Utopia of the Seas thermal suite guest reports maintenance issues

A guest aboard Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas paid $99 through the Cruise Planner for an unlimited three-day Vitality thermal suite pass. The final charge was $118.90 after gratuities, or about $39.63 per night. By comparison, the reported weekly price for thermal suite access on Legend of the Seas was $169 before the automatic service charge.

The pass included use of the suite’s rooms and amenities, along with lockers, showers, restrooms, hairdryers and towels. On Utopia of the Seas, the guest counted eight lounge chairs, two rainfall showers, one sauna and one steam room.

The guest reported that the sauna’s infrared lights were not working on the first full day and that the sauna became completely inoperable by the second day, leaving only the steam room available. The rainfall showers also had what the guest described as a sewer-like odor. According to the account, a request for an essential-oil diffuser was made to reception, but housekeeping did not provide one.

Complimentary water was not available within the thermal suite itself, the guest said, requiring users to walk to a nearby relaxation room. Reservations were not required during the sailing, although the guest and their fiancée received an embarkation-day cabin letter asking them to visit the spa to confirm services and appointment times.