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Odyssey of the Seas

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Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 375 guests have reviewed Odyssey of the Seas , giving it a rating of 4.5 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type, most recent reviews.

The Greatest Cruise that Ever Sailed!

Apr 4th, 2024

This was the greatest cruise I have ever sailed! Odyssey of the Seas is an excellent ship and I would highly recommend everyone try it out!

Traveler Type

Singles/Friends

2-3 cruises

Absolutely Wonderful Cruise

Mar 29th, 2024

We had an amazing vacation. Boat and staff were all wonderful and would definitely recommend this boat for families with children. There was always something to do.

Large Group

1 cruise (first)

Phenomenal Cruise on a Phenomenal Ship

Mar 28th, 2024

Beautiful ship, lovely itinerary, just a fanatic trip.

Close to Perfect

Mar 17th, 2024

Great cruise. I only had one disappointment and it hurts to say it. I've ALWAYS loved Chops Grill but recently it's seemed to go downhill a bit. Not just this ship but others as well. The quality has slipped and the menu never gets updated. Other than that I would definitely recommend Odessey.

It was wonderful cruise

Mar 14th, 2024

The overall was experience was great, and I will be taking another cruise adventure with Royal Caribbean next year. I cannot say enough good things about the staff, they made the cruise a great experience with their kindness and attentiveness.

Family (older children)

100% would not recommend!!

Mar 10th, 2024

Worst Royal Caribbean cruise I’ve been on in a long time.

Mar 7th, 2024

We had a great time. The itinerary was everything that we had hoped for. We would definitely go on this ship again. We are continuously recommending this ship to others

Excellent cruise

Mar 6th, 2024

Cruise was great, employees very friendly and nice.

Could Have Been a Great Cruise, but.......

Mar 5th, 2024

Liked the cruise, too many kids in bars, food in MDR just ok, ate at specialty restaurants 4 nights, entertainment ok

4-6 cruises

Feb 29th, 2024

I love cruising with Royal Caribbean and I will always be LOYAL TO THE ROYAL. No other cruise lines for me.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Home » Cruise » Royal Caribbean » Odyssey of the Seas » Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Review

Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Review

Find out what it is like sailing on Royal Caribbean's brand new cruise ship in our signature Odyssey of the Seas cruise review.

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Ship overview.

Odyssey of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newest ship in the fleet. This second Quantum-Ultra Class vessel boasts several of the line’s most popular amenities and attractions. Combining elements of its namesake sister ships, with hints of other classes of ships, Odyssey of the Seas is the combination of all the best that the cruise line offers.

Odyssey of the Seas features a newly re-configured and open two story main dining room on Decks 3 and 4. This stunning venue delivers the classic Royal Caribbean multi-course dining experience each evening.

Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Review Video

For specialty dining, the ship offers a number of great dining options. Odyssey is home to the line’s signature steakhouse Chops Grille and Izumi Sushi. New to this class is the family friendly Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. From executive chef Renato Viola, this restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine and some of the best pizza found on land or sea. Also new to the ship is Teppanyaki, a lively Japanese-style dinner and show.

Casual eats are plentiful on the ship too. From Mexican options at the poolside El Loco Fresh, to the line’s signature Windjammer buffet, to sandwiches from Café Two70, there is a variety of options for breakfast and lunch.

Further, there is never a dull moment on the ship. With activities ranging from a sky diving simulator, to bumper cars, to surf simulators, active cruisers will have plenty to keep themselves busy. Of course, there are several pools and lounge spaces as well for those looking to relax.

At night, Odyssey of the Seas comes alive with all the cruiser favorites and some one-of-a-kind production shows. The main theater features two signature productions including the visually stunning Effectors, complete with lasers and drones. In Two70, cruisers will be captivated by the technologically advanced theater set up and digital effects in The Book: Seven Chapters, One Adventure.

Now cruising the Caribbean, Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas offers the perfect cruise vacation for couples, families, and multi-generational groups.

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Day 1 – Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Review

Back onboard again.

This sailing on Odyssey of the Seas was technically our second cruise on this ship. Immediately preceding this cruise, we were guests of Royal Caribbean on the two-day inaugural cruise and christening of Odyssey of the Seas.

Given we were doing a back-to-back cruise, our embarkation for this trip was a bit different. We joined about 100 or so other cruisers also sailing on both voyages around 9:20 am in the Music Hall.

Once all other passengers had disembarked, we were escorted off the ship to go through customs and re-board the ship. This meant we had the ship all to ourselves until around 11:30 am when the first new guests were allowed to board.

Now was the perfect time for us to grab some additional photos and video of the public venues that we missed during our very busy previous two days on the ship.

Before heading to our cabin, we grabbed a quick lunch at El Loco Fresh. Located on Deck 14 midship, this al fresco eatery is the perfect addition to the pool deck on Odyssey of the Seas.

Featuring pork, beef, or chicken tacos, quesadillas, and nachos, it is one of our favorite new venues on Royal Caribbean ships.

A Rather Lazy Afternoon on Odyssey of the Seas

After lunch, we returned to the SeaPlex to get more information on the new virtual reality experience Zone Zero. Unfortunately, it was not running, and it ended up being closed the whole cruise due to technical issues.

So, we returned to our room to unpack. Since we didn’t learn until earlier this morning that we would not need to switch rooms, we had been living out of suitcases the past two days. Luckily, our room from the first cruise was unoccupied on this sailing, so the team let us keep this cabin.

Finished settling in by around 2:30 pm, we headed out for the afternoon. First, we made a pit stop at our muster station for the mandatory drill. Then, it was on to the pool deck.  

For a Monday in Fort Lauderdale, it was surprisingly mild. Dare we say, a bit on the cool side.

I had some work to catch up on. Of course, there is no better way to do so than with a “welcome aboard” drink from the Lime and Coconut.

From there, we watched the nearby Celebrity Millennium sail away a little after 4:30 pm. Next, it was our turn. Although, with several individuals late to complete Muster Drill, our sail away did not occur until around 5:15 pm.

Calling it an Early Night

With the sun setting, and the wind picking up, we headed back to our cabin to get ready for dinner. Pre-cruise, we had booked two specialty restaurants and reserved three My Time Dining reservations in the main dining room. Tonight was the dining room for 6:45 pm.

The first night at the MDR was a little chaotic. The line for those without reservations was extending out near the elevator banks. Luckily, the line for cruisers with reservations was much shorter.

Waiting only a few minutes, we were escorted to Table 371. Here, we met our waitstaff, Ronald and Mia. They were a great service team. Following dinner, we made a request for a table in their section for the other two nights.

For this first night, I went with my usual, a crab cake and a medium-rare prime rib. The key lime pie with a cup of coffee was the ideal finish to this meal.

Our waitstaff did an amazing job of pacing out the dinner. It did not feel rushed or dragged out. The food was served hot and fresh, with plenty of flavor. In fact, it was one of the better first night MDR experiences we have had in a while.

Out in less than 90 minutes, we set off on our usual “drink around the ship”. No Odyssey of the Seas cruise review would be complete without testing out each bar on the ship.

We opted for the Music Hall tonight. The band Sea Surfers was on the stage. The venue was nowhere near as busy as it would get later in the week with the Journey tribute band.

This visit, we tried some new cocktails- the Strawberry Fields and Ice Ice Baby.

With the band finishing up around 9 pm, it was time to head to the theater for the headliner comedy show.

With the new restrictions, we had to wait until we boarded the ship to make our entertainment reservations. Luckily, we were able to get all the showtimes we wanted. Tonight, the show featured comedian, Kivi Rogers. His act was pretty standard for a “family friendly” show.

Given our previous two busy days during the media sailing, we decided to call it a night after the show. We couldn’t start the week off too tired. There was plenty more to experience on Odyssey of the Seas .

Day 2 – Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Review

Getting some work done on a cruise.

Today was our first port of call of this trip. Again, we would be stopping at the cruise line’s private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay. I had to get some work done in the morning. So, we planned to spend the morning on the ship and then head to the island in the afternoon.

Surprisingly, the latte shop in Café Two70 did not open until 7:30 am for our morning caffeine fix. Unfortunately, Café Promenade on Odyssey of the Seas does not offer espresso based drinks.

Getting ready for the day first, we were still able to grab our coffees and squeeze in a quick breakfast at the Solarium Bistro before my meetings.

This restaurant offers a complimentary sit-down dinner in the evenings, but it is buffet-style for breakfast and lunch. Still, we were able to get some omelets and few other breakfast items quickly and avoid the Windjammer.

We worked in the cabin until about 11:15 am when it was time to check-in for our NorthStar reservation. Unlike the previous media sailing, the cruise line was only letting 4 individuals into the gondola per ride. Good thing we booked as soon as we could on Day 1 as we heard it filled up very quickly.

The complimentary ride in NorthStar lasts approximately 9 minutes. It takes riders straight up over 300 feet above sea level. This gave us a clear view of the island and the ship. Of note, cruisers can purchase an extended flight on sea days for $29 per person.

Safely back on solid ground, we returned to our cabin to pack up for an afternoon of fun and sun with Perfect Day at CocoCay all to ourselves today.

An Afternoon Ashore

Given the gorgeous and sunny weather, we headed to the Oasis Lagoon.

Unlike our previous stop during the media sailing, we were the only cruise ship docked. So, the island was quiet, and we had no trouble finding available loungers.

With the ship’s Wi-Fi working only intermittently, it was tough to get much work done. Instead, we spent the day with friends enjoying conversations and Coco Locos, the signature island cocktail.

Slightly before closing time, we made our way to Skipper’s Grill for a quick bite to eat prior to heading back onboard the ship.

Back on the ship, we made a stop at the coffee shop for our afternoon iced lattes before heading back to our cabin.

This gave us a couple of hours to get some work done before dinner.

Tonight, we were meeting a friend at a specialty restaurant. This new Italian restaurant is one of our favorites. We dined at the Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen on Freedom of the Seas back in 2020.

A Typical Night on Odyssey of the Seas

Getting to the restaurant a few minutes early, our party was seated at literally the last table before the kitchen.

Our waiter, Angel, was very attentive and informative. He made sure we knew all about the menu options. Not to mention, he gave us the complete history of the restaurant concept.

Since we were dining with others, we were able to sample several additional items on the menu.

The feast began with appetizers.  For the table, we ordered the primavera pizza, giant meatball, caprese salad, and the calamari.

The calamari was fresh and crisp, served with a tangy marina sauce. The giant meatball was a combination of beef and pork. Stuffed with mozzarella cheese and topped with parmesan cheese, it was a rich, flavorful combo. The pizza and salad were equally delicious.

For entrees, Heidi and I both went with pasta options tonight. I did the linguine with shrimp, and Heidi did the spaghetti carbonara. Both entrees were just the right size given all our other selections.

Dinner did take close to two hours, but we had enough time (and room) for a complimentary limoncello. Also, we may have split two desserts, with the cannoli being the clear favorite over the chocolate ravioli.

We then headed to the Crown and Compass pub. Tonight, the guitarist Stephen Burke was playing the usual selections.

We had reservations at 10:15 pm for the signature show, The Book, occurring in Two70. We knew this popular production would fill up fast. So, we left our friends at the pub around 40 minutes before showtime to get prime seats.

The front row in the center balcony had only a few seats left when we arrived. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones who knew about this ideal location.

This signature show showcases some of the high-tech features of the dynamic venue. Utilizing the roboscreens and 12K vistaramas, the production takes the audience through seven chapters on one epic adventure. Mixing acrobatics, dancing, and a talented contortionist, the show came to life all around the venue.

Although, when compared to the two other shows found on Quantum and Anthem, we would actually rank this one in third place. It could have used a bit more cohesion to the story, as well as more vocals.

The show finished around 11 pm. Heading back to the Esplanade, it was no surprise that our friends were still at the pub. With one more Diamond voucher left for the night, they didn’t have to twist our arms to grab a last round of drinks before calling it a night.

Tomorrow, I had to work again in the morning, so I needed to get some sleep.

Related Post: Odyssey of the Seas Restaurant Guide

Day 3 – Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Review

Returning to nassau.

Today, the ship was docking at Nassau, Bahamas. Like many frequent cruisers, we did not book any excursions.

Needing to get some work done early this morning, I couldn’t wait for Café Two70 to open for coffee. Therefore, I headed up to the Windjammer coffee shop which opens an hour earlier. Sadly, the espresso based drinks were not as well made as those from the baristas in Two70.

Skipping on breakfast, we stayed in our cabin working until about 10:45 am.

Unfortunately, the internet was not cooperating again today. By purchasing an international day pass with our cell provider, I was able to get most of my work done with some struggle.

We had a reservation for the skydiving simulator, Ripcord by iFLY at 11 am today. Again, we made sure to reserve this popular, complimentary activity on embarkation day. 

Arriving 10 minutes early, I completed the check-in and waited for the remaining flyers. At the last minute, Heidi decided to opt out. I guess two previous flights was enough for her. After all, someone had to capture videos and photos!

Even though our last Quantum Class cruise was five years ago, I feel my 60 second flight was a success. It was probably one of my better performances, even if the 70 year old grandma next to me did better.

Who Needs to Leave the Cruise Ship?

While we had debated getting off the ship this afternoon, we decided to stay onboard and grab lunch at Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade instead.  

Playmakers is located on Deck 16 in the SeaPlex on Odyssey of the Seas. This restaurant is a great addition to this sports area; though, it does feel a bit smaller than other versions of the venue.

Given that it took a while for a waitress to come over and take our order, we should have known this was going to be an extended lunch.

Like always, the food was stellar. The massive nachos, hot and fresh buffalo wings, and chicken tenders really hit the spot. But unfortunately, the food took forever.

Approaching two hours at the venue, I had to leave Heidi to close out the tab so I could attend an afternoon work meeting.

By the time I finished up work, the weather was gray and gloomy. Thus, we found seats in the Solarium and grabbed drinks from the Sunshine Bar.

Here We Go Again

Tonight was the only formal night of this cruise. While the Princess is a big fan of this dress up event, I could easily forgo the formalities.

We had our dinner reservation in the main dining room for 6:30 pm.

This gave us enough time to grab a pre-dinner drink at Boleros and listen to the guitar melodies with Alex. The venue was quiet, but it still took close to 20 minutes to get our drinks. So, we ended up heading out to dinner with our cocktails shortly after.

Checking in with the hostess, we requested to be sat in the same section as night one. Thankfully, we were given a table with the same waitstaff, even though it was technically in the section next to theirs.

Tonight’s dinner was again on par with the main dining room experience. The roasted beef tenderloin was prepared medium-rare, with a rich mushroom sauce. The Grand Marnier soufflé is always a great dessert option as well.

Another Late Night

Dinner took less than 90 minutes, which gave us time to grab a drink at the new Giovanni’s Wine Bar before our show reservation.

