There are cruises you take, and there are cruises that imprint themselves on you.
Our 7-night Greek Isles sailing on Odyssey of the Seas, departing July 13, 2025, was firmly in the second category. After more than 30 cruises, you might think the ships would start to blur together. They do not, but it takes something genuinely special for one to crack our personal top tier.
Odyssey did exactly that.
We sailed with my wife, Sarah, our two daughters — Georgia, 9, and Francesca, 6 — and close friends with their kids along for the ride. By the time we walked back down the gangway a week later, every single one of us, adults and kids alike, agreed it had been one of the best weeks we have ever spent at sea.
By the end of the week, I was already trying to figure out when we could come back.
I have now sailed every Oasis Class ship multiple times, both Icon Class ships, all the Freedom Class ships, and several MSC sailings. Utopia of the Seas remains my favorite ship.
But Odyssey of the Seas? Odyssey is firmly my second favorite Royal Caribbean ship, and after this Greek Isles sailing, it is not even close.
The combination of the right-sized ship, the unique Quantum Ultra Class venues, the staff — especially in Playmakers, more on that below — and the absolutely show-stopping itinerary made this one of the best cruise weeks of my life.
This is going to be a thorough review. I will cover the ship, the neighborhoods, the dining, the bars, the entertainment, and what makes Odyssey special within the Quantum Ultra Class.
But more than anything, I need to talk about that Greek Isles itinerary, because if you are reading this and you have the chance to sail it, book it.
This is one of those trips.
Odyssey of the Seas is, in my opinion, the best Quantum Ultra Class ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Pair it with the 7-night Greek Isles itinerary from Rome, and you have one of the best cruise itineraries in the world right now.
Add in family-friendly amenities, the iconic North Star observation capsule, the largest SeaPlex with Playmakers Sports Bar inside it, and incredible staff, and you have a near-perfect family vacation.
Why I’m Writing This (My Cruising Background)
For context on what I’m comparing this to, at least in my mind:
- Every Royal Caribbean Oasis Class ship multiple times: Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, Wonder, and Utopia
- Both Icon Class ships: Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas
- All Freedom Class ships
- Multiple MSC sailings including World America and Seashore
- Carnival, Disney, Norwegian — various ships and classes
I’m not casually comparing one ship to another. After more than 30 sailings, I have a real baseline. When I say Odyssey of the Seas is one of my favorite Royal Caribbean ships — maybe second only to Utopia — that’s a meaningful ranking. And when I say the Playmakers staff were the best service team I’ve experienced on any cruise, or that the SeaPlex is one of our favorite activity spaces on any ship we’ve sailed, those are comparisons drawn from dozens of cruises. After 30-plus of them, those are not things we say lightly.
Quick Take: Is Odyssey of the Seas Worth It?
- Best for: Multi-generational family trips, Mediterranean cruise itineraries, families with friends traveling together, anyone wanting a refined Royal Caribbean experience without the mega-ship crowds, Mediterranean first-timers
- Standout features: The Greek Isles itinerary, North Star observation capsule, Two70 entertainment venue, the largest SeaPlex at sea with Playmakers inside, RipCord skydiving simulator, Caribbean-style pool deck with casitas, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, exceptional service throughout
- Watch out for: Port-heavy itineraries mean less time onboard; the ship’s design is more activity-focused than Oasis Class so first-time cruisers may miss the “neighborhood” feel; Mediterranean weather can be hot in July; specialty dining books up fast for the Greek Isles sailing
- Our overall rating: 9.5/10 — and that’s after sailing dozens of ships across multiple lines
The Itinerary: 7-Night Greek Isles From Rome
Let me start here because this is the section that matters most. The 7-night Greek Isles roundtrip from Rome on Odyssey of the Seas is one of the best cruise itineraries you can sail right now. The ports are world-class. The pacing is reasonable. The mix of culture, beach, history, and food is exceptional. If you have the chance to do this trip, do it.
Three Days in Rome: Be Sure to Spend a Few Days in Rome
Three days was the perfect amount of time for us to knock out many of the “to-do’s” we had planned before the cruise.
With an itinerary like this one, Rome is not just the place you fly into. It is part of the experience and a real reason to book this cruise in the first place.
Rome is the embarkation city for this sailing, with ships departing from the cruise port of Civitavecchia, about 50 miles northwest of central Rome. The port itself is genuinely beautiful, but Rome is the real pre-cruise prize.
My biggest tip is to arrive in Rome at least two to three days before your sailing.
The flight from the United States is long, jet lag is real, and you absolutely do not want to land in Rome and immediately race to the port. Give yourself time to adjust, explore, and actually enjoy being there.
Use that pre-cruise time to see the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Pantheon, and some of the city’s incredible piazzas, fountains, churches, and neighborhoods. Honestly, some of the best moments in Rome come from just walking around and letting the city unfold in front of you.
Rome is one of the best cities in the world.
Do not shortchange it.
For us, those three days in Rome were worth every minute. We hit all the big ones — the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Forum, the fountains, and roughly our body weight in gelato. By the time we made the short transfer out to the cruise port in Civitavecchia, we were happily worn out and ready to let the ship take over for a week. If you’re sailing this itinerary, build in those pre-cruise days. You won’t regret it.
Day 1 (Sunday): Embarkation in Rome (Civitavecchia)
Getting from central Rome to Civitavecchia is something you definitely want to think through before the trip.
There are a few ways to do it. A direct train runs from Roma Termini to Civitavecchia and usually takes around 80 minutes, with tickets often in the €5–€15 range. You can also take a Rome-to-port shuttle, which is typically around €25–€40 per person. Renting a car is another option if you have already been driving in Rome and need to drop it off near the port.
For us, the best decision was setting up a private driver for our travel throughout Rome and to the cruise port. It made everything seamless and easy, especially with kids, luggage, and a group. My advice: hire a driver ahead of time if you want the least stressful option.
Arriving at the port was easy, and the boarding process went smoothly. The wait was minimal, and we were on the ship by around 11:00 a.m.
As with every cruise, we like to arrive at the port around 10:15 a.m. with the goal of being at the pool by 11:30 at the latest. That early start really gives you a full day to enjoy the ship instead of feeling like embarkation day is just a travel day.
Our whole group made it onboard early, and we were able to get right to the pool and get the fun started.
Before getting too comfortable, we also knocked out the important first-day items. We headed to our muster station, set up dining reservations, and made show reservations as soon as we could.
That is one of my biggest embarkation day tips: get as much set up as possible right when you board, before reservations start filling up.
It is so easy to just start having fun, but you really need to get all your ducks in a row before the cocktails begin.
Day 2 (Monday): Sea Day
Our first sea day came at the perfect time.
After the whirlwind of Rome, it was genuinely welcome to have a full day to settle in, learn the ship, eat at multiple venues, find our favorite bars, and rest before the busy port days ahead.
Sea days on Mediterranean itineraries are some of the best. You get the Mediterranean sun, calm waters, beautiful sailing, and that feeling of finally being fully on vacation.
