odyssey class cruise ship

• CruiseMapper
• Royal Caribbean

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 Aegean Sea (coordinates 36.36016 N / 27.65454 E) cruising at speed of 11.6 kn (21 km/h | 13 mph) en route to RHODES,GREECE. The AIS position was reported 7 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Odyssey Of The Seas

Odyssey Of The Seas current cruise is 12 days, round-trip Greece, Italy Turkey Cruise . The itinerary starts on 03 Sep, 2024 and ends on 15 Sep, 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).

Photos of Odyssey Of The Seas

Odyssey Of The Seas ship related cruise news

77 migrants rescued by RCI-Royal Caribbean's ship Odyssey of the Seas

Passengers on RCI-Royal Caribbean International’s ship Odyssey of the Seas witnessed a maritime rescue operation during their 7-day Greek...

RCI-Royal Caribbean unveils 2025-2026 East Coast USA cruise homeports/ships

RCI-Royal Caribbean International has revealed its lineup of cruises departing from East Coast USA ports for the summer and winter seasons of 2025...

RCI-Royal Caribbean opens bookings for 2025 European cruises

RCI-Royal Caribbean International opened bookings for their 2025 European voyages following the release of their 2025 Alaskan itineraries. For the...

RCI-Royal Caribbean cancels the remaining cruises planned for Israel

Due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, RCI-Royal Caribbean International has decided to cancel the remaining cruises planned for...

RCI-Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruises to Israel changed due to Hamas attacks

Recent attacks by Gaza militants on Israel have prompted itinerary changes on voyages with scheduled visits in Israeli ports. Such incidents in the...

Turkey's Bodrum Port ends the cruise season with a record number of lines

Bodrum Cruise Port, one of the major passenger entrance gates, and adding value to tourism in the Bodrum district of Mugla, hosted the 101st and last...

RCI-Royal Caribbean unveils new European cruises for summer 2024

RCI-Royal Caribbean announced that its new European vacations for summer 2024 are now open for sale, featuring 7 world-class ships in 9 homeports and...

RCI-Royal Caribbean cancels Serenade of the Seas' Europe/Baltic cruises in 2023 summer

RCI-Royal Caribbean announced it is canceling the European season of Serenade of the Seas previously scheduled for summer 2023.  Serenade OTS...

RCI-Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas kicks off summer European season from Barcelona (Spain)

RCI-Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas arrived in Barcelona (Spain) to commence her summer season in Europe. The 5th in the line&rsquo...

RCI-Royal Caribbean announces new itineraries to destinations in the Caribbean 2023-2024

Royal Caribbean released new itineraries to destinations in the Caribbean for the 2023-2024 cruise season. The new itineraries include ships like...

•   show more news

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)

Greek isles cruise

Odyssey of the seas.

Discover adventure from Georgetown to Santorini onboard Odyssey of the Seas℠.

It’s time to see how far adventure can take you. Introducing the first Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship to sail in the U.S – Odyssey of the Seas℠. Enjoy gravity-defying fun on the RipCord® by iFLY® skydiving simulator. Or bond over bumper cars and roller-skating at the largest SeaPlex® ever. Scope out incredible 360-degree views from 300 feet up in the North Star® observation capsule. And experience edge-of-your-seat entertainment at the transformative Two70®. Take adventure to the next level on this Quantum Ultra Class favorite.

60% Off Second Guest + Kids Sail From $99*

Get royal deals, sign up today.

You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our Privacy Policy .

GO ALL IN ON ADVENTURE

There’s never been a cruise ship that maxes out memory making like Odyssey of the Seas℠. Whether you’re taming waves on the FlowRider®*, kicking back at the totally reimagined pool deck, savoring bold global flavors onboard, or turning up the party vibes late at night — you’ll never run out of things to do onboard Odyssey of the Seas℠.

A TOP DECK TAKEOVER

At SeaPlex®, fire up a friendly rivalry with bumper cars, glow-in-the-dark laser tag and an arcade offering everything from classic games to Virtual Adventure Zone experiences. Catch a wave on the FlowRider®* surf simulator. Or fall into some gravity defying fun on the RipCord®by iFLY® simulator.

YOU’RE IN FOR A WORLD OF YUM

Savor authentic trattoria fare with a twist at Giovanni's℠ Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. Enjoy gameday classics at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade. Crush cravings for Mexican street food poolside at El Loco Fresh®. And sample Far East favorites at Teppanyaki. Odyssey of the Seas℠ is primed to please every palate and satisfy any appetite.

ADVENTURES AFTER DARK

Keep the thrills going long after sundown with next-level ways to live it up on Odyssey of the Seas℠. Think groundbreaking multimedia spectaculars at the all-immersive entertainment space, Two70®, rockin’ live performances at the Music Hall, and many more soon-to-be revealed surprises — so stay tuned.

CALL US AT +971 4 331 4299 | 800 897 1419

GO TROPIC TREKKING

OR EURO TOURING

Sailing from sunny Fort Lauderdale, Odyssey of the Seas℠ unlocks captivating shores across eastern, western and southern Caribbean isles like Jamaica, exotic Aruba and Perfect Day at CocoCay. This Quantum Ultra Class ship also sails from Rome to give you a whole new way to experience cruising.

YOUR ONE STOP TO ISLAND HOP

Sail from Fort Lauderdale to the western Caribbean where Beachside meets mountainside. Discover the shores of Labadee, or enjoy the stunning beaches in Falmouth. Head south to admire divi divi trees on Aruba's white-sand beaches and dive Curaçao's colorful coral reefs. In between iconic isles, fill a day with thrills and chill at our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

MED MARVELS SET TO MAX

This is a whole new perspective on some of Europe’s most legendary shores. Scope out Santorini’s seaside cliffs from 300 feet above sea level in the North Star℠. Or gaze at crystal blue Mediterranean waters through the panoramic two-story windows in Two70 on your way to Ephesus, Athens, Mykonos and more.

ACTIVITIES & SHOWS

SPA & FITNESS CENTRE

Discover a full menu of five-sense fulfillment at VitalitySM Spa

Retail\s in reach with boutiques & your favorite brand names

GUEST ENTERTAINERS

Special guest performers of all walks join our onboard talent

Live Orchestra

You'll never hear a recording in the main theatre - a live orchestra accompanies every performance

Dancing queens, Unite! Mama Mia brings you Abba hits

High flying feats run deep at AquaTheatre's Oceanaria

It's all fun and board games in Ice Game, inspired by monopoly

BLUE PLANET

Blue Planet celebrates the brilliance of Mother Earth in one-of-its-kind show

H2O ZONE WATERPARK

Kids can get drenched, splashed and sprayed all day at H2O Waterpark

PUB PERFORMANCES

Sip and sing along during live musical performances at the pub

fitness classes

Cutting edge equipment, the latest classes and an ocean view

See the ship over nine decks above the Boardwalk on the zipline

Score prime waves all day overy day on the surf simulator Flowrider

Soak up the relaxation and the horizon

Got game? Prove it on one of our game shows

Pool Parties

Stay up late for this top deck party

Outdoor movie nights

The poolside screen is huge- and so is the fun

Sports Court

From Jazz trios to rock bands, club hop without leaving the ship

Play the classics and modern faves at the Royal Caribbean Arcade

Theme Nights

Go all out and step into another era

Family fun takes a nostalgic turn on the handcrafted carousel

Enjoy adults only ambiance a the Solarium

With onboard pools, you've got plenty of chances to make a splash

Enjoy Mini Golf with maximum fun

ART COLLECTION

Browse and buy original art from our curated collection

WINE TASTING

Our well stocked wine bar is the setting for a world full of discovery

CHEFS TABLE

This is the ultimate speciality dining experience for culinary connoisseurs

Dive into a world of delicious at the Windjammer

Say “konnichiwa” to Far East flavors and fresh-rolled sushi at Izumi.

