Making her maiden voyage in April 2022, and with European sailings throughout that summer, Royal Caribbean’s new Odyssey of the Seas™ is a truly remarkable Quantum Ultra Class vessel packed with next-level amenities, activities and entertainment. They range from bumper cars and glow-in-the-dark laser tag, to the RipCord®by iFLY® skydiving simulator and the Virtual Adventure Zone, the first fully immersive 4D virtual reality experience at sea.
Other highlights include a FlowRider® surf simulator, a Hit the Sky Pad® bungee trampoline and a vast pool deck with two resort-style pools, plenty of shady casitas and hammocks, and and the two-storey Lime and Coconut® bar. Meanwhile, the Two70® open-area living room with panoramic views transforms into multimedia, multi-sensory theatre by night, and there are Paris- and Las Vegas-inspired productions including Showgirl. When you need an escape from the social whirl, Vitality℠ Spa with its Elemis, bliss, La Thérapie and Ionithermie treatments provides a blissful retreat.
Onboard dining is as extensive as you’d expect aboard a vessel of this size and calibre. They include steakhouse classics with white tablecloth service at Chop’s Grille, exclusive five-course feasts at Chef’s Table, hand-rolled sushi at Izumi and Far East fare at Teppanyaki. At the new Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, expect Old World classics and taco and nachos lunches with margaritas, while El Loco Fresh brings the fiesta poolside with grab-and go Mexican flavours including tacos and beef burritos.
We’ve picked out a couple of our favourite Odyssey of the Seas™ itineraries for next summer:
This round-trip takes you to Santorini, Mykonos and Naples/Capri for plenty of cultural discoveries and nature encounters. In Santorini, you can take a cable-car up to the capital of Fira, with its old cathedrals, fascinating museums and cosy tavernas, swim off the red and black pebbled beaches, tour excavated Akrotiri and explore by bike or ATV.
In Mykonos, there’s plenty of time to wander bougainvillea-lined marble alleyways, explore local maritime history at Armenistis Lighthouse and the Folklore Museum’s Mykonian ship models, and even join in a beach party.
In Naples, you might investigate the Gennaro catacombs, walk the Miglio Sacro ('Holy Mile’) and people-watch from a café, or there’s even time to go up nearby Mount Vesuvius or tour the world-famous ruins of Pompeii. Plus with two full days at sea, there’s plenty of time to make the most of Odyssey of the Seas’™ amazing facilities.
Another round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia), this cultural odyssey takes in Haifa, Jerusalem, Limassol, Rhodes, Ephesus, Santorini and Chania. Again, two full days at sea give you lots of scope to enjoy life on board, but you’ll also have time for some unforgettable experiences ashore.
In Haifa, for instance, you can stroll the German Colony with its restored 1860s streets with their restaurants, cafés and galleries, and also the UNESCO-listed tropical Bah'ai Gardens. In Turkey, the World Heritage ruins of Ephesus – still an excavation site – include the Celsus Library and one remaining column from the Temple of Artemis, one of the wonders of the ancient world. In the port of Kusadasi, you can wander along the seaside promenade, shop for and spices in the bazaar, and visit Pigeon Island for views from the Byzantine castle once used by pirates.
To book your European cruise with Royal Caribbean, contact your Travel Counsellor today.
There are so many great reasons to experience certain destinations in the shoulder seasons – that sweet spot between a region’s peak season and off-season. Think fewer crowds and queues for major attractions, better-value flights and other travel, and a more authentic experience of the destination. We’ve put our heads together to share a few of our favourite places that can be just as good or even better outside of high season.
Discover a slice of paradise that’s perfect for everyone at Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort. Nestled on Portugal's serene Algarve coast, this resort offers the ultimate combination of luxury and entertainment, ensuring both kids and adults have an unforgettable stay. With spacious accommodation overlooking picturesque scenes and separate zones catering to privacy, relaxation, and family fun, Anantara Vilamoura is the epitome of a luxury haven.
Explore the USA with Aer Lingus with seasonal flights from Dublin. Experience the hustle and bustle of New York, the sandy beaches of Miami, or the art and culture of San Francisco. Whether you are looking for a fun-filled family holiday or a romantic getaway, the USA has something for everyone.
