holy land cruise odyssey of the seas

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Odyssey of the Seas - Holy Land - what I know now

By CRUIS4ME , September 10, 2022 in Royal Caribbean International

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We planned and prepped for our 12 day cruise from Rome to Holy Land.  Thought I would jot down a few notes before we disembark.  I want to pass along some tidbits which I now know but weren’t quite solidified in reviews and info beforehand in hopes it helps someone do their planning.

Precruise  - Civitavecchia and Covid test.  We flew into Rome and stayed two nights in Civitavecchia to be sure plane, luggage, etc were at port when ship was.  All went well.   Glad we had a nonstop from Wash DC on United.   Flight was good, bags made it, connected with prearranged Rome in Cab driver for trip to Civi.   Stayed at Museum Guest House. Location great, small family run guest house, very very clean and friendly.  Easily found a Covid test sight two blocks away, 15 E each, no wait, no fuss.   Got negative results.   Before we left home, we filled out the Israel entry form.  This is not a VISA….but an entry form for passport and vaccination info that can be done ten days in advance of the arrival in country of Israel.   We printed the authorization email we received and another form with a QR code.  It did not matter when we left Italy per se, just when we arrived in Israel.   The ship does have info on the forms once on board, but the passenger must use a computer and upload  their info.  My suggestion is just do it before leaving home.    Israel entry folks did not request the form at all….but I would not risk not doing the form just in case passport control was linked with the forms, etc. …why risk an entire vacation because of a form not being done? So suggest just do it.  Getting to port.    On the map, it appears the port is a short walk from where we were staying.  However, after doing a thorough recon, this is what we found out.   From train station, there is a direct bus that goes back and forth to the port.   We were not at the train station.   Therefore,  there is a bus system.   There is only one entrance busses go through to get to ship.   One lugs luggage to a bus stop, takes a city bus (green bus) to the port bus (white bus), uploads and downloads luggage on two busses, and waits for the busses.  We decided to pay for a taxi which the guest house manager arranged for us.   Very direct, no lugging, and we split fee with two other passengers.   For us, easiest and 15 E each was worth it.   Busses are on a one way loop.    Port and terminal.    We arrived, already had our luggage tags on each piece we were checking, handed off the luggage, and went directly to a counter for easy process.   As far as I could see, there were no special lines for suites or status.   Lots of counters and no real wait.  We had a noon arrival check in but somewhere along the way…I think we answered the health information form…it had us choose another time for the health check which in reality turned out to be the show up to the terminal time which voided the noon time we had previously had….it changed it to two o’clock.   No problem,  we showed up at noon, no questions  asked, went to counter and were checked in and on board I fifteen minutes at most.  Cabins.   Cabins were open for occupancy at one thirty.  Our bags were in hall when we went to cabin.

I will take a break here and continue with tidbits regarding port info.

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Part two.    Odyssey of the Seas.   Ship is well appointed. We realized we had been on a Quantum class before!  We had bid and received upgrade to a JS.  Happy for the extra room and large balcony.  Went immediately to dining and arranged our three dining reservations for the cruise.   We have Chefs Table tonight as a final hurrah.   We were very satisfied with main dining room and food in general the entire cruise.  Some meals were adequate and some meals were extraordinary…..never had a bad meal. First two days we were at sea  and just bee bopped around.  Then the port stops started which  cut into any thought about staying up late, going to shows, or people watching.   We were for the most part, up at six, off the ship by 7-7:30 and back on ship after long days of walking, heat, and awesome sights.   Showered, changed, and went to dinners only to repeat the next day.   We saw Showgirls and Effectors, and one headliner show during the cruise.  They were fine…not awe striking…but fine.   Used the app to make show reservations once on board only to realize were too ambitious about going to 10 o’clock entertainment in our plans.   Reality was we wanted to dine and get ready for next day so lights off for us by 9 or 9:30.  What wimps!    Diamond Lounge was not crowded, very quiet, and rather dull….not a complaint…just a fact.  No interaction between passengers.  Maybe it was just the layout of the space? Nice, comfortable….but library type quiet.  

Ship  had about 3300 passengers.  Some US and Canadian…mostly other European and international  guests.  Seemed like people cruised with a lot of family or larger groups other than two.   

We did not make time for North Star, bumper cars, or bingo. A lot of music variety to choose from….

First port for us….Haifa half day.   Glad we did not plan on anything that day as getting off ship required a “ticket” number.   Israel was very strict about passenger control.  The ship had passengers get a number to be called for entry (much like getting a gender ticket).  We knew nothing about it…did not have paper cruise compass, and were not familiar with the ROYAL APP.   So by  the time, we figured the ticket thing out, we got into group 41! We were able to get Diamond Lounge concierge to get us a better position…number 36! We were called to leave ship about 3;30!   So main goal for us was to get the passport priced pass down.   We did take a taxi and walk around Acre for a couple hoirs which was great. Since the ship was in town, and it was a Saturday when they usually close by 4pm, they left the sights open until 6pm.  That gave us enough time to do the crusader sights.  Catching a taxi back cost a little more.  50 E going and 60 E to return.   Their Sabath started at 6.     

