Dining on Royal Railway: An Immersive Experience on Utopia of the Seas

How to Book Royal Railway

Cost: Tthe price is currently $120 per adult and $50 per child. Yes, the price did go up from when it first launched.

Check the App and Website Early
Starting 60 days before your cruise, keep an eye on the Royal Caribbean app and website for reservations. Availability opens around this time, and spots tend to fill up quickly. If you’re traveling with another party in a separate cabin, be sure to link your reservations first to make booking together easier.

My experience: I booked 55 days ahead, and availability was open online via their website, not the mobile app.

Onboard Reservations
If you can’t find an open time before the cruise, you must wait until onboard. Head to the dining reservations desk as soon as possible to try to book.

For Unlimited Dining Plan Guests
The Royal Railway charges a supplemental surcharge of $50 for adults and $25 for children, even with the Unlimited Dining Plan. Plan holders can only make reservations onboard, and availability may be limited.

Some guests have reported successfully booking pre-cruise by paying the full price to secure their spot. Once onboard, they requested onboard credit for the difference in the surcharge. While this approach isn’t guaranteed, it might be worth trying if you’re eager to secure a reservation ahead of time.

Suite Guests
Star Class suite guests can contact their Royal Genie for help with dining reservations. Genies typically contact guests about 30 days before their cruise to assist with planning.

What to Expect at Utopia Station

I’ll admit it—I watched many YouTube videos before my Royal Railway experience. Reviews are all over the place, especially regarding the food. But here’s the truth: if you’re curious, it’s worth booking at least once to see for yourself.

The immersive experience starts even before your reservation. The day before, you’ll receive two vintage-style train tickets with your names, reservation date, and time printed on them, along with a telegraph. It’s a fun little touch that excites you for what’s to come.

On the day of your reservation, you’ll also get a playful voicemail in old Western-style language reminding you about your trip and warning you not to be late. Trust me—they’re serious. If you miss the train, it’ll leave without you.

Arriving at Utopia Station, you’ll first notice the schedule board. It’s one of the most exciting details of the experience. Not only does it display a welcome message, but it also flips through the names of the parties boarding the train that day—yes, your name will appear too! It’s a small but personalized touch that adds a sense of anticipation as you wait.

On the Platform

Once your tickets are checked, you’ll step onto the platform, where the immersion deepens. Dim lighting, brick walls, and vintage-style suitcases create a moody, atmospheric feel. The train is stunning, painted in rich blue and gold, complete with glowing lanterns and intricate details that make it look like it’s ready to depart for the frontier.

As you wait to board, you’ll be offered a choice of alcoholic or non-alcoholic “moonshine,” served in charming glass bottles—a fun nod to the Old West that sets the adventure’s tone.

Boarding the Train

When it’s time to board, you’ll enter a beautifully designed train car that brings the story to life. Rich wood paneling, navy blue seats, and gold accents create a luxurious yet cozy atmosphere. The windows are initially blank, but once the “train” starts moving, animated scenery appears, creating the illusion that you’re traveling through the American Frontier.

The attention to detail is impressive, with soft lighting, old-fashioned sconces, and luggage racks adding to the ambiance. Meanwhile, staff dressed in period costumes ensure the storytelling stays immersive and engaging throughout the experience.

Onboard Experience

The real magic begins once everyone is seated and dinner orders are placed. You’ll feel the train’s vibrations as it prepares to depart, and yes, it feels like you’re moving. As the scenery outside the windows shifts, you’re transported into the heart of the American Frontier.

While you enjoy your meal, actors bring the story to life, weaving in moments of humor and intrigue. You might encounter a bandit or two, help keep some mysterious valuables secure, or even receive a telegraph with a message just for you. The show perfectly balances between entertaining and comical, keeping you engaged from start to finish.

We won’t spoil too much, and for good reason. Photos are allowed, but videos are restricted, and honestly, that’s part of what makes it fun. If everyone filmed the experience, it would take away the element of surprise.

Have you ever been on the Hogwarts Express at Universal Studios in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Remember how the moving picture windows made you feel like you were on your way to Hogwarts? That’s the vibe here—only instead of heading to a magical school, you’re transported to the Wild West.

As the train “travels,” you’ll enjoy a delicious meal while actors bring the story to life, moving in and out of the train car to play their parts. Don’t be surprised if you’re pulled into the action—whether through a direct conversation or a telegraph with a message just for you.

Tip: Be sure to use the bathroom before heading to the platform—this is your last chance until the experience ends.

Dinner on Royal Railway

One of the most common complaints was that the food wasn’t good or filling enough. I even warned everyone in our group that we might need to stop at Sorrento’s or the buffet afterward. Luckily, that was completely untrue—we debarked the train absolutely stuffed.

The experience starts with a beautiful basket of bread presented as soon as you’re seated. And let me tell you, this wasn’t the same bread you find in the main dining room. It was delicious enough to feel like its own course.

Technically, the dinner is a three-course meal with enough options on the menu to satisfy most tastes. The only downside? You’re limited to choosing one dish per course. However, you and your party can always order different things to try out and share if you’re up for it.

We stuck to ordering mostly the most popular items on the menu. Here’s my advice: listen to the waiter—they really know what they’re talking about. I didn’t take their recommendation for dessert, and I wish I had. Hubby’s chocolate cigar was amazing. Not that the Denver Gold Bar wasn’t good, but the chocolate cigar? Definitely better.

We started with Soapy Smith’s Corn Chowder and the Old West Empanada Trio as appetizers, and both were fantastic. For our main course, we each went with the Braised Short Ribs, which were incredibly tender and flavorful. And for dessert, we ended with the Royal Railway Cigar and the Denver Gold Bar.

The food was very good overall. Was it a Michelin-star menu? No, but it delivered on flavor and was enjoyable, which is really what we were hoping for.

I ordered the Sarsaparilla Old Fashioned, and it was one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. What made it even more memorable was the glass it came in—complete with a bullet seemingly embedded in the side, adding a fun Wild West flair to the presentation.

Dinner Menu on Utopia of the Seas
Drink Menu on Utopia of the Seas

Is the Royal Railway worth the cost?

When we booked this, the cost was $119.99 per adult and $49.99 per child. While we enjoyed the meal and the immersive experience, this was a one-and-done for us. I’m glad we did it and don’t regret the price, but it’s not something we’d feel the need to repeat anytime soon. Maybe in the future, when it’s less popular and the memory has faded, we’d consider giving it another try.

When it first debuted, the price was $75 per adult, but high demand quickly pushed it up to $120 for larger groups, which can make it a more expensive splurge.

If you’re considering it, I’d say book it if you’re genuinely excited about it and it fits into your budget. It’s a memorable experience, but for us, it’s the kind of thing you try once and check off the list.

FAQs About the Royal Railway

Still have questions about the Royal Railway? Here’s a quick FAQ to help you plan your experience.

Can I take photos or videos during the experience?

Photos are allowed, but videos are restricted to maintain the element of surprise for future guests.