JOHNNY ROCKETS®

Jitterbug to Johnny rockets for shakes, burgers and fries

CHOPS GRILLE

A classic American steakhous where everything is grilled to perfection.

ROOM SERVICE

Dial up delicious in-room dining day or night to enjoy paired with comfort and privacy.

Cafe promenade

Satisfy your cravings all day and night.

Giovanni's Table

Old world flavour in every bite.

Main Dining Room

In the Main Dining Room, every course is craveworthy.

BARS & LOUNGES

Schooner Bar

Come for a cocktail, stay for a song at this lively late night spot.

SOLARIUM BAR

Savor all your favorite cocktails at this tranquil poolside retreat.

viking crown lounge®

Come for the cocktails, stay for the views.

Pair your mojito with some live merangue at Boleros.

suite lounge

This lounge serves up serenity with a twist of lime

English Pub

Laughs, Libations and live music served here.

Enjoy all your favoirte drinks at one poolside spot.

CHAMPAGNE BAR

Pop a bottle, raise a glass, and elevateyour getaway at the champagne bar

AWARD WINNING &

AWE INSPIRING ACCOMODATIONS

Redefining the cruising experience one room at a time. Our staterooms are an alluring escape from the non-stop action our cruise ships are known for. From our spectacular views to our deluxe amenities, a stay with us is like nothing at sea.

EVERY DETAIL ACCOUNTED FOR

SERVICES & AMENITIES JUST FOR YOU

royalcaribbean.ae is part of Royal Caribbean Arabia owned by Safeen Tourism LLC, the Sole Middle East Representative of Royal Caribbean International.

© 2024 All Rights Reserved.

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

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.

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, worth it everything to know about hideaway beach on royal caribbean’s cococay, how to enjoy cococay… without spending a dime, six icon-class cruise ships royal caribbean signs agreement for that option, what to do on a cruise 70 fun things to do on the ship, world’s second-largest cruise ship debuts this weekend (see how big), cococay: 21+ tips & things to know for royal caribbean’s island (prices, what to do, and more).

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.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Should You Buy Carnival’s ‘Faster to the Fun’ Deal? Here’s When It’s Worth It

The 8 closest beaches to the cozumel cruise port, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Odyssey of the Seas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International |

Find a Cruise on Odyssey of the Seas

with a cruise advisor

Launched in July 2021, the Odyssey of the Seas holds 5,498 passengers and 1,550 crew members. Royal Caribbean's latest ship is the first Quantum Ultra Class vessel to sail in the United States. As a member of this class, Odyssey of the Seas offers standout amenities like RipCord by iFLY, billed as the only skydiving simulator available at sea, and the FlowRider, a 40-foot-long surf simulator. There is also the North Star observation capsule, which hoists guests 300 feet above sea level over the cruise ship to enjoy unparalleled views below. 

In addition to these thrilling activities, the ship comes equipped with standard facilities like pools, an arcade, a spa, a fitness center with classes, kids clubs and shopping venues. There are also 15 dining options, ranging from Japanese fare to all-you-can-eat buffets to Starbucks. For drinks, the ship offers nine bars and lounges, giving passengers plenty of places to enjoy libations. Entertainment options include theatrical performances, live music, a casino, outdoor movie nights and more. 

As far as cabins go, cruisers can choose between Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony staterooms, as well as suite accommodations and new Virtual Balcony rooms. These technologically advanced cabins feature floor-to-ceiling displays that project real-time views of the sights and sounds from the outside of the ship. 

Odyssey of the Seas sails to ports in Europe, as well as to various destinations in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Cape Liberty, New Jersey.

Pros & Cons

New ship launched in July 2021

Food receives mixed reviews

• Expert Rating » 4.5
• Traveler Rating » 4.5
• Health Rating » 4.5

Odyssey of the Seas ranks # 1 out of 25 Royal Caribbean International Cruise Ships based on an analysis of expert and user ratings, as well as health ratings.

• # 1 in Best Royal Caribbean International
• # 1 in Best Cruises for Groups
• # 2 in Best Cruises for Families
• # 6 in Best Affordable Cruises
• # 7 in Best Cruises to the Caribbean
• # 10 in Best Cruises to the Mediterranean
• # 12 in Best Cruises to Europe

Odyssey of the Seas offers a wide range of accomodation options. Browse cabins to find the stateroom that suits your needs.

Odyssey of the Seas contains 15 decks. Find out which features are available on each Odyssey of the Seas deck.

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 415 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.

Ship Photos

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.

You Might Also Like

Explorer of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Odyssey of the Seas

ROYAL CARIBBEAN AND IAG LOYALTY SET SAIL IN GROUNDBREAKING PARTNERSHIP

ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP PRESENTA EL PRIMER PROGRAMA DE LA INDUSTRIA LOYALTY STATUS MATCH EN SUS MARCAS ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL, CELEBRITY CRUISES Y SILVERSEA

ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP ANNOUNCES INDUSTRY-FIRST LOYALTY STATUS MATCH PROGRAM ACROSS ITS BRANDS – ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL, CELEBRITY CRUISES AND SILVERSEA

It’s Official: Royal Caribbean and First Bahamian Paratriathlete Name New Ship  Odyssey of the Seas (Short)

November 2021 – A celebration of adventure took place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida as Royal Caribbean International officially named its newest game-changing ship –  Odyssey of the Seas . Watch as Erin Brown, the ship’s Godmother and the first Bahamian paratriathlete to compete in the Paralympic Games qualifiers, is joined by the cruise line’s crew members, executives and guests as she bestows a blessing of safekeeping on  Odyssey  and all those who sail on it for decades to come.

Mayo 2024 – El programa Loyalty Status Match de Royal Caribbean Group ofrece a sus miembros de los programas de fidelización de sus tres marcas de propiedad absoluta – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – la posibilidad de disfrutar de un estatus recíproco en cada línea de cruceros. 

The Goombay Smash is among the variety of drinks, from coffee-infused sips to bubbly and zero-proof cocktails, that vacationers can enjoy at Royal Caribbean’s bars and lounges.

Credit: sbw-photo

The Painkiller is among the variety of drinks, from coffee-infused sips to bubbly and zero-proof cocktails, that vacationers can enjoy at Royal Caribbean’s bars and lounges.

