Odyssey of the Seas

The SeaPlex: The SeaPlex is a chameleon-like space that can transform from a full-size basketball court to a bumper car rink to a glow-in-the-dark laser-tag zone. Its second level features an arcade that’s both old school (Skee-Ball) and 21st-century cool (Xbox) and the adjoining Playmakers Sports Bar means parents can toss back craft beer and pub food as they watch their favorite teams on more than four dozen TV screens while their kids enjoy activities on the SeaPlex court or in the arcade. There’s also a fully immersive virtual reality venue (in addition to goggles, guests wear foot and hand sensors) that requires reservations but wins raves.

The Extensive Dining and Bar Scene: There are 14 restaurants aboard Odyssey of the Seas, and seven are complimentary venues included in your cruise fare. They are the main dining room (a cool space featuring LED walls with changeable artwork), the Windjammer Buffet (open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner), El Loco Fresh (for poolside tacos and nachos), Solarium Bistro (for a more limited buffet selection and inventive small plates), Cafe@Two70 (for casual breakfast burritos and sandwiches), Café Promenade (for 24/7 sandwiches and desserts) and Sorrento’s Pizza (for all-day and late-night slices). Among the seven extra-charge specialty restaurants, favorites include Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, serving family-style Italian classics, and Chop’s Grille, for a classic steakhouse menu. Playmakers Sports Bar is also great if you’re craving a good burger or chicken wings at reasonable prices. Speaking of bars, Odyssey has nine, ranging from the Schooner piano bar to two-level, tropical-themed The Lime and Coconut. And Boleros is the spot to enjoy a mojito and a Latin dance beat.

Music Hall: It’s only rock ‘n roll — but we like it. Music Hall, a two-level night-time venue decorated in edgy red and black velvet, is all about guitar riffs and drum beats as cover bands (think the music of Bon Jovi, Journey, Van Halen, and Led Zeppelin) belt out classic rock hits. On some nights, however, the space is devoted to DJ sets or jazz performances. It’s always worth checking out what’s going on.

North Star Sightseeing Capsule: Unique in cruising, the North Star sightseeing capsule featured on all Quantum and Quantum Ultra class ships lifts passengers 300 feet above sea level for panoramic views of the ocean or ports. 

RipCord by iFLY Simulated Sky Diving: If you’re too chicken to jump out of an airplane, the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator located on deck 16 of Odyssey of the Seas (and on all Quantum and Quantum Ultra ships) will give you a taste of gravity-defying exhilaration as you freefall without actually falling.  

Two70: In addition to production shows and game shows in the two-level Royal Theater, Odyssey of the Seas features the innovative Two70 space, where agile performers and aerialists take the stage alongside six animated “Roboscreens” and a 100-foot-wide “Vistarama” screen to create a multidimensional live show. These complimentary performances are fantasy-like in scope and theme, blending engaging music, high-flying acrobats, and bold video imagery to outrageous effect.

Multi-generational Families with Tweens & Teens: There are no waterslides or carousels onboard Quantum and Quantum Ultra class ships, but there are plenty of sports- and agility-based activities, as well as high-tech gaming, to keep active tweens and teens busy. And grown-ups will enjoy the line-up of nighttime entertainment options, which also include musical performances in the ship’s bars and lounges, on-deck movie nights, and a casino with blackjack and poker tournaments. 

There are no Broadway Musicals: Unlike on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships — which offer productions of top Broadway shows that include Mamma Mia!, Hairspray, Grease, and Cats — Odyssey of the Seas’ Royal Theater features themed production shows that aren’t always as polished or entertaining.