Odyssey of the Seas Review 2026: My Honest Verdict After Two Cruises
Is Odyssey of the Seas worth it? Yes. After my second cruise on her, a 7 night Greek Isles sailing from Rome in 2026, I'd still book her for the activities, the food and the bar service. The North Star, RipCord and The Book are must-dos. The weak spot is the shows, which haven't changed at all since my first sailing in 2024.
Below I walk you round the ship the way I filmed it: the pool deck, the Solarium, the thrill rides, every restaurant, the bars, the shows, my junior suite (room 9202) and the itinerary. I'll tell you what you must not miss, what you could miss, and my overall verdict at the end so you can decide if Odyssey is right for you.
Odyssey of the Seas at a Glance
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
Class: Quantum Ultra (the last Quantum class ship built)
Entered service: 2021, built by Meyer Werft in Germany
Size: about 169,000 gross tons, 16 decks, 2,105 staterooms
Guests: 4,198 at double occupancy
My sailing: 7 nights, Greek Isles round trip from Civitavecchia (Rome), 2026
My cabin: Junior Suite 9202, deck 9
Times I've sailed her: two (2024 and 2026)
Is Odyssey of the Seas worth it? My quick verdict
So, short answer: yes, and I'd sail her a third time. Odyssey is big enough to keep a family busy for a week but nowhere near as overwhelming as the Oasis class ships. The included food is good enough that you could skip specialty dining entirely, the bar service was top notch even on packed sea days, and the free thrills (North Star, RipCord, FlowRider, bumper cars, laser tag) are still things you can't do on most ships.
But I came back two years later and nothing felt new. Same shows, same line-up. For a 5 year old ship the hardware doesn't need updating, but the entertainment could do with a refresh.
What I loved
The North Star, with one free session on port days
RipCord by iFly, one complimentary session per cruise
The Book in Two70, the best show on board
The enclosed, multi-level Solarium
Main dining room steaks, and Royal Night if you like shellfish
Bar service all over the ship
What could be better
Most of the theatre shows were average, apart from The Effectors
The shopping kiosks on the Royal Esplanade are in the way
Smoking is allowed in the casino, and there's no separate non-smoking casino
The Vitality Spa isn't extensive enough for the extra cost
The running track is in a high-traffic area
What's on the Odyssey of the Seas pool deck?
The pool deck is a good place to start, because it's where you'll want to be on embarkation day. On deck 14 there are actually two pools, plus hot tubs and Splashaway Bay for the kids. The main pool is not a bad size, and it's where the sail away party happens on day one.
The Lime and Coconut is the pool bar. There's one on deck 14 and another up on deck 15, which has a great vantage point over the pool deck and out to sea. Bright colours, tropical theme, lots of tropical cocktails on the menu, and extra bench seating up there.
Further along is the second pool. It's the quieter one, with a big screen where they show movies, a hot tub and its own Lime and Coconut bar.
Is the North Star free on Odyssey of the Seas?
Yes, one session is included in your cruise fare on port days. You book it the night before in the Royal Caribbean app, and we had no issues getting a slot. The North Star is unique to the Quantum class: a glass viewing pod on the end of a hydraulic arm that lifts you over 300 feet (about 90 m) above sea level. It holds 14 people at a time.
You should not miss doing this once on your cruise. It's a view like nothing else I've seen on a cruise ship. The longer sea day "extended flight" costs extra, only the port day sessions are free.
Is the Solarium on Odyssey of the Seas worth it?
Yes, I really like this Solarium. It's at the very front of deck 14 and it's completely enclosed, so whatever the weather, the climate is controlled. The pools are laid out over several levels like a waterfall, with two large hot tubs, a mix of sunbeds and sofas, and the Solarium bar. It's adults only, 18 and over (Royal Caribbean raised the age from 16 in 2023).
A nice bonus is the two outdoor viewing decks, one on each side. From there you can watch the North Star swinging out over the sea.
Which restaurants are up on deck 14?
Solarium Bistro (included). Inside the Solarium, open for breakfast and dinner, plus lunch on sea days. You're meant to book for dinner, but on our cruise it didn't seem that popular, so you could probably just turn up. It's a buffet, but a waiter seats you and takes drink orders. The theme is Mediterranean and dishes come already portioned: tapas, vegetables, calamari, pita bread, then chicken, salmon and beef kofte for mains. The crema Catalana was nice. Tasty food and a much calmer atmosphere than the main buffet, but lacking in choice for sure.