For us, it was perfect to spend the day at the pool and really unwind after a busy few days of travel and sightseeing.
On embarkation day, you survive on the excitement of getting on the ship, exploring, and figuring everything out.
By Day 2, you can finally just chill.
Day 3 (Tuesday): Santorini, Greece
Santorini is one of the most iconic ports in cruising. The dramatic cliffside views, the whitewashed villages of Fira and Oia, the volcanic black-sand beaches — it’s the postcard image of Greek island life.
Our day in Santorini: we did a Royal Caribbean shore excursion that took us up into town and then on to Theros Wave Club, a black sand beach club.
It was awesome — the dramatic Santorini scenery up top, the whitewashed villages and that famous caldera view, and then a relaxed afternoon at the beach club on the volcanic black sand. A great mix of sightseeing and slowing down, and an easy day to do with kids in tow. We were back on the ship in the late afternoon to catch the sunset from the deck as we sailed away.
Pro tip: If you head up on your own rather than on an excursion, book your cable car return ticket in advance or be prepared for a long line at the end of the day. Lines back down to the port can take 30-60 minutes at peak times.
Day 4 (Wednesday): Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
Kusadasi is the modern Turkish port town, but the real reason to come is Ephesus — one of the best-preserved Roman/Greek archaeological sites in the world.
We decided to just get off the ship and check out the shopping. If you are in the market for a fake watches, handbags, clothing or shoes – this is the stop for you!
We knew we had a bunch of stuff planned for our last two port stops, so we just took it easy in Turkey.
Day 5 (Thursday): Mykonos, Greece
Our family day: Mykonos was our family day, and it was everyone’s favorite. Full stop.
We chartered a catamaran for our whole group, and it was a truly amazing experience. The crew cooked us lunch right on board, treated the kids wonderfully, and gave us a day on the water that none of us will forget.
The water around Mykonos is impossibly clear, and seeing the island from the sea is hard to beat. The windmills, the whitewashed town, the coastline — it all looks even better from the water.
For me, this beat the typical bus-and-beach routine every time.
If you take one thing from this entire review, it is this: get out on the water in Mykonos.
One thing to know, though: the water was cold. It was really hot in July, but the water still felt cold to me. Just food for thought.
It did not dampen the experience in any way, but man, it was a shock when I jumped in.
Day 6 (Friday): Sea Day
Second sea day. By this point you’ve had two intense port days, and the sea day is welcome. This is when we leaned into the ship — long lunch at Giovanni’s, an afternoon at the pool deck, North Star observation capsule, Chops dinner, and an evening Two70 show. The sea day made the cruise feel restorative, not just sightseeing. Our whole crew spent the day at the pool and it was perfect.
Day 7 (Saturday): Naples / Ischia, Italy
Naples is the gateway to some of the most stunning destinations in Italy: Capri, Ischia, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and the city of Naples itself. You have multiple options for this port day:
Ischia (our choice) — We kept the on-the-water momentum going in Naples and chartered a 45-foot yacht over to the island of Ischia.
They had a driver waiting for us at the port, which made the whole process incredibly easy. From there, we were taken to a small marina where we boarded the boat and headed out for the day.
We swam in a gorgeous, secluded cove and had a long, leisurely group lunch at a beach restaurant. It was exactly the kind of day you hope for on a Mediterranean cruise — beautiful water, great food, no rushing, and plenty of time to just enjoy being together.
After Mykonos, this sealed it for me: chartering boats with our two families was the best decision we made on the whole itinerary.
Ischia is quieter and less touristed than Capri, which made it perfect for a relaxed family day. It gave us the beauty of the Italian coast without feeling like we were fighting massive crowds all day.
Another perfect day.
This is also where working with an experienced travel advisor really matters. A good advisor can help you sort through the best options, arrange the right transportation, and make sure the day fits your group instead of just booking whatever generic tour pops up first.
We took a small dingy from the boat to the island for lunch, it was an amazing experience.
If our choice doesn’t grab you, there are tons of options:
Capri — A ferry runs from Naples to Capri (about 50 minutes). Lunch in Capri town, the chair lift up to Anacapri for the views, the upscale shops, and — if it’s open the day you visit — the Blue Grotto. A glamorous, popular option.
Pompeii — About 30 minutes from Naples by train. The ancient Roman city frozen in time by Mount Vesuvius. One of the most powerful archaeological experiences anywhere.
Amalfi Coast — Drive (or take a bus tour) along the dramatic Amalfi coastline. Positano, Amalfi town, Ravello. Stunning but a long day.
Naples itself — Stay in Naples and explore — pizza in the city where margherita pizza was invented (try L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele if you have time for the wait), Naples Archaeological Museum, the historic center.
Day 8 (Sunday): Disembarkation in Rome
Back to Civitavecchia. Disembark early. Many cruisers fly out the same day, but if you can extend your trip, spend a couple more days in Rome or Florence. We opted to head straight to the airport. Our driver was there waiting for us and got us to the airport in time for our flight home. It was a sad day….
The Ship at a Glance
- Class: Quantum Ultra Class (the second ship in the class, after Spectrum of the Seas)
- Launched: July 2021
- Gross tonnage: 169,300
- Length: 1,138 feet
- Decks: 16
- Passenger capacity: 4,180 at double occupancy (up to 5,668 maximum)
- Cabins: 2,090
- Crew: 1,600+
- Home ports: Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) in fall/winter, Civitavecchia (Rome) in summer
- Typical itineraries: 6-9 night Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale; 7-9 night Greek Isles/Mediterranean from Rome
- Signature features: North Star observation capsule, Two70 venue, largest SeaPlex at sea with Playmakers inside, RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, FlowRider, Caribbean-style pool deck
Why Odyssey Is Such a Great Royal Caribbean Ship
It’s the Right Size
Odyssey at 169,300 gross tons is meaningfully smaller than the Oasis Class (236,000+ GT) and the Icon Class (248,000+ GT) — but still big enough to feel like a major cruise ship with 4,180+ passengers and abundant amenities. The smaller scale means less walking to get places, faster elevator response, less density on the pool deck and at dinner. After sailing the massive Oasis and Icon ships, Odyssey felt refreshingly manageable.
The Quantum Ultra Class Has Unique Venues
North Star (the glass observation capsule that rises 300 feet above the ship), Two70 (the 270-degree entertainment venue with Roboscreens and Vistarama), RipCord by iFly (skydiving simulator), the largest SeaPlex at sea with bumper cars and laser tag — these are features you don’t find on Oasis or Icon Class ships. Quantum Ultra Class is its own distinct experience.
Playmakers Is Built Into the SeaPlex (And the Staff Was Incredible)
On other Royal Caribbean ships, Playmakers is a separate venue. On Odyssey, Playmakers is built into the upper level of the SeaPlex with club-level views of the bumper cars and laser tag below. You eat your burger while watching the kids battle it out on the SeaPlex floor. It’s brilliant design. Playmakers has floor to ceiling windows to assure you have amazing views!