Odyssey of the Seas Ship Info

• Click here for ALL
• Junior Suite
• Junior Suite Large Balcony
• Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom
• Grand Suite - 2 Bedroom
• Owners Suite
• Grand Loft Suite
• Owner Loft Suite
• Royal Loft Suite
• Ship info and tracking
• Cabin Check

On this page you will find Odyssey of the Seas features, history, sister ships, and useful facts provided by Cruisedeckplans.com. Look at the bottom of the page for the LIVE TRACKING position of Odyssey of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

General information.

The Odyssey of the Seas started sailing in 2021. Former names: none. The Odyssey of the Seas is registered in Nassau, Bahamas. The Odyssey of the Seas has 1922 cabins. You can expect between 3844 to 4805 passengers on a typical sailing. This means that at the higher number (usually peak and holiday sailings) Odyssey of the Seas has a space ratio of 35.1. (A space ratio less than 33 means that you may find the ship crowded in areas. A space ratio greater than 39 means that there should be plenty of space for each passenger.) When this ship isn't sailing at capacity the space ratio can be as good as 43.9. The Odyssey of the Seas has 1300 crew members on board. There are 4 passengers for every crew member on board. There are no self serve laundromats on this cruise ship.

Sister Ships

The following ships share the same class as this ship. This means the basic design and layout of the ship is the same. For the most part the cabins will be identical among these ships, but may be decorated differently. 2014- Quantum of the Seas 2015- Anthem of the Seas 2016- Ovation of the Seas 2019- Spectrum of the Seas 2021- Odyssey of the Seas

Accessibility

There are 41 special needs cabins on this ship. These cabins have been modified for accessibility purposes.

16 Decks

There are 16 on this ship. The highest deck number is 16. The number of decks with passenger cabins is 9.

74% Balconies

This is the percent of the staterooms on board have balconies.

Other Information

The abbreviation Royal Caribbean uses for this ship is OY. Odyssey of the Seas is the second Quantum Ultra Class ship. There are 2105 staterooms on board, with the largest being the Ultimate Family Suite. For guests that book in the Suite class, guests will receive an all-inclusive cruise experience which includes access to the private dining room, Coastal Kitchen, 24-hour personal butler service, included gratuities, access to thermal suite, free internet, and all-inclusive drinks. This ship offers an all inclusive Suites-only Complex for Golden Suite and Silver Suite cabin categories. There are VIP amenities like an exclusive dining room, bar, lounge, and sundeck. They also have access to a VIP shopping area. There are many dining options on board including: 3-level Main Dining Room restaurant-serves Chinese and International cuisine Silver Dining- Suite passengers only complimentary restaurant Golden Dining- complimentary and exclusive / Suite-passengers only Teppanyaki- Japanese Hibachi specialty restaurant Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine Windjammer Marketplace- buffet style restaurant Chops Grille-specialty steakhouse/seafood restaurant Chefs Table-gourmet private dining package Giovannis Italian Kitchen- specialty Izumi-Japanese Cuisine/specialty The Cafe at Two70-casual dining marketplace/cafe bar Leaf and Bean-Cafe Restaurant / Patisserie / Coffee Shop / Tea Room Solarium Bistro-healthy dining menu Splashaway Cafe-poolside indoor food bar) Sichuan Red-Chinese speciality restaurant The Ultimate Dining Package allows guests to enjoy access to all specialty restaurants on board at a fixed price. Packages start at $24 per person, per day. Unique features on board include a skydiving simulator, Karaoke Room, laser tag course, surf simulator, and the North Star which is a jewel-shaped glass capsule which offers 360-degree views above the ship. There is also a Bionic Bar where bartending robots mix up cocktails. Nightly entertainment can be found at one of the many lounges and bars on board. The Royal Theater offers Broadway style productions nightly, and the Music Hall is a 2-deck high live entertainment venue. The Two70° Lounge is an observation lounge which also offers live entertainment, and there is an Outdoor Movie screen for families as well as a card room and casino. Children and teens will have plenty to do at their very own age-appropriate clubs which offer supervised activities. There is also a video games arcade, Adventure Ocean lounge area, H20 Zone, and SeaPlex which has roller-skating, bumper cars, circus school, rock-climbing wall, and a full-sized basketball court. Adults can enjoy some private time at the Solarium Lounge which has a pool and bar, or the Vitality at Sea Spa and fitness center.

Odyssey of the Seas Ship Stats

Odyssey of the seas features.

• 2 Indoor Pools

• 10 Whirlpools (hot tubs)

• No Ice Rink
• No Waterslide
• No Ropes Course

• Sports Court
• Jogging Track

• No Cigar Lounge
• Video Arcade
• Show Lounge
• Fitness Center

• No Bridge Viewing Area
• Outdoor Movie Screen
• Teen Lounge
• Passenger Promenade Deck
• No Upper Deck Sea Viewing Lounge
• Adult Only Outside Lounge Area
• Sky diving experience
• bumper cars
• roller skating
• robot bartenders
• high speed internet

Live Cruise Ship Tracking - Odyssey of the Seas

Smoking policy.

• Smoking cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, and pipes is permitted only in designated outdoor areas that have signage (mainly on the starboard side)
• Smoking is not permitted inside staterooms or balconies, Central Park or Boardwalk neighborhoods, dining venues, theaters, bars, lounges, hallways, pools, elevators, or jogging tracks
• The casino allows smoking and has a designated area for non-smoking on most cruises.

CRUISEDECKPLANS.COM Use the input buttons above to go to the main page for a Cruise Ship or Cruise Line.

Explore The Odyssey of the Seas

Royal caribbean cruise line.

The Odyssey of the Seas was built in 2021 and is among Royal Caribbean 's 29 ships in it's fleet. The Odyssey of the Seas is included in the cruise line's Quantum-Ultra Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Odyssey of the Seas vs all of the other Royal Caribbean ships.

Odyssey of the Seas Size

How big is the Odyssey of the Seas ? Below, you’ll find all of the relevant cruise ship stats, specs and dimensions for the Odyssey of the Seas . Included in these statistics are passenger capacity, length, year built, year renovated, cost to build, gross tonnage, engine info, number of rooms, deck counts and more!

Odyssey of the Seas

Odyssey of the seas capacity.

Passenger Capacity refers to the total number of people that the Odyssey of the Seas can accommodate. Of course, there are also crew members on board. Below, find the total onboard capacity, including staff and cruise guests.

Odyssey of the Seas Passenger Capacity: The passenger capacity for the Odyssey of the Seas is 4,284 guests . The average capacity for the 29 active ships in Royal Caribbean ’s fleet is 3,708 passengers. The passenger capacity range for all Royal Caribbean ships has a minimum of 1,992 guests and a maximum of 7,600 passengers.

Odyssey of the Seas Crew Members: Staff on the Odyssey of the Seas include 1,551 members. That's a guest to staff ratio of 2.8 to 1 . The average Royal Caribbean ship includes 1,400 employees and has a passenger to staff ratio of 2.6 to 1 .