This venue replaces Vintages, the typical Royal Caribbean wine bar. We really like the new vibe and menu at Giovanni’s. It also has an a la carte snack menu.

Finishing our glasses of wine, we headed to the theater for the headliner act, Tap Factory.

Even though we arrived 30 minutes prior to showtime, the theater was actually pretty filled.

The Tap Factory troupe merges dance, percussion, and acrobatics for a unique, high energy performance.

Following this show, we headed aft to Two70 for the Love and Marriage game show. Like many versions, this one did not disappoint.

This Love and Marriage show was particularly funny as the husband of the older couple had a very odd personality. Not to mention, the honeymoon couple was from the Dominican Republic, so some of the show’s jokes and innuendo were lost on them.

Finishing up right before midnight, we raced to the Schooner Bar for one last drink of the night. Unfortunately, it was already closed.

So, it was back to the pub.

With the house lights coming up around 1 am, we got the hint that it was time to leave.   

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Day 4 – Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Review

A triple dip at perfect day at cococay.

Unlike the previous days, our plan today was to spend time ashore in the morning as I had several work meetings in the afternoon.

Given our rather late night, we slept in until around 7:30 am.

For this visit to the island, Freedom of the Seas was docked alongside us. This meant the island was certainly going to be busier than our last stop.

It was a partially sunny day when we walked off the ship at 9 am. It was also quite windy. In fact, we were surprised both ships were able to dock given the sea conditions.

We found a secluded spot at Harbor Beach, which is a bit more sheltered than the Chill Island or South Beach areas of CocoCay. Here, we spent the morning relaxing.

Around noon, I grabbed the wife her favorite chicken sandwich and mozzarella sticks from the Snack Shack. After her lunch, we relocated to Captain Jack’s for my midday meal. After 6 previous visits to the island, I finally tried the chicken wings and fries from this up-charge restaurant.

When compared to Playmakers’ wings, this island version was not worth the additional costs.

Here Comes the Rain

Along with some island drinks, we finished up lunch and headed back to the ship before 1:30 pm in time for my meetings.

With work meetings and getting our afternoon coffee, it was already closing in on 5 pm.

As fate would have it, we didn’t miss much as it began to rain quite heavily in the afternoon anyway.

Now, it was time to get ready for our 6 pm dinner reservation at Teppanyaki. While new to Royal Caribbean, this dinner and a show experience is always a good time on a cruise.

Our chef was funny and served up a lot of food. All cruise, I tried my best not to over eat. Tonight, I may have broken my self-imposed rules.

From the shrimp and filet mignon that I ordered to even a few pieces of lobster and chicken, coupled with stir-fried vegetables and fried rice, it was certainly a feast. Even the mochi ice cream, while not my first choice for dessert, hit the spot.

Tonight, we had reservations for the other signature production show on Odyssey of the Seas, The Effectors. Finishing dinner by 8 pm, we had time to get a drink at the Bionic Bar.

While I think it’s gimmicky, the bar is part of our drink around the ship. So, we needed to include it in our Odyssey of the Seas Bar Guide .

As usual, the drinks were not that well made.

While sipping these beverages, we noticed a line forming at the main theater. Knowing that the premium seats for this show would fill up quickly, I convinced Heidi to go wait in line around 8:45 pm. While she was convinced that the line was for standby, of course, I was correct that it was actually the line for those with reservations.

The Effectors is a visually captivating show that you won’t find on any other cruise ship. This state-of-the-art theater mixes lasers, digital effects, drones, and other high-tech features to make you feel like you are in the middle of a Marvel movie.

The five featured singers all had powerful voices, and the choregraphed “fight scenes” were certainly a welcomed departure from the predictable cruise revue shows. I did think it walked the line of being a bit cheesy, but the Princess really enjoyed it.

Finishing up at 10:30 pm, we had time to kill before the tribute band began in the Music Hall. Onboard this sailing was DSB, the Journey tribute band. We really enjoyed them on Anthem of the Seas years ago, so we were eager to catch their show.

On our way to the Music Hall, we made a detour to the casino. Here, we had a short run before ultimately losing our initial whopping $30 investment at the roulette table. We also got to meet the casino host on Odyssey of the Seas, Chris Wong.

Getting to the Music Hall right after 11 pm, we couldn’t find seats on the first floor, so we headed to the balcony. With some drinks in hand, we stayed until midnight listening to the band.

Tomorrow, we had to take a COVID test at 8 am. This test was required for our next cruise on Oasis of the Seas for Thanksgiving with our family.

Related Post: What’s Included on Perfect Day at CocoCay

Day 5 – Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Review

A cloudy morning at sea.

This final day of our Odyssey of the Seas cruise review was a sea day. Like most final days of a cruise, we had a list of things we wanted to get accomplished.

First on our agenda was the COVID test for our upcoming cruise.

Neither of us really wanted to get up, but I was concerned that the testing was going to be a drawn out process. So, showered and ready for the day, we went down to the medical center a few minutes early.

We arrived at the Deck 2 testing site to find only four people in front of us. It took no time to go through the registration and get the test. According to the staff, printed results would be in our room by 7:30 pm.

From here, we opted to get some breakfast sandwiches and coffee from Two70 Café. This would mean we successfully avoided the Windjammer the entire cruise.

With the weather outside cloudy and cool, we headed to the Logo Store to get a few items that we were eyeing during our two-day media sailing.

The Last Afternoon on the Cruise Ship

While the sun wasn’t out, the temperature was nice enough to do some work on the covered outside decks. We may have also grabbed a Lime and Coconut drink too.

We finished work and chatting with another colleague around 2 pm. Having eaten at most places, minus the Windjammer, we decided to split a pizza at Giovanni’s Wine Bar for lunch.

Having the flexibility to grab drinks and a la carte items from Giovanni’s during the day is a great option.

Before returning to our cabin, we grabbed our afternoon pick-me-up from Café Two70.

With our dinner at 6:30 pm, there came a point where we had to begin packing. As sad as it was to have this cruise coming to an end, we knew there was another cruise right around the corner.

Preparing our bags for disembarkation day, we then changed up for dinner and headed down to the main dining room on Odyssey of the Seas for the final time.

One Last Drink

Again, we were able to get a table in Ronald and Mia’s section. We were actually surprised to see that the night 5 menu for this cruise included the broiled lobster.

Of course, this meant I had a double order of lobster for my entrée. We both started with the Vidalia onion tart as an appetizer. For dessert, we each went with our favorite final course. Heidi- the baked Alaska, and myself- the molten chocolate cake.

This was the perfect end to our main dining room experience on Odyssey of the Seas.

After thanking our amazing waitstaff with a much appreciated gratuity, we headed back to the room in search of our COVID test results. Now, Heidi had received an email several hours ago with her negative result, but I never received anything.

As expected, the test results were still not in the room either. So, we asked our stateroom attendant to follow up on this.

For this evening, we had reservations for the headliner act. Tonight’s performer was a singer, aptly named, Jennifer Singer.

All along, we thought the show started at 9:30 pm. When we arrived to the theater around 9:15, we were surprised that the house lights dimmed as we began walking in. Quickly, we found seats on the starboard side of the ship, which is the opposite of where we typically sit.

This performance featured songs by artists including Carole King, Celine Dion, and Gloria Estefan. Perhaps the best part was the encore featuring rock songs from Bon Jovi and Guns N’ Roses.

Following the show, I made a quick dash back to the room. This time, we had our printed negative COVID test results.

