HOW TO HAVE THE BEST FAMILY VACATION ONBOARD THE ODYSSEY OF THE SEAS

Planning the perfect family cruise vacation can be super easy — especially when you sail onboard the Odyssey of the Seas. We’ve rounded up some of the best family cruise tips to get the most fun out of your sun-soaked getaway with the whole gang.

If you’re looking to plan an amazing family cruise vacation, nobody does it better than Royal Caribbean. Whether you’re traveling with little explorers, teen adventurers, or the entire extended crew, each ship in our fleet overflows with fun activities for kids and teens, family-friendly shows and entertainment, next-level onboard attractions , and dining venues where ever bold bite goes hard on flavor. Odyssey of the Seas is no exception. The first Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship to sail in the U.S., it’s loaded from bow to stern with all the things that make us the boldest cruise line in the world — and it’s a great option for your next family cruise vacation. Want to learn how to maximize your bonding time onboard? Keep reading for insider family cruise tips and a play-by-play of some of the best must-try onboard experiences you need to add to your vacation list.

Make time for a little friendly family competition

Odyssey of the Seas has plenty of opportunities to fuel your competitive spirit with friends and family. Buckle up and hit the “road” in a round of bumper cars at the larger-than-life SeaPlex — the biggest indoor activity space at sea — before heading upstairs to Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade for tasty burgers and wings (parents can also sip on their favorite brews), and views of all the action down below. Or get your adrenaline pumping in the glow-in-the-dark laser tag quest: Clash for the Crystal City. Here’s a family cruise tip — if you’re traveling in a group of four or more, raise the stakes by splitting up into different teams. Half the crew can play as Snowshifters, while the other half plays as Yetis. The winning side owes the other a Touchdown Sundae from Playmakers.

Earn some serious bragging rights together

Discover onboard attractions that break records and set standards. Conquer some thrill-worthy experiences as a family onboard Odyssey of the Seas — like a hang-ten session on the FlowRider* surf simulator, and a gravity-defying good time on RipCord by iFLY, the only skydiving simulator at sea.

Dial up every family dinner

Food is an important part of every family vacation, and the dining venues onboard Odyssey of the Seas are top-notch. Take mealtime with your loved ones to the next level with fresh sushi rolls and Asian-inspired dishes at Izumi, creative culinary masterpieces that are as beautiful as they are delicious at Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine, and Far East flavors prepared with plenty of theatrical flair right at your table at Teppanyaki. Can’t choose between cooking styles and cuisines? Treat the family to a tasting tour around the world at the complimentary Main Dining Room, where you’ll find a menu filled with signature staples and rotating options that spotlight flavors from Rome to Rio.

Soak up the sun and the island vibes poolside

If you didn’t already know it, the pool deck onboard Odyssey of the Seas is out of this world. It’s got two resort-style pools, plenty of hammocks and shady casitas for max chillaxing, and a two-story island bar called The Lime and Coconut where you can jam out to live music while sipping your favorite tropical cocktails. If you want to let the kids enjoy their own adventure while you indulge in a little grown-up time, no worries. Odyssey of the Seas is home to the much-loved Splashaway Bay, an aqua park where little explorers can have gallons of fun with interactive water cannons, fountains, mini waterslides, and even a drench bucket. Once everyone’s worked up an appetite, nosh on fast, fresh and authentic Mexican flavors poolside at El Loco Fresh, one of the top-rated complimentary dining venues onboard Odyssey of the Seas.

Explore the Adventure Ocean and teen spaces

The award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program has been totally reimagined onboard Odyssey of the Seas. The space features plenty of unique rooms for little ones to roam free — like a Workshop that hosts interactive tinkering activities and crafts. An Arena where kids can take part in a little friendly competition. A Play Place full of climbable features and ways to burn through all that extra energy. And a chill, laid-back hangout that’s just for teens. Whether you’re cruising with tots or tweens, the Adventure Ocean offers game changing ways for thrill seekers of all ages to play.

Ready for the best family vacation ever? No matter how big or small your group is, you’ll find it’s impossible to run out of ways to level up your family bonding onboard Odyssey of the Seas. In fact, you’re going to wish you had more sea days to soak up all the thrills, savor all the flavors, and experience all the deckside delights on the first Quantum Ultra Class ship in the U.S.

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