Teppanyaki (cover charge). Japanese cuisine cooked on the teppan grill right in front of you. The chef throws in a bit of entertainment, it's good fun, and the food is incredible. I recommend this one.
Coastal Kitchen (suites only). Included in your fare, but only if you're in a suite. Beautiful setting on deck 14 with sea views. The menu is a step up from the main dining room, some of the same dishes but more premium, with no upcharges. The filet mignon, yes, I could have that every day. The lamb chops were very good too. We were in a junior suite, so we could only book it for dinner, subject to availability, and we didn't get suite lounge access or breakfast and lunch there. Even so, it's a real incentive for booking a suite.
Windjammer (included). The main buffet at the back of deck 14, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There's usually a theme and always a carvery. The variety is really quite good, with healthy options everywhere, not just the staples, and sweet treats like a chocolate fountain. Presentation and taste were good. Just avoid the busy times.
El Loco Fresh (included). Daytime Mexican by the pool: tacos, nachos, carnitas and rice, with plenty of toppings for loaded nachos. Some seats inside, or take it back to your sun lounger. Great pool-side snacks.
What activities are free on Odyssey of the Seas?
Most of the headline ones. Outside on deck 15 there's the running track, family games and sun loungers. Beware, the track runs through a high-traffic area, so it's not the best spot for a run. There's also the SkyPad, a ball-shaped venue used for games and fitness classes.
The back of the ship is where the thrills are:
RipCord by iFly: a skydive simulator. Inside the cylinder so much air pushes up at you that it feels like falling to earth. One session per cruise is complimentary, all kit and instructions are provided, and you need to be reasonably fit. Another must-do.
FlowRider: a surf simulator, stand-up or boogie board. It's beginner friendly, you just sign up and get some instructions, and there's no extra cost to try it.
SeaPlex: the indoor sports court, which also hosts bumper cars and laser tag. Both are included in your fare.
Upstairs on the SeaPlex mezzanine is Playmakers sports bar, with pool, shuffleboard and screens showing live sports. Drinks work like any other bar on board, but the pub food menu has an extra charge.
Is the Vitality Spa worth it?
I'd give it a miss. The Vitality Spa and fitness centre are at the front of deck 15, with a hair salon, nail salon and the usual massages and facials. There's a relaxation area you can book, with a steam room, sauna, heated tile beds and an experience shower, but it's not that extensive. For the extra cost I don't think there's much here.
The gym upstairs on deck 16 is a different story. It's bright and sunny with front-facing sea views, and has plenty of machines and free weights if you want to keep up your routine.
What's the Royal Esplanade like?
The Royal Esplanade is the heart of the ship, a hub for food, shopping and entertainment across decks 4 and 5. There's a Starbucks on deck 4, and deck 5 has more restaurants, shops and bars. In the middle are shopping kiosks for jewellery, bags, watches and perfume. Shops only open at sea to avoid port taxes, but these kiosks are permanently installed, so they're a bit in the way the rest of the time.
The theme nights happen here, like White Night and the Latin party. I recommend going, the entertainment team bring really high energy. The balloon drop was a bit underwhelming. And I'll say it again, those kiosks are really in the way.
Boleros on deck 4 is perfectly placed at the back of the Esplanade. It's a big Latin-themed bar with a large dance floor, plenty of seating, a bar specialising in tequila and mezcal, and a live Caribbean or Latin band every night. If you like dancing, it's one of the better venues on board.
Is the main dining room good on Odyssey of the Seas?
Yes, and I thoroughly recommend it for dinner. You'll either have a set dining time or My Time Dining. Here's the proof: we had Coastal Kitchen access and still chose to eat here a couple of nights. It's a grand room spread over two floors, tables nicely set but not too formal, and the scale of the service always amazes me.
The theme changes every night and the menus are posted in advance, so you can pick which nights to eat here and which to try specialty dining. My tip: don't miss Royal Night if you like shellfish.
On Italian night I had:
Beef carpaccio with rocket and parmesan. The Dijon dressing was delicious. 4 stars.
New York strip steak with peppercorn sauce. Simple vegetable sides, but the steak was cooked perfectly. 4.5 stars.
Tiramisu, because it's Italian night. Not bad.
Which bars and specialty restaurants are on deck 5?
This is my second cruise on Odyssey and I do like the design on deck 5, it's sleek and modern. Walking from the Esplanade towards the back, then forward again, here's what you'll pass.
Bionic Bar. Robot bartenders mix your cocktail after you order on a tablet, either a classic or your own custom mix. The robots are pretty efficient, and a screen shows the queue so you know when your drink is up.
Giovanni's Italian Kitchen (cover charge). On the port side, open for dinner and lunch on sea days. It's big and bright, with windows out to the lifeboat deck and a pizza oven on show. The wine bar next door runs like any other bar. Flavour is the theme: garlic, olive oil, tomato, pesto, and that's just the bread. The calamari was crispy with nice dips, I can't fault it. I had the filet mignon, a really good choice, though the pizza and pasta are highly rated. I finished with panna cotta. The tiramisu is also highly rated, so maybe I should have gone for that.
Next Cruise. A big space dedicated to getting you to book your next cruise, usually with an incentive attached.
Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine (cover charge). Alice in Wonderland themed, with the host dressed as Alice and the decor curiouser and curiouser. The menu is experimental and you reveal it by painting it with water, which builds the anticipation. The bird's nest arrived under a smoky cloche: a devilled egg on pastry, interesting flavour but a bit dry, so 3 stars, plus a shrimp bite I really liked. The wonton soup was the most boring dish but still had good flavour. The sea bass was excellently cooked, and the short rib was amazing, full marks. Dessert was "the world", a chocolate globe that melts under hot toffee sauce to reveal peanut butter mousse and ice cream. Presentation and service were excellent and I enjoyed Wonderland.
Izumi (cover charge or Ă la carte). Sushi and Japanese dishes, open for dinner and sea day lunch, with an open kitchen facing the Esplanade. Good news: you can choose Ă la carte pricing instead of the set menu. The set menu is one small plate, two large plates and dessert. The sushi (salmon, yellowtail and tuna) was really good, and the chicken teriyaki was fresh with great flavour.
Schooner Bar. Nautical theme with ropes, nets and block and tackle. Cozy, but it can get very busy. Expect a pub quiz in the day and a piano entertainer taking requests every night.
Chops Grille (cover charge). Tucked behind the Schooner Bar, the steakhouse Royal Caribbean regulars will know. The set menu covers a starter, main, sides and dessert. The colossal shrimp cocktail wasn't out of this world but was very nice, the lobster bisque was full of flavour, and there's no limit on sides. The steaks are excellent quality, cooked how you like, with a choice of sauces. The chocolate lava cake was a bit lacking in lava this time.
Chef's Table. In a private room at the back of Chops, around a dozen guests get a multi-course dinner with wine pairings. I've done a detailed Chef's Table review on my channel. Spoiler: yes, that's the same "world" dessert from Wonderland.
What makes Two70 special?
For me, Two70 is what makes the Quantum class special. It's at the back of deck 5 with floor-to-ceiling windows giving 270 degree views, which is where the name comes from. In the daytime it's a quiet place to sit and watch the sea from bench seating on two levels, with the odd dance class, seminar or game. At night the windows are covered and some of the theme parties, like 70s and 80s night, are held here.
On the way in you pass Café @ Two70, open for breakfast and lunch. The food is included: bagels, yogurt and cereal in the morning, wraps, sandwiches and a salad bar at lunch, plus filter coffee, tea, juice and water. The specialty coffee station charges extra.
The best way to see all the tech in Two70 is to reserve a seat for The Book. It's a production show told in seven chapters, seven different adventures that aren't connected to each other at all, that's for sure. But the staging, dancing and acrobats really show off the talent and the technology: a moving floor, panels rising and sinking, trapeze acts. It's really entertaining. This show is a must.
What are the best shows on Odyssey of the Seas?
The Book in Two70 and The Effectors in the Royal Theatre. Nothing else I'd call a must-see. The Royal Theatre is at the front of the ship, main entrance on deck 4 and upper seating on deck 5, with comfortable seats and good views from pretty much everywhere. The Effectors is Royal Caribbean's own superhero franchise. It sounds pretty cheesy, but honestly it's pretty good, with a decent storyline and special effects. There's even a sequel, Effectors 2, on Wonder of the Seas.
Other variety acts ran through the week, like La Machine de Cirque with acrobats and a pair of piano-playing brothers. They were fine, not essential.
For a night out after the show:
Music Hall: a two-storey bar and nightclub with a bar on each floor, bold rock and roll decor, pool tables, live TV, and a live band or DJ at night with a big dance floor.
Crown & Compass: the British pub on the Royal Esplanade, with a few extra draught beers, gin-based cocktails, a pub quiz in the day and definitely a pub singer at night. Seating inside and out on the Esplanade.
Where can you eat late or grab a snack for free?
