RCI Odyssey cabin 13692
Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 4
Helpful Votes: 128
6 Night Western Caribbean (Fort Lauderdale Roundtrip)
Sail date: October 31, 2021
Ship: Odyssey of the Seas
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 13692
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 3 years ago
Review summary
Overall I'd say we had a great cruise experience considering my dh is tired of me forcing him to go on them verses a land vacation. The Odyssey is a beatiful ship, large, very clean, use friendly, great staff, and for the most part, entertaining enough. If you're in the mood to party alot, we didn't see much of that, but maybe when they start sailing fuller it could change? If you're a maximum thrill seeker, you might be entertained for a few days but not more than a week. I like to stay busy, my dh prefers to relax. This was a decent way to do both and keep us both happy. Right now if you can go on a cruise is the best time I think because it's not crowded anywhere, seriously. The MDR food is perfectly satisfactory and the staff went all out to ensure everyone was happy.Embarkation
Embarkation during covid protocalls is very tedious to be sure but very quick, and easily worth it. Maybe 20-25 mins from start to finish. We went straight to our room, grabbed card keys, and walked in. Luggage was also already waiting outside our room. Defenitely the easiest time to cruise is right now.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
We decided to skip specialty restaurants as the boat was only at 40% capacity so we knew that the MDR staff would treat us well. And they didn't disappoint!! Our head waiter Bragian and asst waiter Nickisha were awesome every night. Richard from the bar staff was awesome too!! I will say although we were not unhappy with the actual food, it was not the best we've ever had. It was certainly good, and we have no complaints.
Onboard Activities
For activities I was disappointed that although there are some free things to do, the things you pay for (i.e. the North Star) are too much money for us to bother with. I was told by someone else late in the cruise if you book it for a time while in port it costs less. We typically avoid pools on the boats to stay away from kids but this time around we spent hours in the pools and hot tubs as the capacity was so low that hardly any one was ever there. The Solarium was wonderful when it was stormy, and the midpool was great when it was sunny. We didn't care for the aft pool as the live band was so loud that you couldn't carry on a conversation. The poor lifeguards looked bored so I felt bad for them actually. We did not have the energy to use the gym but went to check it out and it is very nice. Not busy ever. With my knees I cannot try the climbing wall ever so I have no comment on that. We enjoyed watching people on the flow rider but would never even try it for ourselves. We did dabble a small amount in the arcade at night once just for something to do. I have no opinion one way or other about it. It's nice to have for those who want it. We did not try the bumper cars, the skypad, or the skydive simulator.
Entertainment
So, this is where I'll feel bad for the review I'll leave. Without taking away from the fact that ALL the dancers are extremely talented, gifted, and work very hard, I did not like "The Book". It is very weird, and for us, did not flow well, and just didn't make sense. The show "Showgirl" is well performed, but not well written, if that makes sense. We met and chatted with one of the dancers for a while in the pool with her and her parents and she was very nice and grateful for her job. I thought it was great that they got a chance to visit her as I know it's hard for them to all be on the ship for long periods. We were not able to reserve for the new show, "The Effectors" so I can't say how that one is. All of that being said, all of the singers and ESPECIALLY the dancers are very talented. It just wasn't our cup of tea. There was a 70's night in the Two70 lounge that was alot of fun and I think some of the staff, (but not just dancers) were in there on the stages. They made it very fun and entertaining.
Service and Staff
Our MDR servers headwaiter Bragian, asst waiter Nickisha, and nightly bar waiter as well as pool waiter Richard, were always outstanding. They were always on point, always thoughtful, hustling when we were in a little bit of a hurry 2 nights, and just did great jobs in general. Our other favorite servers were Kristoff, Toni, & Lucian from the Lime & Coconut bars. Our room steward (sadly I don't remember how to spell his name) did a good job keeping our room tidy without being really noticeable which my husband liked.
Ship Quality
This ship, as it is new, is beautifully decorated, well laid out, so far very clean, and very well maintained as far as I can see. The staff all over the boat did very well adhering to all cleaning protocalls and politely reminding guests when needed.
Cabin / Stateroom
Our cabin was very nice tho we thought it was slightly smaller than some others of like category on other ships. Our balcony was very large, which was nice. It had adequate chair, foot rest things, and a table combination. One thing we really didn't like for our needs was that I didn't realize when I booked the room that the balcony would get such little sun being so high up and in from the edge of the boat (the hump). Overall the size of the balcony was great. The bathroom is small but laid out well enough to make up for it and the shower was great. The light at the vanity isn't quite bright enough but there is adequate lighting options in total for the room so I dealt with it. There was alot of storage options for just my husband and I, and I over packed as usual. There were plenty of hangers for most people I think. The part we disliked the most were the pillows. They are kind of square, and not enough of them on the bed. Although the beds are new and it wasn't horrible, I'd say that the 1 HAL bed, and all 6 of the Carnival beds we've slept on were defenitely more comfortable than this one. My friends also say the same for their experiences. We enjoyed the fact you can leave your sliding door open to hear the ocean at night and not worry about the air conditioning as it won't work when you open the slider. We don't like air conditioning at all really. We did notice you can really hear the staff moving things around above our cabin all night so that was hard for us. We probably won't book again in that type of deck order next time. Overall, we were happy with it so I can't complain.
Ship tip
Watch the youtube videos about the ship & watch the royal caribbean blogs. I learned alot of little secrets; and study the map of the ship, it's big.
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Ports of call
We've also been to Costa Maya several times. We headed to Mahahual and walked up and down the waterfront beach strip to stretch our legs. We always choose to go to Mahahual and scuba dive. Again, no diving for me but I told my dh to go. While he did that, I got a much loved and appreciated massage, had some drinks, and lazed on the beach, and relaxed in the water waiting for him to get back. We made it back to ship a couple hours early and avoided getting drenched by the storm that rolled in. WHEW!!!!!
We've been to Cozumel several times now and usually choose to scuba dive. This time I was not able to go diving as I had a total knee replacement 12 weeks prior and it's too soon for me. So I decided I wanted to learn how to ride an ATV. I had a blast!!! My dh has 3 motos and I've always been a passenger in any riding situation. I was able to easily do it myself tho I did have it on automatic. Still, I did it and I'll do it again. After riding, they gave us a tequila tasting, we got 2 bottles, then back to the boat for us for some much needed Sorrentos pizza.
Perfect Day At Coco Cay, Bahamas
Although I was very disappointed they switched out Roatan for Perfect Day, and then the scuba dive I scheduled there for us got cancelled, we had a great day anyway. We decided to buy water park tickets, and tho we're no spring chickens, had a blast riding most of the water slides, snorkeled with our own gear, then lazing in the oasis pool with a swim-up bar. It turned out to be a great day!!!! Years ago our second date was at a water park and it's still fun😁. After that much activity and excercise, we slept great that night!!
Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
Disembarkation
Debarkation was as smooth as embarkation. Partly I'm sure due to low capacity, but very quick and easy.