And the staff. The Playmakers team on our July 2025 sailing was hands-down the best service team I’ve ever experienced on any cruise. Genuinely. Warm, attentive, remembered our names, remembered Francesca’s drink preferences, made every visit feel like coming home. I’ll write more on this below — they deserve their own section.
Excellent Itineraries
Odyssey splits time between the Caribbean (from Fort Lauderdale in fall/winter) and the Mediterranean (from Rome in summer). Both regions are top-tier cruise destinations. The Greek Isles sailing is one of the most desirable itineraries in cruising right now.
Beautiful Pool Deck
Odyssey’s pool deck got the Caribbean-style refresh — tropical colors, casitas (padded covered day beds), comfy loungers, multiple pools, and the Lime & Coconut bar. It’s bright, fun, and meaningfully better than the older Quantum Class pool decks (Quantum and Anthem).
Family-Friendly Without Being Overwhelming
Adventure Ocean kids’ programming. Splashaway Bay for the younger kids. SeaPlex with bumper cars, laser tag, and arcade. Social180 teen lounge. Plenty of family-friendly dining. But also: adult-only Solarium, plenty of grown-up bars and entertainment, sophisticated Two70 experiences. It works for full-family trips with mixed-age groups.
Public Spaces and Layout
Quantum Ultra Class ships don’t have the named “neighborhoods” of the Oasis Class (Central Park, Royal Promenade, Boardwalk, etc.). Instead, the ship is organized into functional zones connected by the central Esplanade. Here’s the lay of the land.
The Royal Esplanade (Decks 4-5)
One of the areas I really enjoyed on Odyssey of the Seas was the Royal Esplanade, located across Decks 4 and 5.
This is the main indoor hub of the ship, and it immediately gives Odyssey a different feel from some of Royal Caribbean’s larger Oasis Class ships. Instead of the long, wide Royal Promenade you may find on ships like Oasis, Harmony, or Wonder, Odyssey has a more compact, two-deck Royal Esplanade.
I really liked that difference.
The Royal Esplanade feels sleek, modern, and easy to navigate. It still has that lively Royal Caribbean energy, but it does not feel overwhelming or stretched out.
What stood out to me most was the two-level design. I loved how Deck 4 and Deck 5 worked together, with bars, restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and gathering areas layered around the same central space.
It gave the area a nice energy without feeling crowded.
You could walk through on Deck 4 and feel like you were right in the middle of the action, then head up to Deck 5 and look down over the space, almost like a balcony view of the ship’s main street.
That two-deck promenade design really made the area feel open and connected.
The Royal Esplanade is also incredibly convenient.
Some of the ship’s most-used bars and dining spots are easy to reach from this area, which made it a natural place to pass through throughout the day and evening.
Whether I was grabbing pizza at Sorrento’s, stopping for a quick coffee or snack at Café Promenade, heading to a bar before dinner, or making my way toward one of the specialty restaurants, everything felt close and easy to find.
I really appreciated that the layout made it simple to move from one venue to another without feeling like I had to cross the entire ship.
Another thing I liked about the Royal Esplanade was how well it flowed into the rest of Odyssey of the Seas.
It naturally leads toward Two70, which is one of the most impressive aft spaces on the ship. You can move from the energy of the bars, restaurants, and shops into this beautiful, scenic lounge area without it feeling disconnected or hard to find.
That flow made the ship feel connected in a really smart way.
Compared with some other Royal Caribbean ships, the Royal Esplanade on Odyssey feels a little more refined and modern.
It does not have the same massive “indoor city street” feel as the Royal Promenade on the biggest ships, but that is part of what makes it stand out.
Instead, the Royal Esplanade feels more streamlined, more vertical, and more connected to the overall flow of the ship. For a Quantum Ultra Class ship, I thought it worked really well.
Overall, the Royal Esplanade was one of my favorite indoor areas on Odyssey of the Seas.
It had that familiar Royal Caribbean energy, but with its own personality. The two-deck layout, easy access to bars and restaurants, and smooth flow toward Two70 made it feel like the true indoor heart of the ship.
As I continue breaking down each zone of Odyssey of the Seas, the Royal Esplanade is definitely one of the areas that helps define the ship’s overall layout and personality.
The Royal Theater (Deck 3)
Main theater with Broadway-style productions. Hosts The Effectors and Showgirl shows on Odyssey. Two-deck venue with excellent sightlines. The kids always enjoy the production shows and they had a blast at both shows.
Two70 (Deck 5, Aft)
The signature Quantum Ultra Class venue. By day: a 270-degree floor-to-ceiling window lounge with library, cafe, and seating. By night: a transformative entertainment space with Vistarama projection screens, six robotic Roboscreens that move and dance, aerial performers, and immersive multimedia shows. The Book is the signature show here on Odyssey. The show was really good.
Also, don’t forget to drop into this venue around happy hour. The bar is a great space with amazing views out the back windows — it really is worth the time.
SeaPlex & Sports Deck (Decks 14-15)
The SeaPlex on Odyssey of the Seas was easily one of the most fun and family-friendly areas of the ship. Royal Caribbean calls SeaPlex the largest indoor activity space at sea, and once you spend time there, it is easy to see why. This is not just a sports court tucked away on the top of the ship. It is a full indoor activity complex with multiple levels, different types of activities, food nearby, games, seating, and plenty of energy throughout the day.
The lower level is where most of the action happens. At different times, this space can transform into bumper cars, a sports court, laser tag, roller skating, and more. My two girls absolutely loved the bumper cars, and it quickly became one of those activities they wanted to do again and again. There is just something about riding bumper cars on a cruise ship that feels fun and different. It is one of those features that makes Odyssey of the Seas stand out as a great ship for families.
I also liked how flexible the main floor of SeaPlex was.
Depending on the schedule, the area could be used for basketball, volleyball, soccer, and other sports. It was not just one fixed activity space, which made it feel much more useful throughout the cruise.
At different times, the same area could also transform into the laser tag arena for Clash for the Crystal City, which added a completely different experience to the space.
There were also activities like roller skating, trampolines, and circus-style fun at different times, so SeaPlex never felt like a one-and-done area.
It felt like a place you could keep coming back to throughout the cruise and always find something new going on.
The upper level adds even more to the experience.
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade sits above the SeaPlex floor, and I loved how it gave you that club-level view looking down over everything happening below.
There are TVs everywhere, sports on, food and drinks available, and a fun atmosphere that works for both adults and kids.
My two girls loved playing pool at Playmakers, and that became another fun part of this area for our family.
It was nice because they could be entertained while we still felt connected to everything happening around us.
The Sports Deck on Odyssey of the Seas works perfectly with the SeaPlex because it continues the active, high-energy feel of the ship, but moves it outdoors.
I really liked how Odyssey gives you both indoor and outdoor activity spaces that work together instead of feeling like separate parts of the ship.
The SeaPlex gives you the indoor fun, while the Sports Deck gives you the outdoor adventure, ocean air, and big Royal Caribbean thrills.
