One thing you have to credit this giant cruise line for is their consistency to build new ships, year after year. However, another victim of the current pandemic, Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas has been delayed from 5 November 2020 to April 2021.
“We are saddened to have to share this news,” Royal Caribbean said. “There’s nothing we wanted more than to launch this revolutionary ship this fall — but trust us when we say that Odyssey will be well worth the wait!”
So, let’s talk about what this ship is all about..!
What is Quantum Ultra Class?
Never one to sit back and simply duplicate ship after ship, Royal Caribbean takes what works from one class and then builds on it to create something even more special. That’s what the Ultra Class means. The ship is essentially a Quantum class, but upgraded to be even better (and to encourage guests already cruised on Quantum class to come back to try this ‘improved’ version!). She is the sister of Spectrum of the Seas, which was the first ‘Ultra-class’ of the Quantum ships.
Basic Stats
Length: 348m / 1142ft
Width: 49m / 161ft
Tonnage: 169,300
Capacity: 4,284 passengers / 1,551 crew
Want to compare cruises? Check out Large Ships and Mid-Sized Ships here.
What activities does she have on board?
Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas is packed full of activities and fun family experiences. The SeaPlex is one of the key areas on these ships, with a plethora of activities available including Bumper Cars, Roller Skating, Basketball, table tennis, X Box games and an arcade. One thing to note is that the Trapeze school has been removed from Odyssey, which is on her sister ship, Spectrum.
RipCord by iFly is one of my favourite activities on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class. Essentially this is a Skydiving simulator where you free fall/soar/somersault in a wind tunnel! It’s amazing and it’s complimentary, you absolutely have to try it!
For the super energetic, try the glow in the dark laser tag, Clash for the Crystal City. This will have you running around the icy wasteland as part of one of the two teams, Yetis and SnowShifters.
The Sky Pad, a bungee trampoline experience, is being built on Odyssey of the Seas, which I was a little surprised at, after the controversy (google it). There have been some rule changes, however, and now guests must be at least 7 years old to jump and at least 13 years old to jump with a virtual reality headset on the Sky Pad.
Recommended reading: 13 Best Cruise Ship Activities You Have to Try
A feature which made its way into the Guiness Book of Records, the North Star is a viewing capsule which takes passengers high up above and over the ship for incredible views. Take a look at your itinerary and consider when may be a good time to try to book (Sydney Harbour was pretty awesome!).
The Flowrider has been a ‘signature’ activity since the Voyager class ships were built and are still a favourite with so many. These surf simulators are usually at the back of the ship, with amazing views and switch between boogie boarding and stand up surfing, with instructors to assist. Girls – wear a one piece!
The Rock Climbing Wall is also a signature for Royal Caribbean, being on every single ship in the fleet. Don’t forget to take your socks if you want to give it a go!
Pools are a given…there are so many on these ships, including Splashaway Bay which is a mini water park for kids!
What entertainment is available?
Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas won’t disappoint when the sun goes down! The main theatre has some incredible Broadway-style shows as well as guest entertainers of every genre, game shows, demonstrations and everything in between.
Then we have the highlight of this ship class, Two70, an enormous room with 270 degree views of the ocean. By day, it’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee or breakfast burrito (from Cafe Two70) and take in the vista, and by night the room transforms into a variety of platforms, ropes dropping from the ceiling, huge screens all dancing around, performers appearing up through the floors, acrobats spinning around…it’s truly an assault on the senses!
Slightly more conventional, you have a variety of bars, lounges, pubs, dance floors and every type of music to sit back and enjoy, or get up and dance the night away too. The much-loved Bionic Bar is on this ship too, providing entertainment as you watch your cocktail being made!
Let’s talk food!
Ahh, the best bit of any cruise, right?! This class of ship will spoil you with a myriad of dining options! Aside from the obvious main dining restaurant and Windjammer buffet, you will have to choose between the fantasy gourmet dishes from Wonderland, Giovanni’s Italian, Chops Grille for tender steaks and hearty sides (mmm, polenta chips!), Izumi Asian with #OMGpleasestopdontstop Sushi and sashimi and the newer addition, Teppanyaki, where the chefs will cook your dishes in front of you (don’t wear your best clothes!) and grab-and-go Mexican from El Loco Fresh.
Of course, the staples remain, Sorrentos, Cafe Promenade and Starbucks and don’t miss the soft serve ice cream and warm chocolate cookies! Room service is never to be missed too – you are on vacation after all!
Where does she cruise to?
For the first time, Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas will sail in the US and in Europe!
Cruise from Rome and take in the sights of Santorini, the Greek Isles and the beautiful Mediterranean, including Athens, Mykonos, Florence, Venice and Croatia.
Sail from Fort Lauderdale and explore the delights of the East, West and Southern Caribbean islands, to include Aruba, Cozumel, Curacao and Royal Caribbean’s own exclusive island water park, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Are there any new cabin types?
Not specific to this ship, but the Quantum class does have an array of cabins to suit any type of cruiser! Check out the Virtual Balconies, single Studios and if you have a bigger budget, the Sea, Sky and Star Suite Class should give you everything you desire, along with your personal Genie to treat you like a prince/princess!
Recommended reading: Oceanview vs Balcony – How to make the best choice!
Wrap Up!
Have you ever cruised with Royal Caribbean before? If you don’t know where to start when it comes to choosing your ideal cruise, you may want to check out my previous posts, Compare Cruises – Large Ships and Mid-Sized Ships.
I’d love to hear your experiences? Please drop your comments below – I reply to them all!
Thank you for reading, see you next time!
Wendy A
Pin for later:
