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25 Things to Love About Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas

8/29/2021

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Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas
We were on one of the very first sailings of Odyssey of the Seas and found a lot to love about this new big cruise ship from Royal Caribbean.
By John Roberts 
Odyssey of the Seas is the second ship in Royal Caribbean's incredibly innovative Quantum Ultra class, joining sister ship Spectrum of the Seas. Odyssey is the fifth ship in the "Quantum" series, overall, which also includes the very similar ships Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas. 
We sailed on one of the very first cruises on Odyssey of the Seas and discovered a wide range of venues and activities that you will absolutely love. The ship can carry up to 4,200 passengers.
Check out our roundup:
Bumper cars at SeaPlex on Odyssey of the Seas.
The SeaPlex complex at the top of the ship features a bumper cars arena that also serves as a sports court for basketball, pickleball and many more activities.
SeaPlex 
This is a massive multi-use indoor complex at the top of the ship. SeaPlex features a full-court basketball/soccer court that is also the bumper cars arena. You can also enjoy such activities as pickleball, cornhole, ping pong, archery and Zumba fitness classes in there. 
It redefines the top-of-ship space that you'll find on most large cruise ships. Athletes will love it because it allows for games in all types of weather, and the wind and extreme heat and sunshine also will have no impact when you want to shoot hoops or enjoy a soccer or pickleball game. 
Speaking of sports, SeaPlex is also the location for the spectacular Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade (more on that below). 
Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar on Odyssey of the Seas
Giovanni's is just one of 16 dining locations onboard Odyssey of the Seas.
The Restaurants 
Odyssey of the Seas features 16 restaurants and eateries. These include popular staples like Sorrento's (pizza and more), El Loco Fresh (Mexican fare like tacos, burritos and quesadillas located on the pool deck), Izumi (Japanese), Teppanyaki (Japanese hibachi), Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, Chops Grille (steakhouse), Cafe Promenade, Cafe@270 (light fare for breakfast and lunch), Windjammer Cafe (buffet), Playmakers (sports bar), Wonderland (molecular gastronomy), Solarium Bistro (healthy Mediterranean fare) and a Chef's Table (multicourse set wine pairing meal), as well as the Main Dining Room. Also, Coastal Kitchen is a restaurant dedicated for passengers staying in suites.
The classic double cheeseburger and fries at Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade on Odyssey of the Seas.
The classic double cheeseburger and fries at Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade on Odyssey of the Seas.
Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade 
This sports bar and arcade stands out on its own as the best sports bar at sea. It's located within the SeaPlex and sits on the second level overlooking the bumper car arena/sports court. Playmakers offers 56 big-screen TVs, with a massive screen hanging over the SeaPlex court. There are also bar games like shuffleboard, pool tables and foosball. 
The menu features a nice mix of traditional comfort bar foods, such as chicken wings, onion rings and burgers, but you will also love the poke nachos, tenders and especially the Campfire Cookie -- a decadent dessert made with warm chocolate chip cookie baked with marshmallows and Nutella, served with milk shooters! 
The fitness center on Odyssey of the Seas
The gym on Odyssey of the Seas is outfitted just like a top-notch fitness center on land.
Fitness Center 
This is a full-fledged large-scale gym, just like you will find on land. We went daily for workouts at the facility, which includes free weights (dumbbells up to 100), a Smith machine, resistance training machines, individual workout areas, personal training, a spin studio and all kinds of cardio equipment. 
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Royal Esplanade 
The hub of the ship covers two decks midship (on Decks 4 and 5) and is loaded with bars, lounges, eateries and boutique shops selling all kinds of items, from clothes and jewelry to souvenirs, Royal Caribbean logo wear and basic necessities. This is also where you will find the Guest Services desk.
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Pool Deck 
This is a resort area on Decks 14 and 15 with two pools in the main open area (there is a pool and hot tubs also in the enclosed adults-only Solarium space at the front of the ship), including a kids splash zone with slides, loungers, hammocks and casitas (for rent). The El Loco Fresh restaurant serving up Mexican delights is nearby, and you can stay refreshed with frozen cocktails and more available at the two-story Lime and Coconut bar. A jogging track encircles the deck overlooking the main pool area. 
The Solarium is an adults-only pool and bar area on Odyssey of the Seas.
The Solarium is an adults-only area on Odyssey of the Seas.
Solarium 
An air-conditioned space at the back of the ship's resort deck. The Solarium features a cascading set of three shallow pools that lead to a little splash area with loungers offering views out of floor-to-ceiling windows at the very front of Deck 14. You'll also enjoy the nearby Sunshine Bar and numerous tables, chairs and lounge areas where you can relax with friends. 
The FlowRider surfing simulator on Odyssey of the Seas
FlowRider 
This is the popular surfing simulator that has been a feature on so many Royal Caribbean ships. Odyssey of the Seas offers a FlowRider on the top deck back by the RipCord skydiving simulator and the new Sky Pad trampoline attraction. On FlowRider, you can enjoy sessions of wakeboarding or surfing, and you can even book a training session for lessons on the basics of how to surf.
Ripcord by iFly on Odyssey of the Seas
The skydiving simulator is a blast, taking you soaring above the sea.
Ripcord by iFly 
This skydiving simulator is a true thrill ride, using a large wind tube rising off the back of the ship. It's quite the spectacle to watch fellow cruisers take their turn at free flight. Faces blasted with wind but with unmistakable looks of joy as they experience weightlessness. Once you get the hang of it, you might even try a few tumbling tricks in the tube (advanced progression lessons are available). 
The SkyPad on Odyssey of the Seas
The SkyPad experience on Odyssey of the Seas combines trampoline, bungee and virtual reality.
Sky Pad 
This is a new and fun bungee trampoline activity, with a virtual reality component. There are four trampolines inside a dome structure at the top of the ship, adjacent to the FlowRider and Ripcord by iFly area. This is Sky Pad. 
You get amazing views off the aft of the ship from up there, by the way. 
Cruisers get strapped in with bungee cords and jump up and down on mini-trampoline. You can choose to enjoy just the jumping without the VR component, or you can choose from a menu of games and strap on the VR headset to bounce your way through challenges and courses, during which you will blast items by targeting them with your eyes. Your score appears on a main board, as you match up against fellow cruisers for bragging rights on the leaderboard. 
Rock climbing wall on Odyssey of the Seas
The rock climbing wall offers views from the starboard side of Odyssey of the Seas.
Rock Climbing Wall 
Another Royal Caribbean staple. This activity is a challenging one, but it yields amazing views for those who can scale the wall (it offers many routes for beginners to experts) and ring the bell. 
Music Hall on Odyssey of the Seas
The Music Hall is a grand two-level space for live music, dancing, trivia and other activities.
Music Hall 
A two-level (Decks 3 and 4) venue, this is a magnificent space with warm and comfortable decor. The large bar area on the top level features an array of seating where you can tuck away for privacy or place yourself on the balcony overlooking the live music or other activities (trivia, game shows, port talks) taking place on the stage below. On the first level, you find plenty of plush seating spots, another bar and pleasant works of art to create an inviting atmosphere. 
Two70 theater and lounge on Odyssey of the Seas
"Book" was the featured show in Two70 during our sailing on Odyssey of the Seas.
Two70 
A centerpiece of Odyssey of the Seas. Two270 is an incredibly innovative space that serves as a massive and inviting lounge area during the day -- with almost two-story-high windows giving 270-degree views out to the ocean as you sail. There is a library on the second level of Two270, and the space is warmly decorated with all kinds of seats, chairs, daybeds arranged around the room, so you can disappear from the crowds to enjoy a book. 
In the evening, the room comes to life with dance parties and shows filled with technological wonders to make use of the 12K video screens. A large wraparound screen (135 feet wide and 22 feet tall) is the backdrop "living wallpaper" for the show, and a six-panel moving digital robotic screens that hang from the ceiling and interact with the music and performers. 
We saw the featured show "Book: Seven Chapters, One Adventure" during our Caribbean cruise. 
Starbucks on Odyssey of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas features a big Starbucks coffee outlet.
Starbucks 
The premium specialty coffee chain has big store on the Royal Esplanade (extra cost), and Royal Caribbean cruisers continue to flock here for their favorite coffee concoctions every morning -- or any time of day, really. 
The Schooner Bar on Odyssey of the Seas
The Schooner Bar is a classic piano bar and always a lively spot on Odyssey of the Seas.
Schooner Bar 
This a Royal Caribbean classic piano bar and always a favorite hangout for loyal Royal cruisers and newbies alike. This is where you come to hang out with new friends, enjoy the piano player, sing along, play trivia and chum it up with the friendly bartenders. On Odyssey of the Seas, the Schooner Bar -- with its traditional maritime decor, complete with a boat wheel -- occupies a spot on Deck 5 overlooking a corner of the Royal Esplanade, and it offers couches, chairs and seats around the centerpiece bar. 
Boleros on Odyssey of the Seas
Boleros 
This is a vibrant lounge on Deck 4 on the Royal Esplanade. You can settle in at the bar or find a comfy seat to enjoy live music and activities like bar quizzes. 
The Crown and Compass on Odyssey of the Seas
The Crown and Compass on Odyssey of the Seas is the latest in the popular British pub concept for Royal Caribbean.
Crown and Compass 
The English Pub is a Royal Caribbean standard, and this bar located on the Esplanade is a warm and welcoming venue serving up cold pints and live music. 
North Star on Odyssey of the Seas
North Star takes you 300 feet above sea level for views over the ship and destinations.
North Star on Odyssey of the Seas
North Star 
This attraction offers cruisers a unique perspective from high above Odyssey of the Seas. It's a capsule ride (in the style of the famed London Eye carousel that sits adjacent to the Thames River), and passengers load in for a gentle ride, lifted by a large mechanical arm that can hoist the glass capsule about 300 feet into the air and deliver 360-degree views of the ship and it's surrounding scenery.
Zone Zero on Odyssey of the Seas
Zone Zero is an incredibly fun virtual reality experience at the SeaPlex on Odyssey of the Seas.
Virtual Adventure Zone Zero
We tried the "Swashbuckler" adventure that places you into a virtual reality world where you are tasked with completing a mission. We suited up in our VR headset and garb (our armor) and entered a room to choose our pirate avatar before dashing off on fun-filled adventure fighting off invading monkey skeletons and ultimately the Kraken! It's a blast, and I was stunned by the tech used. It was my first VR experience. 
Royal Esplanade on Odyssey of the Seas
We had a fun time sailing on the ship. I hope you get a chance to cruise on Odyssey of the Seas soon. It's wonderful for families, couples, older cruisers and groups of friends, offering something for everyone.