Both relieved that we would be able to board our next ship on Sunday, we headed to the Schooner Bar for a drink and a few songs on the piano with John Hides.

Messaging some friends, we all agreed to get one final drink at the pub. While it was busy, we secured a table in the back of the bar. By 11:30 pm, everyone at the table looked like they were ready to call it a night.

Our 6:30 am alarm would be coming soon. With a travel day in between cruises, we could hopefully catch up on some sleep before the next voyage.

Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Review – Disembarkation

Getting to miami.

With multiple pieces of luggage, we decided against self check-out this sailing. Our assigned luggage tag number was 14, with an estimated departure at 8 am. Since we were really in no rush, the cruise line’s timing worked fine for us.

Up around 6:45 am, we did some last-minute packing with the one bag we were carrying off the ship. I also grabbed us some coffee from Café Two70, which was open a half hour early for disembarkation.

Monitoring the checkout times on the television, our luggage tags were called by about 8:10 am. So, we gathered our belongings and made our way down to deck 5.

With only a few cruisers ahead of us in line, we scanned off the ship and began the depressing trek down the gangway.

We then collected our bags and proceeded through customs and board patrol. In all, disembarkation took less than 20 minutes. Requesting an Uber, we were on our way to Miami about 10 minutes later.

Paying extra for early check-in was a wise investment, as we were able to head straight to our room when we arrived at our hotel, the Hyatt Regency Miami. Now, we could relax for a bit while waiting for family to arrive!

Sunday (tomorrow) would be our third embarkation in 10 days. A week long Eastern Caribbean cruise on Oasis of the Seas with family for Thanksgiving was on the horizon.

Disclaimer: We were sponsored by Avoya Travel on this sailing; however, as always, all opinions in this Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Review are our own.

What do you think of our Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Review? Do you have plans to sail on this brand new cruise ship? Drop us an anchor below to share what you love about Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships.

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Greatly appreciate your comprehensive review of Odyssey. We are booked for February. I am curious as to what capacity they are sailing at.

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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Odyssey of the Seas Super Guide: Photo Tour, Review, Tips, and Things to Know

As cruise lines return to sailing, they do so while also welcoming exciting new vessels to their fleets. Case in point: Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas.

Odyssey of the Seas is the final ship in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class. Technically, the ship is in the “Quantum-Ultra” class — incorporating the cruise line’s latest and greatest ideas of what a cruise ship can be.

Coming in at 168,000 gross tons and carrying 4,200 passengers at double occupancy, Odyssey isn’t the largest vessel in the Royal Caribbean fleet. That goes to the ships like Wonder of the Seas within the Oasis class.

However, for those who may be overwhelmed by the size of the biggest Oasis-class ships, or who love the Royal Caribbean experience and a trip aboard Odyssey of the Seas fits their schedule or budget, then the ship may be a terrific option for their next cruise.

We were invited aboard Odyssey of the Seas for its naming ceremony and “inaugural” cruise. Here is our insight on the ship, including what you can expect, what to do, and things to know about sailing.

Disclosure: Royal Caribbean invited Cruzely aboard a sailing of Odyssey of the Seas at no cost as a press trip. The opinions below are our own.

First Impressions & Ship Highlights

Stepping aboard Odyssey of the Seas for the first time, there are some noticeable differences from other Royal Caribbean ships that we’ve sailed that make the ship stand out.

Design & Feel First and foremost was how the cruise ship feels more “boutique” and modern than others. How can a nearly 170,000 ton ship feel boutique?

For one, there are fewer wide open spaces on the ship. If you’ve sailed Royal Caribbean before, you are likely used to the large Royal Promenade that runs through the middle of the ships. It’s wide and airy, with shops and restaurants along the sides.

On Odyssey of the Seas, there is a Royal Esplanade, however, it’s a bit smaller with narrower walkways and a more winding path instead of just cutting straight through. The result is a more intimate feel, like a winding street instead of a multi-lane highway.

As well, the ship is also more contemporary in style, as you’d expect from a brand-new vessel. Colors from the interior of the ship to the staterooms are lighter and muted. We felt the colors mixed with the design throughout Odyssey are beautiful, giving the feel of luxury, but still approachable.

Artwork is present throughout the entire ship — a common theme in Royal Caribbean vessels. This includes some spectacular sculptures, including the hanging glass chandelier that descends from Deck 5 down through the main dining room (see above). The two-story sculpture of a cat playing with balls of yarn at the back of the ship near the SeaPlex is also a fun touch.

Activities on the Ship Of course, entertainment and activities are always a major focus of Royal Caribbean, and that’s no different aboard Odyssey of the Seas.

The aforementioned SeaPlex dominates the back of the ship. Inside is a fully enclosed area that houses a basketball court that doubles as the bumper car arena. Circling around the court is an assortment of arcade games and hangout spots for kids. On the upper deck overlooking the court are more games for families or kids to play, along with a Playmakers Sport Bar showing sports from all over the world.

With this setup, mom and dad can have a drink and a bite while also being able to watch the kids play bumper cars, or head to the nearby Zone Zero, which is a virtual reality attraction. Parents can do their thing while the kids play, yet still all be around each other.

Head to the very back of the ship and there’s even more to do. Here you’ll find the RipCord by iFly — an enclosed skydiving experience — the Flowrider, climbing wall, and the Sky Pad.

If you have older kids, there’s no doubt that this area of the ship is where they will want to spend most of their time.

Walk forward on the ship and you’ll find the always popular pool deck. There are two separate pool areas in the open air, along with a Splashaway Bay for younger kids. Odyssey also has a gorgeous Solarium, offering a quieter covered spot for adults to lounge in the sun without having to worry about wind or smaller kids.

You’ll also see a few other things you don’t have on most Royal Caribbean ships.

First are casitas on the pool deck. The small spots provide cover for shade, along with lounge chairs in a more private spot that’s still close to the action. There is also the North Star. This viewing pod rises up over the ship, putting you about 300 feet over the water. If you are scared of heights, it might not be for you, but will offer stunning views.

Entertainment During the Cruise Entertainment extends indoors as well. Of course, there are all the favorites like the casino, theater, nightclubs, Vitality spa, and the Music Hall with live bands. But the real “can’t-miss” is the Two70 theater.

During the day, this spot serves as a two-story lounge area with sweeping views around the back of the ship. There are tables, comfy seating, and even a bar area. During the evening shows, however, it transforms.

Eighteen projectors put up a video backdrop for performances. A multi-dimensional stage rises and falls to provide depth for shows. And six screens, each attached a six-axis robotic arms, rise, fall, tilt and circle to add even more to the show.

During our cruise we watched The Book and were blown away by the performance. Aerialists dropped out of the ceiling. Performers appeared and disappeared into the floor. And it was all accompanied by a multimedia background that we have never seen anything like before.

Food and Beverage What about food? The lineup includes the latest and greatest from the Royal Caribbean lineup of restaurants.

Starting with the free options, you have the main dining room and Windjammer buffet. There is also El Loco Fresh, serving Mexican food for lunch, The Cafe at Two70, serving small bites. Sorrento’s for a slice of pizza and Cafe Promenade also make an appearance. There is also a smaller second buffet at the Solarium Bistro.

As is par for Royal Caribbean, however, there is a strong emphasis on specialty dining. Here you’ll find the most options. Choices include Japanese food at Izumi, fine dining at Coastal Kitchen or Chef’s Table, eclectic meals at Wonderland, and dinner and a show at Teppanyaki. Grab a steak at Chops Grille, or homestyle Italian at Giovanni’s.

