Casitas on Utopia of the Seas: What You Need to Know

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Thinking about reserving a casita near the pool on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas? What exactly are they like, and is the extra cost worth it?

Casitas are basically cabanas located in prime spots around the pool decks on Royal Caribbean ships. These reserved spaces provide a shaded, cushioned lounge bed where you can relax without worrying about hunting for chairs or dealing with chair hogs. They come with perks like dedicated drink service, pool towels, and a water cooler, offering comfort and convenience during your day at sea or in port.

During our long weekend sailing on Utopia of the Seas, we decided to try out a casita for a port day in Nassau. Pricing for casitas can fluctuate based on sales and whether you book for a port day or sea day. We managed to snag ours at a discounted rate of $161.99, plus gratuities.

In this post, we’ll break down what you need to know about casitas on Royal Caribbean, the perks they offer, and whether we think they’re worth booking.

Table of Contents

Booking a Casita

Screenshot showing a discounted casita reservation for a port day on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, priced at $161.99 with 40% off pre-cruise savings.

Casitas can be reserved pre-cruise through the Royal Caribbean app, and it’s worth checking regularly for sales since prices can fluctuate. Casitas are typically less expensive to book for port days than sea days.

We reserved ours for $161.99 on a port day during a flash sale, reportedly 40% off the original price of $270. Some cruisers have managed to book one for as little as $79, but there’s no guarantee of finding the lowest price. The key is to book early and monitor the app frequently. Pro tip: focus on the actual cost rather than the percentage discount shown.

When booking, keep in mind that the cost is per casita, not per person, so only one person in your party needs to make the reservation. Amenities are meant for guests 1 and 2.

If you don’t reserve a casita beforehand, you can also check availability once onboard, although there aren’t many, so they are limited. Any remaining casitas can be booked at The Lime and Coconut Bar during your sailing.

What’s Included with a Casita Reservation?

Here’s what comes with the cost of your casita:

A cushioned lounge bed
Dedicated beverage service (press a button for a server to come to you)
Two welcome drinks (usually a house cocktail or non-alcoholic option)
A cooler with four chilled bottles of water (note: the cooler is not refilled)
Four pool towels
Charging outlets

Colorful casita labeled '12. Paradise Drive' on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, featuring a cushioned lounge bed, vibrant accents, and ocean views

What You Need to Know About the Casita on Utopia of the Seas

Vibrant blue and green casita labeled '12. Paradise Drive' on the deck of Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, featuring cushioned seating and ocean views in the background.

Casitas are great for couples, small groups, or families who want a reserved spot to relax without worrying about poolside chairs. They’re especially useful for families with children, providing a set location to return to throughout the day.

The casita worked out well for our family trip, which included a child. It gave us a comfortable and secure space to regroup as we took turns enjoying the pool, grabbing food, or exploring other cruise activities. Knowing we had a reserved spot made the day more relaxed and enjoyable.

Booking for the Week

If you book a casita for the entire week, the location of your choice is reserved exclusively for you throughout your trip. This guarantees you won’t need to arrive early each day to select a spot—it’s yours for the duration of your booking.

Choosing Your Spot

For single-day bookings, you’ll select your casita at The Lime and Coconut Bar on the morning of your reservation. Casitas are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is important to secure the best options.

The bartender gave us a helpful tip: the casitas near the two main pools and the DJ are also close to the Windjammer entrance and the food truck. While these locations may seem convenient, they’re ideal for those wanting to be in the middle of the action. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, choosing a casita farther away from those lively areas is better.

If you’re not traveling with kids, you might also want to avoid casitas overlooking Splashaway Bay, as they are a hub for children’s activities and tend to be noisier. We selected Cabana #12 Paradise Drive, which overlooks the Beach Pool and is conveniently close to the forward stairs.

It’s a good idea to check out the casita locations earlier in your cruise to get a sense of where you’d prefer to be when selecting.

Drink Service but No Food Service

Two hands holding tropical drinks with paper straws on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, overlooking the colorful pool deck under a bright blue sky.

Casitas come with drink service, but food service isn’t included. Your booking includes two welcome drinks and four water bottles in a cooler. If you don’t have a drink package, any additional beverages will be charged to your account.

Capacity

The lounge bed comfortably accommodates up to three people. For our group of four, we supplemented it with nearby lounge chairs to accommodate everyone. Larger groups may want to book two side-by-side casitas.

Location

View of the pool deck on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas with an arrow pointing to a casita and text that reads 'this was our casita,' highlighting its location near the pool and water slides.

All casitas are located on Deck 16, overlooking the pools rather than the ocean. If ocean views are a priority, this may not be the best option.

Is the Casita Worth It?

Booking a casita on Utopia of the Seas can be a great choice, but whether it’s worth it depends on your plans, your budget, and the end-all cost. For us, it worked out well because we got a good deal. Having a reserved spot near the pool gave us a convenient space to regroup, stretch out, and take breaks from the sun. The dedicated drink service with the press of a button was a welcome convenience, and the cushioned seating made it easy to settle in and unwind.

That said, there are a few things to consider. It would not have been a good value if we’d paid double the price or more. The casitas are best for two to three people, so traveling with a larger group will feel cramped unless you book more than one.

Their location above the pool areas means you’re overlooking activity below rather than taking in ocean views. You’ll also notice other passengers passing by in front of you as they move around the ship.

Depending on your preferences, this setup can keep you feeling part of the action or leave you wishing for a more secluded spot. We chose a quieter casita near the Beach Pool, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t hear what was happening at the main pools—DJs and all—from a distance.

If you like the idea of having a designated space to call your own for the day—with perks like shade, seating, and drink service—it’s worth looking for a deal. However, if the price is high or you’re hoping for something more secluded with a view of the water, you might want to save your money.

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Kathy Ava

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.