Review: Odyssey of the Seas by Royal Caribbean

Step aboard the Odyssey of the Seas and prepare for a journey through the heart of the Mediterranean

Setting sail from Civitavecchia Port in Rome, embarkation is a breeze, with seamless check-in procedures and warm hospitality awaiting you as you step onto the lavish cruise ship.

The Quantum Ultra Class cruise offers an array of exhilarating experiences across its 16 decks. With 14 dedicated guest decks, the ship welcomes 4,198 guests in double occupancy, attended to by a dedicated crew of 1,612 international professionals. At 1,138 feet long and 162 feet wide, you’ve got a whole seven nights to explore your very own home away from home.

Unless you consider the dilemma of choosing from a limitless array of poolside drinks a challenge, the Odyssey of the Seas provides a unique kind of excitement. From the gravity-defying fun of the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator to bumper car races and roller-skating at the largest SeaPlex, adventure knows no bounds.

The real magic unfolds when you approach the Greek Isles. Ancient history and drop-dead gorgeous landscapes await. Explore the meticulously preserved ruins of Ephesus, witness the Mykonos sunrise, and unearth the wonders of Santorini’s Akrotiri.
So, ditch your laptop and trade your to-do list for a lounger (trust us, those deadlines won’t survive a dip in the Aegean). This Greek adventure is about to set sail on a course for unforgettable memories.

ACCOMMODATION

Stepping into our balcony stateroom felt like an instant upgrade to the vacation. The 180-square-foot space had everything I needed – comfy beds, a cosy sitting area, and plenty of storage to keep my things organised.

The stateroom leads you to the private balcony, to enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and ever-changing vistas. The balcony itself was a little oasis, furnished with chairs for lounging, allowing you to soak up the sun, unwind with a book or sip on a mocktail as the sun dipped below the horizon. The coffee table was perfect for room service meals and impromptu picnics with snacks from the buffet. The bathroom had all the essentials, while in-room features included a TV, safe, and phone. Plus, with 24-hour room service and a dedicated stateroom attendant, your every need is catered to throughout the entire journey.

DINING

THE WINDJAMMER

The Windjammer is your go-to restaurant for tantalising global flavours served complimentary. Like just-pressed paninis packed with all your favourite meats and cheeses. Flaky pastries fresh from the oven and omelettes any way you like them, and mains that run the gamut from crispy fried chicken to fried rice. No matter what kind of dish you’re in the mood for, you’ll find something tasty worth trying at the Windjammer. Pop in for scrambled egg Bhurji served with roti, or home-style crispy chicken and waffles. Refuel in between adventures with a refreshing watermelon and feta salad or classic fish and chips. Or sample your way from Mexico to India with dishes including traditional Butter chicken, Fajitas, Chicken tandoori, and plenty more.

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

For an intimate evening on the cruise, look no further than this charming trattoria which whisks you straight to the heart of Tuscany. Perfect for special occasions or date nights, the atmosphere often features delightful sing-along birthday celebrations and joyous laughter from fellow diners. Giovanni’s menu is a true celebration of Italian classics. The hearty Lasagna is a comforting masterpiece layered with rich Bolognese sauce, creamy mozzarella, and delicate ricotta, all baked to golden perfection. For a lighter option, the Meatball gigante combines sautéed spinach, mozzarella, and vibrant marinara sauce, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Feeling adventurous? The Ossobuco is a must-try, featuring a melt-in-your-mouth veal shank braised with root vegetables and infused with saffron.

Chops Grille

Chops Grille was my absolute favourite spot on the cruise. You’ll realise how popular the spot is as soon as you enter, with the long queue and completely packed seats at the venue. The best way to begin a meal at Chops Grille is with the Charred beef carpaccio, sliced thin and served rare with fresh arugula, Parmesan cheese, and truffle mustard dressing, alongside the Wild mushroom soup, drizzled with white truffle oil, and chives. For entrees, we loved the Rack of lamb, a tender oven-roasted rack of lamb seasoned with thyme and rosemary, and the Prime NY strip, a 12oz full-flavoured USDA Prime cut with a slightly firmer texture than a ribeye. Save room for the Warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and berry compote.

