wifi. It’s located minutes from the port and the famous Cocoa Beach Pier. 

Find More Port Canaveral Hotels

Things to Know Before You Go on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

• Royal Caribbean cruises are open to all ages. There are adult-only spaces and spaces catered to younger cruisers. 
• Download the Royal Caribbean App to make dining reservations, view what shows and activities are happening onboard, and book excursions. This can also be done on their website but if you don’t have a wifi package you can still use the app onboard. 
• Complete your online check in to speed up your boarding process. 
• You’ll need to complete your health pass 48 hours prior to boarding. This can be done via the app or online.
• You can register for Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program Crown & Anchor prior to your sailing (you will automatically be enrolled after completing your first cruise).
• You’ll receive your physical “SeaPass” during embarkation. This allows you to access your room, make onboard purchases, game at the casino, and pay for bar and restaurant tabs. 
• Cruise ship cabins are made out of metal. Buy some of these magnetic hooks from Amazon to optimize your space.

3-Night Perfect Day Getaway Cruise Itinerary

Day 1: Embarkation

Day 2: Day at Sea

Day 3: Perfect Day at Coco Cay

Day 4: Disembarkation 

The Ship 

I spent 3 nights onboard Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International’s latest ship. The ship has 18 decks and features over 40 dining and lounge options, 8 hot tubs, 5 pools, and so much more! If you want to know more about this incredible ship, check out my in-depth review of Utopia of the Seas.

3-Night Perfect Day Getaway Cruise: Day 1 – Embarkation 

If you’re a first-time cruiser, embarkation day is the day you board the ship. When you complete your online check in, you’ll be able to select a time to board the ship. The boarding times are first come, first serve, so make sure to reserve early so you can enjoy more time on the ship before sailing away. 

Once onboard and connected to the ship’s wifi,  you can make reservations for theater shows, dining, and shore excursions. If you chose my time dining, you’ll want to make reservations for dinner right away as wait times can get long on the first night. You’ll be able to make reservations for each night of your sailing. 

While you wait for your stateroom to be ready, it may take a few hours depending on your boarding time, explore the ship. Utopia of the Seas is massive and it would do you good to get familiar with the ship’s layout. If you purchased a drink package, grab your first drink and then wander around or spend time locating where the different activities you want to do take place. 

You can also grab some food during this time from one of the ship’s many eateries, or soak in some sun at one of the many pools. 

Once your stateroom is ready, your luggage should be inside. However, there’s lots of luggage making its way onboard so it may be 7pm before your luggage shows up. If you like to dine early or want to attend the Sail Away Party, I’d recommend packing an evening outfit and what you need to get ready in a small day bag that you can carry around with you just in case there’s a delay with your luggage.

3-Night Perfect Day Getaway Cruise: Day 2- Day at Sea

Day 2 is an at sea day! Get dressed and head to Windjammer or the dining room to enjoy some breakfast. Windjammer has all your breakfast staples pancakes, bacon, cereal, etc and an omelet station in a buffet-style setting. In the dining room, they serve plated meals. 

After breakfast, head to deck 15 for a pool day. You’ll want to get there relatively early if you want to secure one of the pool loungers that are semi-submerged. If you have a beverage package, you can enjoy some cocktails at Lime & Coconut. For food you can grab snacks from The Spare Tire. Or, if you’re in the mood for Mexican check out El Loco Fresh on deck 16 for tacos, nachos and more. You can also grab a marg at Cantina Fresca right next door.

3-Night Perfect Day Getaway Cruise: Day 3 – Perfect Day at CocoCay

On Day 3 you will arrive at CocoCay early in the morning. You can choose to get off the boat right away to make the most of your time on the island, or enjoy the ship while it’s somewhat empty. 

I recommend grabbing breakfast and coffee on the ship first, and then heading out. You’ll be docked for a good amount of time, so don’t worry about missing out. 

CocoCay is huge and there are a bunch of different areas to explore depending on what you’re looking to do during your Perfect Day.  

Areas in CocoCay

Arrivals Plaza

Arrivals Plaza is your gateway to all that CocoCay has to offer. However, there’s plenty to enjoy in this area as well. You can soar across the island on 1,600 feet of zipline, or watch the family splash around Captain Jill’s Galleon. Arrivals Plaza is also where you can find Captain Jack’s, an island favorite serving up wings in signature sauces.

Cove Beach

Located next to the thrill Waterpark, Cove beach offers calm waters for swimming and lounging. There’s lots of beach chairs and umbrellas for those looking to lounge around and have a laid-back beach experience. 