Odyssey of the Seas Passenger and Crew Capacity

Vs royal caribbean fleet, odyssey of the seas length.

How long is the Odyssey of the Seas ? From end to end, the Odyssey of the Seas length equals 1,139 feet ( 347 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 29 active vessels in Royal Caribbean ’s fleet, measuring 1,068 feet ( 326 meters).

The smallest Royal Caribbean ship (in terms of length) measures 915 feet ( 279 meters) from end to end. The longest vessel spans 1,198 feet ( 365 meters). Our chart below shows the length of the Odyssey of the Seas vs all other active Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ships.

Odyssey of the Seas Built Date

When was the Odyssey of the Seas Built? The Odyssey of the Seas was built in 2021 and joined the cruise line’s Quantum-Ultra Class.

Royal Caribbean includes 29 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1996 while the newest ship was built in 2025 . The average Royal Caribbean ship is 15 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2007

When was the last Odyssey of the Seas Dry Dock? The Odyssey of the Seas experienced dry dock improvements in NA .

Renovations include the following:    The Odyssey of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's newest ships and has no scheduled dry docks.

Odyssey of the Seas Deck Plans

The Carnival Breeze has a total of 15 passenger decks. The lowest level available to guests is Deck 2 . The highest passenger deck is Deck 16 .

What does the Carnival Breeze offer in terms of things to do? The ship features 23 restaurants, 13 bars, 6 shows, 64 activities, and 16 other features for your enjoyment.

Click below to access deck plans for the Odyssey of the Seas . The resulting page will provide a floor plan and summary of all things to do offered on that level of the ship.

all deck plans

Frequently asked questions.

Odyssey of the Seas Info

You will find the Odyssey of the Seas Casino on Deck 3 of the ship.

You will find the Odyssey of the Seas buffet on Deck 14 of the ship.

The Odyssey of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's newest ships and has no scheduled dry docks.

The ship belongs to the Royal Caribbean class of ships known as the Quantum-Ultra class.

The ship features 23 restaurants, 13 bars, 64 activities, 6 shows and 16 other venues for your enjoyment. You can click on our ship deck plans or details pages for a full list of activities, sorted by feature type.

The Odyssey of the Seas has a total of 15 passenger decks. The lowest deck is Level 2. The upper most passenger deck is Level 16.

We're often asked how many passengers are on the Odyssey of the Seas. The ship's capacity is 4,284. When comparing the occupancy to the average Royal Caribbean passenger capacity, you'll find that the average ship in the fleet holds 3,880 guests. Feel free to look at our graph above to see where this ship falls in line with all other live Royal Caribbean ships.

The Odyssey of the Seas was built in 2021. Royal Caribbean includes 29 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1996 while the newest ship was built in 2025. The average Royal Caribbean ship is 15 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2007

Each of Royal Caribbean's ships offers a unique layout with features and activities catered to all. Whether the Odyssey of the Seas is right for you will depend on your individual preferences. Do you prefer a larger or smaller ship with many or fewer guests? Are you hoping for many family activities or entertainment options for an older clientele. Our deck maps layout and activities list provide a helpful guide to what you'll find on board. Feel free to explore the see if this ship is suited towards your preferences.

From end to end, the Odyssey of the Seas length equals 1,139 feet (347 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 29 active vessels in Royal Caribbean fleet, measuring 1,077 feet (328 meters). Please see our size comparison chart above to see how this ship falls in line with all other active ships in the fleet.

The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Even if you're a newcomer to cruising, you've probably heard of Royal Caribbean 's giant Icon Class and Oasis Class ships. With the exception of a single MSC Cruises vessel , they're far bigger than any other cruise vessel afloat and like nothing else you'll find at sea.

Indeed, when you hear people talking about the wow factor of Royal Caribbean's "floating megaresorts," it's likely they're referring to the seven ships in these two sets of vessels. This includes the just-unveiled Icon of the Seas — the world's biggest cruise ship.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.

That said, not all Royal Caribbean ships are similarly supersized. While the line is perhaps best known for giant vessels — it operates seven of the 10 biggest cruise ships in the world — it also markets some relatively smaller, more intimate ships.

In fact, Royal Caribbean has eight vessels that are less than half the size of the Icon Class and Oasis Class ships.

If you're thinking about booking a Royal Caribbean cruise, you'll find the line offers a wide range of ship styles and designs.

With the relatively recent removal of two older ships from its fleet, Royal Caribbean — the world's largest cruise line by passenger capacity — now has 28 oceangoing vessels in all. That's more than any other major cruise line, and it means that you have a lot of choices when it comes to picking the perfect Royal Caribbean ship for you.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean

The good news for those of you trying to get a handle on all the options is that the 28 ships can easily be bunched into just seven groups of vessels that have similar amenities. If you know one member of the group, you know them all.

These seven groups are made up of ships constructed around the same time with the same basic design. They're known in cruise industry lingo as "classes," and each has its own look and feel.

An introduction to Royal Caribbean ships

For the most part, Royal Caribbean operates big, bustling megaships that will appeal to people who like a megaresort experience. The company has built its brand around offering vacationers a ton of diversions on its ships, whether for dining (some vessels have more than 20 distinct places to grab a bite) or entertainment. Its vessels are lively and fun.

The over-the-top megaresort experience on a Royal Caribbean ship varies from class to class, though.

Related: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean cabins and suites

The line's one Icon Class and six Oasis Class ships are unlike anything else you'll find at sea when it comes to size, amenities and capacity. They each can hold more than 6,600 passengers, with every berth full.

Somewhat smaller in size but still giant by any measure, each of the line's five Quantum Class and three Freedom Class vessels has a total capacity ranging from around 4,500 to 5,600 passengers. With space for around 3,800 passengers at maximum occupancy, the line's five Voyager Class vessels are relatively large, too.

Together, the 20 vessels of these five classes — Icon, Oasis, Quantum, Freedom and Voyager — make up Royal Caribbean's big-ship fleet. The line's remaining eight vessels, split among two classes, are smaller, with maximum occupancy topping out at around 2,500 passengers.

While no longer the focus at Royal Caribbean, the smaller ships (which are generally the line's older ships) allow it to offer itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of Icon of the Seas.

The smaller ships also appeal to a subset of Royal Caribbean fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also often less expensive to sail per day.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

As you might expect, the biggest Royal Caribbean ships have the most amenities. With each step down in size, you'll find fewer restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and attractions. Even the smallest Royal Caribbean ships still have quite a bit to offer, though.

If you're sailing with the line for the first time, it's important to understand that not all of Royal Caribbean's signature attractions and venues are present on all its ships. For instance, while every Royal Caribbean vessel now has one of the line's iconic climbing walls (some have two), only the 20 ships of the line's big-ship classes have a FlowRider surfing simulator. Only the 15 ships of the Icon, Oasis, Freedom and Voyager classes have ice skating rinks.

Here is a look at the seven classes of Royal Caribbean ships in more detail.