One of the biggest highlights of the Sports Deck is the FlowRider.
My girls loved the FlowRider, and it was one of those classic Royal Caribbean activities that always gets attention.
Whether you are the one trying it or just watching from the side, it is a fun area to spend time.
The FlowRider gives kids, teens, and adults a chance to try surfing or boogie boarding at sea, and it adds that exciting, active feel that Royal Caribbean is known for.
The Pool Deck (Decks 14-15)
The pool deck on Odyssey of the Seas was one of our favorite areas of the ship. It had a great mix of energy, space, family-friendly fun, and relaxing spots, which made it easy to enjoy throughout the week. I also liked that the pool deck was not built around just one central pool. There are two different pool areas, Splashaway Bay for kids, and an upper pool deck with great seating and views, so the whole area felt spread out and easy to use.
The main pool area is where you get that classic Royal Caribbean pool deck energy. This is the area that feels lively, social, and fun, with plenty happening around the pool throughout the day. It is a great spot if you want to be close to the action, music, drinks, and that upbeat cruise atmosphere.
One of the best parts of this area is how convenient it is to grab a drink. There is a Lime and Coconut bar right by the main pool, which makes it easy to get something without leaving the pool deck for long. I always appreciate when the bar setup is convenient, and Odyssey does a great job with that. The staff were great and there was rarely a long line – it was a great bar.
The second pool area is a great feature because it helps spread everyone out and gives the pool deck a better overall flow. Instead of everyone crowding around one pool, Odyssey gives you another pool space where you can swim, cool off, or find a slightly different atmosphere. It is away from the Splashaway Bay play area and thus is a bit more chill.
I liked that both pool areas felt easy to access and connected to the same overall pool deck experience. There is also a Lime and Coconut near this pool area, so getting a drink was just as easy here as it was by the main pool. Having a bar near both pools made the pool deck feel really convenient no matter where we ended up sitting.
I also liked how Splashaway Bay fits into the overall layout of the pool deck. It feels close enough to the main pool areas that families can move around easily, but it still gives kids their own fun water zone. It adds a lot to the family-friendly feel of Odyssey of the Seas.
The upper pool deck ended up being one of our favorite places to sit during the cruise. We often sat up there because it felt a little more relaxing, and we found some really great seating options. It gave us a nice balance of being close to the pool deck action without being right in the middle of it.
We anchored in near the hot tub and shower, which worked out perfectly. The kids could enjoy the hot tub, we could cool off easily in the shower, and we still had easy access to walk down to the pool whenever we wanted. It made the whole setup feel simple and comfortable.
There is also a Lime and Coconut bar on the upper pool deck near the North Star, which made this area even better. Having drinks nearby, comfortable seating, hot tubs, showers, and quick access down to the pool made the upper deck an awesome place to relax during the day.
Overall, the pool decks on Odyssey of the Seas were awesome. Between the two pool areas, Splashaway Bay, the upper deck seating, hot tubs, showers, and easy access to Lime and Coconut bars throughout the area, this was one of the easiest and most enjoyable parts of the ship for our family.
The Solarium (Deck 14)
The Solarium on Odyssey of the Seas was one of the most relaxing and beautiful areas of the ship. After spending time around the main pool deck, which can definitely get busy and energetic, the Solarium felt like a welcomed refuge. It had a calmer, more peaceful atmosphere while still feeling bright, open, and connected to the ocean.
One of the things that stood out to me right away was the tiered pool design. The Solarium does not feel like a standard cruise ship pool area. Instead, the pools are arranged in a way that gives the whole space a more upscale, resort-style feel. It made the area feel unique and visually impressive, especially with the glass surrounding the space and the ocean views all around. During the day, the views were stunning, and it was the kind of place where you could just sit, relax, and enjoy being at sea.
There was also ample comfortable seating throughout the Solarium, which made it easy to settle in and spend some time there. I liked that it gave you options depending on what kind of mood you were in. You could sit closer to the pools, find a quieter spot to relax, or just enjoy the views from one of the loungers. Compared with the main pool area, the Solarium felt much more laid-back, and that made it a great place to recharge during the cruise.
The Sunshine Bar was another highlight of the Solarium. Having a bar right there made the space even better, and the bar staff was awesome during our sailing. They helped add to the relaxed, enjoyable feel of the area without making it feel loud or overly busy. It was easy to grab a drink, enjoy the view, and just slow down for a little while.
Overall, the Solarium on Odyssey of the Seas was a fantastic adult-focused retreat. The tiered pools, comfortable seating, Sunshine Bar, and incredible daytime views made it one of the best places on the ship to relax. For me, it was the perfect escape from the craziness of the main pool deck while still giving you that beautiful cruise ship pool experience.
Vitality Spa & Fitness (Deck 6)
Royal Caribbean’s signature spa and fitness center. Treatment rooms, salon, thermal suite, full gym with ocean views. If this is your thing, that’s great. Me, I’m on vacation and I didn’t set foot in the gym. The ladies had Massages in the Spa and enjoyed them!
Casino Royale (Deck 4)
The ship’s casino — slots, table games, and the usual buzz — sits just off the Esplanade. It’s there if you’re feeling lucky after the kids have gone to bed. Open on sea days and most evenings once the ship is in international waters. We did some gambling and had a blast. My wife Sarah swears she will win at the quarter game! We do try to tell her she won’t win…..
Adventure Ocean (Decks 11-12)
Royal Caribbean’s award-winning kids’ programming. Reimagined for Odyssey with separate age-specific spaces — Aquanauts (3-5), Explorers (6-8), Voyagers (9-11). Open most of the day with structured programming and free play.
Our Cabin
We had a standard balcony cabin on Deck 10, mid-ship. About 200 square feet of cabin plus 50 square feet of balcony. Two adult beds (combined into a king), pull-out couch, plus a Pullman bunk for the kids when needed. Modern bathroom with a glass-walled shower. USB and USB-C charging at the desk and bedside.
The cabin design on Quantum Ultra Class is refined and contemporary — clean lines, neutral colors, well-thought-out storage. The balcony was small but functional for morning coffee and watching the Greek isles slide by in the late afternoon.
Best deck for families: Deck 10 or 11, mid-ship. Quiet at night, close to elevators, easy access to the pool deck and the Royal Esplanade.
Cabin Categories Available
Interior — Affordable, ~144 sq ft. Some interior cabins have virtual balconies (LED screens showing real-time ocean views).
Oceanview — Window cabin without a balcony. ~166 sq ft. Solid budget upgrade.
Balcony (our choice) — ~200 sq ft with private balcony. The most popular family cabin.
Junior Suite — ~270 sq ft. More space but doesn’t include suite perks.
Family balconies and connecting cabins — Several configurations for larger families.
Sky Class Suites — Larger suites with Coastal Kitchen access, drink and dining packages, priority everything.
Star Class Suites — Royal Genie (personal butler), top-tier perks, the highest tier of cruise experience.