3 hours ago, CRUIS4ME said: Part two.    Odyssey of the Seas.   Ship is well appointed. We realized we had been on a Quantum class before!  We had bid and received upgrade to a JS.  Happy for the extra room and large balcony.  Went immediately to dining and arranged our three dining reservations for the cruise.   We have Chefs Table tonight as a final hurrah.   We were very satisfied with main dining room and food in general the entire cruise.  Some meals were adequate and some meals were extraordinary…..never had a bad meal. First two days we were at sea  and just bee bopped around.  Then the port stops started which  cut into any thought about staying up late, going to shows, or people watching.   We were for the most part, up at six, off the ship by 7-7:30 and back on ship after long days of walking, heat, and awesome sights.   Showered, changed, and went to dinners only to repeat the next day.   We saw Showgirls and Effectors, and one headliner show during the cruise.  They were fine…not awe striking…but fine.   Used the app to make show reservations once on board only to realize were too ambitious about going to 10 o’clock entertainment in our plans.   Reality was we wanted to dine and get ready for next day so lights off for us by 9 or 9:30.  What wimps!    Diamond Lounge was not crowded, very quiet, and rather dull….not a complaint…just a fact.  No interaction between passengers.  Maybe it was just the layout of the space? Nice, comfortable….but library type quiet.   Ship  had about 3300 passengers.  Some US and Canadian…mostly other European and international  guests.  Seemed like people cruised with a lot of family or larger groups other than two.    We did not make time for North Star, bumper cars, or bingo. A lot of music variety to choose from….   First port for us….Haifa half day.   Glad we did not plan on anything that day as getting off ship required a “ticket” number.   Israel was very strict about passenger control.  The ship had passengers get a number to be called for entry (much like getting a gender ticket).  We knew nothing about it…did not have paper cruise compass, and were not familiar with the ROYAL APP.   So by  the time, we figured the ticket thing out, we got into group 41! We were able to get Diamond Lounge concierge to get us a better position…number 36! We were called to leave ship about 3;30!   So main goal for us was to get the passport priced pass down.   We did take a taxi and walk around Acre for a couple hoirs which was great. Since the ship was in town, and it was a Saturday when they usually close by 4pm, they left the sights open until 6pm.  That gave us enough time to do the crusader sights.  Catching a taxi back cost a little more.  50 E going and 60 E to return.   Their Sabath started at 6.     

Very interested in your posts. We will be doing this next month on the Odyssey. I am very interested - did you do 3 days of tours in Israel? I'm just concerned about being "wiped out" as they sart early in the day and have a huge amoount of walking involved.  I presume the WJ opens early as there will be many needing to get off the ship by 7am.

We are also doing this cruise next month.  We have three full days in Israel.  First two in Ashdod (overnight) and third in Haifa.  Both dock at 8 AM.  

I don't know if your experience will be the same as ours.  Will need to speak to the Diamond concierge first thing.  Hopefully not!

On 9/10/2022 at 8:47 AM, CRUIS4ME said: Part two.    Odyssey of the Seas.   Ship is well appointed. We realized we had been on a Quantum class before!  We had bid and received upgrade to a JS.  Happy for the extra room and large balcony.  Went immediately to dining and arranged our three dining reservations for the cruise.   We have Chefs Table tonight as a final hurrah.   We were very satisfied with main dining room and food in general the entire cruise.  Some meals were adequate and some meals were extraordinary…..never had a bad meal. First two days we were at sea  and just bee bopped around.  Then the port stops started which  cut into any thought about staying up late, going to shows, or people watching.   We were for the most part, up at six, off the ship by 7-7:30 and back on ship after long days of walking, heat, and awesome sights.   Showered, changed, and went to dinners only to repeat the next day.   We saw Showgirls and Effectors, and one headliner show during the cruise.  They were fine…not awe striking…but fine.   Used the app to make show reservations once on board only to realize were too ambitious about going to 10 o’clock entertainment in our plans.   Reality was we wanted to dine and get ready for next day so lights off for us by 9 or 9:30.  What wimps!    Diamond Lounge was not crowded, very quiet, and rather dull….not a complaint…just a fact.  No interaction between passengers.  Maybe it was just the layout of the space? Nice, comfortable….but library type quiet.   Ship  had about 3300 passengers.  Some US and Canadian…mostly other European and international  guests.  Seemed like people cruised with a lot of family or larger groups other than two.    We did not make time for North Star, bumper cars, or bingo. A lot of music variety to choose from….   First port for us….Haifa half day.   Glad we did not plan on anything that day as getting off ship required a “ticket” number.   Israel was very strict about passenger control.  The ship had passengers get a number to be called for entry (much like getting a gender ticket).  We knew nothing about it…did not have paper cruise compass, and were not familiar with the ROYAL APP.   So by  the time, we figured the ticket thing out, we got into group 41! We were able to get Diamond Lounge concierge to get us a better position…number 36! We were called to leave ship about 3;30!   So main goal for us was to get the passport priced pass down.   We did take a taxi and walk around Acre for a couple hoirs which was great. Since the ship was in town, and it was a Saturday when they usually close by 4pm, they left the sights open until 6pm.  That gave us enough time to do the crusader sights.  Catching a taxi back cost a little more.  50 E going and 60 E to return.   Their Sabath started at 6.     

Just wondering, how long did it take you to get off the ship?

I've just come off this cruise as well.

Fantastic itinerary,  but we had been to Santorini and Crete before so were able to take it easy for the last few days.

Bodrum in Turkey we just had a pleasant walk about - lovely town with a nice promenade.

Israel excursions we did via the ship. Tiring days and it was very hot , but so worth it.

We also just came off this cruise, had a wonderful time! Yes, the first day in Haifa was a bit of an ordeal to get your passport “ticket” (this is in place of a stamp). Everybody on the ship (crew too) must go through this, only the first day, even if you aren’t getting off the ship. Luckily I picked up our disembarkation ticket number early. For the first day, be careful booking any private tours because it can be hard to predict when you’ll be off (could take 1-2 hrs to clear customs)..The passport ticket was valid for all days in Israel. Also,  for all Israel port stops, after disembarking the ship you need to pass through security to scan all bags etc. definitely disembark the ship around 30 min before your tour time.

5 hours ago, arste said: Just wondering, how long did it take you to get off the ship?

Process was very fast. We left the ship around 8:20, found our luggage easily, no customs inspection, and just walked out. Found our driver to take us to the airport around 8:30. We had to wait for a couple more people sharing the ride, and arrived at the airport around 9:45am.

On 9/10/2022 at 8:47 AM, CRUIS4ME said: We knew nothing about it…did not have paper cruise compass, and were not familiar with the ROYAL APP

Strangely, we didn’t get a paper compass for the first couple of days, but then our room steward left one for us every night after that (we didn’t ask her to). A great improvement, which I have suggested in the post cruise questionnaire, is that the compass is now available in PDF version! You get a small card in your stateroom with a QR code. As long as you are connected to the guest wifi, you can scan the QR code and download a copy of the compass to your device. 

