Royal Caribbean International vice-president EMEA Ben Bouldin shares his excitement about the line’s new ship, Odyssey of the Seas.

Welcoming Odyssey of the Seas to the Middle East is such an exhilarating prospect. When she sets sail from Haifa, Israel in May, she will not only be the newest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, but also one of the most innovative and technologically advanced ships in the world.

The second ship of her class – after the launch of Spectrum of the Seas in Shanghai in 2019 – she will be the first Quantum-Ultra class ship to sail in Europe and the Middle East.

Following her maiden season in Israel, she will sail from her homeport of Rome from spring 2022, visiting some of the most stunning destinations in Greece, Italy and Turkey.

It goes without saying how amazing those coastline views will be, especially from 300 feet above sea level in the iconic North Star glass capsule, boasting 360-degree views. We’re also hopeful we’ll be able to invite the travel trade on board to see the ship for themselves in 2022.

Entertainment for all

Odyssey of the Seas boasts all the Quantum-class Royal Caribbean favourites, and then some. For instance, Seaplex – the largest indoor activity space at sea – features a sports court, bumper cars, laser tag and an interactive arcade with augmented reality walls and floors. This two-level playground is even home to Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, where sports fans will find TVs at every angle and delicious treats.

Up on top deck there is the signature FlowRider surf simulator and skydiving simulator, Ripcord by iFly, as well as a 40-foot rock wall and Sky Pad, the bungee trampoline experience that transports guests to another time, place or planet using a VR headset.

For guests who want to unwind, Odyssey of the Seas has a vibrant, two-level pool deck with two open-air, resort-style pools and four whirlpools. Nearby, The Lime & Coconut serves up prime pool-front views and holiday-mode cocktails. Guests can also try authentic Mexican fare at El Loco Fresh.

For the little ones there’s Splashaway Bay, an aqua park that includes colourful waterslides, fountains, water cannons and more. Meanwhile, adults can retreat to the Solarium, an exclusive space on the top deck, including swimming pools and whirlpools, a full-service bar and daybeds.

Across the ship, entertainment will be punctuated by high-tech signature productions in the Royal Theatre and Two70. Fusing art and technology, Two70 has 270-degree panoramic windows with sweeping ocean views from an expansive open area living room, which transforms in plain sight into a 135-foot-wide and 22-foot-tall screen, captivating onlookers.

As day turns into night, the iconic venue at the aft of the ship becomes a multidimensional theatre – where a troupe of six agile Roboscreens come to life in sync with music, special effects and live performers and aerialists. Guests looking to hit up the dance floor can then head to Music Hall for a set list of live performances.

As for the dining options on Odyssey of the Seas, there is so much choice, including Teppanyaki. Also joining the lineup is Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Royal Caribbean’s new take on its signature Italian trattoria.

Odyssey of the Seas will offer a holiday worth waiting for, that’s for sure.