The Playmakers Story (And Why the Staff Was the Best I’ve Ever Experienced)
This deserves its own section.
The Playmakers Sports Bar staff, led by Dinesh on our July 2025 Greek Isles sailing, was — hand on heart — the best service team I’ve experienced on any cruise. Period.
That includes dozens of Royal Caribbean cruises, along with sailings on MSC, Carnival, Disney, and Norwegian. Playmakers on Odyssey of the Seas set a new bar for us.
Honestly, we did not even go there mainly for the sports. We went for those enormous windows, the views pouring in, the great drinks, and the easygoing atmosphere. But for the kids, Playmakers became one of the standout spots on the whole ship.
The staff treated Georgia and Francesca like absolute gold. They made their Campfire Cookies and decorated them right in front of the girls, which they absolutely loved. It was such a simple thing, but it became one of those little cruise memories that sticks with you.
Yes, Playmakers is a bar, but the staff made the kids feel completely welcome. And since our kids know how to act in that kind of setting, it was a total win for us.
What Made It Special
It wasn’t one thing. It was a hundred small things:
- They remembered our names by Day 2
- They remembered Francesca’s campfire cookie order
- They remembered my wife’s favorite cocktail and would start it as soon as we walked in
- They went out of their way to make sure Georgia and Francesca felt special — bringing them complimentary desserts when they were just having ice water, chatting with them about Greek islands they’d just visited, even drawing them a little picture on the kids’ menus
- The Campfire Cookie became a running family request — a warm, gooey, over-the-top dessert the girls talked about for days afterward — and the team always made a little event of bringing it out for them
- They remembered our friends’ names too, and made everyone in our group feel like we were the only people in the place
- Even at the busiest moments — peak game day, sea day rush — they kept the same level of attentiveness
Why This Matters for the Whole Cruise Experience
Playmakers became our de facto family meeting place. Every day. Lunch. Mid-afternoon snacks. Pre-dinner drinks. The kids loved it. The adults loved it. Our friends loved it. And by Day 2, walking into Playmakers felt like coming home to people who actually liked us.
This is the kind of service that turns a great cruise into a transformational one. Royal Caribbean’s typical service is consistently excellent across the fleet — but the Playmakers team on Odyssey was a level above. If you sail Odyssey, plan to make Playmakers a daily stop. And tip the team generously. They’ve earned it.
Dining on Odyssey of the Seas
There are so many great options, so let’s break them down.
Complimentary Dining (Included)
Main Dining Room (3-Deck) — I’ll be upfront: I’m a specialty-dining person at heart, so I usually skip the Main Dining Room. That said, we ate here twice for group meals, and it was a perfectly solid experience both times.
Unlike older Quantum-class ships that split dining into four smaller venues, Odyssey consolidates everything into one grand, multi-level dining room spanning Decks 3 and 4. The space itself is genuinely impressive. The open ceiling makes it feel airy rather than cramped, and there is a striking art installation overhead that ties the whole room together and gives each evening a little sense of occasion.
The menu changes nightly with dishes pulled from around the globe. If you are scanning for something worth ordering, the prime rib is a reliable crowd-pleaser. The duck à l’Orange and Moroccan-spiced tuna are the kind of slightly more ambitious entrées that stand out from the usual rotation. There is also a set of “Classics” available every night if you would rather play it safe.
For us, it was a pleasant, no-fuss way to sit down together as a group, and the service was attentive without being fussy. If your idea of a great cruise dinner is the same as mine, you will probably still spend most nights at the specialty restaurants — but the Main Dining Room more than holds its own when you want a relaxed meal with the whole crew.
Windjammer Café (Buffet) — The main buffet. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Multiple stations. Reliable and varied. If you are a buffet person, you will love it, if your not, it’s just a buffet! But Windjammer always works for breakfast and to keep the kids happy!
Cafe Promenade (Esplanade) — Casual 24-hour cafe. Sandwiches, pastries, coffee. Late-night snacks.
Sorrento’s Pizza (Esplanade) — Royal Caribbean’s free pizza venue. Open most hours. Different specialty pizza daily.
El Loco Fresh (Pool Deck) — Casual Mexican grab-and-go. Build-your-own tacos, burritos, nachos. The famous toppings bar. A pool-day staple.
The Two70 Cafe (within Two70) — The Café @ Two70 ended up being one of our favorite complimentary dining spots during the day on Odyssey of the Seas. It is tucked inside the Two70 area, so it is a little more out of the way compared with places like Café Promenade or Sorrento’s, but that was honestly part of what we liked about it. It felt like a quieter, more relaxed place to grab something quick without being right in the middle of the busiest parts of the ship.
SeaPlex Doghouse (within SeaPlex) — Hot dogs and quick bites. Perfect during SeaPlex activity sessions.
Solarium Bistro (Adults Only) — Mediterranean-themed light dining in the adult Solarium. Underrated free venue.
Room Service — Continental breakfast complimentary; other items carry a delivery fee.
Coastal Kitchen (Sky/Star Class only) — Suite-only restaurant.
Specialty Dining (Extra Cost or Included with Dining Package)
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar — Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar ended up being one of our go-to specialty spots, and I’d recommend it to anyone cruising with kids or doing a group dinner. While a lot of specialty restaurants can feel a little too grown-up for younger palates, Giovanni’s strikes a nice balance.
The menu has enough familiar, kid-friendly options that our two were happy, while we still got to enjoy a proper Italian meal. The hand-tossed, made-to-order pizzas were a hit at our table, and that alone made it an easy choice for a family dinner.
The setting helps too. Giovanni’s has warm wooden tables, soft lighting, and a relaxed trattoria vibe that feels special without being stuffy. Every meal starts with garlic knots, which set the tone nicely, and the charcuterie board is a standout. It is a great thing to graze on while you settle in.
If you’re deciding what to order, the filet is the move. I actually wandered in one night around 9 p.m. for a second dinner, grabbed the filet on a whim, and it was excellent — cooked exactly to order and every bit as good as what you’d get at a dedicated steakhouse. And if you are wondering, you 100% can do shots of Jägermeister – just ask. We did, and during one of our group dinners, the shots were flowing!
If you choose this route, you may get a reaction from your daughter!
Between the food, the atmosphere, and how easygoing it is with kids in tow, Giovanni’s was an easy win for us. Pricing is typically around $39–$45 per person.
Chops Grille — Chops Grille is always one of my favorites, and it did not disappoint on Odyssey. We booked it for my wife’s birthday dinner with a group of 11, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the whole cruise.
The room itself sets the tone perfectly for a celebration. It has dark wood finishes, rich jewel tones, and dim, warm lighting that strikes the balance between upscale and comfortable. It is noticeably quieter and more intimate than the Main Dining Room, which made it easy for our big group to actually talk and enjoy the meal together. We had a big table with a bunch of kids and they were able to accommodate us with no issues.