14 hours ago, karebare22 said: We also just came off this cruise, had a wonderful time! Yes, the first day in Haifa was a bit of an ordeal to get your passport “ticket” (this is in place of a stamp). Everybody on the ship (crew too) must go through this, only the first day, even if you aren’t getting off the ship. Luckily I picked up our disembarkation ticket number early. For the first day, be careful booking any private tours because it can be hard to predict when you’ll be off (could take 1-2 hrs to clear customs)..The passport ticket was valid for all days in Israel. Also,  for all Israel port stops, after disembarking the ship you need to pass through security to scan all bags etc. definitely disembark the ship around 30 min before your tour time.

We will be on this cruise next month. How did they distribute the tickets for that first day? Having booked a private tour, we would also like to be off the ship as soon as we am able. Any tips for getting a the tickets early would be most appreciated.Thank you so much for sharing your experience and information. So looking forward to this cruise. 

4 minutes ago, bryce125 said:  

13 hours ago, bryce125 said: We will be on this cruise next month. How did they distribute the tickets for that first day? Having booked a private tour, we would also like to be off the ship as soon as we am able. Any tips for getting a the tickets early would be most appreciated.Thank you so much for sharing your experience and information. So looking forward to this cruise. 

Our arrival time in Haifa was noon, day 4.  On day 2, we received a booklet “Tips for Mandatory Israeli Immigration”. It stated that on Day 3, tickets would be distributed next to Boleros from 10:00am  to 1:00 pm. I showed up around 10:30-10:45, and received number 21. There was no line, no crowd and  no obvious table/sign, just a couple of crew standing in the main promenade area handing out the tickets (just ask for how many tickets you need for the family, only one person needs to pick them up). So just show up around the start time of ticket distribution to get a low number.

  Tickets were called in sets of 3 (eg tickets 1-3, then up to 6, then to 9, etc. It seemed to go quickly and I estimate our number 21 was called after about 30-45 min.

Photos of the booklet….

23 hours ago, bryce125 said: Thank you for the information. It's very helpful.

@karebare22  Thank you so much for taking the time to post this valuable information. Will definitely help me be more prepared for this cruise in a few weeks.

Thank you so much. I will be doing a similar itinerary next month.  This is the most helpful and informative post I’ve read in a long time.  Much appreciated 

Great information.  Thank you for posting.

This post is great, many thanks. We will have to get our cruisecritic forum together so we can organise collection of tickets in the same group for our Haifa excursion. You say the same groups apply in Ashdod? So they will be needed as well.

We are at the Museum Guest House and good to know we can get a taxi direct to ship. Thanks again.

Just got home after staying in Rome for three days.   I’ll continue with my observations in hopes it helps others.

getting off ship…disembarking.   This was no problem, no wait, quick, easy.   We asked our driver to be there at 0900 and it only took 10 mins from time we departed the cabin until we were in front of terminal with bags.

Israel, continued.    We did not get the “paper” in our room about the tickets.  We also were not use to reading the Compass on the app.   The last thing I wanted to do….but had to learn to do to survive the ships new way….is to carry my iPhone!

Personally thought it was sad to see everyone carrying their phones and noses stuck to a screen while on vacation…but  that’s what it is now a days.   So we just missed the ticket distribution and ended up with Number 36.   By the time we were called, stood in line, and processed it was 4 o’clock.   I agree with the comment to be careful about booking a private tour too early on DAY 1 in Israel because of the time it took to clear.   Our sailing was only in Israel for 2 1/2 days where’s I know others are scheduled for the full three days which gives more time.   Regarding the pace, absolutely we were if “full go mode” from the time we got to Israel for the full days.   We were up at 6 or 6:30 am.  Windjammer was open for breakfast.   We were on tour for 10 hrs per day, walking almost the entire time, in 104 degree heat.   Talk about hot, sweaty, wet, and tired.   But we did it!   So much to absorb. I am also glad I had several pairs of walking shoes to switch into and out of from day to day.

Acre/Akko.   We caught a taxi after we got through immigration and went to Akko.  Went directly to the tourist office and bought a ticket to see crusader archaeological sites.   We were able to complete in two hours and return to ship via taxi.  (Albeit not inexpensive taxi cost).  

Cypress.   We booked a private tour.  Once again, up early to do breakfast and catch the tour.  Pace was a bit better with several stops to include a winery and small village in mountains.   However, the turmoil getting back through immigration/passport control back to the ship was like a herd of soccer hooligans let out after a game.  The ship could not control the mass confusion…Cypress process could not handle the hoards of people pushing and shoving, shouting, and fussing.   No lines….totally crowded butt to nose people all wanting to go through security.  It was a mess.   

Ephesus.   Yep…up early for a full day.   Took private tour which we were grateful for the small group.   Even though we have been there before, it’s been about ten years.  Tour guide had a most interesting day planned…in one entrance of Ephesus and departed through a different entrance so we saw things we had never seen before to include the terrace houses. 

Bodrum.   This resort type town we did on our own….walking from ship to castle,    Beach front followed where the ship was docked and encompassed the edge of the bay.  Beach front was only 10-15 feet deep, rocky, beach chairs were available but areas were full.   Restaurants and shops were on other side of the beach path/road.  I really have no idea why we were there…original port was Rhodes.

Santorini.    Of all the ports, this was the one I was looking forward to revisiting.  And it was the most disappointment of the cruise.   Six ships in port.  That’s a huge amount of people to wander through streets only capable to have two people side by side stroll.  Line for cable car to go back down took us 1 1/2 hrs.   We booked the Oia Tour on Your Own which got us off the ship without a tender ticket, transport to a bus, ride to Oia, bus back to Fira and cable car ticket back down to ship.    Was worth it to us.   Crete.    We passed on to recuperate for two days to be able to do four days I. Rome after the cruise.   We enjoyed the balcony, being out of the sun, taking advantage of a nap, and actually staying up for one of the shows.      

If we had to do over again…..we would go later in the fall (good for y’all who are going in

October) and we would consider delving into an overnight in Jerusalem city to perhaps ease the one day hiking.    However, it was an absolute adventurous itinerary.  We worked hard to plan and get it all in.     I will go to the ports section of CC to leave port and tour info on private tours we used.   

13 hours ago, Espire said: This post is great, many thanks. We will have to get our cruisecritic forum together so we can organise collection of tickets in the same group for our Haifa excursion. You say the same groups apply in Ashdod? So they will be needed as well. We are at the Museum Guest House and good to know we can get a taxi direct to ship. Thanks again.

Tickets are not needed for Israel ports once the passport has been processed.  Instead of a passport stamp, a paper validation ticket from the Israeli customs folks is given with your passport.   That paper stamp ticket is how one enters into the other ports. One can scan the ticket and come and go.   No paper ticket from passports….no getting in.   

Just now, CRUIS4ME said: Tickets are not needed for Israel ports once the passport has been processed.  Instead of a passport stamp, a paper validation ticket from the Israeli customs folks is given with your passport.   That paper stamp ticket is how one enters into the other ports. One can scan the ticket and come and go.   No paper ticket from passport control…..no getting in. So that is why everyone needs to comply with getting the passport control process is important.  One needs that paper ticket to come and go in Ashdod and Haifa.   

dolphingirl47

Thanks for sharing. We are doing a Holy Land cruise on Odyssey in 2.5 weeks time. How many formal nights did you have?

On 9/16/2022 at 8:57 PM, CRUIS4ME said: Tickets are not needed for Israel ports once the passport has been processed.  Instead of a passport stamp, a paper validation ticket from the Israeli customs folks is given with your passport.   That paper stamp ticket is how one enters into the other ports. One can scan the ticket and come and go.   No paper ticket from passport control…..no getting in. So that is why everyone needs to comply with getting the passport control process is important.  One needs that paper ticket to come and go in Ashdod and Haifa.   

What a great write-up.  Our cruise is Oct 19 and Israel and Jerusalem will be the highlight or our trip.  Thank you for sharing all that info.  I have booked 3 ten passenger minibuses and guides for our group excursions to Jerusalem and will pass some of your tips on to our group.   Knowing about the Israel entry process  and doing paperwork ahead of time will be a great help to everyone cruising to Israel.  Doug.

On 9/18/2022 at 9:19 AM, dolphingirl47 said: Thanks for sharing. We are doing a Holy Land cruise on Odyssey in 2.5 weeks time. How many formal nights did you have?   Corinna

We had 2 “dress your best” nights.

On 9/16/2022 at 8:51 PM, CRUIS4ME said:   If we had to do over again…..we would go later in the fall (good for y’all who are going in October) and we would consider delving into an overnight in Jerusalem city to perhaps ease the one day hiking.    However, it was an absolute adventurous itinerary.  We worked hard to plan and get it all in.     I will go to the ports section of CC to leave port and tour info on private tours we used.   

So if I enjoy hot weather, you don't think September would be too cool for me to do a Turkey/Greece trip? I keep checking the temps now and it's like high 70's low 80's during the days depending on the county (Haifa, Santorini, Crete). 

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• RipCord by iFLY When booking a cruise vacation, you may put your lifelong dream of skydiving on hold for another time, but fret not! Odyssey of the Seas gives you a taste of what skydiving feels like with the RipCord skydiving simulator by iFLY. Within the simulator, you'll fly in full flight gear, including suit and goggles, for 60 seconds of pure adrenaline.  

• FlowRider Cruising tends to bring out your inner surfer, but sadly you can't just jump in the ocean and ride the waves. This is where the onboard surf simulator, FlowRider, comes in clutch. This 40-foot-long pool throws 30,000 gallons of pure fun your way which you can meet with traditional stand-up surfing or boogie boarding!  

• SeaPlex If you're cruising with children or teens, or feel like one at heart, you absolutely must check out SeaPlex. This epic venue has been dubbed the largest indoor active space at sea! SeaPlex offers more activities than you'll even have time to hit in one day, including roller skating, a flying trapeze, full-sized basketball court, video gaming suite, table tennis, and the first ever food truck at sea!  

• Virtual Balcony Staterooms If you're staying in an interior room aboard Odyssey of the Seas , it's possible to have a balcony without actually having a balcony. All interior rooms now feature an 80-inch screen which is connected to a live feed outside of the ship. This Virtual Balcony even feeds in audio, so your interior stateroom feels as close to the ocean as a balcony suite!  

• Broadway Musicals Believe it or not, Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line with Tony Award-winning Broadway productions. With the most variety of entertainment at sea, no member of your family will be bored with these show lineups! So far, Royal Caribbean has sailed with favorites like Mamma Mia , Cats , Grease , and Hairspray !  

• Outdoor Movie Screen It's time to hit the dive-in! Enjoy the ocean breeze and starry night above the pool deck while watching a 220 square foot movie screen. Outdoor Movie Nights have something for everyone from first-run movies to live sporting events!  

Odyssey Of The Seas Cruise Destinations

With cruises to 72 countries on six continents, you can sail just about anywhere in the world with Royal Caribbean. This contemporary, innovative line offers unique and exciting itineraries that are designed to wow. They offer sailings that range from a tropical paradise to a thrilling tundra. Destinations include, but are not limited to: Alaska, Australia, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Panama Canal and South America. 

A truly blissful vacation filled with beaches, Bahamian customs, and sunshine awaits you on a cruise to the Bahamas.

Eastern Caribbean

Explore the islands or get up close and personal with some intriguing wildlife when you cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.

Mediterranean

Raise a glass to the Mediterranean where you’ll find magnificent churches and castles, along with spectacular food. The history and art are nothing to shake a stick at either.

Southern Caribbean

Tropical cuisine, European influence through the islands, and incredible people are highlights of a cruise to the Southern Caribbean.

