Not at all as I expected

Item: Odyssey of the Seas
Rating: 2.8
Author: vacationonhold

Odyssey of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

vacationonhold

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 34

Overall rating:

2.8 out of 5

Verified Review

8 Night Southern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 15, 2022

Ship: Odyssey of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9672

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

The new way of cruising creates aggravation. You have to wear a mask all the time unless on pool deck in addition to the wristband that shows you are "vaccinated". If you forget to put it on be prepared to be escorted out of casino. The elevators are limited to 6 people and that causes alot of tempers to flair. However, I am still confused on how during the day the rules are heavy but if you attend an afterhours dance party, there aren't mask or social distance rules. Maybe COVID on the ship has a curfew? I am not happy that RCCL mixed us with non vax people without my permission. If I had to jump through inoculation jabs to cruise so should those people. RCCL put me at risk without even telling me or giving me a chance to decline.

Embarkation

2 out of 5

They made you schedule your time, they initially didn't even look at my vax card and they let people on the ship unvaccinated with an excuse. Why was I not told that?

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

I am disgusted at the changes made at the diamond club with the drink allowance, they couldn't find creamer for coffee for the first 3 days and the morning breakfast staff does not understand a simple egg order

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

4 out of 5

The shows were alot of fun and nicely performed.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

The dining room staff seemed so discombobulated about what they should be doing. I had the Asst Waiter taking orders and the regular waiter pouring water. I had the late dining and was one of the only tables they had; still took us forever to finish dinner. We literally had to ask to hurry up in two instances in order to make shows

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

There was no slack of cleanliness. however if they are going to want us to continue to "washie-washie" they need to make sure they refill the sanitizer

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

the cabin was very comfortable

Ship tip

think about going until the mask mandate is gone if you are familiar with cruising of yesteryear

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Nassau, Bahamas

1 out of 5

Oranjestad, Aruba

4 out of 5

Willemstad, Curacao

2 out of 5

Disembarkation

2 out of 5

17 Comments

hairdresser70 2 years ago

What password do they check before you get on the ship?

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johncindycruise 2 years ago

Remember they are bringing in crew from other ships to replace those with COVID. Some are doing jobs they are not familiar with. Plus I thought all adults had to be vaccinated and that is was only some children under 12who are not. But I agree masks should have been worn in a crowded environment such as the dance floor. Cruising during this time is not for everyone

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Steppin70 2 years ago

I just came off the odyssey of the sea, sail date 15 January. I loved it. I liked the fact that they only allowed6 people on the elevator. They had plenty of them. We had I think less than 2000 people. My dining staff was excellent. They even cut my lobster out of the shell for us. I agree about the music hall, some people didn't have on their mask. They check you vaccine card, negative test, password before we got on the ship. I loved that we got out luggage early afternoon instead of late evening. The Windjammer staff did an outstanding job keeping everything clean. I ready to book the Odyessey again. The staff went above and beyond to make my vacation wonder. Loved my excurions.

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Mellowjourney 2 years ago

Sounds like cruising during a pandemic with crew shortages and changes was not for you. Royal Caribbean publishes all of the vaccination information on their website and you signed the cruise contract. A reminder to all to pack your patience and reschedule if you are not down for the experience right now. Loved watching Tony from LaLidaLoca and his experience on Harmony last week. I plan to go into my 2 cruises next month with an open mind, a lot of compassion for the overworked crew who have to navigate all the policy changes, and my big girl britches on. I always prefer to find the good in any situation and any vacation after 2 years of being overworked in the hospital will be worth it for me.

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hollysmomtravel 2 years ago

Sorry you were not happy.

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MAMartin 2 years ago

Wow…did not have the same experience on our cruise Nov 20-29. Same ports. We were so pleased with our experience during this crazy pandemic. Felt very safe, well taken care of and happy to be cruising again. No issues! What a shame that you feel differently.

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CVCruiser 2 years ago

Seems maybe you didnt do your research of what to expect before your cruise. One would think if your Diamond Plus you would have more understanding of what is going on and challenges for everyone. As for people not vaccinated, they have to be approved by RCL, under very specific circumstances... You can go read on RCLs site what some of those circumstances are.

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janetconant 2 years ago

Wow, sorry you're cruise didn't live up to the hype.

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izrgreen 2 years ago

Sorry about your cruise.

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1CruiseGram 2 years ago

Thanks for the review

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cruising2004 2 years ago

Sorry you were disappointed in your cruise.

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javawoody 2 years ago

Appreciate your view

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Curt34 2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your experience.

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AdmiralJAH 2 years ago

I was on this same ship 2 months ago and will be back on it in 2 days. It was fantastic 🦜😎

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loriad28 2 years ago

Doesn't everyone have to be vaccinated except very young children?

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AuntPinkie 2 years ago

Sorry this cruise didn’t and cruising during Covid rules didn’t meet your expectations. Appreciate your feedback.

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Gwbigdog 2 years ago

Not too bad on Princess mask maybe 5% counting time in your cruise cabin. Mostly sr 50 +.

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