As for the food, this is a steakhouse, so the steaks are the headliner. The filet mignon is the dish I always come back to. It is reliably tender and cooked exactly to order. The ribeye is also a great pick if you want something with a bit more richness.
That said, Chops is more than just beef. The grilled Atlantic salmon and the colossal shrimp cocktail are both worth a look if you are not in a red-meat mood. Do not sleep on the sides either. The truffle fries and Gruyère tater tots are easy crowd-pleasers for a table. And save room for dessert, because the key lime pie is famous for a reason.
For a special occasion with a group, Chops checked every box for us, and the service handled our party of 11 without a hitch. Pricing is typically around $59 per person.
Izumi Sushi — Sushi bar and Japanese small plates. À la carte pricing. The guys working here were a blast. I dropped in just to hang with them and eat some awesome Sushi. Izumi is always worth a visit on any RC ship.
Teppanyaki by Izumi — Teppanyaki by Izumi was hands-down one of the most fun dinners of our cruise. We had a group of nine, and the communal hibachi-table setup is tailor-made for that kind of crowd. You are seated together around the flat-top grill while the chef cooks everything right in front of you, turning dinner into a full-on dinner-and-a-show.
Our chef was genuinely hilarious, working the table with jokes and tricks throughout the meal. The whole atmosphere was loud, lively, and rambunctious in the best way. The highlight for us was when he tossed shrimp out for people to catch in their mouths, and my daughter Georgia actually caught hers. It was easily one of those little moments we will be talking about for years.
The food more than held up its end, too. The menu is built around teppanyaki combos, so you can mix proteins to your liking. I went with a combo of filet and scallops, and both were cooked perfectly right there on the grill alongside fried rice and vegetables.
But what genuinely stole the show was the room itself. The floor-to-ceiling windows are stunning, and having that wide-open ocean view as a backdrop while the chef put on his performance made the whole experience feel elevated.
Between the food, the view, and the sheer fun of it all, this was a great dinner and an easy one to recommend, especially if you are traveling with a group or with kids. Pricing is typically around $49–$59 per person, and it books up fast, so reserve early.
Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine — Royal Caribbean’s avant-garde sensory dining. Surreal, theatrical, conceptual. Think very small portion tasting menu. Great concept and well done for a cruise ship. Not for traditionalists. About $69 per person. A unique experience worth doing once.
The Chef’s Table — Intimate multi-course wine pairing dinner with the executive chef. Limited seatings, book early.
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade — I know we already covered it and you know Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade became our regular hangout on Odyssey, mostly thanks to the bar and the staff, as I mentioned. But let’s focus on the bar itself for this one. It has the best beer selection on the ship, with a genuine lineup of craft brews alongside the usual domestic and international options. We found ourselves dropping in often just to grab a drink, and you can get a flight if you want to sample a few.
The setting helps, too. Playmakers is perched up on Deck 16 overlooking the SeaPlex, with dozens of high-definition TVs scattered around, so there really is not a bad seat in the house if you want to catch a game.
It is also a great spot for a quick, casual meal when you do not feel like doing a full sit-down dinner. The menu is classic sports-bar fare and is priced à la carte, with options like wings, burgers, nachos, onion rings, and chicken sandwiches. Honestly, the food is better than it needs to be. Playmakers was always our first stop after getting back on the ship from port!
If you order one thing, make it the poke nachos. They come with crispy fried wonton chips, fresh ahi tuna, and sriracha aioli, and they are easily big enough to share. The burger is a reliable winner too.
Should You Get the Ultimate Dining Package?
Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Dining Package for a 7-night cruise runs roughly $230-300 per person. Math:
- Giovanni’s ($39) + Chops ($59) + Teppanyaki ($55) + Wonderland ($69) = $222 à la carte
- Add a fifth specialty meal and you’re looking at $280+
For families doing 4-5 specialty meals on a 7-night cruise, the package is approximately break-even or slightly favorable. The math gets better if you’re doing the higher-end venues (Wonderland, Chef’s Table).
Worth it if: You’ll use it for 4+ meals across the week. I always get the Ultimate Dining Package when cruising Royal, I just think it is necessary to make the most of the cruise. It was worth it for us for the flexibility to eat where and when we liked and to eat twice if we wanted. Remember, the main dining room can be slow, especially for groups. The specialty restaurants are a much smoother experience.
Skip it if: You’re happy doing 1-2 specialty dinners and using the complimentary venues otherwise.
The Bars of Odyssey of the Seas
Standout Bars
Boleros (Esplanade) — Boleros was our spot for a little Latin flavor in the evenings. Tucked on Deck 4 right off the Royal Esplanade, it is a Cuban-inspired lounge that comes alive at night with a live band playing an infectious mix of salsa, merengue, samba, and cumbia.
The energy is the draw here. There is a dance floor, and as the night goes on, it fills up with people letting loose, whether they actually know the steps or are just having fun trying.
The cocktail menu leans into the theme, with the classic Cuban mojito as the signature pour. There are also Brazilian caipirinhas and a range of flavored margaritas if you want something fruitier. My go to drink here is the Frozen Mojito, it is awesome!
The bartenders were friendly and quick, which made it an easy place to post up for a round or two before moving on. If you like live music with a bit of rhythm and an atmosphere that invites you to get up and move, Boleros is well worth a stop.
Schooner Bar (Esplanade) — The Schooner Bar quickly became my go-to martini spot on Odyssey. Tucked on Deck 5 near Chops Grille, it is Royal Caribbean’s signature piano bar, and it leans hard into a cozy nautical theme.
The space has warm wood paneling, canvas sails and ropes, model ships, and plank flooring that makes you feel like you are actually aboard a schooner. It is the kind of room that invites you to settle in.
We dropped by a couple of nights, and the live music was a big part of the appeal. One evening, a piano player worked through familiar favorites and took requests. Another night, a guitarist set a more laid-back tone. Both made for a great soundtrack to a drink.
The cocktail menu is built for exactly this kind of lounge. There is a deep list of classic and craft cocktails, including a nice range of martinis, which is what kept pulling me back.
The bartenders mixed a great drink and were friendly without hovering, so it was easy to post up for a round or two. Whether you want a relaxed pre-dinner cocktail or a livelier sing-along as the night goes on, the Schooner Bar hits that sweet spot.
Bionic Bar (Esplanade) — The robot bartender concept. Watch robotic arms mix your drinks via tablet ordering. More gimmick than essential but fun to try once.
Giovanni’s Wine Bar — Attached to Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen is its Wine Bar, and it is worth calling out on its own. Set on Deck 5 facing the Royal Promenade, it is one of the better people-watching perches on the ship. You can settle in with a glass and watch the parade of passengers strolling by below.
The focus here is, naturally, the wine. A curated list of Italian vintages anchors things, from an everyday Sangiovese up to a Super Tuscan. There are also many wines available by the glass, along with a broader global selection spanning France, New Zealand, the U.S., and beyond.
There is a sommelier on hand if you want help finding the right pour. And if you are not in a wine mood, the classic Italian cocktails are a nice alternative. An Aperol Spritz is a great choice for something bright and bubbly, while a gin-forward Negroni gives you something with a little more backbone.