Thirsty? You’ll find a number of bars around the ship that have become mainstays in the Royal Caribbean fleet, including the Schooner Bar, The Lime and Coconut, and Boleros. Bionic Bar (where robots mix drinks) and Crown and Compass also are on the ship. And if you can’t live without your coffee, there is also Starbucks aboard Odyssey of the Seas.

Bottom line: Royal Caribbean is known for packing a lot onto its ships, and Odyssey is no exception. There’s a myriad of things to do, places to eat, and all wrapped up in modern style that’s fun and inviting, while also feeling a bit upscale.

It’s also a bit more contained compared to size of the biggest Royal Caribbean ships, making it ideal for those who are overwhelmed by massive vessels.

Odyssey of the Seas Photo Tour

Want to see what the ship looks like? We’ve selected a number of images from around Odyssey to give you a sense of what to expect.

What We Liked

So what really stood out to us onboard Odyssey of the Seas? There were several things that jumped out as must-sees aboard the ship.

Ship Decor & Interior Design From the colors to the styling to the artwork, we loved the decor and design around the ship. Everything was modern, yet approachable and comfortable. Some older ships in the fleet can feel a bit dated in design. That’s certainly not the case here. And we also like that in addition to feeling contemporary, it also felt more “adult” in style. While it’s definitely made for families, you won’t feel like you’re on a ship built to cater only to children.

SeaPlex Blending of Space for Families The SeaPlex at the back of the ship is definitely built for kids, but parents were also considered in the design and it shows. While kids will want to hang out in this area and the rest of the back deck where the climbing wall and Sky Pad are located, there are plenty of spaces for adults to enjoy. There’s Playmakers, but also seating overlooking the sport court. So the kids can go play while mom and dad enjoy a drink or a bite to eat, while still being together as a family.

Entertainment Options Odyssey of the Seas has some fantastic shows that we enjoyed. The Book in Two70 takes full advantage of the technology in the theater to put on a show that’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen. It’s a can’t miss.

We also watched The Effectors in the main theater. While the main show itself wasn’t our favorite, there are some amazing effects that we think you have to see. This includes a moment when dozens of drones fly over the audience in a synchronized display.

What Could Be Improved

We’re big fans of Odyssey, but there were some things that we think could have been a little better.

More Open Spaces On a ship, space is limited, but cruise lines do a good job of still giving a feeling of openness. On Odyssey of the Seas, we thought there could be more open space. For instance, the Royal Esplanade is a bit smaller than we’re used to seeing and felt tighter. The pool deck also felt more cramped. Between packing so much on the top of the ship, including casitas, deck chairs, loungers, and more, it just didn’t feel as open.

More Included Dining Options We will always argue for more included options when it comes to dining. On this ship it seemed like for dinner you either had the buffet or dining room. There are other included spots to eat, but they tend to be snacks instead of meals (e.g. Cafe Promenade). For lunch, El Loco Fresh was included, but it closed by dinner time.

Our opinion is that having another included dining option — especially for dinner — would be a nice touch.

Odyssey of the Seas Tips & Things to Know

During our time on the ship, we noticed a few things that could make your trip aboard Odyssey even better. Here’s what to know…

Elevators Buttons Are Touchless One thing that got a lot of people confused — including us — is that the elevator buttons (both in the elevator and to call one) are all touchless. So instead of pushing it with your finger, you simply put your finger close to it and hold it there to select it.

Truth be told, it’s a good idea but doesn’t always work perfectly. You have to put your finger near it and then pause for a second or two for it to register on the button.

Reserve, Reserve, Reserve There is plenty to do on Odyssey, but unfortunately, you need to plan ahead for lots of things. Whether due to popularity or for crowd planning purposes, Royal Caribbean requires reservations on things like specialty restaurants and the theaters (including Two70) on the ship. In addition, we noticed that activities like RipCord and the North Star were also regularly full.

(In full disclosure, we were able to snag a seat at Two70 without a reservation, but the daily planner does say they are required.)

The good news? Reservations are easy. You can do it within seconds in the Royal Caribbean app. It’s just something you need to remember to do.

Want a Thrill? Check Out the Glass Walk Over Water If you’re scared of heights, then maybe avoid it, but for a quick thrill, head over to the Sky Pad. There’s a walkway around the huge ball that juts out over the water. Here the path turns from the deck of the ship to glass panels that allow you to look down and see the ocean 16 decks below. It will definitely get the blood flowing.

Snag an Upper Deck Seat for Two70 Shows We’ve mentioned that the shows in Two70 are a can’t miss. One tip is to head upstairs to the balcony seating to watch. There’s not a bad seat in the house, but in some of the lower seating your view of the stage (which is down below the audience) can be a bit obscured by other people. Instead, the upper seating gets a full view of all parts of the stage without worrying about those in front.

Both North Star and RipCord Have Charges (But North Star Is Free in Port) Two of the big attractions on the ship are the North Star observation pod and the RipCord skydiving simulator. But there are charges, so be aware. During our cruise, we were told the charge for RipCord by iFly was $49.

For North Star, the pricing works a little differently. Staff told us that if the ship is underway, then there is a $29 charge for a ride. That’s because the pod will go out over the side of the ship on a longer ride. But if the ship is in port, then taking a ride is free. The only difference? In port, the staff told us, the pod only goes straight up.

No, That’s Not a Real Woman in the Solarium During our cruise, one moment that made everyone blush was when they walked into the Solarium. There you’ll see an ultra-realistic sculpture of a woman in a bathing suit sitting on a float. Until you get right up to it, it’s hard to tell if it’s an actual person or a fake. The realism is amazing, down to the wrinkles in her feet.

But what might make you blush is the angle she is positioned. Her backside is pointed right toward the entrance of the Solarium. So as you make your way in, you’re getting a full view from a very compromising angle.

Casitas Require Reservations One of the popular additions to Royal Caribbean ships are casitas on the pool deck. They offer a little more space — and shade — compared to the typical lounger. If you want one, then you’ll need to head to The Lime & Coconut bar for a reservation. We’d suggest getting there early if you’d like one. There are only a limited number available.

Finally! Plenty of Plug Space Anyone who has cruised knows that on older ships, plug space is at a premium. That’s why we always suggest bringing along an outlet adapter. On Odyssey of the Seas, it’s not a bad idea to bring one, but if you don’t, you’ll be ok. Our cabin had two outlets, plus two USB charging ports. There was a third outlet next to the bed. That should be plenty to get anyone through a weeklong cruise.

Final Thoughts on Odyssey of the Seas

In our opinion, Royal Caribbean has hit another home run with Odyssey of the Seas. The ship is modern, beautiful, and has packed a ton onboard. Whether you are a family sailing with kids or a couple traveling on your honeymoon (or anything in between), we think it would be hard not to enjoy the ship. It offers broad appeal that offers a feel of luxury without feeling stuffy.

We will say that we prefer the Oasis class over this Quantum-Ultra class, simply due to the more space on the ship. Our one real complaint is that the interior promenade and the pool deck could feel more cramped than usual.

That said, we found it to be just a quibble. If you have an upcoming trip aboard Odyssey of the Seas, then you should be excited. If you are trying to determine if you should sail on Odyssey for an upcoming cruise, then we would say it’s a definite yes.

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Great article, thank you! We JUST got off of our Harmony of the Seas cruise and it’s REALLY hard to consider ever going on a non Oasis class ship (we LOVED the split level). Buuuut I’m about to book the Odyssey this November 2023 b/c I feel like it has more activities that my 7 and 4 y/o sons can enjoy (too many heigh restrictions on the HOTS).