Transatlantic

Experience the bliss of cruising of across the Atlantic with intriguing stops along the way on a Transatlantic cruise.

Odyssey Of The Seas Departure Ports

Royal Caribbean not only builds their ships to have a wow factor, but they also make their itineraries just as appealing.  Royal has ships stationed across the U.S. and in several international ports to give their passengers lots of opportunity to get to a cruise quickly and easily. You can cruise from Miami to Seattle or Perth to Rotterdam, there’s a departure port for you. Find out more about Royal Caribbean’s itineraries and ships when you contact a qualified consultant at The Cruise Web. 

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

Cape Liberty, which is just miles from New York City, offers incredible views of the city skyline and easy access to many cruise destinations, along with everything NYC has to offer.

Odyssey Of The Seas Deck Plans

Odyssey of the seas staterooms.

Balcony (1C)

Balcony (1d), balcony (2c), balcony (2d), balcony (3d), balcony (4c), balcony (4d), balcony (5d), balcony (nq), balcony (xn).

Balcony (6D)

Balcony (7d), balcony (xb), balcony (xi).

Balcony (1E)

Balcony (2e), balcony (8d), balcony (cb), balcony (xq).

Balcony (2F)

Balcony (S2)

Balcony (s4), balcony (sb), balcony (xs).

Inside (1U)

Inside (2u).

Inside (1V)

Inside (2v), inside (3v), inside (4v), inside (zi).

Inside (CI)

Inside (ZQ)

Oceanview (3M)

Oceanview (4m).

Oceanview (1M)

Oceanview (2m).

Oceanview (1N)

Oceanview (2n), oceanview (yo).

Oceanview (YQ)

Photo Gallery for Odyssey Of The Seas Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean’s ships are known for eliciting wows from passengers. Get a look at their innovative approach to cruising in this photo gallery that features the FlowRider, AquaTheater and Central Park.

Chop's Grille Aboard Odyssey of the Seas

Coastal Kitchen Aboard Odyssey of the Seas

El Loco Fresh Aboard Odyssey of the Seas

Izumi Aboard Odyssey of the Seas

Flowrider Aboard Odyssey of the Seas

SeaPlex Aboard Odyssey of the Seas

Adventure Ocean Aboard Odyssey of the Seas

Rock Climbing Aboard Odyssey of the Seas

Live Music Aboard Odyssey of the Seas

Vitality Spa Aboard Odyssey of the Sea

Solarium Aboard Odyssey of the Seas

Splashaway Bay Aboard Odyssey of the Seas

Sky Suite Aboard Odyssey of the Seas

Sky Suite Balcony Aboard Odyssey of the Seas

Junior Suite Aboard Odyssey of the Sea

Ocean View Aboard Odyssey of the Seas

Virtual Balcony Aboard Odyssey of the Seas

Shopping Aboard Odyssey of the Seas

Top 10 Odyssey Of The Seas Cruises

• Odyssey of the Seas 14 NIGHT SPANISH TRANSATLANTIC CRUISE Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Apr 2024)
• Odyssey of the Seas 14 NIGHT SPANISH TRANSATLANTIC CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Nov 2024)
• Odyssey of the Seas 7 NIGHT PERFECT DAY BAHAMAS CRUISE Departing From Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey (Nov 2024 - Feb 2026)
• Odyssey of the Seas 7 NIGHT PERFECT DAY BAHAMAS HOLIDAY Departing From Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey (Dec 2024 - Dec 2025)
• Odyssey of the Seas 11 NIGHT EASTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE Departing From Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey (Jan 2025 - Jan 2026)
• Odyssey of the Seas 11 NIGHT SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE Departing From Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey (Jan 2025 - Jan 2026)
• Odyssey of the Seas 12 NIGHT SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE Departing From Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey (Jan 2025 - Jan 2026)
• Odyssey of the Seas 8 NIGHT PERFECT DAY BAHAMAS CRUISE Departing From Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey (Feb 2025 - Feb 2026)
• Odyssey of the Seas 14 NT ITALY, SPAIN, AZORES TRANSATLANTIC Departing From Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey (Apr 2025)
• Odyssey of the Seas 7 NIGHT GREEK ISLES & ITALY CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Oct 2025)

Learn More About Royal Caribbean International

Accessibility

Learn about accessibility-friendly accommodations made by Royal Caribbean for guests with special needs, dietary restrictions and more.

Savor dining aboard Royal Caribbean, including the Windjammer Café, main dining room and room service. Royal Caribbean also has many specialty restaurants and dining or beverage packages.

Entertainment

Enjoy Royal Caribbean's onboard entertainment, including Broadway at Sea, hi-tech Two70 shows, ice skating shows, AquaTheater Diving Shows, DJs, live music, dancing, parades, pool parties, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Have fun participating in Royal Caribbean's onboard activities, including sky diving and surfing simulators, sports courts, zip lines, rock walls, ice rinks, mini golf, pools, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, duty-free shopping and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Royal Caribbean takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Royal Caribbean's cruising awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax at Royal Caribbean's spa, onboard gym, fitness courses, boxing ring and jogging track. Royal Caribbean's spa has plenty of relaxing treatments like massages, facials and more.

Special Events

Learn about celebrating a special occasion or milestone with Royal Caribbean's special events at sea.

Explore Royal Caribbean's contemporary staterooms, including several classes of suite, balcony, oceanview and inside staterooms.