The forward end of the Royal Esplanade. Café Promenade is open 24 hours for snacks, tea and coffee, all included. Sorrento's serves pizza from the afternoon until late, also included. Both have a specialty coffee station, which costs extra unless you have the Deluxe Beverage Package. There's also a Starbucks, which isn't covered by any drinks package.
This end is also where most of the shops are: jewellery, Solara for cosmetics, and Unboxed, a row of vending machines with useful essentials. Note that shops only open at sea, and that includes the vending machines.
Does Odyssey of the Seas have a non-smoking casino?
No. Casino Royale on deck 3 allowed smoking on our cruise, and while there are designated smoking areas, there's no separate non-smoking casino on Odyssey. If smoke bothers you, that's worth knowing before you book.
The casino only opens at sea. It has a good range of slots and table games and gets pretty busy when it's open. I'm not endorsing gambling, but if you stick to a budget it can be part of the entertainment, and it is for me. It's also the walkway on deck 3 between the main dining room and the Music Hall, with stairs up to the Esplanade.
What's a junior suite like on Odyssey of the Seas?
More than spacious enough. We were in Junior Suite 9202, a balcony suite on deck 9, and it was very comfortable for a week. Here's what you get:
Storage: three closets (one with bathrobes and a generous amount of hangers, one narrow, one for shorter items with the safe and drawers), plus a bureau with six deep drawers.
Bed: a large bed that converts to two twins. The bedding was very soft.
Living area: a big seating area with a sofa that pulls out for a third guest, a large TV, a fridge you can fill with your own items, and a desk with lots of surface space.
Power: American and European plugs plus two USB ports.
Coffee machine: a junior suite perk. It worked OK, but the pods weren't always replenished.
Two bathrooms: a separate toilet and sink, then a full bathroom with a shower over a big bathtub, a second sink and more storage. A bath on a cruise is a novelty, and the second toilet is a great benefit if you're sharing with someone who takes their time.
Toiletries: separate shampoo and conditioner plus body lotion, not the combo product in regular staterooms.
Balcony: extra large, with two sun loungers and footrests and a glass front for sea views.
Housekeeping is twice a day in a suite. Junior suites don't get access to the suite areas, but as I said, we still got into Coastal Kitchen for dinner.
Which restaurants are free and which cost extra?
Venue | Cost | My verdict |
Main Dining Room | Included | Must do. Great steak, don't miss Royal Night |
Windjammer | Included | Really good variety, avoid peak times |
Solarium Bistro | Included | Calm and tasty, limited choice |
El Loco Fresh | Included | Great pool-side snacks |
Café @ Two70 | Included (specialty coffee extra) | Easy breakfast and lunch |
Café Promenade | Included, 24 hours | Handy for snacks any time |
Sorrento's | Included | Late night pizza |
Coastal Kitchen | Suites only | Special. A reason to book a suite |
Teppanyaki | Cover charge | Recommended, incredible food |
Wonderland | Cover charge | Fun and different, short rib was the star |
Giovanni's Italian Kitchen | Cover charge | Big flavours, can't fault the calamari |
Izumi | Cover charge or Ă la carte | Really good sushi |
Chops Grille | Cover charge | Excellent steaks, unlimited sides |
Chef's Table | Extra charge | For a special occasion |
Playmakers (food) | Extra charge | Pub food menu costs extra |
Starbucks | Extra charge | Not in any drinks package |
My take: the buffet and main dining room are enough on their own, and you can always get good quality food in main dining on Royal. Go to specialty dining for a special occasion or something different, like Teppanyaki or Wonderland, not because you need to.
Are the drinks and dining packages worth it?
Buy them before you sail if you want them. That's the best value, because Royal Caribbean runs lots of promotions in the run-up to your sail date.
Dining package: on my first Odyssey cruise we had the 3 night dining package, and I recommend it as a good way to try the different specialty restaurants. This time we didn't feel we needed it.
Deluxe Beverage Package: I think it's worth getting. Besides alcohol and cocktails, it covers espresso coffees, fresh juice and bottled water.
On a full ship there are busy times at the bars, especially around the pool on sea days. But credit to the bar staff and the servers walking round doing sunbed service. Bar service all over the ship was top notch.
What's the Odyssey of the Seas Greek Isles itinerary?
Ours was a 7 night Greek Isles round trip from Civitavecchia, and if you like the look of it, Odyssey is back in 2027 with the same itinerary.
