Rebecca Adams, Direct Travel’s Director of Supplier Relations, recently sailed on board Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas.
Here are Rebecca's thoughts on the Experience:
One of my favorite things about travel is how personal it is. However, this can create a challenge when travelling with family and friends. The solution is choosing a vacation with a variety of options, allowing everyone to have the perfect vacation for them. And this is exactly what Royal Caribbean offers.
The Odyssey of the Seas
The Odyssey of the Seas is the second ship in Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum Ultra-class, carrying just over 4,000 passengers. Although that may sound large, the ship’s unique layout gives the impression of a much more intimate setting. Compartmentalized public areas, with unique design features and artwork, create one of a kind spaces of whimsy and sophistication. Moving round the ship to dine, spend time at the SkyPad, or catch a show, was effortless. I loved stumbling upon Odysssey’s unique, chic spaces that combined technology, art, and music, with a modern, yet welcoming atmosphere.
The Perfect Day
Royal Caribbean promotes their private island experiences as the Perfect Day at Coco Cay. however, when we are talking about perfect days and Royal Caribbean, don’t limit your thinking to the island. The perfect day for everyone in your party can also be found on board.
Odyssey of the Seas has activities and experiences that will delight travelers of all ages and interests.
The Adventurous Traveler
The SeaPlex is the largest active space at sea, offering arcade games, court sports (yes, that includes Pickleball!), bumper cars, a Virtual Adventure Zone for your gamers, and a sports bar broadcasting live games for when you need a break from all of the action.
The SeaPlex also features:
- Flowrider surf simulator, one of Royal Caribbean’s hallmarks. (I wasn’t brave enough to take a turn, but loved watching others give it a try!)
- RipCord by iFly, another hallmark Royal Caribbean activity for sky-diving enthusiasts or want-to-be skydivers, and it is a BLAST! It was the most fun I have had in ages!
- A rock climbing wall with belay for those who want to take the cruise to even greater heights.
- The North Star, a glass-enclosed pod which takes you up 300 feet and gives 360-degree aerial views – talk about a great selfie opportunity!
The Arts Enthusiast
Royal Caribbean has a reputation for some of the best shows at sea, and Odyssey of the Seas delivered. Between their musical theater productions (Showgirl and the Effectors) and The Book in the Two70 Theater I was left cheering for more! The Two70 Theater is an amphitheater-like showroom with six eight-foot tall high-definition screens rotated by robotic arms and a 135-foot wide two-story video screen, trap doors above and below the stage, allowing for the performers (which include aerialists) to come and go throughout the performance.
In addition to theater shows, you will find a variety of live bands playing every night, including a piano bar with singalongs, acoustic performances, live Latin Jazz, classic rock, and even DJs
Families
You can start off by taking advantage of all the incredible opportunities listed in the adventure section above. Then throw in Adventure Ocean with dedicated active and creative play for kids through 12, Teen Spaces for 13-17 year olds (including a gaming lounge, music, movies, outdoor patio, and more), Splashaway Bay aqua park, outdoor movies nights, and so much more. Parents can find a way to get some down time and maybe even have a date night!
The Foodies
With more than 25 restaurant and bar options onboard, the pickiest and most adventurous eaters can dine side-by-side. From Chips Grille for the steak-lovers, Coastal Kitchen for seafood, Izumi Teppanyaki for dinner with an Asian flare, to Wonderland for a modern dining experience, there is something for everyone! And don’t forget the Windjammer buffet, allowing for flexibility in dining time, or grabbing a quick snack on the go.
A highlight for me was the Bionic Bar, where you select your drink on a screen, and it is mixed by a giant bionic arm!
There truly is no end to what you can do on board Royal Caribbean’s latest ship, the Odyssey of the Seas, and a limitless number of ways you can create your own perfect day.
For more information, speak to your Direct Travel Advisor today.