Youth Programs

Learn about Royal Caribbean's family-friendly experience with youth programs for children, including H2O zone, teen-only hangouts and themed experiences

Cruise Type

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13 Night Holy Land Cruise

Find out how crowded are ports - cruise ship traffic during this voyage. Click on each port for more details.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Chania, Crete

Santorini, Greece

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

Haifa, Israel

Ashdod, Israel

Mykonos, Greece

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

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• Outside From £ 1,824 pp
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• Outside From £ 2,184 pp
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• Day 1 03 Sep 2024 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy 00:00 17:00
• Day 2 04 Sep 2024 Naples 07:00 18:00
• Day 3 05 Sep 2024 Cruising 00:00 00:00
• Day 4 06 Sep 2024 Athens (Piraeus) 08:00 20:00
• Day 5 07 Sep 2024 Santorini, Greece 07:00 20:00
• Day 6 08 Sep 2024 Rhodes 08:00 17:00
• Day 7 09 Sep 2024 Limassol 10:00 18:00
• Day 8 10 Sep 2024 Cruising 00:00 00:00
• Day 9 11 Sep 2024 Ephesus (Kusadasi) 08:00 19:00
• Day 10 12 Sep 2024 Mykonos, Greece 07:00 19:00
• Day 11 13 Sep 2024 Chania (Souda), Crete 07:00 15:00
• Day 12 14 Sep 2024 Cruising 00:00 00:00
• Day 13 15 Sep 2024 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy 05:00 00:00
• Cafe Promenade
• Chops Grille
• Coastal Kitchen
• Crown & Compass
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• Giovanni's Table Italian Restaurant
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• Art Gallery
• Guest Service
• Photo Gallery
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• Shore Excursion Office
• Adventure Ocean Youth Facilities
• Running Track
• Length 1142
• Occupancy 4198
• TotalCabins 1922
• TotalCrew 1305
• Tonnage 169300

• Dates 03/Sep/2024 Nights 12 Nights Ship Odyssey of the Seas Departure Port Rome (Civitavecchia) Price £ 1,711 pp View Details
• Dates 15/Sep/2024 Nights 7 Nights Ship Odyssey of the Seas Departure Port Rome (Civitavecchia) Price £ 1,182 pp View Details
• Dates 01/Oct/2024 Nights 9 Nights Ship Odyssey of the Seas Departure Port Rome (Civitavecchia) Price £ 1,423 pp View Details
• Dates 10/Oct/2024 Nights 12 Nights Ship Odyssey of the Seas Departure Port Rome (Civitavecchia) Price £ 1,249 pp View Details
• Dates 22/Oct/2024 Nights 12 Nights Ship Odyssey of the Seas Departure Port Rome (Civitavecchia) Price £ 1,179 pp View Details

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12 Night Greece, Italy & Turkey Cruise

Your ship odyssey of the seas.

A TOP DECK TAKEOVER

North Star ®

Adventure Ocean ®

Splashaway Bay℠

RipCord ® by iFLY ®

New dishes for days.

Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

Teppanyaki℠

Chops Grille℠

Downtime that’s up for anything.

Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade

Bionic Bar ®

Music Hall℠

Day 1: rome, italy.

ANCIENT AND AMAZING

ADVENTURE SQUARED

SACRED SPACES

LOCAL CUISINE

Day 2: Naples / Capri, Italy

Go Underground

Church Bells Ring

Local Cuisine

popular Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon., day 3: cruising.

Trapeze School

Day 4: santorini, greece.

VOLCANIC WONDERS

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

THE GLASS HALF FULL

Day 5: Ephesus, Turkey

Window Into Ancient Life

Set Your Sights on Selcuk

Haggle for a Turkish Carpet

Day 6: Rhodes, Greece

Colossal History

Monestary on the Mount

Land Meets Sea

Day 7: Limassol, Cyprus

Colossal Kolossi

Antiquity Today

Pottering Around Town

Day 8: Cruising

El Loco Fresh ®

Chef's Table

Day 9: mykonos, greece.

COASTAL COSMOPOLITAN

INTO THE BLUE

DIG UP THE PAST

Day 10: Athens, Greece

Take Me to Church

Mediterranean Romance

Boats and the Bronze Age

Day 11: Chania, Crete

Active Archaeology

Mountain Monasteries

Hike to the Gorge

Day 12: Cruising

The Lime and Coconut ®

Day 13: Rome, Italy

5 best Royal Caribbean ships for kids

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Royal Caribbean is unarguably one of the best cruise lines for kids. But that doesn’t mean all its ships are equally good for kids of all ages and interests.

Every ship in Royal Caribbean ’s fleet has kid-friendly attractions, such as pools, an outdoor movie screen, a rock-climbing wall and a kids club with age-appropriate activities. The line’s oldest and smallest ships don’t offer much more than that — while the newest and biggest ships in the fleet have many more amusements. These include splash parks and waterslides, ice skating rinks, bumper cars, zip lines, laser tag and fast casual restaurants serving Mexican food and Johnny Rockets burgers and milkshakes.

Royal Caribbean excels at offering something for everyone on its ships. It’s hard to find an age group that wouldn’t find something to love about the line’s newest ships, such as Wonder of the Seas (the current world’s largest ship) or Icon of the Seas (which will steal the title when it debuts in January 2024).

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

As a quick guide, the line’s Vision- and Radiance-class ships have the fewest kid-friendly attractions. Voyager- and Freedom-class ships offer a sweet spot of plenty of family fun with a more manageable size. Oasis- and Icon-class ships are giant megaships packed with restaurants, shows and amusements aimed at kids and families, while Quantum-class ships offer a more sophisticated and high-tech approach to big-ship family fun.

But if we absolutely had to choose the best Royal Caribbean ships for kids, here are the ships we’d pick.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for babies and toddlers: Freedom of the Seas

I cruised with a 1-year-old to Alaska on Rhapsody of the Seas, one of Royal’s oldest and smallest ships, and it wasn’t my best cruise by a long shot. If you’re planning to cruise with little kids, my advice is to start with a short, warm-weather sailing on a ship that caters to the youngest cruisers.

On Royal Caribbean, that means picking a ship that has both a Royal Babies & Tots nursery and a Baby Splash Zone (because kids in swim diapers are not allowed in the main pool and water play areas). For my money, I’d go with Freedom of the Seas. It has both of those baby staples and plenty of restaurants and activities for the adults to enjoy as well. Your preschooler may enjoy the parades down the Royal Promenade followed by a scoop of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. (Freedom is one of six Royal Caribbean ships with their own Ben & Jerry’s outlet.)

