Odyssey of the Seas is a beautiful ship that indulges in modern touches and the wow factor. Unfortunately, the ship has also overlooked some common things like connecting guests with the ocean, or quality entertainment venues with well thought out sightlines. The ship is very clean and new feeling, with dozens of things to do at any given moment, and it’s hard to imagine someone having a bad time while onboard.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
This was the ships first sailing after returning from Europe. As such, it was required that the ship was inspected by the US Coast Guard, which meant we all had to sit in the terminal for about 2 hours. Otherwise, the process was very smooth. This was my first sailing after covid requirements were dropped, and security felt very fast.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
I had the unlimited dining package while onboard and thoroughly enjoyed Giovanni’s, Chop’s grille, Izumi, Teppanyaki, Wonderland, and Playmakers. This ship did make a decision to have the restaurants less closed off from the rest of the ship, with seating sometimes out in the esplanade, like Izumi. I personally disliked this, and would much rather have a sectioned off area. I’d also heard that they changed the garlic rolls at Giovanni’s and they used to be much better. I’d also ordered the campfire cookie from Playmaker’s twice, and both times the cookie was very burnt. I’ve had campfire cookies since, and the experience was much better, but that was definitely a little bit of a disappointment.
Everything else was very good. I loved how whimsical Wonderland was, and Izumi was the first time I’d ever tried sushi, and I found a few dishes I really liked
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The quantum class ships are really designed with endless things to do, from bumper cars, skydiving sims, to the Northstar, which was my personal favorite. I also did a behind the scenes tour which I found very interesting.
I just wish activities that Royal Caribbean used to market their vessels weren’t an added charge for the full experience, like Ripcord, or the Northstar.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
Very little thought went into designing the entertainment venues onboard. Two70 has downright terrible sightlines. I was at the show more than half an hour early, got a seat on the lower level, thinking I’d saved a good seat, but much of the show was beneath obstacles, and not possible to see. Similarly, in the main theater, I was warned that the first row of the second deck cannot see the stage, and was fortunately able to sit elsewhere. For a ship as new as Odyssey, it just seems like such a strange oversight to not take sightlines into consideration.
With regards to the entertainment itself, The Book, Effectors 2, and Showgirl, the production and performances were incredible, but the overall package has the same designed by committee to be approachable to the widest demographics possible that all Royal Caribbean original shows have. They were all jukebox shows without having a real plot, and after being onboard oasis class ships and seeing actual Broadway shows, these don’t come anywhere close.
Technically, the shows were wildly impressive, and the cast always gave it their all, but Royal was trying to save money and not license Broadway shows, which made the experiences feel hollow and corporate.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The service and staff onboard were incredible. My stateroom attendant onboard odyssey remains the best I’ve ever had.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
I tend to agree with the idea that Odyssey is too inward focused of a ship. Even cruise ship staples like a promenade that walks along the water was replaced with two narrow strips that don’t complete a lap. I think the inside of the ships design is incredible, and think the decision to revert to a single dining room with views inward made the space feel gigantic. The ship was beautiful, I just wish it was a little more connected to the ocean.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
This was my first ocean facing balcony. It was a really nice change of pace to keep the blinds open and see the sunrise, or be able to walk out and stare at the ocean, but this trip also convinced me that upgrading to a balcony wasn’t necessary, especially for how much more they tend to cost. It was a fun upgrade, but I’m still on the same ship, and I can afford to cruise a lot more without a balcony.
I did really like the interior design of this cabin. I liked the blue aesthetic, and the fixtures felt very modern. This ship, being a newer ship, also dipped its toe into helpful technology, like being able to open the door with my phone, or being able to cast my shows on my phone to the tv, which made stateroom entertainment a lot more fun than it usually is.
Ship tip
Pay attention to where you sit in Two70 if you want to see the show.
This remains my only time at Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s other private destination. I was surprised at how much I liked the stop. Firstly, the surrounding Haiti landscape was absolutely stunning. I stood in the solarium for a long time just taking in the view. Secondly, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the island. It felt like the entire ship moved at a slow, happy pace, and I’d happily go back to Labadee if the situation in Haiti ever gets a little more stable and visits reopen.
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