Thanks for reading,
J
R
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AmaWaterways Offers New Exotic River Cruises in Colombia

8/17/2021

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The Magdalena River in Colombia. AmaWaterways will offer eco-friendly voyages here on a new ship beginning in late 2023.
By John Roberts 
In keeping with an incredible reputation of continuously delivering immersive and innovative river cruise experiences, AmaWaterways has added the colorful South American country of Colombia to its offerings. 
AmaWaterways has forged a groundbreaking partnership with Metropolitan Touring, South America's leading tour operator, to introduce a new river cruise experience in the culturally rich and historically fascinating country.  
Becoming the first luxury line to sail the Magdalena River, the partnership brings together the destination expertise of Metropolitan Touring and one of the river cruise industry's leading brands in AmaWaterways. 
Starting in December 2023, adventurous travelers can dive right into new experiences on shore as well as onboard a new custom-built, all-suite, eco-friendly river cruise ship. The new ship and cruise program will incorporate years of design experience from Rudi Schreiner, AmaWaterways' president and co-founder. Metropolitan Touring owns a stellar reputation for decades of expertise in expedition cruising in the Galapagos Islands. 
"Not since my early university days of exploring the Amazon River, have I felt the excitement of discovering a new destination that is so rich in biodiversity and culture, as I found on the Magdalena River in Colombia," Schreiner says, president. "I'm absolutely captivated by the rich history, wildlife and friendly welcome that awaits our guests when our intimate, all-suite ship sets sail in December 2023." 
The Magdalena stretches 949 miles, traversing north in the western part of Colombia and touching a number of cities and towns along the way, many undergoing conservation and restoration efforts. It's a vibrant corridor full of animals and opportunities for active pursuits. 
Passengers will be able to choose between two seven-night itineraries with pre- and post-cruise land programs exploring the magnificent Magdalena River and delving into Colombia's vibrant cultural and natural heritage. Accompanied by a skilled team, which will include a wellness manager onboard, river cruise travelers on the Magdalena River will enjoy in-depth connections with nature, wildlife, culture, flavors and people, as well as activities such as kayaking, hiking and birdwatching. 
"Colombia has always been a country close to my heart, and every trip I've made to the Magdalena over many years has been full of amazing, life-affirming experiences that touched my soul," said Paulina Burbano de Lara, chief executive officer of Metropolitan Touring. "Finding the right partner to develop the first-ever eco-friendly river cruise experience for Colombia was therefore of utmost importance to me and our company. 
"We know that Rudi, Kristin (Karst) and all the AmaWaterways team share our passion for the River Magdalena, and we're delighted that together we will create innovative and enriching experiences for guests." 
The historic waterway is home to hundreds of fish species, as well as other biologically interesting creatures like river turtles, tortoises, manatees, caiman, iguanas, crocodiles and pelicans. 
"It is incredibly exciting to be able to launch a new river cruise destination like Colombia, with such a colorful history and artistic background," said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. "We are celebrating 19 years of creating authentic river cruise experiences in Europe, Asia and Africa and now, with our world-recognized destination partner, Metropolitan Touring, we will be able to offer our guests an opportunity to explore a fourth continent while discovering the hidden gems of Colombia along the majestic Magdalena River."

We're excitedly waiting to book our spot on one of these new cruises!  
How about you?

Thanks for reading,
JR

Video feature: Check out the new AmaMagna Danube River Ship

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