However, Freedom is not as huge as an Oasis-class ship (which have great offerings for the 3-and-under diapered set), so you’ll have less FOMO when you’re stuck in the cabin after early bedtime. And the halls aren’t quite as long when your new walker decides the best activity on the ship is pushing something up and down the cabin hallways. (Yes, I’ve been there, done that.)

Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Plus, Freedom of the Seas sails mainly short three- and four-night Bahamas cruises to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay , Royal Caribbean’s private island. If your kids are like mine, beaches are fascinating places to play, and CocoCay has a calm bay, pirate ship-themed play area, splash park and a shallow-entry pool perfect for babies and toddlers. Plus, conveniently located complimentary barbecues and tram services make it easier for parents to manage a day at the beach with their kiddos.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for little kids (ages 3-7): Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s newest ship Icon of the Seas isn’t debuting until January 2024, but I’m already positive it’s the best in the fleet for younger kids. That’s because Royal Caribbean has built the entire ship to target young families .

The line has created a happy place for parents and kids under the age of 7 or so. It’s called Surfside and is an open-air space located at the back of the ship. It will feature a splash area with junior waterslides for kids and an infinity pool for adults. It will also have a beach-themed carousel, dry playground, arcade, multiple family-friendly restaurants (so you don’t have to go far when hunger strikes) and a mommy-and-me cocktail/mocktail bar.

This Deck 7 neighborhood is also a hop, skip and a jump away from the Adventure Ocean kids club on Deck 6.

Related: The best cruise ships for kids

Even better for all those little legs, Surfside will be surrounded by family-themed cabins and suites, many with separate sleeping areas for kids and adults. You won’t have to carry your tuckered-out tyke far when they’re ready for naptime in the cabin.

Because Icon of the Seas is a larger, reimagined version of Royal Caribbean’s beloved Oasis-class ships, families with young children can also enjoy ice skating and acrobatic diving shows, tons of family-friendly dining around the ship and top-deck attractions such as pools and minigolf.

Icon of the Seas will sail family-favorite weeklong itineraries to the Caribbean from the port of Miami . Each cruise also stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for older kids (ages 8-12): Wonder of the Seas

I took my daughter on Wonder of the Seas for her eighth birthday, and I can attest that Wonder (and its Oasis-class siblings) are ideal for older kids. These megaships have so much going on, your kids will never be bored. Or, as soon as they’re finished with one activity, they have several more to turn to next.

Some of the Wonder of the Seas activities have age or size limits, which is why littler kids can’t fully appreciate all it has to offer. For example, my daughter could go rock climbing, play in the splash park and multiple pools, ride the waterslides and the 10-decks-long dry slide. But she was just slightly too short and light to boogie board on the FlowRider or try the zip line. The minimum height requirements are usually 48 or 52 inches.

Related: Why Wonder of the Seas is awesome for families

The Studio B ice skating show and original musical “Effectors II” are perfect for older kids. My daughter was especially wowed by the slackliners, aerialists, dancers and divers we saw at the AquaTheater. Kids ages 8 to 12 may also enjoy Wonder’s escape room, sports court, minigolf course, carousel, promenade parades and arcade.

And let’s not forget about the many fast casual dining venues on the ship. My daughter would have dined on hot dogs and milkshakes at Johnny Rockets every day if I were willing to pay for it. She also enjoyed quesadillas at El Loco Fresh near all the fun top-deck attractions, the Campfire Cookie dessert at Playmakers and browsing the selections at the buffet. Other kid-friendly venues that got her thumbs up included the new-on-Wonder Mason Jar southern-themed specialty restaurant and pizza at both the free Sorrento’s and the extra-fee Giovanni’s.

Wonder of the Seas mainly sails seven-night Caribbean cruises, which is a perfect vacation length for this age group. Book those school-vacation weeks early as they’re popular dates.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for tweens and teens: Odyssey of the Seas

Tweens and teens would certainly enjoy all of the ships already mentioned, but sometimes they’re looking for a vacation that’s a little cooler and perhaps more high-tech. That’s why Odyssey of the Seas is our pick for the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for middle and high school kids.

Odyssey of the Seas and its Quantum-class sister ships have some cool attractions not found on other Royal Caribbean vessels. Teens will love trying the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator and bouncing on the Sky Pad VR bungee trampoline. At the ship’s SeaPlex, they can get active with indoor basketball, table tennis and bumper cars, or get their game on at the arcade or virtual-reality play space. If they work up an appetite, they can grab burgers at Playmakers nearby.

The ship also features Two70, a cool hangout by day (grab a bite at the cafe and curl up somewhere away from parents to check your social media feeds) and a high-tech performance venue at night. The NorthStar is a sightseeing pod that rises high above the ship on a mechanical arm; teens can snap a selfie while up there.

Related: The 5 best cruises for teens

Social 180 is the tween and teen hangout on Odyssey of the Seas, and it’s extra cool given that it has both an indoor lounge and an outdoor patio. Plus, the ship has plenty of teen-friendly Royal Caribbean fan favorites, such as the FlowRider, rock climbing wall, laser tag and outdoor movies.

Tweens and teens may also be ready to appreciate Royal Caribbean’s diverse array of specialty restaurants including sushi at Izumi, steaks at Chops Grille and Italian at Giovanni’s. Plus, they can grab quick bites at El Loco Fresh and Sorrento’s.

Odyssey of the Seas sails a mix of weeklong and longer Caribbean sailings, as well as Greek Islands and Holy Land cruises. This gives families more options for more adventurous travel with teens who are ready to handle longer trips or flights to Europe.

Best Royal Caribbean ship for families heading to Alaska: Quantum of the Seas

Because most of our family picks are for ships sailing to the Caribbean and Bahamas, it seemed like an oversight to leave out Alaska. Alaska is an amazing destination for a family vacation with kids, and Royal Caribbean bases four ships up north every summer. But some are better for families than others.