Day | Port |
1 | Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy: embarkation |
2 | Sea day |
3 | Santorini, Greece |
4 | Kusadasi, TĂĽrkiye (for ancient Ephesus) |
5 | Mykonos, Greece |
6 | Sea day |
7 | Naples, Italy |
8 | Civitavecchia (Rome): disembarkation |
The volcanic island of Santorini, Kusadasi for Ephesus, then captivating Mykonos, with a sea day either side to enjoy the ship. In Santorini we spent the day at Royal Beach Club Santorini, and I've got a separate video on that. I also filmed these stops and more in my eastern Mediterranean cruise guide on Odyssey, with lots of tips and even more shots of the ship.
Has Odyssey changed since 2024? My final thoughts
Not really, and that's my one real complaint. My first cruise on Odyssey was in 2024, and two years later nothing felt updated or new. The ship doesn't need it, she still looks sleek. But I was surprised to see the exact same line-up of shows. I wonder if Royal Caribbean would consider rotating shows around the fleet, at least within the same class, where they depend on the same technology like The Book.
Food: the buffet and main dining room were sufficient and I'd have been happy with just those. Specialty dining and Coastal Kitchen add the elevated experience on top. Between El Loco Fresh by day and Sorrento's late at night, I was never left without a good option.
Entertainment: I know it's hard to please everyone, but some of the theatre shows were a bit average. The exceptions are The Book and The Effectors. Away from the theatre, the entertainment team were really good, especially the theme nights and pool-side entertainment.
Activities: this is where Royal Caribbean and Odyssey shine. FlowRider and RipCord are free to try, the North Star gives you a view like nothing else on a cruise ship, and there's bumper cars, laser tag, sports courts and two theatre venues on top.
Who is Odyssey best for? Families and active couples who want thrills and plenty of included food without the sheer size of an Oasis class ship. If a non-smoking casino or a big spa matters to you, look elsewhere. If you've sailed her recently, know that the shows will be the same.
So would I go again? Yes. Have you sailed Odyssey? Let me know in the comments how your cruise compared.
More from The Walking Cruiser: compare her with the bigger Oasis class in my Utopia of the Seas ship guide, or see Royal Caribbean's newest ship in my Legend of the Seas guide. For official deck plans and current sailings, see Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas page.
Frequently asked questions
Is Odyssey of the Seas a good ship?
Yes. After two cruises on her (2024 and 2026), I'd rate her highly for activities, included food and bar service. Her weak point is the theatre entertainment, which hasn't changed in two years, apart from the excellent The Book and The Effectors.
Is the North Star free on Odyssey of the Seas?
One North Star session is included in your cruise fare on port days. Book it the night before in the Royal Caribbean app. The longer extended flight on sea days costs extra.
Is RipCord by iFly free on Odyssey of the Seas?
Yes, one RipCord by iFly session per cruise is complimentary. All the kit and instructions are provided, and you need to be of reasonable fitness. The FlowRider is also free to try.
What restaurants are free on Odyssey of the Seas?
The main dining room, Windjammer buffet, Solarium Bistro, El Loco Fresh, Café @ Two70, Café Promenade (24 hours) and Sorrento's pizza are all included. Coastal Kitchen is included for suite guests only.
Is the Solarium on Odyssey of the Seas adults only?
Yes, the Solarium is adults only, for guests 18 and over. It's fully enclosed at the front of deck 14, with tiered pools, two large hot tubs, a bar, the Solarium Bistro and two outdoor viewing decks.
Does Odyssey of the Seas have a non-smoking casino?
No. Smoking was permitted in Casino Royale on my 2026 cruise, with designated smoking areas, but there is no separate non-smoking casino on Odyssey of the Seas. The casino only opens at sea.
What is the best show on Odyssey of the Seas?
The Book in Two70 is the best show on board, using a moving floor, rising panels and trapeze acts. The Effectors in the Royal Theatre is the other must-see. The remaining variety shows were average.
Is a junior suite on Odyssey of the Seas worth it?
For me, yes. Junior Suite 9202 had two bathrooms, a full bathtub, an extra large balcony with two loungers, a coffee machine, upgraded toiletries and twice-daily housekeeping. We could also book Coastal Kitchen for dinner, subject to availability, though there's no suite lounge access.
How old is Odyssey of the Seas?
Odyssey of the Seas entered service in 2021, making her 5 years old in 2026. She's a Quantum Ultra class ship and the last Quantum class ship Royal Caribbean built.
Where does Odyssey of the Seas sail in 2027?
Odyssey returns to the Mediterranean in 2027 with the same 7 night Greek Isles itinerary from Civitavecchia (Rome): Santorini, Kusadasi, Mykonos and Naples, with two sea days.
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