Hideaway Beach

Hideaway Beach is CocoCay’s adult-only area. There you can find a swim-up bar, in-water hammocks and cabanas for rent. There’s also the On the Rocks bar and a snack shack where you can grab some beach side eats. The coconut shrimp is a 10/10. 

Coco Beach Club 

On the north side of Cococay, you’ll find the Coco Beach Club. This is where you want to be if you’re looking for a luxurious beach day. There’s overwater cabanas (for hire), an infinity pool with a poolside bar, and a private beach just for beach club guests. 

Oasis Lagoon 

Also near Thrill Waterpark, Oasis Lagoon is the perfect area for families. It features the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, a swim-up bar, and plenty of loungers with umbrellas. You can also rent out a cabana that comes with attendant service. 

Chill Island 

On the west side of the island you’ll find Chill Island. The beach in this area is beautiful and perfect for snorkeling. You can bring your own gear or rent equipment from the Snorkel Shack. You can also grab a bite from Chill Grill which serves Caribbean-style bites. 

South Beach

South Beach has volleyball and basketball courts for visitors looking to be active on the island, and cabanas (for hire) and lounge chairs for those who’d rather sit back and relax. There’s also a Snack Shack with complimentary eats and a beverage station. For cocktails there’s South Beach Bar, Coconut Willies, and the Floating Bar. 

Thrill Waterpark

As soon as you get off the boat, you’ll see Thrill Waterpark. It’s kind of hard to miss. Daredevil’s Tower stands high in the air with its vibrant red and yellow construction. You can purchase a day pass to the park and enjoy a plethora of water activities. There’s a wave pool, rope swings, and water slides including Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in the caribbean. 

Useful Information About CocoCay

• If you need a fresh towel, just stop by one of the towel exchanges near Oasis Lagoon, Coco Beach Club, or Thrill Waterpark. 
• There are designated smoking areas on the island. Look at signage for specific locations. 
• Your VOOM internet package works on the island. 
• Fresh water showers can be found all around the island if you’d like to rinse off
• If you purchased a beverage package, it includes all your drinks on the island. 
• There is a shuttle that runs every 15 minutes and stops at 7 different locations throughout the island. It definitely comes in handy if you’re with someone who can’t walk far distances or if you just don’t want to walk in the sun/heat. There’s also beach-access wheelchairs that are first come first serve. 

Things to Do Your Last Night on the Cruise

Back on the boat, head to your stateroom to freshen up for dinner and your last night onboard. You’ll also want to pack up your room before you head out. If you’d like for Royal Caribbean to carry your luggage off the boat the next day, you’ll need to place all your luggage outside your door before 10pm. Those needing wheelchair assistance off the boat must do this. Keep some pajamas, tomorrow’s outfit, and any of your essentials in the cabin along with a small bag to store them in. 

Once your room is packed up, it’s time to enjoy your final night on Utopia of the Seas! Savor a nice dinner in the main dining room, or treat yourself to one of the ship’s delicious specialty restaurants. After dinner, don’t hit the hay just yet. Dance the night away at Boleros, sing your heart out Spotlight Karaoke, or simply sip some delicious cocktails at the Pesky Parrot. 

Also, if you need to settle any pending balances on your account with cash, stop by Guest Services before 9pm to do so. If you have a credit card on file, you’re all set! 

3-Night Perfect Day Getaway Cruise: Day 4 – Disembarkation

Wake up early on your last morning to have one final breakfast on the ship. You will be preassigned a departure time, and will only be allowed to leave once that time arrives. 

Once it does, gather up your belongings, and head off the ship. 

If you need wheelchair assistance, dial 0 to schedule a departure time. 

You will need to go through customs after leaving the ship, so make sure to have your passport handy.  

Final Thoughts on Royal Caribbean’s 3-Night Perfect Day Getaway Cruise

I really enjoyed my 3-night perfect day getaway on Utopia of the Seas. The ship and the island have so much to see and do on them that there’s never a dull moment. That being said, a 3-night getaway is pretty short. I think this sailing is perfect for people who live in Florida or a quick drive away. 

As someone who lives in Phoenix, I think a 3-night cruise out of Los Angeles or San Diego makes a great alternative option. It’s a lot more convenient to get to California than it is to get to Florida. However, if you want to check out Utopia of the Seas specifically then you may find it worth it to journey to the east coast. 

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