How was the kids club? I hate sending them away b/c these are family trips but they love going.

Personally haven’t experience the kids clubs, but have sailed several times on Oasis class and Quantum class. And yes, when I do sail with the kid, he wants to always go to the kids area, too!

I agree with you that Odyssey may actually be better for that age. The enclosed sport court with arcade games and bumper cars is a big draw.

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Odyssey Of The Seas

Cruise line Royal Caribbean

• Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy)
• Cape Liberty Bayonne (New Jersey)
• Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida)

Odyssey Of The Seas current position

Odyssey Of The Seas current location is at North West Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 26.18003 N / -79.51022 W) cruising at speed of 10.9 kn (20 km/h | 13 mph) en route to COCOCAY. The AIS position was reported 1 minute ago.

Current itinerary of Odyssey Of The Seas

Odyssey Of The Seas current cruise is 6 days, round-trip Western Caribbean Perfect Day . Prices start from USD 816 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 07 Apr, 2024 and ends on 13 Apr, 2024 .

Specifications of Odyssey Of The Seas

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Odyssey Of The Seas Itineraries

Odyssey of the seas review, review of odyssey of the seas.

The 2021-built Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship is RCI-Royal Caribbean's second Quantum-Ultra class vessel - with sistership Spectrum OTS (2019). Quantum-Ultra is an upgraded (enlarged and enhanced) version of the Quantum-class ships Anthem OTS , Quantum OTS and Ovation OTS . Odyssey OTS was initially scheduled for inauguration in November 2020, but due to COVID-related issues, the ship's entire itinerary program was canceled through July 2021.

The vessel (IMO number 9795737) is currently Bahamas- flagged  (MMSI 311000912) and registered in  Nassau .

History - construction and ownership

Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is a US passenger shipping company, trademarked travel brand, and subsidiary owned by Royal Caribbean Group (RCG/shipowner). RCI was established in 1968 and currently has over 1/5 of the worldwide cruise market. RCI also has RCG's largest fleet by both vessel number and GT tonnage (ship sizes and capacities).

All RCI liners have names ending with "of the Seas".

Decks and Cabins

Most Odyssey OTS staterooms (2105 total, in 31 grades) include 125 Suites, 1482 Balcony, 132 Oceanview, 366 Inside (including Virtual Balcony) and also 28x Studios (Balcony and Interior single cabins). Most cabins are sized 180-200 ft2 / 17-19 m2. Most cabin balconies are sized 55 ft2 / 5 m2. The largest is the Royal Loft Ultimate Family Suite (1660 ft2 / 152 m2 plus 620 ft2 / 58 m2 wraparound terrace).

The boat has 16 decks , of which 15 are passenger-accessible and 9 with cabins.

Compared to the Oasis-class, Quantum-Ultra ships have larger staterooms, more connecting family cabins, new studio staterooms (for solo travelers), more and larger restaurants.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Passengers on Odyssey of the Seas are offered plenty of dining options to choose from, with multiple choices for light bites as well. Reservations for all restaurants can be made online ahead of the cruise. Though not required, reservations are definitely recommended to ensure guests get to eat where they want, when they want. Food and service at the main restaurants are varied and offer an array of dining experiences.

Follows the complete list of Odyssey of the Seas restaurants and food bars.

• 3-level Main Dining Room restaurant (capacity 1844 seats) also serves a la carte menu. Regular menus rotate each day of the voyage.
• Silver Dining (Suite-passengers only) complimentary restaurant
• Golden Dining and Lounge (complimentary and exclusive / Suite-passengers only) complimentary restaurant
• Teppanyaki (Japanese Hibachi specialty restaurant)
• Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine (reservations-only specialty restaurant on 2 levels - overlooking the stern and served by its own bar / on upper level)
• Windjammer Marketplace is a buffet restaurant offering Early Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. The restaurant is complimentary and approx 1/5 larger in comparison to Quantum-Class liners. Among the dishes offered at the buffet restaurant are noodles, pizzas by the slice, Teppanyaki (Japanese iron griddle-cooked meals) and Chinese hot pot food.
• Chops Grille (specialty restaurant - steakhouse and seafood)
• Chef's Table (14-guest capacity, gourmet private dining package)
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen (specialty restaurant and Wine Bar, reservations recommended) is popular for the hand-tossed, electric oven-baked pizzas, as well as specialties like Holy Cheesus (7-cheese pizza), Muffuletta-Style Grilled Stuffed Flank Steak, Chocolate Ravioli.
• Izumi Japanese Cuisine (specialty restaurant)
• The Cafe at Two70 (casual dining marketplace)
• "Leaf and Bean" is a Cafe Restaurant / Patisserie / Coffee Shop selling beverages and snacks, authentic teas, coffee drinks, fresh-baked pastries, gourmet desserts.
• Solarium Bistro (healthy dining menu, ex-Devinly Decadence)
• Sorrento's Pizza (complimentary, with daily changing selections)
• Splashaway Cafe (poolside indoor food bar)
• Sichuan Red (Asian specialty restaurant)
• Lime and Coconut (2-deck bar with swimming pool views)
• El Loco Fresh (grab-and-go Mexican food / tacos, burritos, quesadillas, fresh-made salsas)

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Odyssey OTS has 16 passenger-accessible decks and popular (RCI signature) facilities and venues like the top-deck forward Solarium (adults-only complex), pool deck with 4 whirlpools and 2 swimming pools (covered by a glass dome / retractable roof), Splashaway Bay (kids aqua park with waterslides, water cannons, fountains, toys), FlowRider (surf simulator), Rock-Climbing Wall (40 ft / 12 m above deck), 2-deck wellness complex (spa and fitness), casino, outdoor theater (huge LED screen for movies nightly and live media streaming daily).

All Quantum-Ultra ships have the unique facilities "iFly by RipCord" (skydiving simulator), "North Star" (rotating glass capsule 300 ft / 92 m above sea level) and SkyPad (bungee trampoline). North Star is at a fee (and reservations-only) and also can be privately booked (for special events). At "iFly by RipCord", each passenger is provided with goggles, helmet, and jumpsuit before jumping into the chamber (1-min sessions). These vessels also have Bionic Bar where "bartending robots" mix up cocktails ordered via a tablet.

Follows the complete list of Odyssey of the Seas lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Royal Theater (1299-seats lounge) hosts 3D Movies, aerial acrobatic performances, Broadway-style productions, popular gameshow (Family Feud, Majority Rules, Blankety Blank, etc). Grand-production shows include "Mamma Mia!" (themed on ABBA's greatest hits - with dancing and sing-alongs), "Showgirl - Past. Present. Future" (Las Vegas 1940s-themed), "The Book: Seven Chapters, One Adventure" (a librarian working in a mysterious library explores book chapters thru singing and dancing).
• Music Hall (2-deck high live entertainment venue, nightly karaoke and "HUSH Silent Party"/headphones are provided)
• Two70 Lounge (3-deck high relaxation observation lounge with live entertainment and 270-degree window walls transforming nightly into a huge video screen / projection surface with Vistarama technology), "RED" (nightclub party). Exclusively for Two70 on Odyssey OTS, Royal Caribbean created two show productions - "Oceanides" (featuring artists performing in boxes filled with water) and "The Book / Seven Chapters, One Adventure" (with main character The Librarian / mysterious man doing research in a library with a special book collection).
• Photo Gallery and Shop; SeaTrek Shop (diving equipment)
• Crown Lounge (fka Diamond Club Lounge & Bar for past guests only); Concierge Club and Lounge (suite- and past guests only); Golden Room / Card Room
• Bionic Bar, NorthStar Bar, Schooner Bar (piano bar); Sky Bar; Vintages Wine Bar
• Royal Esplanade (an area between the boutique shops and restaurants on decks 4 and 5; part of it is "The Via" with the Vintages wine bar, Port Merchants and Jamie's)
• Casino Royale (complimentary gaming sessions); Casino VIP
• Star Moment (Karaoke Room)
• Outdoor Movie Screen
• Cafe Promenade (24-hour; serves snacks and drinks, as well as Starbucks specialty coffee)
• Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center
• Focus (Photo Gallery and Shop)
• Solarium Lounge (includes Solarium Cafe, pool bar, adults-only pool and sundeck area); Solarium Bar
• Video Games Arcade; The Living Room and Night Club teen areas; Royal Babies and Tots Nursery; Adventure Ocean kids lounge area; Workshop (family venue); H2O Zone family and kids area; Kung Fu Panda
• SeaPlex (largest-at-sea sports complex, with roller-skating, bumper cars, circus school, full-sized basketball court); North Star; FlowRider (surf simulator); RipCord by iFly; Jogging Track; Rock-climbing Wall
• Sky Pad topdeck aft-located bungee trampoline with optional virtual reality gaming headsets
• Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade (part of SeaPlex) has large HDTVs (for live sporting) and serves fast food favorites (burgers, buffalo wings, sliders) and various beverages, including a large selection of beers (international and domestic). Here can be played popular board games, arcade and trivia games, darts, billiards. The Playmakers Bar has a dedicated Owner's Box (VIP seating area).
• SeaPlex also doubles as a laser-tag arena hosting the "Clash for the Crystal City" - Royal Caribbean's team gaming experiences.

On Odyssey OTS, Royal Caribbean introduced (fleet's first) drone technology for new show production at the ship's Royal Theater. The new (most advanced) show is based on 48 drones (quadcopters) with a human performer who commands them. The new show (TBN) was specifically developed for the Odyssey ship and designed while the vessel was still under construction in Germany.

Itineraries

Odyssey Of The Seas itinerary program is based on Caribbean cruises leaving roundtrip from homeport Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA) . The 6-7-8-night itineraries visit ports in Bahamas ( CocoCay ), Jamaica (Falmouth), Grand Cayman (George Town), Aruba (Oranjestad), Curacao (Willemstad), St Thomas USVI (Charlotte Amalie), Puerto Rico (San Juan), Haiti (Labadee), Mexico (Cozumel).

Seasonally, the ship is repositioned (via Transatlantic crossings) from Florida to Europe (homeported in Civitavecchia-Rome) for 6-8-9-12-night Greek Isles and  Holy Land cruises, visiting ports in Greece, Turkey and Israel.

• Odyssey OTS had its Inaugural Cruise planned in 2020 (on November 5) out of Fort Lauderdale. However, due to delayed delivery (Coronavirus impact), the liner was rescheduled to start operations in 2021 on April 21, then May 9, June 6 (Mediterranean Europe), November 15 (Caribbean) and finally for August 8 (Caribbean/Maiden Voyage).
• Following all the COVID-related cancellations (2020-2021), Odyssey OTS' inaugural season was initially planned to be in Europe (Eastern Mediterranean, roundtrips from Civitavecchia-Rome), but eventually canceled and the boat relocated to the Caribbean-USA.

in early-March 2021, RCI rescheduled Odyssey's inaugural season to start in June, but open for residents of Israel only. The revised itinerary program offered 3- to 7-night roundtrips from Haifa-Tel Aviv Israel (homeport/first-time for RCI). The Eastern Mediterranean/Aegean itineraries were planned to visit only Greek islands/ports - Rhodes , Mykonos , Santorini , Piraeus-Athens , Limassol Cyprus . Due to "unrest in Israel and the region" (Israel's airstrikes on Gaza), this Cyprus and Greece program was officially canceled on May 15.

The Maiden Voyage (also the liner's first Caribbean cruise) was rescheduled to start on November 15 (5-night "Labadee and Perfect Day" itinerary) from Fort Lauderdale to CocoCay and Labadee Haiti. Prices started from USD 730 (EUR 600) pp.

In winter 2024-2025 (November thru April), Odyssey OTS is homeported in NYC (New York/leaving out of Port Bayonne NJ) taking over the schedule of Anthem OTS. The new deployment is based on 7- to 12-day roundtrips to Florida (Port Canaveral), Bahamas (Nassau, CocoCay), Eastern and Southern Caribbean (Barbados, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Kitts, St Thomas, Antigua, Puerto Rico).

Odyssey Of The Seas - user reviews and comments

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Other Royal Caribbean cruise ships

• Adventure Of The Seas
• Allure Of The Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Brilliance Of The Seas
• Enchantment Of The Seas
• Explorer Of The Seas
• Freedom Of The Seas
• Grandeur Of The Seas
• Harmony Of The Seas
• Icon Of The Seas
• Independence Of The Seas
• Jewel Of The Seas
• Liberty Of The Seas
• Mariner Of The Seas
• Navigator Of The Seas
• Oasis Of The Seas
• Ovation Of The Seas
• Quantum Of The Seas
• Radiance Of The Seas
• Rhapsody Of The Seas
• Serenade Of The Seas
• Spectrum Of The Seas
• Star Of The Seas
• Symphony Of The Seas
• Utopia Of The Seas
• Vision Of The Seas
• Voyager Of The Seas
• Wonder Of The Seas

Odyssey Of The Seas Wiki

On February 1, 2019, was held the steel-cutting ceremony, with which officially started vessel's construction at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg Germany . Vessel's keel-laying ceremony (May 3, 2019) was attended by RCI representatives. Stephan Schmees (Meyer Werft's Executive Project Management) placed the traditional lucky coin under ship's first block before the keel was lowered into position. This first (keel) block weighs 970 tons. The assembly process includes a total of 79 blocks (hull and superstructure). All these mega-blocks were constructed and pre-assembled at Neptun Werft Shipyard ( Rostock Germany ), then loaded (via hydraulics) onto pontoons and transported down Ems River to the Papenburg Shipyard.

The vessel's powerplant (hull module plus the engines) was delivered (barged into the shipyard) on September 4, 2019. The ship's engines produce 67,2 MW (total power output) plus 41 MW propulsion power.

Odyssey is the second "Quantum-Ultra" class and RCI fleet's 27th liner. Unlike the sistership Spectrum OTS (2019-built, Asia-deployed), Odyssey OTS is homeported in the USA (Florida), with seasonal deployment in Europe (Mediterranean).

On September 11, 2020, the shipbuilder revealed the vessel's name on the bow, with a new (enlarged) livery design in which the first letter (O) has height 11,2 m (36 ft) while the entire name has length 87,4 m (286 ft). In comparison to other RCI ships, Odyssey OTS has its name positioned way lower on the light-blue colored hull (O letter's bottom even goes below the waterline).

The ship was launched (floated out from drydock) on November 28, 2020. Once docked outside the shipyard's Building Hall (indoor dock), on Odyssey OTS started outfitting works including the installation of its North Star facility (top-deck mounted glass-walled pod). At Meyer Werft's outfitting pier are also completed interior works.

