Royal Caribbean News: Newbuild Odyssey Of The Seas Preparing For July 31 Launch, On Test Cruise

Royal Caribbean’s much-anticipated newest ship, Odyssey of the Seas, has embarked from Fort Lauderdale on a two-night test cruise, in preparation for its first cruise on July 31.

The 4,198-passenger ship, a Quantum Ultra class with new features and restaurants that have yet to be enjoyed by U.S. passengers, left Port Everglades on Monday, July 19. When it starts its revenue cruises, Odyssey will sail on six- and eight-night Caribbean itineraries.

The test cruise is required by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention because Royal Caribbean is allowing families onboard, and therefore not committing to require that 95 percent of passengers be vaccinated.

The line is, however, heavily suggesting all guests age 12 and up be vaccinated. Guests who are not vaccinated will find they are restricted from such new experiences as a Virtual Adventure Zone and Teppanyaki restaurant, serving hibachi-style Japanese cuisine.

Vaccinated guests will have the run of the ship – including indoor areas for vaccinated-guests only, where masks won’t be required (everyone can go mask-free outdoors).
As on other Royal ships that have recently set sail from the U.S., unvaccinated guests will be required to wear masks indoors when not eating and drinking and face a bunch of other restrictions. Vaccinated adults traveling with unvaccinated kids are restricted when they are with the kids.
Closed to unvaccinated guests are both the new Virtual Adventure Zone and laser tag. The rest of the SeaPlex, as well as North Star and RipCord, will be available to unvaccinated guests only during dedicated hours.
Those who have not been vaccinated will not have access to the new Teppanyaki restaurant nor Chef’s Table, and will be restricted to Deck 3 in the main dining room. All other restaurants are open to all guests, with social distancing in place.
If you have not been vaccinated you will not be allowed to visit the Casino Royal, indoor Solarium pool area, art auctions, nor the Vitality Spa (the fitness center will be open at dedicated times).
Open only to those with vaccines are Boleros and The Pub, as well as events such as the 70s party in SeaPlex and the HUSH! Silent Party. In the Musical Hall and the Royal Theater, unvaccinated guests will be restricted to seating on Deck 4.

All you non-vaxers have a nice cruise, hear?

Yes, why do you think I have done 36 cruises so far? Best vacation bargain for what you get. If I had to buy all that food and buy tickets to stage shows and buy movie tickets, and visits to a splendid gym, and visit the casino without driving and parking, for 3 or 4 days in a row, what will that cost?

I worked on Jewel of the Seas for 10 months (with a break in the middle) as a musician. This was 15 years ago. One can get fairly jaded on the Caribbean ports, IMO, there isn’t a whole lot going on there(s). Especially if you’ve visited Grand Caymen 19 times. But I enjoyed Europe quite a bit. I think cruises are a great deal, outstanding if you can be mostly entertained aboard ship. I had many special privileges bec my bandleader was married to the cruise director and we NEVER rehearsed, so my days were free. I could eat in the pax buffet instead of the crew mess. I acted as crew tour guide on all those day-excursions they offer and went on one of those every day I could, for free.

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