Two new ships in 2 weeks? Why not!?!
I was so excited to explore Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Odyssey of the Seas, on a 2-night preview cruise last week. This ship is loaded with “WOW” and I was so impressed that I booked an 8 night sailing on her for March of 2022 to give me more time to explore all she has to offer. She is the 5th ship in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class and is considered an “Ultra Quantum Class” because she is packed with unique experiences not found on the other ships in this class. She’s great choice for experienced cruisers looking for something new.
I like the size and feel of Odyssey. It holds 25% less passengers than the Oasis class ships, so it’s not overrun with people and long lines. The Royal Promenade has been replaced by the Royal Esplanade. Odyssey of the Seas has a great variety of things to see and do onboard, including:
- Northstar, the glass viewing pod that offers 360 degree views from 300 feet above sea level
- ifly, the skydiving simulator
- The Sea Plex, which offers bumper cars, indoor basketball and pickleball courts, a roller-skating rink and trapeze classes, plus tons of video games to keep the gamers happy
- The Skypad virtual reality trampoline on deck along with the Flowrider and rock climbing walls
- An all new 4D virtual reality zone experience at sea
- Live music nightly in The Pub, The Schooner Bar, Boleros and The Music Hall (where we danced all night to classic rock)
- Headline entertainment in the main showroom each evening and unique high tech shows in the 270 lounge
- A huge variety of alternate dining options, including Wonderland, Izumi, Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Teppanyaki, Chef’s Table and Playmakers
- A beautiful adults only solarium area with a cascading pool and multiple hot tubs
- One of my new favorite places, the “Lime & Coconut” tropical themed two level bar area on the pool deck
It was mentioned during our sailing that some of the onboard features that have been complimentary in the past may now have a charge. For example, the Northstar will have a limited number of complimentary time slots available on port days, but I was told it will cost $29 per person on sea days. The same rule applies to ifly, but the charge I was quoted is $49 per person on seas days. I would recommend booking early morning or late afternoon port days slots as soon as you get onboard. I am not sure if these charges will also be implemented on other Quantum class ships. Stay tuned for updates.
We stopped at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. This was my third visit to this tropical paradise and it never disappoints. The island is divided into 2 parts…the chill side and the thrill side.
On the chill side, you’ll find beautiful beaches, ample lounge chairs with umbrellas for shade, hammocks for napping, and over water cabanas to rent at the Beach Club, offering upgraded food, service and privacy. They have a cool swim out bar in the ocean. They also claim to have the largest free form pool in the Bahamas where the DJ keeps the party going all day around the pool’s swim up bar.
On the thrill side, a paid admission gives you access to their water park, with multiple waterslides and a wave pool. There is a balloon ride that offers aerial views of all of the island action that is also available for an extra charge. Pro tip: I love the crispy chicken sandwiches and funnel cakes at the snack shack. Also, don’t miss ordering a refreshing frozen Coco Loco or two!
It was a wonderful whirlwind two night adventure and I can’t wait to get back onboard in March to enjoy all that Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas has to offer. This would be the perfect cruise for your family with teens/tweens who have outgrown the Disney scene or for multi generation families looking for a destination that offers something for everyone to enjoy. Want to find out more? Contact one of our Royal Caribbean Cruise Specialists here.