The vessel's conveyance on Ems River (from Papenburg to Eemshaven Holland /20-mi-30-km distance) was conducted between February 27-28, 2021. Ems River was dammed (between Feb 26-28) in order for the water level to be raised between Papenburg and Ems Barrier (at Gandersum-Nendorp). The ~10-hour operation was assisted by 2 tugboats moving Odyssey OTS in reverse/backward up the river to the North Sea. The conveyance started from Papenburg on Feb 27 at 4 am. The ship passed Friesenbrucke (railway bridge in Weener Germany) at 8:45 am, Jann-Berghaus-Brucke (bascule/movable bridge in Leer Germany ) at 12 pm, and arrived at Emssperrwerk (Ems Barrage in Gandersum-Nendorp) at 0:30 am (Feb 28). North Sea trials started from Eemshaven on March 14 and were conducted to test the vessel's engines, propulsion, navigation and other equipment.

The vessel's official delivery from Meyer Werft to RCG was on March 31, 2021. The "virtual ceremony" was conducted by Richard Fain (RCG's Chairman and CEO), Michael Bayley (RCI's President and CEO), Per Kristoffersen (the cruise ship's Captain), Bernard Meyer (Meyer Werft's Managing Director), Jan Meyer (Meyer Werft's Executive Director).

On November 10, 2021, was announced the name of the ship's Bahamian Godmother - Erin Brown (1980-born Grand Bahama Island native, a single mother of two kids).

• She is an amputee since 2004 when (due to osteosarcoma/bone cancer) she received an above-the-knee amputation of the left limb.
• Erin Brown competed in the Summer Paralympics 2020 (aka Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games), the 16th organized by IPC-International Paralympic Committee.
• Due to the global health crisis, this international multi-sport event (for athletes with disabilities) was rescheduled/postponed by a year and held in Tokyo Japan in the period August 24 thru September 5, 2021.

Odyssey OTS' christening ceremony was held on November 13, 2021, at Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA) . The special event (held on Pool Deck) was attended by Richard Fain and Michael Bayley.

Inaugural cruise itineraries 2021

Due to the COVID crisis, the vessel's delivery was delayed and a total of 25x Caribbean plus 6x Mediterranean voyages were canceled.

Next tables show the ship's maiden voyages with indicative lowest prices (per person, in USD) with double occupancy.

(MAIDEN VOYAGE 2020/canceled) 4-day "The Inaugural" - from $620 pp

(MAIDEN VOYAGE 2021/canceled) 3-day "Weekend Getaway Cruise" ($460 pp)

(repositioning 2021/canceled) 5-day from Southampton to Barcelona ($1660 pp)

(MAIDEN VOYAGE 2021/canceled) 5-day "Spain France and Italy Cruise" ($580 pp)

(MAIDEN VOYAGE 2021/canceled) 12-day "Greece, Turkey and Israel Cruise With Overnight In Athens" (from $2170 pp)

(MAIDEN VOYAGE 2021/canceled) 7-day "Greece and Italy Cruise with Late Stays In Santorini and Mykonos" ($2550 pp)

(Transatlantic crossing 2021/canceled) 14-day from Europe to the USA ($ 1100 pp)

(2021/CHANGED ITINERARY) 9-day inaugural "Southern Caribbean and Bahamas" itinerary ($ 1190 pp). However, in mid-April, due to "planned events", the ship's inaugural Caribbean voyage was altered (departure date changed to Nov 15, the itinerary shortened to 5-day). All bookings were automatically moved to November 15, 2021.

( MAIDEN VOYAGE 2021/first cruise ) 5-day "Labadee and Perfect Day" itinerary (US$ 680 pp)

(2021) 8-day inaugural "Southern Caribbean" itinerary ($ 1730 pp)

(2021) 6-day inaugural "Western Caribbean and Perfect Day" itinerary ($1220 pp)

(2021) 7-day inaugural "Eastern Caribbean and Perfect Day Holiday"/New Year cruise (US$ 2600 pp)

(inaugural Transatlantic crossing 2022) 14-day from Fort Lauderdale to Rome (US$ 1570 pp)

Inaugural Mediterranean itineraries (2022)

Next tables show the scheduled for 2022 Eastern Mediterranean itineraries as call ports and times. All are roundtrips from homeport Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy) .

9-day "Greek Isles" itinerary

11-day "Holy Land" itinerary

7-day "Greek Isles Cruise" itinerary ($1730 pp)

8-day "Greek Isles Cruise" itinerary ($1770 pp)

6-day "Greek Isles Cruise" itinerary ($2500 pp)

12-day "Holy Land Cruise" itinerary ($5080 pp)

Balboa Island

Top ways to experience Balboa Island and nearby attractions

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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• (0.02 mi) Wilma's Patio Restaurant
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• (0.01 mi) Balboa Nut Company
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ADVENTURE IS A SHORE THING SHORE EXCURSIONS

DISCOVER YOUR OWN

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

The excursions and guided tours designed to take your getaway to the next level — from locally-taught culinary classes and land tours infused with culture and history, to adrenaline amping outdoor thrills and off-the-grid exploration. Ready to revisit that bucket list? Explore the possibilities for shore excursions on your next cruise below.

ADVENTURE ON LAND

EUROPE EXCURSIONS

When you explore Europe’s ancient cities, every arch and alleyway tells a story. In Sicily, you can bike across the rim of Mount Etna, which the ancient Greeks believed was home to the legendary Cyclops. In Spain, learn how to prepare tapas like a true Malagan, then savor every single bite. And venture deeper into nature — literally — as you explore the magnificent Lipa Cave in Montenegro. No matter where your journey takes you, these experiences will make every moment memorable.  

PRIVATE JOURNEYS

For those looking for a more personalized adventure, there’s Private Journeys. Our Destination Insiders leverage extensive knowledge and years of travel expertise to hand craft one-of-a-kind private tours with you in mind. You can customize an existing tour that catches your eye, or work with an Insider to create an exclusive tour experience that’s completely unique to you or a small group. Celebrating a special occasion, chasing a lifelong dream, or looking for ways to rediscover a favorite destination? Private Journeys are at your service.  

DISCOVER WONDERS BENEATH THE WAVES

SNORKEL EXCURSIONS

Take your adventure underwater and discover a whole world that’s teeming with life. Swim with sea turtles and manta rays, float over vibrant reefs, and explore colorful coral forests on a snorkeling excursion designed to bring you up close with the ocean’s most beautiful natural treasures.  

SCUBA EXCURSIONS

There’s no better way to explore the beauty beneath the waves than on a guided scuba excursion. Dive deep below the surface of the sea with a certified expert and weave through brilliant coral colonies, scour centuries-old shipwrecks and come face-to-face with exotic aquatic critters.  

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK A SHORE EXCURSION

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Long Weekend Cruises

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• * Tours involving flights, trains, special events, overnight stays, hotel stays and Private Journeys must be cancelled 30 days prior to sailing to avoid cancellation penalties. Other restrictions may apply.
• + In the unlikely event that your tour is significantly delayed, we’ll make all the arrangements for you to return to the ship at the earliest opportunity at no expense to you.
• *Guests on tour under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 
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82 FT SCHOONER

This 82' schooner was built from the imagination of the legendary American boat designer John Alden. This schooner has a rich and varied history, which continues to unfold. Recognized in 2009 as a Historic Vessel by the City of Dana Point, CA as a remarkable relic of the golden age of wooden boat construction, sailing and racing. Built to fly, she won many races up and down the east coast in the 20's and 30's. It has since been totally refitted and restored to the highest standards of performance and luxury. Sets sail out of beautiful Dana Point harbor to cruise the picturesque Coastline of Southern California. Click Photos Below to Enlarge