Ships in class: Icon of the Seas (2024), Star of the Seas (coming in 2025); unnamed vessel (coming in 2026)

Size: 248,663 tons

Is your idea of a great vacation a trip to a megaresort loaded with more restaurants, bars, theaters and watery amusements than you can imagine? Royal Caribbean's new Icon Class is the ship class for you.

As mentioned above, Icon of the Seas — the only Icon Class ship currently in operation — is bigger than any other cruise vessel afloat at 248,663 tons, and for big-ship lovers, there's really nothing quite like it. Two additional Icon Class ships debuting in 2025 and 2026, respectively, will be equally over-the-top in size and venues.

Each of the Icon Class vessels that are operating or soon to debut has been designed with seven separate pools (a new record for a cruise ship), a water park with six waterslides (also a record), a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court and even a zip line. And that's just on their top decks.

Inside the vessels, you'll find more lounges, bars, restaurants and shops than you can imagine — plus huge casinos, spas and showrooms with Broadway-style shows. They even have indoor ice skating rinks, just in case you want to get your Michelle Kwan on.

What you won't find on the Icon Class ships is intimacy. These are vessels that can carry as many as 7,600 passengers when every berth is filled. They operate with around 2,300 crew members. That means you could be sharing your vacation with nearly 10,000 people.

If the above sounds downright outrageous to you, it is. Keep in mind, though, that the biggest megaresorts on land are even bigger. The biggest resort in the U.S. — The Venetian in Las Vegas — has 7,092 rooms. That means it can hold more than 14,000 guests, assuming there are two people per room.

By that measure, Icon Class ships are almost small.

Icon Class ships also don't necessarily feel as crowded as they are. Royal Caribbean's designers are masters at creating vessels that can carry thousands and thousands of people but still feel relatively uncrowded — at least in some areas. You can have a quiet afternoon reading a book on a bench in the sometimes nearly empty, tree-lined Central Park area of Icon of the Seas while, just a few decks above, thousands of vacationers are frolicking about at the ship's pools.

Related: Why Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas won't feel as crowded as you think

While only one ship in this series (Icon of the Seas) is currently operating, the second vessel in the series (Star of the Seas) is already open for bookings. Its maiden voyage is set for Aug. 31, 2025.

Quantum Class

Ships in class: Quantum of the Seas (2014), Anthem of the Seas (2015), Ovation of the Seas (2016), Spectrum of the Seas (2019) and Odyssey of the Seas (2021)

Size: 168,666 to 169,379 tons

Unveiled in 2014, the Quantum Class may be Royal Caribbean's most innovative class ever.

In addition to a wide range of restaurants, bars and showrooms, the five ships in the class feature some of the most unusual new attractions you'll find at sea. This includes bumper car pavilions (yes, somehow they found room for these) and skydiving simulators.

The ships also have glass-enclosed capsules mounted on mechanical arms that will take you soaring into the sky for bird's-eye views. They're called the North Star rides, and they may be the oddest attractions ever added to the top of a cruise ship.

Quantum Class ships also feature unusual, multilevel entertainment spaces with floor-to-ceiling glass walls called Two70. The spaces are home to innovative shows that often feature aerial performers, singers and dancers who emerge from openings in the floor or the ceiling. At certain times of the day, the glass walls transform into an expansive ambient surface called Vistarama that projects real and imagined scenes.

Related: The 10 wildest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

All the above come in addition to many of the core Royal Caribbean attractions you'll find on most of the brand's ships, including pools, rock climbing walls, casinos, spas and Broadway-style shows. But don't expect all the classic Royal Caribbean features on Quantum Class ships. For instance, you won't find ice skating rinks on the vessels even though they're a staple of all other big Royal Caribbean ships. Quantum Class ships also don't have water parks.

The Quantum Class ships aren't quite as big as Royal Caribbean's Icon Class and Oasis Class vessels (and thus don't have quite as much room for things like ice skating rinks). At around 169,000 tons, though, they're still among the biggest ships at sea, with a significant number of venues.

They also can carry a lot of people. Most of the ships in the class hold 4,180 passengers at double occupancy — 4,905 if every berth is filled. One exception is Spectrum of the Seas, which was specifically built for the China market with some design differences. It can hold up to 5,622 passengers. Additionally, the newest ship in the series, Odyssey of the Seas, can hold up to 5,498 passengers.

Related: 4 things you'll love about Royal Caribbean's new Odyssey of the Seas

One more big difference between the ships of the Quantum Class and other big Royal Caribbean ships: The Quantum Class ships are designed to be more versatile.

If you look closely at their deck plans, you'll notice that more of their main attractions are indoors and protected from the elements than the ships of the Icon, Oasis or Freedom classes, for example.

One of the two main pool areas on each Quantum Class ship (except Odyssey of the Seas) is enclosed. The bumper car pavilions are, too, doubling as roller skating rinks or indoor basketball courts. This allows Royal Caribbean to send the ships to cooler regions of the world, such as Alaska and Northern Europe, where the temperatures aren't always conducive to outdoor activity.

Royal Caribbean has also used some Quantum Class ships for sailings out of China.

Related: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's loyalty program

Oasis Class

Ships in class: Oasis of the Seas (2009), Allure of the Seas (2010), Harmony of the Seas (2016), Symphony of the Seas (2018), Wonder of the Seas (2022) and Utopia of the Seas (2024)

Size: 226,838 to 236,857 tons

Until this year's debut of Icon of the Seas, these were the world's biggest and most venue-packed cruise ships. Although they're not quite as big as the new vessel, they remain among the very best options for vacationers who love nothing more than a big, bustling resort with every sort of amusement known to humans.

Each of the Oasis Class vessels has three separate main pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court and a zip line on their top decks — a nearly as wide array of features as the new Icon of the Seas. Inside the vessels, as on Icon of the Seas, you'll find a seemingly endless number of lounges, bars, restaurants and shops, as well as large casinos, spas and showrooms. Like Icon of the Seas, each ship has an indoor ice skating rink.

As is the case for Royal Caribbean's new Icon Class ships, which have many similarities with the Oasis Class ships, these vessels carry a huge number of people. They can carry as many as 6,988 passengers when every berth is filled. They operate with around 2,200 crew members. That means you could be sharing your vacation with more than 9,000 people — not quite as many as the nearly 10,000 you could find on an Icon Class ship but still a huge number.

The good news for those of you worried about excessive crowds is that, as is the case with the Icon Class ships, the Oasis Class ships don't necessarily feel as crowded as they are. Royal Caribbean designed them with a "neighborhood" concept that spreads passengers out in seven or eight (depending on the ship) distinct areas, such as the Pool and Sports Zone and the Boardwalk amusement zone. A lot of thought went into how passengers move between these neighborhoods, too.

Note that there are a few differences from ship to ship in the Oasis Class series. For starters, the four newest and largest ships in the series — Utopia of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas — have a few additional attractions and venues. Among them is the Ultimate Abyss, a terrifying slide that drops nine decks. (Royal Caribbean says it drops 10 decks, but don't be fooled; the line counts a nonexistent Deck 13.)

