Travel writer Jo Kessel filmed fascinating footage of life on board Royal Caribbean’s new ship Odyssey of the Seas, including a trip on the highest viewing deck at sea to a sneak peek of a two-floor suite that costs $70,000 (£52,000) a week. You’ll also find the most delicious places to eat and shows.

You can’t be bored aboard Odyssey of the Seas. I discovered this when I boarded for the vessel’s Naming Ceremony, which was held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Then, I embarked on a five-night cruise to the Bahamas.

My mission was to film everything that Odyssey has to offer, a tall order for a ship this scale – she can accommodate 5,498 guests – but I think I’ve pulled it off.

Travel writer Jo Kessel, pictured, filmed fascinating footage of life on board Royal Caribbean's new ship Odyssey of the Seas

Jo Kessel is a travel writer who captured amazing footage of the daily life aboard the new Royal Caribbean vessel Odyssey of the Seas

'It's impossible to be bored on Odyssey of the Seas,' says Jo, pictured

Jo pictured: “It is impossible to become bored on Odyssey of the Seas.”

ODYSSEY OVER THE SEAS BY ITS NUMBERS 

Royal Caribbean’s third Quantum Class ship is Odyssey of the Seas. It was constructed in Meyer Werft Germany. It measures 41m (135.5ft), 347m (1.138ft), and is 167,704 tonnes. There are 16 decks available for guests, eight of them with balcony staterooms that overlook the ocean. It can carry 5,498 people and has 1,550 international crew. 

Odyssey exudes boldness and tropical energy. This video shows the top deck of the passenger ship, Odyssey. It has an open space pool and an aft that offers so many exciting activities there is no way to be bored.

You’ll find a rock climbing wall, a surf simulator and bumper cars. 

The latter was something I wanted to do, but my recent injury prevented me from doing so. My daughter Nathalie decided instead. 

After a while, she was able to feel the thrill of freefalling. I was told by her that it was amazing and intense to fly like a bird.

All of these activities were included. I also soared 300ft (92m) in the North Star glass observation capsule.

The capsule first hovers above the ship. Next, it swings sideways, so passengers can dangle from the ocean.

Odyssey’s two-storey poolside bar, The Lime & Coconut, has a signature namesake cocktail. We watch a barman shake one up – think oodles of Malibu coconut rum with guava syrup – and then put it to the taste test. Sweet, but delicious!

We will next be looking at Odyssey’s brand new cabins.

Joy says Odyssey of the Seas is 'big and bold with tropical vibes'

Joy believes Odyssey of the Seas has a ‘big, bold and tropical vibes’.

Odyssey of the Seas' features include a surf simulator, pictured, a rock-climbing wall, a bungee trampoline pod, bumper cars and an indoor skydiving tube

Odyssey of the Seas features include a surfing simulator (pictured), bumper cars, an indoor skydiving tube, and a bungee trampoline pop pod.

This still from Jo's footage shows her trying a cocktail at the ship's two-storey poolside bar, The Lime & Coconut

This still from Jo’s footage shows her trying a cocktail at the ship’s two-storey poolside bar, The Lime & Coconut

The film offers a sneak peek at the poshest, most expensive accommodation on offer: the Royal Loft Suite (pictured)

A sneak peak at the Royal Loft Suite, the priciest and most luxurious accommodation available is offered in the film (pictured).

The Royal Loft Suite, pictured, sleeps six and boasts a floor space nearly ten times bigger than most staterooms

The Royal Loft Suite, pictured, sleeps six and boasts a floor space nearly ten times bigger than most staterooms

These rooms are modern and stylish, as well as being spacious. The film shows a brief tour of my balcony and gives a glimpse at one of the most luxurious, expensive accommodations available: the Royal Loft Suite.

This cabin, which is two floors high, sleeps six.

It has a cinema, dining room and large balcony with views. There is also a smaller one with swing chairs.

You will also find a luxurious freestanding tub, bling boxes and a “Genie” (aka your personal concierge), to fulfill all of your wishes.

Book for Christmas or New Year and it’s yours for $70,000 (£52,000) a week.

As well as a dining area and cinema room, the Royal Loft Suite has a gargantuan panoramic balcony complete with whirlpool and a second smaller balcony kitted out with a swing chair

The Royal Loft Suite includes a cinema and dining room as well as a large panoramic balcony with whirlpool. A second, smaller balcony is equipped with swing chairs.

Jo's film takes in the locations to head to when hunger pangs strike

Jo shows you where to go when your hunger pangs are.

Odyssey of the Seas' amazing three-tiered dining room

Amazing three-tiered dining space at Odyssey of the Seas

Now, it’s all about the cuisine. There is a Mexican Cantina by the pool, a buffet in the main restaurant, as well as the specialty restaurants, like Japanese Izumi.

The restaurant serves sushi and sashimi in standard sizes, but also inventive Californian-style rolls that are glazed with Champagne sauce.

The film then moves indoors and checks out Playmakers, the most famous sports bar on the sea.

Odyssey of the Seas, built in Meyer Werft, Germany, is Royal Caribbean's third Quantum-class ship

Royal Caribbean’s third Quantum class ship, Odyssey of the Seas was built in Meyer Werft (Germany).

Guests can roam 16 decks - eight of which have balcony staterooms overlooking the sea. The ship can accommodate 5,498 guests and there are 1,550 international crew members onboard. This video still shows Jo striding around the top deck running track

There are 16 decks for guests to explore, eight of them with balcon staterooms that overlook the ocean. There are 1,550 crew members from around the world onboard, and 5,498 passengers can be accommodated. Jo can still be seen on top of the ship running.

From May till October, 2022, Odyssey will be in the Mediterranean, sailing to Greece and Turkey from Rome

Odyssey will sail to Greece from Rome between May-October 2022 and Turkey in October-2022.

A June 2021 picture showing Odyssey of the Seas arriving at her homeport of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the first time

Photo taken in June 2021 showing Odyssey of the Seas arriving to Fort Lauderdale (Florida) for the first-time.

Odyssey of the Seas will be sailing Caribbean voyages from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, until April 2022

Odyssey of the Seas is sailing Caribbean voyages beginning in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and continuing through April 2022

On stage exclusively to Odyssey are two new shows – The Effectors and The Book. These shows use aerialists, sophisticated lighting and robotic technology to create multi-dimensional and toe-tapping spectaculars.

This video concludes with snippets of these groundbreaking shows.

The perfect ending to a show-stopping ship tour.

Jo’s YouTube Channel has more Jo videos Jo, go with me.

Travel Facts 

From April 2022, Odyssey of the Seas, a sailing vessel, will sail the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale (Florida), to the Caribbean. Odyssey will be sailing from Rome to the Mediterranean in May-2022.

For more information: www.royalcaribbean.com.