Here’s what to expect onboard Royal Caribbean’s new Odyssey of the Seas

MIAMI — Royal Caribbean has announced new details of its highly anticipated Quantum Ultra Class Ship, Odyssey of the Seas, set to begin sailing in November 2020.

As the first Quantum Ultra Class ship to arrive in North America, Odyssey of the Seas will kicks off its inaugural year in the Caribbean in destinations like Curaçao, Aruba, Grand Cayman and Mexico on eight- and six-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale. It will then sail to its homeport of Rome in May 2021 to become the first Quantum Ultra Class ship to cruise Europe for the summer.

“Odyssey of the Seas will set an all-new standard created to deliver the most memorable vacations by combining immersive experiences, the best of Royal Caribbean’s trendsetting innovations and the signature ‘Royal Way’ service of our dedicated crew members,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. This Quantum Ultra Class ship introduces a new way to see the world as she becomes our first purposefully built vessel for island hopping on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Here are the major highlights:

• SeaPlex: The ship will introduce the next generation of Royal Caribbean’s signature SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea. The most interactive arcade to ever sail will dominate the upper level of SEeaPlex with VR games for individual and group play, augmented reality walls and floors for high-tech competitions.

• Fun & Games: Passengers can feed their need for speed at the full-sized sports court featuring the only bumper cars at sea and a flying trapeze. The space will also double as a glow-in-the-dark laser tag arena in ‘Clash for the Crystal City’.

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Odyssey of the Seas will combine the best of Quantum Class with new Royal Caribbean favorite Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, now boasting a prime location within SeaPlex.

• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade: Boasting a prime location within SeaPlex, the bar boasts TVs at every angle and game-day bar fare like buffalo wings and sliders. There are also classic board games and an Owner’s Box VIP area for an MVP experience.

• High Thrills: The signature FlowRider simulator and the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator provide plenty of heart-pumping action onboard. Also available is a 40-foot rock wall and the SkyPad, a bungee trampoline experience that uses a VR headset.

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Odyssey of the Seas will tout a vibrant, two-level pool deck where two resort-style pools, a kids aqua park and four whirlpools are surrounded by shady casitas and hammocks

• The Deck: Odyssey’s two-level pool deck features two open-air, resort-style pools and four whirlpools, all surrounded by shady casitas and hammocks. Nearby, passengers can kick back at The Lime & Coconut, or enjoy grab-and-go items at El Loco Fresh.

• Splashaway Bay: This aqua park for young guests boasts colourful waterslides, fountains, water cannons and more.

• Solarium: This exclusive space for adults is located on the top deck and includes swimming pools, whirlpools, a full-service bar, daybeds and hidden nooks for relaxation.

• Technology: Fusing art and technology, Two70 boasts 270-degree panoramic windows with sweeping ocean views from an expansive open area living room, which transforms in plain site into a 135-foot-wide and 22-foot-tall screen. As day turns into night, the iconic venue at the aft of the ship becomes a multi-dimensional theatre.

• Nightlife: Guests looking to hit up the dance floor can head to music Hall for an always-changing set list of live performances. They can also grab drinks at the Bionic Bar where they can also take in some of the best cover bands at sea.

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Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Royal Caribbean’s new take on its signature Italian trattoria, will invite guests to gather for authentically rustic dishes

• Dining: Never before seen in North America is Teppanyaki, where Far East dishes are prepared and served at the table. Also joining the lineup is Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & wine Bar, Royal Carribean’s new take on its signature Italian trattoria, as well as signature favourites like Izumi, Chop’s Grill, the Chef’s Table and Wonderland.