Cruising on Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas
While this was not an inaugural event but the naming of the Odyssey it was certainly an event with excitement and energy. In my personal opinion this is the nicest most elegant Royal Caribbean ship they have come out with. The décor is truly stunning and the art work is classy instead of whimsical.
Honestly it really rough to do a review of a ship of this size with only a day to check it all out and give a full meaningful report. As with all of Royal’s new builds there is a heck of lot going on these ships from entertainment, dining options, and all sorts of activities.
One thing that Royal is increasing getting well known for is the high energy you experience onboard. Forget bring a book or two to read, not going to happen! I had a stern cabin which is bigger than the normal balcony but still with the same décor as the standard balcony cabin. While lacking in some common stateroom amenities the generous space is quite comfortable for 7 night cruise. Bedding was much more comfortable than some cruises I have recently been on.
This 16 deck big ship is not as big as the Wonder (coming Spring 22) or her sisters but sure seems like. Keep in mind Royal is a family brand cruise ship so they have everything to kids of all ages including: kiddie water park, Skydiving simulator (for us big kids), virtual reality bungee trampoline, rock climbing wall, surf simulator, adult swimming pool and the mechanical rotating arm, North Star. This is just on the outside on the upper decks. One deck down is an indoor play room with basketball courts, bumper cars, laser tag and arcade games. All over looked by a real rocking sports bar with food and drink.
Adults can escape all of this action to the top deck and the adults only Solarium to catch your breath and relax. Or maybe relax in any of 12 different bars and lounges. My two favorites were the Pub and Giovannis Wine Bar. Both which sell food. The Pub has typical pub offerings. Giovannis on the other hand has great Italian cold cuts, cheeses and pizzas among other things honestly you can make a meal out of this plus your favorite wines by the glass or bottle. I personally think that Bionic Bar time has pasts but that’s just my opinion. Needless to say you have a lot of options and each location is very different as well.
With just 2 dinners, 1 lunch and 1 breakfast there is not an opportunity sample everything, actually hardly anything when you see the number of options available. There are 10 outlets available for dining. There is of course a buffet option called the Market Place that is no longer self-serve, yeah! There are 6 other locations for coffee and snacks plus room service. Yes there is a Starbucks. You are going to go hungry on this ship!
There also is plenty of entertainment to enjoy. The ship really has 3 main entertainment areas. The Royal Theater is for the full production shows Royal is well known for, Two70 is a technology marvel that totally surrounds you and your senses. I was told this room alone cost more than first ship Royal Caribbean built years ago and has more technology than our early space shots! It is a WOW. Last but not least is the Music Hall featuring really good rock bands and DJ. There are numerous bars and lounges that also offer nightly music plus the pool deck entertainment. Get a good rest before and after your cruise on this ship.
Our only stop on this cruise was at Perfect Day CocoCay. This is Royal Caribbean’s totally extravagant private island. Unlike other private islands that offer a nice relaxing day at the beach this one is a full blown water themed amusement park. You can make a day of it in any style you wish around the ocean or a man-made lagoon or in over the water bungalows. This has become so popular that on some itineraries it has become a 2 day stop.
Very honestly this ship is great for all most any group but she is a big ship and you might find it hard to find everyone most of the time. Unlike other new Royal ships she does not have that fantastic meeting space as the Oasis class. If you have a high energy group this is your ship!