WONDERLAND

This venue offers an extraordinary, multi-sensory dining experience where guests reveal the menu by brushing water onto a seemingly blank page. The dishes are categorised based on five natural elements: Earth, Sea, Fire, Ice, and Sun, each reflecting distinct flavour profiles. For spice and smoky flavours, the Fire section features options like Buffalo chicken eggs and crispy Shrimp kataifi with scotch bonnet pepper. The Ice section offers chilled and refreshing choices such as Red and white tuna sashimi and Oceanic citrus with yuzu granite, while the Sea and Earth sections provide hearty options like Liquid lobster with bone marrow and Caviar, tamarind-spiced branzino.

TEPPANYAKI

For the discerning cruise line foodie, Teppanyaki is a must-try, offering an immersive culinary performance. Talented chefs prepare meals in classic teppanyaki style on a gleaming stainless-steel teppan grill, delighting guests with the sizzle of searing fried rice and tender scallops, accompanied by entertainment. The menu celebrates fresh seafood and premium meats, with highlights including jumbo crispy softshell crab, assorted sashimi, sea scallops and lobster, and succulent Wagyu A4 beef, all culminating in a decadent dessert assortment starring chilled mochi and crispy sesame balls.

CAFÉ PROMENADE

Café Promenade is the ideal spot for quick and easy eats, open 24/7 with a variety of complimentary offerings. Whether you start your day with a cinnamon bun or enjoy late-night bites, there’s something delicious at any time, including lunch favourites including chicken wraps and New Orleans-style muffulettas, and sweet treats such as decadent Mudcakes.

SORRENTO’S PIZZA

This casual spot serves some of the best food on the cruise, with classics like cheese, pepperoni, and Margherita, alongside the meat-loaded Carnivore and sweet-and-smoky BBQ chicken. Open late and offering complimentary food, Sorrento’s is the perfect place to refuel after a night of dancing.

EL LOCO FRESH

For Tex-Mex classics, El Loco Fresh will become a go-to spot. Situated conveniently near the ship’s lively main pool on Deck 14, expect fast-casual and flavoursome dishes such as loaded nachos, tacos with various toppings, and burritos filled with beef, chicken, or non-halal meat, accompanied by guacamole. Similar to Sorrento’s Pizza, all items at this popular dining venue are complimentary with your cruise fare.

THE CAFE @ TWO70

Café @ Two70 offers a serene dining experience with complimentary global flavours, from a crisp Thai chicken noodle salad in sesame-peanut dressing to creative grilled cheese variations like Smoked ham with green apples. Open for breakfast and lunch, this bistro-style restaurant boasts stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of the ocean and passing destinations, perfect for relaxing and enjoying your meal.

SOLARIUM BISTRO RESTAURANT

Providing an adults-only retreat with tranquil whirlpools, a swimming pool, and ample space to relax in the sun or shade, guests can savour complimentary Mediterranean-inspired dishes all day long. Breakfasts feature seasonal fruits, creamy yoghurt, eggs cooked to order, and continental favourites such as pastries and bagels. For lunch and dinner, indulge in pita with homemade Tzatziki and Babaghanoush, tender Lamb chops with mint jus, fluffy Loukoumades in honey, and succulent lobster with citrus butter. It’s renowned as one of the finest dining options onboard, thanks to its breezy, laid-back atmosphere.

MAIN DINING ROOM

The highlight of Odyssey of the Seas’ culinary offerings, the Main Dining Room, presents an opulent multi-course dining experience coupled with impeccable five-star service. Explore a diverse menu featuring new global delights every evening, such as Crispy duck a l’Orange, Moroccan-spiced tuna, and sumptuous Prime rib.