There are also giant waterslides on five of the six ships. Only Allure of the Seas is missing them. There are plans to add waterslides to Allure of the Seas, but they were put on hold after COVID-19 shut down cruising in 2020.

Related: The 6 most spectacular waterslides and watery fun zones at sea

A handful of restaurants also differ from ship to ship in the series.

The two newest and largest ships in the series, Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas, have the most differences from the other Oasis Class vessels. At 236,473 tons and 235,600 tons, respectively, they are about 4% bigger than the next biggest ship in the series; the extra space is devoted to such additions as a dedicated suite area with a private lounge, a restaurant and a sun deck.

Related: Why Wonder of the Seas is awesome for families | Wonder of the Seas cabin comparison | A wild race to try every Wonder of the Seas attraction in 2 days

A seventh, as-yet-unnamed ship in the Oasis Class series is under construction and expected to debut in 2028. It's being built by the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France — the same shipyard that built Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas.

Radiance Class

Ships in class: Radiance of the Seas (2001), Brilliance of the Seas (2002), Serenade of the Seas (2003) and Jewel of the Seas (2004)

Size: 90,090 tons

Not sure you want to sail on a megaship with 6,000 people but still want a vessel with a good amount of features and activities? The Radiance Class ships may be the perfect solution.

At 90,090 tons, the four vessels in the series are less than half the size of Royal Caribbean's massive Icon Class and Oasis Class ships, but still big enough that they have a lot to offer.

Each vessel has more than a half-dozen places to eat, including the main restaurant, a casual buffet, a steakhouse, an Italian restaurant and an Asian venue.

You'll also find three pools on each ship, whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a sports court and an adults-only solarium. Each ship has a theater, a spa, a casino, and multiple bars and lounges.

What you won't find on the ships, because of their smaller size, are all the gee-whiz attractions — such as ice skating rinks, surfing simulators, giant waterslides and bumper car pavilions — that Royal Caribbean has put on its bigger vessels. If you can't live without those sorts of features on a cruise ship, the Radiance class probably isn't for you.

Each Radiance Class ship holds more than 2,100 passengers at double occupancy (plus a few hundred more with every berth filled). That's less than half the number of passengers on the biggest Royal Caribbean ships.

That makes them perfect for cruisers who want to get away from the sort of crowds on the biggest megaships without giving up many of the amenities that big ships offer.

Freedom Class

Ships in class: Freedom of the Seas (2006), Liberty of the Seas (2007) and Independence of the Seas (2008)

Size: 154,407 to 156,271 tons

As recently as 2009, these were the biggest cruise ships in the world, and they're still quite big compared to almost all other cruise vessels afloat.

While no longer on the list of the top 25 biggest cruise ships — they've been displaced by Royal Caribbean's Icon, Oasis and Quantum Class vessels, as well as several ships from other lines — the Freedom Class vessels offer a classic big-ship experience with lots of restaurants, bars, showrooms and deck-top attractions.

The Freedom Class ships, notably, were the first Royal Caribbean ships to feature a FlowRider surfing simulator on their top decks — now a signature attraction for the line. The vessels also have multiple pool areas, a water park, a miniature golf course and a rock climbing wall on their top decks (which are among the most activity-packed at sea).

Indeed, the top decks of Freedom Class ships are more loaded with attractions than any other Royal Caribbean vessels except the Icon Class and Oasis Class vessels. You just won't find several of the most over-the-top attractions, such as zip lines, that Icon Class and Oasis Class ships have.

In their interiors, Freedom Class vessels have the mall-like Royal Promenade spaces filled with eateries, bars and shops that have become standard on bigger Royal Caribbean ships. They also have large casinos and spas.

Related: Royal Caribbean just fixed the worst part of cruising

At around 156,000 tons, the Freedom Class ships are about 38% smaller than the Icon Class ships and 31% smaller than the Oasis Class ships, a significant step down in size. They're nearly 8% smaller than the Quantum Class ships.

They also carry significantly fewer passengers than the Oasis Class ships. Freedom of the Seas and Independence of the Seas carry about 3,900 passengers at double occupancy (closer to 4,600 with every berth filled). Liberty of the Seas can carry several hundred more.

Voyager Class

Ships in class: Voyager of the Seas (1999), Explorer of the Seas (2000), Adventure of the Seas (2001), Navigator of the Seas (2002) and Mariner of the Seas (2003)

Size: 137,276 to 139,999 tons

The Voyager Class ships are similar to Freedom Class ships but shorter in length. In other words, the Freedom Class was a stretched version of the Voyager Class.

Like the Freedom Class vessels, the Voyager Class ships have many of Royal Caribbean's signature attractions, including rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks. In fact, the ships were the first at Royal Caribbean to have those attractions.

Voyager Class ships were also the first to feature a Royal Promenade with bars, cafes and shops in their interior. Each also has several specialty restaurants in addition to the main dining room and casual buffet; specialty restaurants include a version of Royal Caribbean's signature Chops Grille steakhouse and an Italian restaurant.

One of the main differences between the Voyager Class and the Freedom Class is that the Royal Promenades on Voyager Class ships are shorter. The top-deck areas of the Voyager Class ships are also more truncated than the Freedom Class vessels.

There are also fewer cabins on the Voyager Class ships, resulting in fewer passengers on board a typical sailing. Most of the ships carry around 3,100 passengers at double occupancy — about 800 fewer than the typical Freedom Class ship.

At around 139,000 tons, the ships are about 11% smaller than the Freedom Class ships.

There are also some variations in attractions among the five Voyager Class vessels. Navigator of the Seas has a relatively new waterslide zone that's home to The Blaster, the longest waterslide at sea . You won't find that on the other ships, though most of them have different waterslides. Only three of the five ships — Voyager of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas — have laser tag courses. Adventure of the Seas is the only vessel in the class with a kiddie splash zone.

Related: Why the overhaul of Navigator of the Seas was so great

Vision Class

Ships in class: Grandeur of the Seas (1996), Rhapsody of the Seas (1997), Enchantment of the Seas (1997) and Vision of the Seas (1998)

Size: 73,817 to 82,910 tons

Dating to the 1990s, the Vision Class ships are the smallest at Royal Caribbean, and they offer fewer onboard attractions and amenities than is typical for the line's vessels.

In general, they appeal to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience on a cruise ship as well as those who care more about the destinations they visit than the onboard attractions.

Along those lines, Royal Caribbean often sends some of its Vision Class ships to Europe in the summer to operate port call-intensive itineraries. The vessels also often sail longer trips in the Caribbean that include less-visited southerly islands. In both cases, the allure of the cruises has more to do with the ports the ships visit than the onboard experience.

Vision Class ships are also sometimes based in secondary ports such as Baltimore or San Juan, Puerto Rico, where the size of the local cruise market might not warrant a larger vessel.

Except for rock climbing walls, the Vision Class ships have none of the signature Royal Caribbean deck-top attractions such as surfing and skydiving simulators. For the most part, their top decks are lined with pools, whirlpools and sunning areas, as is typical for ships built in the 1990s. All have at least two pools and six whirlpools, except for Enchantment of the Seas, which has three pools and six whirlpools.