It is also a great low-key way to enjoy a taste of Giovanni’s without committing to a full dinner. You can graze on small plates designed to pair with a glass of wine, which makes it a nice stop before or after a meal.
The Lime & Coconut (Pool Deck) — The Lime & Coconut was the heart of the action on the pool deck, and it became our default daytime hangout. It is Royal Caribbean’s signature island bar — a two-story spot anchoring the main Caribbean-themed pool deck up top, with a second, smaller version serving the quieter pool nearby.
Everything about it leans into that beachy, vacation-mode vibe. There is rainbow-colored Caribbean seating, swinging seats at the bar, bartenders who add a little flair to the pour, and a rotation of DJs and live music keeping the energy up throughout the day.
It is the place to get that quintessential frozen, fruity cruise cocktail. The signature pour is the namesake Lime & Coconut, made with Malibu coconut rum, coconut milk, coconut syrup, guava syrup, and lime juice. It is cold and creamy, though fair warning, it runs on the sweet side. My girls got virgin daiquiris each day, well multiple times a day so be sure to take advantage of that as well.
If that is not your speed, the Painkiller is a popular crowd-favorite, and there is a full lineup of coladas, margaritas, and frosé to work through. But watchout, the Painkiller will get you, it got me!
Beyond the drinks, the location is half the appeal. You get great ocean views, easy access to the pool, and at night, it is one of the better spots for a movie under the stars.
For keeping a cold drink in hand without ever leaving the sun, the Lime & Coconut was hard to beat.
Two70 Bar (within Two70) — The bar at Two70 became one of our favorite happy-hour spots on the ship, and the view is the whole reason why. Tucked at the aft of the ship on Deck 5, Two70 is named for the sweeping 270-degree ocean views from its massive, nearly two-story floor-to-ceiling windows. There is nothing quite like nursing a drink while the ship’s wake unspools behind you.
By day, the space works as a relaxed “living room at sea,” with a mix of comfy couches, lounge seating, daybeds, and high-top tables spread around the room. It never feels cramped, even when it is busy. We loved settling in here for a pre-dinner cocktail and just soaking up the scenery through those windows.
The drinks hold up their end, too. The bar here tends to hand-craft its cocktails rather than lean on mixes, so the quality is a notch above some of the busier bars around the ship.
But for us, the quiet golden-hour version was the one we kept coming back to — a good drink, great company, and that enormous ocean view.
Music Hall Bar — The Music Hall quickly became one of our favorite spots on Odyssey of the Seas. It is a two-deck, nightclub-style venue with a dance floor, stage, live bands, DJ nights, and plenty of energy. It feels like a bigger version of the Music Hall venue you would see on some Oasis Class ships.
Tucked across two levels at the back of the ship, Music Hall has a rock-and-roll theme that really works. The space is decked out in black and crushed red velvet, and it genuinely feels like a venue a rock star would have called home.
There is a bar on each floor, which makes it easy to grab a drink no matter where you end up sitting or standing. I also loved that the drink menu leaned into the theme with musically inspired cocktails and fun names like “Metalliquor” and “Ice Ice Baby.” Sipping one of those while a tribute band tore through awesome cover songs was about as close to a real concert as you can get at sea.
The space is endlessly versatile, too. Throughout the day and night, Music Hall hosted everything from trivia and karaoke to late-night game shows and dance parties. That is exactly why it doubles as the ship’s de facto nightclub.
If you want a break from the music, you can also wander over for a game of pool. It gives the space another casual hangout element, especially earlier in the evening before the room really gets going.
My biggest tip is to check the app for the lineup and get there early at night. This place fills up fast, especially when there is a good band or party scheduled, so grabbing a good seat early is worth it.
Our whole group spent time in here several nights and really enjoyed it. The band was great, the vibe in the evenings was perfect, and Music Hall ended up being one of those spots we kept coming back to throughout the cruise.
Solarium Bar (Adults Only) — Tucked inside the adults-only Solarium up on Deck 14, the Solarium Bar — also called the Sunshine Bar — became our go-to escape whenever the main pool deck got too crowded.
The staff were a highlight: friendly, quick, and happy to whip up a custom drink if you did not see what you wanted on the menu. The standard cocktail lineup is solid, and there is a fun, colorful house pour — the blue Curaçao Cosmo — that is sweeter and surprisingly coconut-forward if you are in the mood for something tropical.
But the real draw, beyond the relaxed vibe and the great service, is the view. With the floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the ship right there, you can sip a drink with a wide-open ocean panorama in front of you.
For a more grown-up, low-key spot to grab a cocktail away from the poolside commotion, the Solarium Bar was an easy favorite for us.
Playmakers (SeaPlex) — Sports bar drinks. Covered above. Great staff.
The Pub — The Crown & Compass Pub was hands-down where we had some of our best nights on Odyssey. Set right in the heart of the action on the Royal Esplanade, it is Royal Caribbean’s take on a traditional British pub — casual, warm, and easy to wander into.
We came back nightly, and the live music was the reason. The resident acoustic players were fantastic, working through cover after cover while the whole bar sang along. It had that rare, infectious energy where strangers become a crowd and everyone is belting out the same chorus. It was just a blast every single night.
The drinks fit the pub theme nicely, with a lineup of beer cocktails and clever pours like the Dublin Iced Tea, which has a refreshing soda-like taste with a Guinness edge to it. I was drinking snakebites all trip, they were awesome!
One thing that genuinely surprised us was that the pub actually serves food. That is something we had never come across at a Royal Caribbean pub before, and it was a welcome touch when you want a bite without leaving the fun.
Between the music, the sing-alongs, the drinks, and that come-as-you-are vibe, the Crown & Compass became our nightly ritual and the source of some of our favorite memories on the whole cruise.
Entertainment Worth Booking
The Book (Two70)
The signature Two70 show on Odyssey. Seven chapters, one adventure. High-tech multimedia spectacular with the Vistarama screens, Roboscreens, aerialists, and dancers. Visually stunning. Book a reservation in the app.
The Effectors (Royal Theater)
Comic-book-inspired production with superheroes, villains, drones, and high-tech effects. Family-friendly. Excellent.
Showgirl (Royal Theater)
Cabaret-style production show. Glamorous, music-driven.
Music Hall Live Performances
Live bands, themed nights, dance parties. Different acts throughout the cruise.
North Star Experience
Not entertainment per se, but the glass observation capsule that extends out over the side of the ship and rises 300 feet above sea level. Free during sea days; paid experience in some ports. Gorgeous views, especially while sailing into a Greek island at sunset. It was cool to do it on sea days.
RipCord by iFly
Skydiving simulator. Each rider gets a 1-minute float in the vertical wind tunnel. About $35-50 per session. The kids absolutely loved it.
