Beautiful ship still working out some COVID issues

Item: Odyssey of the Seas
Rating: 4.3
Author: stewartk

Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

stewartk

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 40

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

Verified Review

8 Night Southern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 20, 2021

Ship: Odyssey of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 11205

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 3 years ago

Review summary

This ship is beautiful and well equipted. If you are use to Oasis class you will see a difference in size, but not in quality or amenities. There are some kinks to work out since returning from COVID, but overall a wonderful experience.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

Even though I planned the cruise, I was somehow not on the reservation. I was able to prove I was part by showing my information on the app. The testing for children who are not vaccinated was a breeze and should not be something to worry about.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Windjammer and main dining hall food and service was wonderful. The specialty restaurants were just ok.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

We tried the VR bounce, iFLY, North Star, pools, and rock wall. All were enjoyable and added to our cruise fun! The North Star is hot and muggy and needs a bigger/better AC unit, but still worth the extra cost. The spa has lots of natural light and is bright and fresh. It is different than the ones on Oasis class, which have the low lighting and calmer feel, but still enjoyable. The casino is well laid out and has great staff. The fitness center was very warm and can help if you are looking to shed some water weight.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Showgirls was great! The illusionist was fun for adults and kids. The music around the ship is top notch.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

We were only allowed 10 hours for an 8 day cruise. All the night time slots filled up the first day. Children 9 and up can check themselves in and out if you grant permission, which is very nice for older kids. The staff was nice and the area was very well decorated.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

We had several significant issues with different crew members. Unprofessional behavior that went from uninterested to flat out rude. But, there were some stand out superstars too including the main dining hall staff, Windjammer staff, and casino staff.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Beautiful ship!

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

11205 is an ADA room with several helpful features. Unfortunately, the design of the bathroom floor does not allow for drainage into the corner where the drain is. The water collects in the opposite corner, even when docked. The water will pool inches deep and will slosh out into the carpet, even with the grate at the door. The room become unusable until the room attendant can squeegee the water into the drain. We used flip flops to push the water in waves into drain every time we showered, and it would still be standing water. The room itself is very spacious with lots of storage. The TV has the ability to hookup your streaming service if you have the wifi package. The bed and the pullout couch are firm but confortable. The bed only had an electrical outlet on one side.