Related: Is cruising right for you? Start by asking yourself these 7 questions

In addition to main restaurants and casual buffets, each ship has at least one (and often several) additional specialty restaurants. The line's signature Chops Grille steakhouse and Italian eatery Giovanni's Table are two of them. Rhapsody of the Seas has the biggest selection of dining; Enchantment of the Seas has the smallest. Three of the four vessels — all but Enchantment of the Seas — have an Izumi Asian restaurant.

Each of the ships varies slightly in size. Grandeur of the Seas is the smallest of the four vessels, measuring around 74,000 tons. Enchantment of the Seas is the biggest, measuring around 83,000 tons (it was, notably, lengthened by 73 feet in 2005).

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

An ‘Odyssey’ Indeed: Three Months Into a Three-Year-Long Voyage, This Cruise Ship Still Hasn’t Set Sail

“When you’re the first at doing something, you will run into hiccups,” said the CEO of the cruise company, in quite the understatement.

Deputy Executive Editor

Villa Vie Residences/YouTube

The Villa Vie Residences’ ship Odyssey was supposed to embark on the first voyage in a three-year-long round-the-world cruise on May 30, but has instead been stuck in rainy Belfast for the past three months while its crew attempt to resolve mechanical problems.

The cruise company has been “humbled by the scale of what it takes to reactivate a 30-year-old vessel from a four-year layup,” Villa Rie Residences marketing manager Sebastian Stokkendal said in a statement provided to the Associated Press .

While work continues to shore up the vessel, onboard activities and meals are offered during the day, but passengers in the Odyssey’s 509 cabins are required to disembark every evening, and are shuttled to local hotels.

Those who paid six figures for the experience (many intending to live onboard full-time for the ship’s expected 15-year-old lifespan, at least when they are actually able to set sail) have been gamely keeping themselves busy in the meanwhile. Self-proclaimed “cruise addict” Holly Hennessey has been taking in the Irish sights—on repeat: “I’ve been to Giant’s Causeway twice,” she told The Daily Mail , “but the best part of the trip was the stop at Bushmills,” referring to the Irish whiskey distillery.

Hennessey, who was also interviewed by the BBC , is traveling with her cat, “Captain the Cruising Kitty.” She did not share how Captain has been coping with the delays, but we all know cats feel strongly about schedules.

Besides frequenting the city’s many pubs and making friends with locals, others have used the downtime to visit nearby and not so nearby destinations, from Greenland to the Canary Islands—some of these trips are being organized by the cruise company. One passenger has even found time to make it back home to Australia (twice) during the wait.

Villa Vie Residences CEO Mikael Petterson told the BBC he anticipates the Odyssey—its name becoming more ironic by the day—will set sail soon. “When you’re the first at doing something, you will run into hiccups,” he said. “But we're definitely getting there, and although we are late, we will launch.”

(Petterson previously served as managing director for Life at Sea, a cruise line which last year canceled its plans for a similar multi-year circumnavigation.)

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast  here .

READ THIS LIST

Villa Vie’s Ship Starts Sea Trials

• September 4, 2024

Villa Vie Residence’s Odyssey departed from the Harland & Wolff shipyard on Wednesday for a set of sea trials outside Belfast.

After arriving at the facility in late April , the 1993-built vessel spent the last four months undergoing preparations for the company’s debut, which has been repeatedly pushed back.

As part of a unique product that allows guests to live onboard, Villa Vie Residences plans to deploy the ship on a continuous world cruise.

The voyage was initially scheduled to start in mid-May but faced several delays, with different technical issues emerging over the past few months .

Now moving closer to an actual startup, the former 977-guest vessel is set to undergo a series of trials in open seas over the next couple of days, including propulsion, maneuvering and system tests.

After receiving a new set of rudder stocks in July , the Odyssey left Harland & Wolff’s drydock in early August.

According to multiple reports on social media, passengers were welcomed to spend days onboard soon after.

However, with the ship still undergoing inspections and lacking the necessary certifications, guests could not stay overnight onboard.

An updated timeline for the ship’s definitive departure from Belfast hasn’t been officially shared by Villa Vie Residences.

In an open letter shared on social media, Villa Vie’s COO Kathy Villalba said that the company purchased the former Braemar “anticipating smooth sailing ahead.”

“However, we discovered that the ship’s certifications were completely out of class, and due to her being laid up for four years, we were treated as a newbuild, which resulted in a much more extensive inspection process than we forecasted,” she added.

While mentioning obstacles beyond the company’s control, she said that Villa Vie underwent “crucial internal changes” to streamline operations and expedite the remaining work, remaining committed to caring for clients during the unexpected waiting period.

“To those who felt compelled to pressure us into sharing information prematurely, we remind you that this project has always been about taking a calculated risk, and our priority has always been the well-being and safety of our Residents. We will not apologize for focusing on the task at hand rather than entertaining external demands,” Villalba said.

Cruise Industry News Email Alerts

• Breaking News

Get the latest breaking  cruise news .  Sign up.

67 Ships | 172,156 Berths | $57.1 Billion | View

Highlights:

• Mkt. Overview
• Record Year
• Refit Schedule
• PDF Download
• Order Today

• 2033 Industry Outlook 
• All Operators
• Easy to Use
• Instant Access
• Advertising
• Cruise News
• Magazine Articles
• Quarterly Magazine
• Annual Report
• Email Newsletter
• Executive Guide
• Digital Reports

Privacy Overview

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Royal Destinations
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Book a Flight
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Required Travel Documents
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

TOP 7 THINGS TO DO ON ODYSSEY OF THE SEAS

Published on - April 23, 2020 at 12:16 pm

1. GET YOUR GAME ON AT SEAPLEX

2. SUIT UP FOR AN EPIC LASER TAG BATTLE IN CLASH FOR THE CRYSTAL CITY

3. HANG TEN ON THE FLOWRIDER*

4. SOAK UP THE VIEWS FROM NORTH STAR

5. ROCK OUT AT MUSIC HALL

6. CUE THE ISLAND VIBES AT THE LIME & COCONUT

7. DAZZLE ALL YOUR SENSES AT TWO70®

It’s a place that can take you anyplace —welcome to Two70®. Where cutting-edge tech can transform 270 degrees of windows two stories high right before your eyes. One minute you’re soaking up sweeping ocean views, the next you’re totally immersed in another place, anywhere in the world —or maybe somewhere you’ve never even imagined. And when night falls, the space transforms again, turning into a multimedia theater that comes alive with 36-axis robotics, dazzling visuals in 12K and some of the most innovative stage equipment ever seen.

Ready to get the most out of your adventure onboard Odyssey of the Seas? Here’s a pro-tip: use this guide to make a game plan for each of your sea days. There’s so much to do onboard this incredible  Quantum Ultra Class  ship that it’s best to make an itinerary with your favorite onboard attractions. Once you’re on the ship, don’t forget to check your daily Cruise Compass for additional activities, events and experiences.

