The Odyssey of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International's newest ship being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, has completed its more than 10-hour, 32-kilometer (20-mile) transfer. This transfer is a unique process for ships built at Meyer Werft, as the shipyard is located inland along the Ems River, and the ship must travel this distance to reach the North Sea.
A sight to behold, maneuvering a 169,000 gross ton ship measuring 347 meters long and 41 meters wide. The event naturally draws local residents to the riverbanks to marvel at this breathtaking spectacle.
The Odyssey will raise the bar in every aspect of the cruising experience. The innovative combination of Quantum Class favorites and new features includes:
SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity center at sea, will now offer both indoor and outdoor activities. Sports courts, bumper cars, laser tag, interactive digital games, giant screens, a DJ booth, and much more await. The two-level venue will also house the first-ever Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, where guests can watch their team on dozens of screens and enjoy a menu featuring game-day favorites and ice-cold draft beers.
The Odyssey's pool deck is a vibrant oasis with open-air space. Guests can relax on the Caribbean-inspired pool deck, unwind in the four whirlpools or in the shaded hammocks and casitas on decks 14 and 15, and refresh themselves with freshly made cocktails at the two-level bar, The Lime & Coconut.
The spaces dedicated to children and teenagers have been expanded with technology to offer interactive, personalized, and unexpected experiences. Teenagers have access to their exclusive area, Social180, which also includes a wraparound outdoor deck, The Patio, for hanging out with sea views. With a games room, movies, music, and outdoor games, young people aged 13 to 17 have everything they need and can socialize.
– Royal Caribbean’s first Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar brings guests a taste of Italy. From hand-served pizzas straight from the pizza oven to a wine list ranging from Sangiovese to Super Tuscano, travelers can enjoy traditional, rustic Italian dishes and fresh Mediterranean flavors.
– A diverse array of dining options awaits on the Odyssey. The Teppanyaki restaurant serves authentic Asian flavors cooked in one of Japan's traditional styles. Travelers can also expect to find Royal Caribbean favorites, including sushi and sashimi at Izumi, hand-cut steaks at Chops Grille, the intimate Chef's Table experience, and imaginative cuisine at Wonderland.
Whether surfing the waves on the iconic FlowRider surf simulator or experiencing the freedom of freefall on RipCord by iFly, the skydiving simulator, Odyssey will satisfy any adrenaline junkie. Not to be forgotten are the 12-meter rock wall and the SkyPad, a virtual reality and bungee trampoline experience that transports visitors to another world. Those seeking unparalleled 360-degree views can take the North Star glass observation pod, which extends 91 meters above the ocean.
Guests can expect Royal Caribbean's signature productions and renowned Quantum Class entertainment in state-of-the-art venues, complete with immersive technology, unparalleled special effects, and world-leading talent. Fusing art and technology, Two70 boasts 270-degree panoramic windows with sweeping ocean views in a spacious open-plan lounge, which transforms on the spot into a 135-foot-wide (41-meter) and 22-foot-high (6-meter) Vistarama screen. At night, the iconic venue transforms into a multidimensional theater, where six agile Roboscreens come to life in sync with live music, special effects, and performers and acrobats. Guests can then head to the Music Hall for an ever-changing lineup of live acts and epic cover bands, not before enjoying a robot-served drink at the Bionic Bar.
In a Royal Caribbean first, the Odyssey will debut in Haifa, Israel, this May. Israeli residents will be the first to experience the ship on 3- to 7-night getaways visiting the Greek Islands and Cyprus, round-trip from Haifa. The Odyssey will then cross the Atlantic to begin its inaugural North American season in November, offering 6- to 8-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale and visiting far-flung destinations such as Curaçao and Aruba.