COASTAL KITCHEN

If you book a suite or belong to the Pinnacle Club on your cruise, you’ll have exclusive access to Coastal Kitchen. This restaurant blends fresh Californian ingredients with Mediterranean influences, offering a seasonal menu. Highlights include a Breakfast frittata with feta and spinach, golden-grilled French toast with caramelised bananas, Herb-crusted chicken breast with roasted squash, and roasted Veal tenderloin in a vin jaune sauce. The restaurant boasts a renowned grape list featuring vintages from Tuscany to Napa Valley.

IZUMI

An exotic Asian-inspired dining experience featuring delightful sushi rolls, fresh sashimi, and nigiri, along with Izakaya-style appetisers ranging from classic to imaginative. Indulge in a four-course meal including starters like Shrimp firecracker spring rolls, mains such as the chef’s signature Baked snow crab and Salmon dynamite roll, and desserts like mochi, green tea ice cream, chocolate lava cake, or crispy sesame balls with red bean and strawberry sauce, promising a flavourful feast from Tohoku to Tokyo.

CHEF’S TABLE

The most exclusive dining experience on our fleet, where an intimate group of food enthusiasts embark on a private culinary journey led by the ship’s Chef de Cuisine. Savour a five-course dinner featuring dishes such as Scallop carpaccio with yuzu vinaigrette and Grilled filet mignon with truffle potato purée, each expertly paired with the perfect grape, culminating in the signature dessert, The World, a of peanut butter ganache, Valrhona chocolate mousse, and salted caramel gelato.

ONBOARD ACTIVITIES

Prepare for epic bumper car showdowns, glow-in-the-dark laser tag battles at the largest indoor activity space at sea, and plenty more.

The Vitality Spa

The Vitality Spa offers a sanctuary of pampering, where you can emerge feeling renewed. Indulge in a selection of advanced treatments – from massages and facials to acupuncture and medi-spa services.

Dazzling shows

Royal Caribbean takes onboard entertainment to new heights with its original production shows. Prepare to be dazzled by “Showgirl™,” a multi-sensory spectacular that celebrates the iconic showgirl through the ages, featuring awe-inspiring choreography and cutting-edge technology. In addition, compete in classic game shows or unleash your competitive spirit in the adults-only scavenger hunt, “Crazy Quest.” The Odyssey of the Seas offers a variety of game show options to keep you entertained for hours.

North Star

Take in breathtaking 360-degree panoramas from the North Star the Guinness World Record holder for the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. This remarkable observation capsule elevates you over 300 feet above sea level, offering unparalleled vistas of the ocean, the ship, and the stunning coastlines you visit.

FlowRider

Catch your wave (or wipe out!) on the exhilarating FlowRider surf simulator, where a 40-foot sheet of rushing water creates the perfect wave for both seasoned surfers and novices alike.

Live Music and Poolside Relaxation

Unwind or kick off your evening with live music from world-class musicians performing nightly across various onboard venues. From cover bands and acoustic sets to Latin rhythms and captivating jazz, there’s a musical style to suit every taste. The expansive pool deck further offers the perfect spot to soak up the sun, relax in the shade with a refreshing tropical cocktail, and enjoy complimentary loungers and live music. For an adults-only retreat, escape to the Solarium, a serene indoor-outdoor haven featuring cascading lagoons (on select ships), swimming pools, whirlpools, and comfortable lounge areas, all bathed in the warm glow of the crystal canopy.

Splashaway Bay Aqua Park

This vibrant water wonderland features colourful waterslides, water cannons, fountains, pools, and whirlpools, providing endless entertainment for young cruisers. Keep an eye out for the drench bucket – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Two70

Two70 is a transformative space that blends cutting-edge technology with captivating entertainment. Imagine panoramic 270-degree ocean views morphing into a breathtaking virtual world, transporting you to any destination imaginable. As night falls, Two70 transforms into a multimedia theatre, coming alive with captivating robotic performances, dazzling aerial displays, and much more.

BOOK NOW!

The Balcony Stateroom is available from AED6,864 per person inclusive of select complimentary restaurants and select non-alcoholic beverages. Visit royalcaribbean.ae.