Our top pick for families sailing to Alaska is Quantum of the Seas (though nearly identical Quantum-class sister ship Ovation of the Seas is a close second). Quantum sails seven-night round-trip cruises from the accessible port of Seattle, perfect for families that can’t take more than a week’s vacation and don’t want to spend the time and money flying to Alaska to board a ship.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Quantum of the Seas has many of the same amenities as the aforementioned Odyssey of the Seas, which are ideal for Alaska. Indoor activities like kids clubs, the sky diving simulator and SeaPlex will always be usable even if the northern weather gets chilly or rainy. The North Star sightseeing ride is much more appealing when you can take in Alaska’s stunning scenery rather than mere stretches of Caribbean sea. Two70 makes for an equally attractive indoor observation lounge when the ship is cruising through fjords and by glaciers.

Quantum of the Seas get the nod from Ovation because it has two activities Ovation lacks: an escape room and laser tag.

Bottom line

It’s hard to go wrong with any Royal Caribbean cruise ship when you’re planning a family vacation. The bigger the ship, the more amazing kid attractions you’ll find on board. I’d recommend sticking with Voyager class and newer ships when traveling with kids, but even the smaller ships have kids clubs, pools and other family-friendly activities.

So when all is said and done, the best Royal Caribbean ship for kids is likely whichever ship in the fleet your family happens to be on!

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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Odyssey of the Seas - October 22, 2024

Click For Interactive Map

October 22, 2024

October 22 - 3, 2024

Odyssey of the Seas

Royal Caribbean

12 Night Holy Land

from Civitavecchia, Italy

The October 22, 2024 cruise on the Odyssey of the Seas departs from Civitavecchia, Italy. On this 12 Night Holy Land sailing, the ship will visit a total of 9 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Odyssey of the Seas sets sail on a Tuesday (October 22, 2024) and returns on a Sunday (November 3, 2024).

Cruise Price by Cabin Type

The price of the October 22, 2024 cruise on the Odyssey of the Seas ranges from $1,273 for an inside cabin to $3,934 for a suite.

This is a 12 night cruise and price per night is noted below for each cabin type. An inside cabin will cost $106 per night, an ocean view cabin will cost $124 per night, a balcony cabin will cost $123 per night, and a suite will cost $327 per night.

$106 / night

$124 / night

$123 / night

$327 / night

The Odyssey of the Seas was built in 2021 and is amoung Royal Caribbean's 27 ships in it's fleet. The Odyssey of the Seas is included in the cruise line's Quantum-Ultra Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Odyssey of the Seas vs all other Royal Caribbean ships.

All Itineraries

Civitavecchia

Civitavecchia is just moments from Rome, Italy's Eternal City. One of the most geographically perfect ports in the world, Civitavecchia boasts a number of compelling area attractions. Stroll through the streets of the medieval town of Tarquinia. View the resplendent Madonnina at the Resort of Pantano.

Civitavecchia is just moments from Rome, Italy's Eternal City. One of the most geographically perfect ports in the world, Civitavecchia boasts a number of compelling area attractions. Stroll...

One of the most spectacular bays in the world lies in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius. Visit the San Carlo Opera House and the cathedral of San Janarious, or tour the ancient ruins in the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

One of the most spectacular bays in the world lies in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius. Visit the San Carlo Opera House and the cathedral of San Janarious, or tour the ancient ruins in the Roman cities of...

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. Explore the Odyssey of the Seas Deck Maps and make sure to view our list of Ship Venues and Features. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. In a single day, you can climb the hill of the Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and then find a welcoming taverna for some spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and with luck, energetic Greek dancing.

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. In a single day, you can climb the hill of the...

With its steep volcanic flanks looming straight up from the sea, and the tiny white village of Thira clinging high atop the cliffs, Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking and legendary of all the Greek Isles. To the south is Akrotiri, where recent Minoan excavations support the theories that Santorini might be the fabled lost continent of Atlantis.

With its steep volcanic flanks looming straight up from the sea, and the tiny white village of Thira clinging high atop the cliffs, Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking and legendary of all the...

Legend has it that Apollo blessed this isle with sunshine and beauty. True to the myths, the "Island of Roses" is rich in magnificent scenery and umbrella-lined beaches. Take an excursion to Lindos, where high on a hill rises an ancient acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena. You will also want to see the medieval Old Town, once home to the Crusading Knights of St. John, and tour the Grand Master's Palace, an Italian restoration famed for its superb mosaic floors.

Legend has it that Apollo blessed this isle with sunshine and beauty. True to the myths, the "Island of Roses" is rich in magnificent scenery and umbrella-lined beaches. Take an excursion to Lindos...

Limassol is the major port of the island republic of Cyprus. Atlthough it began as a small market town, Limassol today is a bustling commercial center for fruits, vegetables, wine, and manufactured goods. It is also home to many restaurants and taverns. Visitors should explore the Archaelogical and Folk museums. The annual Wine Festival and Carnival Celebration are also very popular.

Limassol is the major port of the island republic of Cyprus. Atlthough it began as a small market town, Limassol today is a bustling commercial center for fruits, vegetables, wine, and manufactured...

This charming, picturesque resort where Antony and Cleopatra used to vacation is best known as the port for the ancients ruins of Ephesus - one of the world's most wondrous archaeological sites. Explorations should include such masterpieces as the Great Amphitheatre, where St. Paul addressed the Ephesians, the Library of Celsus, and the temples of Athena and Apollo - all connected by marble streets rutted by the wheels of countless chariots.

This charming, picturesque resort where Antony and Cleopatra used to vacation is best known as the port for the ancients ruins of Ephesus - one of the world's most wondrous archaeological sites...

The narrow passageways of Mykonos are a twisted maze of whitewashed houses, miniature churches, lazy windmills, and tiny cafes serving up Greek specialties. Sample the freshest squid or lobster just snatched from the blue Aegean Sea, or shop for typical flokati rugs.

The narrow passageways of Mykonos are a twisted maze of whitewashed houses, miniature churches, lazy windmills, and tiny cafes serving up Greek specialties. Sample the freshest squid or lobster just...