Best for Families With Kids of Mixed Ages
With Georgia (8) and Francesca (6) and our friends’ kids of similar ages, Odyssey was nearly perfect:
- Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs by age group — both kids had their own age-appropriate spaces
- Splashaway Bay for the younger ages
- SeaPlex bumper cars, laser tag, and arcade for everyone
- Pool deck big enough for kids to splash while parents lounge
- Playmakers as a family gathering spot
- Two70 evening shows worked for our 6-year-old up through adults
- North Star observation capsule was magical for all ages
This is the part I most want other families to hear: Odyssey is one of the most kid-friendly ships we’ve cruised, and crucially, it manages that without shortchanging the adults. Our girls loved the kids’ club and the activities, our friends’ children had just as good a time, and the parents in our group still got our quiet drinks in Two70 and our peaceful afternoons in the Solarium. That balance is harder to pull off than it sounds, and Odyssey gets it right. Sailing as a group of two families, we never once felt like anyone — kid or grown-up — was bored or underserved. Check out my blog on Star of the Seas if you want to explore a really large ship with endless options for things to do!
What Makes Odyssey Stand Out in the Quantum Ultra Class
Quantum Ultra Class has two ships: Spectrum of the Seas (China-based) and Odyssey of the Seas. Compared to the older Quantum Class (Quantum, Anthem, Ovation), Quantum Ultra ships are bigger, with refined amenities.
What’s Unique to Odyssey Within the Class
Largest SeaPlex with Playmakers inside — Other Quantum Class ships have Playmakers as a separate venue. Odyssey put it inside the SeaPlex with club-level views of the bumper cars and laser tag. Brilliant design.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar — The first Quantum class ship to have Giovanni’s. The newest Italian restaurant in the Royal Caribbean fleet at the time.
Teppanyaki by Izumi — Specialty Japanese hibachi as a standalone venue (separate from sushi). Significant upgrade and the views are amazing.
Caribbean-Style Pool Deck — Tropical refresh with casitas and brighter colors. The upgrade from the older Quantum design.
Reimagined Adventure Ocean — Age-specific play spaces and updated programming.
Splashaway Bay (vs. older H2O Zone) — Upgraded kids’ aqua park with slides and a drench bucket.
The Book (Two70 signature show) — Unique to Odyssey within the class.
Where Odyssey Falls Short (Honest Take)
Less variety than Oasis/Icon Class — Smaller ship means fewer specialty restaurants, fewer bars, less overall variety. If you crave the mega-ship overwhelm, Oasis/Icon Class win.
No “neighborhoods” like the Oasis Class — Some cruisers miss Central Park, the Royal Promenade, the Boardwalk. Quantum Ultra Class is more functionally organized.
Heat in Mediterranean July — Not the ship’s fault, but Greek Isles in July gets hot. Plan accordingly.
Some specialty venues book up immediately — Especially Giovanni’s, Teppanyaki, and Chef’s Table. Reserve before sailing or Day 1 of cruise.
No AquaTheater — Quantum Class ships don’t have the outdoor diving theater that Oasis Class ships have. You’ll miss the aqua shows if you’ve sailed Oasis Class.
Smaller Royal Theater — Compared to Oasis Class. Still solid but less expansive.
Final Verdict: Book This Cruise
The smile pretty much says it all. Odyssey of the Seas just may be my second favorite Royal Caribbean ship, and after our July 2025 Greek Isles sailing, the gap to my favorite (Utopia) has narrowed considerably. The ship is right-sized, the Quantum Ultra Class venues are unique and well-executed, the staff (especially Playmakers) was genuinely exceptional, and the Mediterranean itinerary is one of the best cruise itineraries in the world. Odyssey gave us a vacation that worked for everyone — thrill-seeking kids, relaxation-seeking parents, and two families traveling together. The two-deck Royal Promenade, the pool decks, the beautiful adults-only Solarium, the food, the standout team at Playmakers, and above all the unbeatable SeaPlex added up to something special.
If you’re considering this trip — especially the 7-night Greek Isles from Rome — book it. Don’t overthink it. The combination of an excellent ship, an unforgettable itinerary, and a multi-generational family-friendly format is hard to match anywhere in cruising right now. After more than 30 sailings, a ship earning a permanent spot in our personal top tier is not a thing we say lightly.
Our family is already trying to figure out when we can sail Odyssey again — honestly, we’d step back aboard tomorrow. That’s the highest compliment I can pay a cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Odyssey of the Seas sail from?
Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) in fall and winter. Civitavecchia (Rome) in summer. The Mediterranean season typically runs May through October.
How long is the Greek Isles itinerary?
Royal Caribbean offers 7-night, 8-night, and 9-night Greek Isles itineraries on Odyssey. The 7-night roundtrip from Rome is the most common and visits Santorini, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Mykonos, Naples, and back to Rome.
Is Odyssey of the Seas good for families?
Yes — it’s excellent for families. Adventure Ocean kids’ programming, Splashaway Bay, SeaPlex, family-friendly entertainment, and plenty of dining variety. The ship is well-suited for kids ages 3-15.
How does Odyssey of the Seas compare to Oasis Class ships?
Different scale. Odyssey is smaller (169,300 GT vs Oasis Class 236,000+ GT). Odyssey has unique Quantum Ultra features (North Star, Two70, RipCord) that Oasis Class doesn’t have. Oasis Class has more neighborhoods, more dining variety, and more entertainment options. Different ships for different priorities. Check out my blog on Utopia of the Seas to get more information.
What’s the North Star?
A glass observation capsule unique to Quantum Class ships that rises 300 feet above the ship on a mechanical arm, providing 360-degree views. Free during sea days; reservation required. Paid experience during port days.
Is Two70 worth experiencing?
Absolutely yes. By day it’s a beautiful 270-degree window lounge with seating, library, and cafe. By night it’s a transformative multimedia entertainment space with Roboscreens, Vistarama projection, and aerialists. The signature Two70 show on Odyssey is The Book.
Should I do the Royal Caribbean shore excursions for the Greek Isles?
For Ephesus (Turkey): yes, definitely. Worth booking the official excursion. For Santorini: a Royal Caribbean excursion that pairs the town with a black sand beach club is an easy, low-stress way to do the day with kids. For Mykonos: skip the buses and beaches and get out on the water — chartering a catamaran for your group was the single best decision of our itinerary. For Naples: chartering a boat to Ischia made for a perfect, relaxed family day, though organized tours work better if you’d rather see Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast, Royal has a number of excursions available. I am glad to assist you in setting up all your excursions, just reach out and I can handle the entire process!
Is the Mediterranean too hot for cruising in July?
It’s hot. July temperatures in the Greek Isles regularly hit 85-95°F. The ship is air-conditioned but port days are sun-exposed. Bring sunscreen, light clothing, hats, and plenty of water. Don’t skip the pool deck — the Mediterranean is beautiful for swimming.
Thank you for reading my blog! If you are looking for a travel advisor who is really familiar with Royal Caribbean, visit my site at www.minottitravelclub.com
Check out my Youtube Video Tour of Odyssey of the Seas!!