Odyssey of the Seas Review

Best for Families and adventure-seekers who prioritize what's onboard the ship over other vacation factors

Not for Guests who are looking for a quiet, intimate escape

Bottom Line Odyssey of the Seas is a ship loaded with great dining choices and activities, along with comfortable, modern and spacious cabins

Odyssey of the Seas is an action-packed ship designed for families, though adults will enjoy it just as much as the kids do. With a huge variety of activities and venues, it will appeal to all sorts of tastes, whether you're seeking adventure or a simply little bit of rejuvenation.

With Odyssey, Royal Caribbean has blended sophistication with fun. We love the elevated approach this ship takes to the cruise line's Royal Promenade, for example, creating a chic space that's a visual sensation while still bringing on the excitement.

Its innovative method in designing spaces -- especially the wow-inducing Two70 -- feels new and contemporary. The ship's unflinching approach to exposing its guests to exciting concepts is a breath of fresh air; we're sure passengers will leave having seen and done things they haven't anywhere else.

Despite the large size of the ship, great care has been taken to ensure passenger flow doesn't feel congested. With so many spots to enjoy onboard, guests tend to find their favorites and stick with them. And multiple shows in the main entertainment venues are offered on various nights, so it's easy to work out a schedule that suits you without running up against crowds.

The overall vibe is casual but hip. Each space is unique, with design touches that will have you lingering a little longer. We especially enjoyed the art throughout; we literally were stopping in stairwells to look at each piece.

Lovers of live music will be spoiled for choice, as many bars and lounges feature musicians, be it solo acts or bands. Action doesn't shut down early. And if you're not a music lover, well, there's plenty for you, too, including a sports bar, bumper cars and exciting virtual reality experiences. (Our favorite activity on Odyssey of the Seas was the VR venue adjacent to the SeaPlex, which had us laughing uproariously at ourselves by the end; it's a don't-miss.)

Odyssey of the Seas also has excellent cabins, designed to be comfortable and maximize space. No matter the stateroom category, you'll sail in cabins that are modern and offer lots of storage space. It's an approach we'd love to see replicated across the industry.

When it comes to dining, again the ship stands out for its variety. Passengers could be content to eat at the included restaurants for the duration of their cruise, though we recommend trying a specialty option or two. At the top is Giovanni's Kitchen, an Italian restaurant that delivers on fantastic service and surprisingly authentic dishes that aspire to be shared.

With Odyssey of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has given guests a cruise ship that seamlessly blends fun, technology and even a little luxury. The cruise line thought of all the little details along the way so cruisers won't have to once they're onboard. The result? A vacation that feels like a real getaway.

Health & Safety

Passengers 12 and older sailing on Odyssey of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale must be fully vaccinated, with the final dose administered at least 14 days before sailing. All guests 2 and older -- regardless of vaccination status -- must take a COVID-19 test no more than two days before arriving to the departure port. Results must be shown at the port on arrival. Unvaccinated children ages 2 to 11 will take an additional COVID-19 test at the port, the cost of which will be covered by Royal Caribbean.

Odyssey of the Seas is sailing at reduced capacity to encourage physical distancing onboard.

Because of the distancing requirements, Royal Caribbean has temporarily limited all public gatherings that involve food and shared platters. This includes Cruise Critic's Meet & Mingle onboard events. More casual gettogethers still are permitted, and most take place outdoors.

Rules are evolving and changing all the time as policies on land change as well. Policies outlined here are current as of this writing, but can change at a moment's notice, even mid-cruise.

Before Boarding

• Proof of completed vaccination at least 14 days before sailing
• Negative antigen test within 48 hours of embarkation
• Pre-embarkation in-app health questionnaire, filled out on the app
• In-app check-in and arrival time slot required
• Masks required for all guests over age 2 during the entire embarkation process, and while on any form of transportation provided by the cruise line
• Onsite COVID-19 test for passengers ages 2 to 11

Onboard

• Masks are required in all public indoor spaces, except for those open to only vaccinated passengers (such as the casino, the Crown & Compass bar or the spa)
• Mask aren't required in staterooms, outdoors or indoors while seated and actively eating or drinking
• Children under age 2 do not need to wear masks
• Vaccinated guests and children too young to be vaccinated receive COVID-19 Assistance in the form of no-charge onboard medical treatment for COVID-19 and more lenient refund policies for cancellations or changes due to COVID-19
• Additional screenings are done as needed
• Mid-cruise testing for unvaccinated guests at no charge for ages 2-11
• Capacity limits in bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues
• Buffet food in Windjammer Cafe is served by staff
• Windjammer Cafe is open only for breakfast and lunch
• Menus available on the app or via QR codes instead of physical menus; paper menus are available on request
• Physical distancing is suggested
• Dining reservations are strongly recommended; parties are limited to eight and must be with your travel party or those of a linked reservation
• Muster drill done individually using the Royal Caribbean App and/or the stateroom TV, followed by a check-in with your muster station
• Sanitizing and hand-washing stations all over the ship
• My Time Dining isn't available to unvaccinated passengers

Off the ship

• Vaccinated guests may explore independently in most ports of call
• Unvaccinated guests are limited to controlled tours in ports other than Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Some ports might require additional testing or screenings before disembarking
• Masks might be required on tours, in some ports, and in some businesses

What's included

• Meals in the main dining room, the Windjammer Cafe buffet, Solarium Bistro, Sorrento's Pizza, Cafe @ Two70, Cafe Promenade, El Loco Fresh, Coastal Kitchen (suite guests only); snacks from Sprinkles Ice Cream; and continental breakfast room service
• All theater shows and most entertainment options
• Many daily activities, including the FlowRider Surf Simulator, rock-climbing wall, bumper cars, virtual reality games in the SeaPlex, and SkyPad trampoline (unless otherwise noted)
• Select times at the North Star and Ripcord by iFly
• Use of the fitness center (but not most fitness classes and personal training)
• Adventure Ocean Kids Club activities for kids ages 6 months to 17 years (some exceptions apply)
• Beverages including iced tea, tap water, some juices and basic coffee

What's not

• Gratuities
• Soda, alcoholic and upgraded beverages, coffee from Starbucks, bottled water
• Wi-Fi
• Automatic gratuities for beverage, mini-bar, spa and salon purchases
• Mini-bar purchases
• Meals at most specialty restaurants
• Spa treatments
• Most fitness classes and all personal training sessions
• Access to the ship's Sea Thermal suite
• Additional time or select times with North Star or Ripcord by iFly
• Casino
• Activities like alcohol tasting events
• Shore excursions
• Photographs and artwork