CARIBBEAN CRUISES ON

ODYSSEY OF THE SEAS

STARTING FROM 

CRUISE FROM ROME ON ODYSSEY OF THE SEAS

PERFECT DAY CRUISES

RELATED ARTICLES

The Ultimate Family Guide Onboard Odyssey of the Seas

Best Free Things To Do on Odyssey of the Seas

Explore more.

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Overview: 2024 Fall TV Preview Issue Cover Story Man with a scan: Zachary Quinto solves mysteries of the brain in 'Brilliant Minds' TV Preview Features Harrison Ford says 'there will be singing' in forgiveness-focused 'Shrinking' season 2
• The 10 best medical shows ever
• How 'Brilliant Minds' visualizes the work of Oliver Sacks with a unique shooting style
• 'Wynonna Earp: Vengeance' star, creator preview 'scariest villain to date' in new special
• Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna on reuniting for new series 'La Máquina'
• 'Three Women' stars were hesitant to adapt Lisa Taddeo's bestseller: 'I felt skeptical'
• Get ready for ballads & belts this season on ‘The Voice’
• ‘The Irrational’: Get caught up before the season 2 premiere
• NBC’s ‘Found’ dials up the drama for season 2
• How 'Everybody Still Hates Chris' makes the transition to animation
• Kathy Bates on battling the 'abject terror' of leading the new 'Matlock'
• James Gunn teases how 'Creature Commandos' kicks off his new DC universe
• Meet Your Maker: How 'When Harry Met Sally' influenced Natasha Rothwell’s comedy 'How to Die Alone'
• Joshua Jackson says cruise ship medical drama 'Doctor Odyssey' is 'a 1-hour vacation every week'

Joshua Jackson says cruise ship medical drama Doctor Odyssey is 'a 1-hour vacation every week'

"You go back into your week feeling just a little bit more relaxed for having gone on a nice cruise with us," Jackson says.

Sydney Bucksbaum is a writer at Entertainment Weekly covering all things pop culture – but TV is her one true love. She currently lives in Los Angeles but grew up in Chicago so please don't make fun of her accent when it slips out.

Come sail away with Joshua Jackson 's new series Doctor Odyssey.

Ryan Murphy 's upcoming medical drama takes the action to the high seas as Jackson stars as Dr. Max Bankman, a brilliant emergency room physician who upends his life to begin working as a doctor on a high-end cruise ship. The show charts new territory for the actor in many ways, with the biggest being the setting.

"I've never actually been on a cruise, so I have to admit that," Jackson tells Entertainment Weekly with a laugh. "When I first heard about the project, I didn't know what the project was about — I only knew that Ryan wanted to talk to me." And when the prolific TV producer wants to talk to you about a project, you take that call without question — especially since Jackson has wanted to work with Murphy for "a couple of decades now."

Tina Thorpe / Disney

The fact that the show films on a set in Los Angeles (and not on an actual cruise ship in the middle of the ocean) was the cherry on top for the actor, since that meant he could live at home and be there for his family. "If we were filming on an actual cruise ship, it would make it very hard for me to drop my daughter off at school in the morning," Jackson says with a laugh. So he was ready to say yes before he even heard what the show or role was. And then Murphy gave Jackson his "soft pitch" on Doctor Odyssey , and he was thrilled.

Doctor Odyssey — also starring Don Johnson , Phillipa Soo, and Sean Teale — follows Max as he and his "small but mighty medical team navigate unique medical crises, and each other, miles from shore," according to the show's official synopsis. Executive producer Jon Robin Baitz says the collision of the gorgeous vacation setting with the harsh reality of injuries and illnesses is part of the fun of the series.

"People spend quite a bit of hard-earned money to go on these cruises, and there's an element of fantasy fulfillment, but with fantasy fulfillment comes risk and danger," Baitz tells EW. "On a boat, anything could happen, no matter how safety conscious you are. There's any number of opportunities for mishaps, and with that comes this wonderful parade of guest stars every episode, like lambs to the slaughter, meekly, joyously walking up the gangplank, not remotely aware of what will befall them."

But despite the life-threatening medical emergencies that arise in every episode, Jackson says the overall tone of the show is "on the lighter side" and "hopeful and optimistic," which is exactly what he was looking for in a project. "Our mission statement is to be enjoying ourselves at all times so that the audience can have an hour in the week where they can just sit back and enjoy," he adds. "It's supposed to be a one-hour vacation every week. You come aboard this boat as the medical cases happen, but also life happens, and by the end of the hour, hopefully you laughed, maybe even cried, and you go back into your week feeling just a little bit more relaxed for having gone on a nice cruise with us."

In addition to the procedural cases-of-the-week, Doctor Odyssey gets into the personal lives of the staff on the ship, which Baitz describes as "a wonderful upstairs-downstairs quality to the storytelling," like Downton Abbey on the water. "It's one thing to be with the guests on a cruise, people you normally see enjoying themselves fabulously, but we also get to go under the skin of it of the boat and see the workings of a world we haven't seen too much of," he says. "I don't think even in the wonderful and iconic Love Boat did we see too much of the real workings of boats."

As Max saves lives and begins to enjoy his life on the ship, Jackson found himself enjoying embarking on a new chapter of his career with this role. "It is very nice to play an uncomplicated good guy," he says. "Before I ever knew what the show was, I was kind of putting feelers out into the world [for this type of role], having played nothing but heavy and complicated men for the last 10 years. I like something that is uncomplicated and good, that there's decency in the character, and enter into the fray Max Bankman."

Before the series begins, Max has been living a good life, but then he decides he needs to make a change and enters this new world aboard the ship. "He finds himself in this group of his nurses and the environment of this boat that is completely outside of his comfort zone, and yet, no matter what happens, he treats all of the guests equally and with respect," Jackson says. "And the problems are solvable, and he's there to help. I love that as a core character trait — he's a guy who cares, he's genuine, and because he's a doctor, he's there to fix whatever is wrong."

Sign up for  Entertainment Weekly 's free daily newsletter   to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.

Jackson laughs again as he realizes just how hard of a left turn this character is for him after playing more serious roles in The Affair, Fringe, Fatal Attraction , and Dr. Death , to name just a few. "I guess my late 30s and 40s were a dark period, because it's been a series of complicated guys," he says. "And those are fun. But to be on a set where coming home every day, the hours are long so you're tired, but you've laughed your way through your day, it feels pretty great."

And although he's played a doctor on TV previously, it was quite different from this. "The only doctor bit that I've done before was Dr. Death , which is at the complete opposite end of the spectrum, tonally, for a show," Jackson says. "And definitely, we are a medical show, and each week we have our cases or multiple cases, actually. But what the show actually is about is camaraderie and people trying to find family and the people you choose rather than the people that you're born into."

As for whether a love triangle will form between Max and his two nurses (played by Soo and Teale), Jackson laughs again. "I mean, have you ever seen a Ryan Murphy show?" he says. "There'll be triangles, rectangles, octagons. There will be romance. Every shape and flavor that you can possibly imagine will be explored."

Aye aye, captain.

Doctor Odyssey premieres Sept. 26 on ABC.

Related Articles